Thursday, June 16th

Today was a day characterized by one word: emotional!

It was the last day we got to work with and play with the FOCUS kids. This day is always the worst because you leave the center feeling as if you have been to a funeral. But there is also a lot of good things that happen on this day as well so here goes!

We started off the day with breakfast and a quick run down of the day. Then we loaded the bus and headed to FOCUS where we would spend the day. About half of us would start working on various projects around the property and the other half would play with the kids. When we arrived, we noticed that there were a lot more kids there than there were supposed to be. On a normal day, most of the kids would be in school. The only kids that stay at FOCUS all day are those in the younger stages of school. However, all the kids were there when we arrived because they had been given permission to miss school so they could hang out with us all day. This was an awesome surprise as we pulled onto the property.

Once there, we divided and conquered. About mid-afternoon we were slowing down with work to be done so many of us just started playing with the kids. We knew this would be our last chance so we wanted to get in all the time we could. Another hour or two went by and then we all gathered outside.

The FOCUS workers performed a couple of dramas for us and then we gave the kids their presents from all their sponsors. It was awesome to see them receive toys to play with because it was like Christmas to them. In fact, the little girl that Mallory and I sponsor would not open her baggie to see what she got. When we asked why, she said she wanted to save it til Christmas. The kids here don't get presents very often so it is always a big deal when they do. And in America, a lot of kids complain when they don't get a toy every trip to Wal-Mart. What does that say about us as a culture?

After the toys were given out, we played with the kids and just observed the love they had for their new found toys. Then Scott brought some furniture to put in the classrooms of the newly renovated and redesigned FOCUS center. It looks incredible! Completely different than when we first got here. There was so much work done while we were there and not just by us but by the workers as well. It's amazing how a place can be transformed!

Then came the horrible goodbyes. This is the time when we have to tell everyone goodbye because we are leaving tomorrow to come back to the States. There were a lot of tears but also a lot of smiles. We did say goodbye but these relationships that have been built will last. They will not be torn by distance because we know we will see them again, on earth or in heaven one day. For the second time, I am telling these Kenyans goodbye but deep in my heart I know it is a "til next time". I love each and every one of them so much. It hurts my heart to say bye but I know our friendship will only grow stronger!

There were a lot of tears, but the awesome thing is...we are all one in the same in Christ! Until later my friends...

P.S.- I will try to update the blog tomorrow afternoon before we leave for the airport but just in case I can't, our flight leaves about 11pm and we will see you soon after! Love you all!!