Written on behalf of the team by Courtnee Wright:
Tuesday and Wednesday were both extremely eventful and powerful days. On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to tour MTTI (Mohi Technical Training Institute/ "Skills Center") in Kariobangi. They are doing sensational work and were so welcoming. They provide training in catering, plumbing, electrical work, cosmetology, and much more. After meeting with MTTI, we headed to Baba Dogo to complete our sports day with 2 classes of 4th graders and 2 classes of 5th graders. We implemented a relay race on one side of the field and an assortment of games with a parachute on the other field. Students were excited to have their first opportunity to play with a parachute and with badminton rackets.
I have to admit the enjoyment seen on their faces far exceeded my expectation for that day. There was so much laughter and fun shared with everyone including students and staff. We ended the day with dinner with the Gerbers, which was so restorative and comfortable. It felt like visiting old friends and it was nice to be able to receive some clarification about Kenyan cultures and traditions. I didn't think it was possible, but I think today (Wednesday) was my favorite day thus far on this journey.
We spent today visiting Ndovoini and Joska, which are both MOHI schools in more rural areas. Ndovoini has a boarding school for boys and Joska has a boarding school for girls. I wish you could have seen the way the students' faces lit up when they saw they had visitors. They all ran up to the car and waved. They waited for us to exit the car and came out to greet us. Some exchanged hugs and others gave high fives. I never received a welcome like that before. There was just so much joy and excitement on their faces. I later found out that it was very rare for either of those schools to receive visitors, especially the school in Ndovoini.
Again all the staff were very hospitable and welcoming. I work as a social worker in the US, so I spent much of my day having countless conversations with social workers about their jobs and the needs of serving the students of MOHI. It continues to break my heart when a community has such a need and resources are rare. I spoke with one of the social workers about health disparities, health comorbidities, and the severity of the trauma that students have experienced. All I can say is those social workers are some of the hardest working people I know and they continue to make a difference in God's kingdom every day.
The last event on Wednesday was that we were extremely blessed to be able to have dinner with Mary Kamau, executive director of MOHI. She sat with us and even though she has an early flight tomorrow; she gave us her undivided attention. It felt so surreal to be sitting at the table with the woman who we have been hearing about for years; let alone with the woman who has changed thousands of families' lives. I felt so blessed that she was willing to spend time with us. She is one of the most humble people I know and she is a true child of God. She shared her story about the beginning of MOHI and the bumps along the way while she listened to God.
I continue to struggle with being quiet and listening to God. I feel that I have this ambivalence about being able to put my faith in the path he has for me. I know that her words were exactly what I needed to hear. We must trust in God and know that he will provide. God gives us inner peace when we are doing his will. I know being here in Kenya continues to stretch me and direct me to his glory. I look forward to what the rest of this mission trip has in store for me and what way God wants to use me for his kingdom.
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