Hello morning, Extend my arms to feel the covering of my mosquito net, resting on the living room floor. With no mirror and little makeup I strive towards a life free from vanity; yet ecstatic I get when I can catch a glimpse in a reflective window. No comfort of a toilet or a shower, working with a hole and a bucket.  Walking miles each day to reach my location; ready to take my morning tea. Today I heard the cries of a child; getting beaten through the walls of his school. I cringe at the thought that it may be my dear boy Felix.  At the hospital I see rows of people suffering...

I spent my Father’s Day at an orphanage.  There are few things quite as humbling as ruminating on the blessings of my own father in the presence of 150 children with no dads of their own.  But in the midst of children lacking nearly everything I daily take for granted, I found that they have something of infinite value that I am missing – unwavering joy. I was slightly terrified to visit the orphanage yesterday.  Not afraid of being heartbroken (though I was), not afraid of feeling their hurt (though I did), but afraid of having my heart stolen.  As I have...

Life is so simple in Africa. There aren't things like TV or the Internet available constantly to distract you. You can actually sit and read your bible without being interrupted by a text message.  Washing yourself with a few baby wipes each night is much faster than a shower back home. Getting ready in the morning takes about 10 minutes because what's the point of make up or straight hair in the middle of Africa? Riding on the back of a bike (called a 'bota bota') to get places is such a thrill. Love is constantly being poured out on you by the beautiful African...

Let me begin by explaining the title of this blog and warn you that parts may be difficult to read for the weak stomached. As I was strolling along the main road with one of my teammates the other day, I happened to slip on a banana peel and nearly fall. Thankfully, I have catlike reflexes (I wish) and caught myself before I could be embarrassed in front of my teammate and every other Kenyan within sight who was obviously looking in my direction since I am a muzungu (white person). Instead of asking why on earth a banana peel was lying in the middle of the dirt road, I gathered my bearings...

Jambo! Habari? (“Hello, how are you” in Swahili). My team and I have been in Kenya for nine days now, and let me tell you, we have learned a heap ton already. When we arrived in Nairobi, Kenya late Wednesday night, we traveled to a hostel in three garis (cars), two of which were on empty according to the gas tank on the dashboard. Throughout the hour long drive to the hostel, the gas lever fell farther and farther below that infamous red E. Needless to say, I was praying constantly that God would get us there without breaking down, and thankfully He did. We didn’t sleep...

 My time in Kenya has begun in full force! So far it has been a reminder to me of what authentic love looks like. A feeling that evokes every emotion and action.   We are swarmed by the bright faces of children daily. My heart has gravitated to a young boy, Felix. He seems to find my hand everyday to slip his into, followed with a shy smile. We have exchanged love since I have only learned to speak a little Swahili. I have discovered he is a Compassion child. From what I have observed I believe he lives in a very tiny wood shack on the street. I do not yet know if he is...