Finally in Kenya

We are now in Kenya and have arrived at the place were staying. It's been a long time traveling it took almost 30 hrs traveling, so its great to finally be here.

Everyone has been really friendly so far which is awesome. The traffic here is pretty bad but I haven't actually felt unsafe on the roads which is good.

I'm really happy to be here and don't feel at all uncomfortable yet.

Luke

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Kenya here we come!

Well I have finally found some time to get a blog up! And in Dubai airport no less! The Encounter Kenya team has arrived safely after a good flight from Auckland to Sydney and then a very long flight from Sydney to Dubai. Our flights were smooth although we had to have a second go at getting into Sydney! Please pray for one of our team who has not been feeling well on the flights. We are now waiting to board our final flight to Nairobi! So the final leg of the trip is almost upon us and then the real adventure begins!
 
We had a great bonding time at orientation at Laidlaw College in Auckland for 1 and a half days. It was great to see the team coming together for the first time and getting to know one another. Ideally we would have loved to have a longer time for orientation however I do feel we are already a very united team! Praise the Lord!
It was lovely to have a number of different CMS representatives join us for our commissioning service and then again great to see people farewelling us at the airport. It was amazing that we had a chance to meet the Encounter Cambodia team, who had just arrived back from their time in Cambodia and were in transit heading to Christchurch!
 
So now the team and I look towards Kenya! I am really excited about all the God is going to do in and through us over the next three weeks. I am also looking forward to meeting the Kenyan team who we will be working with, especially those who are coming up to Kargi with me and my wonderful team - Alison, Aimee, Anneliese, Krissy, Michael,Luke and Laura. Please pray for health, safety and unity within the team. Please also pray for me as I led the team - that I may be a servant leader. And finally I ask you to pray that we may know the love, peace and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ with us at all times as we serve Him together.
Asante,
Anna x

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At the airport

Were just checking in at the airport and in a massive queue to check in, should have done the check-in online as it would have saved time. So far we haven't had any dramas which is great. It's pretty crazy were about to get on a plane and fly 17000km to Nairobi but I'm looking forward to it.

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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???