My trip to Kenya this summer to minister to the Pokot children at Kodich orphanage was a life-changing experience for me. That doesn’t mean that I am going to sell everything I have and move to Africa and become a missionary – but then again, you never know! :o) I just always want to leave the door open for the Lord to use me any way He wants.

When I left I really had no idea about what to expect or what the Lord would teach me while I was there. In fact, I'm still trying to grasp all that I have learned.

I have a different perspective on life. I definitely appreciate more what we have here in this country. Until one has personally experienced a third world country and has seen what life is like there, one does not truly know how blessed he or she is to be born in America – despite all of its faults.

I was so amazed by the spirit of the Pokots - children and adults alike. Everyone was so friendly, cheerful, helpful, and selfless. I watched as those kids, many of them owning nothing but the clothes they were wearing, sang songs of praise to the Lord. It was so moving to see and hear their beautiful worship. Their faith in Jesus seemed so much more pure or real than ours here in the America. We – no, I should personalize this – I get caught up in this culture's materialism and I get so concerned with my own problems that many times I lose focus of ”the big picture.” By “the big picture” I mean those really big questions: Why am I here? Why did God allow me to be born in this particular country at this particular time in history? How does God want to use me? Am I storing up my treasures here on earth or in eternity?

I want to invest my time, talents, and finances in eternity. What else really matters? Does it really matter if Ethan puts a dent my car? Does it really matter which I get next: a new cordless drill or a new miter saw? Does it matter that I’m nearly 37 and still don’t have a successful career like most of my friends? This culture and my human nature shout, “Yes!” But in light of eternity, none of that is important. To the Pokots, none of that is important either. When I was in Kenya, none of that was important. After I am dead, none of that will have been important. The only thing that is important is what I do to contribute to the Kingdom of God – to make an eternal difference in the lives of people. Boy, I hope all this doesn’t sound to preachy or sound like I have it all figured out now. I’m just learning and growing. I know what I need to do; now it is just a matter of doing it. I think it is very difficult in this culture to deny myself the things that are expected of me, to not participate in “the Rat Race.” You know, keeping up with the Joneses.

I do know that I want to be more involved in missions work. There are so many deserving organizations out there, but I know that just about 100% of the support sent to Harvesters International goes directly to the Pokot ministry in Kenya or the ministry they have in India. I would like to help Harvesters physically, but I think what they really need is financial support (since they have nationals – most of them Pokots – in the field doing the real work). Please visit their website at www.him-usa.org for more information and to download a catalog that tells about their current needs and giving opportunities. They have photos, music, and even audio interviews with Ed Hirshman, the director, and Julius Murgor, who started Pokot Outreach Ministries in Kenya.

Thank you again for your support enabling me to have this wonderful experience. I want you to know that you I could not have gone without your help and I deeply appreciate it! I would love to go back again, Lord willing. Would anyone like to come with me next year? :o) I'm serious!