Kandaria

During our month in Kandaria, we’ve…

Been given Luo names – hiked up the mountain – seen monkeys – picked mangos and tomatoes – watched the cow give birth – shaken many hands – gone to Kisumu – ridden on a boat in Lake Victoria – seen a hippo up close – held many babies – worked in the clinic – weaved baskets with Dani – received Luo lessons from Ogai – taught math in school – learned how to make Kenyan food – made many new friends – fed the baby calf – eaten lots of ugali – experienced radical hospitality and generosity…. 

The list goes on!

We have been so fortunate to be welcomed into such a beautiful family and community.  Before we arrived, I had no idea that the Okongo family would be one of the most beautiful, humble, and hardworking families I have ever met. They have shown us so much love, guidance, and grace in the past weeks that we have begun to see them as family. As this part of our trip comes to a close, I thank God for the amazing experiences we’ve had here and I pray that we will be back again one day.

For the second half of our trip, Caroline and I plan to travel to Segera where we will work in the clinic and do whatever else God calls us to. Segera is a very beautiful but also very desolate place near the base of Mt. Kenya. Many people from the Maasai and Samburu tribes live nearby in clusters of small huts made of sticks and cow dung. The Segera Mission was founded by an American as a place that could aid this struggling community. In the compound is a clinic, church, and a preschool, as well as rooms for staff and volunteers to stay. (See www.segeramission.org for more info)

As we look ahead, we don’t really know what to expect. I am sad to leave the community of Kandaria, but we feel that God has put it on our hearts to spend time in Segera. I am praying for continual guidance from the Lord and an open and willing heart as we step out in faith.  I know that we will encounter many serious needs in this new place, so I am praying that we will not be overwhelmed, but we will stay rooted in truth and understanding. I know that the only way we will have peace about everything we see here is if we keep our eyes on the Lord continually. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6

Please keep us in our prayers as we make the long trip to Segera (meeting up with the Mt Bethel team for a day or two on the way) and adjust yet again to a new place! I don’t know if I will be able to post any more blogs while I’m there but I will try. I am so thankful for all of you and can’t wait to see my friends and family in a month!