Upendo Ministries

Oh what I’d do to get on a plane to the dirt roads of Migori County, Kenya. I’m really missing them, but I’m simply grateful that I get to know them and that God saw it fit for me to go back before school started again.

Their laughter echoes through my mind, I see their smile through the day, and their hands are imprinted on my heart. My mind is continually going back to the little conversations we had in Kiswahili and holding their hands as we walk in circles because all we were doing was being together. I am wishing to play another game of football (soccer) with the little boys, even if it’s just to hear their laughter ringing across the compound because Shangi (Auntie) Nessa just missed the goal… by a whole kilometer! Haha.

What I’d do to have another conversation with the college students. To sit under that one specific tree and talk about the economy, money, friends, family, church, and the list goes on. Just to hear them teach me another sheng word.

What I’d do for one more volleyball game with the secondary students. To hear Bonface yelling through the speaker talking about the football game as we are bouncing the ball over the volleyball net. To hear one more song sung by them. To tell them one more story from the Bible. What I’d do to eat one more meal with them.

If you couldn’t tell, I’ve been missing them a lot this week. I’ve been reminiscing over all we did at the beginning of the month. Even though it’s only been four weeks, it feels like four months.

These moments of running around the compound with and simply being with them are some of the most joyful and fulfilling moments of my life. I feel so grateful that God put them in my life and I pray that He continues to bless them and watch over them. Their smiles and laughter will forever hold a special place in my heart.

-Vanessa Brooke