Time is flying

Wow today is Friday already! We got here on Sunday and hit the ground running and this is the first chance I have had chance to sit and reflect on our first week. In fact, we are already in Bukura for the next 5 days.

Auntie Karen!!!

Getting back to Kenya and Rehema Home has been such an experience already! Every time I return, it feels more familiar. Since my first trip in 2020, I’ve watched this place grow in my heart, and I can’t help but feel part of this community now. As soon as I arrived at the home in Nairobi and heard the shouts of “Auntie Karen!” from the kids, it immediately reminds me of what’s truly important ini my life.

Christmas in February

On Tuesday evening, we invited the young adults who have aged out of Rehema to join us at our guest house. These remarkable individuals are navigating the adult world, and one of our missions this year is to explore how we can support them in finding employment. Their survival skills and resilience are truly admirable. They’ve shared dreams of becoming everything from tour drivers to office administrators, fashion designers, and even Uber drivers.

We wanted to bring some joy and fun so we decided to have a little Christmas in February. Complete with stockings and a snowball fight. Their aspirations were inspiring, and we are dedicated to helping them turn dreams into reality.

Shopping In Nairobi

After a much-needed rest and acclimation, we set out on a shopping adventure with Leann and Belinda. With the funds that were graciously donated, we were able to buy new sheets, towels, and fresh bedding for the children’s cribs. Of course, this took negotiation and keen bargaining, and we left with a items to make the children’s home feel a little more special. Just look at Nicolas’s face as he received his brand-new Spiderman towel and sheets -priceless!

Lent

This year we stayed with Anne and Steve at their home while in Nairobi for the first part of the trip. They invited me to their church for Ash Wednesday. There were more than a few jokes about how my ashes were seen as the only white person at the service of over 100’s of Kenyans. It was a beautiful service. The mass was in English and the music in Kiswahili. I tried my best to sing along with the words projected on the wall and decided to just clap and dance instead.

Bukura and Baby Bound

Friday — for another break of dawn flight – we headed to the other Rehema Home in Bukura, Kenya. A quick 40 minute flight and 2 hour drive we arrived at a place that is truly special to me. It was here that I first was introduced to Rehema Home – spending 2 weeks at a time for 3 years in a row. Of course we headed to the babies immediately.

I had a wonderful visit with an old friend in town about a new mission—taking care of families in need and how to bring some hope and much-needed help to them.

There is so much faith here and so much need—I truly feel I am in the right place to serve.