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!