Day 9 - NAIVASHA and KINANGOP

By Cassidy Dutton

This morning our driver, Charles, showed up at the hotel with the wonderful news that the van had been fixed and was ready to go!

We all piled in and our first stop of the day was at David’s (Keziah's husband, David Kariuki) vocational training school for former street boys. He showed us around the land and explained how he helps transition young boys that have been on the streets or in an orphanage into independent young men of God. He shared some of his own story with us and explained that many teenage boys living on the streets are looked over and he wanted to provide a place for them to develop skills in order to be a successful adult.

We then stopped at the open plot of land that Keziah and David are going to be building their new house on. It was a beautiful spot and it was so inspiring to see them following God’s plan for their life and how he has blessed them.

When we finally made it to the widows we were of course greeted with hugs, handshakes, and lots and lots of singing. Since it was our second day, I think we were all more prepared and willing to jump right in and sing, laugh, and dance with them.

After a time of worship, Keziah asked them to bring out all of their baskets they had been making. Keziah explained to them that I was studying design at university and asked me to tell them about the colors and designs that they should use in order to sell baskets back in the United States.

At first I didn’t feel equipped. I didn’t want to tell them the wrong thing or offend them in any way, but I saw that Michelle, Keziah, and the rest of the team trusted me and had confidence that I knew what I was talking about (even though I wasn’t so sure at first). I started to explain to them that although their colorful baskets are beautiful, more simple and neutral tones will sell better in the U.S., and each basket needs just one center of interest. I tried to give them as much information as I could, and Keziah told me that they really appreciated my feedback.

Although I felt that I wasn’t good enough to be the one to give the widows advice on how to design their baskets, it was so evident that the Lord was working through the team to encourage me and working through me to pass my knowledge on to others. I felt very purposeful today. I was so happy that God could use me through my passions and studies to help other people.

We had a break for lunch and we all went outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Jaley pulled out her guitar and warm smile and strummed along as the widows sang us all of their wonderful songs. Natalie was playing with all of the little kids, which was an impressive task because the rest of the team couldn’t even get them to crack a smile. Sara Ruth and Michelle were sorting the donation clothes and of course Paeton and Kelley were chatting with all of the women. The Lord used each of the team members' skills today not only to love on others, but to glorify Him.

When we arrived back at the lodge, Caroline Wood, a Pi Beta Phi at the University of Arkansas with us college girls, stopped by for a short visit. She is an intern at Naomi’s Village in Kenya this summer. It was so inspiring to hear about her struggles and triumphs over the last 3 weeks. As Paeton said, “She truly sees everything through the eyes of God.”

Today was long and tiring, but most of all, it was filled with an abundant amount of joy, laughter, and love.