Count it All Joy

The tranquil peace of Embu forest

The awe-filled wonder of Mount Kenya Peak

The vibrant new of central Nairobi

The stark white beach of Mombasa Sea

I will count it all joy

The community empowerment of Upper Tana

The rural farmer innovating change

The Christian faith that transcends borders

The sweet sweet sound of Swahili tongue

I will count it all joy

The corruption in the seats of power

The pain leftover from colonial days

The swift degradation of our natural environment

The quiet cry of a person in need

I will count it all joy

The taste of tea shared with newfound family

The welcoming home of a Kenyan friend

The raised voice of a holy church choir

The experiential knowledge of a teacher's mind

I will count it all joy

The occasional lack of electricity or water

The fear of classmate judgement for my faith

The inefficiency of Mwea irrigation

The uncomfortable moments of cultural difference

I will count it all joy

The apprehension upon US arrival

The feeling no one will truly understand

The reconciling of new and old convictions

The desire to return to Kenya again

I will count it all joy

The earth-shattering hug of a reunited friend

The swapping of stories until day ends

The happy gathering of deeply loved family

The stunning sights of my Pennsylvania home

I will count it all joy

Life, dear friend, has its ups and downs

Nothing is black and white

We learn, we grow, we cry, we love

But one thing remains through it all

When we reflect on our past and trust in the Lord

We can truly count it all joy