I’m in Africa. It seemed like I would never make it here, and yet here I am. I have wanted to come to Africa since I was a little girl who carried around a stuffed monkey named Mikey. Although my motivation for coming to Africa has changed, I am still standing in awe of Kenya as if holding Mikey under my arm.
Each day we have a 20 minute walk to the orphanage and school we’re working with. As we walk I’m overwhelmed by the sights and smells of Africa. I’m amazed by the men with perfectly tailored suits walking down the dirt road riddled with pot holes deep enough to lose a compact car. I’ve been shocked as I watch kids fill up buckets of water from mud puddles at the edge of the road. Yet there is joy.
I’ve spent some time with the kids at the orphanage in the last week. As we play I’m amazed at their joy. When I’m walking down the street the smiles from the people I pass are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Where does this joy come from? It’s from the Lord. The believers here worship with everything they have. They dance without worrying about the person beside them. They sing with no regard for who will hear. They rejoice over every blessing God has given them. It’s a joy that I’m not used to seeing, and it’s refreshing.
So, after a week in Kenya, God is already teaching me things. His joy is my strength. Where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord! He is so good! He is worthy to be praised! That’s why we’re here…that’s what we’re doing.
