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