Water is life in Africa.
It doesn’t take long to realize how crucial it is to have an abundance of clean water. Our family is drinking and brushing our teeth with bottled water. There is a water purifier for the residents and staff, but it has only been partially working, so they have also been using bottled water and used water for the garden.
Just a day before we arrived, the house hadn’t had water for 3 days-to drink or bathe, wash clothes and dishes, relying solely on bottled water. This week we discovered that the pump had gone out. The owner of the beautiful home we’re renting isn’t really interested in fixing the pump. (Such is the life of Kenyan landlords).
Learning to make greeting cards
Maureen has been negotiating with him to split the cost with us, but we had to make a decision soon.
The night we arrived in Nairobi, the staff was on their way to pick us up at the airport in the rain. Rain and dirt roads are a dangerous combination. They ended up sliding into a ditch and were stuck for hours and hours. A Compassion International driver picked us up and brought us to the home late that night.
The problem?
Our new van is beautiful and so nice, only the tires aren’t fit for Kenyan roads. It’s a supply and demand problem, so appropriate tires are nearly $800 U.S. dollars. Between that and a $400 water pump, I was worried.
It’s these unexpected expenses that give me ulcers.
It’s these unexpected expenses that make me rely on God.
Today after we worked on making paper mache bowls,
we went to the local store to see about purchasing a pump. My hubby is pretty handy and after helping our day guard with planting the garden, they thought it might be possible to fix it.
We sat in the van talking over the unexpected expenses, trying to decide if we should shop around prices (in hour long traffic lines) and dip into or emergency fund that also pays for baby deliveries. I have had very poor access to the Internet this week, but for some reason, I decided to check the gmail account linked to the Mercy House Paypal account.
I gasped.
Everyone in the van looked at me. I said, “We just got an anonymous donation that will pay for the tires and the water pump!”
Maureen and I grinned at each other. God is always on time.
I’m learning so much about faith here and how hard people work. Every employee of Mercy House Kenya uses the salaries to support a dozen relatives!
So many of you have sent donations, given money, prayed for this ministry. Please know that every dollar it is making a difference. And every penny is spent carefully.
We will have water tomorrow.
Life.
—————————
Want to give financially to Mercy House and be a part of the house God is building? click here.
I have CHILLS!! God is good…ALL THE TIME. I am so thankful for your updates. I can’t wait daily to check and get the next one. Know that I am praying for you, for Mercy House, for the girls, for the babies, for your family…many, many prayers. God bless you all!
God is good! Love this post- and love reading about your journey. I just recently started reading (found your through my sister, Kelly@Lovewell. What an amazing thing your family is doing right now- excited to see how God uses it- and you!
Awesome news! God IS Great! Glad to hear it will be fixed.
Reading, following, loving every step of your journey, Kristen!
That is so awesome! I was surprised with the gift you mentioned, then thought, why should I be surprised with God? He is just so amazing and I love the timing, your faithfulness is being rewarded!!
God is such a show-off ;p I love this story! Thank you for sharing as you watch Him in action!
loving this story. of god’s mercy. of his providence. of his abundance.
God rocks!!!
PRAISE THE LORD! Wow you guys! Just WOW! Thank you Jesus for faith building!
Do you know what I think is amazing? The fact that stories like this don’t surprise me any more.
I love that! When people are following God, stories like this pop up all over the place. Incredible.
I’m so thankful God is providing your needs!
Praise God for His wonderful provision!
Tears! That’s so awesome and great news that you can afford both. I am thankful that the needs are being met by wonderful donors. Love the updates and all the pictures. Can’t wait for the first baby pictures!
Oh He is so good and faithful!
Thank you for sharing yet another story of His goodness 
I ditto all the previous comments! What awesome life lessons you’re teaching your children! Like I’ve said before…”We are THAT family” has taken on a whole new meaning….they’re the family who lives out their faith!
That is so cool!
Thank you for sharing this today. It was a blessing to me!
“God is always on time” ….love this! It’s so true!
I love reading these posts aloud to our kids. They have helped decide how our donation is spent with mercy house. Praying to be able to sponsor soon.
Praise Adonai! And bless the donor for their willingness to listen and be obedient….
Amazing!!! Love, love, love how God always provides!
God IS always on time! Thanks so much for the reminder. Praying for you on this journey…
We love being part of this ministry. I still can’t believe you guys are THERE! Thank you for sharing daily life in Africa with us.
I love that update. It really shows the realities of life in a developing country. So glad God poured out His timely blessing upon you
I love this post.
Thank you so much for sharing. What a testimony to God’s faithfulness. For you and your family, and for all of us praying from home. God bless!
Amazing! So glad God provided just what you needed at just the right time!