After taking some time to process their trip, the Kenya team wanted to share some moments that were meaningful for them as well as something they learned from the trip.
What was a defining moment for you, something that really stands out where you could see God working?
Ben Swarens
I saw God working through our relationships with the house parents and workers. They were very welcoming and gracious when we met them. As we got to know the workers over the next few days they really opened up to us. They shared everything they had with us without hesitation. It was really cool to see the Spirit of God unifying two different people groups so quickly.
Hannah Swarens
For me, the defining moment(s) of the trip was hearing story after story of the harsh reality of where these precious children came from before they were taken in by Remember Nhu and actually seeing it. Then seeing their life now in a home where they are cared for and loved. A place where they can just be kids, go to school, and have their basic needs met. There were so many smiles and laughs on the faces of the children we interacted with. It made me so grateful to God that these children are somewhere safe. Yet it also broke my heart that there are so many children that are still in the worst situations imaginable.
Mary Schumm
Jesus crawled in my backpack and multiplied our money! All indications were that we would run out of money as the trip was progressing due to the overwhelming needs. By the end of the trip we had a surplus of money that we can now send to have electricity and water provided for our children. God reminded me in that moment that He WILL provide for all our needs in His perfect timing. It is up to me to simply trust.
Beth Gronotte
I think a time when I saw God really moving was when Elizabeth (one of the house moms) had a potential new girl coming to the house for a visit. Elizabeth had gotten sick that morning and I could really see that Satan was trying to attack her and take advantage of the situation. I felt God lead us to really pray for her, see what medicine she had taken that morning, and get her the head ache pain medicine that she really needed, which consisted of Aleve or Advil. God is always in the forefront fighting our battles for us. We just need to stand in prayer against the power of darkness in our world. God has already won. He was able to heal Elizabeth, and I pray that girl is at that home now. God is faithful and he is able to go before us in all situations.
Lacy Turnquist
Once I got past the condition of the house the kids were living in, I was able to really look at the children and see their happiness and joy. They are in the care of someone who truly cares for them. As hard as it is to fathom, the house they are living in is better than wherever they were living before (if they even had a place to call home). In that alone, I can see God working.
Michelle Schrier
One our last day in Kenya, we visited a Maasai tribe of women and children. These women invited us into their home and talked to us about their lives. As we're sitting in their home, a small structure made out of mud, sticks and sheet metal in the middle of the desert the differences between our lives in the states and their lives in Kenya couldn't have been more pronounced. But because we share the same Savior, despite our differences, we have SO much in common. As the Maasai woman said, "With Jesus, we are all ONE tribe!"
Leslie Ann Lindsay
A defining moment for me was when we had to leave the Nyahururu home, knowing that we weren't returning the following day. It saddened me knowing that it might be a year or more before coming back and I felt like I still had so much to do and say. So God worked in that situation by reminding me to just love and live each moment without regretting anything. No matter your age, what you're wearing or what you look like, your time should always be spent being kind to others & sharing God's word.
Tina Swarens
On the first layover on our team's travel to Kenya, I realized as we huddled together at the airport that a three-year journey of faith was reaching fruition. When Mary Schumm and I first ventured into Kenya, we never dreamed God would move in the hearts of Eagle as fully and compassionately as he has done. Only God could have orchestrated this. We need only to obey in taking each step.
What was your biggest take-away from the trip?
Ben Swarens
There is a lot of work to be done. Jesus says it best in Luke 10:2 "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest."
Hannah Swarens
My biggest takeaway from the trip was an overwhelming sense of need. But also a sense of gratitude for all of the people that God has used to bring these children to safety and the ability for them to grow up in a Christian home. As a body of believers, I hope that we can shed more light on this issue and continue to support ministries like Remember Nhu.
Leslie Ann Lindsay
I think my biggest take-away from this trip is to always believe in yourself & to never doubt because God has a plan. I knew that before the trip, but my concept on it during/after the tripped really changed. God will provide, He will sustain, you just have to be patient and trust the process.
Lacy Turnquist
This is one of the things that kept me from going on a trip before Kenya: isn't donating money or sponsoring a child better than me going on a trip across the world? Couldn't the financial support I raised better be used within the organization? It's a valid question/concern. What I found, having gone on this trip with Remember Nhu, I now have first hand knowledge of what its like there and what is needed. Now, I can come back here, more invested in those children (and the cause) and help raise awareness and find more sponsors! Yes, Remember Nhu needs sponsors and donations to do what they do, but they are truly so grateful when people take time to come see them, talk with them and help make their home a better place to live.
Michelle Schrier
I have two children, a son who is 7 and a daughter who is 5. Similar ages to many of the children at the home. As I watched the kids playing and laughing it struck me how joyful they were. How content they were to play with their one, rather sad, soccer ball. Then I came home and my children are fighting over who's been playing the Xbox the longest and whining that they have nothing to do. It really struck me that I want to teach my kids to have an attitude of contentment, to be joyful with what they have and that in order for them to learn that, it has to start with me.
Tina Swarens
There are children and adults throughout the world who are crying out to God daily to save them and those around them from child sex trafficking. It overwhelming and devastating. However, God is sovereign, compassionate and always faithful. We need only pray and obey in how he is calling us to be an answer to these prayers to end this evil practice.
Mary Schumm
As God's people, we need to be willing to be willing. What ever God is asking of us, we need to be willing to respond even when we do not feel equipped to do so. God will equip us with what we need to carry out His plan as he uses us His servants to do so.
As you can see, the Kenya team had an amazing trip. If you're feeling led to go on a mission trip, Mary will be leading a trip to Cambodia this summer. If you're interested, please let her know!
I'm interested in going to Cambodia!