Love For Kenya

It never fails, no matter where I am, there is not a day that goes by that Kenya is not on my mind. As I sit here in the Learning Resource Center at Tennessee Tech University working towards earning my Master's degree in Physical Education to become a teacher, I think about the days spent with Regina and Thebu, Peter, John, James, Eric, Jobique and Amos on the Uzima grounds. I think about the Sun in the sky in Africa and the mangoes falling once again and the way the dirt covered our feet. I think about how I could go days without a shower, and when I finally took one, it was cold and the water was dirty. My thoughts turn to the Kingis. How could I ever forget them? I still hear from them almost weekly. My heart pours out in love to this family. I think of Celvin dancing and Jennipher's beautiful smile. I think of their mother, Catherine. Such a generous heart, such a loving woman. I think of Kingi, so open to receive the word of God even when it would sting. How I miss them.

God, my prayer to You is that you create in me a clean heart, and restore in me the joy of your salvation. I want to be a person that seeks wholeheartedly after you, that doesn't run from my fears, but when I run, I run straight into Your arms of love, never fearing what was before or what lies ahead, only clinging to You, for you have made everlasting promises that You will not break with me. In You I have hope that will not perish, spoil, or fade. My God, help me be a faithful servant who seeks to share your loveliness with nations all over this entire world, wherever there is a need. Let me not hold myself back from Your hands. Let me not seek to do my own will. Let me step out of my own way and live a life that is radically abandoned to Your perfect will.

Would you create in me a clean heart, O God?
Restore in me the joy of my salvation
Would you create in me a clean heart, O God?
Restore in me the joy of my salvation

Wash me white as snow
And I will be made whole
-John Foreman (Psalm 51)

As you seek me, God, help me look to You for guidance. You know my heart beats for Kenya. May my heart beat for You, for Your will, for your people all over this world. May my heart have compassion for every soul crying out for the love of the Father. We are all in need of You.

Jen