Day 7 – Our Final Day of Construction
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Today was our last day in Meru, and before heading to the construction site, we stopped at the tea factory. It was fascinating to see how the green leaves we helped pick yesterday are transformed into the tea we drink. The tea produced here is considered some of the finest in the world. Much of it is purchased by other companies, blended with lower-grade teas, and sold under different brands. We learned far more about tea than we ever thought we would! One interesting fact: the factory was built directly on the equator, so you actually cross it when walking from one side of the facility to the other.
As we travel to our work sites each day, we begin with devotions together, and Anita has been faithfully leading us in worship. It has become such a precious way to start our mornings and focus our hearts on God. We have also fallen in love with a Kenyan song taught to us by our fearless driver, Kim, and it has quickly become one of our favorites.
We then headed to one of the houses that still had the most work remaining. We arrived ready to work, and with the entire team hammering away in every room, we quickly finished all of the walls. Having everyone together was a wonderful way to bring our construction responsibilities to a close. Laughter and singing filled the air as a cacophony of hammering and sawing accompanied us throughout the morning. After a quick roadside picnic, we headed out to bless the final two homes.
Slideshow:
Our first stop was the Mawri family's home, where Anita gave the house blessing. Once again, it was a beautiful celebration on a stunning piece of property. This family clearly takes great pride in their home and land, and their yard was filled with animals.
Family Verse:
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. -- Psalm 127:1
The final house dedication was the perfect way to conclude our construction endeavors. The widow receiving the home had once been homeless and spent years fighting her brother in court to gain access to the land she had inherited. Through the support of her church, she persevered through both legal and mental health struggles and emerged victorious. She can now leave behind her outdoor living space and move into a home of her own.
Family Verse:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. --- Numbers 6:24-26
Two pastors from Katheri Methodist Church came to preach and pray, and the whole community gathered to celebrate this answer to prayer. It was a beautiful testimony to what God can do.
One thing that has been especially meaningful to witness is the way this community supports one another. So many people come to the dedications, including friends and family, neighbors, other house recipients, church members, and even the construction workers. Everyone celebrates together, singing, dancing, and giving glory to God where it belongs. Each gathering is unique, with different pastors and elders speaking, yet no one ever seems to grow tired of praising God. Although we have finished our house dedications, we will continue to pray for each family we have grown to know and love.
Two things that happen at each house: 1) Ululation by the Kenyan women, and 2) The team singing a hymn
I don't think I have mentioned this yet, but hospitality is extremely important to the people of Kenya. At every celebration and in every place we have served, the people have provided us with food and drinks. No matter how difficult their circumstances, they honor us as their guests. Whether it is traditional milk tea, plates of bananas or watermelon, candy, or even bottles of soda, they always find a way to extend hospitality. This is just one more beautiful aspect of the people we have spent this week serving.
There have been many circumstances and many people who tried to prevent this mission trip from happening. Several members of our team were even pressured not to come to Africa at all. Yet God's plans cannot be thwarted. He has accomplished exactly what He intended, and people across the globe have been transformed by His work.
We are overflowing with gratitude as we witness lives being changed, the incredible thankfulness of the recipients and their communities, and the way God has orchestrated every detail of this journey from beginning to end. This trip has been about God's children coming together to love and serve one another, and our team stands in awe of all that He has done.
We will miss Meru and its beautiful people.
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." — Psalm 126:3
