Today was the last day that I spent with my students at the
Great Mercy Center in Kitale, Kenya. The
class that I taught was Form 1 and Form 2 students, which is the equivalent of
a freshman or sophomore in high school in the United States. This was by far, my most favorite day on the
Race since it meant so much to me.
Early in the morning, I awoke and had my usual devotions in
proverbs 24. I performed my normal
morning routine. Then I had breakfast
with my team, Awaken Depth, and our squad leaders, who are staying in the house
next to us. Eventually, we made our way
to the Great Mercy Center and I joined my class. Rather than teach a lesson, I stood and spoke
to them about our time together, about my Race so far and how they have been my
favorite ministry. We talked about
whether or not I would return, which I hope to do. We also spoke about the future of the
students, their dreams for their lives and their dreams for Kenya.
We took our morning break, I took tea and then returned to
the class. I taught them a bit about
computers, the different types of computers and how they are being used in our
day. I told them I would bring my iPod
after lunch and let them see it. So, we
broke for lunch and our team walked back to the house where we ate.
Afterward, I returned to the school and met up with my
class. At this point I said a goodbye of
sorts, as many are leaving for holiday tomorrow, though I will likely see them
again before I leave. Then, for the rest
of the day, we just interacted and had fun.
I let the students use my iPod, my camera, and laptop. They listened to my music, took pictures with
my camera and looked at the pictures I had already taken, they also wrote me
letters on my laptop. Many of them took
time to hand-write letters to me, which were very special. Megan Parham also came with her camera and
iPad, and we played music and danced.
The students sang and danced.
Megan recorded video of many of their songs and dances. We took portrait shots of us with the students
and just took time to laugh and talk.
Afterward, I spent a little one-on-one time with a couple of
the students. We sang some songs and
talked about their lives and plans for holiday.
It was raining heavily, so it delayed my trip home a bit, and for this I
am very grateful. Everything that was
shared today was precious, treasures of the highest value and it was nothing
short of remarkable.
I told the students that I hope to return by 2014. Many of them will be in Form 4 at that point,
and I would love to see their progress and visit again. If it is at all possible, then I surely will
visit the staff and students at the Great Mercy Center in Kitale, Kenya again.
Top Row, Left to Right: Wilkester, Doreen, Lindah, Patricia, Martha, Anne, Valentine, Henry, Meshack, Dominic, Geoffrey
Bottom Row, Left to Right: Martin, Felix, Sylviah, Mariam, Esther
Missing: Peter
