Kenya Update 1!

Last time I was able to touch base with you all it was in the London airport and since then I've been in Kenya for over 10 days now! Yikes, sorry folks but internet has been a bit touch and go. Here is a quick run down on my time in Kenya so far.

During the first week here we spent a couple days getting over jet lag with our host family, The Cluffs, who by the way are some of the most kind and loving people that I've ever met! Plus they have two of the most energetic and fun loving kids around.
Saturday (June 7th) we were taken out to spend time in Kajiado where I was able to start learning about the Maasai language and culture! They taught us everything from language, to cooking, and even some cleaning during our time there.

I have now been back in Nairobi since last Wednesday and it's been a crazy and stressful week but God has constantly been full of peace.  Earlier this week my teammate, Bridgette, had to return to the United States unexpectedly. As most of you know we were a team of two for this summer. So with my teammate gone some reevaluating was in order.  After discussing different options and talking with the other teams I'm blessed and humbled that one of the interns from Turkana has prayerfully decided to come and join me!  I can't even begin to tell you all how incredibly thankful I am for Monica.  From the time that I have gotten to know her she's an absolutely wonderful woman and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to get to know her as we serve God together!  Please pray that our new team is not only able to care for the Maasai people around us physically, emotionally, spiritually, but that we are also able to care for each other as well.

I'll admit, seeing my teammate leave was really hard. What was harder though was fighting off the thoughts of loneliness and the emotional exhaustion that followed. What they say is true. The enemy will knock at your door every chance he gets but because God is our strength that door remains shut. He continually reminded me of that this week through prayer, scripture, and my fellow brothers and sisters who have lovingly encouraged me. A friend, who at the time didn't know what had happened, shared with me in a message: "Not sure how things are going, but whether good or bad let me ask you both, who do you serve? Will this God you serve leave you? Forsake you? What about love you? Challenge you? Take you on adventures that you could only imagine? Keep going. Hebrews 12." Right there in that moment God poured His peace into my soul and my heart found rest.

Throughout all of this I've learned that Satan will throw everything that he has and a can of sardines at you to try and stop the work of The Lord. Regardless though, if something is part of His Will then a way will be made. Tomorrow morning Monica and I are finally heading out to Ewaso Ng'iro to serve for the rest of the summer in their clinics. We are both excited and ready to see how God uses each of us to better His Kingdom here in Kenya!
Thank you all for your love, support, and encouraging words this week! They mean the world and more to me. Continue to keep us in your thoughts and I will post back soon when I am able to. So until then please take care of your sweet selves. :) 

Buckets of Love, 

Anne