Arriving in Africa was amazing.
Everyone told me I would LOVE it here…but Africa had been one of those places that I swore I wouldn't ever go to…and here I am in KENYA!!! So funny how Jesus works 🙂
We were greeted at immigration and customs at the airport with big smiles and belly laughs from some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met.
Yep, my heart is filled already.
Our squad stayed together our first night here. We were in somewhat of culture shock after the 70 hour travel day and the major climate and altitude change. After bundling up because suddenly 60 degree weather felt FREEZING to us after so many months of constant sweating and heat, we all cuddled up on couches and waited for our sweet hosts to serve dinner. As I looked around the room, I had one of those mushy moments where I truly felt love in my heart for these people. This is my family. We have seen each other through the good the bad and the ugly and in this moment I literally felt nothing but deep love for my squad mates.
The next morning we all separated and headed out to our ministry site. Our team was pretty clueless to what our month was going to look like, but because it is month eight of the race…this is nothing new to us. We arrived at Thika School for the Blind. I got to meet with Captain Leonard, who gave me information on their ministry here and how we could help.
This school has students who are blind, partially blind, losing their vision, or Albino. It is funded and run by the Salvation Army. There are two schools here: primary and secondary. We are working with both schools and here to love on them, help them when we can, and live life with them. Sadly they will only be here until the 10th so we are soaking in every moment we can.
This place is incredible. The people. The students. The joy.
We were provided with a small house. We feel SO blessed to have our own little place to cook, have team time, and be.
Our ministry here changes by the minute. We have gotten to give testimonies, preach, and sing songs.
We spent two days of manual labor building a green house to help provide the school with sustainable farming.
We have gotten to sort through rice to provide a better meal for the children.
We have gone to a Rotary Club Meeting with the Captain.
We have helped the students clean their dorms.
We have formed relationships in a few short days…these students are so smart, loving, and on fire for the Lord. They also have some of the best voices I've ever heard.
(Meet my friend, Jacenta 🙂
(Meet my friend, Morine 🙂
(Meet my friend, Misheck)
Today, some of the students even taught me how to type in brail!
God is moving here in amazing ways.
I feel blessed to be here and get to know these people.
God is opening my eyes and growing the love in my heart every day.
I have a feeling it is going to be a great month…
