The Speed of Time

With ten days left, I am preparing myself to say "kwa heri" (goodbye) to my Kenya. This will likely be my last update until I land on U.S. soil. I think I have really been able to appreciate each and every day here because I have experienced how precious and scarce my time is here. The feeling in my stomach of dread is very familiar. The fact that I will be heading back to East Africa later in the year isn't softening the blow of leaving despite what I had expected. The people I have met and have gotten to know are the hardest to leave...
While in Kasarani, we have learned about Islam, Hinduism, visited the Mother Teresa orphanage, spent time with the children in Mathare Valley slum, been on a safari in Naivasha, and have been able to process what God taught us all on our three week assignment. I have loved being there for the students as they experience God and as they confront the lessons Christ is showing them. The team in general has been impacting Kenya in small ways and God has used those ways to expand His kingdom and change all of our lives.
The bittersweet number of days remaining will be full. Tomorrow we will be going to a youth prison to do ministry, and Friday will be our trip to Africa Inland Mission's headquarters in Nairobi before departing for Mombasa for debriefing. I cannot wait to see what God has for me/us these few days left.
Sigh. I am thankful that I don't want to leave Kenya because that means it was a great experience. At the same time, it will break my heart as much as it did two years ago.

Please be praying for:
  Continued health for our team
  Safe travel in and from Nairobi
  Rest
  The students on my team
  All of us staff as we serve the students and try and process what we've learned as well
 Brian and Mama Hannah - God to give them energy and strength as they continue to lead and guide us
Also, safe travel as we head to Mombasa, back to Nairobi, and as we fly home.

You are all in my thoughts and I cannot wait to tell you of God's goodness in my life and in Kenya when I get back. Kwa heri!

Baraka,
Missy