8 Weeks and Counting!

Good afternoon!

Kelly Talking to All of the Mission Teams

Team Kenya had another great meeting this last 
Monday. We had our whole team together, including Kristin via Skype. She's been out of town for student teaching, but she'll be home in a couple of more weeks! For most of the semester, each of the teams have had weekly meetings, and it's always so exciting to learn more about what God's been planning for our summer. Our meetings generally consist of our five teams rotating between bringing snacks, leading games or leading a devotional. Then Kelly Davidson (our college minister) and/or Traci Wilson (our missions’ coordinator/ member of Team Awesome... I mean, Team Kenya) will leave us with a thought before we break into our individual team meetings. This week Kelly encouraged us to avoid complaining as it can be so divisive that can be to our team, as well as harmful to our own souls. And I can’t think of a single person who has less to complain about than I do, but I definitely have to work to set my heart on things above and dwell on Christ and not my own comfort or selfishness. Praise God for His grace!

As far as planning for the summer goes, right now it kind of feels like a running check list of things to accomplish. The great news is that we purchased our plane tickets a few weeks ago (That means we’re actually going to Kenya!) but there are still vaccines to get, and clothes to purchase- at least for the ladies- and somehow pack into a single suitcase, schedules to make, games and activities to dream up, and team bonding-- if only classes didn't take up so much time! But even though we do have a lot to do and an ever-decreasing amount of time to do it, it's wonderful to know how great our God is and that He provides for us a way to succeed.

                                                    

Skyping Nairobi!

One of those provisions: cooperation and coordination across many thousands of miles! It is so good that we have people who are excited for our arrival and ready to help us plan for the summer. Our fearless leader, Micah, has been communicating with people and staff in both Nairobi and Malindi, and also a group from California who will be at Made in the Streets at the same time as us. Slowly but surely we're starting to piece together a tentative schedule for while we’re at Made in the Streets. We do know that we’ll have a full day where we wazungu (white people) will be maintaining the campus ourselves while the staff is away for a retreat. This day will need particular prayer as we are supposed to plan for having zero down time for the kids... Prayer for wisdom in scheduling activities that will help us connect with the students and have fun, and that the Lord will provide a WHOLE lot of energy for us to love and

Whitley (left) and Bari (right)

engage the students. Another blessing for out team was being able to Skype with Whitley and Bari, who are two ladies from A&M that have already been working in Nairobi. Whitley’s been there for a couple of months, and Bari’s coming up on a year. We got to have a question and answer session about packing and what Kenya and the students are like, and  also generally getting to know them and pray for the work their  doing, and the work that’s ahead of us.


I think Kenya is becoming more real to each of us with each day, and a deeper realization for our need for God and to keep our focus on Him, and also our confidence in him. This trip isn’t something we can accomplish on our merit. We can’t come up with enough energy for 6 weeks, or love for all of the people, or patience for any situation, but God has more than enough of all of it, and He loves giving good gifts that will be used to glorify Him. And I know that is, and will continue to be our purpose. This semester will prove to be action-packed for each of us from here on out, but it's my hope and prayer that each step, and obstacle, will bring us closer to each other and closer to our Lord. Hopefully you have a better idea of what we’re doing here and how the trip is coming together. There’s a lot more to do, and we're so thankful for your prayers and support that allowing us to serve God in this way. Be checking back for updates from the rest of the team!

Gig 'Em and God Bless,

Jennifer