Farewell Kenya Youth for Christ

It's time to leave. 

What a wonderful time we have had together these last three months. Thank you to each one of you who has made my time with you very special. So many great memories to take home with me.

On Monday, we all came together to say our Goodbyes. We started by praising God. He was/is responsible for our joy. These beautiful women are from the rehab centre where Lucy and I, and later me on my own, spent some really good times together. It was so lovely of them to make the journey over to the office. Thanks, girls.

Next, everyone prayed for me, thanking God for our time together and the things he had done among us, and they also prayed for my safe return home.

Everyone said some words about me - always very humbling to hear how God has touched hearts because I came.

Then it was time for gifts. Anna, National Director, presented me with a YFC Kenya T shirt - can you make out the shape of Kenya and the YFC letters? 

And a magic cup - completely black until you put something hot in it and then the design appears.  Good job, Sasino. I'll remember you all as I enjoy my cup of tea in the mornings.

Sarah, the lady who heads up the rehab centre, had crocheted a scarf for me - star crochet student -

 and also presented me with this kanga (not at all related to a kangaroo, Aussies!) A kanga is a rectangular shaped, 100% cotton, printed cloth with a brightly coloured decorative boarder around the outside and includes a Swahili proverb.

At the bottom in this photo of my kanga are written, in Swahili, words which mean 'We will never forget you.' I think that's true for all of us.

 Sarah proceeded to dress me in the kanga so that I would know how to wear it correctly.

My turn next. I gave Kenya YFC an Australian flag to remember our good time together and handed around anzacs that I had baked for everyone.

On behalf of the rehab girls, Joyce presented me with a lovely fabric zip purse and a watch !!!. She said that is because I taught them the importance of time. I couldn't believe it. Africans don't do time like we do and its often very flexible. I live that way when I'm here too and so wondered what she was talking about. 

Joyce went on to add: "15 minutes for muffins, 8 minutes for Anzacs" referring to our cooking lessons a couple of weeks earlier. Very funny and clever, Joyce.

and then hugs all round, starting with Joyce.

 Little Jonathan, from the rehab centre, is always keen to investigate what's going on and wanted to check out my new watch. Its a gorgeous blue.

 

I think you can tell that I had a very special time. I feel so very blessed by God to have been able to spend these three months with the Kenya YFC team.

And lastly, a photo of all of us. 

What an awesome team they are. I'm so glad to have known you all these past three months. 

Thank you for your hospitality and sharing your lives with me, everyone.

You have invited me back and I'm sure we would have a good time together. Let's see what God does.

My day was topped off by a lovely evening with Anna, her husband and two boys. Thank you, Anna, for your warm welcome to your home and to YFC.

And this morning Mokua from YFC came to pick me up to go to the airport

and Larry and Ginny came to see me off.
Thank you Niemeyers for loaning me your 'cave' these last three months. You have been very good to me and I am thankful for you.

Goodbye, Kenya.