different type of Thanksgiving.

Today we spent Thanksgiving apart from the traditional sharing of a meal that we know of in the States. Our breaking of bread with family and friends shifted from sitting in comfortable chairs eating a five course meal to handing out biscuits (cookies) within the heart of the hardest slum in Ngong, called Matheri. With our hearts missing close proximity of friends and family, we were humbled today by acknowledging the abundant blessings of our Father's providential Hand upon His children. We found ourselves sitting around a different type of table. One that many kids gather around daily and families use as their only source of 'nutrition.' A trash heap, where flies befriend every inhabitant, and oppression finds its way upon the lives that roam its sewage filled streets. Kids ran to us with hands extended out for a biscuit- Their clothes stained by the trash's many horrendous smells and spoiled foods that have stayed upon them, probably for days. A little boy, aged 6, barely able to walk, attacked by the mental illness of a life without proper nutrition- ring worm found itself within every inch of his face and his mind debilitated by alcohol someone had 'fed' him. Thanksgiving looked quite different today- We have a plethora of things to be thankful for, but may we not forgot the plight of others who often struggle to identify their blessings. Even though these little ones' home was nestled within a trash heap, their smiles radiated with the utmost of joy. Their plight, as we know it, is their 'normalcy'.  Our prayer today is that as we remember many people gathered around their tables that we will not lose sight of others who have never known a table's warmth of fellowship. May we always live our lives intentionally extending to those around us.  Happy Thanksgiving to all of you- Even though family and friends we miss your presence, especially today, know that we are very much humbled to learn from the 'least of these.' We have experienced a most memorable Thanksgiving. 

the blessings of visitors!

We are more than blessed during this sweet November. Micah, the president of Vapor, led a men's trip this past week here to Kenya. It was so strengthening to see so many familiar faces and to witness their heart's touched by the teachings here. We spent a week at the project, investing in relationships, and welcoming the men to work alongside the workers at the building site. 

Today we welcome our Ralston 'rents here to Kenya, along with family good friend Tony Miller. We are grateful to be able to expose them to all that our heart is changed to here. We entrust that God will speak ever deeply to them. Pray for their safe travels and their time here over these next two weeks. We are thankful to have them here with us thru Thanksgiving. This time next month, we will also be welcoming our sister and brother-n-law here for Christmas. God is so good, all the time! 

So, today, we are strengthened, encouraged, and blessed.