Karibuni Kenya!

We are happily writing this blog on a gorgeous Friday afternoon at Beacon of Hope...we made it! Our journey here was as smooth as we could have hoped. Our only glitches were a 1-hour delay in Amsterdam and the loss of one team bag...only one bag! Everyone received their personal bags, which I believe is a first for Kenya mission teams. :) Phew! Our flights were wonderful, airport staff were friendly and helpful (especially in Chicago), all of our checked baggage ended up being free of charge, and our Kenyan visas were half the cost we thought they would be. When we made it through customs, we were happily greeted by our driver, Jurim...a great guy that we have missed very much! There's nothing like a familiar, smiling face and a big embrace when you've just traveled across the world.

We made a quick stop at the local grocery store to stock up on water for the team and grab some snacks to hold us over til morning, then proceeded on to our lodging for the next week and half. Once again, the hospitality that abounds in Kenya was extended to the team as we were anxiously greeted by the staff of Gracia Guesthouse. The team slept fairly well, although some of us woke up wide-eyed at 4:30am. We arrived at Beacon this morning by 8:30am and were able to join in their morning devotions. Jane and everyone graciously welcomed us and made us feel immediately at home here. It is SO good to be back...for those of us returning, it feels like a homecoming to people who have truly missed us. For the ones here for the first time, they have been quickly embraced as family.

We have already been blessed beyond measure in Kenya, and we've only been here 16 hours! Stay tuned for more postings. Tomorrow will take us to the Kibera slum to meet the wool-providers, which will be quite an experience for all of us.

Once again, thank you for your prayers! And please know how much this team, and everyone at Beacon, appreciates you for what you have helped to accomplish through this continuing partnership.

Holly