Buckner Orphan Care International went to Busia, Kenya Mar. 29-Apr. 8th, 2006. This is the testimony of one of the Busia mission trip participants, Kathy Keasler:

It all began with this scripture: "Then I heard the Lord asking,"Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for me?" And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me." Isaiah 6:8

One by one, we prayed and made the decision to go to Kenya: Todd, Elaine, Jane, Julie, Debra, Melissa, Dawn, Joseph, Misty, Robin, Carol, Syd, and me. We returned from Kenya on April 8: what will I remember from this trip?

Maybe it is the deep poverty of Africa...poverty my mind never knew existed
Maybe it is the undeveloped land and culture...dirt roads, lack of progress
Maybe it is the realization that these people are living only to survive the harshness of life: one of too little food, shelter, and medical aid; one of no money and very little transportation; one of rampant disease and small education
Maybe it is the way the people stared at us with curiosity and wonder
Maybe it is standing beside them in worship on a Sunday morning, listening to their song for the King, sensing the Holy Spirit, glimpsing the hope they have in Christ alone
Maybe it is the vastness of the land, animals common to Africa but limited to pictures in my mind
Maybe it is the statement of the vast skies revealing the Creator
Maybe it is the sweet spirit of our small team, seeking to be used by our Lord to bring Him glory
Maybe it is the differences of two cultures...one bathing in wealth and materialism...the other in poverty and suffering
Maybe it is the snapshot of the faces of the children; witnessing the small lives that have already seen too much hurt and disappointment.

I'm sure I will always remember this experience, but there is one overall impression that has branded me: the mingling of the souls and the God-given opportunity that allowed our souls and the souls of the orphans we met to connect-- all in Jesus' name. Thank You, Jesus, for calling and sending us to go on the other side of the world to be able to mingle with the souls of some of your favorites, the orphans. Thank You for going before us. May we be forever changed from this experience...for we have witnessed the hands of God.