Lessons, Lessons, and More Lessons

Last night after I wrote the blog, we went down to Dirubi Orphanage to enjoy their evening devotional.  This has become one of my favorite things.  The kids sing so well, and with such passion, and the adults are unafraid to share wisdom with them.  They are eager to hear a word of encouragement from us, so I let our best encourager, Clay Wooten speak to them.  He did very well, I was deeply moved and I know they were too.

Today our team got into the real meat of our visit. Here are some highlights:

Becca taught her English lesson.  Since these kids speak pretty good English, she focused on writing.  She told her story, her personal testimony.  The kids were blown away with her honesty and transparency.  Then she gave them the assignment of writing their own stories, and they jumped in with both feet.  They stayed through the their break and asked for more time to complete them.  She will get them tomorrow, and plans to pair their stories with their pictures and print them in a book to send back to them.  I can’t wait to read them!

Lisa continued her work with the tailoring students.  Yesterday they all made aprons and today they learned to make tote bags.  They were so proud of them and we could tell they have really been touched by her attention to them.

Barbie and Lacie continued to work with the kitchen staff.  The guacamole from last night was a big hit and the Kenyans asked for more, which we had tonight.  They also spent time with Thomas Alwala learning about the availability of foodstuffs here and the costs.  They are working to build a model menu and recipes that we can implement in our orphanages to improve nutrition.  I was a bit surprised with some of the findings, which is why I am so glad God brought them to us.

Ross is feeling a lot better and today was able to spend time evaluating the personal finance and computer classes.  He was impressed with their progress and had some great suggestions on how to improve the programs.  Our computer teacher is brand new, today was her first day, and I can imagine how nervous she must have been to face a mzungu in her classroom evaluating her work!

Clay was with the masons today and they really enjoyed his nurturing encouragement.  He has really been active in all areas this week and I have enjoyed his wisdom.  He spent hours singing with Stephen and teaching him new songs.  What a great way to bless the churches here!

Marshall, Megan, and CJ continued their training with the nurses.  CJ was especially struck by the quality of many of them.  He is working to establish a better protocol for treating malaria that will be more effective and cost us less in the long run.  I can tell having him in Kenya is going to be great.  God really does send us the best people at the right time.

As for me, I went with Thomas and Francis to Kasumu to get supplies and to get Francis to a doctor.  He has been feeling bad since the trip began, and CJ was concerned he might be having a malaria relapse.  The tests were negative and the doctors prescribed an antibiotic for an infection and something for his cough.  Hopefully he will be feeling better tomorrow. 

On the way home, I was feeling good and was so proud of myself for my excellent Kenyan driving.  As we were on the final leg, a muddy road from Sondu to the VTC, I managed to get the vehicle stuck in the mud.  So much for my pride.  To make it worse, we were blocking the road and the motorcycles could barely get by.  It was just another vehicle stuck in the mud for them until they realized a white guy was driving.  Then the kids from the nearby school got a break from classes and came out to the fence to watch the stuck mzungu.  Complete humiliation. 

Fortunately, one of the motorcycle drivers knew a thing or two about that road and getting people out of the mud.  He guided us, and with Francis behind the wheel, we managed to get out.  They whole episode was a great reminder to me of the importance of humility and leaning on the wisdom of others.  I shared my story with the students at devotional tonight and they really enjoyed both my embarrassment and the object lesson.

Tomorrow the journey continues as we wrap up or visit to the VTC.  I can’t wait to see what God has planned…