Everything is okay because God is with us. He has given each of us abilities (talents) according to our faith to grow in holiness and reveal His love for all by making Him present by our thoughts, words and deeds.\u00a0\u00a0It is when we choose to waste our talents on selfish, worldly gains (bury them in the earth) that nothing is okay (Matt. 25:30).<\/p>\n
There are no accidents in the Kingdom of Heaven.<\/p>\n
My daughter, Lizzie, or ‘Sister Liz” as she’s known at St. Tabitha Orphanage and School in Malava, Kenya, chose to volunteer at an orphanage in Uganda for her senior project. I was to be the chaperone.<\/p>\n
Anyone who has traveled to a third world country knows the effort that goes into getting ready.\u00a0 We got our visas, inoculations, malaria medications, our itineraries, and for myself, blessings from two hierarchs and my employer.\u00a0 Lizzie had been raising money for her trip for several months.<\/p>\n
Our host called me six days before we were to leave to say that his wife had become seriously ill and he needed to cancel our.\u00a0 Thank God she recovered shortly thereafter and is doing well.\u00a0 I braced myself as I called Lizzie with the news that we were no longer going to Africa.<\/p>\n
Lizzie was understanding, but also very disappointed.\u00a0Who could blame her?\u00a0 I was disappointed too, but was already trying to figure out how we would get our money back for the fights and what to say to our donors.<\/p>\n
Lizzie called me back shortly afterwards and asked what I thought was an impossibility. “Can we go somewhere else during the same time?\u00a0 Please, papa!”\u00a0 I was never good at saying ‘no’ to her, but I did not want to get her hopes up either.\u00a0“Let me go and think for a bit,” I told her.\u00a0 That seemed to relax her some.<\/p>\n
I was telecommuting that day, which was perfect timing because now I had to spend time finding an alternative to going to Uganda during the same timeframe. At least I could tell her I tried.<\/p>\n
It was then that I remembered Fr. Philip Mugadizi, a friend from seminary, who is Kenyan and lives in Nairobi.\u00a0 I contacted him right away.\u00a0 He was still awake.\u00a0 Kenya is eleven hours ahead of Washington.\u00a0\u00a0 I explained the entire situation to him. He recommended an Orthodox orphanage in the Diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya.\u00a0 There was progress, but nothing concrete enough to call Lizzie back with.\u00a0 I’m sure she was anxious to hear back from me, but I had to wait.<\/p>\n
I contacted Bp. ATHANASIOS of blessed memory the same day. His Grace was also awake and responded immediately.\u00a0 He was always really good about getting back to people.\u00a0He gave me and Lizzie a blessing to come, and I received a blessing from my hierarch to go to Kenya now.<\/p>\n
Next, the flights.\u00a0\u00a0 I called Expedia and not only were we able to use the original first leg of our trip (Seattle to Amsterdam), but saved money when we changed our final destination from Kampala to Nairobi.<\/p>\n
Visas: We could apply online.\u00a0 The turnaround time was the concern, but we ended up with our visas within days.<\/p>\n
Inoculations: check!\u00a0 The requirements were the same ones needed for Uganda.<\/p>\n
Time to call Lizzie.\u00a0 She was thrilled.\u00a0 I was amazed, and we were both praising and thanking God.\u00a0 Kenya and St. Tabitha here we come.<\/p>\n
It is because of the failed trip to Uganda and by the grace of God that Lizzie and I our now gratefully associated with St.\u00a0 Tabitha in Malava, Kenya.\u00a0 There are no accidents in the Kingdom of God.\u00a0 Nor less do we believe in predestination in the sense that human freedom is non-existent.\u00a0 It’s about God’s foreknowledge and the degree to which we faithfully remain patient.\u00a0Everything is sawa as long as remain patient in faith.\u00a0 Simple.\u00a0Not always easy.<\/p>\n
Needing to find an alternative destination for Lizzie’s senior project six days before we were scheduled to leave was unexpected.\u00a0 What was also completely unexpected was the close bond Lizzie and I would form with Fr. Agapios, Papadia Dorah and the children of St. Tabitha.\u00a0 I went from merely accompanying Lizzie as a chaperone to becoming an active supporter of St. Tabitha.\u00a0 God willing, I will make it back next year for my third trip and so will Lizzie.<\/p>\n
Fr. Agapios and Papadia Dora are wonderful hosts. \u00a0The children and the people of Kenya in general move right into your heart. \u00a0Go and serve if you feel the slightest tug to do so. \u00a0I stayed at an Airbnb about twenty minutes from St. Tabitha for $25.00 US a day. \u00a0Joseph, the owner of the large house I had to myself, is a wonderful host as well. \u00a0You can learn about his rental and read my review here<\/a>.<\/p>\n