How it all began

People occasionally ask me how I got involved in the orphan ministry in Kenya. Sometimes I wonder too, but then God is creative in the ways He leads us. After all, I believe that He “thought me up,” has a plan for me, and purposed it before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4) He never runs out of ideas of how a person can reflect Him and His grace uniquely. It was not just one particular event but a sequence of “life changing situations” that drew my heart to get involved in ministering in Kenya. For a more detailed account please read my blog: http://lifecoachmaria.blogspot.com

After losing my husband Gil in 2011, I spent much time in solitude and prayer. I grieved deeply, losing my husband, best friend, faith partner, and love was huge! Grieving is a (life)-long process and pain becomes part of daily life. I prayed for guidance and newness of life, asking God to rebuild my life, with serving Him as a center. Here are some of the details of the story.

In January 2013 I was invited to teach in a Bible School in Nairobi. The general election was just around the corner. Everyone was on edge, the memory of the prior election and the violence that spilled out over the country were still very fresh in people's minds. When I arrived in Nairobi, the school was closed due to the lack of students, fear was real and many stayed “home” near their tribal area. Here I was, a teacher with no students! The director of the Bible School apologized and suggested that I teach the children in the orphanage instead. That was really not on my radar, nor did I think I was “qualified” for that.

Anyway, I went to check it out. I was not prepared for what I encountered. The three bedroom house provided twenty-four children and two adults with shelter. Four to six children slept in one bed. There were hardly any toys, books or craft supplies. “Mama Margret” cooked on an open fire, which translates into getting up at 4:30 to make a fire so the kids can have some tea and breakfast in the morning. Several kids didn't go to school because there was no money to pay the fees. I was not prepared for the joy the kids radiated, their welcoming smile and hunger for affection. In no time, we played, sung and danced together.

Later that day I was sitting at my computer writing and I realized that silent tears were running down my face. I had to stop working to notice what was going on inside of me. My heart broke for the children and a soft voice in me started to stir me up.

Back in the States, I started to share my experience with my friends, together we prayed through it and sought God for guidance. I didn't want to be involved in a ministry just on an emotional basis, I “needed” to know that God was leading me. He didn't just open a window to pursue involvement with the orphanage but rather He opened French doors! All of a sudden things fell into place and prayers were answered. God provided the right people to start a not- for- profit organization! The church backed me up in that decision and friends came along side. It all just felt right!

My next trips to Kenya were filled with addressing the pressing needs of the children and the living situation. We found a bigger 6 bedroom home for the kids and moved there in spring of 2014. On top of that, all eligible children were enrolled in school! What a joy! Please check out the pictures. Running water was installed in the new home and besides the outdoor kitchen there is now a gas cooker at work for heating up water for tea! What a difference for Mama Margret, the founder of the orphanage, and the kids!

There are many more things I would like to see happening for the children. God is faithful and He will lead and provide as needed. So the adventure continues and I am learning to hold on very loosely to my plans so that I can hear the soft voice of God whispering into my heart. God's purpose for our life never ends with ourselves, we need to spill over into other people's lives. What a privilege to serve the weak, needy, unprotected …. he who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, Proverb 19:17

While I was ministering among the kids in Kenya, I started to get involved in women's ministry. I started to teach seminars, coaching one on one, meeting with women for Bible study and fellowship groups. This part of my ministry gets me really excited. The women are open and eager to learn to move forward in their lives, incorporating truth and living intentionally a purposeful life for the glory of God.

I only see a small part of His plan for me at any given time in my life, but I know He is good and faithful. Right now I believe that He is sending me back to Kenya for at least part of the year to be involved with an orphanage, teaching, and coaching women. Again, God weaves incredible colorful threads into my life, more beautiful than I could ever imagine, but then after all HE is God.