I will never forget the beauty and heartbreak I saw in Kenya. It spoke volumes to me about my God to watch teens my age worship with all their heart, to look into a child’s face who had lost everything and hear her sweet voice saying “God- You are good all the time” Or to say a little prayer over an abandoned baby and see myself in that child and understand my dependence on God. I felt so near to God’s heart when I shared in His love for “the least of these.” I experienced God’s faithfulness as I watched Him meet basic human needs. The joy I saw in every child’s face is something that will never be taken from them despite their circumstances. What I experienced in Africa was absolutely life-changing.

Along with a thousand other things, the Kenyans have taught me to keep loving, keep giving, keep smiling, and keep rejoicing because every single day I live is a gift from God. And no matter what I have or don’t have in this life, the joy of the Lord will always be my strength.