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Updates
From the Field: Kenya # 48: November 23, 2009 |
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| Hello Everyone! This will be my last update. It's hard to believe, but I leave Kenya in 12 days. I will be spending that time speaking at some graduations, enjoying the THQ Christmas party, having my farewell, and cleaning and packing up what is left in my apartment. I have had some great experiences in this last month. I am leaving, but the work continues. On the 2nd of November, I visited the Kibera Slums for the last time. As you know from my letters, this is a special place for me. The nursery school held a farewell for me that was touching and heartfelt. They had an African outfit made for me and had me put it on and dance with the children (sorry no video). Later, the kids stood up and sang a song written by the teachers. "Captain Armida, We love you very much. We're going to miss you. Please come back again. You are welcome in Kibera." Teacher Beatrice has been at that school for 26 years. She serves tirelessly and loves every child that comes through that centre. I am leaving, but her work continues. I was also able to visit an IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp in Nakuru. There are several families around the country who were never able to go back to their homes after the post election violence. On this particular land, over 700 families live together in rudimentary tents and some semi-permanent structures. There isn't enough room for the 2000 people who live there, but they squeeze in and try to help each other as best they can. They come from all parts of the country and all tribes. They have decided to ignore tribalism and live together in harmony for a better life. However, they have very little. Getting food, clothing or medicine is nearly impossible. Many leave during the day to try to find work, but it is not easy. Through the Undaunted Session (thank you!), we were able to buy some school uniforms for some of the children there. We were also able to provide some other needed clothing for the children and the adults. Their struggle is far from over. They are trying to get money from the government to build some housing on their land. I am leaving, but their work continues.  It seems that every time I think I have finished all my work, something else comes up. There are school boards to elect, centres who need grants to make it through December, students who need their university fees processed, and always people who need love. God has shown me that the work here isn't and never was about me. The work will continue without me. I have to walk away, knowing that I served the best I could, and trust those still here to keep working. God loves Kenya a lot more than I do. He has called me back the the States and He has called others to serve here. I leave it all in His hands. I am leaving, but His work continues. I leave you with my theme verse for my time here. It was a gift to me when I was preparing to come to Kenya and I have read it and consumed it in my heart over the last three years: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because your labor in the Lord is not in vain." ~I Corinthians 15:58 I cannot thank you enough for your love and support during the last three years. I hope some day I can return the favor to you. May God bless you abundantly. I hope to see you soon! Armida Armida
LaMarr |
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