In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this recap for November is what I am thankful for. On the World Race, there are many causes to grumble. Many luxuries we grew up depending on are taken from us as we immerse ourselves into these foreign cultures. The apostle Paul reminds us though about the benefits to choosing joy, not grumpiness:
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” Philippians 2:14-15
So that is my plan. In everything, I am choosing to not grumble and to choose joy. So in keeping with the Thanksgiving spirit and the World Race theme of 11’s, here are the 11 things Kristin and I are grateful forwhile partnering with Manna Worldwide this November in Kenya.
1. New Ministry Opportunities. Kenya is not a new country for the World Race, but it is one they haven’t been to in a few years. This partnership with Manna Worldwide is new and could open the doors to many new countries for the World Race. They are an awesome organization that are doing great things in these communities. They were a blessing to work with and hopefully they feel the same about the World Race.
2. Awesome Ministry Hosts. This month we visited a couple of schools to hang out with the kids and the teachers. We got a chance to talk to the teachers about how we could best support them and their kids. The teachers at these schools are amazing people doing amazing ministry year round. They pour into these kids to help them physically through the food program, emotionally by caring for them, and spiritually through teaching, songs, and prayer.
3. “Villa”. We were told that this month we would have a two bedroom apartment. Not knowing what that meant, we were cautiously optimistic. When we arrived in the gated community, we were confused. When we got out at the beautiful residence with the pool and outdoor common area, we thought we were in the wrong place. This month we have a beautiful home and a wonderful landlord. Though he isn’t associated with Manna at all, Ricky is a blessing to our group. He has a good heart and is definitely here to make sure we are safe and happy. Even though we cram all of us into two rooms, we are definitely blessed and thankful for this place.
4. Personal Driver. While in Africa we’ve been taking a lot of public transport. In Kenya, their taxi vans are called Matatus. They are decked out with crazy paint jobs and are usually cramming up the roads in traffic jams. They also have little tuk tuks here that apparently have no rights on the roads and are constantly ignored and cut off in traffic. The boda bodas (motorcycles) are a third option for public transport and have even less recognition on the road than the tuk tuks. But we don’t have to ride any of them this month. We have Alex. Alex is our driver and yes, we have to constantly over load the van to fit us all, but it is air conditioned and always there for us. Alex has been a huge blessing to us this month. His humor is contagious and his love for people is overflowing. We are definitely grateful for Alex.
5. Running Water. Last month we were thankful when the water level was high enough to pump water into buckets for shower use. This month we have running water. Yes, the “hot” water isn’t actually hot, but a real shower is still amazing after a long day.
6. Western Style Toilets. Sometimes on the race, your toilet is a hole in the ground. This month we are blessed with a western style toilet. It is wonderful. Sure, with almost no water pressure, it takes ten minutes to fill up. That’s ok. If it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.
7. Pool. There isn’t much downside to this luxury apart from sharing it with our hosts and neighbors. It is truly a blessing when the days are 95 degrees and 90% humidity. It’s not likely to happen again on our race either. I think it is the first team lodging I have heard of with a pool.
8. Electricity. We no longer take this resource for granted. Week one in Africa, we had no power whatsoever. Being able to turn on the lights when it gets dark, to run a fridge, or just to charge a phone is a huge blessing. Sure, it isn’t reliable. It maybe works 90% of the time. Some days, less than that. But it is here and we know it is something many people in the areas we go to have to go without more than us.
9. A/C. In Uganda and Rwanda, it was hot. Most days you showered at night or early in the morning because any other time of day meant you would be sweating as soon as you dried off. This month is even hotter. The ocean brings in a lot of humidity and the sun is strong here in Kenya. But we have an air conditioner in one of our bedrooms. Technically, in both bedrooms but only one works. With 4 of us in one bedroom and 3 in the adjoining bedroom, it has been a lifeline for us this month. Truly a blessing.
10. Coldstone Ice Cream. If you don’t know what that is, I’m sorry. If you know but have never tried it, try it. This little piece of home was just what we needed this month.
11. Potatoes and Toast. Not necessarily at the same time. This month we cooked for ourselves. The last two months we experienced authentic African food and it was great. This month we felt a little more relaxed cooking for ourselves. That meant toast for breakfast when we want it! And Thanksgiving was exciting and delicious. With mashed potatoes and stuffing like mom makes, we felt at peace even though we are so far away.
And as an added bonus, number 12, we are thankful for you! Everyone who has supported, prayed, read our blogs, and kept in contact with us. You are awesome! We could not have done this without you. Our next financial deadline is on December 31st. We need to be fully funded at that time to continue on to all of our 11 countries. Thank you for everyone who has continued to support us!
If you are looking for a place to give this Christmas, I would ask you to keep The Hope Foundation in mind.You can learn more about them on their website at http://www.hopefoundation.co.ke.
The students who go to their schools need sponsors in order to attend. Their families cannot afford school fees and the partnership between The Hope Foundation and Manna Worldwide allows these kids to go to school, to receive nutritional meals, have a school uniform, and receive shoes. The staff there is amazing. We got to watch the teachers pour into these students, encourage them, and share with them the love of Christ.
Their next term starts in January. What better Christmas gift could one give than to give a child a better future and a place to experience the love of Christ. Many of these kids come from non-Christian homes (many are Muslim or have traditional-African beliefs). For many of them school is the first time they will hear about God and Jesus. And not only will they hear about Him, but they will experience His love through the support of the teachers and through physical needs being met. These schools are not only educating kids, but creating disciples!
We fly out of Kenya on December 4th. We will be heading to India! Keep us in your prayers as we travel.
