Come and Celebrate "His Cherished Ones"

What an amazing opportunity I have had the last few months to continue to share the work God is doing in Kenya, Africa with His Cherished Ones. Last week I was able to share with the now 5th graders at my school who followed my journey all summer. As Trena plans her first very benefit dinner, they would like to pass along the invitation to all who would like to come. Below is the invitation with details and a link to her website for how to RSVP.

http://www.hischerishedones.org/donations

The babies are at Haven!!!

Tracy: One of the baby caretaker's daughter, she is 16 months old.

Jeremiah: 6 months old.

Elizabeth: 2 1/2years old

Julia: 9 months old

AND THE NEWEST...
Kate: 3 months old

For more on each baby, check out Trena's blog:

http://thelordprovides.blogspot.com

The power to "move mountains": A glimpse into what God is really doing with us

Many mornings I woke up in Trena's room (because there was no way I was sleeping in the "spider room" alone) staring at the intricate wooden ceiling with the feeling that I was being prayed for by someone. Often I would just lay there a while, pretending to sleep, listening to Trena click out her messages/ to do list for the day on her phone, and wonder WHO it was that was praying for me... there was never a specific event, or action that I felt was going to happen, but just knew that someone was taking time out of their day half way around the world to lift me up before the Lord. I guess I QUESTIONED how I knew, or why on specific days I would wake up feeling prayed for, or feeling loved by God as opposed to other days. In those few moments each time it happened, I felt that peace and power, and I remember letting it soak in thinking "well it's just because I have asked people to go with me in prayer through this journey, I guess a few are praying."

Fast Forward to...

Sunday, August 9

My first Sunday back to Sunday school class and a few people mention how when I was Kenya, they had my name at their table to pray for, so they had prayed for me.

Monday, August 10

At a farewell party for a friend, someone who is in SS class (who I haven't had a chance YET to get to know well) says the same thing about getting my name in class and praying for me.

AT THIS POINT I AM BEGINNING TO BE BLOWN AWAY BY GOD. (because I am also beginning to remember all the people who emailed in response to my requests, and knew they had been praying)

The rest of that week as I saw co-workers for the first time at school, they were asking about the trip and excitedly shared how they had followed through the process on my blog. Another wow! moment.

Friday, August 21

Meet the teacher day at school ( I had been in a "battle" all week with myself about wanting to be in Kenya to hold the babies, but having a peace of knowing God has me here to do His work)

Throughout the afternoon of greeting my new students for this year and hugging old ones from last year, in walks the confirmation to my many mornings of waking up and staring at the ceiling. One of the girls from last year handed me three yellow cards wrapped in a white note, she said she had submitted my name throughout the summer to her church prayer room and they had prayed for my trip to Africa. She explained how sorry she was that she didn't know my address there, but had kept them to give to me and wanted me to know I had been prayed for.

A sudden peace and connection for why I am here, back in the classroom, connecting with the kids occurred.

For me, she was a beginning glimpse into something so much greater when we ask others to walk along side of us in prayer through our journey of life. I continue to see how God desires for us to be apart of HIS story, and the joy we get when we have other share in the process. I echo the phrase I learned as I was leaving for Kenya, Do we believe what we say we believe about Him? Are you willing to walk with Him and give others the joy of walking with you? I now believe that if we are willing to ASK others to walk with us, we become bold in Christ. I also believe that it does NOT have a be a grand adventure, like Africa to have friends and family rally around you in prayer. Take a simple step, ASK God where He has you if you can serve Him, JOIN Him in His work, FIND those around you who will pray for you, GO...

Finally a complete "story" of my summer in 30 minutes or less

Now to Him who is able to do immeasureably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all genereations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Reentering the world as I knew it

Slowly slipping back into culture, or "reentering" the world as I knew it has been difficult. I look around at the things I knew and can't understand why they don't seem to matter to me any more. I feel changed and different, although my quick "fleshly/worldly" reaction to things don't always show it. :(



While laying on the swing outside and then later vacuuming the dust off my couch, I realized what the difference was...



In the seven weeks I had been gone, I had seen God in a bigger way than I had before. I had seen the way He provided as I stepped off the plane with 8 bags and only two hands to carry, I had seen the way He changed the hearts of government officials to give us a call, I had seen His love for me in ways that came in simple gifts like famous runners and I had seen the peace He could provide in a situation that didn't seem like it should have peace.



I had also come face to face with the basic need for survival through, food, clean water, and shelter. The biggest change, I was reminded that even with the basic of things, we are still left with the simple fact that at the end of our life we will still be held accountable for our eternity.

The Bible says we can know for certain where we will go after we die, eternal separation from God (hell) or eternally with God (heaven). I have seen that it is impossible for us to hold to the fact that because we are a good person and did good things, God will let us into heaven. We can only rely on Jesus' sacrifice and willingness to die in our place to pay the punishment for our daily sinning. So this change I feel has a lot to do with culture, but more about what God is showing me in life, or how I will explain to others their opportunities for eternity. What a gift I have discovered and in the past have been too selfish to share.

Welcome Home

The familiar turn of the key in the lock and creaking up the stairs meant my mom was coming to find me, a sound I had not heard in 7 weeks. "She may not be a Kenyan baby, but I have a baby for you to hold," she said as she came around the corner. With a smile on her face Aubrey, the little girl my mom watches one day a week, let me take her in my arms and give kisses all over her face as she squealed with joy. It was fun to hold a baby and a great reminder that I am on this side of the world because God has called me here for this time.

Culture shock is something I always deal with on this side of the trip, returning to the States. Many people say be ready to see things you have never seen before when going to another country, it will put you in culture shock, but the opposite is always true for me. Returning to a place that you don't have to worry if the power is going to go out in the morning before you take a hot shower, or knowing that whatever food item you are thinking of at the moment will more than likely be in the pantry, (such as having a box of Bisquick pancakes, boy are they yummy). These are the things that don't seem like they should be real when only 24 hours before I was sitting with friends who each have their own story about why the job they have will not only buy them food, but help support their family as well.

Staring through the blinds, I see houses nicely lined down the street adorned with green grass in the front yard, and am again confronted with the fact that I am in a different place. I am reminded that to spend 7 weeks of your life in a different country you can't help but be changed. So although I have felt the change happening over the last several weeks, I have been unable to pinpoint what is different with my life. A slow processing of what I have seen and how I have been tested will eventually cause me to see with new eyes the life I reenter. Where and how will I put into practice the things I have learned?

As the cop cars sat in our cul-de-sac yesterday, it seemed only natural to question why they were there, however this new person I have become also saw the need to greet them and have a 20 minute long converstation. The part of the Kenyan culture I was at first so annoyed with, I was now surprised to find myself in America living out a skill I had come to value. A small example in the large scheme of things, but exciting to see how when we are listen, God can grow us in small ways and call us to follow in our everyday life.

A little fun the last few days in Kenya

Meet Esther. She is the 3 year old daughter of the neighbor where Trena lives. Since I wanted to visit one of the local schools to hand out gifts, the neighbor suggested her class, which has 30 students between the baby and nursery class.






The kids loved having visitors and sang songs to welcome us, what fun to bring them a gift at the end of the school term.


During a short lesson, I was able to use the beads made by the girl scouts from Houston to teach the kids to count to ten.

5 days left...and coming full circle

The start of my trip to Kenya had me questioning whether I believed what I said I believed about God. Did I really trust Him?

The last few days have had me looking deep into that question as I entered my last week here. Stepping back from myself and realizing that I am not here to serve myself or even others here who have become dear friends, but the God who created and called me. The one who I have learned to call Lord in all situations. So as I watch paperwork try to be submitted, others go on safari to see God's wonderful creation, I am content to sit and have conversations with men who love the Lord and those who are seeking to find answers to questions they don't even know they have. These are the moments God has called me to and I would rather be no where else than where He calls. The last two days as I watch God surprise me with the small gifts of a schedule, answered prayers that only I know about, and peace that can't be explained to return to teach, I see the greatness of who He is amaze me. Who else knows when there will be no traffic? Who else knows how to send water to the thirsty? Who else knows the names of babies that need a home?

We serve an amazing God if we will but stop and listen to where He is calling us. As I go from Africa to America, I will never forget that with each new day He continues to tell us to GO with Him. We have to remember to be silent enough to listen to where that path will lead us, and courageous enough to take the steps that put that into action.

Prayers:
*meeting with neighbors for a fellowship meeting-thursday morning
*meeting with a small community school-thursday afternoon
*spending the night with missionary friends-thursday night
*passing out water from a water truck-friday morning
*completing and submitting paperwork to the new district officer-friday afternoon (praying for a letter of recommendation to accept the children we have identified that same day)
*trying to get paperwork together for His Cherished Ones to take to America-saturday

Praying for babies before I leave Monday, but at peace if they don't come before then, because God is faithful!

Haven of Hope

This is the staff working at Haven of Hope, the place where I have been living with Trena. They have become like family to me and it will be hard to leave them at the end of the week.

Here's Trena's blog link, she has done a wonderful job of keeping things up to date. check it out.
http://www.thelordprovides.blogspot.com/

Dedicating the baby center

Tromping down the stairs to deliver Trena her ringing cell phone, still sleepy and in my PJ, I was not planning on staying, but when I rounded the corner I was called by Sarah into the conversation by the staff. Tom, Emmanuel and Sarah were discussing how the devil is the one who tempts (not sure how awake I was for this kind of early morning conversation, but I was not going to miss it) this quickly proved to be a great start of the day.

Someone throughout the day commented about how I have been able to be apart of the start of the baby center full circle, and this morning event reminds me of the first "family" dinner with the staff. Trena has wanted to create a family environment with the staff, so has made Monday nights eating together as a family. The first Monday we were here I was able to see how God has anointed this place because Tom, the Massai nightwatchman, began to ask questions about forgiving others who have wronged him. This conversation led to a discussion about salvation in Christ. How amazing and full circle it was to see Tom again asking questions the morning of the house dedication.

People began to pour into the yard and Trena welcomed them like the gracious hostess of a house filled with love. I have been amazed to watch and learn all that she has shared in the process of "building" a house. Children gathered on the lawn and adults claimed seats in the plastic chairs as Stan began to play his guitar and the Kenyan group began to sing. As Trena shared the process of Haven of Hope and vision for the ministry, we listened to how God has unfolded and sped through the process of getting a house, setting up staff, and bring us to this time ready for babies to come. As I looked around I realized I was surrounded by the hand of God, He had sent me here to build relationships with people and I was delighted to see those around me where not just people, but friends.

Trena had asked Deborah to explain for people to pray over the house as a foundation before babies arrive. This was my favorite part of the day as everyone spread out around the yard, house and rooms lifting prayers for the ministry. As we drove back from town tonight, I shared with Trena the peace I have about not having pressure to feel the need to get the babies before I leave in a week. I have a confident assurance after today, I have come and completed what God has sent me to do as the "second set of hands" I have come and helped set up the house for the babies.

While I'm at it, here are some fun pictures...

Adopting my baby elephant Kudup.


Amy and I at giraffe center

"KISSING" the giraffe (i was told I had to do it, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, uck!)

Baby Rhino at elephant orphange

Another busy week

Monday-July 20 We were able to meet the HFBC team at Flomina. It was fun to watch the kids introduce themselves and try to shake hands with everyone. Here I am with the kids in their uniforms. I know many teachers from my school donated money to help pay for the uniforms, so it was important for me to see them coming home from school with them on.

Tuesday-July 21 Picking up Hezekiel and Tyson from Nairobi Children's Home with Janice, Naomi, Laura, and Jackie. We were able to see the dining room and hold some kids while Janice and Trena talked with the admin, about picking up the boys. This was the day I was hit with the reality of a lot of the children in the country and their situations. Below is Tyson and Me near the playground at the clinic.

Wednesday-July 22 Visiting Mike Eden's place, again we were blessed to visit with the HFBC team. Since Monday, Trena and I have been without power (cold showers are not fun) and then we lost the ability to pump water from the borehole, so were without water. (we are in Kenya :) So when we were offered to have warm showers at Brackenhurst by the team, Trena and I willingly woke up early that morning to drive to the hotel. Below are pictures of the kids of Eden.

Thursday-TODAY!!! We are going to meet with the lady from Nairobi Children's Home, she has prepared a list of files for Trena to look through to see if any of the babies match the ages she is trying to target and accept for the home.

Miracles of God are often mistaken for a daily event that has gone our way.

If we chose to acknowledge the event as something we made happen we take our eyes off what God is doing and try to steal His glory. The miracles of God are all around us, are we willing to step away from ourselves so we can see His greatness? A song we sung as children defines a miracle as a supernatural intervention of God, I expect a miracle.

The past few days God has been working soooo fast it is hard to even keep up with what He is doing much less have time to blog about the events. So here's a quick run down of the events:

7/17/09 praying the night before we did not want to have to travel to Kajaido in order to submit more paperwork, but felt a peace about staying home, I think we rested well that night with the thought of a slow morning. Friday morning we had a message from the children's department officer that he would be in Ngong that day, so we could come there instead. (the Ngong offices are 5 minutes from home and the Kajaido an hour and 30 minutes) another of the small miracles was that he even called to tell us. When meeting with him, he said was very polite and said he was even encouraged by our progress with the paperwork. Our goal that day was to get a letter from the department saying that we could accept children. Although we didn't get a letter, we are close, he told us that if we have children identified that needed homes along with their background, then he would give us the approval to accept them.

7/18/09 meeting the Houston First Baptist team to feed the community around Heshima. What fun as the children played and were able to eat rice/veggies prepared by the teachers.

7/19/09 Amy spent the night and we got up to travel to elephant orphange, giraffe center, and market. I was able to drive the two of us around all day and only had to call for directions once!

7/20/09 Flomina orphanage was where we spent the day with the Houston team. We again played with the kids, they were so cute as they would start with a handshake, but then not let go of your hand and cling to it as we walked around the compound. The morning started with an amazingly smooth trip to the area with no traffic and plenty of time to pick out fabric for the rest of the baby rooms.

God is so good, because that is His nature and it is fun for me to see Him reveal Himself.

Visiting Amy at Brackenhurst

Amy's here from Houston! I have been looking forward to her visit for the last few weeks. She had scheduled her trip after I knew I was coming, but we have both been looking forward to our time together here in Kenya. She is going to be teaching this week on discipleship and I have the blessing of being with her on the first day. I have enjoyed the refreshing time of being with a friend, while building experiences together at the same time. Last night as we waited for the fire to die down in the cottage, we remembered how only last summer we were touring Israel together with our sisters. Oh how we wish they were here with us!

We have to keep pinching ourselves as we walk down the path, or sit with Jamie and Mimi at dinner. Are we really in Kenya together? Today after a wonderful time of worship at church, we were able to go to town with friend's of Jamie's for lunch. Building friendships, that was what I had asked for in my journey, what a blessing to see that happening.

Sorry for the delayed update, but here it is...

Moving Day! (or shifting as they say in Kenya)

Rolling over on the new blue mattress we bought the day before at Nakumatt, it hit me, if I were on a mission trip like I have done in the past, I would be home by now. Yet I am seeing God is so faithful to Himself and I continue to be in awe of how He lets us be apart of His work. When I committed to come for seven weeks (as my mom pointed out, not six weeks) many people said, "Wow, that's a long time," and so I began to think maybe it was too long. Two weeks into my trip, I am soooooooo glad that I will not be leaving soon, there is still too much excitement I am getting to see God unfold.

Here's a recap of the last week:

Monday, June 29, 2009-With a plan to return to Kaijado in order to turn in registration papers, we walked outside, opened the gate, were ready to lock up the dogs, and latch the door; only to realize the car would not start. With a clicking sound when we turned the key, we realized something was wrong with the battery, what could three girls do to figure out how to fix a car on such an important day. Trena called her "normal" contacts, and Julius, the administrator of Heshima came to save us for the second time in the week. (We had two punctured tires only a few days before he came to fix.) Thankfully we realized that the folder of registration papers was laying on the table inside the house and we would have drove off without them. Arriving at the children's administration office, we had to wait for the assistant to return from lunch, but then saw the sovereignty of God's hand as Trena was able to share the heart of her vision and ministry. The fun part of the day was I drove back, making a driving record of 100 kilometer drive.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009- Thinking back on this day later in the week, we really could not remember what we did, so knew it had to be busy. This was the day that Alice and Lynette came to the baby house, they had a pool of water on the floor to mop before we even thought about getting one out. They are incredible women! Tom was also here for the first official day of work, he is the Masai night watchman. We are so thankful for him and feel completely safe knowing he is out watching at night. (Trena claims she didn't steal him from the current landlord, but as they say in Kenya, "that is a long story."

Wednesday, July 1, 2009-Moving day, and up at 7:00 (ugh!!!) Silas, the contractor who is making repairs on the baby house, was able to get us a guy with a Toyota truck as a transporter for the furniture. Unfortunately the day started with negotiations about pricing for how much it would cost to move things. Trena offered to "top off" his truck, which means to fill it up all the way, but he said that he would rather have the money, because if his truck got carjacked, then all the fuel would be wasted. With the pricing settled for the day, they had three rooms cleared, furniture disassembled and waiting to be loaded in the truck within the hour. The three guys had the whole house moved within two trips to the house, and one trip to the furniture shop with a quick stop by to pick up the big refrigerator at Nakumatt. We were thankful, because we had been invited to a friend's house for dinner that night and it was a great fellowship time for a long day.

God is working things out, will you join us in prayer?

We went to turn in the registration paper work today for the BABY HOUSE. (I think I should mention that I drove all the way back home, Trena is so trusting after only a day of practice)
We were very encouraged as we talked with the assistant children's director of the area, because he was very interested in hearing Trena's heart with the ministry and listened to her desire to be so specific in how God is directing her to serve the community.

So as we walked away we prayed:

*For the senior children's director of the area to be open and willing to listen to the explanation of the assistant, who heard us speak today, so that he can also hear the heart of the ministry
*That the assistant is able to communicate the goal and vision of the ministry the way we have expressed and God would have them see what He is doing in that area
* For the committee who has to meet to give approval to meet quickly and agree that they should allow the go ahead of the babies to be accepted by the baby center
* That all the remaining staff (cook, ground keeper, night watchman) travel safely to the house this week
* The certificates of good conduct, resumes, and all remaining paperwork for staff come in quickly, so the registration process can be complete so we can submit to the government headquarters.

So amazing to see God go before and after us, please continue to walk with me as we go.

Mombasa, Kenya: Fort Jesus and Meeting Barisa-my sponsor child
Going to Mombasa: Longing has been in my heart to return to Kenya since I came on my last mission trip in 2006. I just knew I would come back, so at a conference over a year ago when I saw the World Vision table, I wanted to pick a child from Kenya. Two things helped me find Barisa, his picture had him standing in front of a Masi blanket and the second was his birthday is May 8th, a day before mine. It was exciting to think that I would be so close to sharing a birthday with someone who lived in a place I loved.
When contacting Trena to come to Kenya, the thought didn’t even cross my mind that I was going to be in the country and to arrange a visit with him until well into my planning with Trena. As soon as I realized it, I was on the phone with World Vision to see what the process would be to make it happen.
Many phone calls during odd hours, waiting on background checks, and a final clearance to learn that Barisa lived near Mombasa, I was ready to make plans to visit and decided it would be best to have someone travel with me. I was blessed to have Jamie and Mimi Johns offer to travel and experience the adventure with me. Many thanks go to Jamie for making and generously blessing me with all of the travel arrangements for us to travel to Mombasa on June 22 and then visit on June 23.
Trena, Kirsten and I got up that morning to meet Jamie and Mimi at Java Junction (a restaurant in town) I called World Vision at 10:00am to be sure about the details of meeting before we all got on the airplane and flew to Mombasa. The lady on the phone said she knew who I was, the name of the hotel where I was staying, and that they would take care of it all. I asked if we would have to travel and she said about 100 kilometers. I felt better, but still had an uneasy feeling about the full details, I waited for someone to call me all day, but nothing.
While in Mombasa I was also eager to visit Fort Jesus, as recently God has put another person in my life with whom I feel call to get to know more. He is a Kenyan living in Houston and when found out I was going to his home country asked if I would take some pictures of a few simple things to bring back for him. Fort Jesus was one of those places. I was amazed again at being called to be a part of God’s work (which He is always doing around us, we only have to be available and willing to be a part of it) and feel that this connection will open more chances for me to get to know what God is doing in his life. What an amazing blessing!
HOWEVER…The beginning of the adventure started at 9:00 pm that night when I got a phone call to my room telling me someone from World Vision was downstairs wanting to talk to me. I thought it best to go find Jamie to come with me (my mom told me to listen to my heart when making wise decisions, this was one of those times : ) and boy was I glad that he came! As we entered the lobby I saw the man and introduced myself, he then went to say he would be there at 8:00 in the morning so that we could drive the 246 kilometers and then 45 more. I was instantly distressed because I knew we couldn’t drive that far and still make it back for our flight at 4:00pm that same day. Thanks to Jamie and his willingness to be my voice, an hour and a half later after “negotiations” Jamie had convinced our driver that he needed to go pick up Barisa with his father and bring them back to us at the hotel by 11:00 the next day. (A conversation and process I will never forget! Lesson learned: Always finish the deal before you leave.)
So… Jamie and I went back upstairs, still uncertain that the Kenyan driver would hold true to his word and I would be meeting Barisa the next morning. I went to my room ready to burst into tears and prayed for all the details we had talked about until I knew the only part left was to just trust. Trust that God knew better and had our best interest in mind.

Meeting Barisa:

The next morning at 11:05, (a miracle when working in Kenya) the World Vision van pulled up to the hotel with Barisa and his dad all the way from the village where they lived. It was so neat to see God at work as He brought us a greater plan than what would have been done. Barisa and his father ate breakfast and then after the father wanted to thank me for how much I did for Barisa. He also wanted to tell me that he has saved the letters I sent and even wanted to answer one of the questions I asked. It was really a “how did I get here moment” J I then gave him a soccer ball, and we looked through a picture album I had made for him. With the World Vision people gone and the Johns upstairs at the hotel, Barisa’s dad was able to tell me that Barisa needed a school uniform, so later in the day we went to a uniform shop and bought him 2 pairs of shirts, shorts, belts, shoes and socks for him. The rest of the day we made and threw the airplane models, colored, and then went to play soccer at the park off the Indian Ocean.

I had brought a machine called a Pogo, which prints pictures straight from your camera, so was able to give Barisa pictures of us together from throughout the day. The Ocean was my favorite part of the day, because as we approached the water and Barisa saw it, the biggest smile he had all day came over his face as he saw that much water for the first time in his life. The day ended with a huge tanker truck coming down the canal and Barisa watching it pass by.

I have come from the other side of the world to met the child that I sponsor, I have seen him experience things that he would have never had the chance to see before, and I have hear the heart of a father who struggles to feed his family on a daily basis. My memories are so full as I walk away from Mombasa and remember the place where I learned the practical lesson of finalizing plans, but more importantly the cemented reality of what I say I believe about God has being tested. I feel to have been found faithful, blessed and continuing to growing in the direction of believing what I say I do. Will you ask what He is calling you to believe?

Visiting my world vision sponsor child on June 23

Thank you for your prayers for my time in Kenya. I will be traveling to Mombasa tomorrow to visit my world vision child on June 23. Please pray:

*safe travel to the airport and flight to Mombasa
*clear communication ahead of time with the World Vision representative so that I know what time and location I will meet him
*excitement and love as I meet Barisa, he is a 13 year old boy
*fun time together as we meet on Tuesday, not an awkward time, but quick unity
*that I can share with him how much God loves him

Thanks for your prayers as this is something I have been planning and waiting for a long time to do, but am a little anxious to have happen.

A trip to Haven to visit the boys.

What a fun day! A trip to Nakumatt for “treats”, picking up friends, sitting in traffic to realize we were passing the football stadium at the “right time” for traffic, and winding through the bumpy dirt road to finally see a small face peek around the corner of the house when we honked the horn at the gate. We were finally at Haven. The four boys that live at the orphanage, Kelvin, Joshua, Godrey, and James greeted us with smiles and helped unload the car with the treats we had brought. They were soon giggles as the three of us (Kirsten, Alisha, and myself) chased them around the car to tickle each other and they had even more fun climbing on and off the car. At one point, kids from the road noticed there was fun going on in the yard, so they wandered in through the gate. Concerned they were not allowed into the yard, I went to get Trena and the house mom. They said it was fine and even had the boys offer sweets to their friends. (what a great skill to teach them in sharing and making friends.) The best part was we had just talked about playing Duck, Duck, Goose, so we went up the hill to the flat portion. I explained in English how to play and then one of the house mom’s translated for the kids and the game was on! What fun to watch these kids interact and take turns being sure that everyone had been picked at some point to chase. They caught on quickly and we told them we would be back next Saturday to play some more games. So we brainstormed already: red light, green light; Simon Says; hopscotch; red rover. Any other suggestions? :)

What I say I believe and what I really believe

I’m here and what a fun journey!

Most of you don’t know the Sunday before I was to leave, I received a phone call from Trena’s friend letting me know that there had been a mix up in our dates and Trena would be away on safari with her friend when I arrived in Kenya. After the shock of what I had thought might happen (no one to pick me up) Trena did an amazing job arranging for her neighbor to pick me up and for me to spend the night at her place. The whole experience gave me the opportunity to realize that what I “say” I believe in God, doesn’t always match what I “do” believe in who God is for me.
After a great dinner the night before, prepared by my aunt and a wonderful surprise by my sister-in-law (giraffe cookies, I wish I had a picture to share, but now their legs are all broken, well more than their legs) The day started with the crucial help from my dad. We went from errand to errand, without him we would not have gotten much done. Thanks dad! J
The fun started when we got to the airport and started weighing the 7 bags that were packed full of school supplies, children’s clothes and shoes. On the scale one bag would go, and out would come a pair of shoes, or notebooks until the check in lady would say it weighed 50 pounds. After 6 bags of doing this, the last bag is what got the BIG red flag. It weighed way over 50 pounds and would need to reach a certain amount so I could pay the $45 extra dollars so it could go. The problem was I could just not get it down to weight. The climax reached it’s height when she looked over at my carry on suitcase that I had all of my personal clothing in and said that it was not going to be allowed as a carry-on because it was too big. She said “you know you will have to pay $162 for the extra bag fee.” With tears in my eyes, I said I know that I will and frustrated, swept my hair up with a sad huff. Seeing my despair she said, “hold on, let me go talk to my supervisor.” So I guess long story short (well I guess not really short) God decided to bless me through others many prayers, by bumping me up to World Traveler Plus, giving me the ability to have another suitcase. So onto the plane I went!
My connection through London was smooth and off the plane in Kenya I was able to meet my connecting person and onto Trena’s house. I know that God had planned for me to have the day to myself while they were still on safari, as I was able to sleep off and on throughout the day. Now I feel rested and ready to go.
Today we traveled to the government offices to find out the steps for registering the baby house and then also visited the house.

Lesson learned: Don’t worry in the moment for you will miss the presence of God if you try to solve it on your own power. What are you saying that you believe about God, that you might not have experienced yet to really believe about Him? Having walked into the uncertain through this experience, I encourage you to be obedient, let God take you out of your comfort zone to see His greatness.