Today we went to the juvenile home and took with us 113 pairs of flip flops. We were quite a site in the matatu with 2 guitars, 11 oranges for a game we were playing, and all those shoes. Anyway, we did a lesson with them on fear and how it is normal to have fears but that we shouldn't be consumed by them but rather trust God to help us through them. I think this was much more successful this week than last b/c we had someone translate into Swahili. I liked telling my story of how fearful I was getting off the plane in Kenya. I was super nervous with my heart pounding and wondering if I would be stranded there. Until I saw people holding a sign with my name...a very good feeling. Anyway, we played some relay games afterwards, and I was quite amazed that we were able to put all the boys into lines. Then we passed out the shoes before we left. One of the teachers got all the kids together afterwards and started thanking us. His voice seemed to quiver and I thought he might start crying. He said, "We are so grateful b/c this has been a huge need for a long time. And God showed you that need, and you answered." It was very touching and made me want to cry too. Then they all did this clapping cheer for us. It is so muddy at this place, and so I can't imagine never wearing shoes. There's a random cow walking around too--not really fenced in, and this cow dung, and yeah, you just really want some shoes.
I realized today that all of the MSTs are now the oldest child in the family. Some of you know that I'm obsessed with birth order traits...you should really read some research about this if you've never heard of it. As oldest children, we tend to be leaders, stubborn, and organized. I think for me this is almost becoming a hinderance at times to what I'm doing. It's very hard to step back and know how to work together as a team. We all have very different backgrounds and ideas, so meshing them can be a challenge. Please pray for us, and me especially, that I would be a better listener and flexible to everyone's ideas. Love is patient!
In positive news, I've been very inspired by Velvet Elvis. Part of it talks about missionaries and reads, "The issue isn't so much taking Jesus to people who don't have him, but going to a place and pointing out to the people there the creative, life-giving God who is already present in their midst." Isn't this so true--God is in the joy that we experience being with friends, in the sunset you watch before going to sleep, and in the smile I see on the children's faces in the schools of Kibera. God has put good and wonderful things and experiences in our midst and we much reach out and cherish them. I'm continually amazed by the amount of faith and trust that many Kenyans have in God. They are so pleased in their humble circumstances...without material things to get in the way, perhaps it is easier to embrace the small acts of love, joy, and peace surrounding us. So look around you today, see where God is at in your world, and praise Him for it.
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