"i am not, but i know I AM": Gamasara

Saturday we had the privilege to spend the entire day at Gamasara (the property the new orphanage is being built on) with the kids. As we arrived, it was awesome to see each and every kid bolt out of the van as quick as they could. The joy that this place brings to each of the kids makes me love it all the more. I cannot wait for the building to be finished and for the kids to move out there. If you take a look at the current place they are living, and the new building, you would understand why they love this place so much.

Before the kids were allowed to play, they had to work the shamba (farm). One thing that really stuck out to me is that there wasn’t a single person not working, and not once did I hear any complaining. These kids had such a joy to know that this entire shamba and all that came out of it was theirs, that working it was truly a privilege and not a burden. It reminded me of Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” As I saw them doing this work in this manner, without grumbling or disputing, I truly caught a glimpse of Christ. I am here to love the kids and be a light for Christ, and instead, on this day the roles were reversed, they were the light of Christ for me. It all the more reminded me that not only does God show up in the most amazing ways, but that I need to have a privilege mentality in all I do. To go into all things knowing that God has placed opportunities before me, and I have the privilege to serve Him by doing them.

Some of the older boys have been going out to work the shamba by themselves. It was neat to see the leadership roles the older boys took as they taught the younger ones how to properly work it. What would take days for a single person to pick by hand we had done in an hour or two. These boys’ knowledge and leadership will be so valuable as they all move out there. After we were done working the shamba, we all spent the afternoon doing a variety of things. The three biggest things were soccer, boxing (picture below), and swimming in the river. It was a great day, because there were no words required. I felt like I grew so much closer to many of the kids, and yet said so little. I cannot wait to head out there again next Saturday, and take part in the joy that Gamasara brings to each and every kid. I know God is at work in each and every one of these kids lives, and I am glad He is letting me take part in it.

In Christ with love,

Jordan