(Rose with her daughter, Ogla)
I write this with saddness, yet comfort, that one of our dear sisters who sews at Jacaranda Creations is no longer suffering but is dancing with her King in heaven. Rose went to be with the Lord as she had been battling AIDS for years. She left behind her sweet 12 yr. old daughter Olgra and her 2 year boy, Nimrod. Rose worked joyfully with one of Jacaranda Creations locations in the Kibera Slum. She unknowingly got AIDS from her husband who kept the disease from her until it was too late. He passed a way a few years ago leaving the disease in her and their daughter. The boy, Nimrod, was blessed to be HIV free. Please keep these children in your prayers as they are without their mommy and daddy. Their story is all too common here in Kenya - please pray for them...there are countless who are orphaned or stricken from this disease. I was fortunate to talk with Rose extensively one day recently when I visited the center where she sewed. We talked about the Lord, her family and living with AIDS. She was a precious woman who I will never forget.
(Dorcas sewing at Jacaranda) (Dorcas moves into her new place) (Praying for Dorcas in her new home)I also want to update you about my sweet friend Dorcas who I mentioned was without a place to live last time I wrote. She has her apartment now and is so thankful to God for His provision. This woman is an evangelist to Sudan and around Kenya. She also is working with Jacaranda Creations when she is not ministering.
(Some of the Jacarana ladies at Mararui Slum location) Jacaranda Creations help women through hard times and helps provide support for their families. Brenda, my pastor, has poured her heart into these women's lives and I have been so blessed to become close to some of these women. Please keep these women and their families in your prayers! I will be coming home this summer and I hope to bring some of the wonderful things these women have made..let me know if your interested! Check out their products on Face Book that my friend put together. It's under Jarcanda Creations (it was mispelled..oops). There are many photos of the beautiful things they make from bags, to dolls, aprons, oven mittens, and much much more!
What Jacaranda Means: The Jacaranda tree is a picture of faith. Before the rains begin to fall bringing life and nourishment to a parched land, the Jacaranda tree blooms. The deep purple and pure white flowers give hope that the rains will....indeed come. Faith that the rains will surely come; and with the rains, new life. The vibrant blossoms of the Jacaranda tr
ee are a picture of purity and royalty. The delicate purple blossoms open to the sun and gently, slowly unfold. Every branch soon grows heavy. The sturdy arms of the tree heavily laden with the purple blossoms like jewels in a crown. The Jacaranda tree is a picture of peace and rest. The bountiful branches are far reaching and generous in their shade giving. The Jacaranda offers a place for a weary soul to find rest. The shade stretches wide encircling all who desire peace. We have chosen the Jacaranda tree as a symbol for our ministry within the slums of Nairobi. We have faith that the God of love will bring new life to the women we serve. We believe that God views them as royal princesses and desires to lay golden crowns of purple jewels upon their heads. We believe that God bountifully offers the shade of peace and rest to them even as they live and work within the slums.Blessings everyone.....Love you all!
~kami
