Jambo!

Sorry for taking so long to write. We've had trouble getting our computers to work and getting an internet connection. So if you're reading this, it worked!! We safely arrived yesterday morning at 6am (we're 8 hours ahead of you so that was 10pm CST on Tuesday). We drove to Moi Girls School yesterday afternoon and spent our first full day with the girls today. Our hosts are extremely hospitable and attend to our every need. The girls are very excited that we're here, and we've already had the opportunity to record them singing. Hopefully some day soon, we can post one of the videos on youtube. Tomorrow will be another full day at the school. We will have a worship service at 8am, lead seminars on topics such as USA 101, Teen Culture in the US, Spiritual Discipline of Service, ABC's of Salvation, Modesty, Women of the Bible, etc., and then lead the girls in team-building activities in the afternoon.
I think I can speak for everyone on the team in that, we are so excited to be here. We are looking forward to ministering for and with the girls over the next few days.
I'd better go for now. The battery is about to die, and I don't have a working charger. :) Thanks for your prayers.
Until next time...

The Beauty of Technology

I have a new World Blackberry phone which I got for our mission trip. It's got lots of features, one of which is being internet capable. This post is actually from my new phone! I hope this will allow for more regular posts, even when we're away from internet connections. More to follow.

One week and one day from now, we will be arriving in Chicago, IL, which is the first stop on our way to Kenya. We just had our final team meeting, and things are shaping up for our trip. I have to admit that I'm experiencing mixed emotions. I'm beyond words excited about our trip, but simultaneously worried about getting everything done this week (nothing like having to write a research paper and take an exam the morning of your flight!). But more than that, it pains me to think of being away from my son for 3 weeks. I'm sure I'll be an emotional basketcase at least some of the time while we're gone.

I plan to use this blog as a way to communicate to family and friends while we're in Kenya...to share our ups and downs and everything in between. I probably won't have internet access every day, but hopefully I'll be able to write often enough to give you a glimpse of our experience there. Also, I'll ask a fellow team member to write a note along the way to give you variety in perspectives. :)

Until next time...
Kristin