EXPECTATIONS

Anthony Girges, October 2010
From Los Angeles, CA (USA)

When others set a high expectation for a place and/or person, it’s very difficult for the place and/or person to live up to that expectation because of this perfect image that is set in one’s mind. When in Nairobi, Kenya, people painted this perfect picture of the city of Maseno, Kenya and of the people of Maseno. I was told, I would “fall in love with Maseno,” and “the people in Maseno are very spiritual.” I could neither understand nor comprehend why people spoke so highly of Maseno, the high expectations were set and I was hesitant to form this perfect image in my mind. But I did, and I could wait no longer to experience Maseno for myself.

Finally, arrived in Maseno and one of the first things noticed is the beauty of the landscape, from the greenery, to the mountains and hilltops and to the beautiful Lake Victoria. Immediately, we attended our first Fellowship/House visitation in Maseno at Fr. Mark’s house with the congregation of St. Anthony’s church. This would set the stage for what we were about to experience in Maseno, the people were extremely hospitable, welcoming, passionate, kind and loving. Everywhere we went, the people praised and worshiped God with everything they had to offer, the presence of God was noticeable everywhere we went. The monastery in Maseno is exactly what I needed spiritually, in the midst of a hospitable and pharmacy, it was peaceful and quite. From morning prayers and quiet time in the gardens to tasbeha and sharing in the chapel, it was a perfect atmosphere for personal reflection, time with God and spiritual growth.

I thank God for allowing me to experience the city of Maseno through the church. The city of Maseno will always have a special part in my heart, from the wonderful Fathers I met to the people I met, they all had an influence on me that I can honestly say, changed my life. It’s very difficult to put into words one’s personal experiences with God and His people, no matter what I say, no one will comprehend or understand the complete experience I had in Maseno. One must come to Maseno and get the full experience to understand what I mean. If I had to say one thing about Maseno, it would be… God is clearly felt and seen here… I pray that every Christian has a chance to experience the city of Maseno, Kenya through the Coptic Orthodox Church.

It’s not often said, but expectations were lived up to and more.