Why?

Here we are team two with our first full week in Kitale.  Many asked, "Why are you going to Africa to work on mission when there are so many at home that need help?"  So why...is it the children and smiling faces, so happy with having so little?  Just to hold the kids, who love to be held and hugged.  Help them jump in the air and rub their backs, showing them love.  Many of the kids were left in maize fields alone, abandoned or turned in to a church or authorities, not wanted.  Let a rocket balloon fly in the sky and watch them chase it, tumbling in the end.  The one that has the balloon turns it in willingly, to watch it soar to new heights again and again.
    Is it the miracles that seem to be all around?  Plants that could not possibly grow in this area are thriving with fruit and vegetables that will make this orphanage self supporting.  A prayerful wish for fresh clean water for the orphanage, shortly before having a well worth $17,000 dug at no charge and hitting an underground river, and a pump worth $5000 donated all within a week, with such abundance that the kids (114), staff and plants have an endless supply of perfectly clean water.  A pipe is now located at the roads edge, supplying clean water to anyone for 4 hours a day.  Jeff and Carla are the leaders of this orphanage, leading the way.  They left a life back in Washington state, sold everything and moved to Kenya with a dream.  What a gift. These are some of the many amazing miracles.
    Is it the project? Working 6 days a week, exhausted, muscles sore, with our limited individual gifts to accomplish amazing results...housing, schools, or a church that will change many lives forever.  Giving a chance to kids that had no chance.  We are able to work not only together as a team but with the locals.  We not only can learn but together have life long friendships.  Yes, I have heard many times, "What can I offer?" God will  use your gifts and equip you in ways you never dreamed.
    Or is it the life with no direct connection to the outside world? Days of not worrying about time, appointments, current news.   Life in some ways is so simple.  Its great to be disconnected for a short time, to regenerate yourself.
    Why? Because of EVERYTHING and more.  Just jump and make the commitment. If you don't, it will never happen and life will always be too busy.  I would like to thank all those who supported my trip financially, with prayers and most of all my wife (Sue) for allowing me to go!

Cheers,
Matt