In Nairobi!

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,
     But a good word makes it glad.
Proverbs 12:25


I'm finally in Kenya! After a 16 hour flight to Dubai, a short night's stay in Dubai, and 5 hour flight to Nairobi, I've finally arrived. I'm staying in an AIM guest house where I have (very slow) internet. I depart for D. tomorrow morning.


Being in Africa is very different. On the way back from the airport, my driver pointed out wild giraffe near the road we were on. Seeing giraffe during my first 10 minutes in Kenya is very exciting! Riding in the car is also a very unique experience. I don't know whether to be scared or impressed by people's driving. I don't think there is any concept of gradual acceleration or smooth stops. Drivers are either flooring it or slamming on the breaks. I'm very thankful that I don't get carsick too easily.


The AIM guest house is very nice. Meals are provided and I have my own room. There are many other short and long term missionaries who are also here. I've been able to meet several of them over the family-style meals. One of my favorite parts about meeting some of the families is seeing the children. In some ways, I'm reminded of my own childhood when I see the children running around the grounds fearlessly with their siblings. Everything and anything becomes a toy or playground. There is no limit to what the imagination can produce. Similar to how my siblings and I came up with our own games while waiting for our parents after church or during small group meetings, these missionary kids (MKs) find so much entertainment in the simplest things. It's fun and I hope I can interact more with them in my short stay here. Other awesome people I've met here are a couple who is leading an IV global trek project, the founders of a children's home in Nairobi (that was sponsored by GrX!), and long term missionaries from Tanzania.


It hasn't been as hot as I thought it would be, about mid-20s (high 70s). I'm coming during the "cool" season. I heard that D. is considerably hotter than Nairobi so I'm going to enjoy this "cool" weather while I can. The food is delicious and I haven't had any trouble with the water. Thank you for your prayers of safe travel and health. Things may change tomorrow when I arrive in D., but I'm thankful for a smooth transition thus far. Within the first two hours of being here, I got my first bug bite. Please pray that I won't get more. I kind of laugh at how long it takes me to get ready in the mornings. I definitely take longer here than at home as I lather on the lotion, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It's a different kind of getting ready in the morning.


That's the update for now. I'm off for a day at the AIM office and around Nairobi. Thank you for your prayers and I'm praying that all is well at home.