I went to a worship service at Rift Valley Academy (RVA),
the missionary school I taught at for 2+ years. The guest speaker for Spiritual
Emphasis Week was none-other than Kris Causton, from my home church in
Minnesota. It was one of the strangest feelings to be sitting in the sanctuary
surrounded by familiar students and RVA staff, listening to a pastor from my
home church speak… all the while being in Kenya to sever in the IDP camp.
During her time here in Kenya, Kris and her husband Jeff
were able to go with my team and I down to the valley to visit the IDP camp
where I’ve been spending most of my time. It was such a blessing to be able to
share what God is doing here in Kenya and this huge piece of my heart for the
people I love. First we took them to visit the sewing school and the main camp
where Habitat for Humanity had been building houses. We also showed them the
borehole and water pump in Jikaze IDP camp. We ate lunch together at our good
friend Mama Ester’s “hotel� (hotel means restaurant here).
Then came the
highlight of my day… walking the dusty, dirt paths to visit families in their tattered
tents and hold children as I listen to them share their stories and continue to
build relationships with them. Kris and Jeff jumped right in with little or no
apparent hesitation. It was a feeling like no other to share this experience
with someone from home and watch as their hearts filled with compassion for
people I care so deeply for.
After Kris left, I received an email from her with the most encouraging
words:
“… It really seems that you are in your element. It looks like
hanging out in the dust and dryness brings you life. Wow is all I can
say.�
