Faces: Part 1
We pass faces every day- some that we take note of and others that just seem to fade into the background of our lives. While I was in Kenya I saw many faces. Some of which I got to know, to see smile and cry and laugh, and others I just observed from afar wondering what it was that lie behind their eyes, their story. As I came across each face the Lord began to weigh on my heart. These faces tell stories, they hold memories, they are made up of hurtful times and joyful times, they are here for a purpose and they are worth loving. My life is forever changed by the faces that were around me over the past month whether it was that of a family that fed us and prayed over us, a child at a school that wanted nothing more to run and play, a curious member of a church that we visited, or a member of our team that walked each day by my side. A lesson that has carried over into my life at home is that the faces that surround me each day are worth noticing, investing in, serving, inviting in, and loving on. Each one is a beautiful design of the Father, created with purpose and reason. It is a joy to walk through life together. My world grew a little smaller as I got to do life with the faces of Kenya, and get to know their stories and their lives and learn from them. Now I’m home, and looking deeper into the faces around me- what is their story? Are they in need of love? Can I learn something from them?
The faces of Troy 7. 
Troy 7 was a team of 7 Troy University Students all united by one sweet Kenyan friend- Lilian Gatheca. All of us had met and became friends with Lilian through various ways, but the Lord had sovereignly brought us all together in a beautiful fashion to take this journey together. Lilian grew up in the town of Karatina, lying between the bustling city of Nairobi and the quieter town of Nanyuki. Many years ago, a lady named Michelle Stark came into her life and brough with her open doors and new opportunities. Michelle was a woman after God’s own heart, who had the passion within her to see children educated, clothed, fed, and equipped to go out and follow their dreams- whatever they may be. Through her, hundreds of kid’s lives were, and are continuing to be, impacted for the better. Lilian was one of those lives. Through Michelle and the organization that she began, Matanya’s Hope, Lilian was able to attend a boarding school through the sponsorship of a family from America. Lilian had a dream to go beyond boarding school and that dream was to come to the States. So at the beginning of her high school years Lilian packed up her life and moved in with a family in Albany, Georgia. Here she attended school, sat around the table, got involved at a local church, made friends, and began to establish in her life in a new place with brand new faces. Soon it was time for her to come to University, and Troy was her pick!
Lilian traveled back to visit her home and her family several times on summer breaks. She had a new dream now, and that was to one day bring her American home to her Kenyan home. After much prayer and several years of waiting Troy 7 was formed and on June 10, 2018 we embarked on our journey and the fulfillment of Lilian’s dream. Our team was made up of different personalities, different characteristics and talents, all of which contributed to the mission in different ways. Though I knew of all those on my team, only a few did I know well. There were nerves about how we would interact and work together, if there would be issues or differences that divided us, or whether we would quickly unite as a family. These were 6 faces that I quickly grew to love. Had one been missing, I’m sure the entire outcome of our trip would have looked different.
Abby: a planner, a genuine spirit, and trustworthy soul. Abby is honest and Abby is true to herself and to her God. Abby is bold and willing to go to great lengths to serve. She is full of laughter, and she loves her coke and gummy bears. Without Abby, our team would be incomplete.
Alaina: a thinker, a caring spirit, and wise soul. Alaina is kind and Alaina is confident in her God. Alaina is genuine and concerned for others which leads her to show love without boundaries. She is full of life, and always down for a Cadbury Bar. Without Alaina, our team would be incomplete.
Rachel: a nurturer, a joyful spirit, and genuine soul. Rachel is compassionate and Rachel is secure in her walk with Christ. Rachel is considerate and always ready to listen. She is scripture led, and always drinking tea. Without Rachel, our team would be incomplete.
Kevin: a leader, a positive spirit, and courageous soul. Kevin is diligent and Kevin is aware of the Lord’s leading. Kevin is energetic and always ready to love on kids. He is willing to follow the Lord wholeheartedly, and can kill a chicken. Without Kevin, our team would be incomplete.
Caleb: a lover, an adventurous spirit, and passionate soul. Caleb is all in and Caleb is sincere. Caleb is abounding in the joy of the Lord and eager to share with others about Christ. He is exuberant, and will put hot sauce on his hot sauce. Without Caleb, our team would be incomplete.
Lilian: a world changer, a loving spirit, and genuine soul. Lilian is full of love and laughter and Lilian is always seeking to serve others. Lilian is sincere in all she does and she pours her heart out for others. She is full of Gospel truth, and is challenged with telling her right from her left. Without Lilian, our team would be incomplete.
I’m forever thankful that the Lord allowed me to know and do life with these 6 people. My life is changed for the better by the love, the laughter, the truth, the honesty, and the encouragement that they have poured into my life over the past month. These faces will always hold a special place in my heart no matter how far we go. The Lord is gracious for allowing me to know their stories, see into their heart, and learn from each of them.
These are the first of the many faces that impacted my life during my African adventure. Check back soon to hear of some Kenyan faces that my heart will forever hold dear to.
Remember + Rejoice 