God revealed His faithfulness to me during my time in Nairobi this summer. I had to cling so closely to his promises during this time as I saw poverty and pain like I never have before. Stories of six-year-olds walking two hours to get to school, babies who were orphans from the day they were born, 15-year-old girls fearful of the outside world. After all of this, I left Nairobi with an encouraged heart. The people we met love Jesus in a way that is contagious. They praise Him in the midst of some of the great worldly trials – they are rich in faith. Through the eyes of every sweet baby that was an orphan, He reminded me that we are adopted into His family, and He fights on our behalf. After a week spent teaching the bible cover to cover in a sixth-grade class, He reminded me that His word never comes back void. And after nightly worship that will renew your soul, through testimonies of our brothers and sisters across the world, He reminded me that His grace and mercy are forever, there is no one like Him. More than anything, the Lord showed Himself to me through the warm, beautiful, kind and loving people of Kenya for the ten days we were there.

I believe wholeheartedly there is a need for resources and financial support that I cannot even begin to understand. However, there is, and never will be, a replacement for looking someone in the eyes, holding their hand, crying with them, and pursuing the hope of Jesus together.