TUONANE TENA KENYA! (See you again in Kenya!)

by Sis An Enriquez
Full Time Missionary - Kenya

We just concluded the Middle East Mission trip to Africa, which ran from October 8-16, 2007. In the span of a little over a week, lives has been changed, convictions strengthened and renewed, views widened, and relationships has been built.

When you guys came, you thought you would be the ones giving to the mission. And yet, you ended up receiving instead…much more even. Unsurprisingly, Africa has that effect on anyone who came and discover its true beauty.

I personally felt the same way too. More than me and the rest of the missionaries here in Kenya giving, we are also at the receiving end of your mission. You’ve truly shared a part of your lives not only to me but more so, to the rest of our African brothers and sisters. So to the Middle East Mission Team Africa…ASANTE SANA!

• ROT…my prayer warrior…hehe…FF!!!(...Feeling or forever???)

Contrary to your name, you always bring a breath of “fresh” air to the team. You are full of joy and passion that nothing could ruin your day --- not even the challenges of the mission (Voi!). That didn’t stop you from serving God here in Africa. Having known you is truly a blessing. Thanks for all the kiat, fun and friendship. Magkasinabot jud ang mga BISDAK! See you in May???...mwah!P.S. yaw bya kalimot ampo sako ha?:)

• NONON a.k.a. DOYDOY (taga-Bohol man)

Another “bisdak”…hehe. You epitomize the statement, “Silent water runs deep.” You seldom talk. But when you do, it’s something that is worth listening to. You don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand (or arm???...Biceps!) whenever it is needed. A true gentleman and brother who can be counted on.

• CINDY, ah eh GRACIE! :)

You inspire me with the kind of passion that you have serving in this community. Despite the challenges that SFC is facing in your area, I’m confident that things will be ok because of servant leaders like you who are willing to give anything for God’s work. I believe that the Lord will reveal more of His victories to SFC Dubai.

Allow me to also honor you for rising above one of the most testing moments of your life. You have proven yourself spiritually mature and selfless in facing this difficult time. Thanks also for trusting me and confiding in me when you needed a sister. Know that I’ll always be here for you:) mwah!

P.S. thanks din sa lahat ng PFO materials!

• JEANETTE, my “school bus” buddy

I really appreciate how you kept me company when we were taking some of your team members home to their host even if you were already very, very, very sleepy. It gave us the opportunity to talk about things that matter…things that allowed us to get to know more of each other. Well, more on me that is since you were like interviewing me with all sorts of questions and stuffs! You should consider making a career as a talk show host! hehe. That time was one of the few moments I was being serious…next to the time I gave the talk! haha! See you in the ILC!

• PIA, honorary member of SFC Kenya Music Ministry

We share the same passion: playing the guitar. Someone once told me that a female guitarist is a rare commodity. Feel blessed then that you have the skill for it but more so, for utilizing such talent in glorifying our Lord. Looking forward to our next jam session:)

• D’ elusive JOSETTE!

I always miss out all your funny antics, which you seldom show to people. My offer still stands, I’m willing to pay whatever PF (professional fee) there is just to see one of your “pa-bibo” which they all enjoy…especially your famous “ate guy impersonation!” hehe. I also admire you for being so patient and cool-headed simply because I lack these…hehe…Continue to be a sincere person that you are:)

• TESHA :)

What can I say?...You are the “life of the party”! There’s never a dull moment with you around. You are full of wit and humor. I get to smile every time I remember one of your jokes. On the other hand, I get to see your serious side when we had a brief “pep talk” in DIWOPA…very interesting pa nga topic natin…lovelife!!!haha!

• VERGE: team leader-slash-librarian-slash-the “alphabet” guy…etc.

A brother who knows so much!...who would’ve ever thought that not finishing your food would damage the earth’s atmosphere???... Hmm…that’s pretty intellectual stuff, huh? Well, what do you expect from someone who spends most of his time in a library?!?! And the alphabet???... only VERGE can think of that!!!...hehe! No wonder you were chosen to lead the group.

• LEILA

A very generous person who is willing to give anything for the mission. I’m sure you know by now that whatever you give for the Lord will be given back to you…a hundredfold! Thank you so much for sharing your time, talent, and treasure for Africa! You have already given…now is to the time to anticipate more of God’s blessing in your life!

• Always overwhelmed ROLLY!Why this caption???

You are always in tears every time we worship and be in the Lord’s presence…even during our first worship. I told myself, we haven’t done anything yet!!! --- we only had breakfast! Hehe. You are not embarrassed to express how God has touched your life on a daily basis. And true enough, He has allowed you and the rest of the team to experience victory after victory in this mission trip:)

• GINA…small but terrible!

“Big things come in small packages.” That is sooo true for you! Always wearing a big smile that never fails to brighten up somebody’s day. A person with a big heart!P.S. tnx sa lyrics and chords nung song!

• GRACE

Out of nowhere, you told us, “saludo ako sa inyo mga missionaries!” I don’t exactly know why you were able to tell us that but if its because of what we did at that time that prompted you to say it, then you deserve a salute yourself coz you were exactly doing the same things we did on that day…you are no different from any missionary when you are doing things for God. Thank you for going out of your comfort zone just to experience God’s love in a place like Africa!

• CHECHE a.k.a. megastar!

Bus trip from Voi to Nairobi the whole day then went straight to maasai market for shopping rather than eat lunch…ayun! na-migraine tuloy!!! Hehe…Bahala na magutom basta may pampasalubong! haha! I honor you for simply responding to this mission.

• PAT, the early bird

The first one to arrive and the last one to leave Africa…Just on your first day here, you already told us that you are definitely going to come back. You even went out of your way to extend your trip for three more days to experience missionary life…anything for the Lord, right bro?

• ANGELO a.k.a. JOLLIBEE!

A “bloomer” in the team. First, You gave a talk for the first time. Second, you improved very well on your jokes and punch lines (according to everyone!). And lastly, you survived one whole day without taking a bath or brushing your teeth for the sake of the mission. These are the first few steps to take before becoming a missionary!...especially the last two points! hehe:)

• MEL and CHAI

It’s just so unfortunate that we didn’t have enough time to get to know each other. But the one time that I was able to talk to both of you when we had our “sharing” with some of the sisters the night before you left for Voi gave me the impression of your zeal and conviction for the community, particularly in your area. And not to mention, your desire to reach out to others by being part of this mission is reason enough for me to be grateful of your presence here in Kenya:)

• MARIE, the “mother goose”

I am impressed at how people appreciate you by the way you take care of them…even in the littlest of things. Your nature of putting others first before yourself is what makes you a true servant. Serve on, serve well!

"For the words you will speak will not come from you; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matt 10:20)