My Name is Mwende (mwhen-day)

Hello from Mbitini, Kenya!  The Lord has been so good to me this trip.  I have already gotten a cold but it has not hindered the ministry. 

I am staying at Esther’s house this year.  Esther is always calling to people—“Oma!” “Mungaa!” “Munanye!” “Muthingu!”  I was feeling left out so I told her I wanted a Kikamba name!  She looked at me a moment and then said, “Mwende.” 

I asked what it means.  It means “loved one.”  I could not believe it!  My name Amanda means “beloved.”  I have so often known the Lord knew I would go through life needing to know that I am loved.  Now, he has provided that name to me in Kikamba as well!!  If I ever question why I came here to Ukambani (the region of the Kamba people), I can look no further than my name.  This was ordained by the Lord and oh, how he loves me!

My heart is full of love for these people.  God loves them so much, just like he loves you and me, that he sent his own son to die in our place. 

I am Mwende!