Meeting Mercy

Friday the 16th was the exciting day I got to meet Mercy, the girl I sponsor through Compassion International. One blemish in the day was that I did not have any Kenyan Shillings, as the Sponsor is expected to pay for everything! Somehow, my debit card didn't work with Kenyan ATMs and got blocked. Then, within the first 9 minutes of meeting Mercy, I tripped over a speaker cabinet and twisted my foot! Five days later, it's still sore.  But despite the multiple servings of humble pie, I'm deeply grateful for this day.

These photos are from the last portion of the day when we got to relax at a rustic little resort near the Tanzanian border. It included a dusty little shed with some electric kiddie cars and a bike. I'd already written her some time ago about how I get around Portland by bike, and she'd written back that she's never had a chance to learn to ride. Immediately, I had fantasies of running alongside her and witnessing her first triumphant ride! Sadly, it was quickly apparent that this heavy old clunker was more a liability (to both of us) than an opportunity.

The group photo from left to right includes Valentina, Project Director, Pastor Benson of the hosting church (Assemblies of God), Mercy's mother, Pauline, and the Compassion Day Host, Faith. All such wonderful people.

Our gift exchange was a highlight. I love the blanket from the Project staff, "Welcome Uncle Tim...", though I wish the Kenyan flag were as big or bigger than the US one. But from Mercy's family, I got a waist belt with only the Kenyan flag on it. Of the gifts for Mercy, the one I'll mention here is a calendar/date book planner. I told her I was her age when I first started to keep a diary, and how it's fun for me to look back on that now. But it came to me in the moment that this could also be a small step toward her dream of becoming a doctor. I suggested that one day she'd need to keep track of her appointments with patients. Mercy is brilliant, has a great attitude, and is surrounded by these loving people with just enough resources, so it could happen. I pray she'll have a real sense now and always of how she resides in God's love and rich loving kindness, regardless of all else.