Last week, I was in Arusha, Tanzania visiting Mary and Vernon Smith (missionaries and close family friends of the Baird’s) and their ministry. Also, we went on a wonderful safari at the Ngoragora Crater and saw everything from lions to elephants to cheetahs to hippos. I was so encouraged and inspired by the ministry in Arusha. There is an amazing, quality primary school, church, sports ministry and beautiful medical clinic with a very smart doctor. The trip gave us encouragement for the future of the ministry with Kibera Penda Project and lots of ideas. It also confirmed to me that God has definitely called me to Kibera.
Exxon Team
Today, we said goodbye to a team of Exxon Mobil employees. They spent six days in Arusha with us and then spent Saturday in Kibera. I was sad that they only got to spend a day in Kibera, and sad they had to leave. I am so thankful for them and their hearts for the ministry. We spent a couple hours Saturday afternoon at the guesthouse just talking about what they saw, what the needs were, brainstorming ideas, sharing the culture, asking questions. It was amazing to see people not come here to grow and to have a fun time with the kids (which is important and powerful) but who truly desire to partner with the work that God is doing here. I was also encouraged by people who are missionally serving with their co-workers. It’s easy to serve with friends, family, fellow church members, classmates, but that is a comfort box you have to step out of to travel with your co-workers. I am excited to hear about the impact they will make when they get back to work.
Baby Brenda
A woman in the church walked up to the school today holding a tiny baby. We came to find out that the baby had been dropped right outside her house and the woman, Faith, found her and had no idea who’s baby she was. This was last Sunday. Since then, she has been passionately caring for this child. I was blown away. Faith is already a grandmother, has three of her own children, and is living in Kibera. There’s not really extra money lying around to just start caring for a random baby. But Faith has named the baby Brenda and is treating her like a daughter. Please pray for God’s provision in what we should do with the baby and for Brenda’s health. She seems very malnourished and Faith does not have the money to take her to the doctor. We want to step in and help but we don’t want to act like we know more than them or take the wrong approach culturally.
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