Well, I've put off writing this entry because I wasn't sure how to explain my feelings about what was going on...I feel a bit frustrated with the most recent correspondence I've received from my folks in Kenya. We've sponsored 7 children in high school (still need 2 more kids sponsored) and yet, I've received an email saying that they need more money. Then I receive a Facebook message from one of the kids saying he didn't get to do a computer study because he didn't get the money paid to the school. It makes me feel so frustrated and I start to wonder, "Can we really do this? Can we really do enough to make a difference?" I start to feel bad that we've all given our money and because we don't give more the kids may just no longer get to go to school...
Then I step back and breathe. I start to think about how corrupt the school system is in Kenya (amongst many other areas of corruption), I go to my friend Tom Stickney and he helps me make sense of it all. First of all, the communication is sketchy between the Kenyans and us. We are on different continents, in different cultures, trying to email back and forth, it's next to impossible to understand completely what is going on and what they are trying to say (not to mention that some of the things I/we think are really big deals, just aren't over there...). I'm thankful that my friend Tom is headed over there today and has put the Virginia Home on his "to do" list and even more thankful that he and his family have moved it up to the higher priority on his "to do" list. Tom also came up with a form to be filled out for each student enrolled in the local schools that we sponsor so we can track these kids better and have some accountability. As Americans we expect to know where our money is going, what it is being used for and desiring results, right? We certainly don't think it's too much to ask that the money be used exactly as we expect and that we get some "return" on our investment...I mean, that's the way we are wired. Unfortunately, Kenya is not wired that way. We seem to be missing the mark, but then I realized, we (us and the Kenyans) are shooting for different marks! We've got to come up with one specific mark we can both shoot for...perhaps that mark is training up these children as we would train up our own. Those of you that know me, know that I can be a little dramatic at times, so when something doesn't work out with what I THINK is perfection the first time, I get a little frustrated. But I shouldn't be frustrated by this. The children are being fed daily, they are in school and we are learning more and more each day how to help them, and helping them help themselves. We have raised an awareness with our friends and family and friends of friends and family of areas in need and together we are taking it one step at a time. THESE ARE ALL GOOD THINGS. It's unrealistic to think there will never be any snags along the way.
I did get two Facebook messages this weekend from two different students who wanted to thank me for continuing to support them in their schooling. They said they love being in school and they reported their grades to me and they are doing pretty darned good. THESE ARE ALL GOOD THINGS. I also received an email from a friend who supports one of these students and she said she has enjoyed getting to know their student and wanted to send a little something special over to him the next time I go (which is in August). THESE ARE ALL GOOD THINGS.
So, I'm no longer frustrated. I am once again motivated! One day at a time...
As I mentioned earlier, my friend Tom and his two children head to Kenya later today. Tom's wife, Kerry, will be joining the family a week from Thursday and she will be bringing with her several US college students who will serve as interns with African Christian Outreach for the month of June. One of their missions will be the Virginia Home. Then, in August, the Stickney family will be moving back to Kenya to be closer to the people they've been called to serve. Tom and Kerry and all of the interns would covet your prayers. I received an email from Tom this morning, sent to the ACO Board, and in the email he shared the following specific prayer requests: Today, this morning, I'd ask that you join Kerry and I in prayer for PEACEFUL HEARTS and HIS HAND OF PROMISE on our family. Peaceful hearts for Sydney and Nathan-Raegan as they leave school, friends and teachers behind today with an uncertainty of what tomorrow and next year holds. A peaceful heart for Kerry as she sends the three of us off with so much to accomplish in the next week and so many details to land in place for the coming year and month of June. A peaceful heart for Me as I lead our family into a time of following in Faith and in trusting each of my precious family members to Him. Then pray with us that His Hand Of Promise would fall into place as we rely on Him for all things. We have prayed as a family and a Board that God would direct His ministry in Kenya and now is the time to put our trust in His Promise.
I believe that moving back to Kenya is the right thing for the Stickneys. I believe that IF it is in fact the right thing, God will provide for them. Of course, they can always use your donations! Go to their website, African Christian Outreach, to see what they're doing in Kenya, or if you want to follow Tom and Kerry personally, you can read their blog here. I know you will be inspired.
As for me....even though I feel as if I've taken two steps forward and one step back in my work with the Virginia Home, I'm not frustrated but motivated! After all, if I'm keeping count there have been MORE steps forward than backward. THAT IS A GOOD THING.
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