I led my very first team with 410 Bridge a month ago.
First time - solo leading - that is.
Eleven women and me.
And these women were.
Very strong.
Solid.
Good hearted.
Women who love Jesus.
We served in Chembulet.
A small farming community in western Kenya.
It was my first time there.
And it turned out to be.
One of the most impactful trips of my life.
Here are some of my favorite moments.
1) Through Their Eyes
Seeing Kenya through the eyes of someone whose never been there before.
It's always so much fun for me!
It's almost like experiencing Kenya for the first time myself.
Just -- all over again.
I LOVE it!
These women left home over the Thanksgiving Holiday to serve with me.
They showed courage and hutzpah!
It was an amazing thing to behold.
I LOVED seeing this trip through their eyes!
2) Meeting with Chembulet's widows
We took a message on prayer to share with the widows in this community.
I've seen close friends walk through the loss of a husband in this country.
It's no different there.
It's devastating.
And life changing.
But what is different,
Is the lack of a safety net for these women in Kenya.
Resources for them are limited - non-existent.
No life insurance.
No financial support for their children.
Most of them have never worked outside the home.
If they're part of a local church,
They do find spiritual and community support.
We saw that.
But it's obviously a very, very hard path.
It's hard to say this was a "best" moment.
But it will be one of my most memorable ones.
Looking into their faces.
And just seeing their pain.
One widow shared that her husband had cheated on her many times.
And infected her with AIDS.
He died.
Leaving her with six children to raise.
There was no light in her eyes at all.
Her eyes were completely vacant.
Devoid of any hope
I'll never forget her face.
We were told that Kenyans often think of Americans as having a perfect life.
Because of the transparency and courage of my teammates.
These widows learned differently.
One teammate shared her own experience with being abused.
Another shared her story of neglect and wrong choices.
Another described what it was like to lose her own husband just a few years ago.
Two others filled the meeting room with their powerful voices in song.
I watched the faces of the widows.
They must have been surprised.
That our stories often mirrored theirs.
One woman took her shawl and pulled it up to face.
Wiping tears from her eyes.
Others nodded.
In understanding.
I hope we encouraged them that day.
I think we did.
But they deeply impacted us.
It was a best moment of the trip.
3. So welcomed
I've visited several communities in Kenya over the years.
None.
Were as welcoming as Chembulet.
Wherever we went.
On house to house visits.
Worshiping in the local churches on Sunday.
Spending "A Day in the Life" with families.
Learning how to cook traditional meals in their kitchens.
They welcomed us.
With open arms.
More than open arms.
With open souls and hearts.
On Sunday, we were made honorary elders in the church.
The women of the church wrapped our heads with special scarves.
Reserved for the honor.
During the community's welcoming ceremony,
We were all presented a hand carved stick.
Making us full members of Chembulet.
They told us the sticks represented authority.
And respect.
It was a symbolic and functional tool as well.
I went to Chembulet unsure how an all-women's team would be received.
I was blown away by their love for us.
It was quite an honor.
And definitely.
One of my best moments.
4. The Courage of My Team
We did a lot of things in those 10 days.
We saw the beautiful vegetables and plants produced,
in 410 Bridge's "Foundations for Farming" program.
We saw the drilling sites for fresh water,
where 410 Bridge is working to provide water for the community.
We toured a local health clinic.
And spent an afternoon with young girls in the area,
talking with them about being a woman of dignity.
We watched the mamas in the community laughing & competing in a game called "the Knot."
And witnessed giraffes and a herd of elephants walking feet from our vehicle on safari.
We got to put our feet in the compound where Danee & LJ Davis and their kids are serving
in Nairobi.
Living out their lives in one of the biggest slums of the country.
But nothing.
Nothing on this trip.
Impacted me more.
Than the courage I saw.
From the women I served with on this team.
It's always easier to just stay home.
Where it's safe.
And comfortable.
And predictable.
Where you generally know what to expect.
These eleven women didn't do that.
They got on a plane.
Flew over 18 hours.
To the other side of the world.
To serve in Chembulet, Kenya.
They said yes to doing the hard things.
For some.
The hard thing was just going.
For others.
It was sharing very painful and personal stories in their lives.
And singing.
Or leading team devotions.
Or sharing at evening debriefs.
But, they did it.
Sometimes, with trembling hands.
Sometimes, with shaky voices.
But, they did it.
I loved this group of women.
And I admired their courage.
They came home safe and sound.
But different.
That always happens.
And the process of how that happens.
Is always my best moments.
I'll be leading another team of women to Chembulet, Kenya with 410 Bridge in 2020.
If you'd like an amazing opportunity to grow in your faith and serve, reach out to me. It could very well be one of the most memorable adventures of your life.
