Merry Christmas Y'all

I can't believe it's already the week of Christmas..I have been listening to James Taylor's Christmas album for weeks now:) I went for a long walk this morning around the beautiful RVA campus and realized I really miss walking with a friend. Walks have been a time for my friends and I to really catch up, laugh, and even pray together. But as I was walking today, I never once felt alone. The Lord's presence was absolutely overwhelming. For a brief moment that made my heart race, I could actually feel Him holding my hand. You may think I sound crazy, but in all my aloneness in Kenya, I have found my dearest friend. My ever faithful Savior. He has drawn near to me in a way I never felt in Mississippi. I am reminded of a wonderful passage from Charles Spurgeon's devotional Morning and Evening...

"Job's communion with God was intensified by the failure of all other consolations."

Yes, the Lord has blessed us with the incredible gift of friends and family. But even our friends and family can fail us. However, the Lord never will. Sometimes we don't feel His presence, but when we do...it replaces any and every emotion this life could offer.

So this Christmas, may we bask in the irreplaceable gift of Jesus Christ. And may we be His hands and feet to a watching world.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

P.S. I will be traveling to Dubai in just a few days to spend the holidays with a wonderful family. Please pray for safe travels!

Kijabe Hospital

Since living in Kijabe, I have shadowed a few surgeons at the hospital and interviewed them for stories. It has been such an eye-opening experience. I have never been in the OR back home, but I am pretty sure it's very different. Kijabe Hospital runs almost completely on donations. Only about 5% of patients can actually pay for their medical care. And BethanyKids has never turned a patient away if they could not pay. It's incredible to see the people of God financially support a hospital they may never see. I can feel the Lord's presence at this hospital...before and after every single operation, the surgeons pray specifically for the patient. I have met many doctors who dedicate months and even years away from their home to serve the Lord at this hospital.

I watched one surgery of an infant whose mother had accidentally spilt tea on him. The baby's burn had become severely infected because the family waited a week to bring him to the hospital. In most African countries, a lack of education or poverty result in poor medical care. This mother probably tried to help her child on her own, underestimating the burn. But seeing the relief on the mothers' faces in this hospital is heartwarming. They are truly thankful for Kijabe Hospital, and the doctors immediately give all the glory to God.

Sweet baby with an awful burn

Happy, happy mom--her little girl with hydrocephalus just successfully came out of surgery, putting a shunt in her head. The mother was crying and praising the Lord:)

Slow Down

I just finished one of the most inspiring books I have ever read-- "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson. I have been meaning to read this book for awhile, and glad I finally had the time! One part sums up my impression of Kenyan culture. Mortenson is talking about his mentor, Haji Ali in Pakistan...

"That day, Haji Ali taught me the most important lesson I've learned in my life. We Americans think you have to accomplish everything quickly. We're the country of thirty-minute power lunches and two-minute football drills. Haji Ali taught me to share three cups of tea, to slow down and make building relationships as important as building projects. He taught me that I had more to learn from the people I work with than I could ever hope to teach them."

As many of you know, African time is very different than American time. Things run more slowly and projects are not "accomplished" as quickly. Years from now, when I look back at my time at Joytown, I'm not going to remember how many stories I wrote. Or even how effective the reading program was. I am going to remember the people that loved me. So I am very thankful that the Lord is slowing me down to appreciate others in a whole new way. And read "Three Cups of Tea" if you haven't already!

Happy Turkey Day!

First Thanksgiving away from Greenville, MS, but I am grateful to be right where I am. A few things I am thankful for today....

1. Space. Marisa and I moved into Steve and Judy Cochran's home today to housesit for the month. I cannot express how grateful we are to this family for letting us use their home in Kijabe. Kijabe has been my saving grace in Kenya and I am ecstatic to live here for an entire month. I have my own bedroom! And clean water from the sink--with ice cubes. And 2 couches in the den:)

2. New friends. The Cochran's only request: walk and feed their rambunctious dogs--Boots and Bell. I'm excited to have jogging partners around this gorgeous campus overlooking the Rift Valley.

3. Connection. We have unlimited and FREE connection to the outside world for the next month. This means... skype with people I haven't seen in months, checking my email at anytime, downloading videos, I could go on and on.

4. Turkey. Yep, I got turkey in Kenya on Thanksgiving! Marisa even tried turkey for the first time in her life.

5. Package. My sweet momma sent me a package with DVDs and other fun things, and it arrived on Thanksgiving Day! What a great surprise.

6. Family. I know everyone thinks they are thankful for their family on Thanksgiving, but I think I win:) I was able to skype with my entire family this morning and felt like I was right there with them. My parents have listened, cried, and prayed with me so many times since I have been here and I cannot thank the Lord enough for their love.

7. God's Faithfulness. Last but certainly not least, the Lord unfailing faithfulness in my life. I am more aware than ever of my wavering heart. But His grace abounds all the more. The Lord never leaves or forsakes me. He is here when I am homesick, doubtful, anxious, and even in the midst of my sin.

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears

and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted

and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and eat plenty of sweet potato casserole for me!

His People

"For the Lord's portion is His PEOPLE." Deutronomy 32:9

One of the saddest things I have seen at Joytown is the mealtime ritual. The Sunshine Class for the mentally handicapped is located at the bottom of a steep hill. Everyday before each meal, two teachers must push all of the students up the hill to the dining hall. This process takes at least 30 minutes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Today, I helped push the children and once again, I am humbled. I enter the crowded dining hall, lined with hundreds of wheelchairs. One housemother asks me to feed two boys who cannot feed themselves. As I am spoon feeding a 15-year-old boy, I start to cry. This boy could not wheel himself to the dining hall. He could not lift a spoon to his mouth. He could not even form the words "thank you." He is completely dependent on others. Yet, he is the Lord's portion. The Lord delights in this child.

There are times here when I think my heart cannot break any more. There is sadness that I cannot fix, but then I remember....we are not made for this world. And one day, one glorious day, these children will dance at their King's feet. All the brokenness of this world will finally be restored.

Thankful

I am so thankful for the children at Joytown. On Sunday, we had a farewell party for the primary and secondary students in the spina bifida support group. I have not had a chance to meet the secondary students yet, and they blew me away. They are such an encouragement and a living testimony to the younger ones. They prove that it is possible to live a clean and normal life with C.I.C. (a person must empty their bladder using a catheter). One older girl gave a small speech and thanked God for her condition. She said she knew that God had a purpose when she was born with spina bifida. I nearly lost my breath. I am perfectly healthy, and yet, I question God’s purpose for me. This girl, with a life-altering condition, is praising the Lord for the way He made her. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord, thank you for examples of children who praise You at all times.

Another blessing lately is a child named Gideon. This boy was born without arms or legs and almost completely illiterate at the age of 19. My first week here, I was given the challenging task of reading with Gideon everyday. After a few weeks, I realized I was hurting more than helping since I do not have a teaching degree. I was frustrated and very confused why the Lord was using me to help this boy. Until yesterday…I met one of the Canadian BethanyKids board members and casually mentioned Gideon’s story. Gideon is in a classroom with children more than 10 years younger. Last year was his first year at school and he needs one-on-one attention.

This gracious man has offered to help find Gideon a tutor to work with him daily. This would drastically change Gideon’s progress in the classroom. The Lord is always working—even when it’s not the time we expect!

God is Working

The Lord is truly moving here at Joytown. I have seen teachers and BethanyKids staff pour into students day in and day out, investing precious time into precious children. Yesterday, we invited the Class 8 boys to their tea party after school. We had over 20 guests and they were all very well-behaved! We taught them the same dining tips and manners as the girls, and enjoyed tea and cookies. Then Major Samson talked to the boys about becoming men of God. He reminded them that the decisions they make today will determine their future. It was so encouraging to see these boys soak up the advice they were hearing.

Today Joytown held a 2 hour prayer service for the Class 8 students. Some of the children gave speeches and performed songs, then all the teachers joined hands in prayers around the class. They prayed for wisdom in the exams, for health, and for the students' future. It was an incredible thing to see teachers love their students so deeply. They ended the service by blessing each one of the students. The Lord is using this school to prepare children for the real world and how to boldly live for Christ!

The teachers blessing students of Class 8

Long Dirt Road

I have realized that running is universally painful. My legs always burn, I always lose my breathe--no matter the country. But the difference between my runs in Thika and Mississippi is not the altitude, the terrain, or the fact that I almost always trip over a goat here...

Most afternoons, I run up and down a little dirt road next to a field. A field filled with wheelchairs with smiling children. Children who sit all day long, who will never feel their legs burn or their lungs burst with air. But they continue to smile. During every single run, I am overwhelmed by this. My complaining heart is convicted because I have legs. Maybe not legs that run fast, but they can run. Something most all of the children right beside me will never be able to do. Running has a whole new meaning to me now. Yes, it is still exercise, a release, and alone time with the Lord...but it is a precious gift. I am reminded of

1 Corinthians 9:24--

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives a prize?Run in such a way that you may win."

Lord may we not run aimlessly, but run with purpose the race You have set before us.

Tea Party

After much anticipation and preparation, we finally had our first tea party at Joytown! Last Saturday, we invited the girls from class 8 who will be graduating to the Joytown Secondary School in mid-November. We were eager to share dining etiquette tips, but more excited about spending the morning with these precious girls.

First on the agenda: how to make a proper introduction and handshake.
Next, how to properly sit in your chair and use your napkin.
Then we demonstrated the do's and don'ts of table manners (this got quite a few laughs).
We put the tips to use by enjoying yummy treats and tea.
And finally, the Major from the Salvation Army talked with the girls about purity and being a godly woman.
Marisa and I gave each guest a notecard with Romans 12:13--

"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

Please pray for these young women as they leave Joytown. Pray they will use what they learned to be a woman of character and a light for Christ wherever they go.
Once again, thank you Lord for teaching me to not take the little things for granted. Seeing these girls' faces light up at the tea party really put things into perspective:)
Next week, we are having another tea party for the boys from class 8 (say a prayer: there are 20 of them!)

Enjoying tea and cakes!

Girls from Class 8:)

Francesca and I

BethanyKids

Back in Kijabe for the weekend--it's amazing the comfort free wireless, a comfy couch, and American community can bring:) The past two weeks at Joytown have been relatively uneventful, but I have written a few stories. It is such a blessing and privilege to write about these children. I knew they were going to have a major impact on my life, but I never dreamed the positive influence they would have. Honestly, children at Joytown are always smiling. Sometimes, they will pull their wheelchairs up to our door and wait, just to say hello.

I have been overwhelmed with BethanyKids' impact on this country.

A few facts:

• In 2001, the population of Kenya was around 35 million. Of this large number, only two were plastic surgeons and twelve neurosurgeons.
• BethanyKids is based at Kijabe Hospital and has never turned a family away because of financial reasons.
• They performed over 2,200 surgeries in 2010 alone.

What an enormous blessing this Christian hospital is to Kenya! Please visit their website or facebook page to see the work the Lord is doing.

A few prayer requests for the upcoming week:

1. Strength and motivation to serve the Lord and His children in the small things.

2. Prayer that the reading program and "tea party"classes will be up and going before the semester ends.

3. BethanyKids is in need of another physical therapist soon:)

Thank you so much for your prayers!!

The God of All Nations

Disclaimer: Much prayer and processing was needed before describing this day. Apologizes for the length!

Sunday was the most interesting and overwhelming experience of my life. Marisa and I were invited to an ordination ceremony—we agreed and were picked up at 9:30 a.m. Little did we know what was ahead. The ceremony was held in a tin-roofed church in the heart of a Kenyan slum. People gawked at us. People would scream (in Swahili, of course) “Oh my goodness! I have never seen a white person before!” So after the initial shock, I silently stared at the reality around me. Trash everywhere. Dozens of goats eating the trash. Children who looked straight from one of those “Feed the Children” commercials. But the excitement really didn’t crank up until we finally made it inside the church.

(Sidenote: Time is very different here than in the U.S. For example, the service was scheduled to start at 9:30, but we didn’t enter the church until noon)

We were quickly ushered to the front (completely unacceptable that we attempted to slip into the back row) and the service lasted until 4:00 p.m. This included 3 sermons, 2 demon-possessed women, and 1 pastor who loved his microphone (the echo feature particularly). At one point, he was so worked up that he threw the mic into the crowd, hitting an innocent bystander. The worship portion reminded me of the workout video Zumba—people were sweating, cheering, and dancing everywhere. The ordination ceremony itself consisted of the pastor pouring anointment oil from a large elephant tusk onto each new pastor’s head.

Now I am not here to overanalyze, criticize, or judge the way these people worship. It was VERY different than anything I have ever seen. I cannot explain the noises I heard during those four hours. Not really sure I want to. But these people worship in desperation. They are hungry, poverty-stricken, suffering in ways I cannot even fathom. I worship because I love my Savior, but to be frank, sometimes I worship because it is the “right thing to do.” No, I will never scream or cast out demons, and I do not agree with a lot that happened yesterday. But that’s not the point of this post. I am writing just to say that we all serve the same God. And even though this little white girl feels like an outsider all the time, one day she will worship alongside those who claim Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Lord, thank you that despite all of our differences, You are the everlasting bond.

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands.” Revelation 7:9

Culture Shock

I have compiled a list of some differences in American and Kenyan culture I've noticed so far....I know there will be many, many more to come.

1. Transportation. I don't think you can picture a matatu until you ride one, but I will describe as best I can. There are hundreds of these vans that ride up and down the streets of Kenya. And they all appear full, all the time. But no...They will manage to squeeze you in and if no seats are available, don't worry, a wooden board is placed in the aisle just for you. Then when you're ready to stop, you simply knock on the ceiling of the van and the driver pulls over. I look like a deer in the headlights every time I ride one.

2. Shopping. (Disclaimer: This is coming from a girl who throughly enjoys browsing the aisles of Fresh Market at Renaissance Mall). The Kenyan market-- Hundreds of vendors are covering a certain area and all seem to be selling the same items. Yes, there are many fruits and vegetables options; however, 20 women in a row are all selling pineapple. So you have to choose quickly and not be afraid to negotiate the price. Something I have realized I am terrible at doing. Grocery shopping is not a leisurely experience, but it is definitely much more interesting.

3. Greetings. In America, you can easily slip into a room once a meeting has started or simply wave hello when you enter someone's home. Not so in Kenya. When you arrive anywhere, you greet everyone in the room either with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. You say "hello, how are you?" to each person individually. Also, when you enter someone's home, you take off your shoes. Hm, I don't think I've ever been barefoot at a dinner party at home.

4. Hospitality. In Kenya, it is very, very common to just "pop in" anytime. No really, anytime. When you do have a visitor, you offer chai (tea) and bread, or if near a mealtime, you serve your visitor whatever you're having. And if you were on your way out the door when someone shows up, your plans change and you invite them in. It's great--your day revolves around relationships and not a schedule.

Just a few differences that bring a smile to my face:)

Let's Go Walking, Thika

Joytown School hosted its first 10 kilometer walk this weekend to raise money for the school. It was a great success! The children loved, I mean loved, participating. It's convicting that the simple act of walking can be so precious to some. Sorry for the very short post, but here are some pictures from the event!

Loading everyone up to go!

Marisa and I

The Salvation Army Walk for Joytown School

The Salvation Army provided a marching band for the event.

I sent more information through my newsletter...Please send me your email if you would like me to forward it to you!

Let's Wash Our Hands

Friday officially ended "Hand Washing Week" here at Joytown! It was an eventful week of promoting a healthy lifestyle for all the children. Posters were placed around the school with instructions on proper hand-washing techniques and a program for everyone ended the week. The headteacher and head nurse spoke on healthy habits and the physical therapy team demonstrated hand-washing with volunteers. Please pray this week will inspire the children to live healthy and clean lives!

Another exciting part of the week at Joytown was the arrival of the U.S. Ambassador. He and his wife visited the school for the first time on Friday, and were greeted warmly. The children performed a short song and dance for everyone.

This weekend, new friends took Marisa and I to The Blue Post Hotel to view the beautiful waterfalls (including Thika Falls). It was a great day, ending with a camel ride!

I thank the Lord for this new community He has quickly provided. He is truly taking care of me. Thank you all for your prayers!

This verse immediately takes my heart to Kenya:)

Psalm 63:1 "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary where there is no water."

Beautiful Kijabe

I cannot believe I have only been in Thika a week and a half--so much has happened!

First week at Joytown:

• You're looking at the new reading teacher. It's quite a challenge because I have never taught a day in my life. I would love your prayers:)
• Marisa and I have shadowed the rehab team all week. We observe, learn, and stand in awe of this team's patience. They work with children who range from the inability to ever walk to children who simply need a brace. It's exciting to see the impact these diligent therapists have on the children.
• An Australia team has been working here all week. They performed a small skit and the Joytown School Choir sang, bringing tears to my eyes. One little girl named Lucy asked me if I sang and when I laughed and replied "no", she said, "It's ok, God listens to all of His children sing." I am continually humbled by these children!
• We wake up at 4 a.m. to firewood being cut outside our room and head to bed about 8:30 every night--quite a different lifestyle:)

This weekend, Marisa and I traveled to Kijabe, a small town about 2 hours north of Thika. It is home to Kijabe Hospital (another location of BethanyKids) and RVA. We enjoyed Christian fellowship and much-needed rest. The beautiful town rests in the middle of the mountains, a haven I hope we can return to in the future!

A few prayers requests for the upcoming week...Please continue to pray for our safety and health. Please pray for patience as I attempt to learn the local language. I would love to communicate with the children more easily.

But above all, please pray I will serve these children daily and continue to learn more than I teach.

Home Sweet Home

The first words when I arrived at Joytown were, "Oh you're Gray, we have been praying for you!" It's hard to explain the feeling of actually being at a place that you have thought of for so long. The word that comes to my mind is peace. I feel as if I have known this place before and I am only returning. What a blessing!

My roommate, Marisa and I stayed with the Wilson family this weekend. They are a wonderful Scottish family who answered any and every question we had about the next six months. We are moving to Joytown tomorrow, but dropped by yesterday. The school consists of over 300 children, greeting us with smiles radiating with happiness. Dr. Bransford spent the morning with us touring the school where we met the BethanyKids staff. I cannot wait to work with the people who love these students day in and day out.

Once we left Joytown, we visited Rift Valley Academy and Kijabe Hospital--both about an hour and a half drive from the school. Hopefully, we will be able to visit again. Here are a few pictures of my first view of Joytown-of course, there will be many, many more to come. Thank you again for all of your encouraging notes, prayers, and simply your interest in this part of my life!

Me, Marisa, and our new friend Emily Woods with sweet children from Joytown

Precious little Janet

Moses who will never smile for the camera

BethanyKids staff at Joytown

Our room:) Bunk beds are to the right

Tomorrow is Here

September 7th is finally here! I have been dreaming about tomorrow for so long now. I leave tomorrow morning for Atlanta to meet Dr. Bransford and travel onto Amsterdam, and then finally to Nairobi. I will arrive in Nairobi around 8:30 Thursday night.

The last few days have been filled with many sweet goodbyes...And Sunday night was the perfect going away party. I am so grateful for all of my wonderful friends! Here are a few pictures from the cookout.

Even Maggie made the blog

Please pray for safe travels on the long journey to Kenya. Please pray for my roommate, Marisa, and I to easily communicate (She is from Switzerland and speaks Swiss-German). And also please pray that I will have a servant's heart every day--for Christ to overflow in whatever I say or do. Talk to you in Thika:)

"You are a hiding place for me, you preserve me from trouble. You surround me with shouts of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7

God is Faithful

The verse I cling to has proven true once again in my life:

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful-- for He cannot deny Himself." 2 Timothy 2:13

I am fully supported for Africa! God is always faithful. Always. He never abandons me, even when I abandon Him. I pray I will be reminded of the Lord's unfailing faithfulness.

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me financially, but more importantly, in prayer. Without you, it would not be possible for me to serve God's children in Kenya. Words cannot express my gratitude for all your encouragement and love. I need it now more than ever:)

Here We Go

Over a year and a half of emails, phone calls, support raising, countless prayers, encouragement from friends and family, and I am ready. Well, as ready as I can be for this overwhelming adventure to Kenya. I will be leaving September 7th and will return March 8th. Most of my thoughts and conversations revolve around this exciting opportunity--it's crazy this reality is almost here. My new home will be Joytown Primary School in Thika, a small town near Nairobi. My job description is to write stories about the work BethanyKids is doing at Joytown, but I know that is just the beginning. You can read over my support letter or visit www.bethanykids.org for more information about their work at Joytown.

So many things in my life will change starting September 7th. I am ready to be humbled. To be completely out of my element. To be away from the comfortable life I have always known. To know the Lord intimately. But most importantly, I am ready to further His Kingdom.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name, tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; for he is to be feared above all gods.

Psalm 96:1-4