John 20:24-29 – Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
For five humbling days, I experienced Jesus’ love shine through the joyful people of Dandora, Kibera, and the Boma Rescue Mission. In every moment, I was taught how to listen, love and be grateful. Then we left Dandora for a different experience. We came to witness Kenyans serving Jesus by humbly serving to their beautiful countryside and the ecosystem it contained.
Located just outside Nairobi, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established for the care of rescued elephants, whose parents were killed for their ivory tusks or “bushmeat” as the locals described. These orphaned calves, ages ranging from a month to up to 2 years, are found and rescued by Sheldrick employees who care for them, bathe them, and feed them milk in huge baby bottles, (the little ones every three hours). Some are covered with blankets for warmth and snuggled much like a mother would do. The young elephants also sleep in individual “rooms.”
It has been proven that elephants mourn for the loss of a loved one as acutely as we humans. An elephant’s memory is superior to humans (elephants never forget). They are capable of reasoning and emotions. Elephants can be found nurturing each other. We can certainly learn from God’s creation how to be nurturing, caring and loving!
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