So the hotel has free email for us to use (email only using their hotel account so I can't even check my personal email) so I'm using it to email Brian my blog and asking him to post it for me.
I just want to give a quick wrap up of the first week in Kenya after our first goofy day of jetlag & tourist stuff. We visited 6 mission partners in 3 days time.
Tuesday with Maji Mazuri was incredible. There isn't enough good things I could say about this organization. The things we experienced were a shock to our senses. We visited all 6 projects that Maji Mazuri is currently running. One of the projects brought us to the Kibera slum, which is the largest slum in East Africa. The sight, the smell, and the feeling of hopelessness were overwhelming. Yet, in a tiny school held together by tin sheets and scrap wood, the faces of smiling children brought us joy and reminded us that God is there. In the mist of such brokeness, the light of Jesus Christ shines through and gives hope.
Wednesday, we visited African Inland Church (A.I.C.) Shabab (means church) and the Nakuru Christian Professionals Association. Nakuru is about a 2.5 hours drive from Nairobi. I forgot to mention that Kenyan roads are terrible and the driving is crazy. We actually had a very close call on the road to Nakuru. Thanks be to God that we were unharmed. Also, one can know that one's leaving greater Nairobi when one starts seeing donkeys on the side of the road. Donkeys are still the main mode of transportation for people in the country. Our visits went well. It was good to see what God is doing on this side of the world. It was an encouragement to see such a vibrant church and Kenyans who are invested in helping the needy around them. Nakuru is known for the flamingoes, its was too bad that we didn't get a chance to visit Lake Nakuru, because our schedule was so tight, but from afar, we saw a pink cluster on the side of the lake and were told that those were flamingoes! The drive was beautiful. We drove through the Rift Valley (altitute of 8,000+ft) and saw a lot of live stocks on the way. It really is such a different way of life!
We also had the honor of eating dinner at the home of Samuel Gtoto, an elder in Martin Mwangi's church and our driver! He has become like a father to our team. We call him Baba Gtoto. He made us Yumechome, which is Kenyan delicacy. It's roasted meat. We had a wonderful and interesting Kenyan meal. The hospitality of Kenyan people were amazing.
Thursday was full day. We visited a school, a feeding program, and 2 children whom our church have sponsored surgeries through Mtoto Africa. Followed by a 5 hour visit to Presbyterian University and a visit to Thindigua Parish (Mwangi's church.) We had a great time worshiping with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Margaret (Martin's wife) invited us to her home and fed us another wonderful Kenyan meal.
Friday, we got up early for our flight to Malindi, which is where we are now. We just finished our first day of conference and it was great. The youth group that we are working with is quite amazing. Thanks be to God.
Please keep praying for us and for the youth as well.
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