the extra mile

Every afternoon, we walk from Sadili to Kibera, which is one of the largest slums in the world. The one mile walk is not an easy one for sure, we walk through bush, rocks, dirt roads, then down a mountainside before reaching the makeshift court in Kibera. Today, I was still suffering from a sinus infection I had before leaving America plus jet lag and exhaustion, but I wouldn't have missed this chance to go to Kibera for anything.

There is a girl named Elizabeth, and she is probably 16 now. We met three years ago when I first visited Nairobi. The love I have for her transcends 3 years, two continents, and eight time zones. I pray for her every day. I see her face when I think about Kenya. From taking selfies on my iPhone to inviting me to her home, to impromptu dance parties, Jesus talks, and dating advice, we have shared a lot of awesome memories, and I long to be reunited with her.

Logic would say I shouldn't have made the hike to Kibera today, by the time we reached the courts, I could barely breath. The sun was beaming down in intense rays. I was exhausted before we started the lesson, but I had to go. I couldn't miss the opportunity to see Elizabeth, to hug her, to talk to her. We taught tennis for about two hours. I could barely stand, but out of the corner of my eye I kept glancing towards her home. Waiting for her to come home from school. When we got ready to leave, I saw her brother, but not her. She wasn't there this time. My heart ached as we set on our way back. As I climbed the large hill, I peeked over my shoulder one last time hoping to get a glimpse of this young girl that God placed in my life and has touched me so much already.

Tomorrow I will go back to Kibera. And the next day. And the next day. I will hike through the rough terrain, the steep hills, and cross the highway to see Elizabeth. I know it's no coincidence that The Lord allowed us to cross paths three years ago and again last year. I've already traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, so I'll happily go the extra mile to see her smile again.

Please join me in prayer that The Lord will allow us to be reunited and He will bless and build our friendship during the time I'm here.