Yesterday, we departed from our hotel in Narok and completed the long journey to the VTC. We made a quick stop at the Nkumat in Kisii for last-minute supplies, groceries and water. We arrived at the VTC around 3pm and found our friends Thomas, John Kariuki, Lucas waiting for us. We made our introductions and then toured the campus. None of our travelers has been here before, except Prissy who saw it under construction. We met the two young mothers who are here and their new babies. These girls arrived at the VTC pregnant, and rather than sending them away, we decided to keep them here so they can learn a trade.
After we unpacked, we were just in time for evening devotional. As usual, it was amazing. It’s always a moving experience for me, but this time I felt something different. It was not only a feeling of love and worship for our King, but also a profound sense of being at home; like my soul was thirsty for the sounds and feeling of Kenyan worship. This place has really become a part of me.
The others were also deeply moved by the experience, especially when we went down to the Dirubi orphanage for their devotional. By the glow of kerosene lanterns, the 130 orphans of Dirubi sang with all of their hearts. The songs of the redeemed of Christ, under a dark African night, is an experience that cannot be adequately described.
Wednesday morning broke and we enjoyed a great breakfast together. We then split up to observe and participate in the classes around the VTC. Kelly is teaching a welding course, and he began with safety and theory. The kids were very receptive and polite and asked good questions. Kelly said that their questions were every bit as good as any class he has ever taught. By the end of the day, he had moved on to a demonstration of oxy-fuel welding using local materials. It is a perfect approach to how these kids will likely practice this trade in the future.
Jill and Emily spent time in the kitchen with the catering class. They experimented with corn tortillas, and the new spices they had brought. Jill told me she ended up learning far more about African cooking from them than she taught. I know they appreciated the effort, and the friendships that they are making.
Prissy and Alissa went down to spend time with the cosmetology class. They got their hair braided, pedicures, and spent time playing and talking with the girls there. This is the main reason we came on this trip. To build relationships and show these kids that they are loved. Mission accomplished.
In the afternoon, it was back to class and then play time. Our people played soccer, Frisbee, and other games with the VTC kids as well as the kids from Dirubi orphanage. Everyone really enjoyed that. After devotional, we made an early night of it; everyone is very tired. Tomorrow there will be more fun things to do.
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