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A Mission Experience in Kenya by Mary Waller
My Heart in Kenya
It’s good to be home --- with my family and my St. John’s family. I did, however, leave a piece or two of my heart in Kenya, which I’ll have to go refill next year. It was an incredible three weeks serving with two different mission teams at Kajiado Children’s Home. I, again, am reminded of how much we – materially -- have in the West … yet … I see how much “more” God provides, the hope He provides to children who have lost their parents, their innocence. Once again, it was overwhelming (lots of tears welling up at the most inopportune times). The pure joy these children and the staff at KCH exude; it fills you up.
Through prayers, donations, sponsorships and love, you can see and feel the impact on this “family” of brothers and sisters. We delivered school supplies to two community-based schools while in Kenya; one was a local Catholic school, St. Augustine’s, outside the Mile 46 village; the other was a local government school in Namanga, where we also provided food and other supplies to families.
Pictures show the differences between Kajiado Valley School of Excellence (on the KCH campus) and the community schools. God – through people like you – provides.
Through a partnership with Gulf Coast Girl Scout Council in Florida, we introduced the KVSE scout troop to World Thinking Day, Trefoil Girl Scout Cookies and a clay craft. The Grade 3 students at KVSE participated in a Zoom call with 3 rd graders at Meadow School in New York – the first time our Kenya students had been exposed to this technology! It was interesting to hear the questions and answers; I was particularly struck by the frank reality-based answers the Kenyan children gave when asked about what happens with natural disasters (such as floods and drought).
Team 1 got the first coat of paint on the remodeled former dining hall. There was much hanging out with the kids after school and on the weekends. Devotions and crafts – think VBS-style – filled our evenings, and there always was song and dance at Sunday worship, led by the kids.
Various alumni/alumnae also visited, and they always jump right back in helping out and nurturing/ mentoring their younger brothers and sisters. How wonderful it is that they now are role models. We were able to support one at his semi-pro football (soccer) match.
Sponsors met their children for the first time or re-connected after several years. And we were able to deliver letters, drawings and small gifts from others.
We felt your prayers, particularly for safety, whether traveling, adjusting plans and routes due to protests across the country on May 18, bus battery trouble, or adding Ebola health screenings to our entrances to countries.
Please know you are having an impact. We feel your prayers, your love, your support, your presence. And if you’re interested in getting more involved, let me know. You won’t regret it.
Mary
