Update #5 East Africa A (New Photos Added)

Ham Jambo Marafiki! 

(Hello Friends) 

It’s has been a wonderful couple days here in East Africa! Here is a highlight from each team member based on the weekend. 

After an amazing church service on Sunday, the pastor invited our entire team and then some neighbors to his families house. There, we shared soda (which is way more flavorful here :D), cookies, queen cake, and stories. We also met the founder of Empowering Lives International (ELI) who spoke about the help they give to people struggling with addiction, along with other amazing directives. Following, the pastor shared his testimony about receiving help from ELI in the past. I was so moved (to tears) by his openness, and his wife’s heart to stand by his side when hearing of his past. – Deb

On Sunday we had the amazing opportunity to visit ELI’s children’s home down the road from us. They showed us around the home before we gave testimonies and a devotional. I was amazed by the way the house parents loved their children and their heart for the organization. When we were touring the home, two girls ran up to me and wanted to hold my hands. Later, another girl ran up to us and tried to hold my hand, two to a hand. The children’s joy and love they share with each other and us as a team amazes me. – Kathleen

Today after having chai, we had the privilege to take some Swahili lessons and it was great. I can officially say “Nina sema Kiswahili kidogo” (I speak Swahili a little bit). Then we had the opportunity to serve at Kimbilio Hospice and of course, I was with the children. Seeing their big and bright smiles was the best way to start off the morning. It is inspiring to see how they can find joy in the simple things. Today was also the first day of VBS, and I had a blast with all the children. I had the opportunity to connect with a group of children through music, crafts, games and snacks. Having many little children come and hold my hands filled my heart with joy. I am really looking forward to this week and for what God has in store for this community and our team. – Bella 

On Saturday morning, we had a much needed resting/prep time for the coming week. During this time I chose to join Mama Richard in hand washing my clothes outside our guesthouse (I felt like a real East African). She showed me how to properly wash the clothes, while talking about her little ones and her husband running around the house. While this may seem like a simple moment, that is the exact thing which made it stick out to me. For the first time in a long time, I found so much joy in the simplicity of life. No technology, no shortcuts, just two women having a genuine conversation about each others’ very different lives, while doing a seemingly mundane task. I’ve been so grateful for these times within the last couple days that remind me to find the joy in the smallest of moments. I hope I can remember this feeling once I get home! – Hannah

My Saturday morning was started early for a hike up to this rock overlooking a valley to watch that sunrise. The changing colors in the sky and the green in the nature surrounding me is a beautiful reminder of God. Nothing really compares to it and no picture can really capture the beauty. 

Another constant reminder of God is the hospitality I have received while here. The people around me are always inviting us into their home to visit with them or to talk over chai. One specific lady, that I met at a Bible study, was quick to invite me over for the following day. She came running behind me as I arrived with open arms and a huge smile. She served me chai and told me all about her family. The way that the community welcomes us right in and wants to host us in their home is an amazing aspect of their culture and a testament to the character of God. — Kayden

Our first day of Fruit of the Spirit themed VBS was all about joy. The 220 schoolchildren patiently listened to the story of Paul and Silas choosing joy and worshipping while in prison. I was in charge of games and taught the children to play human knot (untangling themselves like the chains on Paul and Silas). One wheelchair bound boy was unable to play the game, and sat to the side in the shade. Once the children grew tired of human knot, I taught them red light green light (at Hannah’s suggestion). I decided the wheelchair bound boy would be the one to call out when the kids run, and I even put my bucket hat on him because “the hat makes you the boss”. All were blessed by the joy he expressed being able to participate in the game from a seat of honor. It was a reminder to me of how God raises up the lowly into the highest of places. — Ryan

Our family is LOVING Africa! It’s been so wonderful to have our children meet all our friends from over the years, see life here, and have the opportunity to serve. Joshua and Titus are playing lots of music, and Chloe has been leading the crafts at VBS.  Titus appreciated hearing the Pastor’s Mikes testimony and how God delivered him from addiction to now be a pastor. Alyssa and I are reconnecting with many friends, and soaking up the precious days here. I have had the opportunity to preach or share a number of times already. The experiences have been rich!  -Daniel (on behalf of Gluck family)

Thank you for tuning into to the East Africa team adventures!! We love you all so much and miss you dearly! Your continuous prayers are felt by all of us. 

Mungu Awabariki (God Bless you all)