“Full as a roach on a biscuit”

Over the last 30 years, I have frequently stolen a phrase from Ginny Hurley, my hilarious friend from our days in Austin. After a nice meal, Ginny would say that she was “full as a roach on a biscuit”. We laughed at the mental picture that would bring to mind but we all understand the concept of total satisfaction that the phrase implied. Of all the things Ginny has said over the years, it seemed that this was the one that stuck with me. Fast forward to an evening in Mombasa, Kenya with the mission team having dinner with Chris and Lisa Moore, the missionaries we worked with in Kenya. At the end of the meal, I glowed in the satisfaction of great food with great friends by stating that I was “as full as a roach on a biscuit”. There were groans from the group as they let their displeasure with that comparison be known. Of course, that just made it

more fun for me to reiterate my insect/happiness equation. If you are wondering how this relates to some meaningful moment, please hold on for just a little longer.
The next morning was spent at Maasai Corner, a relatively new church in a fairly remote area. Church members and visitors from the area came together for a sports evangelism day. Chris took me to where the women were sitting outside a mud/thatch kitchen as they were cooking lunch over an open fire. The women were multi-tasking – cooking, cutting greens to be added to the lunch, washing dishes, talking, laughing, sharing life. We were sitting under the shade of huge mango trees with ocean breezes stirring the air. As I listened to them, I was enchanted by the absolute joy and contentment these women were experiencing. They spoke in Swahili but I could understand enjoying life in English. By American standards, these women had little to laugh about. They had no electricity, they had to tote water every day from a well, they wore old and torn clothes, they wore used shoes, and they ate what they grew in the garden or fruit that fell from the trees. Americans would say they were destitute but Americans would be wrong. While no one can argue the lack of modern conveniences, these women know more about enjoying every moment of their day than most Americans will ever know. They don’t waste time fretting over what might or might not happen but focus on living life to the fullest in the tiniest moments. As I listened and watched and tried to communicate, I sensed a relaxation and joy that I could only describe as being a “roach on a biscuit” – a total peace and pleasure in just living life and loving those around me. The contentment of the moment was exhilarating as I enjoyed God’s creation with people He loves. I pray that everyone gets to know the joy of being a roach on a biscuit at least once in your life. Life just doesn’t get better than that!!!

Jamye Richmond

Visiting APDK

"Yesterday we went to visit and play with the children at APDK which stands for the Association of Physical Disabilities of Kenya. APDK serves children that have disabilities like club foot, polio, or anything else hindering them.  They make special shoes, crutches, braces, and esthetics for them to walk.  The children there are so strong.  They have to endure physical therapy which can cause a lot of pain, but they are still so happy!  Also they are so bold! It doesn't matter that they can't walk "normally". It doesn't stop them from running up to give you a hug or say hello.  There are patients there that have to stay there for 6-8 months, so for the girls, we put together manicure sets for them to keep and we did their nails.  For the boys, we put together toothbrushes and toothpaste with LifeSavers in them.  For all the children there young and old, we did face painting! That was my favorite because it didn't matter how good the picture was or if it looked like what they had asked for, but that they were getting attention and love from people.  I found out that I can draw a scorpion which was cool! A boy named Jack asked for one on his arm like a tattoo.  It was worth the effort to see the smile on his face. It was a great start to the day.   Here is a picture of our awesome team outside of the facility with some of the staff.