Update #13

One of the greatest things about working in Nairobi is visibly seeing the many blessings before me. By removing the distractions and stepping back from the constant schedules, we can see blessings in almost everything. This past month I thank God for showering me with people that serve as blessings in my life and in turn offer me encouragement.

Yesterday my friend Katie returned to the States after spending three weeks with us. Katie served on my discernment team when I began to pray about the opportunity to serve in Nairobi. It was wonderful to show her this country and for her husband to share in the experience for a week. In the coming weeks we will spend time with two other friends from The Falls Church. I thank God for blessing me with visitors who have a willingness to serve.

This month we revisited the Gitao coffee farm and I spent quality time with Edith Gitao, the manager of Akiba School. This woman continues to amaze me. We have developed a relationship build on trust and I truly consider her my "Cucu"- grandmother. I thank God for blessing me with friendships that teach the value of wisdom.

Just over a year ago we moved into the new Light and Power house. With limited bag orders this past month we worked on cleaning the house in preparation for renovations- we spent our days scrubbing and sanding walls as we hope to soon repaint the inside of the place. The transformation that continues to occur in this place is incredible. Despite a lack of orders, the guys still show up at the Centre to read books, spend time in fellowship, and work in whatever capacity they can. The young men also visited one of the remaining Nairobi IDP (internally displaced people) camps this month, helping to serve those who were forced to flee their homes. There willingness to look beyond themselves touches me deeply. Two former Light and Power leaders (Hassan and Abdi) returned to Gatina for a brief period of time this month. I played soccer with Hassan again and the other guys in the Gatina area. It was encouraging to hear about Hassan's advancement in the military and Abdi's job opportunities after completing pharmacy school. I thank God for blessing me with brothers who respect my role to help them.

We visited Mudzini Kwetu last weekend and I was amazed at the growth of the young girls. They continue to mature and develop unique personality traits. When I first visited Mudzini in Dec. 2006 there were 24 girls, they now cater for 33 children. The committed staff and loving children make this place so dear to my heart. I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to continually visit Mudzini and see the compassion given to each child there.

Most importantly, thank you to all of you who continue to read my updates and support me in this work.

As I reflect on the past month, I can't help but also look forward and be reminded of my few months remaining in Kenya. I am saddened by the thought of leaving. I think the word that summarizes my time here is joy. Pure joy! I love the people, the ministries, and even the driving in this place. The Lord has blessed me with an intense time of happiness. The poverty and struggles of families weigh on you, yet I remind myself- "Anything is possible if a person believes." Lord, I do believe.

*The latest political update is that a peace agreement has been signed and a shared government will begin. We praise God for bringing forth this resolution. The pains caused by the clashes will take time to heal, but the agreement is a good start. Thankfully, churches are gathering together for a caravan of healing and reconciliation that will begin March 7th-17th, traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi, then Nakuru, and on to Kisumu and Eldoret. Pray that people may have a heart to truly forgive.

DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 13