August came through as a whirlwind! Even before we bussed into Kenya, one of my teammates got super sick with Malaria and had to stay at the hospital in Uganda. Praise the Lord she got better and joined us a few weeks later. That month started off rocky and was pretty rough for much of our squad as a lot of people were dealing with illnesses and were in and out of clinics/hospitals. I even got sick a few times but was tested negative for all the things and immediately felt better the next day, glory to God! Although it was a rough month in that regard, Kenya was one of my favorite ministry months! First, we got to partner with an amazing team (Soulteam) from the states as they served the surrounding communities with free eye exams and a free pair of glasses. Then, our team traveled to spend a week with the children at KindFund orphanage. This was one of the best weeks of my year because I got to spend nearly every moment surrounded by children! We danced (a LOT), sang songs, ate together, taught them about the Fruits of the Sprit, they taught us how to bead cool bracelets, hiked “Mt. Wamba,” did their daily chores together, watched movies, made our own movies, painted nails, they braided my hair…. soo much! Let’s face it, if heaven has squatty potties and all-you-can-eat beans and porridge, I was basically there for a week. After we said goodbye to those sweet faces, we got to meet more sweet faces as we helped the DTS students run their summer kid’s camp at the YWAM base. Again, surrounded by kids and teaching them about Jesus, my two favorite things! And of course I love all the many friends I made this month, worshiping, cooking, dancing and serving with them at the YWAM base. This is also the month we got to go on a safari and enjoy God’s creation by visiting the many animals in Kenya!
One thing that…
- Made me feel alive: Kids, kids, kiddos, children, oh and the kids! Did I mention, the kids? Basically everything that had anything to do with those amazing, beautiful, smiling children in Kenya.
- Was difficult this month: sickness taking out so many of our team members.
- Broke my heart: saying goodbye to the children, especially those without a family of their own.
- Has been revealed about my calling: I am CALLED TO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY! No Doubt. I love all children, but my heart especially aches for those who are without families or have broken pasts and just need to be loved.
- I am thankful for: all the friends I made, those from Oklahoma, those in Wamba, those in Machakos and those from other countries and continents, all coming together to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Also for chapati, because it was really good.
To all the amazing people I met in Kenya, bless you! Your smiles, jokes, prayers and listening ears were a blessing through the whirlwind of emotions that month. I hope to stay in contact with you all and see how the Lord continues to make moves in your life. I pray that God grants you with the courage you need to take that next step, the boldness to share the gospel everywhere He leads, family and friends to surround you with love through the trials of life, and a growing intimacy with the Lord as you seek His face. If I ever run into you again, be ready for a hug! But really, I do hope I can come back to Kenya again someday soon!
“Lakini tunda la Roho ni upendo, furaha, amani, uvumilivu, utu wema, fadhili, uaminifu, upole, kiasi; juu ya mambo kama hayo hakuna sheria.”
~ Wagalatia 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
~ Galatians 5:22-23
