Thankful in Tanzania!

Sitting in Tanzania feeling thankful, blessed for so much . . .

After writing last week about travel, here’s an update: the Nairobi airport was the smoothest transfer I've ever experienced there. Only small challenge was the transfer by bus to the domestic terminal (previous to the fire, we walked). The temporary international terminal was new (no longer a huge tent) and finished so nicely. I processed through immigration, visa purchase, baggage claim, customs, bus to domestic, and rechecking bags in 35 minutes – amazing! They had a business lounge for frequent flyers, too. What a pleasant surprise!

All was not so smooth on the entire trip, however. I had a scheduled (short) layover in Paris and when we arrived we were told the Kenya Airways jet was not there and had not left Nairobi (10 hours away). So, we were put in the Hyatt Regency for the day – can you imagine? If you must be “stuck” somewhere, well, the Paris Hyatt is the place to be! I won’t even attempt to describe the incredible food. Oh my, very French! This was a surprise blessing! While there I met two amazing business women – one a Kenyan who works in Sudan for UNICEF with WASH (Water and Sanitation) and, one from The Netherlands who calls herself, “Miss Sustainability.” I heard of fascinating work from both and could see important connections for Kulea...

In Kenya I visited our two Preschool and Feeding programs (see pics on Kulea Villages Facebook page). My biggest "take-away" was great teaching at both sites despite lack of teaching supplies and other challenges.

So many other things happened in Kenya last week. We traveled all day to Mwangulu and back to meet the girls who received Huru Kits and provide them with ibuprofen and instructions. They were so grateful. I made plans with our Kenya staff for Kulea’s August 2014 volunteer team (we have 8 on that team with room for more), and held a half day meeting with the Kulea Kenya Board of Directors. I had the privilege of leading a Preschool teachers seminar, preached in one of our partner churches (New Magogoni in Mishomoroni) and spoke to an afternoon women’s ministry group in Likoni at Manna Bible Church. What an amazing week! I was reminded again of how dedicated our Kulea churches in Kenya are to helping the poor and to spreading the Word.

It was sort of unreal to be in Kenya when the terrorist attack happened. What a blessing to have friends who immediately began praying. I am thankful that my friend, Pastor Harre Banks, called me before I saw the news. He promised that the Kulea team was watching the news that night and would come to get me if they felt there was any danger in Mombasa. With them worrying and watching, I slept in peace and continued with plans to preach at Harre’s church and to speak in the afternoon at Manna Bible Church in Likoni. When I arrived at Manna about 2:30pm I noticed many men of the church casually hanging out just outside the church, maybe 10 that I could see. Later I was told there were more on the other side who I didn't see. Though we had hired a security guard because the event was advertised and expecting many women, these godly men spent their afternoon 'visiting' outside Manna Bible Church. In fact, they were watching and were still there when I left around 5pm. What an incredible security team that was! Mombasa was very peaceful on Sunday but everyone was concerned and praying for their country. I never felt unsafe or worried. I believe I was carried through on the wings of many prayers. What a mighty God we serve!

At the end of Sunday, I went to stay at Amani Acre in Likoni. I told Daniel (a guard there and my friend) that my husband was concerned about my safety that night. I just loved Daniel’s response, “Mama Lindsey, you have me, Michael, and two fierce dogs on guard, but more importantly, we have the Holy Spirit on guard tonight. All of us are awake and watching.You are safe! Tell your husband ‘hakuna matata,’ God is here!”

I’m in Tanzania now. Much has happened here already but I will share next time! I'm looking forward to the days ahead as our Kulea volunteers arrive tonight!

See more photos & updates from Kenya & Tanzania on the Kulea Villages Facebook page.