I'm in Kenya...

Hey gang! My gang and I finally arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, this morning, after a long two days of traveling and a lot of funny happenings. (Did I tell you I almost got hit by a car in London? Yeah, they drive on the other side of the road there. Duh Andi.)

Unfortunately, not all of our luggage got here. I'm missing one of my two bags, which is sad, but I got away lucky -- an AIM family with two little kids only found one of their 11 bags at baggage claim! It seems that half of the plane's stuff was left at London. Or at least that's what we're thinking. Everyone is missing *at least* one bag. So be praying for all that to come through -- we're hoping they will get here either tonight or tomorrow. Luckily, I have my essentials (toothbrush, Bible, baseball glove), so I could survive at least another week without my luggage.

I'm writing now from an internet cafe at a Nakumatt -- basically, the Kenyan version of Walmart. It's definitely a strange feeling, being a minority. Luckily, many people here speak English and they seem to be used to foreigners, as I haven't gotten many stares yet. (I remember being in China and being treated like a celebrity for my white skin and blonde hair.)

We haven't got to see much of the city yet -- just the area between the airport and our guest house -- but I can't wait to get out there and see what life is like. I haven't dared to experiment with food yet -- my first meal in Africa was... pizza... so pathetic, I know-- but, in my defense, there isn't much African eatin' here at Nakumatt.

I'm praying for some time to just relax and reload. It seems I've been going nonstop since -- gosh -- October, first with moving home, then support raising and, finally, making all the last-minute preparations for Africa. I keep saying things to myself like, "I'm in Africa" or "Here I am, moving to Africa," but nothing has really sunk in yet. It seems fatigue is clouding my sense of reality! Or maybe this is normal...

I hope to spend a lot of time with the Lord tonight and another good chunk of time sleeping. (Praise God for sleep. And beds parallel to the ground.) I'm sure I'll also try to enjoy some time with the other people who are here preparing for ABO (Africa-based orientation). It's awesome to talk and share with people who have the same heart you do, not only for the Lord, but for Africa.