As we got on the bus from Nairobi
to head to Busia, Kenya I really had no idea what to expect. We traveled nine hours on a bus on African
roads. This pretty much means we were on
a six flag ride for about that whole time.
Most of us were sitting in the back where we managed to get to full
effect of every pot hole. As we drove
into Busia I was secretly praying please Lord let the bus keep going. I am not sure what made me nervous, I think
knowing these next few months would be nothing like Europe.
The
first few nights were a little overwhelming.
Although, we are blessed to be staying in a contacts home there are
fifteen world racers and three of the contacts children. Personal space really does not exist. There are ten girls in one room and the five
guys in another. The girls room is
pretty much mats that cover the whole floor.
I had the pleasure of finding the first cock roach and I didn’t realize
they even got that big. The talk of mice
quickly spread as they came out the first night but I have yet to see one,
thank God. What I can’t see can’t hurt
me right?
The
second night I found myself before God just praying for His grace. I prayed He would give me contentment. When I signed up for the race I knew
scenarios like this were inevitable but I don’t know how you really prepare
your mind for it. I was seeing all the
blessings we have such as a toilet that flushes when you dump water in it, a
place to take bucket showers, a chef, the kindest contacts, electricity, a roof
over our head, and more. Yet, I was still caught between seeing the blessings
and feeling very uncomfortable in the physical. God proved Himself faithful once again
because the next day I woke with a new perspective. I was feeling more comfortable and very
content. This next few months are really
going to be a challenge as far as the comforts I am used to but I am loving
that I am completely dependent on God right now for strength, peace,
contentment and joy. At home it is easy
to feel content in the physical but feeling content in the spiritual is proving
to be a taste I can’t get enough of.
