Promises

Have you ever been at a loss for words?

As it was getting close to time to leave the Kariobangi Baptist Youth Center we were all getting up and the children swarmed around each and every one of us. I have never felt so loved by children than I did that day. The children taught me “choma” and “gota” it’s slang Kiswahili for "high five" and "pound it" (choma really means meat, and I don’t know what gota really means).  I do not think I have ever received so many pound its and high fives as I got that day!  Ha, and I thought I wouldn’t cry!  The first hug I received was from a sweet beautiful girl named Peris.  As soon as she did that I realized I wouldn’t see her again this trip (it is definitely not my last!).  No pride, the tears fell.  Walking away from those children was the hardest thing to do, let’s just say, I and a few others were EMOTIONAL.  Before I stepped into the van Peris came to me and said, “Do not worry Lena, this will not be the last time we meet.”  I simply cannot imagine a life without seeing their beautiful faces again!

For the past few days that we all have been here, I simply could not fathom how much of an emotional and spiritual trip it has been already, seeing all of these kids with the biggest smiles on their face just makes me realize that even with poverty and famine these children are happy!  Not once did I see a child without a smile on his or her face!  Pastor Wambua warned us not to promise anything unless we kept that promise.  I promised every one of those kids that I would be back, God willing, and this is a promise I am so willing to keep.  It was here at the Kariobangi Baptist Youth Center that I and a few others realized missions would be our life.

This morning we had a great meeting with Leslie Liboi, the 7-year old boy our youth group sponsors through Compassion International.  We met with Leslie, his mother, Locadillia, and several members of the Compassion staff.  Leslie is a very shy child, especially when surrounded by a throng of strange mzungos, but by the end of the visit, he started to come out of his shell.  He loved all of the gifts the youth group donated to him, especially the soccer ball, the toy cars, and the children's Bible with accompanying cd & cd player.  It was a joy to watch, as every time he pulled a gift from his new backpack, his eyes grew wide and a smile broke forth on his face.  Talking with the staff, we learned more about Compassion's wonderful program and the huge impact they're making in the lives of children and their families.  There are 250,000 children in Kenya alone, who are being supported through the love of sponsors who give $39 per month to provide food, clothes, education, & Biblical training.  Please pray with us that God would lead more families to open their hearts to adopting a Compassion child of their own.  It really does save their lives!  Sponsoring Leslie is a promise we're glad we made... you would surely be glad you did too!

This afternoon we received a great "Kenyan massage" as we rode down the bumpy roads on the 3-hour drive to the rural village of Mwingi.  It's a beautiful area surrounded by very rocky mountains.  We begin a VBS at the Kamuwango mission church an hour away, in the morning.  Tonight, we had a bit of a struggle with all of the VBS supplies for tomorrow, but towards the end of the counting stage, we found some supplies tucked away in an unchecked pocket of one suitcase, so that we had JUST enough for the children that we're expecting!  Praise God!  He is so faithful to supply for our every need!  But we shouldn't be suprised... He has promised to do so!

Thank you all SO much for every comment, every prayer, and every encouragement that you all have sent our way!  Please pray for Anna she hasn’t been feeling too well today.  Many of us are struggling with our sinuses due to all of the dirt & dust.  Thank you again for all of your amazing comments and please keep us in your prayers! Yesu anukupenda!(Jesus loves you!)

Ninakupenda (I love you),

Lena