January 30th

Our Call To Mission, Their Call to Serve

In preparation for our trip we often use the following scripture to affirm our call:

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Today half our team remained at Maua Methodist Hospital where we visited the pediatric ward.  We distributed small hand made blankets and knitted caps.  (Blankets provided by Granbury Quilt Guild and the knitted caps by AUMC Knitting Circle).  The tiny children were so sick, not smiling much, and they are a little shy around the Mzungu (travelers/foreigners) who periodically appear. However their mothers were delighted and thankful.

Each day the staff is allowed a few minutes for a cup of fresh brewed tea.  We visited the staff in four departments including the Laboratory area, pharmacy, dental care, and Community (Palliative) care.  To show our appreciation for the work they do, we provided a  snack to be enjoyed with their tea.  They were so happy to receive the snacks and were moved by our words of thanks and encouragement.  A couple of staff even had tears in their eyes.  We were later told that as a mission hospital, budgets are tight and their is rarely anything extra provided for the staff.
In all circumstances the staff continue to greet their patients and visitors with smiles and compassion.

The remaining team members returned to the site of the AIDS orphans home (more on that tomorrow as we share about the dedication).  Many times we have children watch while we work.  Today we met a sweet girl named Blessing who was around 9 years old. 
We blew bubbles and tried to chat with her, but her English wasn't very good.  Usually when children are around us during the day it means they are not in school for one reason or another.  Our driver spoke with her in Swahili and he found out that she is not in school because her family does not have the funds to send her.  He told us she only lacked 100 Kenya Shillings, the equivalent to $1.00 US dollar.  Our hearts broke to hear this and we realize even more so how important our journey to Maua becomes. 

While we cannot reach each and every person or provide gifts and monetary contributions.  Our presence may become a beacon to another of God's children.  Daily we are inspired by the people in Kenya who are willing to give of themselves unselfishly and who we have the privilege to serve with. Our biggest prayer is that others will be led to make a difference.in the life of someone else, or to participate in this worthy mission or another.

Ephesians 4:2-3 The Message

4 2-3  I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love