This month has been incredible.
Let’s just start out by saying God had huge plans for us here this month and we didn’t even see it coming.
So originally our whole squad was suppose to be going to Ethiopia but at launch our team and another team found out that we were going to Kenya instead. And we were told that we were going to be the first teams to re-enter Kenya after the WR pulled out because of safety reasons. Yep. That’s scary. But also so exciting. We got to start a new partnership with an organization called Manna World Wide. We got to set the bar with these new hosts and create a new relationship between Manna and Adventures. So coming into this month Im not going to lie.. I was a little nervous. But I can tell you now, wrapping up my month in Kenya that it’s been one of the best experiences yet. This month we have had the opportunity to stay with our host Pastor Phillip and his amazing family. (Momma, aunt Carol and his son Zack) They have been so welcoming and have made us feel so at home. We have also been blessed with little things like warm water for showers, a real toilet and real comfortable beds. It’s seriously been amazing. Also for the first half of the month we had the privilege of having one of our squad leaders, Cabe stay with us. It was really great having him as our 6th team member for a few weeks.
This month our ministry was my favourite. Manna World Wide has partnered with Pastor Phillip and his church. They have a small school and a feeding centre for the children at the school. The first week we got here we had about 30 kids but then their school semester ended and they went on break. The program continues for the older children even though school is on break. So we would walk about 45 minutes to the school and as soon as we arrived they would all be waiting for us at the gate. For the first hour we played with them, sang songs, and then we helped prepare their lunch. We got to work along side three wonderful women of God. (Momma John, Lillian, and teacher Carol) It was so great getting to know their heart and being able to help them serve these children. Then we served the kids and even got to eat with them. The kids spoke pretty good English and would always be teaching us basic Swahili words. The relationship that we got to build with the teachers and the children this month was the best. Yes, I’d love to take them all home with me and I’d like to fix all their problems but that’s not why I’m here. I’m here because God placed me here for a month to show them his love. To show them that no matter what His love is greater than any of their problems and he is with them every step of the way.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
??Philippians? ?4:19? ?NIV
I’m thankful for this ministry opportunity this month. It filled me up and encouraged me to keep on doing the thing.
Our team has also been blessed to have had the chance to meet some of the American missionaries in the surrounding communities. Pastor Phillip has some friends that are from America that actually invited us over for thanksgiving dinner. Yep. I had my first American thanksgiving in Kenya. It was really cool being able to spend the time with all these amazing people of God and hear their stories and how God has called them and provided for them every step of the way. Leaving there, I felt so encouraged. And as I had time to process and reflect on this experience I am just beyond thankful for all of Gods blessings this month. Coming into this scary unknown month, being the first teams back here, I never could have expected this. I’ve been shown that if you only just step into what God is calling you to, he will not only be there with you but he will also bless you for being courageous and trusting in him.
So the day after the dinner we had a safari all lined up that would have costed us over $100 for the day. But at the thanksgiving, we met the Terry’s. When we met them, we had mentioned that we were headed for a safari the next day and that we were so excited for it. But they told us that they pretty much live in the middle of a safari. And that we could come stay with them and experience everything and more at their house that’s on a conservation. Crazy? I know. So of course we cancelled our one day safari to go and spend the weekend with these awesome people that blessed us with a place to stay and all the American amenities to make it feel like I was at home. And we got to spend some quality time with them. The weekend we spent there was the greatest for me. Being surrounded by Gods beautiful creation in the middle of a conservation area, where Impala, zebra, monkeys, giraffe and water buffalo just wonder up to the door. It was the coolest. Oh and they took us on two safaris. One at night where we saw herds and herds of animals and one during the day where we went to hyena caves, chased giraffe on foot and rode on top of the vehicle. Yes.. You read that right. We got to ride on TOP of the vehicle. The whole time I was there I was asking.. “Is this real life?” God is so good and has crazy ways of blessing us for simply stepping just outside of our comfort zones to spread his love.
This month has also been challenging in different ways. Pastor Phillips father passed away half way through the month and it’s been hard because we only just met these amazing people but my heart breaks for them. As a team we were trying our best to just be here for them in any way they needed us and to bless them in the little things. It’s a tough season to go through in life and I ask that you join us in lifting up this awesome family as they experience the hard things that come with a family member passing away.
Another challenge I’ve faced this month is when the enemy tells me that living in community is too hard. He’s convinced me of the lies that being around these 4 people 24/7 is impossible. Yes we literally do everything together. We eat, sleep, commute to ministry, and do ministry together. It is hard, don’t get me wrong. But living in community is not only a part of the race, it’s a part of life. And even though it’s really hard sometimes, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. As we say on our team.. We get a front row seat to all the things we are growing in and going through with the Lord and as a team. But it’s not until you fully embrace it that you appreciate it and see the fruit from it. God has placed us together for a reason and it’s our decision everyday to make weather we want to accept it or fight it. And let me tell you. It’s way better when you accept it:)
So this is our last month in Africa. I still can’t seem to wrap my head around the fact that I’m on the race. I find myself almost every day saying “this is my life right now and it’s pretty freakin awesome.” I’m blown away with the things I’ve experienced, the people I’ve met and the way that God has continued to show up in every situation. I’m thankful for the good moments and I’m thankful for the hard moments. I never thought I’d say that but like ice said before, it’s in the hard moments when we fully rely on the Lord and if it was always easy.. We wouldn’t even need God in our lives. Africa has been a huge part of my growing experience. It’s given me a whole new outlook on life. The people and children I’ve met have influenced me and my walk with the Lord and I have a spot for each of them in my heart.
If you choose to be where your feet are, God is able to reveal so many great things to you. He is always ready and willing to use you, but it’s not until you make the decision everyday to be a vessel for him. When we take our minds of the things of this world that aren’t so important and choose to be the light, God can use you for so many great things. And! You don’t even have to come to Africa! Crazy. I know. I encourage you to make the decision everyday to be a vessel so that the Lord can use you to do so many great things right where you are.
As I reflect on my last three months in Africa, I am overwhelmed with emotion. Leaving each place, I kind of put my emotions in my back pocket. But as I sit here in the airport, I’m reminded of all the awesome people I’ve met, the scary and eye opening experiences I’ve had.
But ultimately how much I’ve grown and been shoved out of my comfort zone these past three months. It’s my decision if I want God to continue to work in me and mould me into the best me I can be. It’s a new continent. It’s a fresh start. It’s my decision. And he’s waiting for me to jump in with both feet.
I’m in. India here I come.
Thankyou for all your support and prayers. When I have my moments of missing home, (they’re surprisingly few and far between) I remind myself that there are so many of my loved ones constantly lifting me up in prayer and it’s so comforting.
This next month is going to be spent with our whole squad together. I’m beyond excited for all that God has for us as a huge unit and thankful that we are able to spend the holidays together:) this is probably going to be the hardest season to miss so your prayers and encouragement are appreciated.
Until next time. Xo Court
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