This morning, many of us woke up early to give the kids a “push” to school. Some of us walked with children to the primary school which is right next to Tumaini and others made it to the secondary school—a short five minute walk. I was fortunate enough to join my prayer partner, Maureen on the walk to school and her friend Rubina. She had a mock exam in Biology for her Form 4 final which is at the end of the month, so we compared test taking strategies. After breakfast, the entire team was able to take a tour of both of the schools. I was fascinated to see the secondary school, the equivalent of high school back in the States. I graduated from high school a little over a month ago. The kids I saw studying were students just like me. They were learning many of the same things that I learned. I can only imagine the challenges of taking a final exam that covers everything that I learned in high school over the four years. At primary school, we were able to play with many of the students during their break.
After our tours of the school, the team (minus the partners meeting attendants) headed to Gatitu Church where they are building a home for the aged. We received such hospitality from the women at the church. We were served tea as soon as we arrived, before we painted the home. Lunch followed which was an incredible feast. There were many delicious dishes and multiple fruits for dessert. The women that prepared the meals were so generous to us. As a team, we applied two layers of paint to the outside of the home as well as priming a few rooms inside.
We came home to clean up before the kids arrived home. I had the pleasure of joining the children from both Huruma and Tumaini after school for a run. I ran with a girl named Caroline from Huruma and had other children around us. It was an incredible opportunity to see even more of Kenya on a 3.2 kilometer loop. Our group of runners returned back to Tumaini where we led stretches. The kids were so joyous throughout the entire run. I cannot even begin to explain how great of an opportunity it was to build even more relationships with the kids during their daily routine.
School finished and the children eventually all made it back home. Sally showed off her hula hooping skills while teaching the children how to hula hoop. We passed out bubbles as well to the kids who were able to both blow the bubbles and then chase around to pop them. A few of the older girls even did it all at the same time: they blew their bubbles; they popped them; and they were hula hooping. That’s true talent. We had devotions after school. We praised the Lord with multiple songs. The students learned the song Days of Elijah (a Meadows favorite) with the dance moves. Imani Hall was filled with all of their beautiful voices as well as their fantastic dance moves. Drew acted out the parable of the Good Samaritan with the help of some of the older boys. Everyone watched attentively as the play became very animated and silly, while still continuing to learn more about what is commanded of us.
We enjoyed yet another delicious feast for dinner. I can safely say I’ve been eating plenty while I’ve been here. The chefs here at Tumaini have continued to give us new meals to try and even introduced me to one of my favorite bread like dishes—chipati.
I can not begin to explain the joy that has been shared with me while we have been here. I’m enjoying every second that I’ve been here. The Lord is very much at work in this place and in these children’s lives. I can see it through their interactions and their love for each other, truly inspiring.
We miss you all back home. We hope that you are all very safe and healthy. Everything here is fine. We send lots of love to you from all the way across the ocean. Thank you so much for your support and prayers since we’ve been gone. They mean so much to us.
Bwana asifiwe!
- Megan
