Rejoice
. . .
Monday
Speak
to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing
and make music in your heart to the Lord. -- Ephesians
5:19
by
Gary Talbert
Our
Land Rover heads across the Rift Valley
floor towards a tiny development of timber, mud, and corrugated
tin buildings among the ubiquitous acacia. Plenty of large
termite mounds and hanging weaverbird nests can be found
in this starkly beautiful landscape but no sign of water,
telephone, or power lines.
As
we near the community church at Loodariak, the beat of a
rhythmic bass line penetrates the confines of our vehicle.
When we alight and head towards the building, the counterpoint
of keyboard and voice, though muted, can be clearly heard.
Walking
through the door we are engulfed in music. About fifty brightly
clothed and beaded Maasai are vigorously singing and dancing,
their voices easily dominating the instrumental accompaniment.
Everywhere
in Kenya people sing. Music is a staple
in every home no less than ugali, sukuma wiki,
or chai. In a farmhouse kitchen, we gather by lantern
light around a table as our hosts teach us traditional songs.
At a home where no white person has visited before, a daughter
and her friends perform to honor their guests. After a dinner
party, a guitar is produced and voices raised. At an orphanage,
a young boy spontaneously leads the other children in a
song of welcome.
One cannot help feeling that Kenyans would cease to live
if they ceased to sing. Every place we went -- in churches,
homes, schools and even hospitals -- songs praising God
abounded.
When
musical instruments were unavailable or too costly, clapping
hands, complementary harmonies, and dancing feet filled
the void. Whether sick or well, hungry or full, poor or
rich, whatever the circumstance, the Kenyan people never
failed to sing and make music in their hearts to the Lord.
With
our Kenyan brothers and sisters we will sing of your steadfast
love, O Lord, forever. As we walk side-by-side through
the mountains and valleys of life, let us encourage one
another and bless you with songs of praise. For you, O
Lord, have made us glad by your work; at the works of
your hands we sing for joy. Amen.
An Advent Journey