As Kate and I prepare to depart for Kenya we certainly have anticipation. Though this is our 10th trip we are often focused on….have we packed everything we will need?....will the flight connections be on time?....tickets?....passport? Certainly these are important concerns but that’s not why we’re going.
We really do look forward to reuniting with family; our Kenyan family. Let me introduce you.
Four years ago we met Joseph one of Holy Family Center’s 4200 HIV+ patients. When we visited his home, all 100 square feet, we realized he was a widower raising three teenagers in addition to struggling with health issues from living with HIV/AIDS.
Yet Joseph was smiling. What was I not seeing?
Outside of Joseph’s home was his own Kiosk. A small booth where he sold essentials as eggs, salt and sugar to other villagers. In describing his business Joseph was very familiar with revenue, profit and loss yet on a micro scale. But there was something else.
We spotted Joseph’s Bible, well worn, on the top of his shop counter. He caught my glance and was quick to give God the credit for being his refuge and provider.
As happens so often in Kenya I probably was of little encouragement to Joseph yet God spoke to me through this dear man. A giant of faith who has learned to live every day knowing that his suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. God’s word came alive that day!
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