AFRICA TRIP, Day 21

Friday, August 29, 2008

"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."

---Mark 10:13-16

Well, friends and family, it was yet another AMAZING day in Tanzania!

Here's the highlights:

• Being able to go to the Samaritan Village Orphanage and visit 24 little children. They were in the age range of a few months to 6 years old; all of them had been abandoned at the beginning of their life. A number of them are HIV+. Those little ones are precious beyond words, and SO important to our LORD. The staff who work there are absolutely amazing, too. Please pray for the children and the workers, as they are in a very sad, yet hopeful, situation.
• The opportunity to visit the local market and Massai market today. Funny how I felt uncomfortable going to these places at the beginning of my trip (as they were new to me, and quite sensory-stimulating experiences), but, when I went today I felt in-my-element. I was speaking Swahili like there's no tomorrow with the shopkeepers! Crazy how quickly a place can begin to feel like home.
• The JOYOUS celebration we had worshipping the Lord at the LOVE FEAST! It was such a special time of connecting with the YWAM staff and thanking them. They honored us in an amazing way, too. There were no shortage of tears shed tonight, from any one on our team. It was SO special! I loved praising Jesus in Swahili, and dancing before Him. It was so fun to watch a dance that all the little kids on the base had prepared for us. They are amazing! God bless the staff and their families at YWAM Arusha!

I'm sad to be leaving this place, but confident God will bring me back someday. I can hardly wait to return! I love it! At the same time, I am excited to go home and see Davey, my family in Leavenworth, my Bible study gang, my roommate Melissa, and all the friends who are awaiting my return! I can't wait to share all about my experience here, as it has been rich and phenomenal!

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

---James 1:27