New Blog Site

And just like that, I created a new blog site. 

If you are here checking for new updates and happenings in my life you might want to visit my other site. All you have to do is tap/click the link below and... TADA!

hannahbaugh.wordpress.com

Thank you for your interest in my experiences and adventure on this crazy journey called life. You are truly a blessing to me!

Hugs!

Abundant Life

We had finished nightly devotions, and they dashed off to brush their teeth. Then she climbs in bed saying, "Auntie pray with me!" I knelt down by her bed, and she held my hand tightly. As she prayed specifically for each person that came to her little mind, my mind raced back to the day I heard her story.

The line in her chart for the reason of admittance bluntly read,

"Failure to thrive."

Abandoned by a mother whose hands were tied by severe poverty, she felt the best thing to do was endure the heartache of leaving behind her precious baby girl. Hoping against hope that somewhere, someone with a tender heart would find her treasure, yet she walked away not knowing what would become of her little blessing.

Perhaps in the pain of the moment, it slipped the mind of this desperate mother that there is One who takes particular notice of those who have grief and trouble. Maybe she didn't realize that there is a good Father who lays a charge on Himself to protect each one of his lambs, seeing each of their distresses and caring deeply for those that are wounded.

But while the Shephard was on His way to rescue his precious lamb, the harsh natural elements, lack of food and proper shelter gradually stripped the life away from this wee one. Tired of searching for what seemed unavailable, wearily she laid down. Just before the last few breaths slipped from her frail body, Someone walked up, knelt down, and lifted her into His arms.

In the proceeding days, this lamb proved to have fighting powers that exceed human explanation. Prayers for her full recovery stormed the throne room of heaven as hands and hearts were wide open waiting to love and give this beloved one a warm home. After a few delayed homecomings, the day finally arrived, and hope began as one more precious child came home to belong forever.

Jolt! Her sweet voice brought me back to the present.

Now here she lay in front of me full of life and all things pink. She has learned how to walk, how to talk, how to live. She has learned to hug and love and trust.  She is learning about the Good Shephard who rescues lives that are lost and deeply wounded. She is learning that there is one who comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but that there is One who is oh so powerful and mighty, and He gives life and gives it to the fullest. And as the scars of those fateful days slowly heal, because love is like a smooth salve over deep wounds, she is learning to pray for others whose lives are in need of being rescued by the Shephard.

She is not only learning, but she is also teaching.

She is teaching us that no person is too far gone -no life is beyond hope. She is teaching us that no matter how much the thief steals and destroys he can never take more life than Jesus gives back. And she is teaching us that when Jesus gives life back, He gives it so abundantly that we can spend our days running, laughing, and loving others in the fullest way possible.

New Soles

It was a typical Thursday at Ngungi Primary School. All 532 students were present because it was exam week meaning only a few more days and the school would be out for term break. However, the day quickly turned into an unusual one when some visitors showed up. It was lunch time, and everyone had their bowl of beans and maize. Some suddenly appeared to forget about their food as the expressions on their faces seemed to say, "Look! The visitors have a muzungu with them!"

After chatting a few moment with one of the teachers and learning what life is like for a rural Kenyan school, she gave us a tour of the classrooms and boarding facility. As we walked from classroom to classroom, many of the students whose uniforms held marks of significant wear and tear and whose feet were shoeless eyed me questioningly and with standoffish glances.

"Who is this girl?" "What is she doing here?" "Can we trust her?"

Spotting a group of students standing by the edge of the school building, I drew closer. They inched back. I knelt down and held out my fist for a bump in an attempt to let them know it was safe to come close if they wanted too. A few brave, shoeless souls held out their fist... Bump! our worlds collided for the first time. It didn't take long until I was surrounded by hundreds of fists and high fives -I had happily begun to win their trust.

After several photos, many more high fives, and hundreds of shouts of farewell we loaded up and drove off leaving these precious children in our dust. Not knowing if I would see them again didn't stop me from leaving pieces of my heart with them. However, it was soon to become evident that four short days would find us back with these dear ones. But this time, we would have a car loaded to capacity with something that they hadn't asked for but needed...

SHOES!

Because many of you have generously given your five loaves and two fishes to God by supporting His name being proclaimed among the nations, Saturday found our team of four purchasing shoes for the multitude of children that attend Ngungi Primary School. We could not wait for Monday to come so that we could make all 532 kids proud owner of perhaps their first pair of shoes. Oh, what a joy it is to be a channel!

Words cannot accurately explain the celebration that awaited our arrival on Monday afternoon, nor can photos capture the glee and delight of everyone present as feet were washed and shoes fitted. My eyes brimmed with tears of joy as the children danced and sang out their heart which brimmed with gratitude. When you see, experience people celebrating over receiving something you've always taken for granted it changes the way you view life.

As I think back over the past several days, I can't help but see Jesus. I see Him coming to us upon no request visit that we've made to Him. I see him kneeling down and invited us to draw closer, holding out His hand as a token to come as we are -worn, torn, and shoeless. He sees the greatness of our needs and chooses to meet them all on His terms with no cost to us. Jesus invites us to sit down and let Him wash our feet, our heart, our soul. And after He is done cleaning us thoroughly, scrubbing away even the darkness of sin stains, He reaches over and grabs a pair of shoes that are made to last for an eternity. As He slips them on our feet, he looks us in the eye with great tenderness and lovingly whispers, "No good thing do I withhold from those who walk uprightly. Walk now in my paths and experience the joy that being made new brings."

   

From Arkansas to Kenya -Part 2

Passport? Check!
Clothes? Check!
Shoes? Check!
Personal Items? Check!

The list went on. It was January 11, 2016, and the time had come to make sure everything I would need for the next two months was packed. In just a couple of hours, I would be on my way back to Kenya to serve at Naomi's Village for eight weeks.

I was brimming with excitement, yet there was a weird lump in my throat as we took to the air. What all would the next two months hold? In what ways did God want to grow me?

Honesty isn't always easy, but it's a freeing and beautiful way that God has designed for us to be emptied of the lies that we believe and hold tightly to so that we can be filled with the Truth that sets us free. These next few paragraphs are going to be some of my raw feelings and emotions as I spent sixty-two incredible days in Kenya.

 The first several weeks back in Kenya and at Naomi's Village were filled with getting to know the fantastic team of people who dedicate their lives to raising children who will grow up to lead their beautiful country. Each day proved to be a blessing as I worked alongside this amazing community of house moms, cooks, teachers, and directors but I had a mindset that needed reshaping -a mindset that can be toxic to short and/or long-term missions experiences.


As the days passed, I began to realize that I had a defective mentality that seems to permeate the American mind. It is the mentality that serving among the nations is a lifestyle where most days are filled with miraculous moments of redemption and heaven-come-to-earth occurrences.  It's the idea that the command "Go ye and make disciples of all nations." is more relevant and important if you obey by serving thousands of miles from your motherland. While the first of these views may hold a bit of truth, here are a couple of things that eight weeks serving at Namoi's taught me.

1.) It is simply a privilege to serve others in the name of Jesus.
If we want to think miraculous, it's the fact that the Creator of the universe would invite me, you, to share and live out His story of redemption. It's not the work that makes it miraculous. It's the fact that such a Master would call workers who are a work in progress themselves.

2.) God does not measure our obedience by the things that we do but by our heart posture towards what He has asked of us. In God's eye obedience is obedience. There really is no such thing  as "big" obedience and "small" obedience before God. Our Father looks at my heart attitude towards what He has asked of me -will I be faithful with what He has summoned me to do!? God is not so much concerned about our geographical location as He is about at our heart posture and faithfulness in the task He has given us to do.

As I began to learn these truths in a greater way, the weeks turned into a month, and I had the privilege to revisit Wells of Joy Ministries. It is always amazing how God so often works and clarifies His invitation to us -the invitation to step deeper into the glorious plan He designed for each of His children before the creation of the world.

The weeks leading up to going to Kenya and even the weeks that followed after I was there, I was kind of nonchalant about revisiting Wells of Joy. But that all began to change the morning we were to spend the day at the ministry. The indifference that I had felt over the past few months started to be replaced with happy anticipation for what the day held. After driving through thick traffic for a couple of hours, we arrived at the entrance of the slums and waited for the ministry director, Pastor Geoffrey Mutunga, to escort us in. As we walked along the narrow road scattered with bits of trash, dodging mud puddles, it was like God was flipping back on every emotion that seemed to have been shut down. The emotion that I was feeling the strongest was the same one that was most predominant the first time...

Doing nothing about what I was seeing, touching, walking among was NOT an option.

But what was I suppose to do? What was my response going to be? How might I get more involved with being a voice for the voiceless who call such a dark and hopeless place home?

You might have a good idea of the answer to those questions, but I'll share a bit of the arduous heart journey that leads to some of those questions being answered in other post. Stay tuned for part 3.

Broken Pieces

Overwhelmed. Helpless. Drained. These were some of the emotions that seemed to fill my mind as last week drew to a close. It was a week filled with more home visits and student documentation.

As I sat in several students homes, visiting with their mothers, I felt like the same story was on repeat.

"We are struggling to make ends meet."

"This or that family member is sick."

"My husband hustles for work but often doesn't find any."

"I'm trying to support my family by selling vegetables, but business is slow."

These stories and struggles were like broken pieces of bricks, bricks that began to accumulate making for a heavy load to carry. As the pile increased so did the idea that I needed to make something out of all these broken pieces, that I needed to find a way to fix all the hurt. The mental weight of this notion threatened to crush me. But just before I was completely overcome, I felt Someone tap me on the shoulder, whispering softly in my ear.

"I haven't ask you to change things. I haven't told you to repair the broken or bind up the hurt. I didn't even suggest that you try to find the answer to every question. I actually just invited you to be. To be present and love, to be present and witness how I take your broken pieces of glass and their broken pieces of glass, and remake the window so that I can shine through. Remember, you cannot change the world, only Jesus can do that."

And just like a sunrise that chases away the night, the truths that I had let fade into the dark burst through bringing life back into my vertical airway. As I began to breathe the fresh air of His grace, new energy to be faithful in the moment surged through my heart. As my mind cleared, the truth that

I am not authorized to repair broken windows; I'm only commissioned to tell about the Glazier

freed the self-imposed weight from my hands. I was then able to place the broken pieces where they belong -at the feet of Jesus.

It was after I emptied my hands of this load that I could raise them to sing,

There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No not one! No not one!
None else could heal all our soul's diseases,
No not one! No not one!

Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide until the day is done;
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No not one! No not one!

"They have no wine."

I imagine the scene to look something like this.

They had gone to a wedding in Cana, Jesus, his mother, and his disciples. Everything was going as planned. The ceremony started without a hitch. The preacher didn't stumble over his words, the singer sang beautifully, it was almost too perfect of a day. At the reception, the tables were heaped with mouthwatering food. All the guest had a glass of tasty wine in hand, and they all stood in groups of three or more catching up and having a happy time. Right when the mother of the bride breathed a sigh of relief that this wedding would go down as defectless, the wedding coordinator hurries up to frantically informs her that there is no more wine. Mary, Jesus' mother, is standing very nearby and watches as the bride's mom, and wedding coordinator wring their hands as to how this embarrassing situation should be solved.  

Because Mary is a woman who ponders things in her heart, she quietly excuses herself from the group and walks to where her son is standing. Considering that she had watched her son's actions since birth, she wasn't sure what he would do, but Mary was rather sure that Jesus would have the answer to the "no wine" problem. Without any ado, she calmly, certainly, and candidly stated the fact, leaving the solution to him. She said, 

"They have no wine."

Today, I found myself stating the same words, but the scene was much different.

We, two Kenyan friends and I, were seated in a 10x10 room that is home to a family of five dear souls. This single room serves as kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, and whatever other room is needed for daily life. The mother was the only one home at the time, and she wasn't even in the house as we walked up. She was sitting just around the corner tending her vegetable stand hoping to make a few honest shilling so her family can eat, and her children can attend school. With the oldest child married, it makes things a bit easier but she still needs to provide for her other three children who are still in school -the youngest one attending Brilliant Sharping Community School. 

After we greeted each other and were seated on a couple of chairs, we explained the reason for our visit, and she related a glimpse of the hard that meets her when she awakes in the morning, troubles her all day through, and causes tears as she lies down at night. Although I couldn't understand first hand as she communicated pieces of her heart's grief, with the help of friends, I began to grasp what she was saying, and my heart broke for this loving mother. 

With injustice as commonplace, silence as the forced choice of communication, and poverty as the result of these both, all my heart could do was run to Jesus and calmly, certainly, and candidly state the fact,

They have no wine.

Those four words don't miraculously change the distressing situation this mother and so many other families in the Lunga Lunga slums finds themselves in, but those words allow entrance for Jesus to be Jesus. Honesty unlocks heaven. Because when we find our jars empty, our resources spent, our funds drained, our family crumbling, our problems beyond what we can solve, our only hope is Jesus. But Jesus can only be Savior, Redeemer, Provider, Sustainer, Friend when I, when we admit that we need him to be this for us. Jesus doesn't just know the answer or have the solution,

Jesus IS the answer and solution!

From Arkansas to Kenya -Part 1

Maybe you’ve known me from when all I could do was smile or cry to communicate what I was feeling. Maybe we’ve meet in more recent years when I could adequately express my feelings. Or I guess perhaps I may have not yet had the privilege of meeting you. Whatever the case, maybe you've wondered how I went from peeking over the grill ledge (those of you who saw me doing this know what I'm talking about.), to cooking steaks and selling lawn mower parts, to going to Kenya. 

Well, I will try my best to answer that question, but it’s hard to answer a question I sometimes ask myself.

“And just how did I get here again?!?” 

Although I will relate a bit of the chain of events from the past year and a half, I can boil it all down to one simple yet significant word…

GOD!

My journey to Kenya all started one autumn evening in 2014 when my mom showed me an article about a children’s home in Maai Mahui, Kenya. She knew that I wanted to sponsor a child, so she suggested I check out this organization. With a heart that loves Africa, it didn’t take me and google long to find Naomi’s Village Children’s Home located right outside the town of Maai Mahui, Kenya. At the time it was home to 57 desperate orphans. My heart broke as I look at the innocent faces that had endured unimaginable horror in their brief lifetime. The sweet, bright face of a little girl especially caught my attention, but since I was already planning to sponsor through another organization, I finished looking at the photos and reading their stories, then I closed my computer. God didn’t close His computer, though.

Several weeks passed, and we had celebrated the New Year. 2015 held adventures that were soon to unfold at a crazy pace. The months to come would begin to teach me that

God is weaving everything in life so that when we relate the happenings we can't leave Him out.

However, I just couldn't seem to lose the thought that the adorable face and winsome smile that had caught my heart was to be "my" little girl. Because I hadn't started sponsoring another child yet, I decided to make T "mine." To spare you the interchanging details of everything, T was no longer in need of a sponsor. I was a bit saddened but decided to pray and see what God would do. After checking back several different time and having no success, I chose to sponsor a little fellow that promptly stole my heart. Little did I know that six months later I would be giving these babies hugs and oh so much love -not to mention parts of my heart. (And I'll add that about a month after beginning to sponsor R, T became available, and so I just did the natural thing -sponsored her too.)

After much prayer and God being the God he is, July 11th, 2015 I boarded a flight that would take a team of 17 passionate, kind hearts to serve at a place few of us had been to before -Naomi's Village Children Home in Maai Mahui, Kenya. I honestly couldn't imagine all that this trip would do for me, but I knew it was what God wanted, so I stepped out. Naomi's Village will always hold a special place in my heart because it's the place that helped me lose my heart to Kenya.

During our ten day, eye-opening, often heartbreaking journey, we were able to visit a few different ministries in the Maai Mahui/Nairobi area. Although each outreach we were privileged to visit changed my world view a bit more, one flipped my world upside-down -or should I say right side up!? The day our team visited Wells of Joy Ministries in the Lunga Lunga slums in Nairobi is a day I still have a hard time finding words to describe. One thing I knew for sure that day, and I feel stronger ever day, is that doing nothing about what I had/have seen, touched, walked among, is NOT an option.

I don't think I will even try to detail out all the emotions that one is subject to go through after walking among immense poverty and suffering, and then being immersed in a culture of excess and comfort. Sufficient to say, prayer, process, and patience categorized the weeks following my return home. But even in the hard, I knew God was working beyond what I could see. And as the weeks turned into months, God steadfastly made it clear that going back to Kenya is what the beginning of 2016 would hold. Before I knew it, I was planning to serve on an internship at Naomi's Village. But even as I prepared for this next adventure, Wells of Joy was not far from mind and heart.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." 

The dampish room was lit by several bare light bulbs mounted in the middle of the ceiling. Happy school children lined up and eagerly held out their mugs. One after another stepped up until I had filled nearly 300 mugs with porridge. For many of these children, it is the only breakfast they have -thus being the reason for the many thank you's that were warmly offered.

When the last child's cup had been filled, the teacher standing nearby rattled something off in Kiswilhi. I quickly figured out what she must have said because another line rapidly formed as children with drained cups assembled for a refill. It wasn't long before the bucket of porridge was empty, but sadly there were still a few kids in line. My heart sank with theirs as the last drops walked away in another child's cup.

My mind immediately drifted back to the first time I had visited Brilliant Sharpening Community School. It was a chilly day in mid-July. As our team of seventeen had given hundreds of high five's and listened carefully as the director related the story and vision of Wells of Joy Ministries*, it was now time to serve the children lunch. I gladly volunteered for the job along with a few of my teammates. The scene was much like the one I already described but this time, the children lined up with colorful bowls anxiously awaiting their serving of rice and beans. As the last child's bowl was filled, a rush of children came for a second helping of grub, some having abandoned the bowls and just stretched out their little palms.

I will never forget the picture of the little hands reaching out for just one more bite and me holding an empty bucket unable to meet their hungering appeals. At that moment I realized two things.

First, I realized I have no idea what it genuinely means to be hungry, and not know when I will eat next. I was greatly humbled at that moment and begged God to forgive me for ever complaining about what I don't have, and wanting always to praise Him for every blessing He gives.

But as humbled and overcome with the harsh reality as I was, I was also thankful! Thankful that Jesus' bucket of rice and beans NEVER runs out. Thankful that God's supply NEVER runs low. Thankful that every time I reach out my hand for more He fills to overflow with His goodness. 

I am reminded of Jesus and the Samaritan women in John chapter 4.

"Jesus said to her, Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." 

When I drink and draw from my resources, I will always be left thirsty. When I try in my strength to get full on my rice and beans, I'm always left reaching for what will never fill me up. But as I learn to drink in deep the water of life drawing from it the fundamental strength for daily life, I find that I am indeed filled -that truly my thirst is quenched. And as this water of life springs up in me, in you, it is then that others can drink and be satisfied. They can be satisfied because we draw from a bucket of rice and beans that never runs out. 

So today, let's reach out our hands for the rice and beans that Jesus gives unendingly. And as we are filled, let's give to others the only thing that can truly satisfy them -Jesus.

*Wells of Joy Ministries is the overarching name for several different ministry outreaches in the Lunga Lunga slums in Nairobi Kenya. Brillant Sharpening Community School being one of them.    

God is in the details

I excitedly boarded the aircraft that would take me the first part of the 21-hour trip back to the beautiful land and people that have captured my heart. After swapping seats with someone so that their family could sit together, I was happy to find the seat next to me was empty. Yay, more leg and moving room! I readily buckled, we taxied out, and took to the air.

As the minutes passed, I took advantage of the opportunity to think, to reflect. The time had come that I was no longer just saying I was willing to go, I. Was. Going. The time had arrived for the prayers of faith and words of trust to become actions of faith and trust. It didn't matter that I was feeling completely unready and unequip for this jump. It was time to trust the grace that saved me would be the grace that would lead me, guide me, and walk beside me in each step on the fast-approaching horizon. 

After a bit of time had passed, I popped in my earbuds and tapped shuffle on my rather extensive playlist. These were the first words I heard...

Letting go of every single dream

I lay each one down at your feet

Every moment of my wandering

Never changes what you see

I've tried to win this war, I confess

My hands are weary I need your rest

Mighty warrior, King of the fight

No matter what I face, you're by my side

Truth is, you know what tomorrow brings

There's not a day ahead, you have not seen

So, in all things be my life and breath

I want what you want Lord and nothing less

Those words might not mean all that much to you - although you may think they are very good or even beautiful. But those words, that song has been like "my song" this year. It has often been what I would sing, pray when my heart just couldn't make complete sense of what God was doing. In the times when I would forget that this life was not all my idea, that the longings and desires I found in my heart where not created or put there by me, in these times I knew it was safe to sing,

I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

If I have said it once, I have said it 150 times, but I'm going to say it again...

God is in the details.

It has been God in the seemingly insignificant ways, such as this song being what played first (and what I needed) when I hit shuffle, that floods me with peace and confidence in our Father as I walk this road He has set in front of me.  From the friends in my life who have friends with connections to Kenya to the redirection in plans, He is working in far bigger ways than my mind can grasp. God NEVER fails in His resolved faithfulness and steadfast love to do what is best to save the most people.

And that fully includes saving this broken mess -me.

God be praised for His unwavering design to do all things for His glory and the good of His children.

Brave

I remember that morning well! As the sun was bright overhead five of us loaded into the Namoi's Village land cruiser - the driver, the nurse, Brave, and two of us interns. We were headed to the nearby doctor because Brave had expressed a difficulting in hearing out of his left ear.

"Who is Brave?", You ask. Although not his given name, Brave is the appropriate name for this young boy who earlier that week began a journey that would change the trajectory of his life. Brave starting attending Cornerstone Preparatory Acadamy. Brave now can receive an outstanding quality education. And thanks to generous donors and sponsors not only can Brave receive this kind of education but so can hundreds more like him, and all at no cost to his family.

But those facts weren't what was going through my mind that January day. As we bounced and jostled up the mountain side, thankful for safety belts that kept us from dog piling on the floorboard, I was imaging myself to be Brave. I tried to imagine what is was like to be a seven-year-old boy living in rural Kenya. No running water, no electricity, very limited income, possibly no father, little to no education, and a future that held little hope of change. As I tried to process these hard facts, my mind drifted to how one day his little hope was replaced with immense hope. That day when some kind souls paid his family a visit. They said something about a school and an opportunity for children like Brave to obtain something that only seemed possible in dreams -an education. These people that had come asked his family some inquiring questions so they could know how to help this family best, to help Brave become what little boys dream of becoming -heroes, world changers.

Then with another bump and washed out section, I was brought back to the present. I watched as Brave looked out the window taking it all in -the landscape, the car ride, as most of this was all so new. He had boldly climbed into the back of the land cruiser with people that were pretty close to a stranger. But nonetheless, here he was buckled up and bouncing to the doctor (whoever that is), so he could examine his ear and maybe explain or correct why it was hard for this him to hear.  Although it might have caused Brave to be uneasy, or even scared, he sat quietly on the bench waiting to see what was coming next.

And now it's my turn to be Brave. Not in my imaginations, but in reality.

In three weeks I will board a flight that will take me to Kenya. It will be the third time in almost a year that I will make this trip. You might think that each time I go it would get easier. Well if each time I did the same thing that might be the case. But now I feel like Brave boldly climbing into the back of the land cruiser not sure exactly what's going to take place. Despite the unknown, I'm eagerly anticipating all that God has for me in these next four months.

I'm learning that sometimes God asks us to get in the back seat, buckle up, and trust that He knows where He's going.

Sometimes He gives us a window seat, and we get to see first hand His marvelous working and navigation, other times He provides us with a middle or aisle seat, and we can't see clearing until we arrive at a particular location.

In the uncertain of all that the next four months will bring, I know there is One that is certain. There is One that pilots all the paths that these two feet will walk. There is One whose highest plan is that all peoples bring glory to His name by being everything He created them to be.

So in the coming days, weeks, months, I invite you to join me in prayer as I step out in faith, embracing God and His will in deeper ways. Here are some verses that I'm praying over...

"My son, if you receive my words

and treasure up my commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you call out for insight

and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver

and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God."

Proverbs 2:1-5

What has been...

Over the past year and a half I have learned many life lessons. Some have been quite difficult others not so hard. If I were to try and sum up in a sentence or two what the past 16 months of my life has taught me, it would probably go something like this...

Don't try to imagine or figure out what God might do neither be surprised when He does what He has promised. Just be faithful in the light and in the step God has given and He will surely lead you up the staircase.

Time and time again as God opened the doors and made it very clear to me that I was to go on a short-term mission trip to Naomi's Village last July, I would be 'wowed' by the clarity with which He guided me. After I returned from the two week trip I began to pray about serving on a two month internship at Naomi's. This was not an overnight process nor something that happened in a few weeks time. No, it was something that tested my devotion to God and my resolve to do His will whatever the outcome.

When I found out in October that I was going to be able to go back to Kenya I was thrilled for the opportunity, and amazed at how God was so graciously allowing me to serve Him in this way. I was humbled yet again with the clearness in which God was leading me. One day while I was preparing to leave for Kenya, I began to wonder why I'm amazed and surprised by the way God often works. It was as if God was saying to me, "Why are you overwhelmed at times by my faithfulness and goodness to my children? Why does it amaze you that I do what I have promised?" As I thought on this I truly felt convicted by my lack of trust in our Good Good Father. He has promised to give us the desires of our heart when our delight is in Him. He has promised to act when we commit our ways to Him. And "no good thing does He withhold from them who walk uprightly."

For the most part it seemed to be one open door after another. Several weeks before I left to come back to America in March, I was already making plans to return to Kenya for four months this summer. My heart was delighted by the opportunity to come back to the place and people I love so much. I was praising God for another open door. But these plans got redirected the week before I was to fly back home. The door that had looked to be wide open seemed to close right in my face. God often gives a seemingly closed door to grade our faithfulness to Him. Faithfulness to anything besides Jesus Christ will result in a lower test score. What was my score going to be?

Trusting God where I can't see nor understand His plan has often been a deliberate choice that I would like to say I've always made but honesty requires me to say I've failed at times. The weeks ensuing my return to America have been filled with emotions that I've not experienced before, emotions that I didn't know what to do with, emotions that weighed me down until one day I realized I was never meant to carry them. I was being more faithful to my emotions and ideas rather than being faithful to my Jesus who is the only One strong enough to carry this weight. I began to see in a new way that God often gives us emotions, feelings, and desires just so we might give them all back to Him as an offering. The freedom I felt as this reality begin to dawn on me was beautiful, but it did not, has not removed the longings or feelings that I find inside. 

So now I'm sort of back to where I started, not trying to imagine what God has next but believing His promises are true and He will continue what He has started. One thing I can say though is that through the opened and closed doors God is good, He is faithful, and His love is steadfast. His ways are higher, His plans are better, and He sees far beyond what my eyes try to see. In the mist between what has been and what will be my heart sings out...

"...I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!" 

March 14th dawned bright and clear. It was the final day of the nine week internship I was serving at Naomi's Village. There were a variety of emotions as I got ready for the day that morning. Heartbreak and happiness were probably the strongest. Heartbroken because it just plain hurts to separate from those who have become such a part of your life, yet happy because in 28 hours I was going to be back with those who have always been apart of my life.

I was trying not to think about the parting that loomed in the very near future though. I still had several hours to play with, hold, and love on the kiddos as well as time to visit with the aunties and uncles, so I decided to live to the hilt every moment until it was time to leave. Little did I know that God planned to give me a gift that I could carry back with me, although not in a tangible way. 

Before I left for Kenya in January, I asked God if it was possible could I be apart of witnessing the hope that begins when a child belongs. I arrived at Naomi's Village on January 13th and for nine blissful weeks I had the great privilege of experiencing the hope that continues after a child belongs. To hear first hand what life was like for many of these boys and girls before they came to Naomi's and then to play, sing, dance, laugh, and pray with them on a daily basis, this was a beautiful peep into hope that begins when they do belong. I was so blessed as each day passed I somewhat forgot about the request I had made. But Someone who never forgets and who delights to give good gifts remembered all long the humble prayer I had made and at the perfect time granted this request.

The morning passed quickly and by 2:00 it was time for the toddlers to take their nap. While they napped us four interns sat on the floor and chatted.  Excited voices and overjoyed laughing down stairs broke through our conversations, so I peaked out the window to see what was going on. Within a few short minutes we discover what all the excitement was about -a baby was coming home! It wasn't long before Bob, Julie, a few staff members and two of us interns, Allison and I, piled into the land cruiser and off we went to Navaisha General Hospital. As we drove along, we discussed what this little girl that was already so loved should be named. By way of blessing a couple of there long-time staff members, Bob and Julie wanted to somehow use the names Anne and Mary. After putting the names together from all sides it was decided that this precious baby girl would be named, Annemarie. 

Upon arriving at the hospital we discovered facts that threatened to finish breaking my already broken heart. At a week old this baby girl was found by an elderly man wrapped in paper bags and left in a trash pit. As if this was not enough, the little one also suffered from pneumonia due to the cooler weather conditions and lack of appropriate care. After a few more questions were answered the group of seven eagerly made it's way to the neonatal unit of the hospital. We were guided through the dozen of other babies and moms to the corner where 'Baby Unknown', as her wrist bracelet read, was waiting to be loved, and held, and cuddled, and named. Baby Unknown was waiting to belong!

While the paper work for the baby's release was being completed, Flo quickly reached into her bag and pulled out the onesie and pink sleeper she had hurriedly grabbed before we left Namoi's. I looked over and almost gasped, "Flo!" I exclaimed, "I brought that outfit with me when I came in January." As if that wasn't enough, Flo held up the onesie which had been worn by one of the previous babies and it was monogrammed with the name Hannah on the front. We all looked at each other in disbelief, astonished at the visibility of God's hand in that moment. God's grace seemed so abundant and overflowing that Annemarie's middle name was fittingly chosen to be Neema (Name-uh) which means "grace" in Kiswahili. This adored little girl now bore both mine and Allison's middle names -Grace and Marie. To say that these details were not arranged by divine providence is to not give God glory for what He delights to do for His children.    

Back at Naomi's Village everyone was thrust into celebration mode as they prepared for the arrival of this new baby girl. A bed was being made, cake was being thought about, and her 65 brothers and sisters couldn't wait to drench their new little sister with love. As we pulled up and opened the doors the drums started beating and each voice was lifted in a song of joyful praise because one more unknown child now belonged. The group of jubilant aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, housekeepers, kitchen helpers, and interns slowly crossed the short distance to the dining hall. As Annemarie's story of redemption was told to eager listeners I could not keep back tears of joy that baby unknown was now known, wanted, and richly loved, and God had allowed me to be a witness to it all.

While Allison and I waited to board the flight that would take us back to America we tried to grasp what had taken place a couple hours before. All I could do was thank God for doing exceeding, abundantly above all that I had asked or thought. He does not forget or over look the simplest of requests but He delights to give His children good gifts in His perfect timing. Even if that is only hours before it looks like it won't happen.


As they say in Kenya... God is good all the time, all the time God is good and that is His nature, wow!



 

“That is our brother.”

Those four words are forever seared in my memory. Those four words must have been burning holes in their mouths while they waited to utter what no one else in the room knew.

It was a beautiful and sunny Saturday afternoon. The middle age children, interns, and a few staff members had gone on an outreach to a nearby orphanage that had recently opened. Two of the boys that were on the outreach and who call Naomi's Village home are brothers. “L” is older than “J” but both are equally sweet and kind! 

The scene looked something like this…

We were all sitting round the family area of the newly opened orphanage as Benson, the founder, was sharing a bit of the story and heart behind the ministry. As he expressed his heart and desire to bring hope and a future to those who are without a home or family, the nine children that have been rescued emerged from their rooms and assembled in two groups. Benson proceeded to introduce us to each one of these timid yet smiling children. As he finished sharing about God's faithfulness in bringing them to were they are and what he hoped the future to look like, he asked if anyone had a question. Simultaneously L and J’s hands shot up. Benson kindly asked what was the question. Without hesitation and in a clam voice they pointed to one of the boys standing in the group and said… 

"That is our brother.” 

I looked from one face to another trying to figure out if I had heard right. I felt like I was looking in a mirror as each adult face seem to have the same questioning look. “Did I hear right?” “How do they know this is their bother?” “Could it be possible this is really true?” A murmur of questions filled the room, some in English most in Kiswahili. After a few moments and a closer look at how much the three boys resembled, those words spoken minutes before now served as a thread to bind these brother’s back together.

A few years before, after harsh circumstances and unimaginable injustice, these young, innocent brothers were given different homes in hopes that the future would be brighter than the past. It was truly a remarkable moment to be a part of. And for the rest of the afternoon one if not both of the older brothers were by little K’s side. At one point I looked up and witnessed a beautiful outpouring of love. As if to give K a token of love, one of the brothers removed his watch and placed it on his little brothers wrist.

Moments like watching three brothers reunite, or observing tenderness in a beautiful act of love, or looking on as the older boys told the younger one all that had happened since they were last together reminds me how God delights to be in the broken and shattered places of our life. Just like the sun glitters off of shattered glass so God's grace and love is the brightest when it shines and reflects off of our broken lives. When our broken pieces seem to be scatter beyond human recovery, God comes on the scene and collects ever last fragment so that not one pieces is lost. And what does He do with these seemingly unless pieces of clay? He tenderly takes them and fits them back into there correct shape, and then He glues them together. He uses the glue called Jesus to recreate something more lovely than before. God is the only One who can take a broken life and make it something of beauty but Jesus is the glue that holds that life together.

Without a signal the lights went out. There wasn't even a warning flicker, just black-out. The only light to be had was what was streaming through the crude front door. However the absence of light did not seem to bother the 300 children that were having their mid morning porridge. They continued as if this was a regular occurrence, because sadly it is a common part of life in the slums.

Although it is hard to imagine, the lack of consistent electricity is probably one of the least challenging parts of living in the slum. When your main daily concern is survival, electricity is no longer an absolute necessity. And this daily ordeal of finding a way to survive is the plight of close to one million people who call the Lunga Lunga slums home. The Lunga Lunga slums are one of the many slums in Nairobi, Kenya.

Life in Lunga Lunga is difficult, if I were to put it lightly. With the daily income for most of the slum residents at about $2.00 per day this leaves much in the lacking category. This minimal income also means that children don't get much, if any of a chance to attend school. Often they are used as 'drug mules' or in other dehumanizing ways. If you were to look through the eyes of one of these children you would likely see hopelessness, a future that promises little less then the present, and a life of daily fending and defending themselves. 

But right in the middle of this bleak picture there is a beautiful beacon of light and hope. Wells of Joy Ministries was founded by Pastor Geoffrey Muntugu in 2008. With a vision to start a slum church, Pastor Geoffrey begin to devote his life to this work he felt God calling him too. He has not giving up nor turned aside even when discouragement has tempted to overwhelm him. After two short years the ministry grew to include a school. Brilliant Sharping Community School now has 300 students with that number only to increase. And with the steady flow of children coming in there is unending needs. Needs so innumerable that one quickly begins to feel overwhelmed. Needs that adults should never have to face let alone a child.

Don't leave me yet! I'm about to show you some picture of the ministry and then tell you something that I'm super excited about. Something that you may want to be a part of.

Below is a picture of the main room in the building that houses WOJ and BSCS. This room serves as a church on Sundays, a dining hall on schools days, a playground, a meeting room, and/or for any other event or need that may arise. Off this room there are a couple of class rooms, a kitchen, and a few offices. At the front of this room there is as a stairway leading up to the second level where the seven other classes are held.

After the routine 10:00 chai time, all the children scurried to their respectable classes. As they settled back into their desks Nancy, a faithful servant to WOJ for six yrs, showed us around. We got to peek in on each class.  And I might add here that the children are all so well behaved. There was no jumping up or shouting when the 'wazungus' peeped in to the class. They all just had a pencil in hand, a notebook, and a huge smile -oh, and a wave too! :)

For those of you that purchased t-shirts a few months back in support of WOJ, here is where your money went. Thank you for your support! Because of your helping hand these children can now have textbooks of their own.

Sorry to interrupt you miss, but I can't resist this photo!

So what is it that I'm so excited to share with you? Well...

PASTOR GEOFFREY IS COMING TO THE U.S.!!

On March 11th he will board a plane headed to America. Pastor Geoffrey's main goal in coming for this three week stay is to visit the churches that have partnered with Wells of Joy Ministries and share his story and vision, as well as thank them personally for their support and prayers. For those of you who live in or around the Star City area there will be an opportunity for hear and meet Pastor Geoffrey's as well as donate to the special ministry if you so wish too. There is going to be a fundraiser for Wells of Joy in Star City. The fundraiser event will be held in the Star City Civic Center on March 29th at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome!   

If you have any questions please feel free to comment below or email me. 

My email address is: graceandlove16@gmail.com

 "From the rising of the sun...

 ..to its setting, ...

 ...the name of the LORD is to be praised"  Psalms 113:3


Life has been full! Today I left the house with a mental outline of how the day would go, and within an hour it was time to get rid of the so called 'outline'. Each day proves to be a try-out of my flexibility. Although this is not always easy, I'm learning to adapt to and appreciate this characteristic of Kenyan life. I'm so thankful for all the wonderful things that I've had the opportunity to learn these last seven weeks. I hope I will not leave them in Kenya when I return to the States.  


One, two buckle my shoe, three, four let's go to school.

A blue polo, dark denim jeans, a smart pull-over sweater, and of course sharp black shoes is what completes a school uniform for the Cornerstone Preparatory Academy students. These children are so cute in their uniform and look eager to learn how they can make a difference in their beautiful country. It is enjoyable to interact with them on chai break and whenever school gets out at 4:00pm. Everyone's ready run and play, kick a few balls, or see who can swing the highest.  

Last week Allison, Emily, and I started having a craft time with the eight different classes. Monday through Thursday we have a class or two in the afternoon. We try to piggy back on what they are already learning in school. For an example, the EDC class is learning letters, sounds, and shapes to name a few. So we took pipe cleaners and had them form it into the first letter of their name, then glue it to a paper plate and decorate it.  

A happy class of 20! :)

Tabitha and Rehab had so much fun! 

It's a pleasure to see the children's delight in their work. Most of the NV kids have done crafts and the such like before, but most of the community children are now learning how to cut with scissors, glue things on the paper, and color with bright colored markers. It takes patiences but it is so much fun to teach them these new and fun aspects of school.

Busy at work.

I'd say he was pretty happy with his flower. :)

On Thursday of last week the two interns, Allison and Emily, and myself went to Nairobi to do a little sightseeing and stay the night with Emily's parents. We visited the Giraffe Center on Friday morning. It was so cool to pet and feed them! The keepers even tried to get us to put the pellet of food between our lips and have the giraffes lick them from our mouths. We all opted for a pass on that one! :)    

After we finished at the Giraffe Center, we toured the Bomas of Kenya. Bomas is the Swahili word for home. There were over twenty different homesteads from the variety of tribes across Kenya. It was so interesting to see how the different tribes live and establish their homes and families. The practice of polygamy is fairly common in rural Kenya. So it was intriguing to gauge how the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wives are treated by the size of their houses and granaries.

One of the homesteads even had a guesthouse. We were all so thankful that the NV guesthouse is much more 'user-friendly'. :)

Often on Saturday night we will gather around the fire pit to sing and dance before the children head to bed. It is always a great time to watch these kids come alive with worship and praise to our Maker. They all love to sing and dance -sometimes I can't help but join them.

"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!" Psalms 150:6