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!
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