today was one of the most rewarding days i've had so far i think. it was pretty jammed pack, and i always feel good about having a full day where things get accomplished. we went to the juvenile home this morning. despite waiting an hour for the kenyans, yes it was really testing my patience, we did make it in time. it's a good thing heidi is around this week b/c she adds such a positive energy to the team. while we were waiting, i was getting so frustrated, and heidi said, let's pray. she's so good about that i've noticed. she's always making sure we pray for whatever activity we're doing or for different needs on the team. i think i really struggle with prayer sometimes. but i'm learning more and more what a vital part of the christian walk it is.
at juvenile, we talked about how God can answer prayers either by saying, "No, Grow, or Go." I discussed the grow thing and talked about how i really wanted that job at the art museum. and i applied for that job 3 times before it actually happened. looking back, i have realized that God really wanted me to grow as a teacher and in experience before i had that job. the same thing happened with coming to Africa too. i remember dreaming and praying about being here for over 2 years. and now here i am. popo put on this funny skit for the kids. it was all in swahili, but i got the jist. basically these 2 characters were fighting over 2 mandazi (like donut). one piece had a bite taken out and they both wanted the other full piece. so then popo came along and remedied the situation by taking a bite out of the other piece. but one was still bigger than the other. so then popo would bite one piece and the characters would keep fighting that they still weren't even. and by the end, popo ate both entire pieces and there was none left. it was really hilarious, although i'm not explaining it well. somehow i think this related to the lesson on prayer, although i have no clue how seeing as none of it was in English.
in the afternoon we went to the other juvenile home where i'm teaching. it was so odd upon arrival b/c all the kids were eating lunch but we couldn't find any teachers or staff anywhere. basically they leave these kids unsupervised for over 2 hours! and yet they behave. we were pondering why exactly this is seeing as they seem very disciplined but yet have so much freedom. i think it's b/c they get caned for getting in trouble. the pastor constantly carries around this big stick, so i suppose that's a bit intimidating. anyway, during our waiting with the kids at lunch, we were quite perplexed as to what was going on. we entertained the kids with all sorts of songs. i was really digging out the old camp favorites. heidi was cracking them up with her over dramatization of skits. finally someone came and we had 2 art sessions with the kids. i had them decorate construction paper to be used as journal covers. you know mom, that package could not have come at a more perfect time. they loved doing this were really well behaved. by the second class they were so focused they hardly talked. i had a nice conversation with a boy named Javan. he is super talented with drawing. his uncle is an architect, and it is clear that Javan has learned about architectural drawing from him. he has a whole notebook of sketches of houses and floor plans. he even drew the school building and it looks a lot like the real thing. his designs are very creative and depict upscale kenyan houses. i was super impressed. i gave him some colored pencils to keep b/c he really wanted to color his drawings. i'm not sure if this is a good idea to give something to only one kid, but you know sometimes being fair means not exactly being fair to everyone...if that makes since. i just saw an opportunity to nuture talent. i asked him if he'd make a drawing for me if i bring him some paper. i can't tell you how grateful i am to be helping kids here make art and get to talk about God at the same time. it was a truly wonderful afternoon, and i feel so blessed by these children.
by the way, another blessing, did i mention we have a microwave now? we're coming up in the world. but you know what's funny? i haven't even used it. it's amazing what you get used to living without and don't even need anymore.
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