From Pat:
Many people ask why I wanted to go to Kenya. My go-to answer is God wants me to go and I want to serve him. Today I know why God asked me to come. It definitely was not to ride a camel. I learned the hard way that I can not physically sit on a camel. Unfortunately I had to go 200 yards after learning this. It appeared cooler then it was. :)
God decided to bless me in an unusual way. I happened to talk with a Kenyan woman named Mercy. Her mission field is witnessing to Muslim women. I’ve heard people say you get more out of the mission field than you put in. I wanted to serve God and down play the blessing. She asked if my God was good. She proceeded to ask if a human father might give their child a reward when the child does what they are expected to do. Of course, I said yes. She replied, "Then you need to receive the blessings God brings your way." Simple logic is the best.
She introduced me to her 'adopted' 29-year-old daughter. Suzie and I hit it off. We shared our testimonies. She tried to fill the hole in her heart with men. Her life went from bad to worse. She came to Christ and changed. She came from a non-believing family. She went home for her sister’s funeral. Old wounds were opened up. She began to slip in her walk. Having been down a similar road with God, I was able to give her advice. My whole trip to Kenya was to share my story with Suzie. Before we were done it was decided that she would call me dad the rest of the trip. I’ve been told that encouragement is my gift. I never thought I would go to another continent to encourage another Christ follower. I can’t wait to see what my good God will lay in my path next!
Suzie, Pat and Mercy