God with us.

Each month in Kipkaren we pick a theme to represent the activities and focus of our ministry. In December, the theme was God with us; and so many times throughout the month, I saw this to be true. Christmas in Kenya was simple. In this little village, there were no holiday parties to attend, no hopes for a white Christmas, and no stores to rush to for the latest sales. More or less, Christmas felt the same as every other day; and yet, within this place, there is a clear understanding that there is reason to celebrate.
Just prior to Christmas, I went with several members of my Kenyan family to bless the poorest of the poor in our community. We bought food, gathered clothing, and set out to visit our neighbors. We started at the home of a 30 year old widow named Rael who lives with her three young children. It is difficult to explain, but we received the greater blessing that day as Rael graciously welcomed us into her simple grass-thatched hut. The struggle and disappointments of her life are great; but in that moment, we shared together in the faithfulness of our God. In that humble place, I was reminded of God with us and struck by the notion that there is no place Jesus will not go for the sake of love. He met me that day in the disguise of a broken-hearted widow.
On Christmas morning, the 96 children from the ELI Kipkaren Children’s Home as well as others from our church and community gathered to celebrate. I was moved as the children sang a beautiful song in Swahili. The words say, “God, without you, I do not know where I would be.” As I looked into the faces of these precious children, I remembered how they arrived to Kipkaren, just a few months prior, with fear and so many questions in their eyes. They had lost so much in their short lives but on Christmas morning, tears filled my eyes as I saw joy across their faces. They were singing of God with us.
Children Singing on Christmas Morning
I have entered 2007 with great expectations for what God will do in this ministry and within my heart this year. I look forward to sharing with you the struggles and joys of this journey. I have attached a collage of pictures taken throughout 2006. Thank you so much for your generous support through prayer and financial gifts. Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.