In the summer of 2007 I somehow found myself surrounded by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in the middle of Limuru, Kenya. I say ‘surrounded by’ because absolutely no one would have confused me with being part of them. I had no idea how to start a fire and I’d never even heard of a Chaco.
As the weeks went on I found myself learning to work a ropes course and semi understanding how to set up a tent. I gained the nickname ‘hardcore,’ for my enviable wilderness skills (or lack of…. oops.) And somewhere between me trying to learn all these new things and getting the hang of life in another country, I fell in love.
A little bit of it was the rolling green tea fields. Some was my fascination with the Massai. More came from the smiles of beautiful African babies that absolutely filled my heart. A portion from safari animals (who doesn’t love a good jungle cat?!). A bit more from the infectious laughs of my Kenyan friends. Even more when I visited the slums of Kibera and spent time with the incredible people that live there. By the end of the summer, my heart was full.
When it came time for me to leave, I just wasn't ready. I changed my flight 3 different times to stay as long as possible. Needless to say the kind people at British Airways were probably thrilled the day I actually got on a flight.
But leaving was hard. I thought maybe with time I would forget how much I had loved it. That the memories would fade and I wouldn't turn in excitement everytime I heard someone say the word 'Africa.' My only comfort in leaving was this feeling of God telling me I would be back.
After graduating college I made several attempts to return. Camp jobs, various non-profits, teaching – heck, I even looked into going to hair school in Africa. Unfortunatly there was no Toni & Guy to be found in Kenya. Shocker.
Through all of my failed attempts to find a way back to this beautiful land, I felt like God kept saying 'wait.' Can you just wait? But i'm not so great at waiting so I would push Him.
'Are you sure?'
'But this is an amazing opportunity!'
'Don't you get how much I want this?'
'Is it time yet???'
When I finally came to a frustrated end, God reminded me of the promise He had given me years before – that I would go back.
'But God, do you reallllly promise?'
'Like, do you pinky promise?'
In my questioning and hesitation I chose to believe that the Lord does not make promises in vain.
It's just not his style.
So then even more time passed, and then I heard about this thing called the World Race, and then I ended up
[here].
In the exact place God told me he would bring me back to.
How incredible is that?!
If the Lord has promised you something that hasn't yet come to fruition, don't lose faith! Believe that what he told you is true and look forward to the day that you get to expierence the fulfillment of his promises. We serve a faithful God!
I am beyond excited to be experiencing Africa for the 2nd time around with my amazing WR family. We have an incredible host family and ministry that I can't wait to introduce you to! I am so hopeful and expectant for what the Lord will do in Africa. Please join me in praying for this incredible continent!
