Day 1 - Guest post by Brooke, Neema Team 2018
How many feelings can one person feel in a day? I think I may have set a new personal record on our first day in Kitale. Here are a few:
- Excitement - After 21 hours of travel, we only had a short plane ride and a 2-hour drive between us and Neema. We were so close! We were all so excited and filled with anticipation.
- Intrigue - That 2-hour drive gave us a whirlwind tour of northeastern Kenyan culture. So many people were out and about that morning. Who were they? Where were they going? How many people are they trying to squeeze in that van? Why does that man have an entire couch on his motorcycle?!
- Sadness - So much material poverty. So much. It’s impossible not to compare what we have with what they have.
- Guilt - I am being driven around while these people must walk or share a ride. I slept in a very comfortable bed in a very safe room. I’m unsure of how many of these people can say the same.
- Humility - I have never before received a welcome like the one we received on our first day at Neema. It is really impossible to describe in a way that does it justice. We were welcomed in with singing, dancing, and bright, beautiful smiles! What had I done to deserve such a welcome? I truly didn’t deserve this.
- Joy - Unspeakable joy! When these girls sing praise to God, your spirit can’t help but join in with them. My heart soared as we sang with them. “Let your will be done. I am just a piece of clay. And you are the potter.”
- Awkwardness - Let’s be real. Meeting new people can sometimes be awkward! It’s hard to make small talk with a language barrier!
- Exhaustion - Jet lag is real, people.
- Fear - Because of my exhaustion, fear crept in. When we got to our guest house and put our things down it finally hit me. I’m in Africa. What the heck am I doing here? What was I thinking?! I just want to be in my own bed, my own home, my safe space.
- Peace - In the midst of my fear, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “Your home is wherever I am. I am your safe space.”
Praise God. Praise God again.
~ Brooke, Neema Team 2018