We wondered when the Truth would be evident as we continued our quest for filling our Father’s purpose. The city of Arusha is busy with hustle and bustle, honking and yelling, begging and desperation. In the past, we have baked bread to offer our hungry friends. This Thursday our hands were empty as we met the face of God. Exaudi Emmanuel looked at us with eyes so gray, with hope so lost; twelve years old, alone on the street searching for a way out. We offered him to follow us so that we could buy him a meal. Exaudi’s heart was open and he appeared relieved when we held his hand and accompanied him through the crowds. Into the Green Hut we went, with intentions of simply providing this sweet boy a burger. Without surprise, the waiter, Mike, helping us spoke perfect English; he breached our communication difficulty. As sure as God is holy, Exaudi told Mike that he did not want food; instead he desired to go to school. The four of us looked at each other and simultaneously melted. Let’s start with food, we told Exaudi. He was so meek and hesitant to eat, but Mike was able to explain our intentions of calling a school and looking into enrolling Exaudi. With that reassurance, he enjoyed the meal.

During the walk back to our car at Shoprite, Exaudi tried to return the flip flops that Corri gave him—he gently guided her where it was safe to walk, as he was used to bare feet. Again, we passed the 15 street children (the group that Exaudi had been a part of, until he connected with us less than an hour earlier)—kids of all ages. The children attacked Kenny the moment that he pulled out the bag of 30 samosas. Desperate to get a little more than the next person, the kids were pulling and scratching aggressively. Within a minute the samosas were gone. Exaudi grabbed onto Sarah’s hand and said, ‘rafiki, now we go!’ He had found his saving grace; those children were dangerous in their desperation. The back of our car is filled with donations for a time such as this. We found a proper size shirt and the closest pants that would fit Exaudi. The young guy was filled with joy, retiring his ripped pants and old dirty shirt and replacing them with new clothes.

Last weekend we helped open Camp Joshua (a Christian boarding school for boys) and had faith that it is why we met Exaudi. With a quick call to Mama Wambura, the director of Lohada, she requested that Exaudi’s mother meet with the school the next morning. Sitting in the dark parking lot, we wondered how we could protect our young friend for the night. It was more than clear that if we left Exaudi now, he would be alone and cold; we would leave him with no assurance of connecting again. So we sat, we thought, and we prayed. At a loss of how to take our next step, communication was left to smiles and tears. Then suddenly, like the star that led the wise men, the Lord sent us a messenger. Out of the darkness, walked past us a familiar shadow—Stephen. A kind Tanzanian man we met two days before through a friend and volunteer at Lohada, Don. Our new friend Stephen was able to articulate our concerns and desires to Exaudi in Kiswahili. We learned that Exaudi’s stepfather kicked him out of his home and his house was more than six kilometers from town. The four of us were in awe of God’s perfect timing in bringing Stephen to our car.

Exaudi silently guided Eddie from the passenger’s seat by pointing right, left, or straight. He found his way home; it was like he was the prodigal son returning. Exaudi’s mother, Ester, was so happy to see her son safe! We used our friend, David, on the phone to try to explain we would come back in the morning and we needed her help if she wanted us to send Exaudi to school. Ester guaranteed us that they would both be home and that Exaudi could sleep in his one room home for the night.

The morning brought new excitement. David joined us and was able to clarify our desire to bring Exaudi and Ester for an interview at Camp Joshua. Ester was blessed, overwhelmed, and more than happy to come with us. The group of us drove to Camp Joshua and met with the school director. She welcomed Exaudi to stay for placement tests, and we were off to the bank. The four of us sponsored his year of school and boarding at Camp Joshua. It had been several years since Exaudi was in school, but he seems to catch on quickly. To the delight of all, Exaudi continued saying that he is happy.

We spent the next two days gathering the required school and sleeping supplies that would allow Exaudi to become just like the other boys living at Camp Joshua. Our hearts are full. Thank you for using us Lord.

Isaiah 58: 10 -“ Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day.”

Walco....I hope you recognize these shades. We were gonna bring them back for you all polished up, but Exaudi claimed them. He said, "These are mine, right?"