Tomorrow we leave for Kenya where we will stay until May 30. It has been almost 2 years since we were there. We are excited to go. We are anxious. We are a little nervous. This will likely be our last trip to Kenya before we move to Nairobi. We have never been to Kenya before knowing the next time we return will be on a more permanent basis. While we are there we will have the chance to get reacquainted with city and look at possible areas of residence. Exciting stuff. A little scary too.
In 2009 when we returned from a 2 week trip, we were certain we would return in 2010. That did not happen. We were totally bummed when we realized we would not be going to Nairobi last year. I know there is purpose in all things so we just waited for God to let us know what the purpose was. We are now so thankful we didn't get to go last year. Although we missed seeing friends and being in a place we love, last summer in the absence of Africa, God whispered to our hearts that it was time to pursue moving to Kenya full-time. It was time to pursue using our gifts and passions to serve in the slums. We had been waiting for this confirmation for awhile. The absence was also a nice time for us to see if we loved Africa, Kenya, Nairobi, Mathare Valley because we were able to visit yearly or if our love was deeply seeded in our hearts. If it was a love that was deeper, longer-lasting. It was. It is.
I think if you believe in something you generally have to believe in the opposite of that thing. If you believe in good you also have to believe in bad. You believe in truth, you must believe in lies. You believe in God, you have to believe in Satan, or the Devil, or the Enemy. Call it whatever you like, I don't think you can believe in one without the other. As you pursue anything, the opposition will always try and stop you from doing the things you set out to do. In our life, as we pursue moving to Nairobi, serving in the slums, telling people about the love of Christ, we will face opposition. Someone is going to try and stop this from happening. This trip may be one of those instances. We prepare to leave tomorrow fully aware that the enemy of God does not want the name of God spread throughout the slums. He needs to stop that from happening. He needs to stop us. We ask that you pray for us as we go. Pray that our focus will remain on Christ and this path that has been laid out before us. As I write nothing is going to change what we are doing, but we may face challenges, it may be uncomfortable, it may be an extremely confusing few weeks.
Also, please pray for those who will join us. Two of them have been before, two have not. They are all awesome people! Please pray for them by name: Luke and Allison Worrell, Bethany Burbridge, Joe Oettel. We have a lot of things planned while we are there so please pray for energy, strength, for rest and renewal. Pray for our health and safe, easy travels. Pray that we are able to be the vessels God uses to spread his name and his love.
Thanks for your prayers! Check back for updates!
