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Well, I have to admit I’ve been pretty homesick the last week or so. I guess it’s because I really enjoy the Christmas season and miss my Christmas tree, the holiday decorations and even the mall. (Not that I did that much Christmas shopping!) So, on this past Sunday, December 21st, we loaded up the truck and went to Brydges Children Centre in Ngong, Kenya. It’s about one hour from the house and a beautiful drive through the area made famous by the movie, “Out of Africa.” We saw Zebra, Gazelle, Ostriches and a Kori Bustard. (A very large savanna bird that is over 4 feet tall!). When we arrived, the children were seated in their worship centre, anxious to begin the service, knowing there was a feast afterwards. I shared Paul Harvey’s story of “The Man and the Birds” (adapted for Kenyan children) and even had a little shed as a prop (that later turned into a Nativity for the kids).
After the service, we drove a short distance to the Boy’s Centre for the Christmas feast. (Kindly donated by an American family who gave up their Christmas gifts to so the Brydges Kids could have a wonderful Christmas!) While we were waiting for the food to be prepared, the kids and I iced and decorated Christmas biscuits (cookies to you Americans). Thanks Mom for all your baking advice over the years. The kids enjoyed decorating and then eating the fruits of their labor.
Shortly after we finished the biscuits, the dinner bell rang. All the children and special guests circled around and prayed for the meal. Then, the smallest of the children led the line to get a plate overflowing of chapatti (like a tortilla) rice, cabbage, mbuzi (goat) and potatoes. It became very quiet as over 70 children ate what would be their largest meal in many weeks. I have to admit, the goat was very tasty!
After the meal was completed, the children put on a special presentation, including skits, songs they wrote themselves and lots of dancing. Yes, us wazungu (white people) even danced a bit. No photos of me dancing, though!
Needless to say, my homesickness disappeared the moment we arrived at Brydges. It’s amazing how I go to minister to the kids and they end up filling me up, overflowing and abundantly! There were no gifts exchanged, no concerns about the wrong size or color. No worries about whether or not the kids would like the gifts. Instead, we shared a time of celebration and feasting. I would not exchange this Christmas celebration for any I have had in the past!
Plans for January/February:
I will be traveling to Kisumu in Western Kenya from January 9th to the 21st to work with the Care & Compassion ministry there. Then, we have an American team coming the end of January and beginning of February. I’m excited to be able to join them on Safari in Tsavo the first week of February.
I’m working on Health & Hygiene lessons for our OVC (Orphan & Vulnerable Children) partners as well as for our Care & Compassion support groups and an evangelism pamphlet for our Care & Compassion volunteers. Along with developing forms for all the ministries, it keeps me very busy!
Please know I love and miss you all.
Denise
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