Kenya 2014: The Story

There are so many things I love about Kenya, but mostly I love the people!  They are the most genuine people I’ve ever met; they don’t seem to have the layers that we have to shed to be real with one another.  There is a rawness there that always allows me to see God in ways I’m generally too busy to notice here.  Just as in the past, as soon as I was there, it felt like I was home again. 

When my friends at Orphan Outreach asked if I would consider leading a group for them to Kenya, you can’t even imagine my excitement!  I’m pretty sure the first three people I saw wondered why I had the big, goofy smile…and then they heard about it over and over and over.  Ha!  The group I led was a small group of six people.  They were great, and one of the easiest groups I’ve ever led.  I never even had to make up times for them to be ready.  Ha!  It was so fun to watch them experience Kenya for the first time…as they soaked in the surroundings and connected with the kiddos.

We spent time at two schools/orphanages in the Nairobi slums.  There was such an air of community in both places.  I was so impressed by those who give so much of their lives to be a light for these kids.  Fred, Alice, Augustine, Janet, Nehemiah….they all exuded so much of the Lord’s love.  They were quite an example and inspiration to all of us.  One thing that I always notice about Kenyans is that they are so outward focused; they aren’t worried about themselves, rather they constantly look for ways that they can use their gifts and talents to better the lives of others.  The way they care for these sweet kids amazes me.  The kids are incredible, too.  They sing, dance, laugh, and truly live life together.  They share, comfort, and love each other.

 

This trip I saw so much of the Lord’s character.  There were so many situations where I just smiled; knowing the Lord had purposed those minutes so many time zones away.  I saw how deep and wide, high and long his love was.  I learned to look for Him in everything. 

I saw the Lord as a Protector… 

The team and kids were singing songs, and I glanced over to notice the boy in the wheelchair. He was sitting there all alone. I walked over to spend some time with him, when another child protectively walked over. I asked him his name. He said, “Peter.” Then I asked him the name of the boy in the wheelchair. He said, “Jack…he’s my brother.” As soon as he said that, everything made sense. Peter was the only child besides Jack that wasn’t participating in singing songs. As I got close to his brother, he took a protective stance, and hung by very closely. Every time I would say, “Jack,” the boy in the wheelchair would turn to face me and would smile the best smile. I sang songs to him and that seemed to keep the smile on his face. (I really hope he was laughing at me, and not just suffering through the torture of my voice. Ha!).

At one time during the day, I noticed Peter with a very long face. I went over and sat by him and asked if he was okay. He looked at me with serious eyes and a long face and said nothing. I asked him if he always took such good care of his brother. He had just adjusted Jack in his wheelchair, wiped his mouth, and wrapped a cloth around his neck. He did everything with such tender care. I told him it was obvious that he was a wonderful brother. He was so concerned with Jack’s every need, and he never left his side. He was protective and loving. I told him that I noticed that Jack smiled every time he saw Peter. That finally brought a smile to this sweet child’s face. It brought tears to my eyes as I knew his pain and joy all so well….to want to participate, but to not want to leave anyone behind….to compete in a very different way….to bring attention to someone other than yourself, and to just want to fade into the shadows sometimes….to protect with a fierceness and to only let others in with a certain distance of protection….

In these sweet kids, Jack & Peter, I saw so much of the Lord. I was reminded that He cares about every detail…that we are included, loved unconditionally, that we have something to smile about, that he protects fiercely, that he leaves no detail unturned, and he never leaves us alone…He will always wipe our faces, our tears, and embrace us with a love that overshadows all other things.

We are his Chosen people…

This was my first trip to Kwa Watoto Orphanage/School, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with a facility. It was incredible to hear Nehemiah’s story and how this school came to be.  My favorite part is always meeting the kids. They are always so warm and welcoming, excited to have visitors. Within minutes of entering the gate at Kwa Watoto, I had a new friend; her name is Michelle. She quickly took my hand, smiled up at me and completely stole my heart. For that entire day, she was sitting in my lap, holding my hand, or playing with my hair. If she left my side, it was only for a few short minutes, and then I would hear a squeal, see a smile, and have my hand taken again. It was really hard to leave that sweet child the first day, but I knew we would be back the next day…so I managed to leave her with a hug and a smile.

Day #2 was a little different. I was greeted with a running squeal as sweet Michelle jumped into my arms and hugged me.  How in the world would I say goodbye to that sweet child at the end of the day? Through the many smiles and giggles and fun of that day there were three times that little girl buried her face in my shoulder as tears ran down her cheeks. She didn’t have to say anything; I felt the very same way. She had my heart.

When the time came for us to leave, she talked furiously in Swahili. I had no idea what she was saying, but she seemed determined to let me know. She ran and brought an older child with her to translate. She told me that she loved me, that it was too soon for me to leave, that she was going to miss me….all while crocodile tears ran down her face. Whew! It felt like I couldn’t breathe. I just hugged her tighter, told her that I loved her, that I would pray for her always, that I would remember our fun times together, and that even though I had to leave the Lord would always be by her side. That was one of the toughest good-byes I’ve had on a trip. That sweet child has been at the top of my thoughts constantly.

As I thought about this quick love, it made me realize that it was truly just a picture of the Lord’s love. He sees us, immediately grasps our hands for absolutely no doing of our own. He chooses us; he loves us. He doesn’t ever let go.  I’m so thankful that even the good-byes we experience in this life are only temporary. How blessed we are to be his chosen children!

He is our Friend…

After such a great time with so many new friends, the trip got even better; I got to spend some time with old friends.  (Our conversation was so great, I forgot to even take a picture).  My face hurt from smiling and laughing.  These friends have been such an inspiration and encouragement in my life.  I am truly grateful our paths crossed.  They ask real questions about my life, dreams, and goals; and they really listen.  We exchange prayer requests, and they give incredible advice.  I couldn’t ask to have better people in my life.

My heart is always full when I leave Kenya; my perspective is so raw and so real.  It’s good to soak in the Lord’s love without all the “stuff”.  It’s always good for my soul; I can’t wait to go back!