During one of the evening devotions after all the the girls were safely home, Gretchen asked them to share what God had been teaching them during their time away. Violet's story was sobering but surprising in many ways. Violet is Luo. Her home is Kisumu in western Kenya, a town which saw much violence and hostility during the post-election upheavals. Most of the time Violet simply stayed inside, not daring to be on the streets. But one day she had to go out, to the market, to buy food for her family. The people in that town had developed the practice of carrying photographs of one of the candidates for president to prove that they were Luo and were supportive of the Luo candidate, something like Jews being required to wear yellow stars during WWII, except that these photos were for self-protection in a volatile environment. Violet did not have the photo and was immediately surrounded by people demanding to know where her paper was and who she supported. Failure to prove her loyalty could have meant physical attack or even death. But in the face of the mob, Violet told the angry accusers that she was Luo and it didn't matter who she supported because God knew and He was in control, and she didn't care if they beat her or not. She reported that one guy did hit her but a group of mamas were there, surrounding her, telling the men to stop because Violet was right.
The Lord's hand was certainly seen in His amazing protection, but He was also seen in the courage He gave Violet. She has struggled with telling the truth, especially when truth means confrontation. It has been so much easier to make up a story that keeps her from having to face difficult situations. Not this time. This time she faced attackers and spoke the truth and trusted God, no matter what the outcome.
We sometimes wonder if there is growth in our girls. And occasionally the Lord gives us glimpses of what He is doing in their lives.
