We went to Joska for church on Sunday. It was really amazing! I loved it so much. The worship service was wonderful, it was entirely a student choir. Baracka was up there dancing and clapping with his class mates, which was especially cool to see. I kept looking back to Evans in the crowd, until finally I felt God telling me to call him up to sit with me or else I wasn't going to focus. I felt ashamed at first, but then I felt as though God was comforting me "I want you two to have your time together, worshiping me together." I felt much better as I waved him over. He seemed oddly upset or unhappy. I tried to ask how he was, but like any Kenyan child he responded "fine." I wrote to him on a piece of paper "I'm sorry I didn't come yesterday" (Isaac, Joska SW had said we would go). He seemed to lighten up after that. I felt better, and continued to worship our amazing LORD.
After, Andy Ross (a visitor from the States teaching the SW prayer healing) gave the message. Then a skit and more singing. Overall, it was very good and fun. After that, I went to my 4 Red class. I have adopted (more or less) all 28 students. I plan to keep up with them when I leave, to send them gifts, and... sponsor one of them. His name is William. At Joska, I ate lunch with the other Americans, then went to my 4 Red class. The students, knowing I was there, had set out food for me! They had rationed their plates that I might eat with them. When I tried to explain I already ate, they wouldn't have it. They handed it to me, gave me a chair to sit in and a spoon, and went back to their own lunches. After looking around the room, noticing 99% of the class was eating with their hands, I set down my spoon and joined them. It was so much fun and a wonderful experience. After that, they saw me more as one of their own, and less as the white visitor they might have the two times before.
I asked the teacher if I could take them, and we all went out to play football until the American missions team needed them to teach them how to brush their teeth. Playing ball was good, I got to talk to the girls in 4 Red more. They are so funny! They were already asking me when I would be back (after this summer, meaning, next time I return to Kenya!) They didn't realize I would be here for so much longer, so when I told them I had 6 weeks or so, they were so happy. They continued to ask me to bring pictures of myself for them. Once they said that, a boy named William said I should give him one too, so I need to get some developed for everyone.
William and I got to talk some too. We were on the same team, so after we'd double team some one, or the ball was on the other side of the field, he came over and talked to me. He told me I was his first American friend, sort of like an American sister. I really enjoyed talking to him. After my class went to get flouride put on (it is universal that kids hate the stuff!), we went into the classroom and talked more. Evans, Jon, Francis, Margaret, Mary, and William asked me lots of questions about myself, and about America.
When we did have to go, they all asked when they could see me next. I told them I would be in Pangani for their midterm break (which starts tomorrow!!!) so they could come see me in the office. They all said they would, although William can't cuz he lives near Joska. He walked me out to the Matatu. I got to talk to him a bit more, and shook his hand. He looked so sad to say good bye. It was breaking my heart, and thinking about when I have to leave for real was too much.
William had asked me to be his sponsor during out football game. I didn't feel awkward when he said it though, it seemed fine. The other night, when I was praying about it, he came to mind again, followed by the verse in James (1:27 I think) about true faith being visiting orphans and widows in trouble.
William is an orphan who lives with a guardian near Joska. He is fifteen (yes, in class/grade 4), and is adorable. I love him. So, I am talking to Isaac and Mary about sponsoring him :)!!!!
Today we are finishing the emotional prayer healing, I can talk about that later/ another time. I can say that I have an overwhelming sense to see my sister Miranda afterwards. I really miss her now!!! And my mom, Mic, and Ryan. But, I will definitely enjoy what I am doing here!!
Will write more soon!
God bless!!!
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