August 24th - A day of gratitude

We're back in the states! Thank you all for the many prayers! Countless things could have gone wrong, but didn't. Instead, the trip was a resounding success, and we were able to be an encouragement to many while in Africa. We also are extremely grateful for the opportunity God gave us to go and for the many things which we learned along the way.

Looking back at the trip, there are a few particularly memorable things which pervaded the lives of some of our friends: Joy, Humility, & Passion.

The joy some shared was not dependant on circumstances. Young kids living in the Mathare slums of Nairobi flashed huge smiles to us as we walked by and wave. The Waswas, living in what most Americans would consider to be a very poor standard of living, were extremely joyous and generous too, sharing what little they had. Many of our African friends have simply chosen to rejoice.

I could hardly believe how servant-hearted many of the people we visited are. Rhoda-Paul, Pastor Jerome, and Pastor Joshua, and many, many more, amazed me. I was amazed to witness such love and sacrificial humility. This attitude was displayed in many ways. The honor they shared in greeting us, the gracious hospitality shown by our many hosts, the sacrifice of time made to assist us in our travels, and the many selfless acts of service done on our behalf all astounded us.

The tremendous passion and hunger for more of God which some portrayed was inspiring. Many who we visited were extremely hungry to learn more about our amazing God. Through prayer, actions, and attitude, they are pursuing God, not just sitting back and waiting for God to pursue them, and they are beginning to reap many blessings from God as they continue their pursuits.

We will continue in prayer for our many friends in Africa, and we know that they are still praying for us as well. While we don't have another trip scheduled to Africa, we have many friends praying for God to bring us back. We'll see what happens... we live for an amazing God of possibilities! Wherever God takes us, we know that our God continues to stand with us, and he'll continue to amaze us each step of the way.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
- Ephesians 3:20-21