Since my last post, I had the opportunity to fly down to South Africa for the Rezolution conference 2010 with John Piper as the keynote speaker. A last minute opportunity arose to go, and considering Piper is one of my absolute favorite authors, I could hardly turn down the chance to hear him speak in person. What an awesome time of worship and teaching I got to benefit from. Here in Kenya, the churches and teachings are not quite what I am used to in the states. Sermons are not very deep and I struggle to get filled in that way. This weekend was like a long cool drink of water and I couldn't get enough! Piper spoke on what his biggest statement is in all his books; that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him! I was reminded that when I am fully joyful in all I do and in my relationship with Him, others see that and it ultimately glorifies Him.
In the midst of living here and struggling with daily cultural issues and longings to be back with family and friends, remembering to be joyful isn't always easy. There are relationships that need constant working on, patience, and grace. My students have so many needs that it is overwhelming at times to think I cannot meet them all. And then, of course, as the holidays approach, realizing truly how far I am from all my loved ones and accepting that for the first time in 28 years, I will not get to enjoy the holiday season with them, is not easy. However, having this reminder to be joyful in all I'm doing is something I needed to hear and to keep hearing. Being joyful and content in Christ and all he has done for me is a daily choice. And it is huge here. There is so much corruption under all the beauty that surrounds me, and yet people here are joyful. What a challenge for me, in the midst of what I find 'hard' and realizing that as long as I am satisfied in Christ, nothing else CAN fail me. If I am not joyful in what I am doing, then how is God being glorified or recognized in it all; and ultimately, what then am I doing here? All that to say, the conference was amazing and I did not take for granted the true blessing that it was.
Moving on, the longer I am at my school and with my class, the more I am getting to know them and their needs. What a precious group of children I have and am so grateful for them. However, as I get to know them more, I am starting to see more of their needs and wow, there are so many. Most of my Kenyan children have divorced parents or are watching their parents split up. My missionary children seem to be struggling with their transitions and acting out in ways unexplained. All that to say, the longer I am here, the more I am seeing my purpose in being here. These kids know Jesus...what they don't know is what unconditional love is and that even though they are left alone most of the time, they have a Heavenly Father who cares deeply for them. Not the easiest concept to get across to eight year olds, but I count it a privilege that I get to try everyday in class to engrain that into their little brains.
Apart from school, I had an opportunity to run in Nairobi's Half Marathon a couple of weeks ago. Wow! What a cool experience. I ran, or should I say, got passed by world class athletes and olympians. These guys were unbelievable and I couldn't believe that for 1,000 shillings (or about 12 dollars) I got to be apart of this event. I am loving getting integrated into life here and making it more of my home each day. The next run will be in Nairobi's game park with all the animals, and I can't wait for that one!
Well, I suppose this is not condensed very much, but like I said, lots has happened and God continues to teach me lessons each day I am here in huge ways. Continued prayers are coveted and I will be posting again soon!
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