the good... (part 1)

dearest family & friends,

i don't even know where to begin. we (ndoto) have been so deeply blessed. God has been gracious to us and has provided for our needs. he has also brought one of the greatest groups we have ever had. everyone gets along. everyone serves. no drama. no complaining. they just do it. and they do it well. :) the primary school retreat was this past monday and tuesday and couldn't have gone any better. we had 26 young ones in grades 1 - 8 and ranging in age from 6 to 15. our team shared a verse from 1 John talking about the love that God has lavished on us calling us his sons and daughters. this is SO important for them to hear for a couple of reasons.

#1 they need to be reminded (as we all do) that God loves us abundantly (especially when so

few others do)

#2 in the absence of an earthly father, the love and care of the Heavenly Father become all that

much more impactful

#3 if God loves us all as sons and daughters then that means that we are brothers and sisters

which hopefully for each of them creates a sense of family

i believe God gave me the words to speak to them about why all of this is important. i also believe God gave me what i needed to talk to them about how love means that we teach them what is right and encourage them when they do it but also correct them when do something wrong. i explained that it is our job to raise them to be independent, hard-working, respectful and kind adults that serve God and others. as a result, this means that we will discipline them, but throughout it all, we love them so much and are so proud of them. we encouraged them to say "i'm sorry" and to help each other and to see Ndoto as family. two young ladies actually stood up in front of everyone and apologized for things they had done. i started to cry. :) i couldn't be more proud of them. i also realized that i am getting a crash-course in parenting.

on the second day, the team shared the story of Noah with them. we did a skit, plenty of songs, loads of cool crafts, and soccer matches that had everyone (including our tuk tuk drivers) sweating profusely! then, we took them to Impala Park, which is their equivalent of a local zoo, only at this zoo, zebras, impalas, and monkeys run around freely. there are also cages of ostriches, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and a leopard. the park also has one of the nicest shores and views of Lake Victoria. because most of the kids had never been here before, it was incredible to get to watch their reactions as they took it all in. such unadulterated excitement. every animal was so cool. when a monkey or a zebra would run by, they would all take off after it just to catch a glimpse of what they see in their school books. very few of the students have ever been swimming before, so the chance to put their toes in Lake Victoria thrilled some and frightened others. eventually, though, they all did it. they were awe-struck. they didn't know what a lake was and the little ones have never seen it, even though they live less than 2 miles away from it. my favorite comment came from Rida, one of our first graders, who said, "it's like big rain!" i smiled and laughed so much during these days, that my face hurt.

i was also privy to witness the worship of one of our university students, Michael. before most everyone got there when it was just Michael, me and a few kids, he stepped out some rocks and began to sing. As the waves crashed against the rocks, he stretched out his arms and began to sing louder. one of our team members walked up then and asked her if she could hear what he was seeing. she nodded her head and smiled. Michael was singing, "How Great Is Our God," one of both of our favorite songs. he said he was overcome by the beauty of God's creation as he looked out on the lake and that God had blessed this group to grow up near this reminder of the power, generosity, and creativity of a mighty God.

i continue to say it, but this is my favorite season of working in Kenya ever. we are blessed beyond measure to witness the fruits of our labor (only because of HIS great work!) and the sowing of seeds planting long ago. despite the struggles, i continue to rejoice in the Lord's work around me and continue to thank Him for not giving up on all of us. i also couldn't be any more proud of our students. everyday, they are up against struggles and odds that most of us can't fathom yet they excel in school, care about each other, listen to what they're told, and say things (that only children can say) that are profound and make me laugh. i know it won't be like this forever, and that there are indeed seasons. yet, i want to revel in this time....really soak it in...for it is sweet.

these are lyrics to an old worship song that i love. they continue to minister to me every morning when i listen to them: "i will trust in you, my God! there is a fountain who is the king. victorious warrior and Lord of everything. my rock. my shelter. my very own. blessed Redeemer who reigns upon the throne."