The Time Draws Near

I look at the date and I see I’m at 38 days until we leave for Kenya.  The closer the date comes, the more nervous I become about actually speaking during the church service in Meru.  Yes, that’s right.  I get to stand up in front of a bunch of people I don’t know and tell them how God called me and my mission friends to Kenya.  I’m riding that fine line between thinking I’ll just say what hits me and preparing every word. 

I hope that I don’t embarrass myself and those with me.  I have gotten up in front of my local church to speak about the trip I am about to take, but that was different.  I knew everyone and they knew I was going to Africa.  This was just a chance for me to explain what I’d be doing.

Now speaking in Kenya will be different.  I won’t know the native language for those that don’t speak English (though I’ve been told that most do speak English) and I won’t know all the customs of the language to make sure I don’t say something either stupid or offensive.  I think I’m going to have to spend some time with Pastor before I say anything to make sure I don’t say the wrong thing.

But beyond that, I’m so ready to go.  I’ve even started packing things.  Not clothing obviously, but items I will need to take that I don’t normally use on a daily basis.  I’ve put them in a bag that will be just for this trip.  A notebook to write my thoughts of all we go through (some which should make it to the blog), a book about astronomy since this will be the first time I get to see some of these stars overhead, power adapter for electronics, and some other things. 

But everything I think about will pale, totally pale, in comparison to what I see, feel, and learn while in Kenya.  I just hope that my heart is open to all that happens so that I can come home a better person for having seen what God was willing to share with me and with the others on the mission.

Tony