After Pokot, I went back to Nairobi to work on the animals some more and get myself prepared to go home. During that period, there were also a lot of visits! People love when a mzungu (white person) comes to visit.
I had promised Jashon I would visit him and the school he now works at. If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you will remember that he is the “child” who my Aunt and Uncle helped sponsor through their church. I was able to meet with him earlier this year too, but now he is a teacher! It was awesome to see him at his workplace after working so hard in school.
My friend Kim and I went to Jashon’s school and we met with A LOT of the classes. In Kenya, you are free to share the gospel. Some classes got very short words of encouragement while others received longer testimonies, parables, and stories. Kim mostly translated for me, but he also joined in the fun of sharing too! The kids also LOVED shaking my hand.
Relatives of the family I stay with were requesting for my presence. (You can’t leave Kenya without visiting!!). I went to Uncle Danfred, and then to Auntie Agnes and her husband Stephen. Meals are of course where all the conversations happen, so at both locations I was welcomed with a prepared meal.
When we went to Auntie Agnes, we visited a woman named Esther. The previous Sunday Auntie Agnes had brought to the church’s attention that Esther was a shut in who lived near her. She had been involved in a really bad accident. I already had plans that day—lunch plans to be exact. I was to visit other friends, Ronnie and Faith. Instead, we visited Esther when we visited Auntie Agnes later in the week.
The time with Auntie Agnes and her family was beautiful…BUT, my time with Esther…now that was unimaginable.
Esther is a few years younger than me. She just turned 27. About two years ago, a split second changed her life. She was on her way to a friend’s house for a birthday celebration. She was riding in the front seat of the matatu (van). In an instant—her life was changed. A head on collision killed the driver and left her paralyzed. At 25 years old, she was fighting for her life. After two years in the hospital, she was released on May 30,2021. Her mom is taking care of her right now. They had to get her out of the hospital because the hospital wasn’t taking care of her properly. She had at least 10 bed sores, probably bigger than the size of a softball. And her mom finally said no and is now the sole caretaker.
While visiting, her mom, auntie Agnes and myself took turns wiping sweat from Esther’s face. During the accident, a nerve had been affected which results in her constantly sweating. After a few minutes sweat would be dripping off her face again. There is an injection she could get, every 3 months, however the cost is about $550 USD per injection. It would help with the sweat and also loosen some of her muscles.
Esther is paralyzed from the waist down. Her arms were also affected. At one point the hospital had considered amputating her right arm because it was “stuck” in a position that crossed her chest. With force, the family was able to pull it down, where it now rests on her lap. She doesn’t really have feeling in her hands either. HOWEVER, she is starting to be able to move her fingers and she can lift her arms, slightly! THAT’S A HUGE PRAISE! She had a little set back when she went for an MRI and her left arm got caught in the machine. However, she is receiving much better care from her mom. Two of the bed sores have gone away since she was released in May. PRAISE GOD AGAIN.
Esther heard of a story of another person who was in a similar accident. That person was going to the same doctor Esther is now going to. This person had an operation and can now walk. Esther is praying God provides a way for funds to come in. While she was in the hospital, everything was being paid for. Now that she is at home, even having a doctor come check on her once a week is $10. That might not seem a lot for westerners, but that could be a whole weeks’ wage for someone in Kenya. The surgery she would like to have starts around $9,000 USD.
To end our time, we gathered around Esther and prayed. Prayed for continue healing. Prayed for more movement. Prayed for funds. Prayed for God to do a miracle. As I held on to her hand during prayer, I tried to imagine-what if that was me? Dreams of having a family were ripped away. She spent 2 years fighting for her life. And she will spend many more months and years fighting to regain strength and movement. But one thing Esther had—that was HOPE. Hope in God who hears our prayers. I asked Esther if I could share her story and she said yes. So, PLEASE join me in praying bold and miraculous prayers for Esther.
I preached at Manifest Jesus Power Church, the church where the father of the family I stay with is a pastor. It’s been so cool to see this church grow. Since I first started attending, it moved locations and the congregation doubled (to about 30 people). It was newly started just this year! We sing, we dance, we pray, and we hear the word. Services last anywhere from 2-5 hours. People don’t complain because they are just happy to be in the presence of God!
I was also able to attend something called kesha (kay-sha). It’s an overnight prayer vigil. You arrive at 10pm and pray and share in a word until about 3am. These people are super passionate here. I wish sometimes our western eyes and hearts would be awakened. I’m not saying this is a perfect fit for everyone (I personally struggled to stay awake), but the intention of their hearts and their prayers of war are beautiful.
Lastly, I ended up doing a fun activity with the family I was staying with (and some of the neighbors). TIE DYE! (Thank you, Richelle and Kendyl for your tips and tricks!)
As one year ends, and another begins, I just want to thank ALL of you again for your continued prayers, love, support, and contributions. I could not have been the hands and feet in so many lives without YOU!! Stay tuned for my next blog on details about next year!
We end every church service in Kenya with this prayer:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us now and forever more. Amen.
