08 September, 2013

    And a big hello to my friends from the land of Kenya Africa. We are alive, well (or finally getting there) and slowly settling in. I thought life on the farm was crazy but this is crazy on a whole new level. We arrived here last friday afternoon, went to our new church on sunday an hour away, school started for the children monday morning and language school for Marlin and i on wednesday. In between there i got slammed with a sore throat/fever virus, the puke bug hit a couple of children and impetigo broke out. Long story short? I got desperately homesick for friends, family, the farm, and the good ol' USA. And smooth, wide roads with vehicles that don't slam your head against the ceiling and pitch unsuspecting youngsters against floors and other various van parts. I didn't think i would ever smile on the inside again but would spend my time here swimming with tears and self pity. God (and my humor) seemed to have been left behind at the Philly airport and i couldn't seem to find the energy to search for Him. The rat living on the back porch didn't help matters any.

   But lo and behold, my flu cleared up, the puking quit and we still have impetigo, but life in Kenya may just be worth living. I absolutely love the weather so far. Cool mornings, warm days but not too warm and since we're in the early rains, there's often a storm that moves through in the evening, making for lovely cool breezes and a fresh feel. And i have a vegetable lady who delivers my fresh vegetables to  my front door, there's fresh chapati's to be bought for cheaper than i can make them at a little market outside the compound, and we have free soda that the mission pays for. I mean, seriously, how long can i stay depressed? The reason for the soda is cause water has to be bought and it's just as cheap to buy soda. Relax, my dear health minded friends, we save ours for saturday evenings with pizza. Except when my throat is dry and water just doesn't cut it. Interesting how that only happens when the children are no where around.

   I do laundry with a wringer washer since it does a much better job than the regular washer and is much faster. It's hard work but i do enjoy it.
 Starting on monday, however, one of the young american social workers living in the compound will come monday mornings to do my laundry for me. A huge blessing as it takes me almost all morning to get the wash on the line. So have no fear, i'm not suffering!




     The children are doing well in school and Zachary said this evening that he thinks he might like Africa even better than the states. Lots of friends in the compound and an afternoon strolling the fish  market with their very fine daddy influenced that remark I'm sure. 

Tomorrow we head out to church for the first time alone, with Marlin driving. Everything's on the opposite side of the road than America and people drive like it's their last moment on earth, which is very possible from my point of view. We pick up a young man who is in instruction class and then bounce for an hour til we reach our little tin and pole shed church. Backless benches, dirt floors and Kenyan bathrooms leave one slightly exhausted til time to leave but the people are very friendly and i even know how to greet them with "praise Jesus" in Kenyan. After church we line up at the back with the pastor(s) and greet every single person in church, from the littlest orphan (such huge black eyes and beautiful faces that i can't help but get on their level so i can smile in their eyes) to the oldest  'Mama' there. We shake hands and touch cheeks, and some rattle Luo off at me while i smile helplessly and try and look wise. I was sick last sunday and totally doped up on Ibuprofen just so i could stand without fainting, so i'm looking forward to feeling normal.  

And now you have a very small taste of our life here. The adjustment has been tough for all of us but especially  for me and Emily, and yet I can say with confidence that God was NOT left behind at the Philly airport but is walking with us.  Any battle worth fighting is going to be hard and right now i'm at a place where i'm simply trusting that God has us here for a purpose. And as for that rat hanging out on our back porch? I'm just going to thank God that it's outside and not inside my house. 

May God's hand rest on each one of you, and please keep praying for us. 



5 comments:

  1. Darla, we have been thinking about you and your family and wondering if you all made it to Kenya.We will keep Praying for you as you's make this adjustment I am sure each day and week will go better! I will be a faithful reader of your blog :) God Be with you as you serve in Kenya. Karen Huber

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ah, Darla. Enjoyed your post so much. My thoughts are with you often. So thankful with you that God is there. And that He is here. and in all the miles between. May He keep holding you close.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good to hear from you Karen! I'm sorry we didn't get to see you'all before we left. Thanks for the prayers, we certainly need them as we adjust. Did you hear we're finally having a girl after 6 boys? Thankfully not til January, will need all of that time to get ready. :) God bless!

    Hi Carol, as always, good to hear from you and i'm thinking of you a lot too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. How wonderful to have a glimpse into your life! It s clear that your sense of humor had finally caught back up with you!! *big grin*
    Know you are close to my heart and often in my prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Darla, I'm absolutely loving reading your posts about life in Kenya! I am sorry we didn't get to see you before you left. I of course am laughing at your humor as always and ahem...find it interesting to note when you choose to check out the soda.

    Here's hoping all is well and that you are finding peace in Him.

    Love,
    Marcia

    ReplyDelete

Please leave your name (if it is not in your Google ID) so we know who you are. Thanks.