wow. i don’t even know where to start. this month has been incredible. going back to when we first arrived in nairobi. no, wait….egypt. we were getting ready to leave cairo, and we were all challenged in the simple living style for the next 3 months. we also have been struggling a little bit financially, but were promised the Lord would provide. SO, with that said…we headed to Kenya.
when we arrived in nairobi (around 5am) we all headed down to the baggage claim. although not fully conscious, and after watching the same bag spin around the belt maybe 6 times…we realized we were missing luggage. to make a long story short…we were missing around 16 bags. i had also decided to travel this month with the south africans and sarah rinn to tanzania. so after filling out all the paperwork, we received $80 each and boarded a bus by 9am. we were heading to another country, with only one girl’s bag, and two guys’ bags…and 12 people. fun stuff.
the challenge of simplicity had begun. and even though we received our bags after 2 days, it was awesome how God refocused our minds…to undertake just the basics. AND provided with the $80! how cool is that!!
now the jist of tanzania. wow. it’s SO beautiful here! i think of the times i have pictured africa in my mind…and i think this is pretty close to what i anticipated. lion king style! especially the sunsets and the trees. there is just something different about them that labels it “africa.”
soon after we arrived, we began venturing out into the villages. we are staying in a town called arusha (its actually on the map!), but off more in a village. our days are filled with prayer meetings, bible studies, village walks, sharing the gospel with people, praying for salvation and healing, visiting schools and orphanages, digging holes, and cooking with the locals.
our day begins at 6am…praying with our team. (you can imagine what we look like that early. wake up time for me: 5:59). we then eat breakfast at 8 and have bible study at 9. after that, we split up and head into the village. the first week, i joined stefan and a local, john solomons, to go door to door inviting people to watch narnia and also share the gospel with them. we came across a house that had a little girl who could not walk. she had a stiff leg. we asked her mother if we could pray over her to be healed. this little girl, jacqueline, is about 9. she has the most BEAUTIFUL smile EVER! so, after talking to her and her mother, they both prayed for forgiveness, and asked Jesus into their lives. we continued to pray for jacquelines leg. when we left, we asked if we would be able to come back again the next day. and so, for a week…jacqueline had visitors. i think everyone has gone to see her. AND THE LORD HEALED HER LEG! she is able to take a few steps by herself, and also did like 30 squats in a row…all the while saying “Nina-copenda yesu!” “I love you Jesus!” How incredible! God is a God of miracles and restored health and faith in this family.
there have been many more amazing testimonies like this one. God never ceases to astonish me. the hunger these people have to hear about this “Jesus” is increasing. every time we walk down the street, someone steps out of their house and invites us in. it may be just to look at our weird skin and hair (which the little kids can’t seem to get over…or stop touching for that matter), but they welcome us with open hearts and we are able to share this incredible love that has been given to us.
we even had a “girl’s night” last night with the women of the church and a few other locals. we had popcorn, candy, marshmallows, and painted their nails…fingers and toes. which, i’ll be honest and say was very interesting seeing that many of them aren’t really sure how to groom themselves. but it’s one of those things that you flip back and reflect on Jesus’ approach and heart for each and every person He encountered…regardless of dirt or uncomfortness. we played a few games with them and danced around. (i’ll just say…we have a LOT to learn in the area of rythem!)
we also have been visiting an orphanage each day that is run by a sweet girl named alice. alice seems to be in her late 20’s and has opened up her yard for these children for two years. she received nothing from this, and most of her kids are sick. but from the love of her heart, she teaches them, and feeds them..when there is money. the children are adorable. we are going to dedicate this upcoming week to digging her a long drop toilet for the children. through the daily visits, we have been singing and dancing with them, playing duck duck goose (or hakuna hakuna mata), doing dramas, and teaching them bible stories. we also have been taking her food for the children, so they are able to eat something each day. we can all learn a lot from alice i think and the way she serves the Lord without alternative motives or need for recognition. in the middle of the tanzanian desert, this kind-hearted girl gives all she has to those who have nothing. God blesses such a servant’s heart.
and through the snot smeared faces, beans and corn, cold showers, and early mornings…i am in LOVE with this place and the people here! the harvest is ripe, and we need to continue to endure in our time of sharing with people! please continue to pray that the word’s we speak are from the Lord, and His continued lead in each day.
