T-Minus 7 Days

I can't believe that it has come down to our last week. I'm very excited to come home, but am going to miss the students and staff here sooo much. This weekend we had our training program. We had spent a lot of time coming up with a schedule and preparing workshops for the students to ensure that they really learn a lot and were able to experience the Presence of God while they were there this weekend. Our theme verse was Colossians 2: 6-7 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. It was really encouraging to see how much the students were excited about the weekend - not only the fun parts, but also growing in their faith.

One major thing that we had to get used to was that the schedule was used only as a rough estimate for the weekend. But - we're pretty much used to it by now! Sacha, Greg and I did a workshop on witnessing and fellowship. At times it seemed like the students were paying much attention, but I think they can multi-task a bit better than we can; they absorbed a lot and were able to remember a lot also. We had really fun times when we played soccer, frisbee, volleyball, and just played with the guitars and such! We also had a massive bonfire in which we made s'mores for the students, and they LOVED them! It really was a great weekend. A highlight for me was when we were sharing our highlights in our small groups. The girls were one group, and we were all sharing with eachother. We had all gone around once and shared what we had learned, when I really felt like I needed to share the progress that I had seen in the students as a whole. Of course, I got choked up and started to cry. That was one of the first times I had really realized how much I have come to love these students. I've loved being part of their lives and helping them in their walks with the Lord. I can only pray that they continue to be rooted in Christ, and develop their ministry as a whole. I'm going to miss all of them so much, but I know that I will always have multiple homes, here in Kenya if I ever want to come back!

We've got a busy week planned, and I know it's going to fly by. Pray that we can spend as much time with the students as possible, and love them as best as we can while we're here the rest of the time! Also, begin praying for safe travels; we'll be coming back without Chris and Greg, so pray that everything runs smoothly for Nick, Brett, Sacha and I! I miss you all, and am very excited to see everyone so soon!! love, Hiliary