It was Tuesday, January 9th, and the day’s forecast was to be raining, foggy, with a chance of sleet/snow. We loaded all of the luggage into the Patches’ monster van, prayed for protection, and headed for JFK airport. The weather was indeed foul but Ed drove like a trucker who had serious mileage under his belt. I felt completely safe with him behind the wheel. I had been anticipating this trip for several months and now it was reality.
We arrived at the airport, expecting there would be long lines and possible delays getting through security. Much to our surprise, there was no line and no issues getting past the security check. I was left in wonderment at my initial experience with the security check.
As I approached the tables where you typically disrobe and place all your belongings on the moving belt, a security guard motioned for me to come over to her. She allowed me to pass through and never scanned or x-rayed me. I didn’t even remove my shoes. Because it happened so quickly, it wasn’t until a little later I realized I had not been checked in any way. How does that happen at an international airport? Hmmm… it was my first indication this was an ordained trip.
We flew out from NY and landed in Paris without issues. It was so nice to walk around and get the blood flowing again. The next leg of the journey would be a challenge. It was nine hours from Paris to Nairobi. It was a very, very long flight. Again, we arrived with no issues and we all recovered our luggage before we departed from the airport. It was so wonderful to see the smiling faces and be greeted so graciously. Jane was so thrilled to be in her homeland and her family was delighted to see her!
We were driven to the beautiful Kihara estate and were greeted by Bishop Peter, Grace, and more family members. We would experience much peace, joy, hospitality, and amazing food in this home over the next couple of weeks.
There are so many things to tell about this trip. We met so many wonderful people and families. We saw so much beauty in the landscape as we traveled about. We had the freshest of fruits and vegetables. We learned the value of a shilling, how to barter in the marketplace, what driving on the left side of the road is all about, and just how daring Kenyan drivers can be (guardian angels are a must)! It is possible to transport a couch or a family of four on a small cc motorcycle. I have picture proof!
We had the blessings and privilege to visit 3 children’s homes (Salem Rescue Centre, Messianic Hope Rescue Center, Everlasting Love Children’s Rescue Center). Each one was so special and unique. Each time we approached the homes the children would be outside the doors singing welcoming songs for us. We enjoyed dancing, singing, sharing, meals, and worship with them. This would be the highlight of the trip for me as my heart was deeply touched by each one we met and the love that was shared between everyone.
The dedication of the caretakers of these children is nothing short of absolute selflessness. They literally lay down their lives each and every day for the sake of the children. It is the purest definition of religion. (James 1:27)
We also visited two different Sabbath fellowships. What a delight! It was so encouraging to see and meet so many likeminded believers. Their expressions of joy and faith was awesome. They made us feel so welcome and were very appreciative for us to be there visiting them.
It was such a blessing to see the work that Messianic Hope International has started and how quickly it has begun to flourish. There is so much to look forward to and so much work to be done. We should always be sowing seeds and praying for more workers to help bring in the harvest of souls for His kingdom. I pray I am afforded another opportunity to return to the amazingly beautiful land of Kenya. Father is doing a great work there and we can all be a small part of its success.
