Saturday, July 17 - Robyn's voice mail this morning was very positive and upbeat...she said the team had a wonderful day yesterday on the drive to Makindu, and their first day in Makindu was eventful and full of amazing opportunities to spread God's love. The team arrived in Makindu around mid-afternoon, checked in to their hotel (Hunter's Lodge) and got settled. Then they drove over to the Girls' Home, picked up all of the girls, and took them to the hospital where they were able to pay off multiple hospital bills (both children and even some adults!) with the extra money that was raised for this trip. This is a really important ministry because in Kenya, if you can't pay your hospital bill, you're not allowed to leave the hospital grounds. So this is a tangible way the team is able to show Christ's love, and the theme of the trip this year just happens to be "Putting your faith into action". The GCC (Grace Childrens' Centre) girls were able to put their faith into action today by serving their countrymen and women in desperate need.

A side note: When I say "hospital", remember this is a third world hospital. They are as clean as possible, but nothing like our hospitals in America. The smell is not aseptic - when you are in a Kenya hospital, you seemingly are surrounded by every unpleasant organic smell under the sun. This experience is a huge time of stretching and growing for the team, as it is an opportunity to "do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me"...to do things in His strength, not in their own human ability or strength. Praise the Lord that it was such a positive experience for the GCC girls and for the team!

The team walked through the hospital, visiting the childrens' burn unit, where some children have been recovering who were severely burned by cooking fires. Last year (as well as this year from the sounds of it) we were also able to tour the remainder of the hospital, visiting the maternity ward as well as the men's ward and the HIV ward. As they toured the hospital this year, one young boy touched the team's hearts in particular and they were able to help him by paying off his bill, playing with him and doing collages, and helping in some other tangible ways. Robyn said he is an orphan, trying to care for his younger brother. I wasn't clear whether the older or younger brother is in the hospital, but Robyn promised more detail when we speak in person tonight.

Tomorrow the team will be going to church in Makindu with the girls, and are looking forward to worshipping God in Africa. Church in Africa is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. It lasts for at least three hours, and no one looks at their watches. Even the little kids are listening with rapt attention to the Pastor, or whomever is speaking, singing, or ministering in any way at the moment. Compared to many churches in America who have their set schedules and their exacting time frames, it is a huge breath of fresh air. It feels led by the Holy Spirit, which is the way church should be. It's just one of the many reasons I love Africa. Let's pray that God would minister to each precious heart in attendance, that no one would be the same leaving as they were when they arrived.

Please continue to pray for good health and plenty of quality sleep at night for the team. Tomorrow they will be spending more time with the girls. Pray for unity of heart and Spirit for the team, and that they will be able to minister to the girls, who are all pre-teen to teenage level. Pray for protection, and for amazing Divine appointments for everyone there. Pray that the kids will see Christ in action through the team.

Until next time, standing with you in solidarity on behalf of our beloved team,

Tara