“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Brandi Snyder

The friends we made in Africa were an amazing support system for our family. Their small acts of kindness and generous hospitality made our month in Litein life changing! Our friends were a bridge to the new culture but more than that, they taught us about God’s love; nonjudgmental, selfless, and unconditional.

Mercy Cherotich (aka big Mercy)

Our first week in Litein I wrote in my journal, “Mercy is my gift from God!” We met Mercy when we first arrived to Litein. She was assigned by the hospital to help our family get adjusted and assist me with shopping, cooking, chores, and her favorite, play with the kids. Our favorite memory of Mercy will forever be the way she greeted the kids every morning, “Awww baby boy Alex! Awww baby girl Elizabeth! Ohh Mama Elizabeth, how are you today? Children cry last night?” We love you Mercy Cherotich!

Dorkus

My journal reads, “Dorkus has been by far the most generous and kind person I’ve met. She has made me feel so comfortable and welcomed me in to her home many times.” Dorkus’ husband is a nurse supervisor at the hospital and they lived across from us.

Their 4 y/o daughter has the same name as our friend Mercy, Mercy Cheritoch so the kids coined the term, “little Mercy” for their favorite friend.

Dorkus bakes 200 small heart-shaped cakes once a week to sell in town. The fun fact is that not only are sweet cakes unheard of in Kenya, she bakes them in a charcoal oven!

Dorkus was an amazing example of a caring, selfless, hard-working Christian woman and I will forever adore her heart.

Bromwell

During Andrew’s 4-week rotation at the hospital, five Kenyan medical students were also doing a rural rotation in Litein. Bromwell quickly took Andrew under his wing and helped our family navigate Kenya.

We had a blast traveling with Bromwell to Kericho, teaching him to play cards, and mostly just sitting around discussing Kenyan culture. Bromwell has 2 more years of schooling and then we told him to find a conference in the US to attend so he can visit us!

And many many more!