This month we had the incredible honor of ministering alongside a team from a church in Dallas, Texas called The Upper Room.  They were such an extravagant encouragement and inspiration to us in so, so many ways.  It’s always so very precious and sweet when God brings such refreshment and love to us through brothers and sisters in Christ when we need it most desperately, and when it comes most unexpectedly.

I had the joy of taking them into Pipeline slum where they met Mama Christine, the TBA (Traditional Birth Attendant) I work with, and we went and visited several expectant mamas.  I love how in Kenya you can just show up at someone’s house totally unannounced just to pray for and encourage them and share the love of Jesus.  And that’s just what we did.

Jannekah, Mama Christine and  Adali

The Dallas team leader’s wife was 28 weeks pregnant herself and it was such a delight to see her praying with these women, all their gorgeous bellies so full of life and promise.

28 wk pregnant Kristi praying for a pregnant Kenyan mama

They came with their little 15-month-old daughter as well, and as I watched them carry their two babies up and down the endless flights of stairs, trying to navigate sewage outside and pitch-black corridors inside, I couldn’t help but wonder and God’s grace and goodness.  How often I have treaded there, 9 months pregnant with another baby strapped to my back.  Or with a baby tied to my chest, one on my back, and one holding my hand, all without a second thought.  Even when I’m by myself, I was reminded that I really should be getting quite tuckered out.  But it’s all second nature to me and God has given me such abounding strength and stamina, I forget that it can be quite exhausting and overwhelming for others.  As I watched the team members try to catch their breath and take lots of water breaks it was good to be reminded that God is the source of my strength and to be humbled not to take it for granted.

That being said, this team was so incredibly courageous, flexible, servant hearted, and teachable.  They were truly troopers – or as I like to say, warriors.  I mean, that goes without saying I suppose, considering they brought their precious 28 week womb baby boy and 15 month old baby daughter to Africa!  Seeing them tough out situations and challenges that they haven’t been facing daily for 10 years was such a blessing to my heart. Most of all because they did it with a Christ-like attitude.  It’s easy to forget, to go through the motions, and maybe even become a little numb to the reality of life here sometimes.  It’s always so awesome to get to see Kenya, and even our every day lives, totally afresh and as if for the first time through the eyes of the selfless souls who come to help, encourage, and spur us on in the work here.

I’ll never ever get tired of the beauty of the body of Christ.  One of my favorite things about Charis.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” Hebrews 10:24

Ezriel, Jannekah, Adali Lynn and Amariah Guya