Day 6 (Saturday) – Home Visits, Tears & More Sanding

"Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you: Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land." — Deuteronomy 15:11

Today was hard... very hard.

For many of us, the morning began with a mix of anticipation and anxiety because we didn't know what to expect. Our team divided into three smaller groups so we could visit 15 families whose children attend Huruma HOPE School. While one group visited homes, the remaining team members joined the teachers in sanding desks and benches for the classrooms.

The first team to head out included Joel Hagner, Heather Gehrett, Anna Powell, and Joy Gilliland.

The first home they visited belonged to Ariann Njoki, a Grade 2 student who has six brothers and sisters. Their home was very humble, with little room to sit, but somehow we all squeezed in together. Ariann's mother shared that she had struggled with depression in the past and admitted she hadn't always been the mother she wanted to be. Through God's grace, she has worked hard to rebuild her life and provide for her children.

When we asked how we could pray for her family, she instead asked if she could pray for us. Though most of us couldn't understand her words, tears filled our eyes as we listened. Afterwards, Director Anne translated one of her prayers: "Please let these people lack for nothing." It was a powerful reminder that generosity doesn't depend on how much someone has.

Another family we visited was that of Ambrose, a Grade 6 student who lives with his great-great-grandmother. He has two siblings—his stepbrother lives with him, while his sister lives in a care home. His mother struggles with chronic alcoholism.

When we arrived, Ambrose's aunt was there caring for him. When we asked how we could pray, she simply asked that his mother would be healed and able to come home to care for her children. As she spoke, Ambrose quietly began to cry... and before long, so did we.

Please join us in praying for healing and restoration for his mother and for hope in their family.

Another home belonged to Melsa Akhamile, a Grade 3 student. We met her father, who is raising Melsa and her younger brother, Ken, who is in PP2. He works nights as a security guard, but his employment isn't always consistent, and while he's at work, the children are often left home alone.

He asked us to pray for a permanent job and for the strength to stay awake and alert during his night shifts. We pray that God would provide stability, protection, and peace for their family.

We also visited Francis Kimunyi, a Grade 6 student. We met Francis and his older brother, Johnson, who attends New Dawn High School. Their parents were both at work, so Johnson was caring for his younger brother. He spoke excellent English, and it was clear that education is highly valued in their family.

We prayed that God would provide consistent employment for their parents and continue to bless both boys as they pursue their education. We are especially thankful for Johnson's willingness to care so faithfully for his younger brother.

While the home visits were taking place, the rest of the team and the Huruma HOPE teachers accomplished something incredible—they finished sanding every single desk and bench! They worked tirelessly all morning. We also purchased paint and will be leaving all of the painting supplies at the school so the teachers and students can complete the project together.

After our morning, everyone returned to Heart Lodge to share lunch with the teaching staff. It was such a blessing to spend time getting to know these incredible educators. Their love for the students is evident in everything they do, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication. We pray that God will continue to place His hand of protection over the school, the staff, and every student.

Later in the afternoon, we made a quick trip to the store for a few supplies before returning to the lodge. We spent some time playing games together, enjoyed dinner, learned more about a few of our teammates during evening devotions, and finally headed to bed.

Today left many of us emotionally and spiritually exhausted. It wasn't the physical work that wore us out—it was seeing the realities our students and their families face each day. Our hearts are heavy, but they are also full of compassion and a renewed desire to continue serving and praying for these precious families.

We would also appreciate your prayers for two members of our team who received difficult news from home today:

• Rachelle Lambert's family is evacuating because their home is near the Coyner Fire.

• Heather Bose's mother was hospitalized twice yesterday, and Heather is understandably worried.

Thank you for faithfully praying for our team. Your prayers are making a difference, and we are grateful to have you walking alongside us from home.

We love and miss you all!