It has been over three years since I visited the USA. The last visit was before my son was born. I now have two children I personally gave birth to as well as an amazing stepdaughter, who is my oldest. Albert encouraged me to take some time and visit home during the holidays as he knows this whole last year has taken so much out of me emotionally. He and the kids are still in Kenya and I am here in the USA staying with my younger sister and her family.

My flight from Kenya to North Carolina happened to be scheduled during the Kenya Airways stike, which is another interesting story for another entry entirely. For now I will talk about the blessings before and after arriving here in the states. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there is soooo much thanks I owe to God and those around me.

My original purpose for this trip had been refreshment primarily, though I did also plan to acquire specific school books for my kids, gently used clothes for the family, and connect with several friends and ministries that have supported me either financially or in prayer and emotional support throughout my last few years. Jesus had other plans.

Two weeks prior to my scheduled flight, I preached a sermon at our home church in Miluki, Bungoma, Kenya. The sermon put forth the question “What is the evidence that shows in your life that proves that you are a follower of Christ?” The primary topic was on the love of Christ and the works that prove this love that should be evident in our lives as Christians. I was not aware while I was preaching, but I was told afterward by a leader in our church who had seen Jesus standing behind me during the entirety of the message, just watching me. Not only this, but all of the stress and emotional distress that I had been through (Which culminated earlier this year in health issues which have now disappeared) just dissolved and have not returned.

It was as if God had simply removed them from me. I no longer had to visit the US to be refreshed. The other purposes remained, but Jesus himself had taken my burdens.

I came with a list of things that I needed to get for our life out there and less resources than it takes to complete the purchase of these things. This has never been an issue for me though. Jesus always proves himself faithful. Jehovah is our provider and he has never failed me and I am quite confident he never will. If he fed the Israelites with manna from heaven for forty years in the desert and kept their sandals from wearing out (funny story but i have a little miracle story Ill also share later about this) the entire time in the desert, he will certainly provide for my needs and he continually provides for many of my desires as well.

I am grateful for what God has done and continues to do for me. I am grateful for the people who answer the tug of the Holy Spirit on their hearts to help provide for the needs of my family whether by donating something they rarely use that is needed by my family or whether they donate money toward our needs, or whether they pray for the provision to come(I have learned to never underestimate the prayer of the saints. our prayers and words move mountains. we are kingdom people).

In closing, all who have ever supported me in any way: from the biggest to the smallest; thank you. I say to you,

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you as you submit to him this Thanksgiving and throughout the Christmas season.