Perseverance. Day 4--Kibera slum.

Today we woke up at 5am to go on a morning game drive at the Nairobi National Park. So, basically a mini safari. It was a beautiful morning! The first time I was in Kenya, one of the locals told me, "do not visit our country and only see the poverty and violence, you must see the beauty too." I'll never forget that. I almost did not go, simply because I have experienced a safari before but the entire team was going and I knew we were about to experience a tough day so I decided to go. I'm so glad I did. Our team shared a lot of laughter. We were sll in the same bus, with a pop up roof. We saw buffalo, rhinos, giraffe, hippos, birds and a few other things. It was truly wonderful to start out the day seeing God's beauty and creation. 

From there we went to Nairobi Java House (my favorite) for breakfast. It was delicious of course! We traveled to the Kibera slum next. It is the largest slum in Africa, and one of the largest in the world. They have just recently started an Academic Center with 45 children, so at this point, none of the children are yet sponsored. Maryanne on our team is a photographer and Brenda Kean asked her to take pictures of the children so that their profiles can eventually be on the website as they develop a sponsorship program for them. We played all afternoon with them. Its amazing how something so simple as blowing bubbles can bring so much joy & laughter. There was this little angel Sharon with the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. They are all so incredibly beautiful!

We went on a few home visits. The testimonies the women gave were so powerful. One in particular was when we visited Margaret's home. She had to be one of the strongest women I've met so far. Some of the women have been more reserved and quiet with soft hand shakes and hugs, but Margaret spoke with strength and confidence. She seems very in tune with God and is believing that better things are yet to come. She was so grateful that we would come visit her, it was as if God may have been using our visit to show her that he has not forgotten about her and loves her so much. I will never forget the way she grabbed my hand and squeezed it as though she was saying, "I hear you God. I won't give up. I know you are with me." I just pray that he'll continue to use me and that I'll be more in tune when he is. 

We went on to visit the women that work at the Kabira Jacaranda Creations branch. They moved to a new location since last year. What a blessing it was to hear each of their testimonies of how God has provided for and looked after them. Such beautiful examples of Gods faithfulness in our lives. Many of the women are HIV positive, so they have really difficult days, but still smile and praise God in the midst of it all. I hope and pray to live my life more intentionally and to trust and believe in God's timing and provision. 

Overall, it was a hard day, but I certainly have a full heart ♥

"The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." --Psalm 145:14-18

Change. Day 3--Kayole slum

In today's morning devotion, we discussed the book of Acts and how one of the Apostles was given divine appointments and was very in tune with the voice of God. It was a good challenge for me to start thinking about the moments that God places before me each and everyday. I think this is especially important to pay attention to during these moments we are walking through the slums and the women are asking for prayers regarding their health, job opportunities, financial provision, etc.

Then today's question was, what is one thing that you will change in your daily life as a result of this trip?

Have power over my attitude and thoughts.
Be more intentional & find the lost
Relying on prayer
Putting our hope in Jesus
Talk to neighbors, strangers
Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you- health, finances, etc.

Today we headed out to Kayole slum. It was a longer drive across town through the busy streets. There was not much conversation on the way over, simply because there was so much to take in and
process as we witnessed "life on the streets in Africa".

We arrived at the Jacaranda Kayole branch. Rose is the Branch Leader. She is such a sweet woman with such a servant heart. She shared her testimony with all of us. She is a single mother who was in an abusive relationship and by God's grace, she met Brenda Kean, works for Jacaranda and has a passion for other women. She is someone you know is going to do great and mighty things.

Next we visited the Academic Center next door to the Jacarenda Creations branch that just 1 year  ago, was not there. There were approximately 30 children. They sang for us--cutest thing ever. The innocence and sweetness of these children just melt my heart. We ate lunch and split up to go on home visits.

Our group visited Jane's home first. She is a single mother of Jack and Sharon. Like many of the homes we've visited, hers was small but you could tell she was making it as comfortable for her children as possible. She shared with us that her husband was a drunkard and would sometimes urinate in the bed they all shared. There was even a time he urinated in a water container and she did not know it, so she drank out of it. My heart sank. Jack was in school but Sharon was there and I could not get over how much she smiled. There was so much joy in her. After listening to their story, I wanted to ask myself how? Why? This beautiful, innocent child has probably seen so much and yet she still finds joy as these American Muzungus come to visit them. This was a complete eye-opening moment for me. Jane asked for prayer for her finances and that doors would be opened for a job opportunity so she can provide for her family. Pretty basic but crucial needs.

We walked to two more homes. The needs are almost all the same. They are in need of prayer for provision and healing. They don't have stable jobs which means they are unable to provide food for their families and/or rent. It breaks my heart that so many of them need so much of the same thing.

We wrapped up our day at my favorite coffee shop, Nairobi Java House, for a snack. What did I order? A double expresso shake, of course! We traveled back home and rested for a bit and had a team dinner at the Keans home. Delicious. It can be so very hard for me sometimes though to eat an amazing meal after hearing from families who are desperate for food, especially the children. I realize how much I have been blessed but every part of me wanted to take my plate of food to someone in the slums.

Come, Lord Jesus. I know you see these people. I know you feel their pain and suffering. Be near to them. My heart breaks for these women who've been abandoned or abused. Raise up these children to worship and live for you. Hear their cries. Provide for their needs. I ask these things in your name!

Hope. Day 2--Marurui slum

This morning I woke up naturally and felt very well-rested, had a great night of sleep! We began the morning with some team devotional time. Brian asked us to each share one word that described how we felt about the trip at this point.
Long.
Unity.
Funny.
Tired...
Then he asked us to come up with one word we would use to describe how we hope to feel on day 10.
Sad.
Different.
Useful.
Changed.
Heartbroken...
With these he asked us to think about them during the week and what we can do to make these words happen. I loved that.

He also asked us to each be thinking about a question that we cold ask the team each day.

Today's question: "what is your motivation for being on this trip?"

I am going through, "When Helping Hurts" and that was one question that really challenged me. I feel that God is really trying to teach me to TRUST him. When I made the decision to go on this trip, I wasn't sure how financially it was going to happen. Naturally, life happened, finances were tight, the deadlines began approaching and I was not sure how I was going to be able to fund this trip. But God made a way. Through the encouragement and financial support of some amazing friends and family, I am here and I am learning to trust Him more and more everyday. My heart was also heavy over a few personal things in my life and after I saw a video at church and my Pastor Pete Wilson spoke about Missions and how we are called to GO and LOVE, I could not hide the stirring in my heart to want to go. Not to mention 3 of my best buddies, Andrew, Matt & Lauren, are here with me on this trip!

Today we headed to Marurui slum. Truthfully I'm having a difficult time coming up with the words to describe today. Extreme joy and happiness yet also pain and heartbreak. This morning we visited the Jacaranda branch. I was here just one year ago and I am amazed at the growth that has taken place. Today they have an Academic School with 19 of some of the most precious, intelligent, Jesus-filled children I've ever met! Their smiles and laughs filled my heart. The children were divided into 3 rooms by age groups. They were all being taught about the 7 days of Creation. Then they sang for us. There is something so sweet about thr voices of African children singing worship songs. We played games and sometimes just held close the ones that just wanted to be held. We brought cupcakes for their snack and we were all just amazed at how well and how slow they ate them:)


I think God knew that we would need the joy of spending time with these children before we experienced an afternoon of heartbreaking testimonies from the Jacaranda women. Some of them are facing circumstances that some of us in America may never have to face and some of them are similar to our own struggles. The difference: they claimed Jesus as their Lord and Savior first and foremost.

We then split up into groups and began some home visits. This involved walking down dirt roads with garbage and wandering goats surrounding us. The smell of burning charcoal filled the air. We began entering 10x10 shacks with dirt floors, aluminum roofs with holes in them, 1 bed with a thin mattress for a mother and her 5 children, no food and no money. My heart is heavy and burdened for these families. I could just see the desperation in these mothers eyes. Many of the husbands and fathers have walked away and abandoned them. All I know is, when I felt ill-equipped in those moments, all I could do was hug them, turn my thoughts to Jesus and seek his words to pray with them and speak hope into their lives. My heart is broken tonight as I lay here in bed, but I know God is doing a mighty work through Jacaranda Creations.
Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion", says my soul, "therefore I hope in Him!" --Lamentations 3:22-24

This was a verse laid on my heart this morning during our devotional time when we were asked to be praying about some encouraging words for the women in the Marurui slum today. What really stuck out for me in this verse was the word, HOPE. Here in Kenya, there is a lot of despair, hopelessness, fear, depression, anxiety & addictions. I know that in my own life I have also struggled with having hope in desolate times so I can relate with some of their emotions, but I know their circumstances are
much more desperate. My prayer for the people here is that they will turn to Jesus for their needs  and not just to Brenda & Gary Kean and/or the people that come to visit them.

What a wonderful yet transforming and heart wrenching day..

Once your feet hit the dusty soil --Day 1--Cross Point Kenya trip

It is currently 11:00pm on Tuesday, October 8th here in Africa-- so that means it is 3:00 back home. It always amazes me that there is an 8 hour time difference between here and Nashville. I am about to fall asleep but I'm determined to update this as much as possible, even if it is brief.

Our Cross Point team went from 22 people down to 8. Personally I feel it will be a lot easier to manage. I think the dynamics of the group is a great mix! Brian Dishon, our Leader, myself, Lauren, Matt, Andrew, Maryanne, Anna & Lisa. 

We arrived at the Nashville airport at 11:30am and our 1st flight departed around 1:30pm for Washington D.C. Upon arrival there we had a short layover then departed for our 2nd flight to Zurich, Switzerland! That was about an 8 hour flight. It was pretty cool just to be at the Switzerland airport:) Most of us felt like we had to buy something, just because we were actually there. But we didn't, ha. I read a little, watched a movie and tried to get some sleep. I had an entire row to myself, very unlikely for an international flight! Selfishly I would've loved to keep it and lay completely down. But I didn't. I asked Matt to join us, since he was the only one in the group to sit away from us. Lauren and Andrew sat behind us so we were all close together!

We had a brief layover and then we were off to Nairobi. That was about another 8 hour flight. They seem to go rather quickly for me. I read some more, watched another movie, ate and fell asleep. We arrived about 6pm. The airport recently had a fire and so a lot of it was under construction. But everything logistically went smoothly. All our bags arrived and we walked up to a gentlemen at customs and he asked if we were all together. I told him yes and that there were 8 of us. He waived us through! Thank you, Jesus!

There was so much anticipation to see the faces of Shaan and Sheila, two very sweet girls that I have built a great relationship with and who work for Jacaranda Creations. They greeted us at the airport. We ran up to each other for hugs! Such a sweet moment, I felt like I was truly at my home away from home. We loaded our bus and arrived at the Guest House. It is beautiful. It was so good to see Brenda Kean and all of her girls. They made us potato soup and bread. It was delightful after a long day of travel! Lauren and I are sharing a room together, We unpacked and settled in for bed. 

What a long and exhausting day, but it feels so good to be here!! I'm so thankful to ALL of my friends and family who played a part in helping me to get here, either by supporting me financially and/or with your prayers. My sincere prayer is that God will use me in a way to bless everyone I meet and that our team will make a lasting impact on the people here --that we would help them and not hurt them or us. That we can encourage them that God sees them and their situations and He will care for them and not abandon them. I have learned that our culture looks at poverty from a material perspective, but the reality is-- they have developed a much stronger intimacy with God and are rich in faith while many of us Americans are spiritually poor. Lord, give me the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the words to speak what you have called me to do. 

Goodnight all!