Sara Fitzgerald, the creative arts director for Prairie Lakes Church, has been to Kenya three times on missions trips. So she didn't hesitate to sign up when Diana Mescher, PLC Influence Coordinator and College Coordinator, planned another trip.
On her first trip, she and other PLC volunteers built an addition to the the Kwambekenya school; the second trip, they laid the foundation of the medical clinic and on the third trip, they built a rock bridge on the outskirts of town.
“For the fourth time I stepped on the ground of Kwambekenya. It was everything I remembered; from the smell of the green onions and farms to the familiar faces that came running up to me, shouting, 'mzungu!' (which means 'white face.') To see those amazing faces that I missed so much made the journey worth it,” she said.
For this trip, the mission's focus was helping at the medical clinic. Although she had no medical background, Sara knew she had to take a step of faith.
“I’m a graphic designer with no medical background. But God placed me in a position that was true to my personality, I was the 'runner.' My job for two days was to escort the patients from registration to triage, from the nurse to the doctor. This allowed me to use my people skills rather than having to know anything medical,” Sara said.
Besides interacting with patients and the village children, Sara also experienced a “God” moment that has left a lasting impression. During her last day in Kwambekenya, she spoke with Mary, one of community's women leaders.
“We were on our way back to Lake Naivasha and Mary ran down the road, waving her hands. Mary had been gone all week to tend to other duties but had potatoes to give to our bus driver, Lawrence. We picked her up and pulled into her farm where men brought out a huge bag of potatoes. She has several kids but no husband but is one of the strongest women I know. She farms and raises these kids to know the love of the Lord,” Sara explained.
“I ask her for prayer requests and she just said, 'strength.' We talked about how hard it is to raise kids alone and make ends meet. She smiled and said, 'The Lord gave me these kids to raise. If I’m not going to do it ... who is?' I think about people God has put in my life to mentor, shepherd and lead. I think about my job as a graphic designer, attempting to communicate to our own community the heart and soul of Prairie Lakes Church. I often think about those words Mary spoke, “If I’m not going to do it ... who is?” God will provide the strength. We just need to keep shining and glorifying Him with the task He has chosen us to do.”
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