Speed bumps and faithfulness

From the time we arrived at the airport, it seemed nearly every step had a hitch in it. But God is faithful. It took an hour to get checked-in for our flight because the airline had messed up Valerie's ticket. We sat 20ish rows apart and didn't see each other for the first flight. But God was with us. The hours in Amsterdam were quiet and restful. Then we boarded the second flight and sat for an hour and a half waiting for fuel. At least we were next to each other. We made it through all the lines in Nairobi and walked outside to find our ride to the hotel was not there. But God provided. We arranged for a taxi and made it to our beds around 12:30am. At 4:45 we were loaded in the van headed back to the airport. Check in was Kenyan style chaos but breakfast was wonderful. God is good. We were the last to board because I missed boarding time which was actually on time for the first time ever. The sky was beautifully clear and we could see Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro from the plane. God is amazing! Rodgers said they left the house early and found us already waiting. 

Our first couple of days have been spent getting used to the time and the heat, eating good food, talking a lot, playing Texopoly (thanks Valerie!), going to church, and walking to the beach. Church is worth mentioning. The pastor attended high school with Rodgers. In true Kenyan fashion, the music was extra loud but the sermon was refreshing. Pastor Francis reminded us that God's grace is greater than our sin and God's grace is greater than our religion. Ephesians 2 opens describing our former condition. We were walking around in our death. I couldn't help but picture zombies. Then comes verse 4: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,". That "but" is so important. God didn't leave us the walking dead but brought us back to life through his grace. How many zombie movies bring the zombies back to wholeness? But God... 

No step in getting here was without a hitch but no step was without God's presence, provision, and faithfulness. And now I lay here knowing I should but being unable to sleep while I reflect on God's grace. I'm listening to the local mosque play their morning call to prayer while excitedly anticipating the start of MKK high school camp. The next few days will be so full and way too fast.