We Have Arrived In Nairobi

We are in Kenya! Our flights went smoothly and we got through all the checkpoints and customs without any issues. We didn't expect any problems, but it was still a huge blessing to have things go so easily and quickly. And to have all our luggage and supplies arrive on time. 

We've just had our first night's rest and will be headed to the Rift Valley Academy after lunch. The shower was magical this morning. The African air, trees, and bird calls are all very distinct - though we haven't seen too much since we arrived in darkness. The weather is like a very pleasant spring with slight drizzle. Very different from back home, where it was snowing when we left. 

Most of us seem to have adjusted well to the 7 hour time difference. Please continue to pray for our trip and health. Give thanks for our smooth travels, for all God is doing here, and for all his perfect plans to come. We thank you all for your continued support. We expect to have Internet so feel free to email us over the next few days. 

Prayer Requests As We Depart

Well, this is the big week. We're headed to Kenya on Wednesday! Our bags are getting packed, and all sorts of gifts, supplies, and VBS crafts are crammed into our suitcases. The team met for a time of fellowship over dinner and then held one final meeting on Friday. Then, this morning, we went to our various life communities throughout Westover and had our friends pray for our trip. The support of our church family has really been amazing, so thank you! And thanks to all our other friends and family for all your help and encouragement.

On Wednesday we will be meeting at Westover at 12:00 noon for a time of prayer before we leave. Friends and family will be praying over us until we depart at 12:30pm for Raleigh. If you'd like to join us, please please please come! We're meeting in Westover's atrium.

As we travel and spend the next two weeks in Kenya, please keep us in your prayers. Here are a few items to be lifting up:

• Health for our team as we serve. Please pray that sickness and other health issues would be kept from us during this time! 
• Pray for the kids at the VBS, that they will have a fun time of learning about Daniel and have a better understanding of God's power and love.
• Safety during our travels, and smooth transitions through customs
• Luggage gets to Kenya. Luggage gets home.
• That our team will have great unity and strength as a group
• That God will meet our remaining financial support
• Pray for the kids and others we will meet as we travel to the local orphanage and hospital, and that we reflect the love of God in our every interaction
• Pray that all our various activities, songs, crafts, construction projects, etc. go smoothly
• That every individual on our team will grow in their relationship with God, and trust in him during this trip rather than relying on our own strength
• For those back home, including 8 children who will be missing parents - and that caretakers do not go insane.

We should be able to update the blog from Kenya, so we'll keep you updated!

Support & Safety Update

The past few months have really flown by. We are heading to Kenya in less than 3 weeks! As of today, we are at 63% of our support goal, with another $9,125 needed to cover our expenses. It has been a huge blessing to see our friends and family show such incredible support for us. Thank you all so much!

We appreciate your continued prayers for our team and our service. Please also pray that the rest of our support comes in soon and that we will have a safe trip! Speaking of safety - most of you probably heard about the terrorist attack on one of Nairobi's malls. While it was a shocking and horrendous event, there is no cause for alarm concerning our trip. We are flying in and out of Nairobi, however we are only spending one evening there. Even if we were to stay in Nairobi the entire two weeks, there's really no reason to worry. It is a perfectly safe place. Besides, God is always in control!