I know you have probably been wondering what happened to us...I was hoping to update you while we were in Kenya, but between the expense of internet access and the fact that I only had my phone to post from, it just didn't happen. Then I intended on posting as soon as we got back, but the adjustment has been so much more difficult than I expected. Between the jet lag, the discrimination over the scare of Ebola and trying to get life back to normal...it just didn't happen. I really didn't want the frustration of it all to overshadow the beauty of our experience, so I waited.
And so, here we are! I have found the ability to sleep, breathe and function again so I will catch you up!
TRAVELING TO KENYA
The travel there was long, but the kids did great! Our entrance into Kenya was a bit eventful. We landed in Mombasa and after such a long journey and the sudden heat wave Noah got one of his nose bleeds. And of course, this one was bad. This wouldn't have been much of an ordeal, except that as we entered the terminal there was an Ebola checkpoint right there! While we filled out the questionnaire (have you had any unusual bleeding in the past week?...), Ben tried to take Noah into the bathroom to get cleaned up instead of bleeding all over the floor. However, the authorities caught sight of him and had him immediately come through the check point. Fortunately, they were really good with Noah. They took him to the first aid station and put an ice pack on his nose and it immediately stopped bleeding. After getting through customs, we were able to greet James, Clayton and John. I know we must have been quite a sight!
The fun didn't end there. We had to drive a little over two hours to Malindi. If you have never drove with James on Kenyan roads....well, it's an experience. All was well until about the last ten minutes of the trip when Rianne's stomach couldn't handle it any more. Yep, she vomited all inside the van. I felt so bad because when we pulled in the whole gang was there to meet us. And there we were, blood and vomit stained...um thanks for having us! Fortunately, it didn't seem to phase them too much (Kenya, I can't believe you cleaned out the van and didn't let me do it!!!), and the kids immediately began playing together.
WEEK ONE
I contemplated giving you a day by day breakdown of what we did, but I'm not sure this blog could support it all! For our first week, we were able to assist the Eyes On Christ team by providing eye clinics in various villages. It was such a blessing to get to be a part of this! Not only were we able to provide glasses and sunglasses to them, but we were also able to support and encourage the churches and bible studies by sharing the gospel with the attendees. I got to help with giving the people their glasses. It was really awesome to be there when people could see clearly for the first time. It was remarkable! Ben got to walk through the villages inviting people to come and he got to preach to the crowds while they waited.
The kids really enjoyed playing in the villages; especially Rianne. I have never seen her more in her element than while we were there. I'm pretty sure she could give Pigpen from Charlie Brown a run for his money, but she loved it! It was awesome to see our children bonding with the Taylor kids and Ellanora. I'm hopeful that regardless of where we go from here, that they will have a lifetime of friendship.
WEEK TWO
We really enjoyed our first week of ministry. There was so much that happened that I cannot possibly write about it all! The second week was spent living the missionary life and finding out about life in Kenya. The kids were able to experience Homeschool, we scoped out the local grocery store, visited the health clinic, toured some properties with a land agent, did laundry, ran errands, asked A LOT of questions, participated in the book study and met with James, Clayton and John to go over the future of East Kenya Missions. It was a very full week and I feel like we were able to clear up so many question marks!
We also managed to find some time to experience the fun that Malindi has to offer. Ben and the girls went on a safari, we got to visit the beach and swim in the Indian Ocean, and we got to visit the Snake Farm. It was really amazing to get to see so much more of God's creation. We are incredibly blessed to have been on this trip as a family. Our children are very grateful that they have had this experience.
It feels like this blog post has done a disservice to our experience. I can't possibly share all of the memories, photos, stories and laughs. I can't explain the fulfillment, joy and frustration. I can't bring you into all of the details. All I can do is attempt to tell you that God is moving in East Kenya. He has some really awesome servants working for Him and we are incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to share in it. We are eager to see how God uses our time in East Kenya in the future, wherever that may be. Unfortunately we can't answer the question, "Are you headed back?" at this time. We appreciate all prayers as we continue to seek His Will. I want to encourage you to listen to God's prompting, whatever it may be. I can assure you that if you follow it, you will have an extraordinary life!
On My Knees, Anne
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." -1 Cor. 2:9
