June 30, 2007
I’ve been in Kenya for a week now and it has been a rollercoaster time. God is doing some amazing things but we are definitely on Satan’s radar. Nathan and I spent our first day in Kenya up north in the town of Kijabe on the Rift Valley. We had a wonderful time of visiting family and catching up with old friends. Saturday evening we flew down to Mombasa and sent our luggage down to the coast in Smiddy’s (my future in-laws) car. Since the driver, Denis, was a close friend and a member of Crossroads church we thought our car and luggage would be safe with him. However, halfway into the 8 hour drive, Denis was hijacked and the car was stolen along with all our luggage. Clothes, camera equipment, and all the toys and materials we had brought with us for the orphanage kids... all gone. We got word on Saturday night about the incident and started praying. God was gracious. Although he was shook up, Denis had not been injured. And although it is an inconvenience to now be in Africa for three months without our possessions, it’s only material. Danger is all around us is this world; it’s found in Africa, the Middle East, Los Angeles, and even Mesa, Arizona! It is not safe to drive on the Nairobi-Mombasa road at night but unfortunately Denis drove anyway. Some things are just not worth the risk and safety is one of them. Rest assured the Huruma team will NOT be doing any travel at night. But it is still a good reminder that our every moment belongs to the Lord’s will.
The next day was Sunday and not just any Sunday but the 5th anniversary for Crossroads Fellowship Church. This is a church that was started with only 4 people meeting in a storefront. After a year they grew to 200 people and moved to a hotel to meet. This past Sunday they had 605 people and are putting the final touches on their own church building. Sunday’s service was an incredible time of looking back and reflecting on all the blessings God has given to the church, the congregation, and the outreach ministries they have started!
Monday I received call from a good friend of mine here in Mombasa. Some plans she and I had been arranging had fallen through and she was publically blaming me. Because she is a youth leader at Crossroads the situation went before the deacon board and she was reprimanded by not being allowed to do youth ministry this term. The entire situation was wounding to me since she is a friend and I trusted her. To top it off, she was my main contact here and was supposed to be the representative from Crossroads to take the Huruma team around to the feeding centers and orphanages. So I have suddenly found myself alone to make all the arrangements and preparations for the team. But things are progressing and coming together. I’m so excited for the team to see my Africa and every time I visit the orphanage I think of how it will be for them to see these precious children for the first time! God is good and He is in control!!!
We are right in the middle of helping Smiddy’s pack up and move. They will be returning to Indiana for home assignment on July 15th so Nathan and I have been busy packing and boxing up a lifetime of ministry. In addition to that, we are newly engaged and in Africa, that translates to extremely booked. We have not had a single day since arriving where we didn’t have a lunch and/or dinner date at someone’s home. It is customary to invite the betrothed couple over for a big celebration meal and because Nathan is the pastor’s son at Crossroads and I’m the pastor’s daughter within my parents’ ministry, we have a LOT of people who want to have us over. It is wonderful and such a blessing to be surrounded by people who love us so dearly… but I was not planning on 4 hour meals at people’s homes every day. I’m fighting the line between spending time with people to build relationships and getting “work” done for the team.
Wednesday morning I got some heartbreaking news from the States that a dear friend of mine had been killed in a car accident. She and I worked together last year at the same Tiwi camp that the team will be leading this summer and just before I left she told me how much she had wanted to return to Kenya again this year but God was calling her to remain in Tennessee to work with a children’s outreach. Her name was Jessica, she was 20 year old, and she loved the Lord with all her life.
The devil is definitely out to steal our joy. For every amazing event God has shaped there has been a calamity to heavy the mood. It is a fantastic predicament to be on Satan’s hit list because it means God is being glorified and His work is being accomplished. I am trying to keep that in the forefront of my mind. My quiet time has been getting longer and longer everyday as I count up all blessings I have been given. I am so thankful for your prayers- it is the greatest weapon we have. Please remember the people here involved in ministry. Although the battle continues, we know who the victory belongs to!
Because of His Grace,
Tina
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Kenya At Last
June 23, 2007
Well, after 20 hours on a plane I arrived in Nairobi, Kenya!! It is so good to be back on African soil. My head is foggy but I’m not sure if it’s from the jetlag or because I got engaged 15 hours ago and am floating on a cloud! Nathan proposed during our layover in London so sitting still through the second flight from London to Nairobi was a very difficult task! I didn’t think the other people on the plane would appreciate me jumping up and down the aisles or doing back flips over the seats… but that’s what I felt like doing!
Nathan and I will be here in Nairobi for a day. Tomorrow we will be driving up-country to Rift Valley Academy to visit his sister at the same boarding school both he and I went for high school. Then tomorrow evening we will catch a domestic flight down to Mombasa. I have no idea when I will find an internet café so for now I’m just writing down the news and will try to post this as soon as I can.
Praise God for our safe journey…. 1 Huruma member down, 15 to go!!
Well, after 20 hours on a plane I arrived in Nairobi, Kenya!! It is so good to be back on African soil. My head is foggy but I’m not sure if it’s from the jetlag or because I got engaged 15 hours ago and am floating on a cloud! Nathan proposed during our layover in London so sitting still through the second flight from London to Nairobi was a very difficult task! I didn’t think the other people on the plane would appreciate me jumping up and down the aisles or doing back flips over the seats… but that’s what I felt like doing!
Nathan and I will be here in Nairobi for a day. Tomorrow we will be driving up-country to Rift Valley Academy to visit his sister at the same boarding school both he and I went for high school. Then tomorrow evening we will catch a domestic flight down to Mombasa. I have no idea when I will find an internet café so for now I’m just writing down the news and will try to post this as soon as I can.
Praise God for our safe journey…. 1 Huruma member down, 15 to go!!
Engaged!!!
June 24, 2007
As many of you know, Nathan Smiddy and I are spending this summer out in Kenya to do ministry and visit with his family. We had a day layover in London and decided to take advantage of our time by playing tourists and going all over the city sightseeing. We went to the theater to see Les Miserables and had a wonderful romantic dinner at a little bistro… it was a perfect day. After dinner we had a few more hours to kill before we needed to head back to the airport and Nate suggested we walk back to Big Ben and Westminster to see everything lit up at night. It was a typical London night, complete with fog and light rain when we finally arrived in front of Westminster Abby. As we were gazing up at the clock tower in the distance Nathan started talking about time- the time we’ve shared in our lives and how God’s timing is so perfect. I was so wrapped up in his words and gazing up at the clock that I didn’t even realize he had gotten a ring box out of his pocket and was holding it in front of me!! It wasn’t until he got down on one knee right there in the middle of the square and asked me to marry him that it finally dawned on me what was going on!! It might have taken me a while to catch on but it only took me a second to say yes!!
It's so amazing how God works. Two missionary kids from Africa living half our lives next door to each other and never knowing that God would join our futures together. Who could ask for more than to marry their best friend...
As many of you know, Nathan Smiddy and I are spending this summer out in Kenya to do ministry and visit with his family. We had a day layover in London and decided to take advantage of our time by playing tourists and going all over the city sightseeing. We went to the theater to see Les Miserables and had a wonderful romantic dinner at a little bistro… it was a perfect day. After dinner we had a few more hours to kill before we needed to head back to the airport and Nate suggested we walk back to Big Ben and Westminster to see everything lit up at night. It was a typical London night, complete with fog and light rain when we finally arrived in front of Westminster Abby. As we were gazing up at the clock tower in the distance Nathan started talking about time- the time we’ve shared in our lives and how God’s timing is so perfect. I was so wrapped up in his words and gazing up at the clock that I didn’t even realize he had gotten a ring box out of his pocket and was holding it in front of me!! It wasn’t until he got down on one knee right there in the middle of the square and asked me to marry him that it finally dawned on me what was going on!! It might have taken me a while to catch on but it only took me a second to say yes!!
It's so amazing how God works. Two missionary kids from Africa living half our lives next door to each other and never knowing that God would join our futures together. Who could ask for more than to marry their best friend...
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Tina is officially on her way!
Well, Tina left today - as I type, she is probably in London... or close to. She heads to Kenya tomorrow... today? With all the time changes who knows. We are doing well on finances. The team is working so hard and I am so proud of all of them.
I can't believe we leave in less than 4 weeks - its hard to believe I will be in Africa soon! I cannot wait to go back!
There is still so much to do and think about. On top of spiritually continuing to prepare, there is just all the logistics. Finances (as mentioned), packing supplies, immunizations (still haven't gotten mine - don't worry), all the little things for the trip like shampoo and baby wipes and a good book for the plane ride. There is also saying goodbye and spending time with the family before I leave...which reminds me, I have postcards to make for our family send-off night (more details coming...in the postcard). Adios for now! :)
I can't believe we leave in less than 4 weeks - its hard to believe I will be in Africa soon! I cannot wait to go back!
There is still so much to do and think about. On top of spiritually continuing to prepare, there is just all the logistics. Finances (as mentioned), packing supplies, immunizations (still haven't gotten mine - don't worry), all the little things for the trip like shampoo and baby wipes and a good book for the plane ride. There is also saying goodbye and spending time with the family before I leave...which reminds me, I have postcards to make for our family send-off night (more details coming...in the postcard). Adios for now! :)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Prayer Meeting
Rose, Justin and myself met Tuesday night to pray and share. As we were praying for each team member, it hit me. I love you guys! ROCK ON!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Luggage
i got a rolling duffel bag for the trip. It's big, but I am also big. As a result, my clothes are big. I'm pretty sue it will work. We only need one bag right? The other bag we have will be supplies and stuff, huh? I forgot if I need to buy two bags... I'm rambling. Anyway, the day is ever closer.
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