Overwhelmed.
Humbled.
Blessed.
Unbelievable.
Mind-boggling.
Surprised.
Difficult.
Rewarding.
Amazed.
Heart-breaking.
Inspiring.
Sobering.
Hope.
Our afternoon today was completely different than anything we’ve experienced so far. It was full of emotion—many feelings that often contradicted each other. One team member, Lorri, described it as “getting off the main roads and into the heart of Africa.” As she journeyed with her Kenyan hosts, she thought, “ohhh … i have to walk down this?!” The paths were muddy from all the rain last night, as well as a mixture of garbage and other waste. The smell was ripe. And she was suddenly made very aware that this is really how they live—this is home for them. Other team members shared the same sentiment. “They’re always here; we get to walk away, but that’s their life—everyday.”
After sharing another wonderful time with those from Gospel Power Centre here in Kisumu, we had the opportunity to have some of the ladies show us where they lived. Just down from the church, off the street, is a maze of pathways and allies that lead to innumerable clusters of small, mud structures called homes. As we walked we were in disbelief that these finely dressed people would come from such conditions. Around every corner, there were children chanting English words like a song: “Hi! How are you? I am fine.”
The women were overjoyed for us to visit their neighborhoods and their homes. In our groups we spent time talking with them, learning about their lives, and praying for their families. We had no idea that doing this simple thing would mean the world to them.
Julie and Ryan were privileged to visit with two ladies and see both of their homes. After they prayed, one of the ladies presented Julie with a beautiful necklace. At first, Julie didn’t believe that this woman was actually giving it to her. But when the truth quickly sank in, she caught a glimpse of how valuable it was for her to be there in that moment. Even though this lady was very poor, she gave of what she had to bless her international visitors. And although the women told us that we were a blessing to them, it felt as though it was really the other way around: they were a blessing and encouragement to us.
But the over-riding theme of not only this afternoon, but of the trip so far, is the hope that we have seen in the Kenyan people. The believers here have a deep understanding of God as their hope, and that without God, life would be meaningless. They trust for God to provide and they experience His provision in ways we can’t even imagine.
Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with all of us back home. I love both the pictures and stories, giving us a taste of what you all must be feeling.
Know that I am praying for all of you but especially for Jenn and Ryan and I miss you guys heaps!! It turns out I have alot less fun stuff to do when Jenn’s not around
Anyway, we’re counting the days till you come home safely and can’t wait to share your experience in more detail then.
Lots of love,
Kate xxx
Dear Sarah
Everyone at church say hi and they are praying for you. Margaret said she was sorry she missed you to say bye, but she is praying for you. So as you can see you are the churches little missionary. Stay strong, love you lots.
Mom
Hi Kristie!
Wow, what an incredible day you’ve had! Miss you lots and praying for you as you process all you’re experiencing.
Love you lots!
Dear Corrina,
You’re doing a wonderful job of documenting this journey. Your narration is wonderful to read and very creatively written. Good job!
Faith
Kristie – hope you had a great day! love you very much; had a nice bday dinner for your dad on the deck! Love you and continuing to pray for you
Charlene, Jer & Channy and Marcus – saw the pics of you guys playing and was REALLLY missing playing with y’all. making me jealous over here!!!
Dan – I am so keen to hear your stories of doin the ‘sound’!
Looking forward to havin y’all home – keep strong!
Thanks to Ryan for adding the visual to the written. I really appreciate being able to share to some extent the experiences you are all living.
Been reflecting on prayer answers since you’ve all been there….. I wonder what Grace would have felt if 5 years ago she had been told, as she started to bring kids into her home with prayers for provision in faith, that she would be receiving help from people she had never met from a town of which she’d never heard.
Time for breakfast; enjoy your supper.
Ron
Anna ~ wow. What a day!
I love you so very much, I know you know, but just wanted to say it again.
)
Thinking of you often.
Big HUG and lots of Kisses…
Love Mom
Hey guys,
Sounds like you are really soaking up the adventure. I am so happy that you got to go on visitations…it is so humbling to feel that you are a blessing when all you do is show up eh? I love how God works! Thank you so much for being available.
Sarah…love ya sis! Enjoy your last week!!!
Jacks
Hey Dad and Mom,
Josh wants to know how its going, and how hot it is….also to say that he misses and loves you..See you soon.. (grandma says he is being a fabulous boy..not to mention alot of fun!)
Larissa wants to say, I love you and I miss you..she hopes to see you soon..(grandma says that Larissa is being a great help:))
Lydia says grandma is taking us to the beach tomorrow with Hallie and Cody and Jesse.. Ilove you mom and dad so much..
Jenna says I miss you dad, I love you and mom..Is your trip going OK..(grandma says we are both being very good little girls!)
So hard to believe you are already on the countdown to home! Wow time flies! G & Jules can’t wait to hear your stories, you are so relational God is obviously using that again to shine His love through you! There are so many of the team that we know and love and are praying for. Praying you continue to be used well, and that you finish well.
Hugs,
Jove (ask Julie)
HI Jordan,
Finally got the website address from John. Wow! So loved reading through all the posts + to see you in action there. I’m reading a book right now called Love Revolution by Joyce Meyer…you are a living example of what I’m reading. Well done! We are cheering you on from the homefront. Miss you + can’t wait to have you come back and share about your trip.
Know that we are praying for you + the team.
Helen
KRISTIE! WHOA caps.
I got your voicemail. All 45 minutes of it. KIDDING. I’ll bet your eyes popped out of you head at that one. Haha- it was only 30. Look at the bright side, STILL cheaper than Peru.
Just wanna say love you and praying for you (and the whole team- well, I’m praying for the whole team, not sure if I ‘love’ them all… lets move on) I’m excited to see you, which I thought would be this week. FYI it’s not.
Thanks to whomever is posting the pics, they are great and I LOVE seeing them!
Love you Kristy!
Hi dear Anna,
Keep on truckin’ girl and keep up the Faith. I can hear some songs emerging from this experience. Could be the start of an album?..lots of truth coming from raw emotions. Miss you and love ya Shatzi.
Grama Lena