I have intended to write so many time yet never seem to find the words. My mind floods with stories, people, tender moments but my words seem too feeble to capture the things that happen in Kenya. It transcends a story.
Sunday evening our first team arrived to Nairobi and we made the long and bumpy journey ride to our home. Man oh man. This team is incredible. Their hearts are gold and I continually am amazed at how they handle everything we throw at them.
Monday morning we spent touring the Kijabe area, Rift Valley Academy and all the little shops. Hannah (fellow core team leader) and I stepped out to meet with the pastors at Cure Hospital to plan visits but when the main lady was busy it turned into visiting and praying with the patients...always something that is outside of my comfort zone but inside God's will.
Lunch was followed by get to know yous and then Swahili lessons. We learned and we practiced. We failed and we laughed. We took notes and we try our best.
And then ever so daringly we took them all to Kijabe hospital. We divided the team into groups and spread out to the wards. I took a group with Pastor Caroline to he maturity ward. We celebrated life with a day old baby and her overjoyed father. We sat and prayed with mothers who had lost their babies or had babies who were so sick. Most importantly I saw Esther. She is a woman we met last week through the missionaries we were staying with. Her baby Emmanuel was premature and was taken to the ICU. On Saturday our Core team saw her and prayed over the baby and mama. She spoke of how God was with them always. We got word Monday morning that precious baby passed away. When I saw Esther yesterday I held back tears but she only had words of God's peace and comfort. The strength he gives her and her husband spoke of joy. What a woman of faith whom I can learn so much from.
I have been here only a couple days yet I got to walk such a journey with this woman. My heart cherishes these tender moments.
Last night we had dinner at the Bible College dining hall and I got to share my new Bible student friends with my American friends. We laughed our hearts out and I was blessed to be surrounded by a community of strangers (yes an oxymoron).
We wrapped up the day with a devotional and debriefing their experiences from the day. It was so good to hear the teams stories and what really impacted them.
Today was full but so good. First we went to Cure hospital and divided into groups. The Kenyan president is coming Friday to dedicate a new wing so there is lots to be done. Some helped the kitchen staff make lunch, others cut grass, cleaned windows or walls. I was in the ward with many of the team and we blew up balloons and played with the kids. Both their hearts and ours were captivated.
The afternoon was spent at Little Lambs which is a program that cares for kids who are orphaned or effected by HIV. There are currently about 15 kids whom this program pays for school fees, food as well as caring for the kids if they are sick or need something. They have small class rooms for the youngest age kids. The kids greeted us with big hugs and songs. We played group games, danced, sang songs. They recited memory verses as well. During a tour of the place the kids held our hands and wanted to be held. They craved the love and attention. The two women in change are incredible women of God who love these kids so deeply. They're sassy, kind and joyful. You can pray for this place as their lease is up after 10 years and they have to find a new place but don't have the money needed. They trust that God will provide but we want to join with them in praying for that provision.
The rest of today has been relaxed. Went for a walk to overlook the valley, down time and dinner at the guest house with Pastor Isaac and his wife Esther (different one). They run a ministry called RVF (Rift Valley Fellowship) and have a church that really takes in the marginalized. We hope to go work with them tomorrow if the roads are dry enough to get down to the valley.
We shared such a special time of fellowship as a team tonight debriefing today and sharing what God has taught us in a mere 48hrs. It is amazing how quickly we can become such a community that trusts each other and encourages each other. I love these people and God is working in incredible ways.
Goodnight for now!
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