The trip to Nairobi was somewhat successful…we registered as aliens in Kenya and got our Visa’s extended. However it was extended only until November 5 and Chuck will be checking into alternative ways for us to stay here in Kenya. I have to be honest and tell you that I don’t always WANT to stay in Kenya, but it’s where the Lord has brought us and I continue to be obedient – even amidst misunderstandings, being told we don’t belong here, communication issues and feeling lonely (don’t want you to feel sorry for me just telling you how I feel sometimes.) This could take me down another path altogether so let me just stop there until another post.
One of the things which does keep me here (other than God!) are the children and adults (our family) we know personally and are working with. After we got home from Nairobi I received a call from Annastacia, house mom at Mercy. She is feeling much better, thank you Lord, but said they have only been eating githeri (beans and maize) for their meals. I couldn’t imagine eating the same thing, three times a day, seven days a week, could you? But I was thankful they were at least eating SOMETHING. I tried to encourage her and since Annastacia has a beautiful and strong faith she was also encouraging me. We reminded each other God knows exactly what their situation is. I can’t explain why it’s happening (in the Bible’s Book of Job, Job couldn’t explain it either and God never did other than saying HE IS GOD) but I know the Lord of the universe sees those kids at Mercy:
Mercy Child Foundation
Shaddrach, Medina, Benjamin, Mary to name just a few and He loves them and will show His glory in this situation even if and when we don’t see a way out.
I got off the phone feeling a bit (ok a lot) inadequate in what I could do. Mercy has no supporters due to the uncovering of corrupt leadership and the past couple of months we have been basically asking Gideon for help from Nice View’s store of maize – which God has blessed abundantly and allowed us to help feed the children. He has such a big heart he couldn’t refuse helping Mercy, but there is only so much which can be done without funds. I’m not trying to guilt anyone, just relaying the facts of the situation so you might be able to understand it a bit.
The next morning I got up and immediately began praying for Annastacia and remembered a dream I had that night. I was dressed warmly in heavy clothes and had my purse with me which was also heavy with I have no idea what, but I just remember it being heavy. I was carrying it and trying to get around a raging river which was frozen around the shores with freezing water rushing by. I felt pretty calm as I walked around the shore trying to make my way to the other side when all of a sudden the next step found me in the water up to my neck. I felt the heaviness pull me down but I didn’t feel the cold or panic. I knew I would continue to be pulled under but still no panic. Then I reached up my hand, grabbed a rock and found myself standing on solid ground, no longer in the water.
When I began praying and remembered the dream that’s when God made its meaning clear to me…the situation at Mercy may feel like I’m up to my neck in the raging river (being pulled under by the weight of the needs) but as long as I continue to reach out to the Rock He will be my solid foundation to stand on.
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:2-4 ESV
He’s solid rock under my feet Psalm 62:6 The Message
I feel His peace even in the raging river. God is my “solid rock” on which I stand and “I take refuge” in His arms. It’s a great place to be and the only place I want to be.