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!