On Health

Took a walk after working all day at almost dark. Hard to keep the sugar level down and control the diabetes. Without the daily walk I lose the battle, even with pills and controlled consumption. As we walked we talked about the street kids in our program, especially the new ones. We walked a roundabout way to the boys’ center. There was a large group out on our soccer field playing at almost dark. And then we could hear two basketballs bouncing on the court. The boys were having a great way to end the day. Down at the girls’ center the girls were either studying or doing their hair.

What we always pray is that God will lead us to the street kids whom he is calling to himself. The five new kids are a great example of how that works out. All of them have said that what they like about Made in the Streets is that they get to know God. One said he didn’t have opportunity to learn anything about God out on the streets, and now he can. They were thrilled when I presented each of them with a Bible, and two of them were eager to carry the Bible to the dorm to read it at night. In only our third day in having sessions with them, and without our urging it, two of them, Mercy and George, have asked about being baptized and say they are ready. So Francis Mbuvi or another Team member will study with them soon.

They are believers. And God has called them to Made in the Streets, where they will have daily chapel, Sunday worship, weekday Bible classes, a Friday evening cell group, and opportunity to read the Bible in the dorm.

Now this is good health! When we see kids getting a new life, reaching out to the Lord, it makes our hearts a lot stronger. It makes me feel better in every way. And it helps them to grow in confidence and in poise. A relationship with God is able to make everything else easier, such as English and Math and Computers and Geography and Health and Skills training – all of the things they study.

At the Kenyan Coast

Magnificent is the only word to describe snorkeling at a coral reef. Because of a kind gift to our Team, they were able to take a trip to the Kenya coast, and we went along with them. We took them in two groups, so someone could stay and work with the kids. We spent 2 nights at the Turtle Bay Beach Club, one of those all-inclusive places where you can eat all day if you like! And juices and sodas are always available, and the meals are all buffet, so the Team loved it. They could swim in the pool, play table tennis and volleyball, then go to the beach and play in the ocean.

Very relaxing for Darlene and me. We had time to talk to one another and enjoy one another's company. Of course, we almost spend 24 hours a day together, but there is something about reclining on a mat looking at the Indian Ocean near the one you love that is special!

The Team felt really special. Only 3 of them had ever been in an airplane. Now they are back at work, 24 hours a day with our 45 kids, as usual.

We have used Skype today, talking to people in the USA. If anyone wants to Skype us, we are usually at the Java House with our headphones on our Saturday morning at 7 am. That would be 8 pm Friday in California and 10 pm in the Central time zone.

be happy,

charles