Consumed

There is something completely overwhelming about waking up in Kenya while the sun is still rising, the birds are singing, and the air is cool. There is a consuming feeling of God's abounding love in this country. Our team has just come off of a 4 day stay at Mbewau Academy and although I was sad to leave, I was excited to see God move through us in a different location. We split into two groups today as half of us visited the children's cancer ward of a local hospital and the other half visited the local disability clinic for children. I was able to visit the children's disability clinic and was completely overwhelmed with emotion. This facility is used for rehabilitation for children with physical disabilities. They are also well known on the coast for their production of prosthetics. We saw children with club feet, bowed legs, no legs, cerebral palsy, bone diseases, and everything in between. They were completely positive, smiling, laughing, and just all around joyful. There is more joy in this country than anything I've ever seen before. Their use of pain medication is scarce, their mobility is limited, but the children at this clinic were joyful. After we spent time playing with puzzles, animal cards, and soccer balls, we said our goodbyes. The teams met back together and headed onto our next journey for the day. We then visited Shanzu, which is a handicapped women's ministry. These women have created a ministry where they sew purses, clothing, aprons, laptop cases, and many other products to sell, which enhances their independence and vocational skills. Once again, I felt pure joy talking to these women. They didn't complain about their disability, but instead used their skills to do good work. Our team was blessed to be able to shop in their store and support their ministry. After Shanzu, we visited some local stores and practiced our bargaining skills. We were definitely successful in that endeavor! We ended our afternoon with a devotion. I volunteered to lead the devotion today, because I had an overwhelming sense of urgency to do so from the Lord. I referenced Psalm 103 and discussed the concept of being consumed. I have truly been convicted by the Kenyan people and their consumption of God. They don't put him in a box and limit his amazing power. They submit themselves to Him and embrace His power to consume their lives, whether that life is messy, challenging, or filled with baggage. The team spent the remainder of the evening at Chris and Lisa Moore's home enjoying fellowship and a wonderful meal. We laughed at each other's secret talents and even shed a few tears. God was able to speak through Cayla and Austin tonight as they shared their testimony of God's great works in their lives. It never ceases to amaze me when people break down walls and become vulnerable enough to share their struggles and truth about their lives. God's glory really shined through Cayla and Austin, and our team parted ways feeling closer than ever. As the noise in the Moore home is silencing, I am reflecting on today and the overwhelming emotions of this trip. God has done a mighty work through Chris and Lisa Moore, He has done a mighty work through the Kenyan people, and He is doing a mighty work through the Mission Mombasa team. We are truly getting a glimpse of what our lives would be like if we allowed God to be our center, our ultimate focus, and consume every portion of who we are. I can't wait to see what else He has in store for us this trip. The recap for the day is short, but there is one overall message that explains everyday of the trip thus far: I have been truly blessed to be chosen for such a life-changing experience, and I know that my heart will have a permanent scar for the people of Kenya.


For His Glory,
Kaylene Ullom
 "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name." Psalm 103:1