Hello friends! Sorry it has been so long since I was able to blog. Once we landed in Nairobi, Kenya, and arrived at our little home, I haven’t been able to connect to the internet. I have to go to what is called The Java House, which is like the “starbucks”of Kenya. I have a lot to say, and I know there are plenty of people who need to know specific details of my trip so I’ll start with our weekly routine.
Mondays: On Mondays, we will stay on the property all day and do hard-core landscaping work on it. The men will be responsible for the bulk of the tough stuff: building a foundation for a future rescued women’s home, planting trees, and other really intense stuff. The women will be planting various gardens and flower beds, painting and helping with anything else really. We’ll start working at 9am and end working around 4pm, with a lunch break in between. Also, the guys will do a lunch break Bible study with other Kenyan workers who may not believe in the Lord. And that’s Monday!
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: On both of these days, we will be spend our day in the Kibera slum where half of the team will work and serve AIDS victims, and the other half of the team will teach students with materials given to us by the actual teacher. Basically be a substitute teacher for a day. We’ll be spending the entire day here as well.
Thursdays: On this day, we’ll spend half the day with a sister-church, serving them in what they need, and the other half of the day working with the rescued women at their home.
Fridays: Friday is our Free day! Which means, more than likely, I’ll be updating my blog, facebook, and answering emails on a Friday. It also means we clean, prepare a cooking/cleaning schedule for the week, and wash clothes. Or do something really awesome like go on a Safari!
Saturdays: Saturdays will be spent with the rescued women at their home. We’ll be simply encouraging them through sports or homework or anything really. Just having a fun day with them.
Sundays: Church in the slum, known as the Kiberan Reformed Presbyterian Church.
What God has been teaching me since arriving has been that fact that I don’t rely on Him. We have a really really great team, and we’re all really different and unique but the Lord has been showing my that my heart goes to other people before it goes to Him. I want the team to approve of me and love me before I even think of God. Now, I know I don’t need God’s approval but at the same time, I should want to go to Him first.
Today is Sunday, (May 29) and it was our first day in the slum, and walking through it was shocking. I knew what I was getting myself into because I’ve been to Kenya before. I knew I’d see trash and smell junk and have to watch my head and feet from falling into mush. And yet, the first thought that came into my head was how nothing had changed since I last was there. Everything still looked the same. Children without shoes or really old dirty clothes. Pigs or goats or dogs wandering throughout the sewage. The closeness of homes. The stares of people as I wander through their village. Judging me. But as soon as I entered that church, peace and safety overwhelmed me. I knew I was safe because the people there had hope. And everything they did pointed to Christ. From the way they prayed (which was out loud all at the same time), to the way they sang (which was with power and emotion), to the way Pastor Imbumi preached ( which was with compassion and urgency) every one was screaming out to their Father. This is a beautiful sight to see. These people have nothing, nothing to desire or to place root in. The only thing they have is Jesus. He is the only thing they can root themselves in. I think that some, not all, but some American Christians root themselves in so many other things, as well as Jesus, that He becomes least important to them. When one has so many roots, it’s hard to find the core. The Kenyans at this church know who their Savior is, and it is the most encouraging thing to watch.
Well, this is as much as I can say now. It’s late, and I’m still getting used to this new time. Tomorrow is Monday and we’ll begin working here on the land. The Lord is working here and it’s clear to me that there is change in the air. What I’m going to try to do is blog every other night or so on my computer and then Friday, just copy and paste them all onto my actual blog. What yall can be praying for is the church, the pastor, the rescued women and my heart.
Church: It’s in the heart of the slum and endures it through. It need prayer, and support.
Pastor Imbumi: He has such a compassionate and full heart for these street children. And yet, the fruits of his labor are slow and hard to tell. Pray for him and his wonderful family that they won’t be discouraged by small numbers or slow believers.
The rescued women: These women all have a powerful story and a voice to say it. But being bought out of sexual slavery is a powerful silent charm. Pray that they will find their voice and become strong healthy women.
My heart: This is a tough trip for me because all I want to do is fix everything and help everyone. And some problems just can’t be fixed. Pray that I will rely on the Lord for everything, and continue to trust His goodness and mercy for this slum.
In Christ alone,
Virginia
No comments:
Post a Comment