Habari Yaku!

No...it's not Siwati, it's actually Swahili (the language spoken in Kenya) for how are you? I'm writing this post to you today to tell you about a wonderful treasure I receieved in the mail earlier this week. When I was in Kenya, I befriened three wonderful girls: Janet, Effy, and Evaline. The girls were 14 at the time and all lived in the AIM orphanage. I didn't have the chance to spend much time with them because we were not in their area long, but they left a lasting impression on my heart. In talking with my former leader a few months ago who still resides in Kenya, I asked him about the three girls. He informed me that they were still around and that he would tell them hello for me. I doubted they would even remember me, but this week I recieved a letter from one of the girls, Janet. I wanted to share its contents with you, as it almost brought me to tears:

"Dear Teresa, First is much greeting coming to you like water flowing from high land to low land. Second, is to thank our heavenly Father for granting me this opportunity to communicate with this sheet of [paper].

The main aim of writing this letter is to tell you that I miss you very much, Effy and I. We miss you. I don't know what I can tell you, but if I saw you, I would be very happy about you and I am happy to hear that you are still remembering me and Effy. The day Scott told me about you I sit down and stating remembering you. Right now I remember you very well. I am told that you will come again to Kenya. I thank only God and I am praying for you. Every time I put you first in my prayer and I know you always praying for us too.

May God Bless You...From J"

Janet is now 16 years old, and it warmed my heart so to think of her prayers for me and her joy and thankfulness in the Lord. I am praying that as we go to Swaziland, I will be able to truly see the people for the beauty they possess in the Lord and cultivate friendships like my one with Janet that span oceans and years...into eternity!