Day 4 – Better Late Than Never!
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Jambo marafiki! Our bodies are tired, but our hearts are overflowing!
Today, we officially began construction on the homes. Most of us spent the day nailing up plywood, and it has been fascinating to see how homes are built here in Meru. There is no electricity on the building sites, so everything is done by hand. The framing is made from rough-cut timber that is nailed into place, and the plywood is cut by hand with very little precision. Another challenge is that we don't speak the same language as many of the workers, which means there has been lots of pantomiming, repeating, and patience from everyone involved!
We also began blessing the homes today, and I had no idea there would be so much celebration! Entire neighborhoods gathered to rejoice with the families. There was singing, dancing, and so much joy as these families received such an incredible blessing.
Our first house was sponsored by the Malbrough family, and Shawn was able to be here in Kenya to bless the home personally. The recipients are the Mukiri family: Faith and her children, Blessing (14), Moffat (10), Vanessa (3), and Jayden (1). They have been living in deplorable conditions, but now they have a beautiful new home. The community gathered around them in celebration, singing songs about God's greatness as everyone rejoiced together.
Family Verse:
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ~Matthew 7:24-25
Next, Kim dedicated the Karuthu family's home on behalf of the Wilder family. Irene and her three children, Danton (13), Emmanuel (9), and Leon (1), will also experience the blessing of a safe place to call home. Once again, this is a family that has endured truly difficult living conditions.
Family Verse:
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. --- Hebrews 3:4
It is such a blessing to witness these lives being changed and to experience the overwhelming gratitude of both the families and the community. They are thankful that we are here, but they know that this blessing ultimately comes from God. They recognize that He has used us to answer their prayers.
Their faith is bold and fearless. Even after generations of hardship and suffering, they have no doubt that God is good and He truly is!
Family Verse:
For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. --- Hebrews 3:4
More pics of our beautiful day:
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. — Psalm 107:1
