Jina langu ni Sarah (My name is Sarah)

3-4-09
It’s already March! The rainy season has come right on schedule and I am learning to carry my umbrella with me at all times. Even thinking about the fact that my days here are slowly but surely disappearing (38) before my eyes makes me desire even more to make the most of each day I have left… I’ve collected a few thoughts from the many thousands running around in my brain to give you some insight to my world these days.
*A few days ago on my way home from school I passed many Kenyan children dressed in their school uniforms walking home from school while chewing on large sticks of sugar cane-their usual snack for doing well in school.
*Today I was proud of myself for going up to the dukas and introducing a new friend around while purchasing veggies for pizza (home-made crust, sauce, etc.) We had a potluck here at the guest-house (fun introducing this to Kenyans, but sadly none of them came… Next time! I got their promises tonight at Bible study. ☺) Food is not lacking in the least here…
*There is a whole new round of guests to Tenwek, and I am thankful for the lesson I’ve been able to practice in loving and being loved by the people around you. With the constant ebb and flow, it’s easy to miss people who have left, but I’ve been trying to put my focus on the people currently here-making things that much more interesting and exciting as life is shared among more and more individuals, both Kenyans and others.
*I’ve gained two teacher helpers (in addition to) Christie. This has provided opportunity for me to grow in new ways and turn to God for wisdom in multiple ways.
*Pray for Dennis- Dennis is a young Kenyan man (about 16-18yrs?) who was put in jail for stealing a woman’s computer. The computer was returned, but D. has to spend the next 2 years in jail as consequence for what he did. Two missionary doctors were allowed to visit with him in the jail, and he accepted God’s forgiveness and is now striving to understand God’s grace.
*3-7-09 Bosta Orphanage- Today I rode in a matatu (Kenyan taxi) for the first time, but this was a nice introduction compared to the craziness it could have been. Commonly, matatus are vans packed literally to overflowing with as many as need a ride someplace along the way. Our 2.5 hour ride today was in a Toyota with a Kenyan/Tenwek resident driving us along the bumpy “roads” that are Africa. “This is a nice Kenyan road” is a common phrase as we bump along getting butt massages for miles on end…. ☺ I only got a little carsick… Sonja and I, along with 2 newer Tenwek visitors-Judy and Laura, spent about 2 hours playing with the 41 children living at this countryside orphanage. We presented a Bible lesson about God’s loving kindness and plan for salvation, and were encouraged to learn that many of these orphans know at least who Jesus Christ is and what He offers those who believe in and follow him. We also played games like London bridges, ring-around-the-rosie, duck-duck-goose, and modified “chairless” version of musical chairs. Making a cross project was an adventure, followed by endless picture taking & viewing opportunities! Honestly- if one brought only a camera these children could have been entertained for hours. I met a little friend-Ripkeroy (sp?) who was 9 and latched onto me quickly, grabbing my hand and showing me around-adorable!

Having the end of my time in Kenya draw near hits hard as I think about all the awe-filling things God has done within and around me. My prayer right now is that God teaches me to fully entrust my life and future to him in all areas as I come home to the unknown, seeking His will for me. I’m so thankful for His Word-alive and active and the hunger He’s grown within me to know Him more!