Before leaving the airport on Friday afternoon, our group gathered at the gate for a short devotional and preparation for the trip. Each participant was given a teak cross necklace to wear and instructed to present their cross at anytime during the trip to someone that had an impact on them. This was to be a special opportunity to share the love from their heart and the love from the cross to a new friend along the way. We realized today that we needed many necklaces around our necks, as 4 have already given away their crosses on the first day. Following are two of these stories of sharing. . . . .
Kim Barnhardt


Today we were uniquely blessed to worship at Mamlaka Chapel, which was completely
packed with people. It was a place where we were surrounded by people who all had a look of joy and peace on their faces which was truly amazing and humbling to witness, such grace to see. A beautiful young college medical student came and sat with me. She had that beauty that shines from within. I watched her as we sang and worshiped together. She took notes and looked up each mentioned verse. Our mission here is to become aware of God’s grace in the places and people we visit. At the end of the service I told her my name and asked her name. She replied, “My name is Grace.” I gave Grace my necklace with joy.
Jane Kuester Taylor

Our last visit today was at The Ark, an incredible place that cares for children from New Life Homes who will likely never be adopted because they are HIV positive. Currently, there are 9 children living at The Ark – 6 boys and 3 girls between the ages of 5 and 8. When we first arrived we noticed a young man and woman sitting on the couch in the main living area. We did not have time to talk with them initially, because shortly after we arrived the 6 boys came bounding down the stairs to greet us. Their joy was infectious and we soon went out to the driveway to play with the frisbees and soccer balls we brought with us. Later during our visit, I had the opportunity to talk with the young couple who had been sitting quietly in the living area when we arrived. The woman, Tantu, told me that they were native Nairobians. She had volunteered with the babies and toddlers at New Life Homes when she learned of The Ark that cares for older children, who will not be adopted. She said, “Unlike New Life Homes, people rarely come to visit these children. They need us.” Therefore, she gives her time and comes to visit and play with these children every weekend. Some weekends she takes them on special outings. She said, “I love these children.” I was so moved that I shared my cross with her. I told her that she had touched my heart. We were visiting for such a brief time, but she is there every weekend, a constant and loving presence in their lives. I thanked her for loving these children and through tears she graciously accepted my cross.
Kristi Walters