Blessings

So we're at the half way point of the conference. It's hard to explain the feeling. Our work with the youth is going well. In fact, many of them are mature beyond their years. I guess you kinda have to be when you're an MK (Missionary Kid) growing up in the majority world.

Being at the hotel is definitely a nice change from our first week in Nairobi. I think I actually did a happy dance the first full day here when I woke up and realize that I don't have to get in a car and travel anywhere. The buildings and hotel rooms are simple painted concrete buildings with thatch roofs. Nothing fancy. You have a shower, a toilet and a sink in the room. The decoration and furniture in the room are sparce. The bed has a mattress that's about 6 inches thick, it's pretty hard but I reallly like it. In fact, the room is pretty similar to the room at the guest house, except it's much larger here. The hotel property has access directly to the beach, which is quite nice. Lots of seaweed but beautiful blue ocean. There are monkeys and birds all around. In fact, the first thing they told us when we check in is to NEVER leave your balcony door open because monkeys will come in the room and destroy your stuff.

It is such a blessing to be here with the Wycliffe missionaries. So many times during the day, some would come up and thank us for blessing them by serving them in taking care of their children & youth. However, in reality, the situation is reversed. They are blessing me with their lives. We have had some time to talk with, get to know, spend some time with some of the missionaries. I feel like I'm walking around among spiritual giants. Somehow, I feel like I'm in the company of people who are just deeper!

The best way I could explain this is this: at a wedding, hearing the bride and groom exchange vows is meaningful, but at a vow renewal for couples that have been married for a long time, hearing them say their vows again always have more meaning. It's deeper. It's an affirmation of promises that have been lived through. It's the same way with these missionaries. When the missionaries talk about God's faithfulness, deliverance and goodness, it's through the experiences that many of us can't even imagine, whether it be physical danger or sickness or even the death of their children. When they quote scripture or sing Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, it comes from a place that is deeper and more meaningful. I've been so blessed by them. I thank God for this opportunity to be here.