Mass posting - Nairobi reflections

Leah’s post:

On Sunday, we were so blessed to be invited to spend the afternoon at our new friend Stewart’s home.  He and his family taught us how to cook various Congolese dishes in a true Congolese kitchen.  Chelsie proved she is ready for marriage after properly preparing Fufu.  Jessie and Ashley helped with making sweet potatoes and cooking the fish.  Stewart and his family were so welcoming.  They filled our hearts with joy as they shared themselves and we had an amazing “Congolese Thanksgiving” meal together.  It is a meal we will remember for a long time to come. 

On Monday, I had a good but difficult day at HEAL.  Mike and I were able to do rounds with Pastor Bizimana.  We visited many patients in the fistula and orthopedic wards.  I was struck by the incredible ministry done by the pastors at HEAL.  During our time in the fistula ward, we encountered a patient of about 8 years old.  Her mother described her as “wrecked”.  My heart broke.  Just imagining the incredible pain of the actual brutal rape and the resulting fistula was hard enough.  But to try to understand the world through her eyes at that very moment in time was devastating.  Being raped leaves a person violated, separates them from their community, and leaves them marked as “ruined” or “wrecked.”  I was moved to tears looking at this little girl.  I was blessed to spend some time with her and have an interpreter present.  In the time I had, I tried to convey that she is a beautiful, beloved, and brilliant child of God.  And told her that she is accepted exactly as she is in this moment, regardless of what has happened to her.   Tears rolled out of the corners of her eyes.  I will not forget this moment.  It is hard to believe that so many horrific things can happen in the most beautiful country in the world. 

Kacia’s post: (added by Jessie: it is Kacia’s birthday today!)

I am currently sitting in Java House Café in the Nairobi airport.  I have already began the journey home and am starting to reflect back on the last 10 days.  I first want to thank everyone who supported me on this trip.  I can’t tell you all how encouraged I felt knowing so many people were lifting me up in prayer.  As I was preparing to leave; with all the hecticness of collecting and sorting and packing donated supplies, I truly felt your prayers.   To everyone at work who donated white coats and textbooks, I thank you!  I think I carried 15 coats and about 100 lbs of books   The staff at HEAL Africa were so appreciative of these gifts and I want to convey that you their gratitude.

This is a picture of the 11 suitcases we lugged around the world to Africa. Thanks again to everyone who gave  us the gifts to transport as well as the prayers to support us through.  God Bless

Jessie and Leah’s post:

It is unbelievable that we have finished our time at HEAL Africa and are on our way home.  Yesterday was a beautiful day.  We started with chapel at HEAL with all of the patients and staff.  The congregation thanked us and prayed over us for safe travels, continued strengthening in our relationship with the Lord, and for our future return to HEAL.  They waved goodbye in a manner that culturally means see you later, rather than goodbye.  Before we left, they asked each of us to speak about our time at HEAL.  In general we all spoke about the amazing strength and joy we see in the Congolese people, the hope they have, their dependence on the Lord, and how very present He is here.  We thanked them for the way they received us, welcomed us into their homes, hospital rooms and hearts, and showed us the light and love of the Lord. 

The day allowed us all the opportunity to say goodbye to those we have worked so closely with.  I (Leah) had a difficult time saying farewell to Samuel and Bizimana.  We had a great week of working alongside each other.  We also said goodbye to all of the amazing ladies at HEALing Arts and the kids that are living in transitional living with their mamas.  Due to the generosity of friends of two group members, there were some awesome experiences to serve and give to these women and 17 vulnerable mamas identified by a local pastor.  The 17 women learned how to make bennes- Congolese donuts that are loved by many.  They not only learned how to do this, but were given small grants to begin their own business.  After the training, they also received new undergarments that were donated.  This was very exciting for all.  Only the pictures can truly capture their excitement and joy!   We also spent the afternoon with HEALing Arts seamstresses and students.  They fully enjoyed the “bra shopping” as well!  And they worked tirelessly to complete all of our projects, staying hours after they generally close to complete the orders.  We shared many hugs and words of encouragement.  There are some really amazing pictures we hope to share with all of you soon. 

I hope this blog portrays to you how important our friends and family were in this project.  Some other donated items we were able to distribute were 8 solar headlamps to the OR, scrubs to the nurses, and medical supplies to the general hospital.  Though distribution was complicated, the staff was ecstatic to receive the donations.  This trip would not have been possible without your generosity, love, and support.  We leave this trip with changed hearts and an ever-growing love for the Congolese people.  We have seen the Lord and feel incredibly blessed to have been able to be at HEAL

Last night we had to say our goodbyes to Chelsie, as she returns to her position in Beani.  We are so thankful to have her on our team.  She provided amazing love and encouragement as well as language skills, cultural teaching, and introduced us to many of our new friends.  We had the joy to leave her with simple gifts of gratefulness, including Trio and cliff bars, bras, candy, cookies, toiletries and even tampons!  She felt like it was Christmas.  These small items do not even start to express our thankfulness to her for her work in Congo and with our team!

We are currently in Nairobi.  We have been traveling since 7am this morning.  Thus far that makes 11 hours.  We will have 27 hours left to go!  We are busy trying to decide our sleeping schedule.  We all have different theories on this!  So why not have a Tusker beer to facilitate the conversation!  

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next day and a half.  And please don’t forget to prey for us as we transition back into our American lives and share our stories with friends, family, and co-workers.