Here is the first of many updates...
If you haven’t already heard from me, we arrived safely in Nairobi. I felt a real sense of peace and joy as we were greeted at the airport by Sammy from Nairobi Chapel. How I missed the welcoming spirit of Kenyans. As I awoke the following morning, I took in the “unique” smells of Kenya and embraced the cool morning weather, finding it hard to believe I was actually back.
Our first week was spent at the Mennonite Guest House, which became our base for prayer, the apartment search, and getting accustomed to life in Kenya. We were truly blessed to stay at this place- beautiful garden, delightful tea time, American meals with a Kenyan flare, and conversations with people doing incredible things (one couple from Canada help individuals in rural villages grow crops that provide a balanced diet). Over the weekend, we stayed with Sam and Lynn Owen, who have lived in Nairobi for over 20 years and are connected with The Falls Church. Once again, we were blessed to have them here to help us get settled.
Early this week we moved into an apartment on Sports Road in the Westlands area of Nairobi (thanks Rob and Ellen for your suggestions). Signing the lease was a rather interesting experience and made me remember the corruption and deceit that still exists in this place. We are starting to make our home here and with the Owens help we were able to have wooden furniture made for our beds at a very reasonable price (still looking for the bargains Dad). I never imagined all the items needed to put a flat together from scratch- cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, a few chairs, etc. Pray that our place will allow us to have great times of fellowship with one another.
Enough about us- let me share was has been going on at the various ministries. Last Saturday, we met with Tim and Willis from Light and Power Center. The Center makes bags out of recycled paper, selling them to help create sustainability for boys living in one of the slums. Their work day consists of discipleship training, bible studies, and bag making. Recently, they received an order of 10,000 bags from the United Nations, so the vision for sustainability is becoming a reality. Dave and I will be attending a board meeting on Monday, Oct. 9, so please pray that God will reveal to us how we can help the business continue to grow and enable strong Christian leaders.
We also visited St. Luke’s church, where the Kibera Card Center and computer center are located. We spent time with the women who make greeting cards- the Christmas collection is coming along quite nicely. We met with Jackson, who runs the computer center and it looks like I could be helping them with some accounting. Yesterday, we visited Akiba School in the Kangemi slum. We sat in a few classes, I taught a few PE games, and we began discussing how we will spend our time at the school. I have a heart for helping graduates of Form 4 (senior year) realize the opportunities for their future (despite very little money) and God’s faithfulness to his children. My role there will also involve getting to know the sponsored children in a personal way. We are still in the discerning phase and haven’t created a weekly the many possibilities of where we can serve.
Thanks for all of your emails and continued support. I look forward to sharing more about the ministries in the next update.
Much love, Anne
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