Time, such a strange concept. As I sat watching the passing
scenery on the drive back to the house this evening, I marveled at God’s
splendor, how His glory is in the sun streaming through the leaves, in the red dirt,
in the smile of a child, God’s splendor is displayed all throughout our world
and yet so often we are blind to it.
I fly home tomorrow. The thought confuses me. Where did two
weeks go? So much has happened in two weeks, the time has flown and yet it
seems like months since I was home or at work, it seems millions of miles away,
an eternity. So much life experience in such a short time. So many lives have
touched mine in two weeks, I have made new friends, loved on and been loved on
by the untouchables of society, and been moved to tears by the stories of
people who are living in the center of God’s will and changing the world.
On Sunday we went to church, the market, and then to visit
the Massai village. What a sweet time of fellowship.
Monday Molli and I went to the mini-mall and did some
shopping, then prepared 100 gifts (toothpaste, toothbrush, and candy tied
together with string) for the juvenile prison (Tuesday’s event) while watching
a movie. The others had a good time as well on the game drive safari!
Tuesday we went to the juvenile prison- a place not
necessarily for child criminals but for children up to 17 who are there because
either their parent is in prison, they are waiting for their own trial, or
because of minor crimes. While there we watched the Jesus Movie in Swahili, Ron
spoke for a few minutes and shared the gospel, then we handed out the gifts.
Some of the children were in tears during the movie and when Ron shared the
gospel many received Christ. Praise be to Jesus!
We finished off the day at Amani for lunch and a little
extra shopping.
Wednesday- we started the morning at a nearby school doing
tye-dye, so fun, and the shirts turned out AMAZING!!! Then we took a boda-boda
(motorcycle) to Fatima. We arrived at Fatima just in time to help the toddlers
eat lunch. After lunch we played and cuddled with the children until their nap.
While the children were napping, one of the Sisters gave us a tour of the
grounds; they have a farm with cows, pigs, chickens, bunnies (that they eat!!),
and guinea pigs. They have lots of housing where many of the nuns live. Also
there is a building for elderly ladies. There were only four living there but
we met them and spent a few minutes talking to one who was bed-ridden because
of a stroke. She used to be a teacher, and despite her disability she had the sweetest
and most gracious spirit. When the children woke up we spent a few more hours
with them. I spent that time holding a baby- 2 ½ months old- her name- ironic-
Alice. Such a sweet baby, she would smile after every sip of her milk, then she
fell asleep in my arms for over an hour. Her mother abandoned her but her
father comes to visit her and will have custody over her when she is older, but
has asked the children’s home to raise her up because he is not able. Another
of the children that captured my heart- Dominic- 5 years old and tons of fun,
always had a grin on his face; he was sharp and knew a lot of English which is
surprising because most of the children don’t speak very much English.
Today we went back to the school to hand out the tye-dye shirts,
the kids loved them! Afterwards the children watched the Jesus Movie and ate
popcorn, then played games outside.
Next on the agenda was Kibera and Toy Market. At Kibera we
visited ‘The Power Women Group’ a group of HIV+ women who are raising awareness
in the community about HIV and the importance of knowing your HIV status as
well as empowering and enabling women to support themselves.
Tomorrow morning Maria leaves early, the rest of the group
is heading the to the Elephant orphanage in the a.m. and then Molli, Jill,
Allie, and I head to the airport for our flight home. Prayers would be appreciated,
as no one is really feeling well tonight- from colds to allergies to headaches.
Thank you to everyone who has donated and has been praying,
we have had an awesome trip- such a blessing, can’t believe it is over.
God bless!!
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