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As I write today, I continue to be moved by all I see...some positive, some negative and some things just incredibly sad. We went to the outdoor food market yesterday to get groceries - what an experience to be surrounded by hundreds of Kenyans selling their fruits and vegetables. The stench of rotting food compounded by hundreds of street kids high on their "glue" definitely put me out of my comfort zone. Babies cried when they saw me because of my skin color and small ones ran up to pinch my skin and run! It was an eye opening experience!
When I last wrote, I told of a big surprise yet to come. Last night, we had arranged to travel all night by bus to Mombasa in order to purchase a new van for the Partners For Care Kenyan teams. Keep in mind that in the 3 short days here, the only means of transport we have has broken down 3 times already. Just envision us standing in the pouring rain keen deep in mud trying to push this van out of the road -the village road which we were causing to be impassable due to our situation!!! Get the picture? On the way to catch the bus to Mombasa that same van gets a flat tire! The icing on the cake. But, there is a silver lining at the end of this story - and your generosity is the pot of gold at the end of a very long journey. We arrived early at the port in Mombasa this morning and because of YOU Partners for Care will get a new refurbished 2004 van. I cannot put into words the humble, overwhelming gratitude that has been show by the team as a result of this. You have now enabled this incredible team to effectively do their work here - spreading the gospel and the message of hope for an HIV-free generation, to transporting the orphans in the slum to school, doctors and orphans. Because of you they now have renewed hope to accomplish their mission.
As a " missionary" coming here, I am constantly reminded that my role in all of this is to simply empower, engage, enable and engage our partners over here to achieve their deepest desires for an orphan free, AIDS free society. It is a life-long commitment - a relationship built on mutual respect and adoration. We will now travel up the coast to visit several "Temples of Worship" guys homes and tomorrow we will begin the long ride home to Nairobi. Please continue to pray for our safety, our courage and that my presence will do more good that harm as we begin to work in the slum this week.
In closing, I am reminded of Romans 1;14-15:
"How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?"
And, how can they go if they have no transportation,,,you have provided that transportation so they can go, they can preach, they will hear and they will be believe. As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!"
Serving in Kenya,
Bridgette
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