Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

            Where do I even begin to start writing of this amazing journey? I have been in Kenya for not even a full week and I feel as though I have been here for months. Already, I have fallen in love with the atmosphere, culture, and people who surround me. The community of Kandaria is filled with people who are always full of joy and love; expressing their immense passion for life daily. Africa is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen (I have yet to take a picture that can show its true beauty..its indescribable)! The country itself is very lush and tropical, embellished with exotic plants, animals, and communities. Life here is simple. Unlike the United States, days are not fully packed with lists of things to do, but instead are laid back and more carefree. I never realized how much worry and stress I bring to my life by constantly keeping myself overwhelmingly busy. At first, I didn’t know what to do with the “free” time but through prayer and conversation I have learned to embrace the time and use it as an opportunity to grow with the Lord and learn more about myself. I feel like it is God’s way of telling me to take a step back, stop planning, and live life in the moment.

Though I cannot imagine leaving Kenya at this point, the first couple of days were definitely ones filled with fear, self-doubt, and challenges.  Upon arrival we were immediately faced with a lot of unknown cultural differences such as bucket showers, outhouses, new foods, mosquito nets, and the overall way of living. The cultural differences posed as major obstacles for me and I found myself for the first time on this trip really wondering what the Lords plan is. I was overwhelmed with thoughts of confusion and uncertainty. Why had the Lord brought me away from family and friends to a whole new world of the unknown? Each night the girls and I sit and talk through the day; our problems, prayers, and concerns. As our second day in Kandaria came to an end we were talking about the cultural differences when we stopped and realized that we were being foolish and selfish. We were NOT here for our comfort and benefit. We ARE here to fulfill a calling from the Lord, to serve him in every circumstance whether it is easy or difficult. Realizing and understanding our weaknesses the next day became easier. I began to embrace everything the Lord had given me; the opportunity to serve and grow in His name, the opportunity to build relationships embedded in Christ, and the overall chance to experience life through the eyes of others. Honestly, I cannot imagine being anywhere else right now. I feel at home and comfortable..funny how the Lord works.

We have been staying with David and Justine O’Kongo. David is the doctor at the medical clinic we have been working in. I am eternally grateful for their hospitality and generosity. They have certainly been a blessing from God throughout this journey. Justine is an amazing cook and provides us with delicious foods covered in rich African spices…SOOO YUMMY!!! My favorite dishes so far have been chipati, mandazi (similar to a beignet), and tilapia. I have made it a goal to be open to trying new foods (I’m usually a very picky eater) and I have discovered that there are fish I like as well as different fruits and beans. Some of my favorite parts of the day are when we just sit and talk to David about his life. He is such a strong man of Christ and has achieved so many of his dreams! He has been a great teacher in both medical aspects and aspects of life. One of my hopes of this trip was to learn better ways to develop and form IOD (International Outreach for Diabetes).  After talking with him, working in the clinic, and learning the role of diabetes in Africa I have begun to form new ideas for IOD. I cannot wait to get back to the US and share my new ideas with my team members and get started!

The Okongos are a part of the Luo tribe. We have been adopted into their family and have been given Lao names. Mine is Apiyo meaning second twin, Carolines is Atieno meaning born at night, Emily’s is Awuor meaning born in middle of the night, and Camerons is Owuor also meaning borin in the middle of the night. O= boy; A= girl. Yesterday we walked around and met a lot of people from the village. All of them were so inviting and nice. It’s been great to feel welcomed everywhere we go! We have been working hard attempting to learn both Swahili and Luo. Thanks to Caroline, the reinforcer of learning the languages, we are well on our way to being fluent!! I would love to write more but it is pouring and I must go. Please send your prayers and blessings!!!