Day: September 2, 2016

It was a very moving and inspirational day graduating our current class of Panua youth.  We will be out the door tomorrow morning by 5:45 for a one-day safari, so not much blogging will happen tonight.  Just wanted to offer a few pics of the day so you can get a flavor.  It was spectacular!

The youth were so excited getting ready!

We paraded from the church where everyone got their caps and gowns through town to the graduation venue.  We even had a police escort and a band – so fun!

Some of the entertainment at the ceremony.  There was a group of tribal women singing, chanting and dancing, and they even got David out there, which the kids just loved.  There was also a cool dance group made up of 4 of the graduating youth.

More stories and pictures tomorrow when we return from our day-trip!  Lala salama, everyone!

Today is Day 7 of our Panua Mission Trip. In the scripture Genesis 2 “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing, so on the seventh day He rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done”. After a busy 6 days of visiting with our working group youth and being in meetings, today was our first day that we stayed at our hotel and yes, somewhat “rested”.

Our team began preparations today for the graduation ceremony tomorrow by organizing the caps, gowns, and certificates for 160 youth, while our mission member, artisan David from our sister church in Naples and a talented Panua youth, Zachary, who will be graduating tomorrow, completed our mosaic heart project. How fun to have Zachary learn from David and see the final mosaic completed.

It was a day of laughter, joy, peace and rest as we prepared in excitement to celebrate the graduation of these youth.

We all got to enjoy the warm sunshine kisses from God on our faces and the slower pace of the day. What a great day of reflection for all the blessings He has given to all of us, his children.

At the end of the day I reflected on what a gift God has handed down to all of us. The Panua Partners in Hope has transformed lives both in the United States and Naivasha. We have helped equip and empower so many lives these past 6 years. It is a time for celebration and time for joy.

Smiles – Mia Thomas