These are just a few misc. photos of our Kenya family. Wow the ministry has really grown and God continues to bless doesn't He. Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Our Kenya Family
These are just a few misc. photos of our Kenya family. Wow the ministry has really grown and God continues to bless doesn't He. 
Monday, June 29, 2009
Through the backdoor......
Diane Clements has returned from Kenya and this is her most recent posting:
“All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your Name's sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” – Psalm 25:10-11
I’ve been thinking a lot since I got back home... I really didn’t expect it to happen this way – I thought I would go to Kenya, do the work that God sent me there to do, leave it in the hands of others and then return home unchanged. Over the past 8 years, God has firmly planted my heart in Asia – specifically in Nepal with our families there – but I really didn’t think that there would be that same intense love and attachment with the work and people of Kenya. After all, how many places and people and cultures can one person’s heart be linked with?? But before I knew it I was swooped right into the Kangundo family! It seriously took me by surprise just how much I came to love Kenya, my coworkers and brothers and sisters there, and above all, the children He has entrusted to us. It was rather like Kenya snuck into my heart thru the backdoor and caught me unaware. And yet the fact remains – I returned home with a part of my heart truly Kenyan.
But isn’t that just like our God? When we are obedient to His call, then He gives great joy in the act of our obedience – even when we don’t expect it. His goodness is beyond our understanding – highlighted all the more by our sinfulness and unworthiness to even be used by Him. Isn’t He amazing??
Please continue to pray for our homes in Kangundo as they make the many adjustments to this new ministry. Pray for wisdom for Lois as she directs and guides and for the parents as they adjust to their new roles. And even as we are beginning this ministry, pray for the second phase of it. I am confident that these 12 children are just the beginning – there is such an overwhelming need. Kindly ask the Lord for guidance about when I should plan to return and the steps He would direct us to next.
Pray also for the Osborne’s mission – they are facing significant financial shortfalls and a multitude of other challenges – even as Lois battles her diabetes and Hoyt his back pain. Pray for the people of Kenya – there is a serious drought and food shortage – and if rain does not come soon, many people will die. The cost of some food items has increased 300% already!
Finally, pray for God’s provision for our ministry. We have started this work in Kenya entirely by faith – but the costs are much higher than we anticipated. i am not worried – as we trust Him and practice good stewardship – God will surely provide for what He has initiated - He is obligated! People have been asking how they can participate financially. Donations can be sent to:
Grace Children’s Home Ministries
c/o First Baptist Church
1511 Delaware Ave.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
You can mark your check specifically for the Kenya home if you wish. Also, if you are interested in sponsoring a specific child, please let me know via email and I will send you pertinent information.
If you would like me to come and present this ministry at your church, small group etc. then let me know that too. I am hoping to head to the Pacific Northwest in august – if that is any help....
And since many of you on this mailing list have just been added recently, I am going to include a link to a 2005 article on how this ministry got started 8 years ago.
baptistbulletin.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/bb_11_05_pp20-23.pdf
Last, but not least, enjoy the attachment picture of newest family – take joy in seeing the fruit of your prayers firsthand! Aren’t they beautiful?? Yeah they are!! Each one a precious gift from the hand of God!
Thank you for your participation with us through your prayers - knowing that so many people were praying was priceless to us! I am praying that our sweet Father will bless you just a fraction of the blessing you have been to us over the past month. And if He does – get ready to be majorly blessed!
Back in California but still a little bit African,
I’ve been thinking a lot since I got back home... I really didn’t expect it to happen this way – I thought I would go to Kenya, do the work that God sent me there to do, leave it in the hands of others and then return home unchanged. Over the past 8 years, God has firmly planted my heart in Asia – specifically in Nepal with our families there – but I really didn’t think that there would be that same intense love and attachment with the work and people of Kenya. After all, how many places and people and cultures can one person’s heart be linked with?? But before I knew it I was swooped right into the Kangundo family! It seriously took me by surprise just how much I came to love Kenya, my coworkers and brothers and sisters there, and above all, the children He has entrusted to us. It was rather like Kenya snuck into my heart thru the backdoor and caught me unaware. And yet the fact remains – I returned home with a part of my heart truly Kenyan.
But isn’t that just like our God? When we are obedient to His call, then He gives great joy in the act of our obedience – even when we don’t expect it. His goodness is beyond our understanding – highlighted all the more by our sinfulness and unworthiness to even be used by Him. Isn’t He amazing??
Please continue to pray for our homes in Kangundo as they make the many adjustments to this new ministry. Pray for wisdom for Lois as she directs and guides and for the parents as they adjust to their new roles. And even as we are beginning this ministry, pray for the second phase of it. I am confident that these 12 children are just the beginning – there is such an overwhelming need. Kindly ask the Lord for guidance about when I should plan to return and the steps He would direct us to next.
Pray also for the Osborne’s mission – they are facing significant financial shortfalls and a multitude of other challenges – even as Lois battles her diabetes and Hoyt his back pain. Pray for the people of Kenya – there is a serious drought and food shortage – and if rain does not come soon, many people will die. The cost of some food items has increased 300% already!
Finally, pray for God’s provision for our ministry. We have started this work in Kenya entirely by faith – but the costs are much higher than we anticipated. i am not worried – as we trust Him and practice good stewardship – God will surely provide for what He has initiated - He is obligated! People have been asking how they can participate financially. Donations can be sent to:
Grace Children’s Home Ministries
c/o First Baptist Church
1511 Delaware Ave.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
You can mark your check specifically for the Kenya home if you wish. Also, if you are interested in sponsoring a specific child, please let me know via email and I will send you pertinent information.
If you would like me to come and present this ministry at your church, small group etc. then let me know that too. I am hoping to head to the Pacific Northwest in august – if that is any help....
And since many of you on this mailing list have just been added recently, I am going to include a link to a 2005 article on how this ministry got started 8 years ago.
baptistbulletin.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/bb_11_05_pp20-23.pdf
Last, but not least, enjoy the attachment picture of newest family – take joy in seeing the fruit of your prayers firsthand! Aren’t they beautiful?? Yeah they are!! Each one a precious gift from the hand of God!
Thank you for your participation with us through your prayers - knowing that so many people were praying was priceless to us! I am praying that our sweet Father will bless you just a fraction of the blessing you have been to us over the past month. And if He does – get ready to be majorly blessed!
Back in California but still a little bit African,
Diane
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Deep sighs and heartfelt thanks to God....
“The Lord has done great things for us – therefore we are glad!” – Psalm 126:3
A posting from Diane Clements; Director of Grace Children's Home
Deep sigh.... I am sitting in London’s Heathrow airport – finally at rest. I have just completed a 2 ½ hour marathon wrestling match with all of my heavy luggage. Taking it down the street to the underground station, onto the tube, off the tube, up the ramp to my terminal... down to the tube to another terminal and back up again - it sounds kind of simple, but it was anything but. Pushing a heavily loaded luggage cart up and down those ramps and around corners... well, let’s just say that wearing sandals was not a good idea. My toes are seriously battered! I think it would also be safe to say that my particular cart was possessed by some sort of unclean spirit! And then there was my 4 ½ foot long Kamba bow and arrows – nearly poked my own eye out and almost took out a few other commuters with it as well! it was a little unwieldy, to say the least. But I made it – phew!
Enough whining, and enough about me – what I want to share is the last few days that I had in Kenya. Lois and I spent them in a flurry of activity – making sure that we had finished all the things on our “to do” list and had discussed all the possible scenarios and problems that might crop up. I am utterly grateful for Lois – she is so hardworking and loving and kind to everyone. She is also a gifted administrator and she will do very well supervising the homes. She has been doing work just like this for many years already and has a good relationship with everyone involved. I cannot thank God enough for linking us together in this next stage for our grace homes ministry. We think so much alike (well, ok, that could be scary) but I see it as a blessing. A big one.
Friday was our most special day – our family dedication. The backyard of the homes, brightly decorated with balloons and crepe paper, was the scene of our gathering. Benches were set up – we were ready – and so we waited. …and waited. People trickled in over time (Kenyan style) but finally after 1 ½ hours of waiting, we started without one of our families. They had been held up in the marketplace, but arrived shortly after. Almost all of the UAEM board was there – along with other leaders and friends. We had gathered to celebrate what God had done in 3 short weeks and to dedicate it all right back to Him. We sang and Lois, Hoyt and I spoke. Then we prayed – for each family and for each individual child. It was really very special and powerful. Our ceremony ended with cake and juice – a perfect end to a perfect day.
Saturday we piled everyone into the van and bounced over to the Bible College to take advantage of their beautiful flowers for our individual and family pictures. it was a really fun time... the children were soooo excited. They just can’t stop smiling! I am quite spoiled by our children in Nepal – they know when picture day comes that it is all about business and they know exactly what I am looking for – eyes on the camera and big smiles with lots of teeth. But since this was our first try here in Kenya, especially the little ones did not get it! Of course when someone says something funny to make you laugh, you look at them – right? Result: picture of the side of your head, and parents, you should always be looking at your children to make sure they are looking at the camera – right? Oh well. We took a multitude of snaps and finally came up with one that is pretty good. How funny these kids are! Anyway, I am sure that next time the task will be a little easier.
Afterwards the children gathered around me to give me goodbye hugs (mmmm, sweet!) and then they all laid their hands on me and prayed for me while I tried not to cry. It was hard to say goodbye so soon after we had just met. It was just the beginning of a long succession of goodbyes over the next 48 hours– none of which were easy or welcome.
There was the last everything – I think of them as the “last days”, the last church service, the last prayer time, the last supper and the last hug and kiss. Frankly, goodbyes stink. I hate saying goodbye. Finally, on Sunday night it was time for 4 of the guys and I to pile my stuff into the small car and head to the airport. My flight left at 2:30 am – so we left quite late (after 10) since they did not want me to sit around at the airport (bless their hearts). Unfortunately that got them back home at around 2 am – with all of them needing to get up early and work. As a special blessing, we stopped on the way for a breathtaking display of the Kenyan stars (they have so many here!!), the sky was awash with them. I wished I could have just stood there staring into the heavens forever. What astonishing beauty our God has made! Thanks guys for that gift!
Finally, thank you for your prayers and taking yet another journey with me – it was really an amazing 3 weeks. For the readying of the homes and policies, the choosing and preparation of the staff, the researching and selection of the children and for every other detail to be covered and taken care of in that amount of time - right down to the final dedication - truly it was a miracle. And miracles only happen thru the prayers of God’s people. Thank you for your vital part in the establishment of grace children’s homes Kenya – I look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of both our Nepali and Kenyan families.
Two more long flights and I will be home again.... home – it has become a strange word to me – I have so many of them now! I can’t wait to see my grandbabies and give them a giant hug and kiss – African style! I think I am one of the most blessed people on this planet to have a special family on 3 different continents - even though it kinda splits the heart 3 different ways! But who ever said that loving wasn't hard sometimes? God is good.....all the time!
In awe of Him and His goodness (especially in light of my unworthiness),Diane
A posting from Diane Clements; Director of Grace Children's Home
Deep sigh.... I am sitting in London’s Heathrow airport – finally at rest. I have just completed a 2 ½ hour marathon wrestling match with all of my heavy luggage. Taking it down the street to the underground station, onto the tube, off the tube, up the ramp to my terminal... down to the tube to another terminal and back up again - it sounds kind of simple, but it was anything but. Pushing a heavily loaded luggage cart up and down those ramps and around corners... well, let’s just say that wearing sandals was not a good idea. My toes are seriously battered! I think it would also be safe to say that my particular cart was possessed by some sort of unclean spirit! And then there was my 4 ½ foot long Kamba bow and arrows – nearly poked my own eye out and almost took out a few other commuters with it as well! it was a little unwieldy, to say the least. But I made it – phew!
Enough whining, and enough about me – what I want to share is the last few days that I had in Kenya. Lois and I spent them in a flurry of activity – making sure that we had finished all the things on our “to do” list and had discussed all the possible scenarios and problems that might crop up. I am utterly grateful for Lois – she is so hardworking and loving and kind to everyone. She is also a gifted administrator and she will do very well supervising the homes. She has been doing work just like this for many years already and has a good relationship with everyone involved. I cannot thank God enough for linking us together in this next stage for our grace homes ministry. We think so much alike (well, ok, that could be scary) but I see it as a blessing. A big one.
Friday was our most special day – our family dedication. The backyard of the homes, brightly decorated with balloons and crepe paper, was the scene of our gathering. Benches were set up – we were ready – and so we waited. …and waited. People trickled in over time (Kenyan style) but finally after 1 ½ hours of waiting, we started without one of our families. They had been held up in the marketplace, but arrived shortly after. Almost all of the UAEM board was there – along with other leaders and friends. We had gathered to celebrate what God had done in 3 short weeks and to dedicate it all right back to Him. We sang and Lois, Hoyt and I spoke. Then we prayed – for each family and for each individual child. It was really very special and powerful. Our ceremony ended with cake and juice – a perfect end to a perfect day.
Saturday we piled everyone into the van and bounced over to the Bible College to take advantage of their beautiful flowers for our individual and family pictures. it was a really fun time... the children were soooo excited. They just can’t stop smiling! I am quite spoiled by our children in Nepal – they know when picture day comes that it is all about business and they know exactly what I am looking for – eyes on the camera and big smiles with lots of teeth. But since this was our first try here in Kenya, especially the little ones did not get it! Of course when someone says something funny to make you laugh, you look at them – right? Result: picture of the side of your head, and parents, you should always be looking at your children to make sure they are looking at the camera – right? Oh well. We took a multitude of snaps and finally came up with one that is pretty good. How funny these kids are! Anyway, I am sure that next time the task will be a little easier.
Afterwards the children gathered around me to give me goodbye hugs (mmmm, sweet!) and then they all laid their hands on me and prayed for me while I tried not to cry. It was hard to say goodbye so soon after we had just met. It was just the beginning of a long succession of goodbyes over the next 48 hours– none of which were easy or welcome.
There was the last everything – I think of them as the “last days”, the last church service, the last prayer time, the last supper and the last hug and kiss. Frankly, goodbyes stink. I hate saying goodbye. Finally, on Sunday night it was time for 4 of the guys and I to pile my stuff into the small car and head to the airport. My flight left at 2:30 am – so we left quite late (after 10) since they did not want me to sit around at the airport (bless their hearts). Unfortunately that got them back home at around 2 am – with all of them needing to get up early and work. As a special blessing, we stopped on the way for a breathtaking display of the Kenyan stars (they have so many here!!), the sky was awash with them. I wished I could have just stood there staring into the heavens forever. What astonishing beauty our God has made! Thanks guys for that gift!
Finally, thank you for your prayers and taking yet another journey with me – it was really an amazing 3 weeks. For the readying of the homes and policies, the choosing and preparation of the staff, the researching and selection of the children and for every other detail to be covered and taken care of in that amount of time - right down to the final dedication - truly it was a miracle. And miracles only happen thru the prayers of God’s people. Thank you for your vital part in the establishment of grace children’s homes Kenya – I look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of both our Nepali and Kenyan families.
Two more long flights and I will be home again.... home – it has become a strange word to me – I have so many of them now! I can’t wait to see my grandbabies and give them a giant hug and kiss – African style! I think I am one of the most blessed people on this planet to have a special family on 3 different continents - even though it kinda splits the heart 3 different ways! But who ever said that loving wasn't hard sometimes? God is good.....all the time!
In awe of Him and His goodness (especially in light of my unworthiness),Diane
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
And then there were nine....
Latest posting from Diane Clements (Director of Grace Children's Home):
“A Father to the fatherless.....is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely.” – Psalm 68:5-6
It was a moment of pure realization and sheer joy – I was squashed into the backseat of a taxi bouncing down yet another red dirt road - dirt which was billowing into the car through the windows that were stuck permanently down! The revelation was related to the 4 precious children packed around me, staring up into my eyes with a mixture of curiosity and fear. We were on our way to the hospital for checkups for our second batch of children when the thought occurred to me “Diane, this is what you were born to do!” My heart was flooded with the sense of privilege that had been bestowed on me. I wanted to go door to door and find more and more children who were in desperation and work at bringing them home too.
All day Tuesday was spent at the hospital – praise God all the children were HIV negative. We discovered an assortment of lung infections, parasites, worms and fungus. One girl, Munyiva, has severe malnutrition. When I took off her dress for her chest x-ray, I audibly gasped (and I am not one to react openly to things). She was completely emaciated in her chest and shoulders and neck. She also has had prolonged, untreated pneumonia – which the doctor said might have contributed to her wasted body. But still... we will keep an eye on her and make sure that she is gaining weight as she gets healthy.
Then Wednesday was our “coming home” day for this 5. How fun to travel to each of their places and pick them up and deliver them to their new families. What a joy! We spent time with each home of relatives – signing the final release papers and making a video/picture history for the children. When at last we arrived to their new homes, they were welcomed with open arms. It was so gratifying to finally see our families completed (for now anyway) and the children gladly settling into their new homes. There wasn’t a single tear or hesitation on anyone’s part – just glad anticipation and big wide smiles.
Please meet our newest children –
Christopher Ndambuki (13), Mary Nthenya (10), and Catherine Munyiva (7) – brother and sisters who lost their single mom a couple of years ago. They had no relatives willing or able to care for them, so a kind neighbor took them in. It was clear that there was not enough food for them – she also was widowed and had children of her own. We were just planning to take the girls, but Ndambuki was so eager to get chosen too that we just couldn’t say no. He is a very bright and engaging young man.
Mutie Kilonzo 7 years – his mother died giving birth to him and his father died about 3 years ago. He was living with his grandmother at a place where they sell changea (local brew) and there were always drunken people around. It was reported that he was abused as well.
Mutuku Musyoka – 5 years - Father died of pneumonia and mother died of malaria. Grandparents also deceased. His guardians (aunt and uncle) work and so Mutuku rather lived on his own – with a river nearby. His safety was a big issue in choosing Mutuku.
Anyway, thank you so much for joining us here in Kenya through your prayers. When I am able (with a good internet connection) I will be sending you a picture of our family – a tangible manifestation of God’s work thru you. Thank you – we would never have been able to get this far this fast without the prayers of all of you.
May blessings, shaken down and running over, pour out into your life because of your sacrifice.....
With gladness,
Diane
“A Father to the fatherless.....is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely.” – Psalm 68:5-6
It was a moment of pure realization and sheer joy – I was squashed into the backseat of a taxi bouncing down yet another red dirt road - dirt which was billowing into the car through the windows that were stuck permanently down! The revelation was related to the 4 precious children packed around me, staring up into my eyes with a mixture of curiosity and fear. We were on our way to the hospital for checkups for our second batch of children when the thought occurred to me “Diane, this is what you were born to do!” My heart was flooded with the sense of privilege that had been bestowed on me. I wanted to go door to door and find more and more children who were in desperation and work at bringing them home too.
All day Tuesday was spent at the hospital – praise God all the children were HIV negative. We discovered an assortment of lung infections, parasites, worms and fungus. One girl, Munyiva, has severe malnutrition. When I took off her dress for her chest x-ray, I audibly gasped (and I am not one to react openly to things). She was completely emaciated in her chest and shoulders and neck. She also has had prolonged, untreated pneumonia – which the doctor said might have contributed to her wasted body. But still... we will keep an eye on her and make sure that she is gaining weight as she gets healthy.
Then Wednesday was our “coming home” day for this 5. How fun to travel to each of their places and pick them up and deliver them to their new families. What a joy! We spent time with each home of relatives – signing the final release papers and making a video/picture history for the children. When at last we arrived to their new homes, they were welcomed with open arms. It was so gratifying to finally see our families completed (for now anyway) and the children gladly settling into their new homes. There wasn’t a single tear or hesitation on anyone’s part – just glad anticipation and big wide smiles.
Please meet our newest children –
Christopher Ndambuki (13), Mary Nthenya (10), and Catherine Munyiva (7) – brother and sisters who lost their single mom a couple of years ago. They had no relatives willing or able to care for them, so a kind neighbor took them in. It was clear that there was not enough food for them – she also was widowed and had children of her own. We were just planning to take the girls, but Ndambuki was so eager to get chosen too that we just couldn’t say no. He is a very bright and engaging young man.
Mutie Kilonzo 7 years – his mother died giving birth to him and his father died about 3 years ago. He was living with his grandmother at a place where they sell changea (local brew) and there were always drunken people around. It was reported that he was abused as well.
Mutuku Musyoka – 5 years - Father died of pneumonia and mother died of malaria. Grandparents also deceased. His guardians (aunt and uncle) work and so Mutuku rather lived on his own – with a river nearby. His safety was a big issue in choosing Mutuku.
Anyway, thank you so much for joining us here in Kenya through your prayers. When I am able (with a good internet connection) I will be sending you a picture of our family – a tangible manifestation of God’s work thru you. Thank you – we would never have been able to get this far this fast without the prayers of all of you.
May blessings, shaken down and running over, pour out into your life because of your sacrifice.....
With gladness,
Diane
It's a boy! It's a girl! It's two more boys!
Postings from Diane Clements - Director of Grace Children's Home
“It is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!” – Psalm 118:23
Azure blue skies dotted with great puffs of white hovering over a red dirt road with deep ruts snaking before us - in sharp contrast to the green vegetation that crowded our periphery.... this was the breathtaking scene in front of us nearly every day this past week as we traversed through the hills and over the back roads of the Kangundo area, visiting children and learning their stories firsthand. The 12 local United African Evangelical Ministries (UAEM) churches have been a funnel of dozens of applications of children – every one of them orphaned of both parents – yet so many more than we can possibly take right now. Their situations are all so sad and the process of prioritizing and choosing is exceedingly difficult, but God has clearly led us every step of the way – I think He delights to make His will clear to those who will wholeheartedly follow it.
Yesterday I had the most awesome day – the 3 dads and I took the first 4 children the Lord has given to us to the hospital for their check-ups. First up was the HIV testing – since we will not be equipped (for now at least) to take kids who are positive. When I went in for the result, I saw that one of the test kits had been set aside – and my heart sank to my feet. As I fought back tears, I wondered which child it was..... I was already so sure in my heart that they were all ours....
The nurse took a deep breath and said “congratulations – they are all negative!” huh? I wanted to kiss her! Probably would have been ok – you kiss everyone you meet here anyway....
And so began a complete day of lab, x-rays, and examinations. We thank God that in appreciation for the work we are beginning, the local hospital did it all free of charge. Praise God! We had a variety of infections – pneumonia, bladder, bronchial, as well as ringworm, parasites, amoebas and worms of every sort. All treatable and we have a huge pile of prescriptions to prove it!
And, what a good day with the dads – getting to know them in this setting – watching them interact with the children. This time together made me even more deeply grateful for the parents that God has given. They are amazing – full of God’s love and wisdom, and lots of fun too!
It was difficult to send the children back to their village homes for a few days (none of them wanted to go) until they finally come home - Monday, June 15 - which will be our birthday! That will be the official start of grace children’s homes Kenya! Can you believe it??? I hardly can – it seems unreal.
We hope to have the second batch of 5 in for their checkups next Tuesday – we are just praying that they are all negative too so we can bring all of them home on Wednesday. They also have health issues – one is quite serious.
And now for the best part - meet our first 4 children:
Diana (8) is an aids orphan living with a mentally unstable grandmother (she just spent 3 days in jail for beating Diana’s brother) Diana loved the fact that we share the same name and she kind of glued herself to my side most of the day. by the way they have decided that I will be called “mama Diana” and Lois will be “Susu” (grandma).
Victor’s (7) mother died of a stroke while getting off a bus. Soon after, his grandmother died too which left him with an alcoholic grandfather who would beat him and not buy him food. Victor was in serious need of medical attention and has some hearing loss which we will investigate with an ENT doctor.
Musembi (10) and Musyoka (7) are brothers whose story is hard to believe. Their mother died a few years ago – their father was alcoholic and used to come home drunk. He would beat them and they would have to hide in the jungle overnight for their safety. Last April their father died too and since that time they have been living alone with their 15 year old brother. Both have lung infections and every kind of parasite that you can imagine. Musembi is such a sweet boy – very intelligent – he is obviously a good student. You have to watch Musyoka closely – otherwise he just wanders off. It is clear that he is not used to any sort of adult supervision.
Each one is soooo precious – i can hardly wait to know them better....
So – please praise the Lord with us as we rejoice in what it has pleased Him to do. Pray for the parents – especially the wives – as they adjust to having all these new children at once. Also, continue to pray for this next week – we have sooo much to do before I leave next Sunday. Our goal is to have our entire family at home and settled by Thursday, and then we will have a grace home dedication with pastors and church leaders on Friday afternoon. This week will go fast, I am sure – and then I will be saying goodbye to my newest family, and i know that is going to be so hard.....
But I am refusing to think about that now – too much to do before then! I wish each of you could be here to see the fruit of your prayers firsthand – what a joy it is! There are 9 little lives that will be totally transformed – physically, emotionally and spiritually – forever. How could you ever put a value on that?? And we are sure this is just the beginning!!
Bubbling over with joy,
Diane
“It is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!” – Psalm 118:23
Azure blue skies dotted with great puffs of white hovering over a red dirt road with deep ruts snaking before us - in sharp contrast to the green vegetation that crowded our periphery.... this was the breathtaking scene in front of us nearly every day this past week as we traversed through the hills and over the back roads of the Kangundo area, visiting children and learning their stories firsthand. The 12 local United African Evangelical Ministries (UAEM) churches have been a funnel of dozens of applications of children – every one of them orphaned of both parents – yet so many more than we can possibly take right now. Their situations are all so sad and the process of prioritizing and choosing is exceedingly difficult, but God has clearly led us every step of the way – I think He delights to make His will clear to those who will wholeheartedly follow it.
Yesterday I had the most awesome day – the 3 dads and I took the first 4 children the Lord has given to us to the hospital for their check-ups. First up was the HIV testing – since we will not be equipped (for now at least) to take kids who are positive. When I went in for the result, I saw that one of the test kits had been set aside – and my heart sank to my feet. As I fought back tears, I wondered which child it was..... I was already so sure in my heart that they were all ours....
The nurse took a deep breath and said “congratulations – they are all negative!” huh? I wanted to kiss her! Probably would have been ok – you kiss everyone you meet here anyway....
And so began a complete day of lab, x-rays, and examinations. We thank God that in appreciation for the work we are beginning, the local hospital did it all free of charge. Praise God! We had a variety of infections – pneumonia, bladder, bronchial, as well as ringworm, parasites, amoebas and worms of every sort. All treatable and we have a huge pile of prescriptions to prove it!
And, what a good day with the dads – getting to know them in this setting – watching them interact with the children. This time together made me even more deeply grateful for the parents that God has given. They are amazing – full of God’s love and wisdom, and lots of fun too!
It was difficult to send the children back to their village homes for a few days (none of them wanted to go) until they finally come home - Monday, June 15 - which will be our birthday! That will be the official start of grace children’s homes Kenya! Can you believe it??? I hardly can – it seems unreal.
We hope to have the second batch of 5 in for their checkups next Tuesday – we are just praying that they are all negative too so we can bring all of them home on Wednesday. They also have health issues – one is quite serious.
And now for the best part - meet our first 4 children:
Diana (8) is an aids orphan living with a mentally unstable grandmother (she just spent 3 days in jail for beating Diana’s brother) Diana loved the fact that we share the same name and she kind of glued herself to my side most of the day. by the way they have decided that I will be called “mama Diana” and Lois will be “Susu” (grandma).
Victor’s (7) mother died of a stroke while getting off a bus. Soon after, his grandmother died too which left him with an alcoholic grandfather who would beat him and not buy him food. Victor was in serious need of medical attention and has some hearing loss which we will investigate with an ENT doctor.
Musembi (10) and Musyoka (7) are brothers whose story is hard to believe. Their mother died a few years ago – their father was alcoholic and used to come home drunk. He would beat them and they would have to hide in the jungle overnight for their safety. Last April their father died too and since that time they have been living alone with their 15 year old brother. Both have lung infections and every kind of parasite that you can imagine. Musembi is such a sweet boy – very intelligent – he is obviously a good student. You have to watch Musyoka closely – otherwise he just wanders off. It is clear that he is not used to any sort of adult supervision.
Each one is soooo precious – i can hardly wait to know them better....
So – please praise the Lord with us as we rejoice in what it has pleased Him to do. Pray for the parents – especially the wives – as they adjust to having all these new children at once. Also, continue to pray for this next week – we have sooo much to do before I leave next Sunday. Our goal is to have our entire family at home and settled by Thursday, and then we will have a grace home dedication with pastors and church leaders on Friday afternoon. This week will go fast, I am sure – and then I will be saying goodbye to my newest family, and i know that is going to be so hard.....
But I am refusing to think about that now – too much to do before then! I wish each of you could be here to see the fruit of your prayers firsthand – what a joy it is! There are 9 little lives that will be totally transformed – physically, emotionally and spiritually – forever. How could you ever put a value on that?? And we are sure this is just the beginning!!
Bubbling over with joy,
Diane
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