As soon as we stepped out of the Nairobi airport and breathed in the crisp Kenyan air, my heart became overwhelmed with excitement. I looked out the window and joyfully watched the familiar landscape of acacia trees and giraffes (yes, we saw giraffes within 5 minutes of arriving) go by. I was in Kenya….the country that holds my heart!
This is my third visit to the magnificent African nation of Kenya. My first experience in Kenya was in 2007, when I was 19 years old. I was volunteering as a camp counselor for Camp Brackenhurst (Now Camp BlueSky), and that’s when I fell in love with the breathtaking landscape, generous people and intriguing culture of Kenya.
2007
(Left) Becca and I in the Kibera slums of Nairobi during the summer of 2007. We signed up for the Race completely unaware of each other's plans to do the Race…and now we are on the same team! (Right) Crazy Camp Brackenhurst Staff Picture 2007.
(Right) Pointing at the chickens who lived in the house I stayed in during our time in Western Kenya. (Left) With Lydia and some of the girls from Rehema Orphanage in Bungoma, Kenya.
After my first summer in Kenya, I knew without a shadow of a doubt I would return. I loved my experience as a camp counselor working with the international community of Nairobi, and my heart was heavy with love for the Kenyan people and culture. I was able to return to Kenya in 2010 to work a second summer at Camp BlueSky. My love for Kenya grew even bigger during my second visit!
2010
(Left) Saying hello to Maasai children during 2010. (Right) With Riva and Ruhi, two of my Suswa Campers.
(Left) On safari in the Maasai Mara Park of Southern Kenya. (Right) Maasai mamas and their sweet babies.
I was incredibly excited to return to Kenya with The World Race. However, to be honest, I was slightly nervous about doing ministry in Kenya. I was afraid my previous experiences in Kenya had left me with a romanticized perspective of the country and almost unrealistic expectations for ministry in Kenya with The World Race. I had a fear of being disappointed with our ministry and that my love for Kenya would be tainted.
On April 30th our squad arrived in Nairobi. My heart became ALIVE with excitement and love for Kenya! (I was so excited that I started conversations with nearly every airport worker I came in contact with.)
My team and I are now in Nakuru, Kenya, which is a city about 2 hours (or 5 hours according to Kenyan standards) outside of Nairobi. We are working with Esther, who is a native to Nakuru and has a passionate heart for the Lord and to serve the women and children of the Nakuru slums. We are partnering with her ministry, The Bliss Women and Children Project, as well as serving in a few of the local churches.
2012
(Left) Getting braids by one of the girls at Bliss Ministry in the slums of Nakuru. (Right) Three boys hanging around after class at Bliss.
With each day, I am falling more and more in love with Kenya. I am so incredibly blessed to be here again and to serve alongside Kenyans who have such a love for God. It amazes me how much God has reignited my passion for ministry. Each moment in ministry confirms that Kenya is more than just another country on our World Race route. It is a country that I have come to love deeply. It is a nation that truly holds my heart.
