Cultural Differences

Well it’s been a few days in Kenya and there are definite cultural differences. Probably the first thing that stuck out to me was the roadblocks. Police officers do not have cars and so to slow people down they have these two by four looking things with huge nails sticking up out of them. They leave only a small space between two of them for your vehicle to pass through. I say this is the first thing because my drive from the airport at 9p.m. was full of these roadblocks. The funny thing is that some streets have no streetlights and the others are poorly lit so it was quite amusing to come upon them unexpectedly. The roads themselves are interesting to say the least. I don’t know if I’ve quite ever experienced the constant jolts from so many potholes. I’m quickly adjusting to everyone driving on the left side of the road and the driver being on the right side of the car. I quite like the roundabouts. I hope to get the hang of them quickly.

Yesterday we drove to the school. On the way we saw a guy relieving himself on the side of the road. Thankfully he was facing a building. We rode along a street that was somewhat of their Home Depot and Target. Merchandise is rarely on display in a building and so most everything was out in the open. We saw many nurseries, pots, lumber, furniture, produce, and much more being sold along Ngong Road.

I miss family and friends, but I have no doubt that this is exactly where the Lord wants me. Today was a bit overwhelming with all the information that was given to us. We went shopping. One shopping center is within walking distance of our apartment (which by the way is bright orange and yellow). I think I’ll very much like my new life in Kenya. The people are friendly and hospitable. I’m anxious to get into my classroom and start setting up. My classroom is a very nice size with large windows. I’m excited to meet my students and their families. One thing that I’ve already learned is that not many things are predictable or reliable here. For instance, I’ve already experienced a power loss twice today. One was at Nakumatt, a shopping center, and the other was at Mayfield, the mission house I’m staying at.
The Lord is stretching me and causing me to depend more on Him. This morning I was complaining to Him about how frustrated I’ve been with living out of suitcases for the last three months. I’m ready to be in a home again that I can call my own. He very gently reminded me that I am only a sojourner in this land. Heaven is my home and not this place. He brought to mind Psalm 17:8 that says “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” All day I have been reflecting on this verse. How wonderful the Lord is to bring to mind what we need simply from His Word that we’ve hid in our heart! Please continue to pray that I would place my full trust and security in Him and Him alone.

Thank you everyone for your prayers and support!! I will post pictures once I am able to make it to an internet cafe with faster internet connection.

Journey to Nairobi

I wrote this entry on July 27th, but I have not been able to post it until now. I hope you enjoy the read. The Lord is so good and so faithful!!

Today I was given a devotional. During my layover in Detroit I opened the devotional to the page for July 27th. As God always does, He reassured me once more of His plan for me. This is the entry I read:

Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you. I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me. Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road. You are reminded that the road we’re traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven. When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant. I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continual Presence and the hope of heaven.

As I embark on a new chapter in my already full life God lifts my chin and whispers words of wisdom to me as He always does with His children. While I have not encountered trials recently I know they are to come. I am thankful to my loving Father for encouraging my heart and adjusting my focus prior to their arrival.

Friends

I am blessed with so many friends!!! The Lord has been so good to me in giving me such wonderful, godly people in my life. I love that I can share prayer requests with them and pray with them. I am overjoyed when they share with me how God is working in their lives. I am also honored when they come to me in full confidence and share where they are struggling. I count it an honor and privilege to be a listening ear and prayer warrior on their behalf. Neither myself nor my friends are perfect but we all follow a Savior who is. In most peoples' lifetimes they maybe have one or two great friends. I am blessed with many more! In Job it says "The Lord giveth, he taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." How true that verse is! The Lord has given and He's also taken away but His name is still to be praised! I don’t always verbalize how much the people in my life mean to me. If you are reading this you are most likely my friend and I want to say right now that I appreciate you and your friendship! My life is rich because of those that are in it. I am excited to make even more friendships in Kenya and I am sure I will share those new friendships with all of you. I love you guys and please forgive me if I do not keep in touch as much as I should while I'm overseas.

PFO

I just got home from attending PFO (Pre-Field Orientation). During the two weeks I was in Southaven, MS I learned more than my brain could process. We started our day at 8:00 a.m. Lunch was served from 12:00-1:00 or 1:30 depending on the day. We went back to class after lunch until anywhere from 4:00-5:30. I learned many helpful things during those many hours of class that will help me once I am overseas.

The best part of PFO was meeting the other teachers and their families that are going to Nairobi, Kenya as well. We went out several times as a group. Les Ommen will be our assistant principal. His wife Karen will also be coming and helping around the school as well. Peter Kim will be our athletics director. His wife Amber and their little girl Abbey and son Noah are coming too of course. They are such a sweet family! Amy Polhemus will be teaching elementary p.e. along with other things, Kate Weiant will be teaching high school English, and Amy Keyser will be teaching first grade. Amy has already been in Kenya for a year. Joel Dixon will be teaching high school Math and Science. We are a fun bunch!