"Katyn in Kenya"

This past week was my first full week of teaching in Africa. It was busy, exciting, exhausting, etc. A day in the life of “Katyn in Kenya” starts roughly around 6am. I get up, get ready (depending on if we have power or not) spend some time with Jesus, eat a banana, and begin my thirty minute walk to work down the long, muddy, red dirt roads. When I get to the gate at work, I am greeted by some of the sweetest smiles and biggest hugs ever! It’s almost like I’m a celebrity or something? I try not to let it go to my head toooo much, but it is kind of cool, just saying! On Monday’s, Wednesday’s, & Friday’s the students start school by having an assembly. The kids sing praise songs and spend some time in prayer (one of my favorite parts of the day.) Afterwards, I teach the students some English (ABC’s) and then math (numbers 1-100) along with another Kenyan teacher, who’s also my age. The students then take tea. They go to the toilet, have recess, and eat lunch. After lunch the students nap, or pretend to nap, and then prepare to go home! I work with 4 & 5 year olds and can testify, on their behalf, to being the most well mannered, well behaved, and respectful kids I have ever worked with or met, for that matter. Every day I follow the same school schedule, which my type A personality appreciates, but each night is different.

On Monday’s I meet with other single Christians in Nairobi to play volleyball, worship, and have bible study. Tuesday’s I clean and do laundry. Wednesday’s I TRY to respond to all my missed messages/emails, and also begin on  that week’s blog. Thursday’s I run errands and eat dinner out, which is something I use to do every night back at home, but is a treat here. Fridays I do something fun. Saturdays I teach bible school, and on Sundays I go to church till about two ,and then rest and relax. Each night I also spend some time with my housemates, talk to my parents, and Skype depending on which ever friend is free. I have honestly LOVED every minute of being here! The Lord is already at work all around me and in me!

Throughout the three weeks I’ve spent here in Africa, God has already been teaching me so much! He has such a sense of humor because I thought I came to Kenya to be the teacher but right now, my mind is on information overload from everything I am learning just by being here! Living in Nairobi, loving on kids, and learning more about God’s amazing grace everyday is truly the good life! However, some days are better than others, just as if I were still at home. You have your highs and your lows, your ups and your downs, your cloudy days and your sunny days, no matter where you or what you’re doing in life. It’s just part of living. One of the things God is teaching me is that being a Christian isn’t always easy. As Christ followers, Christ demands that sacrifice the things we love in order to follow him, know him, and make his name known. I am definitely being challenged every day, I am obviously out of my comfort zone, and I am always missing my family, but God has been so gracious to me during my short time here. I am experiencing things that I couldn’t begin to put a price on! I’m making memories that will last my lifetime and I’m building relationships that I will forever be grateful for. God promises that if we take up our cross and follow him our rewards will be great. He is rewarding me already, but the life I am striving to live is not for earthly riches, but rather heavenly rewards. I look forward to the day when I stand in the presence of my savior and say with a smile, I ran my race, (Heb. 12:1-2) and he replies, “well done, my good, and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:23) Let us rejoice with great rewards!” (Luke 6:22-23)