You know, if you were to tell me a couple years ago, “Seth, you’re going to be working in an orphanage in Kenya,” I’m sure I would have laughed at it. You know, for one reason or another, missionary work has never been on my radar. Yet, here I am, setting aside a year to do nothing but missionary work. Isn’t that life? Some times, it takes you down the paths you least suspect.
So, good afternoon! Right now I’m resting in our little living room, sitting on a Leopard patterned sofa, just trying to recharge my batteries before diving into a new week. I spent all day yesterday in bed fighting off some stomach problems. But I’m feeling better now. There are still two other girls on my team who are wrestling with sickness though, so if you would keep praying, I would be much obliged.
This first week of ministry has been an interesting one. Man, it feels like we’ve been here a month. I’ve been going on runs twice a day, enjoying some great time in prayer and the Word, and getting to know the kids when I can.
Did I mention that Kenyans are fast? The smallest of these squirts can go for miles! They will want to hold your hand while you run, but they will keep going as long as you do. Little girls running in dresses and little guys in their sandals, they make the Energizer Bunny look like a junior varsity prep school mascot. It’s really impressive. The older boys can beat me in the mile. Normally, they’re too courteous to run ahead of me, but when I compare my breathing to theirs, I know who’s in better shape.
So, week one of ministry has been really just figuring out the areas where we can help. For some of us this has been assistant teaching, for some this has been counseling, for others working with the animals, for some updating their website, and for me a variety of things. Mr. Robert and I have made three books shelves since I’ve been here, I’ve also taught a couple classes, and have led discussions during prayer time. The major part of our ministry has been loving on the kids and getting to know them. Almost all of them speak English, however, they bear a rather thick accent and they run a different line of thinking. Much of their communication is mitigated out of respect for us.
The kids are very polite and friendly. Our contacts also are remarkably hospitable, more so than any other country we have visited thus far. They give us more food than we can eat and usually wait until we have finished eating before they do so. They give us seats on the stage for chapel on Sunday, and during public prayer or announcements they always ask us if there is anything we would like to say. It’s almost hard to take at times. I feel like I don’t deserve the honor they give.
But all that to say it is turning out to be a great month. I’m connecting with some of the boys, I’m learning a lot about the culture, I’m growing in my walk with the Lord, and I feel like I am accomplishing some decent work at the orphanage. I want to spur these guys on in their walk with the Lord. I want them to see that He lives, and that the relationship they can have with Him is more personal, intimate, meaningful, purposeful, and incredible than anything else in this life. So, that’s what I’m striving towards.
Pray for me. I’m starting to miss home. And it’s difficult for me to look to the needs of others before my own. Pray that the Spirit really works in the hearts of these kids. Without Him, none of our work will have any lasting effect.
I love you guys. Thank you for your continued support.
your brother,
Seth
