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. :)