There is nothing like being in Kenya in the middle of the holidays and being sick that’ll make me have the most intense cravings. Last week I was sick with high fevers, shakes all night long, headaches, bodyaches and nausea…seriously the worst pain I’ve felt in a really long time. All I wanted as I layed in my sleeping bag and tent was my bedroom in San Diego and some chicken and rice soup from Fidel’s Restaurant. We’ve been talking a lot about the foods we miss since being on the race. California Burritos, McDonald’s Ice Cream Cones, Souplantation, Famous Dave’s…the list goes on and on. I miss my mom’s menudo on Christmas and decorating my apartment with my roommates, but in the midst of it all I know this is where I’m supposed to be. This is what I asked for. I asked God to take me out of my comfort zone. I asked Him to pull me away from all the distractions and take me to a place with Him I’ve never been before.
So He brought me to Kenya. Crazy. Daddy answered my prayers and as much as I knew it was going to hurt to leave all I love behind but I had a promise from Him. He said that if I let it all go…if I lost my life, I would find it. I’m holding on to that with everything in me. Don’t get me wrong…Kenya has been AMAZING! I’ve learned how to worship in a new way, completely unashamed. I’ve witnessed a previously muslim women receive Jesus as her Savior. I’ve seen street children change over the course of 3 weeks from attacking us for food the first week to lining up for their Christmas dinner the last week. I’ve been in the room when a word of knowledge came to a pastor we were witnessing with about a woman who had HIV and watched her heart break as we laid hands on her and declared healing over her body. I’ve seen a little boy named Alan be plucked off the streets and given a home. I’ve seen Lindsay cling to God with everything she’s got as she embraces all the trials and still be a spirit led leader. I’ve seen Brandon preach and prophesy in such powerful ways, I’ve seen Katie and Tangi get up and preach even though they were so nervous and I’ve seen Braedon receive a new fire from God that can never be put out. I’ve seen God. God is in Kenya. Jesus is in Kenya. The Kingdom of God is in Kenya. As much as I miss my mom’s menudo on Christmas Eve and my family back home, I wouldn’t trade this life for the world! I am surrounded by amazing men and women of God and I am home.
“My home is no where in this world except where others gather in the name of Jesus. Thats where He promises to show up. And there in His fellowship-with the Commander in Chief presiding-the warrior finds rest, refreshment, focus and renewal.”
-Gordon Dalbey
