A WHOLE MONTH?

I cannot believe that June has come and gone. This is the first time in my life that I have spent an entire month in a foreign country. CRAZY! And I still have one more to go! I am very grateful that God has given me this opportunity to spend a summer in Kenya. I am learning a lot and seeing foreign missions in a whole different light. I'm not going to lie, the first couple of weeks I thought God was sending me here to deter me from foreign missions. Not because I was having a bad time, I just really missed all of the comforts of home and all of the normal summer activities that I get to do. For a long time, I've thrown around the idea of moving off to a foreign country jokingly, and during those first couple of weeks I thought maybe God was trying to show me that I should stop threatening to jump on an airplane. BUT, just like my typical ADHD self, I didn't dwell in that mindset for long. I don't know exactly what God wants me to do, but I do know that I will follow wherever He leads. Even if it's right here:

Apartments in Mombasa, Kenya

Another area of struggle: if I have to see one more wedding announcement or baby announcement I may just have to disable my Facebook account. Ok, I'm being dramatic, because I actually really love seeing all of these people's beautiful pictures. Therefore, I am now taking husband applications: must love Jesus, must love kids, must be willing to lead me or follow me around the world, whichever comes first. Just kidding. I have, however, been more aware of the fact that I am a single lady this summer. I'm not sure if it's because I turned 25, because I've got more downtime than I have ever had in my entire life, or because I'm thinking seriously about life decisions. Probably a combination of all of it. I don't say this to gain your pity (or your ideas for people I should be set up with), just an item of prayer. I'm being transparent with you because you care enough about me to read this blog. Paul explains this subject in depth in 1 Corinthians 7, and I agree with him. Simply pray with me that God guides me in my life decisions and that, no matter the outcome, His will is done and in His time.

I'm going to be honest, all of my days and the things we're doing are running together. Last week we went around and checked for the things we need to repair before the group gets here. We also put the concrete stones back on the back patio, temporarily. We're waiting for the ground to settle and then we'll cement them back together. On Wednesday, we had a very enjoyable evening at Jim and Laura's house. They are Americans working for the Caris Foundation (http://www.carisfoundation.org/) and just finished with a 2-week medical clinic. We had a Mexican potluck. They also invited another American couple who are working with some churches in this area. They lived in Kenya back in the 80s and 90s and recently moved back here after living in Texas for a while. They all shared their "living in a foreign country" stories and I enjoyed soaking it all in.

Our Bible study on Thursday was a pretty powerful one. In this session it focused on Esther's choice to go in to the King's court unannounced. The fear of death prevents people from living. Think about that. How often do you miss out on opportunities because you're scared? Listen, God is not going to lead you somewhere and then leave you there. He's got you. If you are following after the things of the Lord, He's right there. The phrase "Fear not" is a commandment given more times in the Bible than any other command. Why do you think that is? God didn't design us to be scared of everything. He also doesn't want you to live your life foolishly. God gives us the wisdom to make decisions without fear. The enemy is constantly coming at us with the things that we fear most. So what? I've got my God who is faithful and who will lead me through the valley with victory. In the session, she challenged us to think about if our worst fear actually came true. She wanted us to really think about it. Think about the next day and the next and the next. What if? Ultimately, God's in control and will take care of you. Trust Him.

Turtle Bay Resort in Watamu

On Friday we went out to the Gede Primary School to find a spot to put the basketball goals. The kids were actually on holiday, so we had to wait for a while in order to talk to the headmaster because he had several meetings that day. After negotiating a bit, we decided on an excellent spot to put our goals. The headmaster assumed that we would be putting in a concrete slab as well, so he wanted us to put it out of the way (which was right by the road and very small). After we clarified that we would just be putting up the goal posts and needed a large flat surface, he agreed to us putting it between the school and the soccer field. We will go back next week to put the posts and cement in the ground so that it will be ready to go when the group arrives. Since we were already out and about, we went to lunch in Watamu at the Turtle Bay Resort. It was so good. The restaurant is open (well everything is open around here) to this little pond. I enjoyed some delicious cheesy garlic bread and pasta. A worker came out and started throwing bread into the water. As the fish came to the surface, a crane was nearby to catch a fish. We watched as a crane ate a fish that was much too big for its throat.

Eating lunch in Watamu

On Sunday we went to the church here in Malindi. I wish more people in America forgot about the time when they were at church. Even though I can't understand most of what's going on, I know that these people care more about hearing the Word of God than getting to lunch on time. Church services are our time to come together as the body of Christ and fellowship with each other. Why do we think that church services are for sitting and we have to create other events in the church to come and fellowship? Get to church a little earlier next week and catch up with some of your church family. Stop making excuses for yourself. So many people want to GO to church instead of BE the church. Why don't you just GO BE the church? :) Unite with a church body and become a working part of that church body. At least be a big toe or an elbow. Find your place in ministry and serve others. You won't regret it.

For lunch we went to the Sunday buffet at the Driftwood and boy was it delicious! That afternoon we Skyped into the services at Pauline Baptist Church in Monticello, Arkansas, the sending church of the missionaries here. It was the Taylors' last service in the States, so we joined them for a moment in the service. They will be here on Thursday!

Our view from the Chinese restaurant at lunch in Mombasa

Today we went into Mombasa to go to the supermarket and get some things we can't get here in Malindi. While we were there, we visited Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593.  I don't know if you know this, but I love museums and historical sites. I don't know why. When I was younger I hated learning history, but now I love getting to learn so much about what got our world to where it is today. We then walked through Old Town, which was awesome. It's the neighborhood right next to the Fort. It's extremely old as well and full of history.

Fort Jesus

The outside of the Fort

A map of historical sites in Kenya

From one of the windows in the Fort

Looking out on Mombasa

The Portuguese wall paintings. 

Inside the Fort

Where the church and captain's quarter used to be

Walking through Old Town

Walking through Old Town

Walking through Old Town

Beautiful doors are all through this area

We are excited to have the Taylors back with us on Thursday and we'll spend the next two days getting everything ready in their house. We plan on having a "4th" of July party on Saturday. No matter where I end up in the world, America will always be my home and I am very appreciative of all of those people who have fought to protect our country.

Continue to pray for Mama Cedrick's mother. She was released from the hospital and is still recovering at home. Also, pray that we can get the funds to provide the Gede Special School with some basic supplies that they need. If you would like to donate to this project, please email me at ajohnsto@my.centenary.edu. Thank you for reading and praying. Love you all!

In Christ,
Ashley