My Night at Joska

Wow. (Favorite Kenyan phrase :) ... but seriously, WOW).

Joska is amazing! When I knew I would be going, the day seemed to take forever, although I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with Kara as we sorted letter materials for the children. (Soon, they will be writing their sponsors update letters! Exciting, huh?!) Still, I just wanted to GET there. Erich, Eric, Kara and I went to Joska with Wallace.

When we arrived, my heart lept. I would get to see 4 Red, and William for the first time since I sponsored him! We pulled in, and where we park is just behind 4 Red's class. They all saw me and began to shout "Brianna! Brianna!" It was wonderful to see their smiling faces. I calmly had to tell them to get back to their school work, that I would have all night to spend time with them because I was staying the night! We met Rebecca, the lovely social worker who lives at Joska. She showed us to our rooms, after taking chai of course! Wallace went to go look at the progress of the new dorm they are making at Joska (a cement one with a solid foundation, rather than the wood and metal short-term ones they have now). Kenyan hospitality continues to astound me. Kara and I went into our room to see two beds, already made, and water bottles, tooth brushes, and special face soap sitting on the chairs. It was wonderful. I then went to see 4 Red class. When I explained, yet again, that I would be staying the night, they were ecstatic... then again, the more it sunk in, so was I! I then walked around the grounds, taking pictures as all the kids played football, volleyball, and other things, after school got out. It was wonderful to run and play with them and take pictures. I finally found William, and the kids said he wanted to talk to me. So, the two of us walked around the grounds. He said that he got my letter, that it had made him so happy. Seeing the thankfulness on his face was enough for me. I knew that, hearing him talk about it, God put us together for a reason. As we talked, he told me what he did on his midterm break, and asked me other questions about my weekend. Soon it was time for chapel, and the two of us sat together but one of the teachers made me move to sit at the front.

During chapel, when we were praying aloud (as is the Kenyan way), I prayed that God would keep hold of all of these children, and that if even one went astry, He would pursue them. God quickly reminded me "these are my sheep, Brianna. Be their shepherd" and I was moved with an overwhelming sense of compassion for these kids, my eyes began to water. It sounds like such a simple thing, but hearing the low rumble, like far off thunder, or buzzing bees, or running water all combined, which is caused by the prayers of five hundred children out loud... you would cry and smile too. It was amazing. I also wanted to get up and talk to them, to them how I felt... little did I know that I'd get my chance. Wallace had us all get up to talk to the kids. It was funny, because he asked if they knew our names, and the first thing many said was "BRIANNA!" Once again, the love of children just blows me away. Anyway, we each talked about ourselves and what we want to do. I told them that I want to do some form of youth ministry, not sure what that entails yet (10 year olds? college age? social work? missionary? counsellor? who knows!). And I explained that things may change (circumstances, dreams) but that God is constant, and that Jesus Christ loves them so much. It was cool to share that love out loud, to tell them that He is there for them no matter what they may be going through. Later, Wallace gave them a chance to ask us questions. They asked very deep ones: why did your dreams change? what was the hardest thing you went through during your school years? and what do you do when you were about to give up on life? I answered the latter.

I was, yet again, able to share about Christ's love. Little did I know that was all I had to offer when I stood up in front of those kids. I could merely say that whenever I wanted to stop, or I felt like no one loved me, I had a Christian community who could send those lies far from me. I had a community to point out, and redirect me to, the love of Jesus. I was the son who thought "oh, maybe I should go back, do what is right... obey God's rules and be His servant..." and He ran out to meet me with more love than I will ever comprehend. So, I got to tell these kids that with that Love, and His power, they can do anything and everything they want to. They can pursue their dreams, knowing that no matter what happens, they have a Father who loves them unconditionally.

After that, we took dinner. After dinner, we hung out some more, Kara and I watched the dance team practice a native dance. They compete this Tuesday. Then, everyone went to bed. William was trying to stay up longer with me, but I told him to rest up for his studies, he'd need it! Kara and I went back and journalled, then we met up with the guys to look at stars... it was cloudy. But, they told scary stories. At one point, we were in the chapel, with the doors creeking in the wind, the sky dark grey, the moon peeking through the clouds... and the lights went out during the scariest part of Erich's story! We all ran out of the chapel, then laughed a bit and went back to our rooms. (good thing I had a flash light!). Kara and I stayed up late talking, and we both realized how funny it is that God put the two of us together - her being formerly home schooled, more conservative, at a Christian college, and me... the most liberal one here I think, school in the city, Women's Liberal Arts College... :D God is funny. We may disagree on certain things, but I find being around someone completely different oddly refreshing. It is as though I must rethink why I think what I do. I haven't really changed my mind any on the issues discussed, but I do find I can talk to someone with very different views without being frustrated (shout out to Alex, haha).

I woke up at 7 to the noise of cows, roosters, and the hustle and bustle of getting breakfast together, and staff getting ready for work. The students wake up at 5 am to be in class by 6... crazy, right?! We took breakfast, I dropped by my class on their break, then we went back to the office. I had a chance to talk to Rebecca more about William. She said he was so happy to receive my letter, which made me happy too. She told me that he has only been there since January of this year. He is a very hard working student. She also said that if he has trouble with something, an issue with peers or what have you, he goes to her very boldly. She said he does this for his fellows as well, if they are having a hard time. Hearing that made me admire him more. As probably the oldest one in that class, and as the older brother to a 12 year old sister, I could understand how he feels. He has a sense of responsibility about him, the way he carries himself. He is quiet and very respectful, but out going when it comes time to play. Still, I notice he is rather introspective (we have that in common).

The rest of the day went by quickly. Some filing, then lunch, then back in my class. I am working on remembering all of their names (28 in all I think). I gave out lollipops and said good - bye.

Joska is a wonderful place. Sometimes, I forget that kids can still be mean to eachother. One boy, Nelson, has been running away from homes on his breaks because there is no food. He lives in the streets and begs. At school, kids bully him and take things from him at times... please keep him on your heart. He is in my class. Pray that I would be able to talk to him and comfort him, that I could talk to William about looking out for Nelson more (if that is a safe thing to do) and that in the end, things would just turn around for Nelson. That God would provide for his mother, and that people's hearts towards him would change. He is a very nice, funny kid who has a special place in my heart from the beginning.

Today I stayed home to rest, as I am sick. I went to lunch at Java hut then bought souvenires at the Maasai market. Tomorrow is Soc work and 4th of July party :D and Sunday is church and dinner at people's houses.

Will write more soon! God bless!