Life in Kenya has been great. We are actually living in Murkijuwit and the closest town is Makutano. Our housing situation is really nice. Two of the girls and I share a room with a couple beds and my other three team mates are sleeping right outside of the house in tents. The views from the house are gorgeous because we are in Rift Valley. We got here right toward the end of rainy season which means it rains almost every afternoon. Its very relaxing and keeps the temperatures cooler.
This month we have been doing some house to house visits and fellowship with people from Pastor Chris' church, speaking at a youth convention and high school, evangelism, and this past Monday we went to the hospital in Chepareria to pray with patients and their families. So far, five people have begun a relationship with Christ, which is awesome! It has been such a cool experience to see how God works through our team and host family, both with each other and with the people we come in contact with.
I think everyone on the team has been stretched at some point this month (and really we're all being continuously stretched, it's just more evident at times). My boldest moment in the past three weeks was sharing some "testimony" at a fellowship meeting of about fifteen people. Public speaking is not my forte, but God helped me through it. I think it was a great baby step in the right direction :). This trip has already helped me to worry less about what people think of me, which is quite freeing. (not having a legitimate mirror around helps as well). In Kenya, there is absolutely no way we cannot stand out. We are watched everywhere we go. Called out. Shake hands with multiple strangers a day. The idea of perfection, at least in the rural areas, seems so much different than in the states as well. Here, the effort seems to be worth much more than the actual product. For example, singing is such a way of life in Kenya. When we went to the high school and met with individually with groups of students, they ALL want to hear you sing. Just straight up ask, “Will you sing for us??” They don’t give up very easily either, so I sang for them. Total solo of “Lord I Lift Your Name on High”. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. I got through what felt like forever and they finally just said, “Oh ok! You tried! Good.” I like that.
Also, I want to say a continued thanks for all those of you who are praying, supporting, encouraging, emailing, commenting. It really means the world to me. Knowing I am in your thoughts and prayers gets me through quite a bit. Know also that you are in mine. Much love!!
Until another internet connection,
Erin Cherop Miller
