Today, August 9th, marks one full year of living in Kenya!

It’s one of those things where it feels like we stepped of the plane just yesterday, yet life in America seems like it was ages ago.

So much has changed. Now, we have one year of life and ministry in a new country under our belts. God has worked majorly in our hearts and through our ministry, and we are so, so grateful.

Here’s a glimpse of some new transitions we’ve made, as well as things that have stayed the same over our first year…

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Our lives have transitioned quite a bit…

…from how to bargain grocery shop at Aldi before visiting Publix to haggling in the open air markets.

…from driving on the right side of smooth American roads, to the left side of pot-hole infested Kenyan “roads.” (and creating 4×4 off-road lanes when needed.)

…from the luxury of an electric dishwasher in our kitchen to becoming the dishwashers in our kitchen.

…from having Willow, our dog, spot squirrels in the forest to having her GO INSANE at the monkeys in the treetops.

…from casually eating Chick-fil-A three times a week to strategically reserving our three precious sauce packets for special occasions.

…from hanging out with students at Friday night football games to hanging out with students during weekend football games. (Did you catch the difference?)

…from youth group gatherings at “The Crossing” to youth group gatherings in the basement of a generous family’s home.

…from playing Gaga Ball in Nate’s handmade pit to rigging a Gaga Ball pit out of various borrowed tables.

…from hearing about students’ epic summer adventures in Florida to casual conversations about students’ holiday adventures to Italy, France, Germany, Korea, UAE, Canada, etc.

…from listening and learning at our church service to Nate preaching his first-ever sermon series at church!

 

 

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Yet, so many things have stayed nearly the same…

Waking up bright and early for small group Bible studies at 7:00am before school.

Gradually improving on our Spikeball skills, week by week at youth group.

Visiting students during their lunch hour at school.

Having an absolute BLAST putting on a Disciple Now weekend for jr. high and sr. high students.

Exploring new places, making s’mores and ENOing on camping trips with students.

Cheering on our guys and gals at middle school and high school sporting events.

Sharing Scripture lessons at youth group on Sundays and growing in our own understanding of the Word through morning church services.

It has been a wonderfully challenging yet fulfilling year of life and ministry in Kenya. We are so thankful for all that God has done and is doing in the hearts of our students and we can’t wait to see what Year 2 brings!

 

Prayer Requests:

• Yesterday was Kenya’s Presidential election day. Pray for peace throughout the country, as Kenya has had a history of tribal violence and riots in past years during this time. The previous President, Uhuru Kenyatta, was re-elected for a second term.
• Baby Mast is due September 16th! Pray that delivery goes well and that he is healthy! Also pray for us as we learn how to be PARENTS!
• The international schools begin back later this month, which means youth ministry will be in full swing in just a few short weeks! Pray for organization, preparedness and energy to start the year off right!