We were in our van, leaving the city of Narok, Kenya after 2 days of clinics and schools and orphanages...
I was busy talking with Stonic about the details of the next few days...
We pulled into a gas station and things changed forever for me...
It didn't come in the form of a cloud of fire...or trumpets blaring...or angels sitting on the van.
There was this little girl...selling bananas...and things couldn't be clearer to me if the Lord had tapped me on the shoulder and said, "do something'.
Her name is Regina...and she was standing at my window with this bunch of bananas...
And all I could think was 'What is this cute little girl doing here at this gas staion when little girls should be in school?'
I asked Stonic to find out why she wasn't in school and she began her story...
'My mother and father live in the Mara...we are Masai...but with the drought, there is no food for my 9 brothers and sisters.'
I started leaning in...like I do when I'm about to hear something that is going to break my heart...
Regina went on, 'My parents sold our last cow and we fled here to Narok to try to save our lives. Each of us do what we have to do to live. I sell bananas.'
Stonic asked Regina if she had ever been to school...she said NO ONE in her family, except one sister had been to a day of school...but she got pregnant and had to quit...
'Would you like to go to school, Regina?...'yes, but who will sell the bananas?'
I asked her to have her parents meet us right there the next day.
And sure enough...the next day...there were Regina's folks at the gas station ...wondering what these Mazungus wanted with their daughter...the most interesting answer to all this came after we explained that we would like to send their daughter to school and Regina's mother asked, 'who will sell the bananas?'
WOW...
After about an hour of discussion, Regina's parents saw that us sending their daughter would be a help in the long term...to their whole family.
Fast forward 2 weeks...
With the incredible background work of Stonic, and Allen and Charles...we got 9 year old Regina into the NAROK TEACHERS TRAINING SCHOOL !!!
With the incredible background work of Stonic, and Allen and Charles...we got 9 year old Regina into the NAROK TEACHERS TRAINING SCHOOL !!!Just look at her in her uniform !!!!!!
Who knows just where God will take this little girl on her journey through life...but one thing is for sure...
She knows that there are some people that are pulling and praying for her to succeed.Please pray for Regina...
You are my hero Steve. I was sitting here feeling sorry for myself this morning and YOU have just completely kicked my heart back in gear! God continues to bless people through your amazing loving heart.
ReplyDeleteGREAT story...thank you for all you do!
Ahh, Steve, you got me big time on this story. I think of you often and check your blog everyday. This is the first time I'm leaving a comment. I love that you love people so genuinely and so intentionally. My heart goes out to Regina and her family. You are ALL in my prayers. Love, Terry
ReplyDeleteIt took me 3 tries to read the entire story of Regina ... couldn't see thru the tears...
ReplyDeleteI love that The Lord put you at that exact spot at that exact moment to meet this little girl.
Thanks as always for sharing these events that put our comfy little lives all back into perspective.
God bless YOU my friend!
Blessings Steve, WOW! Our God is an Awesome God! Thanks for sharing Regina's with us. God's LOVE continues to spread throughout Kenya. Our prayers are with you, Regina & her family. Check your blog often for updates. In faith.
ReplyDeleteSo.....I hope you bought the bananas!! If not, I will buy them!!
ReplyDeleteWow Steve, As a past member of Saddleback, I had always heard your name, but I didn't realize until now what your job was as a pastor for Saddleback. I am amazed at the work you and your wife do ! Thanks so much for adding me as a friend of your facebook. I keep asking God to use me, and keep waiting for his answers. While I still feel like I am waiting to hear his answer, I finally realize through your blog and pictures that it may be something as simple as praying for others. Perhaps that is my only calling, and that is enough. Thanks for opening up my eyes to what God is calling me to do right now. The rest will come with time. I will be praying for Regina.
ReplyDelete