The Second Day

Dan and one of the Bethany intern program directors returned from Tanzania today. Bethany has three global intern sites including one located in Africa. The interns have been working with the Witts in Tanzania for the past several weeks. Dan and Paul were in Tanzania meeting with the Witts and teaching the interns.

The power has been off more than on since we arrived. Everything in Kenya takes a little longer and requires more effort than the same task would in the United States. When the power is out things get even more difficult and the power can be out a lot here. Imagine trying to do everyday things like laundry, cooking meals, etc. with no electricity. Now imagine doing it several days in a row every month and you'll get the idea. The people who live in Kenya are incredibly hard working and incredibly generous. They are always willing to take time to help others and share whatever they have with anyone in need. As a visitor, I always feel welcome, even when the power goes out.

The First Day

We arrived around midnight local time Sunday night. Tim and I spent our first night in Nairobi in a Mennonite missionary guest house because it was so late when we arrived. The guest house was nice although by the time we arrived anything that didn't resemble the inside of an airplane would have looked pretty nice to us. To be honest as much as I love being in Kenya the travel to get here never gets any easier.

After a good nights sleep we ate breakfast and spent the morning talking through some of our thoughts for this trip. As we were talking Tim noticed a group of small birds swarming over a piece of fruit in a tree next to the porch where we were sitting.

The tree was had a lot of fruit but all the birds kept going after the same piece. I was reminded of Matthew 6:25 - 33. Sometimes I think we are a lot like the birds in this particular tree, we get caught up in making sure we are getting what we want, our "fair" share, and we miss the abundance that God has placed right before us. There is plenty for everyone. God knows what we need and will make sure we have the provisions we require. We need to trust Him and follow His plan and He will make sure our needs are met. Every time I think back on this trip and see the picture of the birds I hope it will remind me to make the most of everyday and to seek out the abundance of blessings God has given me.

We met up with the Germo's after breakfast and spent the rest of the day settling in at their house and catching up. If you haven't met Dan, Nancy and their three kids they are an awesome family. They have been working in Kenya for the past thirteen years. They are a great family and wonderful people that provide a daily example of the meaning of Matthew 28:19-20.

Finally, thanks to all our Living Hope family for the prayers and support you have given and continue to give us as we continue on our trip. I think God has truly called us to be involved in missions and the work He is doing and that requires all of us, some to go, some to stay, all to love. Thanks.

Made it....

Just wanted to post a quick message to let all our Living Hope freinds and family know we safely arrived in Nairobi last night. It was a long flight but uneventful. We spent last night at a guest house and will be joining the Germo's today. We will post more once we arrive at the Germo's house.

On the road again

In four days Tim K and I will be heading off to Kenya on another scouting trip. This trip is being used to plan for a future mission trip from Living Hope, renew relationships with the Germos, the Witts, Dr. Kibachia and our friends at Agape Fellowship all over Kenya. We'll also be exploring some fund raising ideas. Whenever we are getting ready to go over there I always get a strange set of mixed feelings. I am excited to see what God has in store for us on this trip but I am dreading the 29 hours of travel to get there. I am already missing my wife, family and friends here but I am anxious to see my family and friends over there. I know this will be a great trip but it is also hard to be away from home. Please keep Tim and I and our families in your prayers.