Upendo Ministries

July 11th, 2025

If I had to describe today in just one word, it would be fulfilled.

I woke up around 7:15 a.m. to the sound of people singing Salama Rohoni—“It is well with my soul.” As I stepped outside, I was met with a breathtaking view of Lake Malawi. The sun had risen above the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the water, the sand, and the mountains beyond. The cool morning air was so refreshing.

At breakfast, we had bread, fresh pineapple, watermelon, and eggs for those who don’t have allergies. 😉

I’ve made so many new friends here—two 19-year-old girls named Neema and Daphroza who help out around the resort. There are also two men with tables of souvenirs who are now friends too. Another man working here has a daughter named Vanessa—she’s 16—and he randomly calls out my name with a smile, just to say it. The cook is a sweet woman named Mary. And there’s another man who sits on the beach who helped carry my suitcase when I first arrived. Now, every time he sees me, he calls out my name and asks how I’m doing.

I haven’t been to Kenya since I began learning Kiswahili with my tutor, and I can’t begin to explain how much it’s changed my ability to connect. It’s no longer just conversation with a few Kiswahili and English words—it’s heart to heart.

Later in the morning, we drove about 8 minutes to Mababu. As soon as we arrived, Saraphiner and Fides came out to greet us. Saraphiner was so surprised I could speak Kiswahili, and Shawn jokingly claimed credit, saying he taught me everything I know. We walked to the school grounds where we were welcomed by cocoa farmers, and the teachers of Nkeso Primary and Chekechea (kindergarten).

The students had prepared a few songs for us—including the Tanzanian National Anthem. Their voices were full of joy and pride. After they returned to class, the adults held a traditional drumming and dancing ceremony. That’s when I spotted Mama Mpoki—the beautiful face of Askinosie’s Tanzania chocolate. She saw me smiling at her, and walked over. I gave her a big hug and spoke in Kiswahili with her. She’s so precious.

We were served a second breakfast of chai, chapati, and mandazi. Then we joined the cocoa farmers for a business meeting in one of the classrooms. Introductions were made, gifts were exchanged, and the room buzzed with connection. But when the meeting got more serious and some difficult topics came up, a few people were visibly and vocally uncomfortable and upset knowing I could understand what they were saying. I asked Shawn if I should step out, and he said no. Still, I ended up going to the van for a while—I wasn’t feeling great.

One of the other students noticed and came to sit with me. We had such a deep conversation about how surreal this trip feels. Why us? Why were we chosen for this experience? It’s humbling.

Lunch was simple and good: rice, beef, sukuma wiki, and water. Afterward, I returned to the van and when I came back out, some children gathered near me. I asked if they knew Salama Rohoni, and we began to sing together. Then we sang Ndiye Mwamba Ni Salama, and it was so sweet. Right as we finished, the church next door turned their music up loud—so naturally, we joined in, singing and talking about Jesus.

Later, I had more Jesus conversations with Headmaster Baraka and Mama Mpoki. I can’t even describe the joy that fills me when we get to share together about Jesus and that connects us on a much deeper level.

In the afternoon, we students painted the playground and sidewalk games. My hands were completely covered in paint. Will told Max and me to use paint thinner to get it off—but it didn’t work, and our hands burned like crazy. Even so, we laughed so much. At one point before we left, I got to hold a baby—and my heart could barely hold all the joy.

We came back to the resort, had dinner… and then I got really sick. But even that didn’t dull the deep thankfulness in my heart. God’s blessings have been poured out in every detail, every conversation, and every little moment today.

I am fulfilled. Not because everything went perfectly—but because God is here, and I feel it.

With a fulfilled heart,
Vanessa