Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa

June 23, 2010

 

Wow! That pretty much sums up this past weekend for me. I’m still riding the wave of excitement. For those of you who were not able to attend Beachside this past Sunday we had 20+ kids from Kenya, Africa lead us in worship. The singing, dancing, costumes, and drums were awesome, but it was the smiles that did me in. The joy that was oozing out of these kids was unbelievable. I can truly say that I worshiped our Lord, and I think I was among hundreds of others who were able to do the same. Our God is really amazing. He transcends oceans, languages, and cultures, and I love the way He uses children in such a powerful way.

I think it was actually the first time I’ve been on the receiving end of a mission trip. Well, I always receive more than I give when I go, but you know what I mean. The Sunday service was amazing, but I think the best part was spending time with Betty, Grace, and Hannah (and Collett, their leader), who stayed in our home for the weekend. My girls and I learned so much from them. I don’t think we ever imagined hosting them would be so special. We had so much fun going swimming, tubing, watching them dance and sing, and just having great conversations with them (did I mention they’ve only been in the US for about 3 weeks!), but I really enjoyed looking at their pictures of home. It was humbling to see what an incredibly simple life they live: Dirt floors, no electricity, cars, or running water. Yet they are genuinely excited about life. I think the simplicity helps them see life for what it really is.

I have actually been trying to work out a trip to Kenya for about a year. Now, I’m more determined than ever to go see what God is doing over there. We’ve always said we didn’t start a new church so church people would have another option on Sunday. We have a mission and a purpose, and when we work TOGETHER we can help others connect to a God that loves them, both here, in Kenya, and who knows where else. Thanks Daraja Choir for raising the bar for us. I hope we can do for others what you have done for us!

Posted by Shaun | Filed Under News


Comments

3 Responses to “Daraja Children’s Choir of Africa”

  1. Brett on June 23rd, 2010 9:30 am

    I agree. What a great weekend! Worshipping with the kids on Sunday was awesome. I feel bad for anyone who didn’t come. But just hanging out with them and talking about their family was even better.

    Also, watching them experience things for the first time was pretty cool. We showed Elizabeth and Faith where they had traveled from on Google Earth. They had never seen a map of the world before (or an iPad)! And watching them be scared of the calmest, gentlest dog in the world was pretty funny, too. Definitely going to miss them. I’ll start saving for our trip to Kenya!

    Oh, and here is a collection of photos from the weekend (via Bob Hudgens).

  2. Jodi Barker on June 23rd, 2010 12:20 pm

    What lessons to be learned from these kids! How many times did I hear “I love you” from them??? Not to mention the hugs! And they found joy in everything they saw and did. Goofy Golf has never been so much fun. The grocery store seen from their eyes…their total amazement and wonder why we have/need SO much food there. Their laughter when looking at their pictures, I asked if a rabbit was their pet and they replied “no, dinner.”
    Such beautiful girls – inside and out!

  3. Kay Brooks on June 25th, 2010 7:08 am

    I have hosted other groups in my home over the years, but this group of children has rocked my world. They were quiet, polite, tidy, obedient…and absolutely precious. Ok..I have NEVER wanted to go to Africa…but when the service was over, Sara came right up to me and, in all seriousness, said “so when are we going to Kenya?” Little did she know I was thinking the same thing. Shaun, let’s go! God will make the way, He has already ignited the love for the people in our hearts! A great big thank you for getting them here, I am so thankful that I did not miss this opportunity! The ONLY reason I wasn’t crying when I dropped them at the office on Tuesday was the hope that I would see them again soon….How bout tonight! See some of you in Crestview! Kay

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