Final thoughts by Danna

“His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?” “He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.” (Job 9: 4, 8-9)

I opened my Bible randomly and read these verses last week as I was contemplating going outside late one night to look again at the wonder of the stars and constellations that can be seen from the mountaintop in Kenya, where we were staying. It was enough to compel me to go outside alone and sit on the mountaintop around midnight to enjoy the wonders of God’s creation. The vastness of the heavens, the countless twinkling stars, the Milky way, all speak of God’s greatness. It was awe-inspiring to think that the God who made the heavens and the earth also made each of us and has given each of us a part in His grand plan for the world He created.

Four years ago, when I first came with my family to Kenya, I had no idea how my heart would be knit to these people who live half a world away. Before we left that week, I felt that I had gained many brothers and sisters in Christ and I have longed to return to then ever since. When our group finally arrived on “the hill” about 2 weeks ago, I truly felt that I had come home again.

Four years ago, we were caring for only 11 children, so it was easy to get to know each of them. Since then we have added almost 60 more children, so I had many new faces and names to learn this time! In addition, there are several new caregivers who pour out their love on these children. I feel that my family has grown exponentially! Each of these children and adults has a purpose in God’s plan. They are each his precious children and I count it a privilege to know them and to get to watch them grow. Life there is still challenging in ways that we cannot fully understand, but they are so full of love and joy that it is contagious. Little things like water bottles and toothbrushes are causes for celebration. Praise songs are sung continually. Joy is everywhere.
There were so many memorable moments from this trip that I will carry with me for a lifetime. A few of the things that were accomplished during our six days on the hill include: physicals, including vision and hearing screenings on the 70 children in the home (plus a few adults); teaching health and hygiene (hand washing, tooth brushing, germ transmission, oral rehydration, etc) to almost 500 kids in the school and over 65 adults in the community; overseeing the building of the next phase of the children’s home; two “recruitment” visits, a talent show, lots of singing, movie and popcorn night, playing with the kids and getting to know each of them better, handing out sponsor letters, typhoid immunizations on the children and caregivers, visiting with local health officials, visiting two nearby hospitals, playing soccer/volleyball, a beautiful outdoor church service on Sunday and so much more!

There are so many stories to tell of God’s provision, His wisdom and His faithfulness during this trip. I pray that I will never forget how to be joyful in whatever circumstances I may find myself. God is faithful and He “shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19)

Pictures

Well -

We are back in America. Tired but joyful. God was so faithful in accomplishing His desires on the hill. Small details that we could not have predicted or planned for were taken care of and we have much to be grateful for. While we were on 'The Hill' we all remained healthy and full of energy. We had several bouts with sickness but not until we reached the safari hotel which was a much better place to be sick. Here are several pictures of our trip

Sherry-Tuesday, March 3

Ps. 33:8 ”Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” I read this verse today when I was looking out over the Mara. If I didn’t already believe in God, I certainly would now! The view is so vast and beautiful! It reminds me of the greatness of God! There is so much more than we can see. Like the verse says, I am humbled and stand in awe of our majestic Creator!

Many of us have needed this day of rest after a very full week with the children at Trans Mara Children’s home. One of the highlights was the Talent Show. “Uncle Nate” helped the children come up with acts for the show. Piper and Katy did a “short people” skit with their knees in shoes on top of a table. It brought a lot of laughs. Various groups of orphans sang songs and danced for us. They are so beautiful! I can imagine that singing brings a lot of comfort to them after the tragic circumstances they have faced. Uncle Nate played the guitar while the American and African children sang “God is so good” together. They also sang it in their native tongue. Besides the truth of the words to the song, a highlight was watching little Barnaba play a miniature guitar right next to Nate. Kira and Katie did a teacher/student African counting lesson that made the children giggle. What fun!

My personal favorite in the Talent Show was Noah Leboo’s puppet story. He used the monkey puppet with BIG teeth from Jill’s dental hygiene lesson. He had the children laughing out loud. Many of them are usually expressionless. It was so wonderful to see them gathered on the hill having fun! We celebrated their talents with a couple of “movie nights” where we watched video footage of the talent show and previous trips. I think the children enjoyed seeing themselves on the TV. A few of the Americans worked hard at making popcorn over a fire outside. It was late and some of the children were falling asleep. When the popcorn was brought in, the scene changed. There was popcorn everywhere as the children enjoyed a tasty treat American style. What’s a movie without popcorn?

Church on Sunday was such a blessing. We saw many more people from the community. It cracked me up that they had a portable sound system way out in the bush. We walked in as guests with the choir. Actually we attempted to dance our way in with them, but we looked more like African chickens. The choirs sang and danced, and we all worshiped God together under some very tall trees with a breathtaking view of the green, hilly countryside. We were asked to sing a song. Together we sang two verses of “Amazing Grace.” We felt God’s presence in a special new way. Children played with my hair, held my hand and soaked up any affection that our team had to give.

Dr. Mike was asked by Joseph to speak to the group. He humbly spoke of our desperate need of a Savior, something that all cultures have in common. The love of Jesus shined through him while the sun shone through the trees. Noah Leboo was brought into the middle. We all celebrated the success of his surgery together and thanked God that he was given the opportunity to have his foot deformity corrected. He anxiously awaits the day when he can play soccer again after his recovery.

I was so touched by the family atmosphere at the orphanage. I don’t think we should call the children orphans anymore. They have wonderful, dedicated, committed, faithful caregivers that work tirelessly to cook for them, support them, love them and teach them about the hope and love of Jesus. Just a few staff people take care of 70 children! Four children doesn’t seem as overwhelming after watching these servants care for so many! The older children help the younger ones a lot! Little Moses, one year old, has so many “mothers”! He has to be one of the most loved little boys in the whole world! God has turned the children’s tragic circumstances into an opportunity to shine His light to other hurting people. I am inspired by their courage and am thankful for all who have made Trans Mara Children’s Home possible for these precious children!

On a closing note, I am remembering the simplicity and beauty of life on the hill. I know that I allow my life in IL to become so busy at times that I miss out on some of the most beautiful parts. I am motivated to work on my priorities and love more sacrificially to bring glory to God!