Muslims! Islam! These words conjure up images to many Americans of ISIS, chants of  "Death to America" or of planes flying into buildings. I had several experiences in Kenya recently that made me evaluate my preconceived ideas about Islam. I've never been one who feared all Muslims because I have had other positive experiences with those who live and love this religion. 

My recent Kenyan experiences were a reminder to think of the individual and not make broad generalizations of an entire religion. Estimates are that there are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world today. And yes, some of them are terrorists but most are like my friend Halima, who is the pretty young woman on the end wearing a black and gray scarf. Halima was a Kenya Keys-sponsored student who recently graduated from the university, much to the joy of her family. I am sure they give thanks for her education and pray for a peaceful world and a rewarding life for each of their children, just as I do.

Little Mwaka also comes to mind. I first met her in 2011 when she was an adorable little 4-year-old, one of the pack of neighborhood children who loved being around the mzungu (white people). She is the little sweetheart in my lap wearing a pink shirt.

 I saw her again in 2014 as a feisty 7-year-old who danced when the cameras were pointed at her.

This last trip I met a confident 11-year-old who came to visit us early one evening, although she no longer lives in the neighborhood. Little Mwaka was walking home after worshipping at the mosque. Because it was Ramadan she had been fasting since dawn and was on her way home to break her fast. Remember that it is hot in Kenya and because of the recent famine, bellies have not often been full. This little girl was not eating or drinking today, not because of a lack of food, but as a token of her devotion to her faith.

I recently read this explanation of fasting during Ramadan from indianexpress.com: "The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate. Muslims often donate to charities during the month and feed the hungry. Fasting is an exercise in self-restraint. Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one's prayers." Sounds much like the reasons members of my faith fast each month.

On Sunday afternoon Farhiya Omar came to visit. She was sponsored for her college education by Kenya Keys, graduating 3 years ago. Today she wanted to share some delicious food that she had spent the morning preparing as well as two books that explained her religion.  Farhiya asked that we learn about her religion from a source other than the news media. She reminded me of the very wise words of a friend who said that one should always learn about another religion from those who know it, live it, and love it". I would certainly appreciate that level of respect if someone wanted to know more about my faith and my church.

I also met Abdullah, a teacher at Egu Primary school who is responsible for their library program. That is him to my right. He was first to arrive at our meeting for a primary school library discussion. He's standing by me in the print shirt. I offered some refreshments to which he politely declined to tell me that he was fasting. I apologized and said that I didn't mean to offend him. I was assured that I had not given offense and that he was happy to talk to me about his religion. We only talked for a couple of minutes before others arrived but his words have stayed with me. "Islam is a religion of compassion, not violence. Many of the quotes you hear from the Koran that seem to promote violence are taken totally out of context. The terrorists have no religious reason to do what they do."

Then the phrase that I love: "The terrorists have put a mask on the face of Islam".

Meeting these Muslims in Taru, Kenya has helped remind me to look beyond the terrorist mask of Islam and see the faces of the many good, kind Muslims, like Mwaka, Halima, Farhiya, and Abdullah. As a Christian, I don't want others to lump me in the same category as the members of the Westside Baptist Church or the Ku Klux Klan who also claim the title of Christian. Groups like these have effectively put a "mask on the face of my religion" as well.

I remember the words of one of our church leaders who when speaking of refugees said, "What if their story were my story?" Interacting with these good people who practice Islam I can't help but think that in many ways "their story is my story". Our similarities seem greater than our differences.

Perhaps this is a perfect opportunity for us to practice the "Golden Rule" in relation to religion. We should treat others as we would like to be treated. Learn about Islam from its adherents, admire their heartfelt devotion, notice the many things we share, take the mask of terrorism off and try to see the individual faces. Enjoy the beauty you will find!