I love their comfortable and welcoming house.
I love their awesome sons.
I love their dedication.
I love the fact that they don't hesitate to ask the hard questions. (I may not love that part at the moment but do in retrospect.)
I love their passion for their family.
I love having lunch with them on Sundays and watching America's Got Talent.
I love to see what the Lord is doing through their open hearts and willing hands.
Eric and Tracey Hagman are originally from Minnesota, but have been here in Kenya for 8 years. Eric is the Africa Area Director for Wycliffe Associates. They have two amazing sons. Sam is 16 and has to be the most wonderful teenager in the world. (And he happens to be the only white-skinned male that my Julia will go to. She loves him, too.) Simon is almost 14 years old and is the kindest kid you will ever meet. He knows and loves the Lord in such a special way.
Simon was born at 22 weeks. He has a number of special needs, yet he is a true miracle of healing and picture of God's faithfulness. He spent the first year and a half of his life in the hospital overcoming countless obstacles. He has spend the past 12 years of his life living in the joy of Jesus' love. A truly special kid!! Simon is the inspiration of Heshima Center for Children.
Heshima is the special needs center that I have talked about for the past year and a half. After living in Kenya and seeing the plight of children with special needs first hand, God began to stir something in Tracey's heart. She recognized the fact that her son happened to be born in a country that is equipped to take care of her sick baby...healthcare, insurance, well educated medical professionals. Here she saw mothers with no means to care for their babies with special needs in a country who discounts those children as dispensable.
Heshima was founded to provide these children an opportunity for growth and development that they would not otherwise have. The center offers physical, occupational and speech therapy in addition to general developmental instruction. "Heshima" is a Kiswahili word for "dignity." It is the desire of Heshima to be a place where these children are treated with dignity and respect. God has a special plan for each of them and He truly values their life. It is that message that Heshima wishes to instill within these children.
I greatly admire Tracey and Eric for their dedication to this special ministry. God has blessed Heshima greatly and continues to do so. I am thankful for the friendship of Eric, Tracey, Sam and Simon, and for their ministry (Heshima and their many others).
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