Thursday update

Hello to everyone!!!

We are having so much fun! Today was kind of a sad day though. We started off the day by waking up around 8, which isn't too terribly early, but when you stay up really late laughing and being goofy, 8 is early :). First we went to Nakumatt (Kenyan Wal Mart)around 9, so Robyn could pick up loaves of bread for an orphanage and for our story at Huruma. Some of us also exchanged money for the Maasi Market tomorrow. After our errands were done, we headed for Huruma. We were in the car for quite a long because Robyn was supposed to meet the Mama of Brydges, an orphanage where Robyn helps. Well, it would have been a short trip, but we couldn't find the lady. It ended up being okay and the loaves of bread were delivered safely. Finally at 11:30, we arrived at Huruma!! The kids there are soo adorable! We have pictures, so don't worry you'll be able to see how cute they are too. Because we were late, we were not able to play with the kids like we planned. We went to the room where we set up for our show. The nastiest thing happened in the room at Huruma. There was this HUGE, flat spider on the wall!! Earl was putting his hand really close like it wasn't a big deal at all. I have never seen a spider like that before and I never want to see one again.

The kids began spilling into the room around noon and our show began. We started off by singing some songs with them. Luckily they knew all the songs, so they sang along and out shined all of us. We sang Father Abraham and Praise Ye the Lord and then the children sang This Little Light of Mine in Swahili for us. Hearing them sing that song so loud and beautifully made some of us tear up. After the songs we did puppets. Oh the kids love the puppets! One of the three songs we did today was Sunday School Rock, a favorite to everyone. They sang and clapped along with the puppets. Today our story was about Feeding the 5,000. Jim was the narrator and the rest of us acted it out. I somehow got the part of the little boy with the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. After the story we passed out chunks of bread to each kid and little animal crackers that looked like fish. The kids loved it! Then, after the story was face painting time!! Woo!!! We lined up outside the room and the kids came out in a line. We drew a fish on either their arm or hand. They thought it was so special even though my fish were definitely the worst. While we were painting faces or hands, a few of the Huruma girls led the children in some songs for us. They are all beautiful singers. I really couldn't understand what they were singing because it was in Swahili, but it was so moving spiritually and emotionally. After their singing, we had to say our goodbyes because we were eating lunch in the guest house with Mama Zapora. I hate goodbyes, so that part was very hard for me. The children hugged us or shook our hands and said how thankful they are that we came. I wish you were all here to experience this with us.

We had lunch with Mama Zapora today. She is the sweetest lady! We had rice, beans, cabbage (which is actually really good), and tons of yummy fruit.When Mama was done eating, she told us her testimony about how the Lord has blessed her with her life and all her children. I was already trying to hold my tears back from all the goodbyes, but when Mama Zapora told us how amazing God is, I let the tears come as they had wanted to for quite some time. I think everyone needs to meet Mama and Papa, they're amazing people. I almost forgot to tell you about the beautiful jewelry that some of us bought from the Huruma home. One of the ladies and the kids make different kinds of jewelry and they sell it. I got two necklaces, but it was really hard to choose because it was all so beautifully made. Then we left with tears in our eyes.

It's 4:45 and we're all back at home just relaxing and getting ready for Earl to do devotions for us. Since it's 4:45 PM here and only 9:45 AM for you guys, I hope you're all having fun at work :). Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We love you all!

Natalie :)