Kijabe!

I got into Kijabe on Saturday evening, finally, and was promptly wisked down to a missionary's house for a birthday party. Apparently, the pathologist, Dr. Barnes, and his wife come to Kijabe for 3 months each year and it just happens to be over his birthday. Well, 13 years ago, he lamented missing his birthday in the US, so his wife threw a big party for him and it's become a tradition ever since. It was certainly the zaniest 75th birthday I've ever been to!

Kijabe is a nice town. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley at 7500 ft above sea level. I live near the bottom of the town so if I want to go anywhere, church for instance, I have to climb several hundred vertical feet to get where I need to go. Luckily, the hospital is just a few feet away... (I'll try and get some pictures up so you can all see how beautiful it is) I can see Mt. Longonot and Mt. Suswa from my front porch. Look them up.

I went to church twice today, once to the Kenyan service and once to the wazungu (whitey) service. Both were good, but the Africans seem to have a little more sway in their step. Perhaps I can describe one in detail in a coming update.

Kijabe reminds me of home in that the people are so friendly and the wind never stops blowing. It would be perfect for a golf course, but for that reason.

I start work tomorrow. I'm a bit scared from what folks have told me about the workload and the instant autonomy, but it's what I signed up for. I'm also feeling a bit nostalgic about being back in the place I took my first breath. It is daunting to think that I might perform that service for someone else. God has led me here for His purposes and I need to be open to what those may be.

Please pray for me, for strength and wisdom. It's not knowing what I need to do that bothers me, it's doing what I know I need to do. Pray for courage and for patience as well. I'm sure I'll have many more specific requests in the coming weeks, but I appreciate all your prayers.

I want to give a special thanks to the Broken Bow EFC, without your help and support, many of my trips wouldn't have been possible. I know that you're praying and I appreciate your giving and support more than you can know. God is planning great things for Africa, I am blessed that you have helped me to be a small part of it.

I will continue to update as I am able. My first call night is Wednesday.

Bless God and be blessed.