During our time in Mombasa, we hosted a SLAM camp for 135 students! For my main service project, I had the opportunity to visit an orphanage for children ranging in age from newborn to 13. I went with a group of SLAM students I had grown close with during the previous days. Together, we taught classes, played games, sang songs, and served lunch.
I was deeply inspired by the way these young people served. They gave their whole hearts to making sure the children felt seen, heard, cared for, and loved. Even in the heartache of their own lives, they found such joy and purpose in showing these kids the marvelous light of Jesus.
The children at the orphanage were incredibly intelligent and strong. Their faith was evident—in the way they engaged during our Bible study, in the way they danced and sang with their whole hearts, and in the way they expressed their pain so openly. The living conditions were heartbreaking: five children to a bed, with dust filling every room. And yet, as I danced, sang, held babies, and shared the Word of God, what I truly saw was hope—the future God has for these precious lives
These children are growing up without the support system God designed from the beginning. No child should be without a mother and a father. My heart broke as I spent time with them, but I felt the Lord’s presence so powerfully. As we left and I watched them laughing and playing, I was comforted by the overwhelming sense that God resides so closely in that orphanage. Though they may not have their earthly parents, they will always have their Heavenly Father who loves and protects them. This is what I tried so hard to communicate to the kids.
There was one girl in particular who touched my heart deeply—Merci, a 12-year-old. We spent time learning about each other, dancing, and she tried her hardest to teach me Swahili. At one point, with tears in her eyes, she said, “Please, please don’t leave me. Your team brought us a purpose. Please don’t leave.” Her words broke my heart. We reminded her that her purpose comes not from us, but from being a beloved child of God. We encouraged her to keep praying, listening in class, and trusting that God has a plan for her life. Our service at the orphanage was extremely impactful. Those sweet children will forever be in my prayers.