I just LOVE surprises!

Hi friends,

Well, we made it.  After some long sleepless flights, Kaitlin and I arrived in Kisumu Thursday morning.  It's hard to describe the feeling I got when I walked off that plane in Kisumu - but I'm home.  It's that sense of comfort knowing that you fit into every part of the environment.  The smell, the view, the English phrases the Kenyans use that make absolutely no sense, all the hustle and bustle...all of it I absolutely love.  Funny how a place half a world away can become such a huge part of you.

I was greeted by mom (Elaine) with a huge hug and then she treated us to some breakfast.  The original plan was for us to go and chill at the house til late afternoon, then go to R.O.C.K.  But, that didn't happen.  Elaine said she didn't think she could keep the smile off her face, and, though I was seriously sleep deprived, after two cups of coffee and tons of adrenaline, I just knew sleep wasnt going to happen.  We decided to drop our things off at the house we are staying, and head over to R.O.C.K.

As we drove up to the compound, my heart was beating faster and faster.  Seeing those familiar blue letters on the gate made me almost want to jump out of the car and run into the compound.  I could hear the kids' laughs, bantering, and yelling as they were playing just inside.   I could barely take it as we waited for the house parent to unlock the gate to let us in.

Then, the door opened, and there they were.  The first person I saw was my little Gideon, who looked at me with that "I think I know you" puzzled looks on his face.  His big brown eyes made my heart want to absolutely melt.  Then, it clicked.   The look of confusion turned to his huge, bright smile, which included about 5 or 6 teeth missing.  I wanted to cry.   As we pulled into the compound, I could hear "Teacher Julie! Teacher Julie!" and all the kids came running.   Nathaniel, the oldest boy in the home who over the previous year became like my little brother, smiled and wagged his finger at me.   He was honestly one I was looking forward to seeing the most.  His heart of gold and pure joy was always a light to me.  We laughed as he wanted to come and greet me, however he was completing a nasty chore in the septic tank, and let's just say he wasn't "huggable" at that point in time. Only in Kenya. :)

I got out of the car and was attacked with hugs, hesitant handshakes (because they were so shocked), and lots of laughter.  I soaked it all in as I went around and greeted everyone.   Such a wonderful moment that I will never forget.

We spent most of the day with the kids, catching up, laughing, and just enjoying being together.  I can't believe how much they have grown and matured, even the older ones.  My heart was OVERJOYED!  I have never appreciated being in a place so much, as I was sitting with them yesterday.

This month is going to be fantastic.  There is so much to look forward to.   There are many challenges ahead, but I sense the Lord telling me to take on a couple of those challenges.   Please pray that my heart remains still, and my focus on what the Lord wants me to accomplish.   Several of the kiddos I was closest to were sent home for discipline, one yesterday about five minutes after I arrived.  That was hard for him, and for me.  I pray he will be back before I leave, so I have some time to invest in him.

I'll keep it at that for now.  I just woke up not too long ago (I slept a good 11 hours) to birds chirping, the sounds of hammers and saws as they build a house just down the road, and lots of fresh air and sunshine.  It's technically Kenya's rainy season, and it's much cooler than usual.  It's very refreshing.  Sorry Nebraska, but I'll take this weather over your heat and humidity any day! :)

Thanks for your ENORMOUS amount of support and encouragement.  It's almost overwhelming.   I'm so thankful for you all, and having the opportunity to share God's goodness in my life with you.   He's so amazing, and always at work.

Be blessed.  Talk soon. :)

Another Round...A Bit Different

Kaitlin, my travel buddy

I'm going back.  

I'm sitting in the Newark International Airport right now, full of mixed emotions.  The reality hasn't really set in yet.  This is typical, as I know it will on my final flight from Brussels to Nairobi.   I'm really excited to see how this trip plays out.  It will definitely be different than past trips for several reasons, all of which are good. 

First of all, I have a travel buddy this time.  Say hi to Kaitlin (see the goofy girl in the above picture).   Kaitlin and I became friends this last year while working at Scooters.   She has a heart of gold, and many wicked good talents.   When she asked to join me on my trip, I was ecstatic that she wanted to come experience the pure joy of my previous year.  I can't wait to introduce her to my kids, to Elaine, and to the beautiful country of Kenya.  It'll be refreshing to have her with me, as I have always traveled alone.   If I have any weird travel quirks that I am not aware of, I will soon find out. 

Second, I'm only there for a month. I feel like it will be a bit harder for me to leave this time.  This is going to be one fast month.  I will want to cherish every moment with the kids and not waste time.  I feel a slight pressure in this way, but I know that I am putting it on myself.   When I pray, God tells me to relax, and let Him be in charge of my days.   Day to day....He tells me.  So I am resting in that and trying not to be anxious and do too much planning.  

Thirdly, I won't necessarily be "working" this time.  While I will be helping in the classrooms and doing some training, it won't require the more structured duties that were expected last time.  I can be more free to help where I am needed, but also spend time investing in relationships.  I know I need the rest, yet my gifts and skills can be used, but not to the point where I feel overworked.  I hope to help Elaine out a lot this month, in whatever way that may be. I look forward to our long conversations on her front porch over tea.  

Fourth, the kids don't know I am coming.  I have kept this secret quiet for the last 6 months.  I LOVE surprises, but I can hardly stand it.  I don't know how the kids will react, but I know they will be happy.  They spent so much time preparing for me last time, so it will be cool to see how they respond.  Hopefully it will bring some joy to their hearts.  

My overall goal this month is not to hold back, but to live in daily obedience, investing in the relationships that God wants me to.   The theme of my blog is all around love.  I've learned just how important love is in absolutely everything.  I'm becoming a teacher, because I want to love kids.  My goal love my friends and family always, even when it's hard.  I want to love on the people in my city by serving and being an active part in the community.  I want to love those that don't feel love or hope.  It's what God has called us all to do.   So, my hope is that I can share experiences of that love taking place, and love transforming hearts to Jesus.    

I really hope you enjoy my blog, and I always appreciate thoughts, comments, and other feedback.  I'll keep you posted as much as I can.  

Until next time......

"What do we gain from all our work? I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift." - Ecclesiastes 1:9-11