Thursday, October 06, 2011

yes, amazing pictures are coming

Kevin took his cool camera and took pictures of the children, the staff/students, and the safari. We saw LIONS! It was overwhelming and cool. There they were, giant cats, snoozing just so close to us. And even a hyena in the trail--we were going up a steep hill and the mist was obscuring our vision but as we approached, we could just make him out there--and Kevin managed to pop his head out of the sunroof and get a photo. We had no idea what we would see except we were pretty certain we would get the baboons and zebra. Then there were also giraffes, ostrich, rhino, oh so many animals! and we were RIGHT THERE in their home. No zoo for these guys. It was a testiment to the Lord. All Glory to Him who created us!
It was so good to see the children, too. I greeted each one. I changed their food to healthier options. we aren't going to be giving sodas during distribution day and we are choosing breads with whole grains. Everyone got a toothbrush and Dr. Powell's office, here in Barrington IL also gave toothpaste. We had enough toothbrushes for all the preschool, all the orphans, AND the staff and students plus some left over. For $40, I purchased 2 boxes of 144 temporary toothbrushes with instant toothpaste on them. Toothbrushes should be changed every 3 months (or less!) and so anyone who wants to donate for toothbrushes on any future trip--please do! We have SO MANY people in need--and it is just a great blessing!
I can't remember all that we did even though I am freshly returned. I really did try to document more though. I promise you, I am NOT thrilled to be in these photos. Even harder is sort of shouting from the rooftop about the things you are doing. So it is a battle, but I want to fight for the well being of my Kenyan friends and family. I am overjoyed to be their advocate. I praise GOD that He allows me to work for others and serve others. This work that you share with me brings praises to God. Those who receive are SO THANKFUL!!!
As I met with each of the students who have been promoted to working in the orphan program, there was so much gratitude. It was the kind that swells in your heart and spills over--even some were at a loss for words. But I could see it and it was a great blessing to know these students have been blessed by the Lord. One student, Don, has been living very well in his village because everyone now knows to call on him if they have a computer problem. He finds he can fix most things and can install software for people and trouble shoot and more---so he is called upon and makes money now. It is something he could have never done without the TGD training! Another student, Derrick, has so little money and works his garden as a farmer in the early morning before coming to programming classes. He has a wife and two children, one just born three months ago. When LifeStraw came to his area, he was given a job because he was the only one in his village area who could use a computer (and he can do it well!) Plus one of our students, Agnes from Pastor Steve's church, has dropped her classes because she has gotten a job as a secretary due to her fine computer skills! Plus, another student, Ruth, now works for a member of parliament! PRAISE GOD!
We will be working on bringing you a photo and an expanded story of the above. This is one of my 10,000 life long dreams come true! (That's my phrase borrowed from Daggit of Angry Beavers---he also had 10,000 lifelong dreams in one day.) All glory to Jesus for how He lifts us up and how He rewards work! These students are reaping the rewards of their hard work---amen!

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