Welp. We’re Stateside again and have had a few days to start the reentry process. The last days in Kenya were full and overflowing, so we wanted to loop back just to finish up the trip.
There was a moment during our last day that Tom and I (Rebecca) both experienced the intensity and unsurety of time that was creeping away at a faster pace than our hearts could handle. We has a lot yet to do…In a moment of chaos, we both felt the Lord gently whisper, “What I have started, I will complete.” That phrase is small, but the power and assurance behind it is both authoritative and tender. I (Rebecca) have witnessed the authority of the Lord over this trip, again and again. From the repairing of the well, the purchasing of laptops and new required textbooks, He provided and made a way. We went into this trip not really having an agenda, other than to do some scouting, reconnect with the staff and ministry, and to take the opportunity to introduce all our children to the beautiful country and people of Kenya. But God, in His might and powerful provision, had prepared the way and timing.
As I said, our last day was a bit harried, and so so so good. Tom and Aidan were able to install the new printer and do a quick training with Madam Benedicta and Earnest. Again, the timing of the Lord is always right. As part of a new initiative by the Kenyan government, all schools are being required to convert their curriculum to a completely new set of textbooks, labs, and technology. The new printer will allow the teachers to print, at the school, a portion of the online curriculum. This will save a huge amount of time and money, as the cyber cafes are notoriously unpredictable and printing is very expensive.
We were also able to cover the $175 needed to purchase the remaining textbooks. These were needed to keep the school open come August and the teachers and staff had been fervently praying for a way to procure them. God provided.
The most special part of our last day actually came as we were saying goodbye. We were all called into the church and there we were greeted by the whole school. They had prepared a send-off for us that was truly adorable, touching, and very heartfelt. They danced; we danced. They sang; we sang. They cried; we cried. It was like the end of a beautiful family reunion that no one is really prepared to end. From the sweet words of encouragement to the prayers for our travel home, we were truly humbled. For me, I will say that the most touching moment was when one of the boys sang a song to us. He prepared this song and sang it with such a pure voice and authentic emotions, that my heart could barely take it.
Well known Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, once said “I have left my heart in Africa.” I know that for me it is the same. I used to tell God that He could take me anywhere, but Africa. However, from the first time I set foot in Kenya, He has knit my heart to the people, culture, and the raw beauty of this nation. I am changed. My family is changed. Part of me remains there. It is a strange thing to feel like you are in two places at once. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to know the children of Soweto; to walk in unity with the dedicated staff of Vision Link School; and to know that, Lord willing, we will have a wonderful reunion next time we are together.
To everyone who poured out to answer the needs of these precious children, Tom and I say thank you. To everyone who prayed for us, checked in with us, and helped hold the fort back home, we cannot thank you enough – you freed our hearts and minds to be fully present while we were in Kenya (HUGE shout-out to everyone who kept my plants alive…it is no easy task!)
We’d like to thank our church family at Calvary Chapel Ellicott City, and our extended friends and family who sent us off with so much prayer and warmth; our friend @dickfrediani who graciously tended to our property and kept things functioning; Jake, who kept our fur babies intact and loved on them so well – thank you! To all those who helped jam supplies into our bags, wedge said bags into the cars and drove us to and from the airport – you blessed us in so many ways. To each person who welcomed us home with meals and signs and hugs – we were so touched. Asante sana (“thank you very much”)
-Rebecca
