Murals part 2, plus leaving Kenya (for now)

Two more murals have been completed, taking my entire body of work up to 5 whole murals! Here’s what I did during my last month in Kenya…

I was asked to paint a mural for the ELI training hall which doubles as a church on Sundays. I decided to pick a verse that would be a reminder of the constant presence of God around us. What better verse than Psalm 46:10?

Be still and know that I am GOD.

I wanted to create a painting that captured something I have felt often while living in Kenya--the presence of God found in my peaceful surroundings. When I look out on the natural beauty of Kenya, I can’t help but stop, be still, and be aware of my God. The God of Kenya is the same God I know in America, yet back home He can feel distant amid all the noise. I hope this mural captures some of the beauty of rural Kenya, where life flows like a river and God's presence is felt all around. 

The training hall/church setup 

Painting in progress

Ruth being still, knowing God

Finished mural!

With some of the kids from the home

Signed it with my Kalenjin name, "Jerop"

Then during my last week in Kenya I traveled out to Lake Victoria to a school for orphans called Achungo Children’s Centre. Achungo has a brand new library with a blank wall just waiting to be painted, and I decided a map of Africa was in order. It turned out to be as good a geography lesson for me as it will be for students!

Now I know where Mali is...

Getting help from an Achungo student

Kenya got special treatment

Finished! I think they like it

I have so enjoyed making these murals, being in Kenya, and seeking after God daily. It's been a blessed few months on many levels. I flew home to the US earlier this week, but I loved my time in Kenya so much I've decided to return sooner rather than later to see what else God has in store for me. If all goes well, I'll be back with my brushes in hand very soon!

I'd like to leave everyone who has read this blog with a few verses to meditate on. It's about love--something I received a lot of in Kenya. No matter what you do, in America or Africa or wherever, do it in love. It's the key ingredient to the with God life.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

     If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, 
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 

     If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, 
     I am nothing.

     If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 

     Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
     It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

     Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
     Love never fails.