I cannot even count the number of blogs I have written in the past 2 months in my head. Too bad none of them actually got out of my head and onto the screen! These past 2 months have moved so quickly and have been so crazy. Some days I feel as though we live in the middle of a tornado. But we love it. We are certainly learning what it looks like to live here and to work here by doing. There is really no watching. Things move too fast. There have been so many teams and other visitors in the past two months. We have met a ton of people, answered questions, asked questions, ate dinners with new friends, worked alongside people who want to share love to those living here, and been constantly reminded of the overwhelming presence of God here. Each night we fall into bed and sleep soundly. This is generally after we have already been asleep on the couch for awhile. Our energy and hearts are being poured out daily. This is the best kind of exhaustion.
Sometimes, however, all of this makes us grouchy. It brings out our flaws and insecurities. We totally get to see who we are under pressure or when things aren't how we pictured them that day, that moment, or that week. We get to decide who we want to be. Will we extend grace? Will we show love? Will we have patience? Will we change things that aren't healthy or good? This might be what some would call gut-check time. Or perhaps heart-check time.
I would love to say we always choose the best. But let's be honest-you know us. We just don't. It stinks sometimes to reflect on the day knowing you could have shown more grace or been more patient or relaxed about something just a little more. On the flip side of that, I love seeing the things in myself that need repaired. Or seeing things in others that we want to avoid.
We have learned so quickly that our lives will now be full of goodbyes. They seem to be a constant. Just a few hours ago we said goodbye to 14 interns that we got to know pretty well this summer. We have welcomed teams and other people and we have also said farewell to them. We had family and close friends in our home and spent some awesome time with them. And then we said goodbye. Again. We have more people coming. And going. Although the goodbyes are not nearly as fun as the hellos, it is so awesome to be meeting people from all over the place with whom we share a passion.
We are so comfortable in our home. Especially when its clean :) We have hosted several teams, friends, and the interns. I have been driving myself around a little more and Tim continues to be the pro. Pretty sure he was born a Kenyan driver. We are getting to know more and more of our
co-workers and are really enjoying them so much.
We miss our family and our friends. We love it when we get to talk with them or "see" them. Even though at times we ache to be near them, we are so constantly assured that we are where we ought to be. Where we want to be. Sometimes I can't believe how comfortable we are here. Even at the end of the longest days, we love it here. Even when days are challenging, we want to be here.
Our minds our constantly spinning with all of these things combined with continuing to learn about Missions of Hope, Nairobi, meeting visitors, keep up with far away loved ones, connecting with each other, and with Christ. Thanks to you all for you thoughts, prayers, and constant encouragement. They are a precious gift to us.
So this is the randomness that has been in my head and heart for the past two months. Finally, it has found its place on the screen!
