My new friend & Personal Assistant, Roy

​At first, I simply perceived Roy as pastor Samson's sidekick. He's so quiet I had to remind myself not to leave him out of our conversations. I described the next leg of my journey where I would meet my sponsored child, and was taken aback when Roy offered to accompany me. Not having gone through the screening process, I warned that he'd likely not be able to meet Mercy. Plus, he had no arrangements for transport or lodging, nor any money. Still, I was sorry to tell him no.

Up early due to jet lag, I thought more about Roy AND my situation. I felt God's nudge to open myself to possibilities. Then I texted him and invited him to come along after all. He's 20 and lives at home. Within a short time, he got the green light from family and Samson, too.

We connected in Mombasa proper after Samson, and I exited the ferry. Luckily, the train to Voi wasn't sold out. After deboarding the train, we walked to our lodgings. I'd reserved an extra tent for him next to mine. The walk was further than I expected, and we had no shillings for a ride, but he took over, hauling my suitcase and even carrying it over eroded areas where it couldn't be pulled. I knew already I'd made the right choice!

​Indeed, he couldn't go on the day trip to meet Mercy. But it was his first time in Voi, so he got to explore on his own and also swim at the lodge. Over our two days together, we became friends. He lives in such abject poverty that he worried about the fare to get home once he was back in Mombasa. I gratefully considered all he did for me and paid him for being my "Personal Assistant".
Tonight, we're hoping to have a video call so I can meet his family. Please pray for Roy, a part of Mombasa Mennonite. He has a heart of gold - and is trapped in a cycle of poverty.