Dr. Sandra Glahn

View Original

Pokot-ized, Texan-ized

Meet Musa (i.e., "Moses"). He was our wonderful guide through Pokot territory last month in Kenya. Though as a military chaplain he's authorized to carry a semi-automatic weapon, he told me he won't do it because he's a Christ-follower, and carrying a gun is not the best way to make peace.

A few weeks ago, I included a link to some video footage of a church service we attended in Churo. That was at the church Musa attends. And during that service, the Pokot Christians showered us with gifts that included beaded necklaces and gourds for storing milk. As they described it, they Pokotized us. Or we underwent "Pokotinization." (I was impressed with that six-syllable English creation!)

Well, this month Musa came to America for some training (the story of how he obtained a visa is nothing short of miraculous!), and two nights ago he was in Dallas, so our Kenya team had a big reunion. And after sharing a meal we returned the favor and "Texanized" Musa. This morning he caught a flight back to Kenya, but before he left he posed in his new cowboy hat and boots for this shot taken by Heather J. (He also received a belt with a Texas-sized buckle, completing the ensemble.)

Now, can you see that he is wearing a pink watch? One of the things Musa discovered during his time in America was that for most Americans, a man wearing a pink watch...well, you know...the culture shock goes both ways!