As far back as I can remember, I wanted to rescue orphans when I grew up. My little sister was my accomplice, sometimes by choice and sometimes by force, but either way, she would help me rearrange our bedroom making room for all the cradles and pallets we could fit. Then, we would “travel” to war torn countries and rescue our dolls from imminent danger. I remember the literal pain in my heart and tummy as my imagination drew me into a world that was as real to me as my bedroom. After hours of “play,” my dreams would be filled with visions of needy children that I would “rescue” and claim for my own. While I eventually grew out of this game, the passion for the orphan and abused child never left my heart. Interesting, isn’t it, how God plants a seed in a little heart that one day grows to be the very life that child matures to live. Never discredit or shame a child’s dream or passion. My mother never did. I used to tell her, “Mommy, one day I am going to run an orphanage.” She told me that she believed I would. While our relationship is not conducive to conversation, if things were different, I would thank her for believing in my dream. I don’t run an orphanage, yet, but I have two beautiful children that are, in part, a fulfillment of a dream birthed in a child’s bedroom, nurtured in a child’s heart.

While those years of play held more intrigue and danger than do these days as the dreams are realized, at least in part, I would never trade those adventures or this one for all the comforts in the world. And while I long to be home, I wouldn’t board a plane tomorrow even if I could. When our work here is finished, we will be home. Until then, we glean strength from your support and joy from the new friendships and opportunities we are privileged to experience. So, keep praying, writing, and loving us from afar. Every prayer sent, every note written, and every expression of love communicated in turn allows you, the giver, to be a part of what God is doing here in Kenya. We know, without a doubt, that God can do His work without us, therefore, we are indescribably touched that He has chosen us for “such a time as this.” I’m no Esther, but I can imagine that she felt like I feel some days-frightened, freaked out, and grateful. Frightened because service to God does not guarantee safety, freaked out at what service might mean, and grateful to be allowed to live life for Him. I wouldn’t want to live any other way.

Mama S