A Prayer of Thanks

November 30^th Wednesday I went to Seeds Children’s Home an orphanage in the countryside just outside of Kitale town. Once the vehicle stops there is a rush for my hand. I have two struggling for one hand another tugging on my skirt and one child warding off anyone that comes close to the hand he is holding.

They are eager to show off the painted walls on the inside of the orphanage. Animal figurines have been hand painted on the dining room walls and in the hall ways to their rooms. There is evidence that they also helped on some of them! There are a few more beds today as new children have arrived.

My goal today is to make a new friend. One of the new girls is named Linda. She is about 8 years old and very unhappy. She does not want to be close to any men. It took some time but slowly by slowly she came toward the group of us as we played toss. The smiles were withheld for some time but they were found hidden under the secrets of the past. Before goodbyes were said Linda was nestled in at my side enjoying the hugs and protection that every child should receive but so many do not.

After leaving the orphanage we stop to visit Ella at the hospital. It makes one realize how blessed we are in America. Today she had more color in her face and there was talk of having her sit in a chair later on. Her surgery went well and the discharge date is looking like Saturday.

The weather pattern here in western Kenya is very different this year. The short rains usually end in October and then they move into their summer season. The rains have not ended yet, in fact they continue to be heavier and bring hours upon hours of heavy rain. The electricity is off more than it is on.

The rains have also brought the snakes out into the open more. Just a short distance from the lodge a big black snake, believed to be a forest cobra, was seen crossing the road. Pastor Titus had a green mamba in his house which is no longer a threat to anyone. Another black snake was seen by the school. Near an orphanage a ways outside of town they have seen two very large black mambas. One is over six feet long. Here at the lodge there was a snake inside one of the houses out back.

December 2, Friday I traveled into Kipsongo slums to help serve the children lunch at the Bread of Life Feeding Station. Everyday there is a free meal for any child that comes into the feeding station. It is a great opportunity to get to know the children and find out if they need any emergency care.

The big pots were boiling with beans and corn for hours before the children arrive. Serving such a meal takes many hours as the sacs of beans have to be handpicked to make sure all the little stones are removed. It is a job that never ends. The ladies in the kitchen told me it doesn’t bother them because it is a job that God placed in their heart to do.

The plates are ready and lined up in piles before the children enter the gate. There are many little ones but all ages come. They pray over the food with such sincerity and most remember to say thank you

Children are not the only ones that benefit from this meal. Outside are two widows from the slums. Margaret is the older the one. Neither of them speaks English or Swahili. They only speak their mother tongue which is Turkana. They live here in the slums with another widow named Jessica. Jessica is one of the cooks for the feeding station. She is a faithful worker and loves to care for others.

1 Chronicles 29:13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."