KENYAN "BARBEQUE"

Our God is an awesome God!! As you all probably know, by the grace of God, we were able to finish the ceiling of the main events room/chapel at Naomi's Village, therefore, we had to celebrate! The celebration started with the dedication of the chapel. Bob and Julie Mendonsa told the story behind Naomi's Village, and the vision that God has given them for the orphanage. Our teammate, Joe, shared a word from the book of Nehemiah, and the Lord truly spoke through him, and encouraged us to not only be more grateful for our salvation, but also emphasized that we should "seek first the kingdom of God." We finished the dedication of the chapel with singing Kenyan style, and praying over the chapel, that God would be present there. Chai and Chapati followed soon after. It was amazing to walk into the chapel, and see the beautiful finished product, and to see God's grace and provision in that room. We were definitely reminded of

1 Corinthians 15:58, and we can't wait to see the children eating, playing, and worshipping in that room.

Soon after the dedication of the chapel at Naomi's Village, some of us headed back to Comfort The Children to enjoy the kiddos and the Malaika Mums one last time. We were able to help feed the kids and also enjoyed dancing and playing with them. George, in particular, had some amazing dance moves. I think I need some lessons from him! We were also able to meet more of the mothers of the kids, and hear some of their stories. One story in particular touched my heart: One of the older women that takes care of the kids at CTC told us that she was caring for 16 children at home, including her own children, and also children of family members that had passed away. She told us that she had recently hurt her back, but continued to work because there was no other way to provide for the children. This woman's strength and her servant's heart was completely amazing to observe and hear about. Those who didn't go to CTC, got to go to the slaughterhouse and butchery to get goat and beef for the "barbeque" at Naomi's Village tonight.

The rest of the day was spent fellowshipping, playing volleyball and soccer, and watching goat and beef get cut up Kenyan style with a machete, and cooked. We all enjoyed a lovely bowl of potatoes, cabbage, and boiled goat. Dan and Peter had also grilled nyama choma and beef, and I can proudly say that everyone on the team at least tried the goat! We were so pleased to see our wonderful friends from the IDP camp, Joseph and Doreen, attend the "barbeque," along with all the Kenyan workers at Naomi's Village. It was truly a special time with Joseph, as he had just left the funeral service for his son Brian, who passed away earlier in the week. Tonight was both a sad occasion and a joyful one as we said goodbye to the workers we had bonded with in addition to our friends from the IDP camp.

What a wonderful day to celebrate the grace and provision of our Lord and Savior, not only in allowing the progress on Naomi's Village to continue, but also in allowing us to meet and fellowship with our wonderful Kenyan friends.

Michael and Ginny