That is one of many greetings they use here in Kenya which means "praise God!"
I am finally in Kenya! After may hours walking the streets of NYC, spending days in airports, sleeping in an Arab country, we made it here safely without much trouble. Some of the team lost valuables, but God has brought them back.
Our team has bonded nicely! I am very excited to be with them for 6 more weeks. Stepping off the plane made it more real that I am in Africa!
This is our 3rd full day at a Watakatifu Wote Senta and I have already had many adventures. The Senta (Kenyan English) is just outside Ngong Town in Niarobi and it is surprisingly cool in the morings and evenings due to elevation. It is green and lush as well which makes all of our asumptions void. Haha. We have been in orientation mode and training for our 3 week assignments (which won't be known for a couple days). In training, we are practicing Swahili and immersing ourselves in the culture. Four Kenyan students have joined us on our adventure and having them with us is wonderful, even thought they laugh at us quite a bit. Two days ago, we were sent in small groups to Ngong town to buy supplies...but our leader only gave us the Swahili names. Needless to say, we had trouble finding things because we pronounced them wrong. One girl accidentally asked for "mucus toilet". Yesterday, we visited the Mathari slum, one of many in Nairobi. I cannot take the time to descibe what was going on in my heart, but I can tell you that God is working in me and around me. We were encouraged by the hope in the eyes of the children there as they enthusiastically waved while repeating "how are you". Being white, we are given a lot of respect and are welcomed (karibu) often even when our Kenyan friends are overlooked.
For now, I will say goodbye, but hopefully I will be able to update again soon!
Please pray for:
Cultural adjustment (we are in honeymoon stage but it will become more difficult)
More team building
That our hearts with be soft
For health (this is a big one...immunizations do not always work and mosquitoes love me)
Much love,
Missy
P.S. Dad and Mom, I love you! I am doing well. :-*
