Upendo Ministries

  • The Long Night, and the Morning After

    The Long Night, and the Morning After

    It’s been nearly 17 months of being unwell—and now, at last, the sun is starting to shine again. Back in 2018, I got a tick bite. A friend helped remove it, and we didn’t think much of it at the time. Everything seemed fine. Then, in 2019, on my first trip to Kenya, I developed… Read more

  • From Darkness to Dawn

    From Darkness to Dawn

    It was about 3 a.m. I was Bible journaling in Psalms when I came across this verse: “O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.” — Psalm 30:2 I remember reading those words and wanting them to be my testimony. That night, as quiet worship music played, I prayed—not just… Read more

  • Six Years Later: A Journey of Love in Kenya

    Six Years Later: A Journey of Love in Kenya

    Six years ago, a ten-year-old girl in fifth grade traveled to Kenya with her family. It was her first time outside of North America, and she was beyond excited to visit Huruma Dolor Orphanage. Yes, that girl is me. 🙂 It’s incredible to think that six years have passed. In some ways, it feels like… Read more

  • Bring Maize to Malawi

    Bring Maize to Malawi

    In Malawi, many families are surviving on less than $2.15 a day. The cost of maize, a vital part of their diet, is out of reach, and they are left to rely only on vegetables to feed their children. For just $90, we can provide a bag of maize that will feed a family for… Read more

  • Unvoiced Prayers

    Unvoiced Prayers

    I’ve often heard people say that tears are prayers too, and I believe this to be true. There have been moments when I’ve wept, my eyes heavy with sorrow, unable to summon words to speak. Yet there are other times when the tears refuse to fall, and my heart aches too deeply for even a… Read more

  • Chronic Echoes

    Chronic Echoes

    To those suffering with any kind of chronic pain or suffering, mental, emotional, or physical, I want you to know that you are seen. Your hurt does not go unnoticed. You are a brave one, my friend. Keep fighting, keep reaching for His garment. Your echoes are being heard. Chronic Echoes by Vanessa Smith Chronic.… Read more