I Won a Race in Kenya

As you probably know, some of the fastest runners in all the world are from Kenya. Over and over again when you see the winner cross the finish line of a marathon, you will find a Kenyan. And so many times, it is someone from the Kalenjin tribe winning the race. That’s why I was a little nervous and honored to be asked to run against a Kalenjin. And that’s why I am so incredibly proud to tell you that I won the race. Yes, the crowds cheered in disbelief and joy when I won.

No kidding–I did win the race. But to be totally honest it was a race against a little girl at the CRF children’s work in Eldoret. And it was a race where we had to carry a potato in a spoon as we ran. And I admit it, she tripped as she was approaching the finish line. But a win is a win.

But on a serious note, it was sure a good trip that we took to Africa. I thank my good friends Larry Wu and Julie Rawlins for helping so much in the organization and leadership of the mission effort. I want to thank David Pearson for the video connected to this blog. I know you will be moved emotionally by it and get a taste of what we experienced.

I had the ability to go to Kisumu, Eldoret, and Bungoma in Kenya. I also got to meet with leaders from Kitale and Mt. Elgon. I know it is my job to tell people how incredible are the CRF works around the world. But before this year like so many of you, I was simply a supporter. I had a friend tell me that the first time he went to Africa with me was just to see if all the stories that he heard were true. He found out that they were true. Children are being helped and saved. It is so good to know that what you hoped to be true is really true.

I often identify with the scene in Schindler’s List, where he is trying to figure out any way to add another person to his list. Sometimes all I can think about is finding a way to save one more child. I saw so many saved the last two weeks. But the need is still so great. I’m thankful for every child who has been saved. But I pray that the others will soon be helped. As I left Kenya, I was told that “Orange is the Future!” I know what that means. We will always have hope.