Updates From the Field:  Kenya # 5:  March 26, 2007
Dearest Friends, Believe it or not, it is time for another update!  I keep thinking I will run out of things to talk about, but I seem to encounter new experiences and adventures daily.  My prayer is that this job never becomes routine.   I am starting to really bond with the children at the Kabete Home.  We have had two songster rehearsals and I think we are going to have our first performance this Sunday at the corps.  The kids are doing a great job, and we are having a lot of fun.  On my way home the other day, I heard some girls calling my name (they call me Captain Mida).  I went over to them, and they just wanted me to play with them.  So, I went home and changed and joined them.  We played a jump rope kind of game, and then I read them a book while three girls did my hair.  I had four braids, 15 bobby pins, and three clips in my hair.  It was gorgeous!  I noticed that most of their backpacks are ripped and worn, but we are blessed to have a donation I can use to buy new ones.  God continues to provide.   I feel really led to show the kids I encounter affection and love.  That sounds elementary, but a lot of the children aren't used to it.  I went to the Dandora Phase V nursery school last week to bring them a donation.  It is a nursery school in one of the Nairobi slums. ( I think I mentioned it before in a past update.)  When I was leaving, the kids circled around me to say goodbye.  I was shaking their hands, but just felt overwhelmed by the need to hug them.  So, I bent down and gingerly hugged one child ( I have to be careful not to cross their boundaries).  She was really receptive, so I hugged a couple of more.  Soon after that, I kissed one child on the cheek.  Soon, the kids were pushing up to me saying in Kiswahili  "And me!  And me!"  with their cheeks turned up for a kiss.  I think they all got a kiss before I left. (some slipped in for more than one)  Half of those children are orphans.  They can't afford the $8 a month school fees, so The Salvation Army lets them come for free.  God made it clear to me that this place may be the only place they feel they are worth something.  Thank God we can minister to them.   There has also been opportunity for me to experience some more Kenyan culture in the past couple of weeks.   Last Sunday, I attended the Nairobi Divisional Harvest Festival.  All the corps came and we had a great time of worship and fellowship.  The meeting included the combined corps bands, two gospel dance groups, and three choirs.  Our TC brought a great message and though it was all in Kiswhahili, a friend of mine sat next to me and translated.  This past Saturday, I attended a pre-wedding party.  This consisted of a meeting filled with dancing, singing, speeches and a message.  At the end of the meeting, everyone brings up monetary gifts for the bride to help her with the wedding.  It was a lot of fun. Some of the things I experience still break my heart.  I'm actually glad for that, because nothing is worse for the cause than being desensitized.  The poverty and disrepair I encounter can be devastating.  The students, staff and officers stay positive and they work faithfully with whatever they have.  They are an inspiration to me.  I am also encouraged and inspired by those of you who hear these stories and offer to help through projects.  Any little good we do makes a difference. My verse for this week is: "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead"   James 2:26 Thanks for the e-mails and all the notes of encouragement.  With your support, I feel that we are all ministering here together. Lots of love, Armida