Preaching, Knitting, and Parties

I returned to Kerugoya a week ago and have been busy ever since. As is true for humans, we procrastinate. So, I have been spending the days having lunch and tea with Kenyans and the evenings with the girls. It seems everyday is packed with things to do and people to visit. Oh how I love last minute!

Since I have been back, I have soaked up every minute possible with the girls, had the opportunity to preach in a Kenyan church, and start/finish projects for BCH. There is so much to report on but I will save some for when I return. For now I will tell you of what the girls and I have been doing and will do before my departure from this wonderful town.

On Saturday, we spent the day doing some crafts. Most of you are laughing because you know I am not artistic but the Lord enables us to make the most of what we have. So, I've done exactly that. We used dried maize husk to make angles. It was quite interesting, I must admit. Even more so because they worked and the girls loved them! We also finally got the opportunity to use the coloring books that were sent from the church. Each of the girls got one and we spent the rest of the day coloring. Most of them insisted on finishing that day. They love to color so much. There has been a lot of knitting and I was able to get more wool for the girls so that they can learn to knit their own school sweaters. We will see what will come of that in the future. For now, the girls love to knit and it is something that could eventually provide some income. The systems that we worked on before I left in April needed to be reinforced but for the most part they were still using them. I will pray that they continue even in our absence. This weekend will be my last weekend with the girls and I hope to make is special. Tonight (Friday) we will have a movie night and knit. Tomorrow I have planned a "Princess Party". The story of Esther is one of my absolute favorites. I love that she was so bold in risking her life for her people. I also love the words of Mordecai, "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" I realize that the Lord can always use someone else if I am not willing to serve. Also, that so much of what we are given is for the use of His kingdom. However, the fact that Esther was an orphan and used for God speaks encouragement for the girls at Bethesda. So on Saturday night, I will make paper crowns, pretend robes, have fruit and tea, and decorate the room with candles and fabric. We will talk about Esther and I pray that the girls will understand that they too will be used for the King. Pray for this time. Pray that the girls will know that they are loved by the Most High God, they are special, and have a purpose in this life. I am really excited about the "party"!!!

As for me, as you might expect I still cannot imagine leaving. This is my life now. For the past 6 months this is what I have known as everyday living, and I am not sure how I will go back to the past. I realize that everything is changing when I return home and that probably makes it a little harder to deal with the return. Continue praying that the Lord provides peace in the transition. I do look forward to seeing you all.

Thank you for your prayers and support throughout this process. I will try to write again once I am back in Nairobi. I will be home in about 2 weeks. Love you all and see you soon.

Meg