“Bwana Asifiwe”
We are already a week and a half in, and I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact that we are halfway through this trip. There are so many details I wish I could share, but if I did that I would be typing for days. Each day keeps on getting better. God’s blessings keep over flowing on my life and all of the lives here at the Rafiki Village. I have noticed that we seem to be able to get a lot of things accomplished, but when I look back, the days keep going faster and faster. It really does seem like we got here yesterday. Sure, there are times when I miss my hometown, or when I really would love to have a slice of pepperoni pizza; but those things do not compare to the love and fellowship I get to experience while sharing the word of God with these kids.
The kids here are wonderful. It is so awesome to see how excited they get when they get to pick up a basketball to learn skills that they have never learned before. They never complain about what we ask them to do, they are so talented and I can just see God’s love pouring out of them. The first couple of days after we arrived really gave me time to reflect more on my life. I have realized that I shouldn’t take things and people for granted.
We are already a week and a half in, and I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact that we are halfway through this trip. There are so many details I wish I could share, but if I did that I would be typing for days. Each day keeps on getting better. God’s blessings keep over flowing on my life and all of the lives here at the Rafiki Village. I have noticed that we seem to be able to get a lot of things accomplished, but when I look back, the days keep going faster and faster. It really does seem like we got here yesterday. Sure, there are times when I miss my hometown, or when I really would love to have a slice of pepperoni pizza; but those things do not compare to the love and fellowship I get to experience while sharing the word of God with these kids.
The kids here are wonderful. It is so awesome to see how excited they get when they get to pick up a basketball to learn skills that they have never learned before. They never complain about what we ask them to do, they are so talented and I can just see God’s love pouring out of them. The first couple of days after we arrived really gave me time to reflect more on my life. I have realized that I shouldn’t take things and people for granted.
Most of the older kids love teaching us some of the Swahili language. They think it is hilarious when we can’t pronounce a certain word. I have learned many simple words, but my favorite line, which is also the title, is “Bwana Asifwe” which means Praise the Lord.
The first night, after we arrived I got to attend devotion in the Joppa cottage. Mama Margret led the devotion and told us to turn to Psalm 42:1-11. She explained how God is always with us and He will never leave us or forsake us. My eyes were widened as I saw how excited 6-7 year olds were to find a Bible verse. At this point I realized how much more I needed to grow in the Lord. These kids are motivating me to read the Bible every day.
All along I thought that our MOAM group would be coming just to help these kids and teach them about God and sports. It turns out they are teaching me life lessons and they may not even know it. My heart is overflowing with love, joy, and happiness. I will forever be thankful for these kids. I’m definitely looking forward to all of the adventures that are yet to come here at Rafiki.
-Mariah Jackson, Marshall Women's Basketball
To God Be The Glory!
