As we were descending into Nairobi—only minutes from landing, feeling the heat of 80 degrees at 10:00PM, the chaos of purchasing our Visa, and finally, getting through customs with 17 checked items and two personal carry-on items for each person—I looked at Bekah across the plane isle from me, Owen on my lap, and asked her, “We are descending into Kenya from a one-way ticket… What are we doing?”
Our journey started with an issue at luggage check-in. We were told that we were allowed 3 checked items. Reality is, there was a logistical error and we were allowed only two. The agent was great and helped us, thank you God!
We landed in London after a 9.5 hour flight. Our kids did great! I think they slept only an hour or so on that entire flight, so when we landed in London, it was early morning…they felt they didn’t want to sleep.
During our three hour layover, they all napped on the benches of the airport in a quiet corner. Landing in Nairobi that night after 8.5 hour flight, we were thoroughly exhausted!! We enjoyed a stay in another brother’s, Glenn, apartment in Nairobi. Glenn, Marc, Charlton, and Isaiah all met us and took care of us! What a blessing to be received with such joy and support.
This past week has been spent trying to get settled. Dishes purchased, unpack our totes, arrange the kitchen and bedrooms, purchasing a phone line/number, trying to get food for quick meals…moving is always messy!
The Carrier’s have been more than forgiving when it comes to borrowing things as we get settled, providing a few meals, and taking us around the markets and “down town” to purchase our needed items.
I feel that we are only halfway unpacked at this time. It’s so difficult to unpack, live, do errands, and try to get our feet wet with a few missional things. Honestly, maybe I’m taking on more than I should this first week!
As for weather, it’s very warm—it’s the dry season here, so it’s very dusty and hot. Mornings are quite cool—mid 50’s—where the afternoons are up in the 80’s. The roads are CRAZY right now; road construction in this area means large truck traffic, but these roads just are built for this traffic. They are so rough and dusty. But, I do admit, I’m ready for the rainy season already! =)
Tomorrow is Sunday. I’m excited to spend the day with brothers and sisters in the Lord! I know they have been praying for us for many months, and to see them again will be a time of GREAT rejoicing. In fact, it’s been amazing to see many of them again this week as they pop in to visit—oh how my heart has rejoiced in seeing them again.
Yet, on the other hand, I truly miss our brothers and sisters in the States. Though it’s been only a few days, it feels like weeks. I will continue to miss the connection and friendships we’ve built up in the past few weeks.
Prayer requests:
- Peace in our home as we settle into our routines. The kids have been out of any sort of routine for many weeks.
- Spiritual pressures and oppression is serious. The enemy has tried to set into motion events to try to scare us and stop us, yes, even since we’ve been here!
- I find that nerves and feelings are on edge—I admit, much is likely due to the time change and still trying to adapt.
- There are many times where I’m overwhelmed at the changes. I don’t feel fearful, rather, the changes are so great…and can I be any impact or help to the mission?
Our God is so good! He is truly to be praised. I am thankful for His faithfulness to us over these days. His protection, peace, and grace He gives is great. I so look forward to the months and years ahead. Bekah and I have been looking forward to this day, and now that it’s here, it’s just crazy thinking that we are missionaries on the mission field.
I want to encourage each of you, join the mission field. If it’s in a specific country, a specific people, and especially those around you…join the field! If you claim Christ as Lord of your life, you have been commissioned, so join us and the many others that are proclaiming the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is at hand!
If you wish to join us on the mission financially, click on the donate link above—scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll see how you can give to us directly there.
May the Lord richly bless you.
Tim Nafziger and family
Kenya