1 month update

God is everywhere here, close to everything, next to everyone.
A.W. Tozer

I have been in Nairobi for a month! I can't believe it. Time is going by so fast! So many words could be used to describe the past four weeks such as challenging, exciting, scary, lonely, fun, intense, freeing, amazing. Yes, I know some of those words contradict each other, but I'm on a great adventure with God 8,000 miles away from my family, friends, and my former home. So, like any good roller coaster, I get to experience both the ups and the downs.

A few of the highlights: 
I know more Swahili than I did four weeks ago. 
I can navigate myself (by foot) to a number of local shops.
I now know how to "top up" a prepaid phone.
I've survived 4 weeks without any TV!
I'm reading more than I did in America.
I met a couple from Nashville that's adopted me into their family.
I get my 10 cent bag of popcorn almost every day. 
Fries are chips and chips are crisps.
I walk up 11 sets of stairs to my "3rd" floor room.
I bought a bike today. (Adventures to come!)
I'm a de-facto vegetarian.
I've reconnected with sweet Elizabeth, and we share oreos and the gospel.
All schools are not created evenly.
I've been sick-ish 3 out of 4 weeks I've been here.
I miss my family immensely.
I miss my friends from Memphis.
I miss accountability and community. 
I miss my Sunday school class and those sweet babies.
I want some bbq nachos and a supreme snocone from Jerry's.
I really want a long warm hug.
8 hours is a huge time difference.
God's grace is so apparent here.
I have this huge desire to do something big here.
My trust in The Lord is growing.
My affections are kindled for these kids and this country.
My heart is here for the long haul
My desire for Jesus is bigger and greater.

I'm just getting started on this journey, and I'm so grateful for all the prayers and support. One month is nothing compared to a year, or even eternity. I'm grateful that The Lord has placed me in this spacious place, and I wait patiently for him to reveal His plan and His purpose for me here. God is here. He is everywhere.