Meeting New Friends!

So what exactly does your organization do in Kenya?” Mbugua asked. As I embarked on explaining my typical answer to this question, a sudden fear began to rise in my gut. For though I have explained the ministry of ELI many times before, I have never done so to a Kenyan living in the U.S. who is not part of our staff. What would he think? Would he like what we’re doing in his country, or be critical of the way we are attempting to help?

This is this situation I found myself in the first night I attended my home group from church. Sitting in a living room and meeting all the loving families in the group, I was so excited to learn that one of them was from Kenya. Mbugua, his wife Ndinda, and their two beautiful girls moved from Kenya to the U.S. eight years ago. They warmly greeted me and we struck up a conversation that blessed me more than they will ever know.

After listening to my explanation of EIL’s ministry, Mbugua looked at me and lovingly said, “Thank you. This is exactly what my people need and I know very few organizations actually bringing help in this way.” This affirmation means a lot from someone who’s seen the damage some American missions organizations have done in his country, specifically in the life of his father who now wants nothing to do with the church. Hearing that I was returning to Kenya this summer, Mbugua embraced me with tears in his eyes and said, “Go. Go and love my people. I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

I was blessed more in that moment than I can ever explain. I am absolutely where God wants me to be, and this place that he has me in blows my mind. I praise Him for these new friendships and for the opportunity to work for an amazing organization like ELI that is truly changing lives!!


What's new with me:
My job’s expanding! I now have some new responsibilities which include helping coordinate the trips for all our teams heading over to Africa this summer. And I love it! I love corresponding with the teams, praying for them, and taking care of the details to make these life-changing trips happen.

Going to Kenya! Only three months till I leave again for the land that has stolen my heart! And this time I can’t wait to experience it with my family! Yep, my parents are leading our team of 8 for a three-week adventure serving in the ELI training centers, orphanage, and health clinic.

Speak through me Lord! I have been having a blast as God opens doors for me to speak in classes at APU, sharing the vision of ELI and inviting students to participate. I’m a bit nervous, but excited to allow Him to speak through me to 100 Jr. Highers on March 20th. Yikes Lord, give me words and give them attention spans!