A Day with the Wife of the Ambassador of Israel

Vickie and the HEART team were invited by the wife of Israel's ambassador to join her in a few formal presentations. I was one of the blessed three girls that got to join her. First, we went into the Korogotho slum where we entered into a school for kids with disabilities. Because there were not very many kids, the presentation of books was postponed. But I treasured the few moments I had to spend with the kids. Their eyes lit up as we entered, and they clearly loved having visitors. Our driver Jackson was having fun playing airplane with the kids. Margaret was receiving hugs from a few. And one of the kids would not stop playing with my hair. He loved it.

Next, we went to another school, where they showed us around. They had just developed a new hand washing system for the kids, as they were just provided with clean water.

The kids would crowd around and delight in your presence, shouting "How are you? How are you?" in their adorable Kenyan accents. They would put out their hands for you to touch them, as if you had something miraculous to offer. And as you grabbed each hand and looked each child in the eye and smiled, their eyes grew and smiles filled their faces. I wondered if this is how Jesus loved the children when He walked the earth. We went upstairs and attended the formal presentation of the books. The kids sang, danced, and recited poems, much of which was filled with joy, humor, and personality. They even grabbed the ambassador's wife, Vickie, and Margaret to dance with them!

Our last stop was at another school, which was decorated beautifully with artwork by the kids. Again, we were greeted with smiles and "Karibu"s and "How are you?"s. We made our way around the back of the school where there was a dirt patch. There we held a "ground-breaking ceremony," for it was where a new kitchen would be built for the school. This would allow the kids to have a meal during the day to nourish them and help them focus and be healthy, so they will do better in school. It may even feed children that may not eat any other time during the day.

The children loved having their pictures taken. The last school danced for us once more before we had to leave. I was sad to go, but it has made me excited for all of the time I will spend with the Kids for School project in the next couple of months.

These kids are forever etched into my heart. And it breaks my heart that I may never see them again. But the Lord is watching over them. And in His timing, maybe someday I will return.