Welcome to Kijabe...

After taking wing from Greenville Sunday afternoon, Teresa and I got to enjoy a brief passage through Washington DC (who still had a fair amount of snow) and headed onward towards Zurich, Switzerland.  We were granted a smooth flight and were blessed to watch the sunrise from the air over the gorgeous snow covered mountains of France and Switzerland.  The brief layover gave us only enough time to marvel at the Camel Smoke Lounge where there were in fact no camels and way too much smoke.  If you were to imagine a glass box in the middle of a large atrium, you would be well on your way to a smoke lounge.  Also worthy of note, it apparently kept little smoke within the confines of the lounge as evidenced by the escaping clouds of smoke. 

Never the matter, we got some good sleep on the way to Nairobi with the most amazing flight with Swiss Air.  I think we were offered beverages and food every half hour or so and we consumed it all.  They even served hot tea that was so strong it ate a hole in the seat where I spilled a few drops.  Our flight ended Monday evening allowing us a front row seat to the sun setting over the African plains as we taxied into the Nairobi airport.  The airport has made great strides in rebuilding that which was lost in a dreadful fire last year.  Many prayers were answered as we acquired our visas, got all of our bags and made our way through customs in record time.  Stepping out of the airport we found a fellow holding a sign with our names upon it.  Jumping in the car with him we navigated the exciting world of Kenyan traffic to a welcoming guest house.  There we enjoyed a brief catching up with our dear friend Connie and then drifted off into a well-earned slumber.

Monday morning we awoke to the friendly chittering of African birds and a breathtaking view of the beautiful flowering trees that Kenya has in multitude.  Our breakfast was fit for a king complete with authentic Kenyan chai that we have not been able to fully enjoy since our last visit.  After a quick stop to purchase some groceries we were off to Kijabe.  The dusty roads through the Kenyan countryside brought back charming memories from long ago as the hills collapsed into the Rift Valley to our left.  We found Kijabe much like we left it apart from a fair amount of new construction.

Our orientation did not take long and we were introduced to our home for the next month.  In many ways it is nicer than our own Bradley Estate back in Greenville.  It has a number of things that we do not have: a third story view of the Rift Valley, a gas stove, lots of closet space and a full ironing board!  We feel as if we are treated as royalty in this paradise on earth.  We have already gotten to meet a number of our neighbors who are wonderfully kind and hospitable.  Everyone here has been so accommodating and delightfully helpful.  Additionally we spent some time at the hospital getting oriented for the days ahead.

Teresa will be busy working in the medicine side of the hospital for this first week and then will spend the next three in pediatrics.  She met a number of people that she will be working with, all who are absolutely stellar.  There is no lack of need here and no lack of the work of the Lord, only a lack of resources and workers in places like this.  These scenes are remarkably familiar as we hear the words of our Savior who noted that the fields are ready but lacking the harvesters.  Join us as we pray for more workers, not just in the fields of Kenya but of the world. 

Today will be our first day of active work here in Kijabe.  We were at the hospital this morning bright and early for their weekly chapel service.  The hospital workers all gathered for a time of praising the Lord and sharing.  One brother shared from 1 Corinthians 15:58, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”  It is on this note that we jump into our duties here and prepare for an exciting Wednesday.

 

Scott