Week 6

These past few days have been interesting. Last week, was pretty bad. It was so confusing. The speaker was contradicting himself all the time, and then not able to give a straightforward answer when we questioned it. But, God is good and I still learned a bit. This week seems to be going better. The topic is Destiny and Calling. So much has been covered already, like what it really means to be a minister, and the differences between destiny, calling, and vision, and how we each have a unique calling and destiny, but there are some things that we as Christians are all called to (for example, being Christ-like). Last weekend we did ministry. We split into 4 groups and went to different churches. My group went to Nairobi, and we visited a very interesting church. Joram said it was the most charismatic he's ever seen. But Fran gave a great message on our futures and how God has big plans and purposes for all of us, out of Romans 8. Joram talked about how we are not in the race to win it, but to finish and finish strong. Ha. That's like the entire theme of my senior year. One evening this week the power was out, and it was soooo dark, so my wolf pack and I crammed on Fran's bed and played card games with a flashlight hanging from her mosquito net. Saturday we went to a pool in the nearest town, at some high school, and we got to swim all day. It was SO fun. We played a very violent game of keep-away (guys vs girls, of course) and played card games and had snacks. We all got pretty wicked sunburnt too, because of our proximity to the Equator, and because most of us are taking doxycycline, which increases photosensitivity. We had dinner at some hotel, and it was fantastic. The most protein I've had in weeks! So far what I've been learning this week is 1- If I can accomplish it on my own, I need to dream bigger. and 2- God is patient to carry out His plans, not matter how much we screw it up, He can always make plan B or C into PLAN A.

Week 5- For Real?

So it is completely shocking to me that it's been over a month! We are in the middle of week 5, which is about pride and humility, and spiritual warfare, prayer, and intercession...a lot of topics for only 5 days! The past couple weeks have been a struggle. Everyone's true colors are beginning to show, and everyone is a little tense. I have to remember not to lash out, and to be patient with everyone, because they are all being patient with me too. Last week's topic was forgiveness, and God really showed me a lot about myself. Who I needed to ask forgiveness from, who I needed to set free, what I needed to ask Him for forgiveness for. It was exhausting, but very liberating. My new work duty for the month is "miscellaneous." Yesterday me, Kevin, and Fran demolished the old office some more. Moved a bunch of beams, iron sheets, picked up nails, etc. I think I sunburned my eyelids. Sorry momma! But it was so fun. We learned a bunch more swahili, like kazin zuri means good work, kesho means tomorrow, kuna nini means what's happening. Me and Fran tried to teach Kevin some Spanish, but it didn't really work. So yesterday one of our guys threw out his back. He sunk the axe too far in the wood, and when he tried to yank it out, pinched something. He hurts all the way into his toes! So if ya'll could pray for his quick recovery, because we're supposed to be going on outreach this weekend.

Week 3- The Father Heart of God

So it's the end of the third week, and it's so crazy that I've been living in Africa for almost a month now! I have three girls that I've really bonded with; we call ourselves the wolf pack haha. We do almost everything together. But of course we still hang out with everyone. This week's topic was the Father heart of God, and it was really emotional. Our speaker, Ted, is from Wisconsin, and is so great. Everyone was really vulnerable and it helped us grow as a team. We wrote letters to our dads, and letters to God. We didn't send them to our dads, though; it was just a cleansing process. It was really good for everyone to realize hurt, forgive, and then bless our dads, even if they were never going to see it. The weather has been on and off. Today it is HOT and sunny, but yesterday it poured rain. My hair was literally dripping. Last weekend we did ministry at two different all-girls schools. Sunday we went to St Stephens school for a church service. The girls were so warm and receiving, and the praise and worship time was all in Swahili, and loud, and wonderful. We have been learning more and more Swahili. Today we are going into Nairobi for Amanda's birthday, even with the threats. We know that we are safe, and it's going to be a good time. I just thank God that I've been able to have chocolate and diet coke! And that I am continually seeing lots of giraffes and zebras. Love you all!

Week 1

Hello everyone! I made it to Kenya safe and sound. Our base is so amazing. Really simple living, but none of us mind. At this point, we get excited if we shower after 3 days. It was very hot the past week, but today it started raining, and they said it will continue for about a month. My friends are all awesome, I could not have asked for a better team. We all have great senses of humor, get along well, and of course love the Lord. We have learned so much in one week, about God and ourselves. We eat basic foods like rice or noodles or corn mash (called ugali). We do have to wake up at about 6 am, which is really hard for me without any coffee. I've not had one cup yet, nor a diet coke. I am so proud of myself! I have not been too homesick, and even got to call my mom a few nights ago. And yesterday while jogging, I saw a whole herd of zebra!!!! It was amazing. Dinner is soon, so I'll hopefully post in the next few weeks. Oh! and on one of the visiting DTS teams from Germany, there was a girl from Bothell! Wild!!!

Departure Day!

Well folks, the day has arrived! It's finally time for me to take of for Kenya. I've got all my family here with me and two of my best friends coming tot he airport. It's gonna be a big cry-fest. But by tomorrow night I'll be in Kenya! I'll post as soon as I can and let you all know about the flights and my first few days there.

The Before

Hey guys! A lot of the people going on my DTS are setting up a blog, and I figured it was a good idea. This way I won't have to email, write letters, AND keep up on facebook. So, stick around, and check out my blog while I'm on my trip! Thanks. It's crunch time now, only 16 days left until I take off. My lists are getting shorter and shorter, and my bags fuller. It is becoming so much more real to me each day. Soon, I'll be in Kenya!