Busia Kenya is our home this month. Differing from any experience we have had thus far on the race, it is a fresh start to 2010. A few weeks ago, we said goodbye to Israel, made a quick trip to see the pyramids in Egypt, and celebrated the new year in Nairobi, Kenya.
Since then a lot has happened. Originally our plans were to go to Uganda, but we have now relocated just shy of the Ugandan border to the town of Busia. It has been a blessing to be here, get to know our contact, the church we are working with, and the people of this town.
Something I have learned since arriving in Kenya is that the people are truly JOYFUL. I see it in their smiles, in their hospitality, in their interest and the intentionality of KNOWING our stories. I see it in the way they worship with their whole bodies, singing and dancing with all of who they are. I see it in the children when they yell from a mile away greetings to Us MZUNGUs. I see it everywhere we have been and heard Caribou (welcome). It has been a blessing to be in Kenya, with people that are so loving, joyful, and encouraging, despite any harship or circumstances they may be going through.
This month has busy one for our two teams (Fresh and Oasis). We have been doing door to door evangelism, playing with children, getting to know the church members, praying in a hospital, building a structure for the kids in Sunday school, and organizing worship services at the church. It has been amazing to see God move, sickness’ healed, and individuals accept Christ. Lives are being impacted, not necessarily because of anything we are doing, but just because we are here being obedient to the things that are asked of us.
A few other tidbits about my time in Africa
It is the first time we have had to set up our mosquito nets
The bugs are definitely bigger in this region of the world
It is SUPER hot (all the time)! Which makes cold bucket showers not seem so bad!!!
Westerners are called Mzungus
I like Uguali, sugar cane, pineapples, passion fruit, and drinking soda from a glass bottle,
I miss Ice and A/C
The worship in church is never half hearted
Hardship is real and alive in this town and the lives of these people…but they still find a way to smile
Boda Boda ( a bike taxi) rides can be both scary and fun!
