After a year of preparation and eight months of living in Kenya, our time in this beautiful country is down to hours. In a way, it feels like I just stepped foot into this country yesterday, and in a way, it feels like I've lived here my entire life.
I remember sitting on that first flight back in September. After watching two movies and trying to take a nap (this was before we discovered the beauty of dramamine), I pulled out my journal and a pen. I didn't really know what to expect for the next stage of my life, but I praised Jesus for being all-powerful and for His steadfast love for His children. I asked Him to do something big over the next eight months. I imagine Him laughing and saying to Himself in heaven, "Oh, child, if you only knew. I am capable of doing immeasurably more than you could ever ask or imagine."
And that is exactly what He did - immeasurably more that I could've ever asked or imagined. He didn't always work in the way we thought He would or in the timing that we expected, which we learned to be thankful for. He changed our hearts, our thoughts, and our lives, which was often a painful process. He used us to be His hands and feet in Kenya, which is overwhelmingly humbling every time I think about it.
As I look back at pictures and journal entries and as experiences and memories come to mind, I stand in awe of Jesus.
And lastly, I've been thinking of you. Yes, you! You, the one who has read these blog posts and shouted praises to the Lord when you've read of the incredible things He has done! You, the one who has called out to Jesus on our behalf or on behalf of a Kenyan we wrote about.
When Paul was going through a difficult time in his ministry, he reached out to his friends, his brothers and sisters, in Corinth:
"[God] delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our
hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will
give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many"
(2 Cor 1:10-11).
Living in Kenya has made me a thousand times more thankful for the body of Christ. You have interceded for me, Emily, and the Kenyans that we love. You have helped us in our ministry by praying, and you have prayed because in Christ, we are family. We have cried out and drawn near to God together.
My friends, God has come through! He has proven Himself incredibly faithful over the last eight months. I think that means it's time for many to give thanks; it's time to celebrate!
We'll see you soon, America! Get ready for a party!