The Final Third

Hey All-

Its the start of week 5. Two more weeks here in Kenya and I think things have finally settled down. That's not to say that our schedules aren't still kind of crazy, but I feel like I myself have adjusted a lot more.

I am a little sick (which I figured was bound to happen at some point during the trip) but I think its just a little cold and I should be good in a few days.

I met with Gloria on Wednesday to talk about 2 Corinthians 1 and with Ruth yesterday (Saturday) to talk about Romans. It was great to get into the word with both of them and I am excited to be a part of the work the Lord is doing in both of their hearts. I am especially blown away by Ruth. A few weeks ago she sat in front of me and told me she had absolutely no time to read the bible. Now she can't stop reading! I can see the excitement in her eyes as she talks about all of the truth she is learning. She is definitely growing and is becoming more confident in knowing the truth.

We went to the Kenya v. Mozambique soccer game last night. It was a lot of fun and definitely a once in a lifetime experience to go to a pro game. I was surprised at the small number of attendants though. It was crazy that it only cost us around 5 dollars! Can you imagine paying 5 bucks to see a pro team play in the U.S?!

The Rwanda team comes Tuesday!! I am so excited to see them! It will be really awesome to hear about their experience in Africa and I am sure it will be an encouragement to all of us as we push through these final 2 weeks.

God has definitely been good to me and I am so thankful that he has shown me why he has me in Kenya; to be an encouragement and support to the ministry and students here. Its so nice to just rest in Him and know that his plan will prevail. Nothing I can do will screw up his plan. He has taught me a lot in my time here and I know there is still much to learn in this last third of the trip.

Something that hit me pretty hard in the past few days was my experience in the slums. We went there last Monday and it was not until days later that I started to feel the effects. God was convicting my heart about the fact that when I have so much and these kids have so little, I still complain about wanting more, more, more. I am not saying that its a bad thing that God has blessed me with so much, but rather that I should look at what I have and see how capable I am of giving back. I brought a few shirts to the pre-school we visited and once I got there I wished I had enough to pass out to all of the kids. The smiles on their faces lit up the room and my heart was filled with joy in my short time with them. They all blessed my life so much and I cannot wait to go back and visit sometime next week! Earlier in my time here I was learning about how all that we have comes from the Lord. Now that I have seen first hand the poverty that does exist in our world, my heart is aching to give back. After all, its not my money or resources to give, its the Lord's. I hope to organize something once I am back at school so that I can share this experience with everyone at home. I can't wait to post the pictures of the kids...just you wait, they're adorable!

As we walked through the slums many of the kids stared blankly back at us. It was as if I could see the hardship in their eyes. They have been through and seen so much even at their young ages. But, as soon as I would smile and wave at them, they would shoot back a smile that could melt any heart! It was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. I wondered how often someone smiles at them, or pays them any attention for that matter.

Well that's all for today. Have a good one I miss you all! 2 weeks till I see your beautiful faces!

-Sacha