Her name is Patience.
She turned six years old and had a birthday party the second week we were in Kenya.
The first day we arrived, my team left to find Internet. I stayed back so I could have a long quiet time. Little to my knowledge, that wouldn't happen. A 2nd contact, James, walked in and started a conversation about ten minutes after my team left. We talked for about an hour before he left.
A half hour later, Patience came into my life. She was so happy to meet us but only I was home at the time. After she set her backpack down she came right over for a BIG hug. She sat down next to me and did her homework. English homework. Her second language. She blew through it. Out of nowhere she started singing and dancing. Worship songs, of course. She would throw in a prayer between songs, too. I knew from that moment she was special.
Yes, she sang kids songs but when she sang worship songs, her hands went up, eyes closed, and voice quivered. You could just feel the presence of God.
On Sundays she would lead the kids choir.
Always full of energy.
Always wanting to play.
Always stayed busy.
One of my favorite days was when I had Prudence (her little sister) tied to my back while playing outside. Patience thought it was hysterical that a mzungu was carrying her sister. So she was laughing. Austin was playing the guitar nearby. A balloon was found. We ran around the car a thousand times. Danced and sang.
When I would get tired, I would put on a movie for us to watch. She loves Toy Story.
I even taught her how to play Free Cell on my laptop. She picked it up very fast because she is soo smart. “Number one in class” she would say.
Patience, what a wonderfully smart and beautiful girl.
