God's Grace

It is with profound thanks that I write this.  Because of the generosity of a few, Nuru's first semester (the most expensive of three semesters) is paid for. 

In this photo, Dr. John Stanko is presenting $1000 to Alice, the Founder of Each One Touch One Orphanage, during his most recent trip to Kenya.  You can read more about the Kenya team and the latest mission trip here.

For whatever reason, I can't get into my email account today so stay tuned for emails, handwritten letters, and scanned documentation from Alice.

The Beginning

This blog is not about me.  This blog is not for me.  It's for and about a child named Nuru, a child dearly loved by God, a child He destined me to meet.  In the second college edition of The American Heritage Dictionary, one the definitions for 'destine' is "to assign for a specific end, use, or purpose."  The example sentence given: money destined to pay for her education.  I believe it is my purpose - that I have been assigned - to help this child who dreams of being a judge one day.  This blog will help me to find the money destined to pay for Nuru's education. 

I met Nuru in August of 2011 on my first mission trip.  A small team from my church (Allegheny Center Alliance Church) was going to Kenya, Africa.  I had never really thought of going on a mission trip, but God had other plans.  With only two months to get not only a passport, shots, and to make all the what-seems-like-endless trips to the store to buy all you need, I also needed $4300 to cover my expenses (flights, hotels, etc.).  Did I know how this would all work?  No.  Did Satan try everything in his power to keep me from going?  Yes.  But God is greater and it was His plan for me to go to Kenya in August 2011 and I did*. 

Our first day of work in Africa, we visited the Each One Touch One Orphanage (EOTOO).  Eager beaver that I am, I was the first of us to be greeted.  I stood before the large wooden gate (used to protect the children) and waited as it opened.  As it did open, I was greeted by a beautiful and very tall young lady (you can guess who!) and lots of little children.  The team and I received many, many hugs and the children took our hands to show us around their small home.  The young lady (who I later learned was named Nuru) took my left hand and a small girl took my right.  The tour of the tiny house didn't take too long.  How 20+ children all lived in that tiny home I believe is a mystery to all Americans who visit!

We spent time outside getting acqainted with the children, ate a delicious meal, then headed inside to teach the children some crafts.  Nuru stayed by my side through all of this.  It wasn't a suprise to those who knew me because I worked with teen girls in the foster system back in the States.  I was also going through the process to foster (or even adopt) a teen girl back home.  While the children and missionaries went back outside to play with the new pinwheels they made, Nuru and I stayed inside and talked.  She even recited a beautiful poem she had written.  When my dear friend, Rita, and Nuru's niece, Gaudencia, came inside to look for us, the girls huddled together on the floor drawing cards for Rita and I.  I still have the cards.  I keep them in my Bible.

Before we went back outside to join everyone, Nuru asked me to promise not to forget her when I left.  I never have.  I've prayed often for the little girl who touched my life so greatly.  I've missed her even though I barely met her.  I've missed her even though I didn't know if she remembered me.  I didn't understand it and didn't know what to do about it, so I did the only thing I could do: PRAY.  I prayed and found one thing I can do for Nuru and that is to ensure the bright child receives the education to help her become what God has intended her to become.

I have stayed in touch with Alice (EOTOO Founder) via email.  She has become an important person in my life and she emails me often of Nuru's progress at school.  Through the generosity of many, Nuru's first semester of secondary school is funded.  Alice is an amazing record-keeper and for those of you who have contributed financially, this blog will enable me to share with you the scanned pictures and receipts Alice sends.  Very soon, I'll be sharing with you some of Alice's emails, as well as a handwritten letter from Nuru.  These have blessed me so much and I hope they bless you, too.

I pray to God for Nuru, and for Alice and the team at EOTOO, and for all the children.  I ask that you pray also.  And of course, feel free to give as the Holy Spirit leads you.  You can donate online through Dr. John Stanko's website or by sending a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882.  Make sure you put the name 'Nuru' in the memo even if you give online. 

Thank you for reading, praying and giving and may the Lord bless your generosity!

You can view Dr. John's blog article about the school fees in Kenya here.

* NOTE: If you are thinking of taking a mission trip, but are afraid you don't have the money, don't worry. If God wants you to go, you'll receive money in unexpected ways. In the words of my Nigerian friend, Joy Ike, get up and go!  It will change your life.