Update from Kenya
So many emotions as I return to the continent of Africa, a place that has held a huge part of my heart for so many years! I’m reminded again of the call God has on my life. I know that there will be sacrifices along the way but also so many great rewards. I take one last hot shower the night before heading to the airport knowing it might be a good while before the next one. The next morning, I wake up early to prepare our birthday pancakes for Kaitlin - a family tradition! She’s my youngest and I can’t believe she’s 23! The years seem to fly by so quickly and I am reminded what a gift it is to be celebrating with her even if it is a day early.
Half way to Africa now. A stop over in Amsterdam with a few hours to spare before boarding my next flight, I find a coffee shop and grab a cup of coffee. At a table nearby, I begin to go over my notes for the teachings ahead. The thought of another long eight hour flight seems unbearable. Extra water intake has kept my swelling hands and feet at bay. The last time I made this long flight alone was over thirty years ago. I was in my early years twenties and was headed to work with YWAM, piloting a discipleship training school in the bush of Makwagani in Shimba Hills district. That was before marriage, before kids. Seems like a lifetime ago.
As we make our descent into Nairobi International Airport, I feel a flutter of excitement inside. I’m filled with anticipation of all that God will do over the next three weeks. Tomorrow, I will meet a student of mine from my days in Shimba Hills. It’s amazing to see how God is connecting our paths once again after all these years later.
My first night in Kenya is restful and I thank God for the five solid hours of sleep before waking. I am optimistic that I will quickly adjust to the time change. My former student, Langson Zulu, arrives early to collect me and we make our way to Athi River village for a school graduation ceremony. Langson informs me I am their guest of honor at the graduation. With this honor, I will be expected to bring a message to the graduating students and their friends and families. Although I had not prepared for this, I lean in to God for the message and He is faithful to give me the words. It’s a long but rewarding first day back in Kenya. I’m proud to see how Langson has taken all the training he received in those early years and is continuing to allow God to use him in his ministry all around the continent of Africa. He and his wife have planted YWAM’s School of Family Ministries in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, where they are currently leading with a vision to plant the next school in Rwanda.
My second day in Athi River, we head to the church for me to teach a conference that has been arranged by Langson with a few of the churches in the area. The topic is the importance of Gods Word in our lives and putting on the Armor of God. I stand in awe and feel so honored that God would use me to be His messenger. At the end of the conference, I’m escorted by a few pastors to lunch and discussion is had about my return next year. I assure them that I will commit it to the Lord in prayer.
We end the day with a Safari walk into the bush just near the YWAM base, where I am staying. I was hopeful to see giraffes but only the wildebeests were out. There’s been mention of a cheetah in the area, so Langson says we must get back before the sun sets.
Yesterday, after the conference, a local pastor approached me and asked if I would speak in his church the next morning. I didn’t have a message prepared but I agreed. I’m continually seeing as I step out and say yes, God meets me there, and gives me the message He has for me to deliver. Today, a message on what Faith is it and how we use it in our own lives. Once the church service ends we call for a car to take me back to Nairobi. Langson and his wife, Mary, escort me. We say our goodbyes when we reach Nairobi and I am hopeful that I will see them again one day.
The next day, I met another friend from my life in Shimba Hills, Joanna. When I was teaching the Discipleship Training School in 1992, I met Joanna who came over to attend YWAM’s Healthcare School. 30 years later, she has spent her life as a missionary and now lives in Nairobi where she is married with four children. Hearing about their time in Chad, North Africa, and how God worked through their ministry was so encouraging.
Thank you for your continual prayer and support. I definitely feel covered in prayer as I am on this journey of saying ‘Yes’ to God’s call. This update marks the first week of this journey and I will continue to keep you updated with my travels over the next two weeks. I appreciate your continual prayers and all the messages of support.
Blessings,
Danielle