Fifty plus farm animals, countless piles of animal turds, 6 am goat wake up calls, no running water, mystery food crunches, sunburn caused by malaria pills. This is Africa, and I love it.
Every day necessities can't compare to the presence of the Lord here in Kenya. Every day we are faced with the unknown. How will God move today? Who will He speak to? Where will be hiking to? The fact that we absolutely have to rely on the Holy Spirit makes me come alive. So far we have witnessed healing, been a part of two authentic African churches, preached, sang, led more than ten people to the Lord, babysat African children, made jewelry, gone to market, laughed, cried, and ultimately loved the Lord.
My team has become my family. As one of our team leaders told us the other night, we are the most beautiful representation of the body of Christ that he has ever seen. The way we encourage and grow from one another is a divine privilege and the best part is that it will keep getting better. It is unreal how twelve completely different people with different backgrounds, passions, personalities, and strengths can get along and love each other so well. When one of us is struggling all of us are quick to respond in the Spirit through truth and edification. Where has this been all my life?
I feel so blessed to be part of such a great work of Christ. Each one of us fit the puzzle piece of ministry here in Musul and within the community. We have people passionate about the men, the children, the women, the teens, and even the animals. Thank you Jesus for your proficient timing and placement! We have all been so obedient and willing to yield to the Lord and He has not hesitated to make an impact in this region of Kenya through our team.
A Kenyan sunrise reminds me of the Lord's consistency and a five year old's laugh reminds me of His joy. A squatty potty reminds me of God's humor and worship in their native tongue brings tears to my eyes every single time. The smell of cooking chipotti and cabbage make me salivate and the warmth from a Maasai Tribe fire makes me never want to leave. How could so much love and hospitality be packed into one village and one people?
I have learned so much about the heart of God in just twenty days that it feels like I'm sifting a mountain made of gold. Just the other day I went to grab some toilet paper from my tent and my phone fell out, What is this? I haven't used this in ages! How is it that I don't even remember the need for a phone? Living in the bush of Kenya where internet is five hours away is a blessing in disguise.
The freedom and excitement of tenting in the middle of a village is an opportunity that not that many people get in a lifetime. Just the other morning we got a wake up call from a family of elephants right outside of our village and we have spotted zebras and giraffes along our walks and drives. I've always said I feel at home wherever I am but I never pictured home feeling this way.
We leave for Uganda tomorrow morning and I can't imagine looking back to this moment. But I know Uganda and even Rwanda will have their own stories because God is the ultimate author. What a journey! What a life the Lord has set before me! He has shown me His heart for Kenya and my heart is beating to the sound of an African drum.
