All Packed

We just finished packing our bags, its pretty crazy to try to get ready for a months worth of travel. Its not like you can just pack clothes for 30 days.

We managed to get what we need into our bags and we are ready to go. I'm kinda nervous we have forgotten something or are missing something. I suppose we can just buy things if we are missing them?

To top it off i have to work tomorrow and i have a busy day. I have to finish up on my projects before i leave.

Hopefully everything will go well and the plane flight isn't too long.

Time to start packing

Its Wednesday night, and I think that means it is about time to start packing the bags.

I know Monday is going to come rather quickly, especially when you throw in a busy few days between now and then.

This afternoon I even spent an hour shopping for items to take with me. There are always endless things one could take on trips like this, but while shopping I got thinking about our Luke 9 &10 readings. This challenged me a bit.

While I wont deny that I am going to be taking a few more items than the disciples were instructed to, I think that the words Jesus shared have been a timely reminder about an attitude of welcoming the hospitality and culture of where we are going. To lay aside our usual homely comforts and really encountering what it means to be a follower of Christ in Kenya.

So the question is...what will actually make itself into the bag.

Anticipation

Technically Africa is my 'homeland'. I was born in Malawi, and lived there until the age of three. We went back for a brief visit in 2003, and ever since it's been on my heart to return to that part of the world. So heading to Kenya excites me! Although it's a different country, I feel in some ways that I'm heading back to my roots.

I'm looking forward to seeing and learning from what God is doing there, and to meeting and getting to know the Kenyan people. I have a heart for children and young people, and work as a youth pastor here in Auckland. The one thing I am most looking forward to is the opportunity of working with the Kenyan youth and children.

I'm a little apprehensive about the unknown and being in new & unfamiliar situations...but I know that in all things God goes before us, he is with us and will equip us for whatever we face. Can't wait to see what he does in and through us while we are on this trip.

3 weeks to go!

Emily

Making connections - Terry

Yesterday, a couple just back in NZ from travelling, moved in next door so we offered to help.

It just so happens that one of them is doing architectural research and is particularly interested in the slums of Nairobi...an area which is part of our itinerary!

We don't know where they're at with God, but how cool is that???

Rose and Terry

Jambo! Kia ora! Hello!

New Zealand, Aotearoa is my first love nation by far. But there's something about the continent of A-F-R-I-C-A. I'm not sure how to describe the mixture of emotions I'm feeling about going back. I'm willing to grasp whatever lesson this particular experience has to teach me. It's such a distinctive environment in which to learn. Even as I type I can visualise the rich red soil, fascinating wildlife, mysterious and beautiful dark faces. In 2007, when I was there last, I got a strong impression to return at this time. So what excites me most is a prophetic word and a very specific detail yet to be fulfilled. For a natural organiser and 'lists' fanatic like me, it's good to get through the check lists; the a gear list, the reading list, shopping list, and random tasks. Thankfully, the only running around we did was in the Auckland marathon to raise a bit of support. We've both enjoyed sharing the preparation part of our journey with others and look forward to meeting the rest of the team. I'm anticipating a personal breakthrough in the depth of my love for the Lord and for revival. Rose

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1Cor 2:9 NLT

Bwana Asifiwe!

Getting excited/ nervous now

The trip seems to be coming up quite quickly now, as Luke said we have just finished getting all our immunisations which is good.

I'm really excited to be going back to Kenya, never thought I'd make it over that side of the world again, it is truely an amazing place and I know we are going to have an awesome trip.

I'm really looking forward to sharing this trip with Luke, I can show him the places i've been and get to explore new places too.

I'm a bit nervous about going up to Kargi, just fear of the unknown I guess, and it's so far from anywhere! I wonder if its going to be like real villages (littles huts etc) or if it will be semi western with buildings.

Dont know how I will handle the heat, 40 degrees is HOT! or the 2 day drive for that matter. I guess we will just have to soldier on, it will be good training for the 6 days we are spending in Dubai on the way back.

Immunisation

We just finished our immunisation round on Friday, ended up needing 7 injections each and that cost over $1000 which is pretty crazy. Hopefully that will mean were all good for the trip now :)