This week began our work in Kenya as our Africa-Based Orientation commenced. After arriving in Nairobi on the 23rd, we had spent about 4 days in a missionary’s home in the Eastern Region Compound (ERC), where we were basically spoiled by our hosts, Jan and Marv Smith, who cooked for us and helped us get to the very western shops – Nakumatt and Ya Ya Center – where we exchanged money, tested our ATM cards (yes, they work great!), and purchased cell phones and other items that we thought might be essential to our adaptation to our new environment. Marv is the regional director for the Eastern Region, which includes several specific ministries in East Africa. His life has been spent largely in Africa, and his and Jan’s passion for Africa is clear. Each of them has a fluid and gracious manner that welcomes relationship, a hallmark of African life. While it is difficult for Laurel and I to imagine spending our entire lives in a country other than America right now, the Smiths are so natural there that it comes as no surprise at all.
We are now in Machakos at Scott Theological College, a school operated by AIM. Students from Scott are on summer break at the moment, so we essentially have the whole campus to ourselves, which gives us a little room to wiggle. Our group is the largest ABO class in AIM history, numbering around 90, including over 40 kids. It’s a busy place! Our daily activity consists of class sessions on language and culture, safety and travel, etc., mealtimes and teatimes (a wonderful feature of African culture that Americans should absolutely adopt!). It is a busy schedule, but beneficial, as we are all adjusting to a dramatic lifestyle change (I will include some of these in a later blog). The information and relationships acquired at this training will be a great comfort in the months to come.
The Kenyan people that we have met are kind, courteous, and helpful. I am encouraged beyond imagining that our stay in Kenya, although thoroughly challenging, will be spent with people whose very lives make the challenge worthwhile and joyful. I thank God for calling us to leave our comfortable space in the world to temporarily occupy this one. I have no doubt that it will revolutionize our worldview and irretrievably alter our hearts and spirits. Bring it, Lord!!
Hi Beckeroos! As I was returning from Becky Wion's mom's memorial service this afternoon... I considered the idea that I'd like to be granted a "do-over" for my life, as Becky's mom led such an exemplary one, and your family came to mind...what an awesome adventure you are on! And your new life was brought to you courtesy of our Lord. He is directing all of our ways and I am so proud of all of you for the journey you are on, as well as envious, as you will experience things that will remain waaaaay beyond my limited imagination. You are a gift to all you come in contact with and I am certain that the Becker clan will leave a tremendous footprint at RVA. So, acknowledging your absence thru this first message, allows it to truly seep in that you really are "away" and that I will not, for this year anyway, be offering Jade a ride home on a rainy day. You are and will remain in my prayers as I think of you often thruout my day and remind myself that sharing you is a GOOD thing! All love, Brett
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