Choosing to See...

Six weeks ago, I completed a journey on trails I never expected to step foot on. Both literally and metaphorically. Since my return home, life has not felt normal (Thank you Hurricane Harvey), and it has taken me this long to process what it all means...

My time spent in Africa this summer was so special. It was different than times before. The preparation that was required of me beforehand was tremendous, training my mind, body, and spirit for what was ahead. I spent a great deal of time figuring out how to fight mind monsters that were trying like hell to invade my mind and defeat my spirit, praying specific prayers of strength and truth (See: Mind Monsters by Kevin Gerald and Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer... I highly recommend.). Reminding myself of who I am in Christ and what He says about me, rather than what I tell myself or what others say about my abilities. Repeating these scriptures and truths and replacing those thoughts of insecurity and fear was critical to my successful journey.

Leaving Kenya was sad, but what awaited me in Tanzania was a remarkable adventure. After two days of visiting Compassion student centers and family homes, and playing with most adorable kiddos (SERIOUSLY. Their joy was infectious!!), my teammates and I started our trek up Kilimanjaro. Now, THIS is the good part...

   

Every day on the mountain brought forth more beauty and astonishment. Every turn around a corner brought a new, even more marvelous view of creation screaming God's glory. My thoughts were stuck on this amazement. God spoke all of this beauty into existence and said that "it was good." Yet, it when He created me (us), He breathed life into me and called me His Beloved. The Crown of Creation. Surrounded by all of this extraordinary beauty, more than all of that, to Him we are more precious. I couldn't get over it. I still can't.

Four days of hiking and I was feeling pretty good. Enduring headaches at high altitudes is easy when you're talking, laughing, and singing about everything under the sun with new-found friends... Then came Summit Night, and things got harder. Starting at ~15,500ft., our climb began in the dark at midnight. I kept praying over and over with each step "Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord." Hearing our guides repeat our anthem of "Pamoja tunaweza!", "Together we can!" over and over, along with their singing, was incredibly encouraging. Picturing the most beautiful sunrise I woke up to in the morning at Kikelelwa Camp a couple of days before, and knowing what beauty we would behold at sunrise at 18,000+ feet absolutely kept me moving. I pictured our Compassion kiddos and their families carrying pails of water back and forth, back and forth everyday alongside the roads of their villages. Knowing the strength they must muster up to do that each day gave me enough strength to push it each step further. Along with a constant reassurance that "God is with me" while being surrounded by those just like me, hearing sweet, caring voices singing songs of strength and victory, asking thoughtful "How are you?'s" and affirming "Me too's."  This put a rhythm in my steps and kept me moving forward.

Still, physically, I was at my worst when we arrived at Gillman's Point. Six hours of hiking in the dark meant a lingering headache and nausea. Feeling like I wanted/needed to throw up, but couldn't. Yet, not caring a whole lot, because set before me in the snow and sunrise above the clouds and the mountain top ahead was the most beautiful sight of creation I've ever laid my eyes on. It was a beautiful paradox. That two hour trek from there up to Uhuru Peak was grueling. I wanted to fall asleep right there on the mountain. I was happy and beyond pleased to see all of the beauty so far, and would have been very happy to stop many times. Though, the views at 19,341 feet were incredible. Overcome by emotion, amazement, and nausea, it was hard to move, talk, or even think straight. I will never forget those moments at the top; somehow mustering up enough breath to take it all in, to laugh and to cry with my angels and new friends for life.

This was a pilgrimage that I will cherish for the rest of my days. The memories I gained from this experience are treasured in my heart, and the wisdom is worth believing over and over again. Because after the summit, we had to come down off that mountain. But the lessons learned still ring true at sea level. What I heard God whispering to me again and again was "I am." Comforter. Provider. Giver of strength and peace and joy. That is who He is no matter the altitude, situation, or trial. He is there...

• That "lucky last" ticket on the train back to Mombasa.

• That friend who loves sharing videos of her neices and nephews as much as I do.

• My tentmate playing confidence-boosting jams the night before the summit climb (See: "Get Back Up Again" from Trolls.)

• My guide Musafa who took my backpack and fed me chocolate ("suga") and water when mine was frozen ("sippy sippy").

• My other guide Gasper who took my pack and pole and ran with me, arm-in-arm, for an hour down the mountain.

• Seat 11A on my long flight home. Not quite business class, but extra legroom! 

• Seeing a familiar face for a few unexpected moments at the airport back home. 

• That one last float around the lazy river on vacation with the fam and long conversations and laughs with siblings that are few and far between.

• Those ten uninterrupted nights at home with mom and dad while waiting out the storm. Game playing, Hallmark movie watching, and all.

• Countless sights of friends and strangers who dropped everything to rescue those from harm, to demo flooded homes, to give food and shelter in the moment of need. 

• That child in class on the first day back to school after the flood who literally shared the definition of hope, and reminded me that it all would be okay...

... God is with us. He goes before us, and walks beside us. May we always keep choosing to see Him. 

Tuende juu pamoja, 

-Sarah 

Love in Any Language

My time in Mombasa and living with the locals is coming to an end, and there is a lot that will be missed. Though I've only been here for 11 days, it's felt like many more...

Before leaving for my trip, I spent those last few days at home frantically preparing for what was to come: running last minute errands, making phone calls, tying up loose ends at work, rescheduling flights that were cancelled unexpectedly, and attempting to pack strategically for multiple trips in one. The amount of planning and decision making that went into this trip was incredible and, for me, more than ever before. My emotions were on overload at this point... as something as simple as purchasing the right kind of gloves brought me to tears. And every time I heard a song about climbing a mountain (literally or metaphorically), I started to cry! In the midst of all of this, I was losing sight of the One who had prepared and purposed me for this mission all along. 

After two days of longs flights and lonely layovers, I arrived in Mombasa safe and sound. It took me a few extra days to recover from jet lag this time, but I managed. The last week has been chalk-full of adventures, accomplishments, and some very special moments...

• Successfully setting up wifi and laptops in a school and Skyping with my mom from thousands of miles away!!! I was elated!

• Meeting a family of missionaries (who happens to be related to a family I babysit for in Houston--who could've planned that?!), seeing where they work, and enjoying a tasty dinner in their home. It was so nice to see familiar faces to remind us of the comfort of family and home!

• Getting the very last tickets on the train to Nairobi and back. Phew! This lucky last ticket put me sitting smack dab in the middle of a family from Somalia with 4 kids under the age of 5. Baby snuggles, giggling, and elephant watching the whole way home!!

• Revisiting my Compassion child at her home in Machakos!

• Hanging with my Kenyan fam in the hills outside of Nairobi, and enjoying home-cooked meals with the locals. 

... to name a few.

I would be lying if I said my journey so far has been without any challenges--it has not. I've been tired--really tired, frustrated, and confused. Remembering to use bottled water to brush my teeth, taking cold showers, applying bug spray just to sit around the house, wearing pants so the bugs won't bite-even when it's hot and no A/C, asking for directions and help for the simplest of tasks, and constantly doing the "social fake" and pretending like I understand what's happening around me when I actually have no clue...and typing this now in the dark without power. All of which lead to me longing for the comforts (luxuries) of home (hashtag PERSPECTIVE). I am stubborn, and at times easily annoyed and ungrateful.

Though, through it all, I've seen glimpses of God's presence and love, and experienced His goodness and favor like never before. I've learned once again that a smile can break down any language barrier or cultural difference, and taking the time to show a person compassion and understanding is respected worldwide. He's reminded me of whose I am and who I am to trust. When things around me look impossible, I can trust Him and remember that He is for me, has gone before me, and walks with me every step of the way. Knowing that makes things here easier, and a whole lot more fun!

On Wednesday, I leave for another big adventure in Tanzania as I will join a group of other Compassion International sponsors. We will spend a few days in town visiting child development centers and family homes, as well as seeing the water sanitation projects we raised funds for in action. Then, we will begin our trek up and down Kilimanjaro on Saturday. I beg for continued prayers for my physical and mental health as I tackle this new and challenging adventure. Countless prayers have been answered already, so keep 'em coming!

Finding JOY in the Journey,
-Sarah 

Love Goes On.

About this time last year, I made this post while serving in Kenya, during a time of complete uncertainty and fear.  At that point, the only thing I knew for sure was God's love for me and the Hope I had in His Word. Coming back home, I struggled with what my walk with Jesus would look like day to day and wondered what He had for me here. 

"Ever our heart will seek

Jesus in everything

From the sky to ocean deep

Your love goes on

Through every rise and fall

We are forever yours

One thing we know is sure

Your love goes on and on and on..."

Now, almost a year later I know that His Word is true and brings us hope no matter what our lives look like or where we are. He speaks life to us no matter what the situation. Although a huge part of me wants so badly to be in Africa again this summer, I am beginning to appreciate what God has for me here. Life at home may bring trouble of its own and in different ways, but one thing I know for sure is that His Love goes on... And for that, I am thankful. 

Since I've been home...

I've been home from Kenya for just over 2 months now. The lessons I have learned throughout this journey have been endless. My faith in the Lord has grown exponentially, and I am forever grateful.

Just a few of the things I've learned along this wild adventure: 
1. God is God, and I am not. 
2. The Lord really does what His Word says He does. 
3. As a child of the King, He so ADORES us more than we can comprehend.

FREEDOM.

My time has come to leave this community that I have so loved. The city of Mombasa, Kenya and its people have grabbed hold of my heart once again. When I visited Kenya in 2012, I had no idea that I'd be back here just 2 years later. But, the Lord knows things which we do not. He does things beyond what we could ask or imagine--and how thankful I am for that Promise!

Through the help of friends and colleagues, the Lord allowed me to be a blessing to so many. Books, toys, and therapy items were donated to a clinic, children's home, and private school. By the grace of God, some wonderful trainings took place, educating more than 30 professionals in Mombasa on speech and language development. The Lord blessed me with the right words and interactions to get the message across appropriately, crossing language and cultural barriers. I could not have imagined it any better.

  

Still, this adventure has not been without its challenges. Spending 4 weeks away from home in a place that is now essentially considered a "war zone" has not been easy. I spent the first half of my trip going about my days in a very orderly manner. I woke up, went to work, and came home. I did not veer from my structured daily routine, which did not allow much time to explore or have any fun outside of the ordinary. Then, the Lord began a good work in me. 2 weeks into my trip, after some tears of frustration and fear, the Holy Spirit began whispering to me "You are MY child and you are FREE. Do not fear, for I am WITH YOU." Then I recalled Galatians 5:1, "It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free." He did not save me so that I could live in a shell, having no fun, wallowing in sadness, frustration, or fear. He saved me so I could be FREE. So with constant reminders of His Promises, I began stepping out of my comfort zone. New friends invited me over for dinner, and I accepted, even if that meant I would be going to an unfamiliar area or I'd be home after dark. I visited wildlife sanctuaries, enjoyed dinner and dessert at great African/Indian restuarants, and enjoyed week night church fellowships. And each time, someone was always there to escort me home safely after dark. God was reminding me that if I'd just listen, follow, and TRUST Him, He would provide the way.

And now, I am saying goodbye. As THRILLED as I am to be returning home to my family and friends and comfort, my heart is breaking just as badly for this country. God brought me here for this season, and now I get to go home. But there are many here who call this their home. I've personally met, worked with, and lived with ones who've been displaced from their homes because of violence and terrorism. My worries at home are just not the same.

As I leave Mombasa and travel home, I'm asking for continued prayers for protection and guidance. I absolutely cannot wait to see my family and catch up on what I've missed since I've been gone. I am blessed to have quite a testimony to share and am so eager to see what the Lord will do with it!

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Liberty." -2 Corinthians 3:17

Home sick.

2 weeks across the globe and I'm home sick. :(

 

I miss my family.

 

I miss my friends.

 

I miss my church.

 

I miss doing bible study every week with my life group.

 

I miss Houston and Mexican food and swimming pools and parks.

 

I miss the luxury of having clean, hot water.

 

I miss being constantly connected to the world, just by turning on my smart phone.

 

Among other things.

 

 

But for everything that I miss so badly right now, there are things that I am thankful for here...

 

I am thankful for a Kenyan family who loves me like their own, feeds me, protects me, entertains me and gives me a clean, safe place to sleep.

 



I am thankful for friends and other professionals here that I can learn from and laugh with daily.

 

I am thankful for Christian churches here in Kenya that show up every Sunday, loving Jesus, worshiping God, and preaching His word. Despite the risk.

 

I am thankful for nightly bible study with my host family.

 

I am thankful for Mombasa, spiced tea, Kenyan food, beautiful beaches, and wildlife.

 



I am thankful for quick cold showers that wake me up in the morning and cool me off at night.

 

I am thankful for unexpected emails from friends and family, and short but very sweet phone conversations with the ones I love.

 

Among other things.

 

 

Plus, I do get to love on some pretty adorable African kiddos every day, which is a major plus. :)

 



 

 

It's amazing how giving thanks automatically lifts your spirits!

 

Exactly 2 weeks from today, I will be HOME! But for now, I am having fun, being adventurous, trusting the Lord, and living life to the fullest...

　

　

　

 Xoxo.

Mzungu! Jambo, Mzungu!

...(essentially) "Hey white girl!" is what I hear on the streets multiple times a day. I've gotten used to this greeting and embrace it, responding with a casual "Mambo!". So far, I've seen very few other mzungus in my area, which has been interesting. :)

 



There's a funny thing about doing anything for a second time in life... you begin to realize how very much you didn't know the first time! It's quite humbling actually. I've been given much grace this time around, which I'm extremely thankful for. For instance, preparing for this trip (e.g. packing, getting shots, organizing my paperwork, etc.) was much easier than before. There are so many things you don't know about a particular event or situation until you've experienced it yourself for once. The fact that having a bottle of Febreeze handy never occured to me when I came to Kenya 2 years ago. But you better believe I packed that this time!! Some things I've witnessed thus far on my trip have not been AS suprising to me this time, simply because I've seen or experienced this before. Other things, I just can't seem to get past. Let me enlighten you...

 

1. The smells. Awful smells, all the time everywhere outside (and often inside). Smells like burning piles of rubbish, or just piles and piles of rubbish, body odor, and more.

 

2. Sitting TOO close for comfort with strangers in a matatu (taxi) ride. Imagine riding to work at 8am after just having breakfast, and being squished in a van full of sweaty people (including me). B.O. everywhere. It's a struggle that early in the morning for me. Just sayin.

 

3. On the subject of matatus, they are a wild adventure in themselves. The ones that play old school rap music are my fave. They're hilarious. Also, I still can't figure out how they don't wreck or bust their tires every five seconds. It's a wonder. I've managed to almost master the art of matatu riding on my own. I know enough swahili now to not let the conductors take advantage of me or charge me out the wazoo, just because I'm mzungu.

 

4. People offering you whatever food they have at any time of the day, no matter how much or how very little. Kenyan people are the most hospitable.

 

5. Worship. I went to church on Sunday with some of my host family here, and loved it. It was heart-breaking, inspriring, convicting, and enlightening all at once. Every time these people make the choice to step in the house of God and worship, they are risking their lives. Christians and churches in Kenya have been targets of terrorism and violence for a while now, and there's a real chance every time these people meet together, that it will be there last. Still, they do it for the glory of God. And here I am living my usual life deciding when I want to attend church or bible study on my terms. And we are FREE to worship, in so many ways. I can't get over it.

 

... and those are just a few thoughts. So many of the things I see everyday are clear reminders of how blessed we are. The mere fact that I was even born in a country like America, into a family that loves Jesus, is a miracle. TOO many others in this world cannot say the same.

 

This week I've spent some time meeting with some other professionals (speech-language therapists, and occupational therapists), planning trainings, visiting schools and clinics, and meeting with parents. Tomorrow I am heading back to one of my favorite places here in Mombasa, Tumaini Children's Home and Sirio School. I cannot wait to see these kids' many smiling faces and love on them for the time I've been given.

 

I've been away from home for only 8 days now, and I'm already home-sick. Praying for strength to get me through the next 20 days...

 

Tuonane... "See ya!" :)