“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)
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