A thoughtful writer friend of mine gave me the inspiring idea to
write features about “Mud House Mamas," women who embrace
God’s incredible heart for the world, live their lives accordingly, and boldly
share that passion with others.
As I considered writing my first post for this, I was compelled to tell you
about this woman!
She is soft spoken, wise, gentle
and kind. I first met Vanessa when she worked as a summer camp counselor at New
Life Ranch. I was pregnant with my first child, and scared because I just found
out I might have gestational diabetes. If my husband couldn't make it to the
appointment with me, the first person I thought of asking was Vanessa. She was
a comforting person, a balm to the soul.
And yet, as I would soon
discover, surprisingly so fiercehearted!
Growing up, I always imagined
that women who chose to go to the mission field to places like Kenya, must be
loud, passionate, strong, warrior type women. She wasn't the personality I
thought would be headed to Africa. I was wrong.
Several years after our meeting, Vanessa married my brother, an
aspiring medical missionary doctor. Together, they survived his medical school
years, and the birth of 3 boys. Then they packed their belongings in 12
suitcases, and moved to Kenya.
While Kyle serves at Kapsowar Hospital, Vanessa is cooking meals
from scratch, homeschooling their now four children, hosting guests and visitors from
around the world, and leading Bible studies with women in Kenya. She has
supported and come alongside Kyle starting a medical clinic and a Christian
school in the remote Lodengo area four hours down a dangerous winding mountain
road from their home. Her children are growing up to be compassionate, energetic, souls who love Jesus.
And last week, Vanessa saved my brother’s life. While on
vacation at a hotel in Kenya, Kyle hit his head on a faulty designed water
slide and went unconscious. Thankfully, Vanessa saw the accident, quickly jumped in and
yelled for their 12 year old son, Hudson to help her get him above and out of
the water. Likely the scariest moment of her life were those 2 minutes he lie
unconscious at the poolside, and the 30 minutes he was confused afterwards. (He’s
recovering from a concussion, but doing well now.)
My sister-in-law is a fiercehearted HERO. I’m delighted to name
her the first “Mud House Mama.” She loves the Lord and the people of Kenya with
her whole being. She is living for Jesus and changing lives! I am forever grateful for her impact on my life! (and my brother's :)
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