Oasis for Orphans

Greeting of songs, hugs, and procession on the hill

One of the main reasons we came to Africa was to visit the place our extended family lives and the ministry they are working for. Oasis for Orphans is a non-profit organization that has a heart to provide for the basic needs of orphaned children: meals, clothing, a place to sleep, and schooling. There is currently one orphanage affectionately known as "the hill". Their desire is to replicate this idea in other remote areas in Kenya.

To be honest, I was completely overwhelmed the first day we were there with the culture shock and the language barrier. Not to mention the fact that Micah ended up in the hospital on our first night. (More on that later.) I had a hard time engaging. It was a stretch for me for sure, and I was not embracing it that first day! But our schedule was packed with activities and I did not have time to resist the work God had set for us to do.

They made Michele "speak a few words" at every gathering.

Playing with play doh

A game of tag and tickle

Making clay pens

The beautiful results of their creativity

We made curtains for the girls' dorm rooms

By the end of the week, I was sad to leave the precious children. We may not have had long, deep conversations, but we bonded in other ways. We learned things together. We experienced new things together. We shared a mutual love for Jesus. They are a part of us now, and we will always remember them and keep them in our prayers.

To learn more about Oasis for Orphans, visit their website: Oasisfororphans.org