The Pearl of GREAT Worth
Hello from KENYA!
Reflecting on the past 3 weeks, I don't even know where to begin. It has been 3 weeks of many ups and downs. From shopping for our house, to navigating the grocery stores, engaging with a new culture, seeing many new things, meeting new people, setting up our house, setting up my classroom, learning to drive, preparing for school to start next week, buying a car, being sick, and trying to develop some what of a normal routine - it's been a crazy few weeks.
YET, God has been so incredibly faithful through this. He has blessed me in the little areas which I am so incredibly thankful for. He has given me a beautiful caring roommate, who even helped take care of me (and bring me chocolate cake) when I was sick. He has provided new friendships and relationships which have been a great encouragement and help in the past few weeks. And so many more that I don't even know how to list! I've found a beautiful gospel-centered church, the staff at my school are amazing, I've felt peace even in this overwhelming time of preparing for my class, I've taken on driving well, I recovered quickly from being sick, our landlord is so lovely and even slaughtered a chicken as a "welcome" present, the elections have been pretty peaceful in our area, my time with the lord has been SO nourishing and He continues to encourage me with the truth of his presence in moments where I feel homesick/overwhelmed/sad/discouraged.
This past week I got an email update from friends who are missionaries in Turkey. The title of the letter read "For the pearl of great worth!" This struck me as I sat in my bed, sick from some parasite I'd consumed. FOR the pearl of great worth I am here, FOR the pearl of great worth I am choosing to go through this time of missing home/adjusting to everything new/enduring the uncomfortableness of the unknown, FOR the pear of great worth I have this blessed opportunity to adventure through this year with 22 10 year olds. The other day, a fellow new teacher and I were talking about how hard aspects of life are here... YET I couldn't help but smile. Although it is hard, it is also SO good. Every time there's a hurdle, whether that's taking an hour at the grocery store because I don't know where anything is, maneuvering traffic, having to bleach all fruits and vegetables, not being able to wash my teeth with tap water or even just learning to interact with a different culture, I am reminded of why I am doing this. It is because Christ is worthy of all my time, resources and comfort. Yet, I don't just give it up to be emptied- he fills me up! He is so faithful, good and compassionate to those who seek to know Him and make him known.
And now- here are a few photos! I'd love to show our house too.. but that's still in the process of being done. So, below are a few photos of my classroom, school, and surrounding area. We also went to the giraffe sanctuary/mansion ... so of course there are a few photos of our new friends too ;)
Major Prayer requests-
- The first full day of school tomorrow. Prayer for peace, wisdom and energy for the weeks ahead.
- There have been some heavy things happening on campus the past few days. Prayer for God's coverage, comfort and protection in this time.
- Prayer for my roommate and I. For God's continued protection, peace and harmony within our relationship.
- For my kids that are coming tomorrow! Pray that the Lord will be preparing their hearts and minds for him to work this year.
