High school camp was a lot packed into a little bit of time. I had conversations with several of them just trying to get to know them and let them know that it's ok to talk to me. We had 4 long teaching sessions. I taught the last one. Teaching is not really my strength because I get nervous and speed through. Here I wasn't nervous at all and I took most of the time I was given so I feel like it went well. I did get the kids to answer some questions and they were all reading scripture aloud. I didn't realize how big of a deal that was until R&R told me how a few of these kids could barely read a couple years ago when they became MKKs. It's amazing to hear how far they have come in just a short while.
We ate meals together, drank chai together, watched a movie, and played games. I played the quietest, most awkward game of Uno ever with 5 of them. They seemed to have fun. We had a couple challenges for them to complete, one as a team and another individually. Seeing them laugh and smile and get competitive was a delight.
After I taught the last session and we were hanging out waiting for our last lunch and time to leave, Brayan and Dishan followed by a bunch of guys actually sat with me and asked me all about Texas. Before that, I think Jacob had been the only one to ask me anything. Of course they would decide I'm approachable on the last day. As we said goodbye and loaded them into tuk-tuks, I felt a strong connection to these kids. These are my kids now. Whenever I see pictures of them and get updates on them they won't seem so far away anymore. I told them that now they know me and next time they can't wait until the last day to talk to me. We stood there awkwardly for a minute and then Francis asked Liz if hugging was ok. Kenyans don't hug much, they shake hands. Of course hugs are ok!! We parted not with goodbye but "I will see you again." And now I've made a promise I have to keep.
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