It's the end of another long day

As the "newbie" of the group it has been overwhelming yet amazing. The sights, smells and sounds are so different. After a week, however, it feels almost commonplace and a rhythm has fallen into place. A rhythm though that is easily disrupted at any given moment. Disrupted by a child's beaming smile or by their sad eyes. Disrupted by a young mother with five children looking pleadingly for help for their sickness. Disrupted by an elderly woman bent over who has walked miles to seek medical help. Disrupted by the treachorous roads, dusty air and heat. Yet this is life in Kenya.

To a non-believer it would be a lost place, a forsaken place where the people do nothing but try to survive. But to us as a team we see God everywhere. He is working mightily in this country and many people we encounter know God and Jesus and openly praise Him. We are welcomed and everyone wants to say hello and shake our hand or give us a hug. We see hard workers who do all they can to provide for their family. We see beautiful children who hunger not just for food, but for love and attention. We see young people who work hard in school as they know that is how they will make their lives better.

To all the sponsors of children, please know that you are helping them create a future. They are so very grateful to all of you. Praise God that He is providing everything we need as we work with the people.

Today was Day One of a medical camp at Lake Victoria. This is a compound started by Pastor Dennis and Lorna Meeker. There is a house and classrooms that will be opening soon for school. When we arrived the people in the area had already begun to line up. Sue Wood and I helped the pharmacist organize and distribute medication. The common drug of the day was Malaria treatment medication. Over 80% of the people coming to the pharmacy were sent off with malaria medication. It's hard to comprehend. I know I silently prayed for each family as they left. Karen and Linda worked in the HIV testing room. Rockie and Dave passed out "sweets" (suckers) and stickers to the kids and mosquito net repellent to the families. It was a non-stop day. Last count was 450 men, women and children. Tomorrow we return and were told to expect even more. This medical camp is only held once a year, so we wonder how do they follow up with their illnesses? The only answer we have at this time is that they were helped today and to trust that God will take it from there.

As we close out another day, we send greetings from the people of Kenya and love to all. Please continue to pray for us. God is good. Alleluia!

Sandi Brandenburg