Thursday, August 30, 2007

Sunday, August 19, 2007

a new identity

We left as a team, but we came home a family...






Saturday, August 18, 2007

a day of compassion...





While in Nairobi, I had the incredible privilege of visiting Amelia, the little girl that I sponsor through Compassion International.

I first met Amelia and her little sister Judy two years ago on a mission trip to Kenya. I'll never forget seeing Amelia's face for the first time and brushing the tears from my eyes when she ran and jumped into my arms!

During that first trip to Kenya, I also got to know Amelia's mother, Lillian, who has since passed away. She was an incredible woman, who both humbled me and blessed me when she shared, "We pray for you every day."

Amelia and Judy now live with extended family. Amelia has learned so much English in the past two years - It was fun to actually be able to talk with her! And little Judy is a firecracker! She doesn't know a stranger!



Monday, August 13, 2007

a sanctuary of hope

One of the highlights of our time in Kenya was the opportunity to meet the precious children who live at the Sanctuary of Hope, a division of Hope's Promise Orphan Ministries, a Colorado-based organization.



Once orphaned, these children have all been rescued from the slums of Mathare Valley into a permanent home of love with Pastor and Mama Karau.






Stacey
David
Stacy
Victor
Eva
Janet
John
Geoffrey
Kevin
George...
love those kiddos!






Sunday, August 12, 2007

heroes of the faith

Pastor and Mama Karau are two of my favorite people! They shepherd the body of believers at the Mathare Worship Center, and they are also houseparents to the ten beautiful children at the Sanctuary of Hope!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Teacher Kevo

Next to the parachute, Teacher Kevo was the next best thing at recess!

His balloons were a big hit, and he taught the kids how to play Simon Says and Red Light/Green Light...





Who needs a playground when you have Teacher Kevo?!





Monday, August 06, 2007

recess!



As is true for nearly every child, recess was a highlight of every day!

The kids don't have a playground... but they fully enjoy the dirt clearing just outside the church building. They were completely enthralled with the multi-colored parachute that we brought and called it "the rainbow."

Teacher Fredah carefully counted all the jumpropes and balls at the end of every recess to make sure none had escaped with a local neighborhood child...