Settling into Kerugoya!

I should apologize for the delay in my updates, but settling in has taken some time. I am in Kerugoya and have been for the last 5 days. It is so different from Nairobi, that I don't even know where to start. For starters...Most of the roads are dirt here which makes for a mess on rainy days like today. The living situation is taking faith and patience. It is definitely different than I imagined. But I am learning to get over myself. I have experienced some days of "culture shock" and the thought of.. "Wow Lord, are you sure I'm going to make it six months?" But there have been days when I am so overwhelmed with these wonderful children that I can not imagine leaving. Right now, I am trying to find my place. Where do I fit in the mix and what is it that God would have me do while I"m here. I am trying to be proactive in starting ministries while I am here and praying that the Lord leads and blesses those attempts. Tomorrow morning I will have my first prayer/ devotional time with the Mama Phillip, the gardener and housekeeper. Hopefully, this will be a time of encouragement for them and a time that we can go before the Lord together with a common bond of love for God's children.
There have been some challenges already.
1. The children are out of school due to a teacher strike country wide. This means there is a lot of time during the day with the children. I am trying to provide some structure so today I actually had a make shift school for the children who could handle it. It was somewhat successful and I will continue doing this until they are back in school.
2. The language is a struggle and they speak two different languages here. Kiswahili is one but most prefer their mother tongue of Kikuyu. I am one of three white people in about a 100 mile radius. That means most people stare and laugh. Luckily, I am okay with this right now. I just pray that the devil does not use it against me later.

Overall, I am doing much better now. The Lord has really provided some comfort and encouragement the last couple of days. Thank you all for your concern and constant prayers. I look forward to the next update!

Hello all from Nairobi!!! I did arrive safely yesterday morning in Nairobi, Kenya. I never knew how bad jet lag could be until I experienced it yesterday! I was able to sleep it off during the day and night and woke up today feeling much better. I want to say Asanti Sana ( Thank you very much) for your prayers about my journey and customs. Both went smoothly. Actually, customs was nonexistent for me because I arrived early and no one was there to check! So, God really answered prayers. I did loose a bag during the trip but the airport called today and supposed we can get it tomorrow so another praise. I feel as though I have learned so much in the two days I have been here. I can only imagine how much more the Lord is waiting to teach me. I love the area here. The weather is wonderful and the people are so very friendly. I will be here till Friday when I will leave to go to Keruguya for the Bethesda Children's Home. I look forward to that transit so I can finally meet Grace and the girls! Love you all and look forward to updating you more. Thank you again for all of your prayers and encouragement!

Well, tomorrow is the BIG DAY! I leave for sub-saharan Africa tomorrow afternoon at 5:00. After a few days of orientation and the "what ifs" I have played out, what I believe to be, every possible scenario. (I am sure there is something I have not thought of yet!)
Currently, I am concerned about getting through customs in Kenya. Please pray for an easy transition through customs and that the right worker would be there to intercede for me. Pray that I escape without them asking for bribes and requiring lots of duty on items that have to get to other missionaries on the field. I will be moving through customs at about 9:30 PM (Mississippi Time) if that helps. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

I have arrived in Charlotte for Orientation!! Today was pretty touch leaving behind my family and friends. My brother says everyone is crying like I"m not coming back. But, I'll be back in 6 months! Tonight I will meet some of the other short term missionaries with SIM and have a session or two. Tomorrow starts the long days of conferences and meetings. It should be exciting to finally know a little more. Thank you all for your prayer of safe travel to Charlotte. I will update you later when I have a little more to say!

Quick Update

It's Sunday and tonight is the commissioning service at church. I leave in 3 days and it is beginning to seem surreal. I can not believe I will be in Africa in 7 days!! That being said, there are a few updates to mention. I have raised all my support and then some. About 4000 over the needed amount. The orphanage is great need of some essentials and the extra money will be used to provide those things ( i.e. a water purifier, a water trap, school fees, etc.). I am still a little uncertain about my specific duties but I am trying to remain open to whatever the Lord would have me do. I have added a webpage link of a short video about the Bethesda Children's Home and can't wait to add more pictures and information about the ministry. Thank you all for joining me in prayer for the work of our Lord.