Updates From the Field:  Kenya # 32:  October 3, 2008
Dear Friends and Family, I have a special picture that I took on safari that shows the plains of Africa with lions walking across it. The clouds are dense in the sky, but rays of sunlight break through. It is often hard to see the light through the clouds.  Poverty, disease, abuse and self-centeredness make the world seem very dark.  In addition to global injustices, our personal tragedies can consume us.  How can one see the Light in the midst of all that?  A month ago, I attended a training on Human Trafficking.  Though I am not naïve to the subject, I am always appalled at what humans can do to one another.  It is hard to believe that slavery still exists in the modern day, but it is alive and well.  We heard atrocious stories of manipulation, abuse and exploitation.  (I don’t even feel like I can repeat them here).  I will say that Kenya is affected, like so many other places.  Our coastal region is highly impacted by “sex tourism”.  However, there are good people working to bring light to the lives of the men, women and children that have been oppressed and demoralized.  I met some wonderful women who work with organizations to stop this injustice.  The Salvation Army in Kenya is already moving to bring hope and a different future for woman caught up in the sex industry.  As the chair of the anti-trafficking committee, please pray that God gives me the wisdom to move forward in our fight.  It has been some time since I have written, but I was able to take some time off while my mother was visiting Kenya.  It was great to have her, Major Julia Mansilla and Lt. Col. Susan Gregg in this territory for a short time.  It not only brought joy to me, but the people here were so excited to meet them.  It was the perfect time for a break and a good way to see Kenya through their eyes.  I found myself getting excited about what I do and being proud of the work here as I felt their enthusiasm for what they were seeing and experiencing.  God used their visit to break through the clouds forming around me due to stress and other factors. Quote for the week: “Weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society -- things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed.”  EB White I thank God that His Light always shines through when things seem dark.  He never lets me stumble too long in the clouds before He pulls me out and places me in the sunshine.  I’m sorry for not including more Kenya stories in this update.  I will be sure to have more to share next update. Love to you all! Armida Armida LaMarr Captain Social/Education Secretary Kenya East Territory