I was not afraid when I was dropped off at the Dublin
airport and left to navigate my way to Kenya with no phone and no way to
contact anyone. I was not afraid when I was running through the airport in
Istanbul, sure that I was about to miss my flight. I was not afraid when I
landed in Nairobi and found my way through the basically deserted airport by
the help of a stranger who may or may not have been quite intoxicated. Even
though I’ve forgotten to pray in times of trouble, and even though I’ve
attempted more than once to depend on my own strength and wisdom, there’s not
been a single time during this trip where I remember being vividly afraid. Somewhere, in my core, I knew
that Jesus has been, is still, and always will be for me. And if He is for me,
then who can stand against me? (This is your cue to shout “amen!” because yes,
I do realize I sound overly and perhaps obnoxiously preachy).
All of that to say, it is not with fear that I make this
announcement: instead of leaving in late March to go back to Ireland as was
originally planned, I will be leaving a month earlier in order to avoid the
elections here in Kenya. Nobody is quite sure how dangerous the elections will
be here, but after praying lengthy prayers and thinking too hard and waiting
for the Lord to answer, I feel that it would be wise to leave early, just in case.
I feel peaceful and happy about this decision, and I am glad and grateful for
the remaining three months that I have in Mombasa.
These next three months will be eventful ones! My teaching
job is dwindling and my main priority now is playing with the kids and enjoying
them before they all go home for Christmas break. Break starts on November 23
(a day after Thanksgiving, which I suppose I will not be participating in this
year!) and goes on until the beginning of January. During this time, kids from surrounding
high schools will be coming to the school to live here and enjoy each other’s
fellowship in a setting of relaxation. I, along with two American guys who will
be here until mid-December, will be spending time with them for a couple weeks
before I go to Ray of Hope Orphanage in Shimba Hills. Shimba Hills is across
town and in a much more rural setting than I am in now. I’ll be there for about
three weeks loving the children and just helping out where I can. I believe
there is a YWAM base right next to the orphanage so I’m looking forward to
meeting some new people there, as well. I’ll be back in Mikindani just in time
to celebrate Christmas and to greet my friend Christine who’s flying in from
Virginia to stay for a couple weeks.
By the time Christine leaves, I have just over a month left
here in Mombasa. I’m excited that my itinerary is picking up a little bit and
that I’ll be introduced to some new adventures in the near future. Praise the
Lord for mixing things up every now and then and I can’t wait to tell you about
my upcoming escapades. I pray that you all are doing well as you prepare for
this season of Thanksgiving and of LOVE.
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