From Out of Africa (more precisely, Out of Kenya
April 5, 2013
Dear family and friends,
We apologize for not writing more last month- we actually
started a few entries, but did not finish them before there was more to
write. We are beginning our fourth month
here on the Hill and just returned yesterday from Nairobi Nairobi Wildlife Park
As Sarah’s little puppy Joey is growing, she found several
animals that she thought would make nice pets in our home here. We were excited to get back to the kids at
the children’s home-several younger ones where very surprised to see us today
as they thought we had gone back to America
We had the best celebration of the resurrection of our Lord
and Savior Jesus last weekend with the kids and staff!!! Devotions for two
weeks prior to Easter were dedicated to the teaching of the life of Jesus, His
last week on earth, His death on the cross and resurrection. During these weeks, over thirty more of the
children gave their lives to Jesus and we had the privilege of seeing the
presence of God in our worship, group prayers, and in the questions and
comments made by the kids. The day
before Easter, we had an Easter party with resurrection eggs and more Easter
teaching, crafts, and games before the strong rains came which happens every
afternoon now. The highlight for the
kids was to dye eggs (thanks to Megan for sending the egg coloring sets) and,
after many pictures were taken of every child with their brightly colored egg,
we all ate the eggs! After Easter church
service, which lasted six hours with foot washing and communion, we all worked
with the mamas to cook an extra special Easter dinner for the kids and
staff. The mashed potatoes were a huge
hit along with rice, cooked carrots, cupcakes, and more meat than you can
imagine which stunk up our home the night before. While we were still cooking during the late
afternoon rain storm, the kids wanted to watch the kid’s version of the Jesus
movie for the second time (we had never seem them watching a movie so intently=
even compared to their all time favorite- The Lion King). Praise God!
Scott continues to work on projects in the children’s home,
taking care of minor medical issues and will soon start physicals on all the
kids. He faithfully makes popcorn all
afternoon on Fridays for movie and popcorn night with the kids which they all
really look forward to. Matthew and
James worked hard with our friends Nate and Kurt for over a week on building
projects in the kids’ bedrooms and other areas of the children’s home. They are both getting pretty handy with power
tools and are determined to finish these projects before we leave. James finished the church’s first worship
song video- over two hundred people crammed into that tiny mud church to see
the premiere and went wild when they saw the drama spearing scenes and picture
of Jesus at the end! The second video is
planned to be taped this Sunday after church with a large crowd to support the
singers. Sarah still loves to work with
the mamas in the kitchen cooking and serving the kids at meals. They love to hear her sing and tell
stories! Sarah also helps with the
little ones in the afternoons and can put a baby to sleep faster that anyone on
the Hill. I am continuing to teach a
family series at church, loving women’s Bible study, and the devotions with the
kids each night. Along with the pastors,
who are on staff here, we are planning longer into the future now and are
excited about the big baptism when the high schoolers return for break. We
still have kids to the house on Saturdays for lunch. Pasta is new to them, but
they love the cookies, crafts, and games.
The Oasis team, who visited right before Easter, brought new wonderful
games and toys for the kids- especially the little ones. Preschool time will
have renewed energy now!
Megan is finishing up her college classes and will soon be
joining us here. We have really missed
her and so look forward to seeing her again.
The kids are counting down the days until her arrival and all the fun
she will bring to the Hill. Please pray for her journey here. Megan is also
bringing many materials for the kids and staff to use as they grow in their
faith.
Lastly, there have been two deaths in the past two weeks
which have been very hard on everyone.
Infanticide is still widely practiced here (along with illegal
abortions) and two newborns never had a chance to know love here on earth
before entering into the arms of Jesus.
Mamas worry about not being able to feed one more child or they want to
hide the fact that they were pregnant at all.
Life is so hard here. There is
much child and spousal abuse and alcoholism.
Some of this behavior is accepted by the culture and some are acts of
desperation. Please pray for the people
here so that they may receive the forgiveness, freedom and love they so need
from the Lord and will follow Him above all else- even their cultural
traditions. Thank you for your prayers and for taking an interest in these
beautiful children here. We have grown
to love each one of them more than we could have ever imagined. Over time, they
are opening up their hearts and lives to us and that is a very precious
gift. We are learning so much and yet
now realize that, somehow, it seems we know less than we did in January. God is using this time for all of us as a
refining fire and we are praying that He is changing us more everyday into whom
He is calling us to be. We really miss you all at home and eagerly await seeing
you in a few months!
Love,
The Derse family
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