A Letter

I love notes, letters, cards- the good ol' snail mail. There is something about writing out what you want to say, I mean really writing it. It is wonderful to send these things to others and equally wonderful to receive them. A few weeks ago the founder of the organization I worked with in Zambia told me she was bringing back to the states with her a letter from one of the women to me. I immediately got excited. My expectation was something along the lines of "I had a great time with you and now miss you." Honestly, I did not expect too much.  

Last week I received the letter. Wow. Talk about exceeding my expectations.

Before I left Zambia my friend asked me how she could pray for me. This caught me a bit off guard. This women who had faced more hardships in her life then I could imagine was asking me how she could pray for me?! I said the first thing that came to my mind- a job. I have been searching for a while and haven't found that career job yet. She said "okay, I will begin praying for it this weekend on my church retreat." Just like that. Simple. 

I asked her the same question in return. She said she wanted to save enough money this year to buy her own sewing machine. I have thought of this woman often and have remembered her story, her struggle, and her joy but have I specifically prayed for this one thing she asked me to pray for? I am ashamed to say, no. I have not taken a few moments to bring this pray to our Lord on her behalf. Why? Have I been facing such awfulness in my own life to prevent me from thinking of her? No. Have I been so busy that I have not had a moment to pray for her? No. I have no reason;I just merely haven't. 

So what was in her letter? A prayer. A beautifully written page long prayer to our Lord about my life. She shared encouraging words as well as Bible verses. I was blown away. 

We never know how the Lord will use the relationships we make in life nor do we know how He will speak to us. On my last day with her when she shared her story with me I was impressed by her strength, by her persistence, and by her undying faith. All of those feeling flooded back and she showed all of that again. What am amazing person she is. I am so thankful to call this woman not only a friend but a sister in Christ. 

Walk to Educate a Child

Unfortunately, many children grow up wondering where their next meal is coming from, dreaming of going to school, and wanting someone to care for them. Outside of Nairobi, Kenya in a town called Roysambu there is an organization meeting these needs for abandoned babies. This wonderful place is Happy Life Children's Home.  
 

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with HLCH for four months back in 2009 and have since been back for a short visit. I fell in love with the children and grew close to the women who work with them. It is such an amazing place for children and a place that gives them a second chance at a life that didn't start off well for them. Most of the children come to the home as babies, often right from the hospital where their mothers walked out. The moms that work with these children are so caring, loving, and devoted to the children. 

Happy Life started in 2002 and has grown from small house to the addition of a four story building and now a second campus with a school and group homes. I love that HLCH is growing with the children they care for so that that do not get adopted will not have to leave the home but will continue to grow up with the only family they know.   

Every year HLCH puts on a fundraising walk to support the children. I was blessed to be a part of the walk in 2009 and we aren't talking a 5K stroll but a 12K walk with local communities to build awareness. One of ways this happens is by everyone sporting the same Happy Life shirt.  

This year the walk is happening this Saturday, September 21 with the theme Walk With Us To Educate A Childas as they are raising funds for their new campus and school. For those of us who won't be in Roysambu this weekend (dang it!) we can partner with them and sponsor a Kenyan who would like to participate but may be jobless or facing hardship and cannot afford the entry of $20. You can donate online at www.happylifechildrenshome.com or by sending a check to the co-director, Rev. Jim, at 140 Airport Road, Newcastle, DE 19720.

Thank you in advance for supporting these wonderful children and helping to bring them a brighter future.