Dear Kenya,
I wanted to write to you, to tell you how much I love you. Yesterday, when I opened the internet, and I saw what happened on the news, my heart broke.
We first met back in April, I knew I was in for a treat. "Smile, you're in Kenya!" was the greeting above the last customs checkpoint, and I couldn't help but do just that. We stepped out into the chilly night air, which felt so foreign, but great, to our skin after the heat of Southeast Asia, and hopped into the van.
The next week was spent in Limuru, among the lush green hills, contrasted by the rich, red dirt. We got to see the incredible view of the Great Rift Valley, enjoy African hospitality, and hear the beauty of Swahili.
When we got to Maasai land, my heart absolutely fell in love. Every day, I woke up to the sounds of Pastor Samuel cooking eggs and chai for us, and I would unzip my tent, and sleepily stumble outside to see your majestic beauty. With a lone mountain to the back of us, and surrounded by miles and miles of African bush, I would ask the Lord, "Does it get any better than this? I don't think it really does."
The Maasai people were constantly capturing my heart, with every cup of chai, every chapatti, and every incredible dance. I felt happy and fulfilled with every day life like I never had before. The Lord even blessed us with the amazing experience of a Kenyan safari, which, you know, is unlike anything else the rest of the world has to offer. My animal lover's soul was singing that day.
I know that you are hurting. I know that the world's eyes are on you. I know that the darkness is threatening to overtake.
But, I want to remind you, Kenya, of one truth: God is still there, and He is still good.
He has never left you, and He never will. He is a strong tower in the face of your enemy, and He is your refuge. The enemy, whatever form he takes, in this case in the form of bullets and hatred, has not, and cannot win.
So, rely on the Lord. Let Him wrap His arms around you, and remind you that you don't have to fear. Fear is not from the Lord. Be courageous. Cling to the beauty of life. In an atmosphere where the joy has been overshadowed, be the joy-bringer.
And know that people all over the world are praying for you, Kenya. Praying is not the least we can do. It's the most we can do.
I left a big chunk of my heart there, and I hope that I can leave more of it there one day. Until then, I will love you from afar. To all of my friends in Kenya, I love you and miss you.
Love,
Jen
P.S. To all the people, who like me, love Kenya with all of their hearts, I am praying for you, too! It is difficult to see people you love so much go through something so terrible. The Lord is doing BIG things in Kenya, and His name will reign there. 🙂
