Jambo! We are here! After meeting my wonderful team at training camp, travelling for three days straight, staying in a lodge for a surprise few days, and moving constantly – we have made it to Busia. It has not been easy at all. I will be honest and say that I naturally miss home a lot. Though despite this, the children really bring so much joy. The smiles across their faces when they see a mzungo (white person) as they run and jump into your arms. The only way we can communicate is through love as we cannot communicate very easily through words. It is like they adore us, always wanting to hold our hands. At times, you will have 10 children holding your two hands. They will love you more than you have ever felt… It gives you chills.
We are staying with Rev. Gideon and the Deliverance Church. Though the accommodations are not American standard and I have been a bit overwhelmed, I’m ready for God to use this. On Saturdays we work with the street children. It really breaks my heart to see these middle school age children growing up without food, discipline, or anything for that matter. Right now it is extremely hard working with these kids, but I know they need love. My favorite time so far is Saturday afternoon; we work with the Compassion International Ministries children. It brings tears to my eyes seeing the children from the cards in person. There are 200 children at the church and only 70 are being sponsored (hint hint… do it!). Honestly, it gives you chills.
Sundays consist of church from sunrise to sunset – a very long but good day. Prayer begins at 7:30am, worship around 8:15am, and then preaching. The second service runs from 10am til noon. This past Sunday I was blessed with the opportunity to teach the younger children in Sunday School with two of my teammates. We taught them Bible songs in English and even though they had no idea what we were saying, they caught on! Though it was a long and hot day, the people of the Deliverance Church in Busia are so welcoming, beautiful and once again each smile gives you chills.
So although I am struggling at the moment with a few things, I do see Jesus in these people and I hope Jesus shines through me. I cannot wait to see the miracles that He will perform and the changes that will happen in my heart and life. I’m ready for all of those “God chills“.
Awaheri! Thank you for all of your messages, thoughts, and prayers. Love and miss you all!
