So much has happened since our last post, it’s hard to know where to start. We finished our last few weeks at YWAM with some excellent teachings, learning about the Father heart of God; His plan and purpose for each of us; the cost of choosing to follow Jesus; and making Him known to others through service and love. When we signed up to train with YWAM, we had no idea that we would form such close relationships in a short period of time. It was difficult to do yet another round of good-byes, so soon after having said good-bye to all of our family and friends in the States.
Our travel to Kitale was relatively uneventful. We had planned to do it all in one day, but God rearranged our plans for us, knowing that traveling over two days would be much easier. Lindy, our “watchdog” was perfectly content to sit in laps the whole way, tongue-bathing the face of whoever she was sitting on. The kids were great, no bickering or complaining, and we only had to stop about every 3 hours for potty breaks. (I think the fear of the public gas station potties helped them hold it longer...they probably would have gone every 6 hours had it not been for the bumpy roads jiggling our bladders around!)
We have been continued to be amazed and blessed by God’s providential care and provision as we get settled in Kitale. Two weeks before we arrived, we had no idea where we would be living in Kitale or even how to look. God blessed us with some friends here, Sean and Meredith, who knew a missionary family in Kitale that had just left on a 6 month furlough to the States and were looking for a renter. Go figure! They offered us a significant deal on rent, which was right along with our budget, so we agreed to rent it sight unseen. When we arrived, we were shocked to find a beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on a private full acre compound complete with gardener, house help (and washing machine!), and night security guard! WOW! Oh, did I mention the porch swing and trampoline in the back yard?! Honestly, it is a little strange living here after living so simply in Arusha. We feel like we need to apologize when people see where we live now. While we are greatly enjoying the blessing of this house, we will be looking for something more suited to simple living when we relocate in six months.
We spent this week unpacking, doing mounds of laundry (yay, washing machine!) that had collected over our last few weeks in Arusha with no running water, and running errands in town (getting a PO Box, bank account, internet, phones, etc.). We are getting the feel of the town already, and becoming pros at getting around from place to place. Kitale is much nicer than Arusha. It has a small town feel, where everyone seems to know everyone else. There are actually public trashcans along the sidewalks, so the town is pretty much litter-free. You don’t fear for your life crossing the street, and it’s easy to navigate the smaller downtown area (approx 3 blocks by 5 blocks).
Meredith and Sean have been great in introducing us to the vegetable lady, the meat lady, the taxi guys, the furniture guy, the fresh-cut flower lady, and even the nail lady, who will come over to my house in January to give me my annual pink and green “Jenna Nails”, for only $5!! Most of the furniture you can buy in town is cheaply made and really tacky (think Las Vegas lounge style), so we have hired a “fundi” who will hand-make all our furniture. The prices are amazing and we’ve seen his impressive workmanship. Jason is designing all our furniture and Dickson will make every piece to our sizes and specs. Our first order of 3 pieces should be done in about 2 weeks.
We had nearly forgotten Christmas is coming up, with all the busyness of moving. Plus, we have none of the usual external cues. The weather is warm and sunny, and the stores are not bombarding us with Christmas retail. We bought a little wire Christmas tree and have enjoyed making ornaments out of origami and blown-out egg shells.
We visited the Children’s Home one afternoon this week, to get oriented a little bit and meet the kids. There is so much to be done there...it feels a little overwhelming. OK, a lot overwhelming. But we know absolutely that this is where we are supposed to be, and that brings peace. We will spend half days there every day next week, working on projects alongside the kids to get to know them better. The first project is packing all the bulk food that has been purchased to store in the warehouse. The second project will probably be repairing school desks that are falling apart.
Today we spent the day with a missionary team from Mbale, Uganda, who have been providing some of the financial administration for the children’s home. They come down once a month to take care of budgeting, paying bills, paying staff salaries, etc. They showed us the process so that eventually we can take over this role. It was good to finally meet them, and to get a better understanding of some of our responsibilities.
As usual, God has provided everything we have needed (and many luxuries we don’t), at just the right time. His faithful love endures forever.
