Kenya Trip Update #4

Wednesday was the big day to celebrate Christmas. First thing, mom and I went across the road from the orphanage and took a few pictures of me in my cap and gown on the red dirt road. A little while later, Leah told me to come look at something in the Megan House, and I asked quite loudly and enthusiastically, “Is it Benta???” Benta and Leah were my first Kenyan sisters, followed by many, many more. They were the ones who taught me how to say I love you so much in Swahili, and I hadn’t seen Benta since my first trip when I was ten years old. Benta and I ran into each other’s arms and treasured the special reunion. She brought her almost four-year-old daughter, Stacy, and she also ran up and gave me a hug, and it was the cutest thing.

Mom, Dad, and I went with Denis to see the house he is building! It is absolutely beautiful, and I am so proud of him. When we returned to Huruma, the Christmas celebration had started. I sat with all the students, and we sang Christmas songs in Swahili. After many introductions and songs, it was time to pass out gifts. After gifts were passed out, they called up all who have lived at Huruma. Alumni, college, and current. As the many people went up there, I got so emotional. I love them with my whole entire heart, and nothing can change that. It has been over four years since God put a burden for Kenya on my heart, and it is not fading. When all of them were standing up there, I was called up to say something. In typical Vanessa fashion, when I was up there, I started crying, and I was in complete gratitude at what a miracle it was that I was back.

We served the cakes that Leah and mom made the day before, and I found out that Vincent was able to finally kill the rat that had been causing many disturbances throughout our stay in the guest house!

After all the gifts were passed out, we went over to the kitchen. Patric asked me to go see his chickens. He has a dream of having 2,000 one day. After the ones in the incubator hatch, he will have around 400-500. I loved seeing the little chicks, and it brought me so much joy. He told me that when I live in Kenya, he will give me as much chicken as I want to eat!

Once we had eaten and the visitors had left, we went to the field and watched football. As it got dark, I went over to the swings, and all my boys were there. This was our last night together, and they were saying how much they were going to miss me, and it melted my heart. They asked to see pictures of me when I was a baby, so we ended up going through a ton of photos. Someone called me over, and we talked for so long about corruption and what could help. We also talked about teaching, and it was such a fun time. All of the students were writing letters to their sponsors, and it was a beautiful sight. I love them. We concluded our evening by spending some time in the Megan House with the girls there. After much laughter and some more serious conversations, we said goodnight.

Thursday morning, we finished packing up, and I went to spend time with my boys. We sat on a pile of rocks and just talked. Then went to the Christmas morning service. We left right when it ended, and saying goodbye was so sad. When I left the tabernacle, some of my boys came with me. After we gave hugs, they asked if they could go so they could cry without me seeing them. It was so, so sad leaving. I miss them terribly and love them dearly. I am forever grateful for the continual love and friendship they show me. It has changed me and healed me in many ways. God is so good.

P.S. My tears came in the airport bathroom… and on the plane. I miss them. ; )

Photos from 12.24-25.25