Week 1

This week has been filled with hardship and laughter, tears and joy. The challenges that come with living with a host family in a completely foreign country are great, but the blessings are even greater. I think it is safe to say that my host family are some of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. I am so thankful.

This week we have spent several days doing home visits and prayer meetings in the "manatas". These are the living quarters for many of the Samburu. They are mud dwellings with the roof made out of sticks. Most are very small, yet I went in one yesterday that even had a couch. Preaching to the Samburu women has been one of the most challenging parts of my time here, because the language barrier is so great. Most of what I say has to be translated to Swahili, and then into Samburu. But these women are so joyful. Their eyes light up as they sing worship songs, and they are quick to offer Chai after the service.

We have also made home visits, preached at several churches, and taught bible lessons at a preschool and children's home in the area. Volunteering to pass out trachoma immunizations was one of my favorite ministries so far. Another favorite of mine has been spending time with the girls at a boarding school in the area. We have tried to visit them almost every day, and build relationships with these girls. Many of them have been rescued from harsh home environments, so the school is a chance for them to get an education and pursue their own dreams.

I brought Phase 10, the card game, to Kenya. Let's just say I am not sure my host family will ever be the same. We play for a few hours almost every night. Pastor and Mamma always try to cheat, and my Kenyan brother always ends up winning. But it has been a fun way to spend time with the family.

I was told before I left Nairobi that "the God of Tennessee is the God of Africa". And this one statement has left me so encouraged. The same God who called me here is the one who reigns here as well. What a privilege it is to see Him at work miles and miles from home.