Trip Review

Jambo Rafikis,

Did I ever expect to go to Africa when I was little? Was it something I dreamed about doing? Yes. That answer surprises many people. How could a little girl even know what awaited her in Africa? Well when God destines you for something he has an immaculate way of preparing you for his will. I remember being in fourth grade and a TV show came out. It was about an America family moving to Africa. I was addicted to that show. For some reason, that was desirable and attractive. The same thing happened when I passed a child sponsorship table when I was ten. I felt the same tug at my heart to sponsor a little girl from Rwanda, Africa. Those feelings can only come from God. Having never experienced Africa physically before, I was drawn to anything about it. That is how I knew that I need to go to Kenya.

The first time I went, it unexplainably changed me. I came back completely new. My personality changed and my drive changed. I would arguably say that it changed the total direction of my life. God was waiting for the perfect time to make this shift. I am so thankful for his timing. Even for this second trip to Kenya, God planned it for the perfect time for me. Many things were different about this trip and those changes challenged me in new ways.

The entire trip was amazing. There were so many times I just thanked God for bringing me to this place. I am a little hesitate of any people I know going because its mine. That is completely selfish and in no way correct, but I laugh at myself for thinking that way. I am selfish for the valley, for Nairobi.

From day one to the last day, God has perfectly touched each individual on the trip. Every one reveals a different view. Some felt that the reason for going was to see how much God loved them, others to show them that they are doing the right things, and some others need to change their path. Yet for me, it was to make me fall deeper in love with Christ and Kenya. Kenya is a place I can envision myself staying for a while. It is a place where I belong. I do not feel that I belong in Chicago and I never have. (This is where I remind you that all my posts are honest. I tell you what is on my heart bluntly because you all have made so many sacrifices in giving and praying for this trip that I owe you the same courtesy). Some might be a little mad that I say this but I never felt that it was to be my permanent home. I think God has placed me here as a step and building place to launch me into my future. I have complete confidence in this because God has allowed me to.

I recently listened to a sermon on Gods grace and his resurrection. The main theme of this message was to be in a place where you cannot stop talking about Gods love just as some cannot stop talking about their children or a travel experience (cough cough Kenya). What really spoke to me was that we have a responsibility to the entire world to tell of his love. Not just our neighbors. God says the entire world. He loves the entire world. He loves Kenya and America and everywhere else. I say this because some people are more focused on fixing America and do not agree with international missions trips. That is ok and God created you to help heal America. God did not create me for that. He created me to Go. Go unto the world and He reminds me of this often. He tells me to walk in obedience according to his will and when you do this you will be undeniably different. People will know that you are fulfilling Gods will because of the way you act. I feel that the best possible version of myself comes out while I'm in Kenya. I feel focused, I feel full of love and energy. It may be selfish that I feel filled when I am in Kenya and not as much at home but there I am able to feed off of everyone around me. Why would I feel so filled and close to Christ if that was not his will? So,  I am thankful for him revealing his plan to me so vibrantly.

Kenya was a great success. The special needs population is growing and people are beginning to be slightly more comfortable with disabilities. God has opened numerous doors for the school in Pangani and all 17 of the missions of hope schools. I was working closely with the only two individuals on staff as workers in this field. I met one last year. Her name is Isabella. We became even closer and her smile and comfort is infectious. Its a blessing to work with her. She has been teaching me more Swahili and I got a few compliments from the hotel staff on my pronunciation and word usage :) :) :). The newest member hired was a man named Amon. He really helped improve the program at the Pangani center. He is literally a God send and is doing amazing work. We joked around a lot, laughed a lot, and he became a very close friend. It was hard to leave both of them,  but I know that when I return it will be a joyous reunion.

Thank you all for the extreme amount of support you have given me. For those reading the blog, those praying, those just thinking about this trip. Thank you. All of this seriously could not happen without you. Thank you for trusting in what God is doing in Nairobi and through me. Thank you to DISTRICT 15 RADIO ROOM for your dedicated reading and prayer. I love you all and am so thankful for you lovely people. Maybe I can pop in there one day and say thanks in person.

I will be writing a few more posts here and there to keep you updated, share stories of some individuals that have progressed fruitfully, and a few other things. Once again thank you.

In his love,

Maddie