A Story of Love: Ndikwe Primary
How waiting for the right one provided a water tank for more than 500 students
Barrett Scheuermann was in Kenya in January of 2014 as part of a Can Do Kids International impact team. They were looking into adding water purification systems to the tanks and also to commission Ava’s water tank. He was in his 40’s and still single, waiting patiently for God to show him the right one.
“Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.”
Just a couple weeks prior to his trip, he had met a woman online named Rochelle. Rochelle was in her 30’s and had also never been married. Their very first date, Rochelle made a batch of cookies. She decided that if the date went well, she would give some to Barrett; but if it didn’t, she would eat all the cookies on her way home. Well, as it turns out - Barrett got the cookies! The next dates were even better as they continued to learn more and more about each other, turning their planned 2 hour date into a 10 hour day! Before they knew it, they were in love and married on August 8th, 2014.
Engagement photo of Barrett & Rochelle
When planning their wedding celebration, they found something interesting. They had been on their own for so long they already had all the furniture and items they needed to begin life as a married couple! So, together, they decided that instead of wedding gifts, they would ask their family, friends and guests to make a donation in their honor towards a water system for Ndikwe Primary School.
Ndikwe Primary School students
Not only did the donations supply the water system, but there were enough to help build another one as well! But there was yet another surprise still to come…
Barrett & Rochelle travelled to Kenya in January of 2015 to attend the ceremony of the Ndikwe Primary School water tank. Little did they know that the school staff and community prepared a special surprise for them! They dressed Barrett & Rochelle in traditional Kikuyu wedding clothing and held a “mini” marriage ceremony and dance in honor of them.
Barrett & Rochelle about to cut their cake
Barrett & Rochelle in traditional Kikuyu wedding attire
Exactly 5 months after they were married, they were able to “open” their first wedding present by turning on the spigot to the water tank. Everyone sang, danced, laughed, and had the most wonderful time. The celebration of love, God’s plan, and His miraculous work in the lives of His children will never be forgotten!
Young school boy throws water in the air in celebration after the spigot is turned on for the first time
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