Paradise Lost

Wow...what a great way to start our time in Kenya!  Today was an amazing day as we enjoyed a park play date with approximately 100 kids and their moms at a beautiful park just outside of the HEART compound.  As we pulled up to the plush grounds, we were greeted by the smiling faces of some precious children and their beautiful moms.  As I stepped off of the bus and was greeted by numerous hands reaching out to me, I was gripped by my emotions.  I had been eagerly anticipating this day to play with the kids and meet the moms, yet to see them smiling from ear to ear as they came up and embraced us was a priceless moment that I won't forget.   Within minutes I was walking around with my arm around one child and holding hands with another.  Various other children came up at different times and wanted to hold my hand, give me a hug or have their picture taken (and look at it immediately)!   We had crafts, games, beading, boat rides, camel rides and a cave visit (that is tucked behing a beautiful waterfall) for the children.  It was so fun to watch them partake in every activity, especially the "skipping" rope and making beaded jewelry.  I even had a little girl make me a bead necklace that she carefully measured and took her time creating. 

Right before we were ready to eat lunch, song and dance broke out by the mothers in the group.  We eagerly joined them and did the best we could to sing along and dance with them.  The most amazing part of this event was that these were women who have HIV or AIDS and many of whom are single parents due to the death of their spouse or abandonment.  They come from two of the slums that we will be visiting while we are in Kenya.  What resonated the most for me was that they are joyful women who sing because they are happy...happy with a joy that comes from the Lord.  It was not only fun to watch, but it reminded me what true joy really looks like!  

All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed or time today!  It was sad to say "goodbye" to our new friends but we are gearing up for a busy, emotional day tomorrow as we go into the slums for church in the morning and then come back to the lodge to meet our Compassion Kids!  For now, it's off to bed!

Kenya Live!

Well, we made it to Kenya safe and sound last night (Kenya time).  Our travel day was long but un eventful, thankfully!  We enjoyed the wonderful service of the KLM flight attendants, abd felt like we had a meal every two hours onboard!  It's so surreal that we are actually here after so many months of anticipation and about 20 hrs of flying, but it's beautiful where we are staying at the HEART lodge.  It feels and looks a lot like Hawaii and the crow of the roosters and chirps of the birds was a nice way to wake up this morning.
Today is our park play day with about 100 kids and their moms at Paradise Lost.  We are looking forward to playing games and crafts with them, taking boat rides and watching the kids do camel rides!  It should be a fun day!

Kenya...Here We Come!

WOW...I can hardly believe that the trip is actually here!  Tomorrow is the big day.  I'm making my last preparations, packing my remaining items and getting ready to embark on this wonderful experience in Kenya. I'm in awe at the way in which the details of this trip that God has orchestrated have come together!  Thank you to all of you who have been there over the past several months to cheer me on, encourage me and share your words of wisdom.  Your love, your prayers and your support mean the world and I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family!  You will be with going with me, in spirit, as I get on board the plane tomorrow.  "Jambo " (that's "Hello" in Swahili)! 

With love and blessings,
Sheri

 

Kenya...two weeks and counting!  Packing is underway and the excitement is increasing...as are the nerves of getting the preparation lists checked off.  I am so thankful for all of the support and interest from friends and family.  Although I'm getting on a plane with my team and flying to Nairobi, I feel as though I'm taking all of my supporters in my pocket with me!  I've been amazed and brought to tears a few times during the preparation process of this trip, as I see how God has been working and orchestrating His great plan in and through all of the details.   I am so excited about the group of women I am going with; the logistical aspects of the trip are coming together smoothly; my financial support has been incredible and I've felt God's presence in the ups (and downs) of the entire process.  More than anything, the one clear message I've received is that I am chosen to be going and some amazing experiences are in store for all of us.  I am blessed! 

The countdown begins...

Africa...three weeks and counting till we depart!  School officially starts tomorrow and my "baby" starts first grade!  That is bittersweet, in itself.  It means that summer has come and gone (oh so quickly this year!) and my daughter is growing up!   And...with the commencement of the school year means being one step closer to the big trip my team and I have been anticipating and preparing for, the past 6 months!  I've completed the vaccinations necessary for travel to Kenya, updated the passport and now the packing process is about to begin.  Nervous?   A bit, but getting more and more excited as the trip nears and I focus on the reason I am going...to be used by God to serve the women and children of Kenya whom we will be working with.   And...I get to meet the Compassion child face to face, whom my family and I have been supporting this year.  How awesome is that!!   So...prayers are greatly appreciated as the final steps are taken for preparation!   I've been called to Africa and I'm tremendously blessed to be part of such an awesome, lifetime experience!    I have great friends and family joining me through financial and prayer support.  I am blessed!