Continuing the Journey

Menno Retreat at Brackenhurst

Every year the Mennonite missionaries with Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM), which is our mission, and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a development-oriented agency, who are living in East Africa get together for a retreat. The retreat is held at Brackenhurst in the mountains above Nairobi around Christmas time. It is a beautiful area at just under 7000 ft, which makes it cold in the evenings.
Our theme this year was Peacemaking (see Matthew 5:9). All of the resource people were from East Africa and active in reconciliation and conflict transformation work in the area. Churches and Christians in Africa where they have seen war and injustice recognize the importance of this Biblical work more than we often do in the USA.An old friend, Makonen, shared about his reconciliation work with the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia.

A traditional event at the retreat is the talent show. Our family - being more timid - rarely participates though we enjoy this evening at retreat.
Brent, who is also from Stumptown Mennonite Church, was the emcee at the talent show.

Elaine and some of the children showed their talent by singing a children's song, complete with motions. Carl, whom we've known for many years, working currently in administration at the MKC college in Ethiopia, recited an epic poem he learned as a child in Canada.

Retreat is also a time to get reacquainted with old friends, and to make new friends, who are serving in other countries.

Sean, who has been living in Djibouti for many years, and I went on a walk along the mountainside.

Alia also made many friends: Lavendar, Leah, Susana and Alia. Our Alia is in the back.

The Shenks, old friends who had worked with us in Djibouti in the mid-90s, and who are now working at Haven of Peace Academy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The back row are Andre, Jamila, Elaine and Doug. In front are Nathaniel and Alia.

posted by Brislen Family @ 9:01 AM