I didn’t sign up for Kenya

But I want to back up the story a little bit – because when I left Colorado in October, which really feels like half my life ago – I had no idea I would be in Kenya on month 8. The route we were told included South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique.

Swaziland stole my heart in 2009 – and when I saw that it was on the route, I jumped to the conclusion that the Lord was giving me the desire of my heart to return to Swaziland. I jumped to a conclusion – one that thrilled me – and it was a wrong conclusion.

But when we were told that the southern part of Africa wouldn’t be part of our route, I wasn’t as devastated as I expected. God told me in that moment, “I AM giving you the desires of your heart.” And I realized that He was: sending me back to Africa.

For years I’ve dreamed of traveling around Africa and seeing as many countries as I can. While some know for a fact that God isn’t calling them to serve Him in this particular continent, I feel the opposite way. I’ve pleaded with the Lord to allow me to see more of the continent that consistently breaks my heart, so that soon I’ll know which country He’s called me to.

I am now in a region of Africa for the next 2 months after this one that I never expected to see – East, not south, Africa.

                        

The people. The children. Their joy, warmth, and genuine kindness. I am constantly humbled by their selflessness. And as if these people with their strong smiles and laughter were not enough, the place I call “home” here is absolutely breathtaking. Eldama Ravine is pretty far from anything resembling a city; it’s what I’d call a medium-sized village. We are practically on the equator, so even though the air might be pretty chilly (it’s their winter), the sun will still bake you like mad. 

I am living in the house of Pastor Omega, with his lovely wife Evelyn. They have 2 sons – one of which I had the joy of teaching guitar to before he left for boarding school. We feel very at home here and love our time we have with this family.

Ministry so far has ranged (and the stories will come in future blogs!) but so far – 

 Home visits. LOTS of home visits

Sunday worship – typically one or two songs.

Motivational speaking at schools

Preaching / teaching / praying

Guitar lessons (for those who want to learn bad enough to ask!)

And I’m sure I’m missing something, but I can’t think of it right now 🙂

 

I didn’t sign up for Kenya. Yet here I am. I’m learning that I didn’t “sign up” for a lot of things on the Race so far, but I haven’t regretted any of the unexpected surprises. God’s taught me so much through them. 

I didn’t sign up for Kenya, it’s true. But I did sign up to commit 11 months of my life to the mission field outside of my home country. I did sign up to commit 11 months of my life to serving the Lord, whatever it might look like. 

And it is exciting friends! I hope you’ll continue to walk with me on this amazing journey…

It’s FAR from over!