I arrived back safely and healthy, with the exception of a cold that most of our team got. It has been a bit difficult getting back into the 'routine' of things. I'm catching up on all the paper work I was welcomed home too. :) Actually, it really wasn't too bad. I think they got along ok without me, just like I knew they would.
I want to say big THANK YOU to each and everyone one of you that prayed for me, and/or followed along while I was gone. These past few weeks weren't just a trip I took, or things our team did, but it was a glimpse of God redeeming all tribes, tongues, and nations for His glory. I don't know all that God has for me, but not making some type of response is not in the question. I would ask, if it comes to mind, that you might pray for me as I seek God's will. Anytime we follow God it is subject to be an adventure.
A few days ago I was reading an article and it made this statement. The more I've thought about it the more the truth it holds.
"When you see people living with less stuff and more joy, it does something to you."
And I might add, something life changing. It's not what you have but Who you have that matters. Jesus is everything, and all else is simply a blessing. So as I come back home and go about life, the 'little things' aren't so little anymore.
Here are some more pictures and details of the different places we visited. I'm going to group them together the best I can. I have included the links to some of the ministries so that you can look them up if you would like.
Wells of Joy
Wells of Joy is a ministry that was started in the Lunga Lunga slums in Nairobi, population approx. 1/2 million. Pastor Geoffrey Mutunga started Wells of Joy and Brilliant Sharpening Community Centre (school), and also serves as the church's pastor. Their are currently 250 children going to this school. These are children whose parents have made little-to-no effort to get them into school. They do have parents, or at least one parent, but during the day no one to really watch after them.
The children are fed one meal per day while at school, and for some this is their only meal that day. Some of the children have to walk from the other end of the slums. You can imagine the distance this is with half a million people living in the slums. The only fees their parents have to pay is $6 to cover the cost of uniforms. Sadly, some don't even do this.
Yet in spite of all of this, these kids were so joyful! As you can see from some of the pictures, this joy was a bit contagious. :)
 |
| My happy place |
 |
| Cuteness! |
 |
| When you pulled our phone out, you instantly drew a crowd. |
 |
| This is the room 250 kids welcomed us in. |
 |
| This little girl walked across the room and stuck out her arms, and then wouldn't let me put her down. Heart melted! |
 |
| This is the hallway to the class rooms. |
 |
| A glimpse of the slums |
IDP Camp - Mwi’hangiri
Instead of me trying to explain their story here is the link that tells it better than I can. http://naomisvillage.org/those-who-fend-for-themselves/
After hearing their story and seeing some of their homes, I have resolved never to complain again. I was so touched as I listen to Margaret relate their story through an interpreter. As she told the horrific story she would always interject that they trusted in God and as they cried out to Him, they knew He heard them and would answer their cries. Talk about a testimony!
 |
| This is/was home to a family of 6-8 people. |
 |
| A peep inside |
After hearing their story and praying about how to help, Naomi's Village staff told these 24 families that they wanted to help them rebuilt. NV asked them what they wanted them to start on first. A church was their response. It's easy to see where their priorities are!
 |
| This is the church. |
 |
| And worship they do! |
Women of Courage
The Women of Courage is a group of ladies that come together once a week to study the Bible and encourage each other. These women have formally practiced prostitution, but are now seeking Godly ways to make a living. We were able to see all the things that they make and even bought some of the purses, jewelry, and wood cravings, just to name a few. But we also got to join their Bible study and encourage them. It was such a blessing to sit together, even though we were from different cultures and backgrounds, and worship the King. Love has no language barrier!
 |
| Our team, plus a few, with the ladies. |
 |
| Such Joy! |
I hope you're having a great week! Don't forget to count your blessings!
Hugs from Hannah!
Love Women of Courage!!
ReplyDelete