Lydia Malone, Duke Divinity School student and 2011 Umoja Project intern  

You’ve seen the commercial. Smiling servers present mouth-watering pastas and savory soups while an announcer promises, “When you’re here, you’re family.” Such a statement captures the essence of my short experience in Kenya. We interns are greeted with incredible hospitality, warm expressions, open homes, and demonstrations of affection on a daily basis not because we are American visitors, but because we are viewed as family. Despite my American (and furthermore, Southern) accent, I am constantly addressed as sister, granddaughter, or another familial term that takes away the shame and embarrassment of being (or at least feeling like) an outsider. I was taken aback by this warm embrace, until reminded that this approach is exactly what God does for us. God fills the chasms that separate humanity and divinity through Jesus, welcoming former foreigners into God’s family. I am beginning to understand how extravagant, secure, and powerful God’s love is by interacting with some of God’s children in Kenya. Though I am away from my biological family, I am amazed that God continues to introduce me to new relatives here.