Saying goodbye was so hard. I cried way more than I expected. I miss my family and friends and everything about Edgerton. I especially miss my mom. I cried so much saying goodbye to her. That was hard. She held it together for me though. She was so strong. Plus saying goodbye, I was scared. I was so scared I almost didn't get on the plane scared. There are parts of Northern Kenya by the border of Somalia that have been in the news lately. We are about 400 miles away from this violence with no plans to go near this area. Plus it takes 5 hours to go about 100 miles due to the road conditions.
I was so angry at God. I asked him,"What are you doing? We did everything you wanted us to do! We sold everything and planned for this! Is this like a test with Abraham and Isaac but less dramatic? Do you have a different plan?" I got no clear answer so I took a leap of faith, prayed, and got on the plane. I am so glad I did.
It wasn't about me. It was about my three beautiful children and keeping them safe. I will do everything to keep that promise.
The long plane rides were exhausting. Emotions were all over the place. When we landed in Kenya, I felt a wave of peace wash over me. This is my home for awhile and God promised to keep us safe.
Right off the plane it was hot. Sorry Wisconsin. I had too many clothes on for this African weather. The first thing in the airport was a health screen. I can only imagine it was for Ebola. Guess who had a fever? Yep that's right me! I passed it the second time though. That was fun.
Once we got our 20 suitcases to the vans where Joab,James, and Titus were waiting for us it went smoothly. We stopped at the giraffe orphanage on the way home which Phill blogged about. It was well worth the $12 if you come to Kenya. We got to feed and pet the giraffes. You could put the food in your mouth and get kissed by a giraffe. It feels like rough sandpaper on your face.
When we arrived to our home at International Village in Barut, Nakuru I felt another wave of peace wash over me. The villagers greeted us with song and dance. We were beyond exhausted but I felt so safe. We have each other. We have our security guards, our chef, our maids, and our amazing friends Joab and James. They help us with everything we need.
We are settling in beautifully and the kids are so amazing. Natalie had girls braiding her hair the first day. The local kids follow us everywhere we go fighting over who will hold our hands. Phillip has some good friends. He will have a Lego play date with Gideon soon. Phillip said," Oh yeah, I know that guy!" Marquite is still believed to be a Kenyan. When she doesn't answer in Swahili they look confused! The kids love her. How could you not love her. She is such an amazing, brave girl.
Marquite and I went to church at Soar Kenya Academy yesterday while Phill and Phill Sr were next door. We got a workout with all the dancing and jumping. I got called out for not dancing enough!
Today's devotion "I am with you in all that you do. I am always aware of you, concerned with every detail of your life. Learn to look steadily at Me in all your circumstances. Though the world is unstable and in flux you will experience My Presence"
Love to you all!
Jodie
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