From The Well to Kenya
In 2009, I attended The Well thinking it’s always good to learn more about God. I didn’t have any idea that what God really intended was for me to learn more about me, specifically the me He had created. My entire life had been about working hard to become someone of worth - to be good enough and loved. Although I knew Jesus and accepted his gift of salvation many, many years before I had never been able to live in the freedom, the abundant life He offered. There were too many wounds in my life that had left me living under the weight of lies about who I was. Truth was spoken to me and over me on that retreat that opened my eyes and my heart. It set me on a journey to shed all that is not of God, to know who God created me to be and live that purpose out. It’s been one wild adventure ever since - one I could never have conceived myself.
One such adventure has been Kenya. I joined my husband on a mission trip in 2011. He was working on clean water and I joined a medical team. The people, the country, and God’s creation in overflowing abundance stole my heart and kept me coming back. On that first trip, I met John Keshe who was working on the clean water projects with my husband. A conversation with John led to learning of his local work with young Maasai girls - those whose lives are being changed with the ability to pursue an education instead of an arranged marriage at a very young age.
A spark was ignited that would not go away.
Two years later, three of us took a trip to Kenya to learn more about these young women and how the educational organization works. The spark became a flame. Young girls who had no control over their life. They did not understand how precious they are, how loved they are, what a beautiful creation they are, and how specifically they have been created for a purpose. They are made in the image of God.
Since that time, the flame has grown to a roaring fire - a passion in my heart and soul. What I saw in them is what I finally saw in me and what I see now in so many others. Each year, I return and see the effects of learning the truth of who we are to the One who loves us so much. I serve on the board of KCEA, the non-profit that continues to help the Maasai girls through school, speak truth to them, teach of God’s love with both words and physical needs. My journey of healing has brought me to this place. No longer the woman at the first Well retreat who prayed no one would speak to her for fear they would see who she was inside - no longer the broken woman who hid. This woman now wants others to see her, the healed and healing woman who is fearless in sharing God’s freedom and truth with everyone. An adventure that God has called me to pursue with women here in America and young girls and women in Kenya.
Words by Amy Steffy