Red Dirt, Rain, and Babies: Welcome to Kenya

Kenya, what a beautiful place. Our arrival was graced by the first rain here since October. As I stepped off the plan directly onto the runway, I looked to the night sky and allowed the drops of warm rain to run down my face. I took a few deep breaths of the humid air and I knew I was back. Africa just has a feel, a scent. And those who have been here will agree. Everyone was so joyful at the blessing of rain. We even joked how since we're from Seattle we brought it with us. Our Kenyan friends laughed and genuinley thanked us for bringing it. How desperatly the land needed it. How beautiful is the imagrey. As we arrive the sky opens up to refresh, feed, and heal the dry red ground. We've come with the same purpose, but with us we carry the Lvining Water and the healing, refreshing, and restoring power and love of Jesus. The rain and my team seem to have the same agenda. My prayer is that our trip can have the same effect on the people here. Joy, dancing, feeding of hearts, thankfulnes to God, and celebration. I've been to Afica before, but I already feel humbled by my experience here. The people are lovely and the children, as always, steal your heart. The missionary family we are staying with currently have a four month old orphaned foster baby named Joseph and that boy has stolen a piece of my heart. He'll be up for adoption soon, so if anyone if looking for a beautiful, handsome boy to love, he is a doll. He has a difficult story, but God's grace is one his life, and I believe his name is only a forshadowing to the leader and man of God he will become. My heart for the vulnerable little ones only grows bigger. We visited a secondary school today in a slum of around 6,000 people not too far from where we are staying. We toured the school grounds and met some of the students and teachers. We will hopefully be doing some health teaching there later this month. A sweet five year old little girl names Joyce became my fast friend, in addition to another 25 other children as we walked the muddy garbage filled streets. Joyce brought me flowers and as I showed her how to put one behind her ear as a pretty decoration. Soon all the children wanted one, even the boys. Placeing a flower of blessing behind each of their ears was a moment I'll cherish for a very long time. Slums are complicated places, with much need, yet so much joy in the simplicity of daily life. The women washing clothes in the river, singing and laughing together. The children playing hopscotch, barefoot in the red dirt. Finding such fun and joy in a flower being carefullly placed behind your ear by a blonde mazungu. I have a feeling I will enjoy this month. Jesus use my hands to bless, heal, and love. Much Love, ~Ally