As I prepared to speak, I was reminded of just how much was accomplished during that time. The work, the connections, the divine appointments. All of it felt like a story so perfectly crafted it could’ve been a film. Looking back, I now see how intricately God wove together each moment. Even the small, quirky ways He chose to reveal Himself to me, now hilarious in hindsight, carried so much meaning.

As I pieced together the timeline of events, it became clear: the journey itself was the message. The unfolding of each moment told a story of faith, purpose, and God’s unmistakable presence. I didn’t expect to do so much. The stories, the laughs, the tears, and the songs sung let me know that Kenya is where I am supposed to be. I am supposed to impact a continent in various ways. Things that had not crossed my mind to do are happening now. By God’s grace, I am making a change in the lives of others because God wants to see that change. I am just a vessel He chose to do it through.

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I am happy to announce that I have completed my first solo mission to Kenya! The 2.5-month journey took place from June 2018 to August 2018, and it propelled me to believe and trust in God far beyond what I had ever experienced. I have plenty of stories and videos to share. You will find so much to read and watch on this website.

I pray that my journey in Kenya was more than just an inspiration to you all. I pray that it has encouraged you to know that God can use you right where you are and with what you have. What seems small and weak in the eyes of others is mighty in strength and faith to God. When things seem uncertain, that’s when God shows the way. I still believe I’m on a journey of discovering who God is now that I’m back. I also believe that my personal life is changing. Going to Kenya and not knowing anyone was pretty brave to do. But I believe God wanted me to go. I experienced up close how God wanted me to help Happy Life Children’s Home. I didn’t understand the depths of what I needed to do until I got there. And to be honest, you won’t know until you are positioned in the place where it is needed. Imagine….. Waking up every day, depending on God on what He wants you to do, and you move your life in what He shows you. Now, imagine doing that in your own country daily.

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It was on 29 August. The final term was back in session, and there were a couple of classes I had not visited. I made it a point to visit this and other classes so they could experience music in a formal setting. As simple as it may be, teaching them O Give Thanks from Judith Christie-McAllister was my best song yet to teach. The words carried such a strong meaning that I think we as Americans miss these days in our gospel repertoire. In Kenya, I KNOW it blessed them and some other songs because of its simplicity. After I taught the song, Teacher Mercie had them continue to sing while I was leaving. I had to turn around and capture it all. I can rarely get video, but I am so glad I have this to share with you all.

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At first, I thought it was interesting and funny, but I didn’t understand the seriousness of that statement until I posted about this market interaction on Facebook. I was given words of caution to avoid impending dangers with being an American speaking English in another country. I recall being given a brief history lesson about British colonialism and the Mau Mau Rebellion in Kenya. Later, I started to connect the dots with my own research after my mission’s journey. At the moment of being in the city and experiencing the rich culture of Kenya, I appreciated the inquiry Kenyans had with seeing a Black American for the first time. As I reflect more on my time while being on African soil, I am starting to embrace the God’s vision for my life with every new experience I encounter.

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Preparing For Performance

By the end of July, I had already been in Kenya for almost 6 weeks, and I wanted the children to sing as a choir before those selected for Nationals would travel to Nyeri for competition. A few days prior to the performance, I needed to have someone lead the song. I was able to get Alex and Terry from Overcoming Church – Juja Farm to help get it together. We rehearsed and familiarized ourselves with all of the transitions in the song, using the instrumental version. I was able to do just ONE official practice the Saturday before Sunday service with the children and lead. Let me tell you, they did really well during practice. We didn’t have the little ones (ages 3-4) sing because of the quick turnaround to perform (plus, their English and my Swahili were not that strong). I know that they know a little bit of the song, but for myself to direct them in English would have been a challenge.

I found out after their performance that this was their first time singing as a full choir. I bless God for being obedient to what He told me to do.

Here is the song in its fullness. Please don’t mind me twirling in the video. I had seen myself in a vision leading this song with the children, and I was really getting into it. I just had to do what I saw. LOL

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My Background

So, yes I also have a dance background praise dance, ballroom, Latin, and line dances. I used to help with smoothing the transitions for each section in routines for praise dance at a church I used to attend years ago. In addition, I was on the flag line for 3 years in high school. PLUS was in a group called Chesapeake Pride while in high school where was danced, sang, and performed skits/acts against drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to schools around Hampton Roads.

To My Surprise

I am amazed every day by how God is just pulling out things I haven’t done in years, but to be used for such a time as this. It brings back memories but from a point of seeing things from an overcoming lens and how God has remembered me for me personally and for those who are around me here in Kenya. I know that God is with me. I know that everything I have been through in life can be used for my good. Whatever discouragement and rejection I have felt in the past from the enemy through people or situations does not compare to God’s glory and promise for my life. God is remembering me and I know it for a fact. I can now look at my personal sacrifices for a greater purpose. I am not sure how many people would sell their things or give things away to uproot even for 3 months to fulfill something greater than their immediate surroundings at home and not know what the next step is. It is crazy, indeed. But I am steadfast and unmovable. THIS IS MY STORY.

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I came to Kenya by faith. Although I knew I had to be here, the purpose only became clear after I arrived. Walking in faith rarely gives you the full picture in advance. Instead, you must step into the environment of need to make a difference. Each day reveals new reasons why I am here. What I once thought was my assignment turned out to be only the vehicle that brought me.

My schedule isn’t rigid, and that has taught me flexibility in every aspect. I use the tools I already have to teach and maximize learning. Interestingly, I came to teach and discovered that the school is preparing for its first-ever music festival competition.

On another note…

Life here moves at a slower pace compared to the busyness of the United States. This calmer rhythm changes how you respond and act, reducing emotional pressure. Throughout this mission, I lean on God at every step. I love how He speaks, not always in words, but often through the children or in other creative ways. These moments show me what He designed me to be and do.

Each day, He gives a gentle nudge that reveals who He is for me and for others. I’m loving this journey. More importantly, I hope this post encourages anyone searching for their purpose. Ultimately, your purpose is found in God. Once you see Him, He leads you step by step. Embrace the journey of God’s love first, and everything else becomes easier.

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Tonight, I got to stay a little longer at the Nissi house here at Happy Life. I heard the kids say their prayers before going to bed. The Bible says to train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart. To hear these 5 and 6-year-olds pray just touched my heart. I got choked up because they thought about myself, Sophia, and Mom Sophia(Pam Holland Andrews) in their prayers too. For myself, that touched my heart. I had water in my eyes because I know that I am also praying for them and whatever they need that God wants to extend to them while here. I was just telling God in my prayers last night Tuesday just be who He needs me to be for them, and just be that extension of God’s heart.

Sometimes, it is just about being present in their lives or just giving them a hug or picking them up and holding them in your arms as they wrap their own arms and legs around you. And for that moment, they feel like they have another mom while in school to nurture them. All I can say is that I am quite messed up right now in even typing this from my phone. This day has been a clear sign and a prayer I just prayed to be manifested. When you are praying in God’s will, He WILL show up. This travel has been a test of my faith but an extension to see God’s love for others in a different way. And yet, build up my OWN relationship with God even more. I have been leaning more on Him in what he would have me to do. Sometimes, it is just listening to what the kids have to say, sometimes they just want a hug. I can see it in their eyes as they come up to you with a smile and sparkle in their eyes. You know that they are looking up to you….. but in the end, they will see God.

My/our walk has to be more than our personal sphere of friends and family. When it becomes a sacrifice with pure intentions with God’s stamp of approval, it has more meaning. It has everything that embodies the character of God in it. It becomes less about us and more about an eternal purpose that lives beyond our own lives. THIS is truly building a legacy of love and grace that money cannot buy. It is building God’s kingdom for His glory.

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