Blueberries and more Blueberries

On Thursday, we drove to the orphanage camps on the coast of Finland to spend time with the kids of orphanage No.14, 60 and 2. We were anxious about spending our time with the kids at No. 14 because we had heard their hearts were more calloused. As a team we decided we wanted to focus on why they were created and what the Kingdom of God has in store for them. We wanted to leave them with the fact that God is real. The first day the kids were distracted (playing on their cell phones, laughing, listening to music), but as the days went on the cell phones and headphones were put away and they were attentively asking questions. We felt God slowly softening their hearts. He is working on these kids.

On the first day the director came up to us as we were leaving and handed us a huge bucket of blueberries. The kids had picked them especially for us. That night we ate the fresh blueberries until we couldn’t eat anymore! Then, the next day one of the boys came running down the road with another huge bucket of blueberries. The last day the caregivers prepared a huge blueberry pie for us, and I think it is the best thing we have eaten all month long.

Today we saw the orphans from No. 2. The children there are no older than eleven. When we started walking up, a stream of little children came running towards us and literally jumping in our arms. It was a moment I will not forget. A girl named Kristina began talking with me. I told her I was from Dallas, Texas, and she said I am going to live there very soon. I found out she and her brother are in the process of being adopted by a family from Dallas. It is encouraging to think about the life has she has now and the plans the Lord has for her. I am hoping the next time I see her will be in Dallas.

Kenya--Week Three

Wow what a week! Everywhere we look we see God at work. In a place where it would be so easy to lose faith or become angry at God, there is hope. Just like the education center in Korogocho is a haven of hope and peace in the midst of unrest and chaos, there is a peace throughout this place that says God is here and we are not forgotten.

This week we were able to do so much for the kids. On Saturday, we were able to take the kids on a field trip to a boat park. The kids faces glowed as they were able to see animals and ride rides. In all of the excitement one of the little boys got sick. As he laid on my lap, tears rolling down his face, all I could do was thank God that I was there to love on him. As Tricia pointed out to me later, even when we get sick all we desire is our mother to comfort us and take care of us. For the kids here they don't get that privilege. They are left to comfort themselves. What an honor it was to be used by God in this way to be the hand of God to this young child.

We were also able to provide the children with a sweet treat of sugar cane this week. Their eyes just lit up with the excitement of such a rare treat. The room was filled with happiness as were able to give each child a sugar cane of their own. To top off our week we were able to sit in on a True Love Waits class. Here we were able to give an American and a Christian perspective to these kids. God is at work here and it is amazing!!!