The Holidays in Kenya, Etc.
A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you! It’s been a little while so here’s what’s been going on with us at Harvest Blessing Centre in Ngoliba, Kenya.
Aside from the daily grind, the most recent noteworthy events here have come with the holidays. It was a good time! Christmas Eve and Christmas were two very busy days. Devon and I spent lots of time in the kitchen helping out with the abundance of “special” food that needed to be prepared for the special day. And of course we spent lots of time eating as a result. It was a great time of fun, food and fellowship. Obviously, the most exciting part of the day for the children was their presents. Shortly after our big meal, each one sat with their present, face full of anticipation and expectation after they were handed their gift. Then, all at once, the time came for them to vigorously tear off the wrapping paper and discover what it had kept secret. Every one of the kids received a brand new outfit! I don’t believe Devon or I have ever witnessed such joy over just a single gift. They ran as fast as they possibly could to try on their new clothes, and once completing the task returned with a sense of pride as their faces beamed. It was a pleasure to see such an event take place. These children appreciate anything and everything, a contrast to some other children that receive 10 gifts and don’t fully appreciate any of them. It was Christmas to be remembered, and probably the most unique I have ever experienced.
New Years Eve and Day included similar events, although it was a bit more relaxed. Once again, we ate lots and lots of food. On New Years Eve, I had the chance to help butcher a chicken for the first time and eat it shortly thereafter. The kids were allowed to stay up late and we all celebrated the beginning of 2010 together. It was loud with those kids! On New Years Day they prepared a very big meal, and once again, we ate until we could eat no longer. All the children dressed up in the outfits they received for Christmas and we all dined together. We definitely did not go hungry over the holidays! In the evening during devotions, Devon and I had the chance to share some final words with the children and staff, seeing as it was our last night there. We will miss all of them very much, and had an amazing and very growth producing experience. It was definitely where we were supposed to be in Kenya.
Before I wrap up I want to briefly share an uplifting story. The Harvest Blessing Centre was without electricity when we arrived the beginning of December. We soon discovered that they had been waiting for power since the building was completed, over 3 years now. They’ve been waiting 3 years! They used flashlights and kerosene lamps. We felt for them in this area, and Devon especially aspired to rise to the occasion. After multiple visits with Reuben to the office of the power company responsible for doing the work (all that was needed was a transformer to be hooked up), and after much false hope, they finally hired a new contractor. A crew arrived to hook up the transformer on Christmas Eve. Expectations were high, but the job was not finished. Finally, on Monday of this week, they arrived to complete the job, although they ran into more problems and we were still without power. The next day, after Devon after and I returned from a short trip to Nairobi, the power company showed up once again. Between Devon and them, and after much trial and error, we were finally able to activate the power! After three long years of waiting, there is electricity in most of Harvest Blessing Centre. The mood was joyful and the air filled with excitement – the kids went crazy! Devon and I felt like this was a tangible and visible accomplishment from our stay here, and we thank God that we had the opportunity to assist them in this way. We did not want to leave without seeing them receive electricity. Be encouraged, God is good!
On Saturday we said our goodbyes and left Ngoliba to spend our last few days in Thika with a pastor and his family, Peter and his wife Roselyn, and their two children, Grace and Kings. He gave me the opportunity to teach on Sunday so I accepted the opportunity and it went well; I am continuing to be stretched in many new areas! We are really enjoying our last few days here in Kenya and are having great times of fellowship and relaxation.
Also, just a brief update on what’s coming up. This Tuesday night we leave for Kampala, Uganda. On the 8th we will join a group that is coming to Uganda to participate in a “missions” program called Outlook. The group includes individuals from countries such as Sweden and America. Devon and I are really looking forward to making some new friends. We will be returning to Mbarara with this group to participate in some of their Outlook activities, but not until we all spend some time rafting! We’re even making a visit to a National Park where we will hopefully see some wild life. Devon and I are anticipating a very eventful time upon our arrival in Uganda. Keep us in your prayers!
I trust all of you had joyous holiday season, and Devon and I were sad to have missed out on all the festivities at home that we look forward to so much every year. Thankfully there are many more to come!
We love and miss you all. God bless.
With much love,
Nielsen and Devon
