I remember years ago when our kids were very young and some days just waiting for Chuck to get home to talk with another adult! So I can understand how Anastacia (house mom at Mercy) feels being alone at Mercy with 34 children. The two night watchmen are there, but the key word is NIGHT…she’s sleeping at that time so no conversation with another adult. Pauline (Gideon’s wife from Nice View) keeps in touch with her – finding out the needs of the orphanage, arranging transport for medical issues, visiting (schedules permitting) when supplies are delivered. Thank you Pauline you are such a blessing.
But calling Anastacia is usually my hardest phone call when calling Kenya and yesterday (Tuesday) was no exception. During this phone call Anastacia kept saying “I miss you mum”, “the kids miss you mum” and all the while I’m trying to hold back tears. I try to encourage her by letting her know we have not forgotten them. We pray for them, miss them, love them. I also asked her to tell the children that even though I’m half way around the world I want to make sure they are doing their very best in school. She assured me they are doing great and have improved much over the past few months. They started back to school (after one year off because their school fees were not paid) last January – Kenya goes to school January through December, three months on one month off.
Our last day at Mercy in October 2008
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Psalm 130:5 NIV) We are praying, preparing, waiting and putting our hope in the promises of the Lord.
And as we wait to return to our family and friends in Kenya I will continue to tell others of His love, how He called us to Kenya and how we serve Him by serving the kids there.