Jambo!!!

---

Jambo! We arrived in Nairobi, Kenya earlier today. There was nobody in the visa line, and our bags all came out together! #winning

Today I snuggled a little 7 month old boy named Adiel. I was told they found him buried alive in the dirt. Someone saw the dirt moving and they uncovered him with his umbilical chord still attached. The beautiful people of New Hope Church brought him to the hospital for medical attention, and then into their home to care for him and he is now a healthy, CHuNkY lil man!! As he laid across my lap sleeping I couldn't fathom what this little man had already been through. Jesus has a mighty plan for this little boy.

We then walked through one of the slums, with sewage running through the center, and trash everywhere. Some random piles of trash were on fire. The children kept yelling to us "how are you" over and over and over. I would answer, but then they didnt know what to say haha. Someone forgot to teach them the rest of that conversation starter!

We visited an orphanage called Tamani which means hope. 😊 35 children under the age of 14. When we walked in, each student is dressed in their Sunday best. Some really awesome dresses for fake prom.......ha.... Every single child gives a greeting and goodbye hug to all of us. They were pretty calm when we walked in because yesterday when their American grandpa , Tom, came in they rushed him with hugs and he actually tore his ACL. I am not joking. Poor guy. He's hobbling along on crutches through the slums with us. But he LOVES these orphans. His heart is beautiful and inspiring.

Matrine. 11years old. She is awesome. She took me up to show me her bed. She is beautiful. And just overflows with joy. Her smile is contagious. Her laugh makes you laugh. She was so fun. She is smart, and such a leader. One of those little girls you just want to be around. Ann Rae, u taking notes? #love

It is really cool that the other church here at the same time as us is from PA, and they actually have church members who sponsor a number of these children. It was very touching to see sponsored child meet sponsor...some for the first time. Some with a solid relationship because the sponsors keep coming back to see their sponsor child. I can't wait for this opportunity through LifePoint Church someday in the future!!! #inspiring

Joy. Joy. Joy. Joy. The one word that I would use to describe the children we interacted with today. Jesus, teach me to live with this kind of joy no matter the circumstance. #joy

---

Comments

[Ann Rae]

inspired
Ash! thanks for sharing your trip with us so far!! Love reading your blog posts and hearing all that God is doing in Africa. Keep it up, girl...keep loving on all those sweet children. You are such a light. #inspired