Wednesday – And a little child will lead them……

Pictures of HCF visits and Giraffe Park

Today was our opportunity to visit in homes of the children in Kibera involved in the Bible clubs and their families.  Getting to know and love the children has opened doors for Homecare to get know their families, understand their needs, and minister to them in meaningful ways.

We broke up into three groups, each with one of the Homecare staff, so that we could visit as many families as possible, to encourage and pray with each of them. As we shared as a team tonight, each group had very special times with those they met.  Going into Kibera can be an overwhelming experience.  The environment is harsh.  With little or no sanitation, very little running water or electricity, the conditions are deplorable.  With houses constructed of mud and sticks, or cardboard and tin, with as many as ten or more living in a ten by ten space, life is a constant challenge.  And yet, in the midst of all this, God is greatly at work.

The stories we heard today were very similar.  Usually a mother left with children to care for by herself, with little or no education or skills to be able to find work to provide the most meager necessities.  The children would probably not be able to attend school if it were not for the help of Homecare to provide the needed school fees and uniforms required to go to school.  Often it is a relative who has taken the role of caretaker because the mother is ill, or a grandmother who is now raising her grandchildren due to the death of her children.  They carry heavy burdens…..but they have hope and encouragement because of what Homecare has done for them and recognize that it is because of God’s love expressed through Homecare.  Each one praised God for His goodness in connecting them with Homecare and were so appreciative of the help they and their children have received.

These children, and their families, have hopes and dreams for a better future, especially a renewed hope for their children.  One little boy shared that he wants to be a policeman when he grows up; another wants to be a doctor, dreams that not long ago would have been unthinkable now seem possible. 

The volunteers who work with these children every week are amazing.  They give so much of their time and love to build into the lives of boys and girls so that they can know and experience God’s unconditional love for them, which then continues into the family as a whole.  Though the environment and circumstances are harsh, they are trusting in God’s care.  What an encouragement this was to each of us.  How easy it is to be caught up in our own struggles and lose sight of God’s faithful work and continual blessing in our lives.  They teach us what a grateful heart looks like.

We so appreciate the hearts of the Homecare workers who give so much of themselves to reach out to the people of Kibera.  It is hard work; it is tireless and often discouraging, but they press on, faithfully loving and serving.

Everyone on the team has stepped outside themselves in significant ways to connect, embrace, listen, encourage and pray with the people we have met.  We are so grateful for each one and how they have connected with the people here.  This is the joy of serving together.  All are doing well and enjoying the Kenya experience.

A very special surprise today was a visit from two teens who had attended one of our youth camps in 2008.  We had not seen Fred and Valentine since that camp.  Now in 10^th and 11^th grade, they have grown up quite a bit since then.  We remembered Fred as a bright young man, Valentine as a gifted singer and songwriter, even back then.  What a joy to get to reconnect with them and hear how God has continued to work in their lives!  Fred recited a poignant poem about the struggles in Kenya following the 2007 elections.  Valentine sang one of her songs for us, her voice stronger and even more beautiful.  Both of them are involved in youth ministry with their peers, urging them against violence, drugs and risky behaviors.  Both are serious students.  Fred comes to Homecare every afternoon to study in the quiet of the library they have established.  It was very touching to hear Fred say how much the camp had meant to him, how it had inspired him in his walk with Jesus.  So often we never know what happens with the people we meet, so it is so encouraging to hear such a testimony and see the evidence of their spiritual growth.  Young people like these are the future and hope of Kenya.

On our way back to the retreat center we stopped at a giraffe sanctuary dedicated to protecting the Rothschild giraffes, an endangered species.  Here they encourage increased breeding of these amazing creatures and care for their young until they are two and can be released into their habitat in protected preserves.   They have a raised building that puts visitors at eye level with the giraffes, allowing them to feed the animals right out of their hands.  There were more people there today than we have ever seen before, bus loads of Asian tourists who swarmed the platform to feed and touch the giraffes.  By the time the crowds had thinned, the giraffes seemed fully fed and not as interested in taking the food pellets we offered them, but we did get to see them up close to admire their huge eyes, beautifully designed bodies and amazing size.

One of our teammates had to leave us tonight due to prior commitments. We hated to say goodbye to Kara; we so enjoyed having her as a part of this team.  We’re so thankful for each one on the team, for their willingness to serve and give of themselves.  Each day has been a joy.

Tomorrow we will return to Homecare Center to spend time with the AIDS widows and then join in the weekly time of praise and prayer open to all in the community.  We look forward to this special time with them.

Today was sobering, but encouraging.  Even in tough circumstances, God is at work.  He has His people placed where they can be His lights, and we’re thankful that we can join with them.