Departing the plane in Kenya there was a small part of me expecting to see Sally Struthers standing in an arid patch of dessert surrounded by emaciated children shouting, You can save the children! Or maybe I’d see a giraffe. Or maybe hear someone say, Hakuna Matata!
But the truth couldn’t be any further than the truth as a group of modern looking teens welcomed our team in song and dance in the Kenya airport. The overwhelming sense of love and joy has demystified all stereotypes and media portrayals of Africa.
Yes, there is pain and poverty. But there is pain and poverty everywhere!
So what’s the difference of the people here? The difference is in the faces and demeanor of those we worshipped with at Mavuno church. God moved as we corporately glorified Him through song—and dance. Oh yeah, these people get dooooooown! [I was shakin’ what my Momma gave me in the most holiest way. ‘Cause really, even the most conservative Christian would’ve been dancing like David danced.]
The idea of missions is going beyond handing out bread and passing out water. It’s moving beyond telling someone Jesus loves them. It’s beyond trying to impart Western ideas of how things should be done. This is doing life with normal Christians, doing life in hard circumstances. But the coolest thing is that sounds like us. Me, you, here and there.
I’m exhausted and have a full day ahead tomorrow, but I’m attaching some pictures 🙂
Lon Kalapp was here! Kibera slums, Nirobi, Kenya
Cindy Alvarez took pictures of amazing children in the Kibera slums. Yes, Cindy was here.
Claudia Figueroa laughed as she showed Kibera children how they danced. Claudia was here.
Jennifer Johnson "shot" this picture in Kenya. JJ was here.
For those who have donated, I want to say thank you. I’m here because of you. Whatever the size of your donation, it matters.
For those who would still like to donate, check out the “kenya countdown” blog post to see how. I’m still $2,300 dollars short. Any amount helps 🙂
So glad you found time to blog. Been praying for your trip. Sounds like it is off to a great start. Keep us posted!
Just as a followup, your trip with Compassion will rock your world. I wish you the absolute best!
Looking forward to more updates.
Thanks for your continued support 🙂
Why am I crying?! I love you. I'm so, so proud of you. Seriously.
sooooo wish I was there :0) missing me some Nairobi right now!
As I ate chabati, I thought of you! Thank you for loving Kenya… it's contagious.
This just blessed my heart:
"This is doing life with normal Christians, doing life in hard circumstances. But the coolest thing is that sounds like us. Me, you, here and there."
Doing life and praising God!
Amen to that.
Thank you, Aljolja! PS How do you pronouce your name? I feel silly asking…
SO happy you all made it safely there. Love the pictures…those little people…beautiful!
Thank you, Miss UCI! Keep me in your prayers.
OMG I had to laugh when I started to read the start of the post because I would have been thinking the same thing. you are to funny..Looks like the Lord is blessing you guys out there.
So this makes us both lame, right? Sally Struthers and Lion King. We are soooo spiritual!
Crying at my desk. Praying for you daily. Thanks for sharing.
Nothing but love,
Cindy
Oh my dear friend… I'm here because of you.
Thank you for believing in me…
Check you out looking so cute in Africa…makeup and hair in tact. Will be praying for you. Take care!
I may look like I have it together but I assure you I smell and put the funk in funky!
How can you look that fabulous…in Africa…after traveling so long! Glad you made it safe!
Thank you, Kelli! I can't believe you say I look fabulous but I love that you think that 😉 PS You can't smell me from your computer screen.
You look great B! So happy to see you surrounded with so many precious children. Rest. You will need it for the remaining days there.
We are praying for you!! Love Mom
Mommmmmmmma! I miss you SO much. I love you and can't wait to hug you. I bought you a little sumthin' sumthin' 😉
Thank you SOOOOOO much! Words can't describe how much your support means ot me, guys 🙂
Ok, but really? My hair is in a mess bun?! How is that "in tact"? People, I'm smelly, dirty, and straight up funkitified! But there's no place I'd rather be.
Love you all.
I can't wait to hear your daily stories. I LOVE Africa.
I spent a month in Africa in 2008 … another 2.5 weeks in Africa in 2009 … I'm missing Africa in 2010.
Be BLESSED!!!
Mama D.
PS: Hey B. … we are heading to Southern CA in August (another month long Road Trip for Mama & the Gang) and hoping to meet up with our "14th child". Oh yea!
Ahhhhhhhhhh! Send me the dates! I'd LOVE to connect with you all 🙂
Even down and dirty you are beautiful. And on the outside too 🙂
I love the picture where you're showing the kids the pictures. That little boy gripping your arm…
heart melting…
So proud of you! Love you! Say Hi to Matt! Praying!
WOW!
I am so proud of you! Your face GENUINELY shows your "inner" beauty.
I LOVE the faces of the beautiful children around you and how intrigued they are by what you are showing them with the camera.
Be blessed.
Thanks, Gabby!!! Keep me in your prayers 🙂
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You seem like you did alot of research lol. Keep on putting up more updates!
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