Mission News: Are We Having FUN!!!

Exactly one month ago today, 5 families from Central arrived at Joytown in Kenya. The campus is a boarding school for disabled children in primary and secondary school. We were met by Dr. Dick Bransford, who serves as the school physician and who has performed surgeries on many of the students. After a tour of dorms, swimming pool, small gym and tethered cows, by the school director, Elijah, the Central group divided into 3 teams of 7. Hauling stuffed suitcases out of the bus, those from Central interrupted class work, distributing bags of joy. These were zip-lock bags which contained an assortment of pencils, coloring books, crayons, bandanas, small toys and toothbrushes.

In some cases, the hand-off of bags took place on the ground as the student was unable to be upright. Many bags were placed in a lap cradled in a wheelchair. When spastic arms prevented easy handling, there was ready help to pry open the bag and tie the bandana around the neck below a happy smile. Central kids nestled next to a student on classroom benches to manage magic markers together.

We were then invited to have a snack and enjoyed a meal of hard-boiled eggs, watermelon, muffins and beans we thought were nuts. We recognized the sacrifice offered on our behalf as we walked through the dining room and observed the gruel and bowl of nuts being served to the students. We passed by an amazing display of dexterity by an armless little lad feeding himself with his toes.

Next, we gave 10 Bibles to each of the 5 sections of the high school. The student prefect of each grade received them graciously, but was more enthusiastic about the soccer balls, pumps and Frisbees that were given at the same time. The lunch room enjoyed the indoor Frisbee demo by the Americans.

Later, we gathered in the assembly room totally awestruck by the spirit-filled student choir, some standing, some leaning on crutches, some on makeshift chairs. Every face radiated a beaming joy that transformed contorted bodies into an angelic host. Our hearts were broken by the genuine display of God's love. Each of us took away much more of value than we brought to share.