Many people in Kenya do not know their actual birthday. Mothers who give birth in a village are glad simply that a life has been born healthy. I know very well the day when our “First Born” Joshua came into this world – and we choose to celebrate wherever we are.

Yesterday I discovered something unique and drove Joshua and three of his Kenyan friends that he has had for ten years to a viewpoint overlooking the Kerio valley of Kenya. When we had driven about 10 miles from their home one of the boys became quite excited and said “In all my life I have never been this far from my own home. Today I am on a new road and seeing places!” You can imagine how they shouted when we came to the dramatic edge of the Kerio valley which is over a 3,000 drop – an escarpment that shows the amazing wonder of our Gods creation. “Beautiful! Wonderful! This is a fantastic place!” were all comments from the boys. Though we have taken Joshua here before I could see that he was enjoying seeing and feeling the joy from his friends.

Then the big surprise! A restaurant built by a man from Belgium had imported a bounce house that made the boys (let me say – young men, because Joshua’s friends are 14-16) eyes open wide and their feet went into full motion to see this amazing “machine”. What a blast… to watch these three Kenyan young men and one American jump and bounce without inhibition. Soon they figured out what the bounce surface and their own abilities were capable of. There were daring leaps from the top of the “rock wall” and flying flips and just all around knocking around as boys will do. After they were exhausted we entered the Kerio View restaurant for some French fries and a soda.

We reached home just after dark – full of the kind of tired joy that you hope happens after a special celebration.

Today we will join the Children’s Home here in Ilula for an afternoon party where we will have several cakes (Thanks Amy!) and even more songs and games to celebrate ALL of the children and parents in the home who know that their birthdays happened in September. For those who do not know when their birthday was – we choose one together and celebrate it with all our hearts. After all – it’s not the day that counts but the fact that you are loved and God in His grace has given us life. Wishing you were here to join the party.