Ever since God has  showed us and even compelled us to take care of orphans we have faced many trials. When we left for Kenya it was to spend a year researching how to build an orphanage. where, when, how much, and if the orphanage was even needed. It was a difficult year and I wish that I was able to put into words  all we  learned but there are no words except for maybe… It was hard but good(James 1:2-4) While in Kenya we achieved our goals and even found the land we would build on. As we look back we are amazed at how God used us while we were there. Our path some days led us to save lives from physical death some days it was from spiritual death.

After coming back to the States I have felt God telling me that He didn’t want us to built an orphanage. I didn’t tell Wayne because I wanted it to only be from God and so I just prayed that God would reveal this to him. I still felt called to Kenya but not to build an orphanage. This was crazy….everything we have been working for the past few years …What would I say to everyone? What if God didn’t show Wayne? So I just waited.. I waited for God to show me and  then He did. He wanted  us to work with Rapha House ( a refuge for homeless youth) About 2 weeks later on our date night Wayne began to tell me how he didn’t think we were supposed to build this orphanage but instead work with Rapha House. I love it when God does that. God always answers our prayers just NEVER how we think   So here we are again having no idea where, when or how it will work but we are trusting as we take our steps He will direct our paths. I just received an email  from Rapha House I was writing thisI would like to share with you.

We buried Maria 2 days ago.  She actually died Aug 17^th.  I asked for her in maboxini but people kept telling me she was in likoni.  She had been in and out of the hospital because of her heroin addiction and because of the doctor strikes.  The day she died, she was left alone in those water ditches on the side of the road in Kongowea in the rain.  A good Samaritan picked her out of the ditch and brought her to the emergency room at Coast General Hospital where she died, alone.  And that’s what I said at her funeral to all the people in Maboxini.. they have friends now, but when they need someone just like Maria needed someone, no one will help them; only God can help you, turn to Him before what happens to Maria happens to you.  It was sad. 

That actually is one of the main things on my heart as I write to yall.  Over and Over and Over the same problem we have and hear with EVERYONE who helps people in Mombasa: its so hard with girls. 

Just this year we have lost 2.  I think of all the others I know who are so entrenched in sin and prostitution.  And many of the younger girls who are being molested and raped in the villages, get hardened, start turning tricks, get pregnant young, give up.  My heart is broken. 

As we prepare to get Mama Zaura and the kids a house near the church, and the boys houses near hers.. she keeps talking about one thing: helping the girls.  I love it.  She also is so burdened to help these girls, as hard as it is, as hard as they are, NOTHING is impossible for God who raises the dead to LIFE.  

Everyday I think about how a youth project would absolutely transform this city.. It is hard to wait and hard to watch youth fall into the enemies trap and not have another daily option to give them, as we cannot take all of them in the way we have with our Rapha fam.  And I pray the Lord will open the doors for this project. But my heart is heavy for the girls.  Even a center for girls alone.  Mama Zaura and I have been talking much about this. 

I am asking you guys to join us in prayer. The issue of youth is tremendous in this city.  Many youth but many girls hang in the balance everyday.  The issue of girls in this city is overwhelming. 

My heart comes alive as I pray with ideas of the youth project, creating jobs, counseling, bringing youth into the Presence of God, training youth in music, giving them a recreational outlet (be it skating or even just a few courts).  I think about how these girls just need stable family to walk through their issues with them, deep counseling, a chance to open their eyes to the future God destines over them.

I wanted to share all this with you guys so we could share ideas. Talk through the possibility of what could come.  Dream together. 

Wayne and I thought that over time our homesickness for Kenya would lesson but it is the opposite .It is all we talk and think about. Days like today I feel like our Kenyan family is in a war and we are soldiers unable to help them in this fight.But You Lord “Make Your ways known to me, teach me Your path. Guide me in Your truth and teach me , for You are the God of my salvation; I wait for You all day long.”