Kenya Was HARD!

I've been in Ireland for a while now, and I've had time to think and reflect on the four months I lived in Kenya. Before I say anything, I want to make one thing clear. I am grateful for my time in Kenya. I wouldn't change anything about it because every single thing that happened to me taught me something that I might not have learned otherwise. I was blessed to be able to go there, and I was blessed to have left early and I am now blessed to be spending time in Ireland. I'm thankful and I'm fully aware of how blessed I am. I know that my past blog posts have been very upbeat and positive and that's because the last thing I wanted to do was complain and give the impression that I was ungrateful. You all have supported me so much, financially and otherwise, and I want you to know that you sent me off to a place that was difficult, yes, but it was a place I needed to go. So, thank you. I appreciate you. 

...BUT KENYA WAS HARD!

It was hard because in the midst of an active and busy school, I was alone. I was the only foreigner at the school and there was nobody to relate to at the level I was used to. Language was a barrier because, although everyone knew English, I had to speak slowly and simplify my words to the point where I could hardly get across anything I wanted to say. 

It was hard because the school was so busy that I was lost in the hustle and bustle of it all. Everyone seemed to have a job except for me. I taught for the first couple months, then school let out and there was nothing for me to do. I tried to make the most of my time but it was lonely and there was a lack of things to do.

It was hard because I did not feel the basic sense of security that I'm so used to feeling. My phone was stolen and the police could not and would not do anything to help me. The last couple hundred dollars of my support money was stolen and there was nothing I could do. I didn't feel safe, I felt alone, and I wasn't feeling helpful. That's how I felt, therefore that's how it was to me. 

BUT. If I were to look back on this experience and construct a single statement to describe it, I would say this:

I needed Africa, even if Africa didn't need me. Despite the fact that I had no idea what I was getting into when I boarded that flight to Kenya, Someone else did. He knew how difficult it was going to be, yet He made it clear that He wanted me to go anyway. Even if I look back and wonder what on earth I was thinking, I know it was good and I know it was right. Because He was behind me, before me and beside me, cheering me on, holding me steady, and helping me through.

In the midst of difficulty, God is still God and He is still good. When I arrived in Ireland Mom gave me the news that, although my support money had run out, my tax returns were more than what I'd hoped for! I also ended up staying with a lovely lady named Lorretta who had spent 21 YEARS in Chad as a missionary, so I got to unwind and discuss my time with someone who understood exactly what I was saying. I now appreciate a flushing toilet, the ability to go out on a walk and not be afraid, Starbucks, hardwood floors, television in English, cold nights, hot showers, alarm clocks, bookstores, and the color green in a whole new way. I thank Jesus for keeping me safe and sound, for opening my eyes to lives different than mine, and for giving me this precious time in Ireland to unwind and reflect on our adventures together and our adventures yet to come. Thank you all for supporting me and this might be the last Kenya post for a very long time.

Praise the Lord!

Bwana Asifiwe! 

Upendo, Christie