Jambo! Karibu
Kenya! After traveling for the past… oh, roughly thirty-six hours, my squad and
I have finally arrived in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. God is already
revealing Himself to me in small miracles along the way. Like when a wonderful
lady named Kim graciously hauled my team’s and squad leaders’ heavy backpacks
to the metro station so that the eight of us wouldn’t have to hike .75 miles
there loaded with 60-70 pounds of gear each. Like through the free meal we
received in Doha courtesy of Qatar Airlines. Like through the group of Russian
singers, dancers, and musicians we met in the Doha International Airport and
had an impromptu dance party and worship session with. And allowing everyone’s
packs to make it safely to Nairobi and for not letting the little blue pill
from hell make me sick when I took it tonight! Like my team, who is now my
family, helping me grow in grace and beauty and the likeness of God.
So far, Kenya has
been everything and nothing like I expected. The landscape was very safari-like
as we left the airport but we quickly graduated to a more tropical, forest-y
feel which brings unexpected enjoyment. The people themselves have been so
welcoming and friendly! At least in this area, I haven’t sensed an abundance of
spiritual darkness as I’m sure I will encounter as I go deeper into the heart
of Africa.
It was wonderful to
be welcomed so warmly by our hosts at the Milimani Backpackers hostel! They
even posted a sign in their reception area greeting us. There is running water,
showers (not always hot, but definitely showers!), western toilets, food,
shelter, and comfortable beds, praise God! And some excitement as well; five
minutes after we pulled up, I noticed a loud whooshing sound and the smell of
fire. As I glanced towards the back of the compound, I noticed thick gray smoke
and brilliant orange flames dancing fifteen feet high into the tree branches.
Don’t worry; everyone and everything was fine and it was put out quickly! It
wasn’t even one of the buildings; I think it was a pile of garbage or something
like that.
Despite my five
hour nap this afternoon, I’m still feeling exhausted so I’m going to head to
bed now. Please pray that God uses my squad to start a fire for Him in Kenya
and that it spreads to encompass the whole of Africa and then the world. God
bless!
