MCC GO TEAMS

Jambo (It means hello. It is my first word that I learned here in Nairobi! I also hope I spelled it right haha)

This is Amanda!

Today was our first full day in Nairobi, Kenya. We woke up a little tired from jet lag, but we were eager to start our very eventful day. We all walked over to the commons area and had breakfast. It was delicious! The fruit is so fresh and sweet, especially the pineapple. It is my favorite. As I entered the dining area I was amazed to see the many other people here on missions. It made my heart happy to know all of these people, including young children traveled all this way to share the love of God.

As we sat around the table, we all talked about how we slept. Some slept better than others. We also had a nice devotional. It was led by me. I read from Philippians 4:4-8. It talks about anxieties and how we need to give everything up to God because He is in control. As we go into our two weeks here it is important to remember that God has us all in His hands and He will guide us and protect us while we serve the people of Kenya.

After breakfast we gathered up on the bus and headed to the Missions of Hope Church in Pangani. While on the bus we met up with the group from Brazil that we are teaming up for the time we are here. They are all very nice. Janet and I got to sit up front with the bus driver. It was so neat to see how different they drive here. There aren’t really any red lights or stop signs. People just drive! Sometimes it got a bit intimidating as people drove in and out of the lanes, but it was a cool experience to see how different their driving is! Once we arrived at the church, it was jaw dropping. To see the people there worshipping God, dancing and singing was just overwhelming. Their energy and power in their words was transforming. We quickly joined in on the worship. They were not speaking in English, but it was still so incredible to hear them singing in their own language.

After church we went to Kylie’s house. Many of the people at Mountain probably know her, but before this trip I did not. Meeting her was such a wonderful experience. She is such a sweet and kind hearted person. She opened her house up for us and served us lunch. It was very delicious! We got to talking about why she came to Africa and what she does here. It was very inspiring to hear her story and to see how God is using her.

After Kylie's, we came back to the place where we are staying. Kate and I walked around and got to talking with a group of people from California! They were awesome. They told us that they had over 11 children under the age of 18 with them. That is just amazing. To see the work of God being done in young people and their urge to serve others is just admirable. After about an hour or so we all headed up to the Yaya market. It was more like a mall. Inside they had really nice restaurants and stores. On the third floor was their bargaining market. There were tons of people there. It was so amazing to see the many different things that were being sold. They had clothes, jewelry, paintings, blankets, bags, wallets, wood carvings and more! That was a very cool experience. After the market we met for dinner in the Yaya center. It was very nice and enjoyable. I got to hangout and talk with Anthony’s nephew, Jonathan. He lives here in Nairobi and he is 18 years old. We got to talking and he is so nice! We had a lot in common and I made my first friend!

We are packing up now for Turkana. That is where we will be doing the vacation bible school. I am so excited to see all of the children! Before we leave for Turkana tomorrow we are going to be able to meet our sponsor children. I sponsor two little girls and I can’t even explain how excited I am to finally meet them. Tomorrow will be such a great day!

To my friends and family at home, I am having the time of my life here! I absolutely love it. It is everything I dreamed it would be and so much more. God has already done so much here in

Kenya, but also in me.

Talk to ya’ll soon! Bye!