Africa is even more beautiful than I had expected. The land and the people have welcomed (Karibu) us with such open arms. Even with sharing a tiny tent, learning to use a squatty potty(to be explained later), and not having showered in over a week, I am feeling more at home every day.
The people I'm getting to share this journey with are beyond amazing. It's very evident God has handpicked every single person for this team. In just the short amount of time we have been together, they have blessed me more than they even know. There is abundant love within the team, and everyone has become so comfortable with each other… perhaps too comfortable… Haha!
The Maasai tribe we have been staying with are so strong and accepting. They have so little yet possess so much joy. Their way of life has been so eye-opening, and has made me realize just how much I have taken for granted. Even with the language barrier they have found ways to make us feel loved.
Upon arriving to Kenya I had been asking God to reveal himself to me, and he has proved faithful time after time. When asked by our team leaders, I volunteered to share my testimony at our first church service…or rather God volunteered me. Although I was nervous about sharing and using a translator, God definitely spoke through me, and with my testimony he gave me this verse to leave them with, (John 16:33).
On our first day of ministry work, as we entered the first village of people, I felt drawn to one of the women in particular. Thankfully she spoke English, so I was able to talk to her and then I prayed over her. While praying she clenched my hand in hers, and began crying. I wrote down a few verses and words of encouragement God had given me to leave her. It was obvious she had been touched by what God's love, and I had been so incredibly blessed by her reaction.
Through my experience here in Kenya so far God has been teaching me that I can't reach his people on my own, but that I don't have to. He is seeking me just as much as I am seeking him. God's presence has been so apparent in this place and in me personally. Even when I don't feel worthy of doing his work, he pursues me endlessly. He has completely overwhelmed me with joy and peace. Oh yeah and he gave us an elephant spotting… I mean seriously how great is our God?
Thank you all at home for your prayers and support! Keep it up! And know that God's work is most definitely being done in this place. Love and miss you all. Until we meet again…
Love from Africa
