Boarding School

Today we went to visit George's sister Caroline (Caro) at her boarding school. 95% of kids that go to school in Kenya go away to school at least for high school, if not earlier. Schools are not free and the parents have to pay a lot of fees for their kids to go to school. At the end of their last year of high school, the students sit for national exams. How they do on their exams will dictate where they can go to university. Today Caro's school was having a prayer meeting for the students in preparation for the exams. All the parents were invited to come and support the daughters. We listened to teachers, parents, priests and the principal give encouraging speeches. It reminded me of a graduation ceremony because the kids were excited about their hard work coming to an end.

After, the parents had meetings with school administrators so we (George, me and his sister Nancy) got to visit with Caro. She told me a little about her school and I was shocked by their schedule. They wake up at 4:00am to be ready for class at 5:00am. Then they have breakfast at 6:30 (for 15 minutes), followed by mass, then back to class. A ten minute break comes next followed by more classes. Then lunch at 1:30 and more classes. At 4:30 they go outside for exercise and more classes. They work so hard. I could not function at 4:00am! It made me thankful for our free education in the US where we started at a decent hour.

Monthly Email Update

(Here is my monthly email update that I just sent out. If you are not on my email list and want to be, please leave me a message in the comments or email me at spacie19@hotmail.com)


Jambo!

I made it to Kenya! Thank you for your prayers. My flights went smoothly and all my luggage arrived. After 43 hours of traveling, I arrived in Kisumu, Kenya. I was so exhausted by the traveling, I slept for 15 hours!

Now that I have been here for a week and a half, I am starting to settle in. For the first week, I couldn't shake being tired all the time, but I am finally adjusting to the time difference. For now, I am staying with George's parents. While there, I hope learn many of the skills I will need to live in Africa such as cooking their foods, starting fires, washing clothes by hand and speaking their language. Already I have learned to wash clothes by hand....it's hard work! Starting next week, I will be starting three times a week Kiswahili lessons with a tutor. I am looking forward to learning that language since it is spoken in Kenya, Tanzania and other East African countries. I see these next few months as the cultural foundation for the rest of my time here. I want to learn as much as I can now so when George and I find our long term calling, the transition will go as smoothly as possible.

Speaking of long term calling, George and I are praying about serving with Africa Harvest of Hope. They have children's home in Korogwe, Tanzania. Lord willing, there will be other expansions such as a school, medical clinic, and a processing plant for a product for malnourished children. Among the work we would do would be mentoring the kids at the home, leading Bible studies and assisting with logistics. We have a trip scheduled to go to Tanzania on October 10th. While there we will be getting to know Pastor Herbert who heads up the children's home, meet the kids and check out the living situation there. We also want God to speak to us loudly while we are there to confirm this is where He wants us.

While in Kisumu, we are working with Trinity Fellowship, a nondenominational ministry seeking to share the gospel with high school and college students. Yesterday, we went to our first school, Covenant High School where George shared about God's love with 150 kids, all orphans. He taught from 1 John 3:1-3 and gave a message of hope. We will be going to the next school on Sunday.

We would appreciate your prayers for the following items:

1. Wisdom about the timing of marriage between George and me.
2. Safety as we travel by bus to Tanzania and confirmation of God's will for our lives.
3. Smooth transition for me into African culture and quick learning of the language.
4. Effectiveness as we reach out to high schoolers

I will be sending an update once a month and as needed for special prayer requests. The best place for more frequent updates is my blog: http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/ Although the internet is off and on here, I try to post blogs every few days. On there is also information on how to donate for those who feel God leading them to join our finanical support team. George and I have to raise 100% of the funds needed to live and work here and we would very much appreciate your help.

Thanks so much for your prayers. We couldn't do this without you. Feeling a bit homesick is to be expected, but hearing from you helps so much. Don't be afraid to email me. I will email you back as soon as I can.

Kwaheri!

---Stacie

1 John 3: 1-3 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don't recognize that we are God's children because they don't know him. Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.

It's All in the Eyebrows

In Kenya, one way to say yes is to simply raise your eyebrows. I had forgotten that they do this. While in Sudan, some of the Kenyan staff members did this and it confused me for so long. Dennis, especially, did it a lot. I would ask him a question and wait for an answer. What I didn't realize at first was that he already answered me by raising his eyebrows. George's nephew, Baby, does this so much. At first, I experienced the same confusion as before. I would ask him a question several times thinking he wasn't answering me. Then I realized he did with his eyebrows. Now I find myself doing the same thing!

Visit to Tanzania

As you know George and I have been praying about working with Africa Harvest of Hope in Tanzania. Hopefully in a week and a half, we will be able to visit Korogwe, the city where the children's home is. A few of George's family members are going to Mombasa (a city on the coast of Kenya) in one week for a couple days. We decided to go along and then travel down to Tanzania along the coast. Once we get to Korogwe, we'll be staying with Pastor Herbert and his wife, Emily. Pastor Herbert heads up the children's home and is who we will be working closely with. While there, we want to meet the kids at the home, get to know Herbert and Emily and get to know the area. We will also be looking at logistical items such as availability of houses to rent, locations of markets and hospital, etc. Most importantly, we want to confirm that this is where God wants us to serve long term.

Please be in prayer for our trip. In Africa, things happen so this could change. As of now, our plan is to leave for Mombasa on the 6th and then leave for Tanzania on the 10th. We will be traveling by bus the entire way which is it's own challenge. We would appreciate your prayers for our safety along the way.

Hippo Point

On our way back from Covenant High School, we walked to Hippo Point. Hippo Point is a public park on Lake Victoria where there are many Hippos. During the day, they are out in the lake and not seen very often. We lucked out and saw a few way out in the lake. Then we were extra luck and saw one come up close to the shore. I wanted to get closer to take a picture, but George wouldn't let me. He said I couldn't run fast enough. I was willing to risk it, but I listened to George.

Hippo Point is my new favorite place in Kisumu. It is so beautiful. If we had had the time, I could have stayed there for hours. Being by water gives me a lot of joy and happiness. I look forward to going back and taking that hippo's picture!

Covenant High School

Yesterday George and I went on our first assignment with Trinity Fellowship. Trinity Fellowship is an nondenominational Christian ministry made up of teachers, doctors and others committed to spreading the gospel among the youth in Kenya, primarily high school and college students. Trinity Fellowship played an important role in George's walk with the Lord and he has worked with them for many years.

Our first school was Covenant High School. It is located on the outskirts of Kisumu. All of the students attending Covenant are orphans. I know God's timing is perfect and His hand was on our first stop. Children who have lost their parents have a special place in our hearts.

Normally, we would meet only with the Christian Union. However, since this is a small school, the Christian Union only has 15 or so kids so they assembled all of the high school students to meet with us. There were probably about 150 kids altogether. After a few worship songs in Kenya, I spoke for just a couple minutes. I introduced myself and let them know what George and I are doing. I also told them that God has a special plan for their lives if they are willing to follow Him. Then I introduced George.

George spoke for around 30 minutes and shared from 1 John 3:1-3. He told the kids about God's love for them and how they should lead pure lives. During his talk, he shared experiences from his own life. As someone who lost his own parents (the family I am staying with now took in George when he was in high school), he was able to relate closely to them. I was so touched watching George talk to the kids. He has literally been in their shoes - lost, sitting at a meeting at school, listening to someone from Trinity Fellowship. He told them that as children of God, they are orphans no more.

Once we finished, we were thanked and asked to come back again soon. We had a really nice time. The staff and students were so kind and helpful. I think our next stop will be on Sunday. Please be in prayer for us as we prepare for that school.

On My Own

Today I headed out on my own for the first time. It was a little nerve wracking, but the secret is to act like you are confident and in charge. Then, no one will mess with you. This morning, George had to go to the village to help his brother's family so I stayed in Kisumu. Since I have been here, I haven't had any time alone. This culture values togetherness and teamwork which leaves little place for individual needs. As an introvert, I love alone time. Although, not having it has been tough, I don't want to insist on having it and doing things my own way. This is the culture I am living in now so I need to embrace it and push myself to do things their way. However, when an opportunity to have alone time and enjoy independence comes up, I will take it.

So, I hopped on a matatu and headed to town. This was my first time on a matatu alone. Anyone who has visited Kenya before will know what a big deal that is. There are no marked stops. You just have to know where to get on and when you want to get off. You also need to know the rates. If you don't, they will tell you a really high amount. “George told me, just have 30 shillings ready and don't give them anymore.” So, I did and it was fine. I am so paranoid about being pickpocketed so I emptied my pockets and held my back pack tight. Unfortunately, people here assume all white people are rich which makes me a target wherever I go. I just need to be very cautious. Most people are very kind and helpful. In fact, if someone was caught stealing, others around them would beat them.

Once I got to town, I got off at the Tusky's grocery store and walked to the Duke of Breeze which is a hotel with a roof top restaurant with free WI-fi. Unfortunately, there was no power so I couldn't get online, but I had some power left on my computer so I typed up my blogs for the next time I was able to get online. It was really nice and relaxing. There was a great breeze and it overlooks the lake.



(The view from Duke's)


After a couple hours, George, aka my bodyguard, met me there and we took a matatu home. It was good to get out and know I can get around on my own.

Modes of Transportation

Here are the different ways we get around in Kisumu:

1. Tuk Tuk



This is the most comfortable ride other than a car.

2. Boda Boda



There are many boda boda guys on each street corner.

3. Piki Piki (motorbike) also called boda boda



This is the fastest way to get around other than a car/taxi. The only bad thing about them is that no one wears helmets while riding them. When patients in Tonj came in with injuries from a motorcycle, we called it Piki Piki-itis.

4. Matatus



These are supposed to seat 14, but I have been on one where there were 24 people. It was not a comfortable ride! They are manned by a driver and another guy who hangs off the side calling people to the matatu. These guys also collect the money. They are pretty aggressive as are the drivers. Matatus stop a lot so it can take a while to get to where you are going. They wait until it's full before leaving and then stop whenever someone wants to get off. You really have to be on guard while on matatus. It's common to be pick pocketed.

5. Taxis

(Picture a typical 4 door sedan)

Very rarely used.

6. Feet



Here is how they rate in cost within town from cheapest to lowest – specific rates depend on where you are going:

Matatu (10-30 shillings)
Boda Boda (20-50 shillings)
Pici Pici (100-300 shillings)
Tuk Tuk (200-400 shillings)
Car/Taxi (300-600 shillings)


(90 Kenya Shillings per 1 US Dollar)

Birthday Celebrations and a Slow Paced Life

Yesterday we celebrated the birthdays of Suzy and Andrew, George's sister and brother in law. In Kenya, birthdays are different than in the US. The birthday person invites people out to celebrate with them and they pick up the tab (instead of the others paying for the birthday person). In this case, there were 14 of us. We down to the lake (Victoria) where we ate at a fish house. You pick out the fish you want them to prepare and then they cook it for you. Each fish fed three people. The fish is brought out and put out on the table, head, bones and all. You have to pick the meat off of the bones. The fish we had was talapia which I am able to eat in small doses.

After lunch, a group of us headed out for a walk. We walked along the train tracks and watched a few trains go by. Then we headed up to a shopping center where we had sodas. Again the birthday person paid. The rule is, whoever invites people out pays the bill. It's so hard for me to accept that. I want to pay at least for my portion.

It was a nice, slow pace afternoon. That's how things roll here. Slow paced. It's still something I have to get used to. No need to make plans, just see how the day unfolds. I remember in Sudan, I used to walk so fast, heading from one task to the next. Later when I became friends with the Kenyan staff members, they told me they would laugh at me streaking across the compound – always on a mission. I then told them it used to drive me crazy how slow they walked! Now I am getting used to and liking this slower pace. Life is about people not tasks (imagine!).

Pictures of Where I am Staying

Here are the gates that lead to George's parents house:



Here is their house where I am staying:



Here is the road I slog (slow jog) on in the mornings.



This is the path that leads down to the river. In January, we were able to go down to the river, but recent rains have washed the path away.



Here is the sugar factory that is located near their house:

School Outreaches

Next week George and I will be starting our school outreaches with Trinity Ministries. We'll be going to different schools and meeting with the students in the Christian Union (kind of like Christian Clubs in US schools). We are waiting to find out which schools we'll be going to. While we wait, I will begin preparing what I want to share with them. Please pray for me as I contemplate and pray about what to say. I often feel like my testimony isn't good enough. That sounds weird to say. I just mean that the kids here have gone through so much more than I have and I want to share something with them that will encourage them and give them hope. Please ask God to give me the words He wants them to hear.

Pass the Pigs

Today I introduced a Larsen family staple to Kenya. Pass the Pigs is a favorite game of ours. My brother and sister-in-law gave me the game for my birthday so I could take it with me. George's nephew (nicknamed Baby) lives with George's parents during the week so he can go to school. George went out of town today so I was hanging around the house. When Baby came home from school I asked him if he wanted to play a game. He excitedly said yes. So I brought out Pass the Pigs and the fun began!

For those of you so unfortunate to have never played the game, I will tell you how it's played. It's very simple. There are two rubber pigs. You roll them like a dice and get points based on how they land - on their feet, back, side, nose and ear. If it lands on the nose and ear, it's called a leaning jowler and you get the most points for that. If the pigs end up touching (called makin' bacon), you loose all your points. It's a fun, easy game. Baby and I had a fun time.

Arrived in Kenya

Sorry it has taken a few days to blog. This was my first opportunity to get online. My flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi was very smooth. I arrived at 6:30am and waited for an hour to get through immigration to get my visa. Praise the Lord, I didn’t have any problems there. Then I headed downstairs to collect my luggage. After I got my bags, I walked through the doors and spotted George’s mom waving at me. Then I saw George. It was so great, but weird to see him again. I kept thinking, wow…. I am really here. The last time I saw George was six and a half months ago. We have been through a lot since I left Sudan so it was surreal to be here again with him.

After our reunion, George’s uncle drove us to the bus station. I forgot how bad Nairobi traffic is. We were stuck in traffic for over two hours. Normally the drive from the airport to the bus station would take 15 minutes. Finally we arrived at the bus station and embarked on the seven hour drive to Kisumu.

We arrived in Kisumu around 6:00 pm and took a tuk tuk to George’s parent’s house. After we had dinner and prayers, I headed to bed around 10:00pm. After all that traveling, I was exhausted. I slept until 11:00am!

Tuesday morning, George’s sisters and sister in law came to greet me. It was really nice to see his sisters again. We ate lunch, but I could barely keep my eyes open so I went back to sleep at 1:30. George had to wake me up again at 5:30. I could have slept until the next day. I went to bed kind of late Tuesday night and woke up fairly early today.

Today was a much more active one. In an attempt to shed the weight I gained in the US, I started an exercise routine this morning. I jogged (VERY slowly) and walked up and down a small hill. Then George and I began the trek to town. Normally we would ride matatus (vans used for mass transport) to town from Kibos (where I am staying with his parents), but for a little more exercise, we decided to walk. It took us two hours and I was spent. Too bad we had more walking to do to complete our errands. We had to go to the bank, buy a modem for my computer, get credit for my phone and go to the grocery store.



(Here is us taking a break eating oranges.)

After 4 hours of walking, we were exhausted so George hired a motorbike to take us back to Kibos. It’s how Kenyans get around, so I am trying to get used to it. When in Rome…. Well, it will take me time to be able to relax on one of those.



Being here has been great. George and I have enjoyed reconnecting and are in prayer about our future, as a couple and in ministry. We are feeling God pulling us to Tanzania and hope to visit there next month. In the meantime, I am taking time to adjust to the culture. I am determined to learn how to cook Kenyan style and do things the way they do. Tomorrow, I will be washing clothes by hand. In Sudan we were blessed to have a washing machine. Here, the only washing machine I have is myself. I tried it last time I was in Kenya and was not very good at it. With practice, I will get better.

Thank you for your continued prayers. I will keep posting blogs as I am able. The internet connection is off and on, so if you don’t hear from me for a few days, don’t panic. I would appreciate your prayers for good health. My digestive track is getting used to new foods which will take time. Also, malaria is a concern. I am spraying myself and sleeping under a net so hopefully I won’t get it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them as a comment and I will respond in a future blog.

Made it to Amsterdam

I am sitting the lounge in Amsterdam feeling refreshed and awake, despite getting no sleep on the last flight. The reason I feel so refreshed and awake is because I just took a hot shower and am drinking my free coke with those tiny little ice cubes I love so much.



The shower was amazing. They had one of those rain shower heads and I just stood there for several minutes. This place is great. It's like staying in a hotel where everything is covered. They provided everything I needed, soap, shampoo and a towel. There was no time limit so I just took my time getting ready and repacking my bag. It feels great to be in a fresh clothes with clean hair.

Ok, enough of the shower.

The flight from Detroit was great and took 7 hours. It went by surprisingly fast considering the seats didn't have their own TV screens. Usually I watch a bunch of movies and the time flies by. This time I rested, read and played a ton of Yahtzee. My scores are normally in the 200s, but my high so far has been 409.



I sat next to a nice lady who was traveling with her husband. They were heading to Hungary where they were going to board a Viking ship for a cruise to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

My internal clock is so messed up. I have no idea what day or time it is. Traveling alone as been ok. It's much more fun with people, but I am managing. I miss my Africa traveling partners, the Yordts. Every time I have flown back and forth it has been with them. Mike has done this so many times and knows everything so we just followed him. Now I have to think and figure things out on my own! So far my only gaffe has been to not lock a bathroom stall and having someone walk in on me! That is so embarrassing!

I leave for Nairobi in 8 hours. I will kill time by by hanging out in the lounge and maybe walking around the airport. My carry on luggage is so heavy that it's a little tough to get around easily so we'll see...

Made it to Detroit

One flight down, two to go.

My morning started out kind of crazy. I planned to wake up at 6:00, get ready and then have time to spend with my brother, sister-in-law, and nieces before leaving at 7:30. Instead my alarm didn't go off (or it did and I accidentally hit stop instead of snooze) and I woke up at 6:45. It was a mad dash to get ready. Fortunately, I had prepared everything the night before so there wasn't too much left to do, but I was bummed to miss out on a few more quiet moments with my family.

Anyway, after an emotional good-bye, I headed to the airport with my mom. Traci, Becca and Monica also came to see me off. The check in process was a little bit long, but I had a nice lady helping me which was nice. Then I hung out with my friends for a little while.



Saying bye to them was surreal. By then I felt numb when I headed to security. (By the way.... did you know you can't bring dumbbells on the plane? I packed 5 pound weights in my carry on because my checked luggage was already over the weight limit and I wanted to take them to Kenya to exercise. Apparently they could be used as a weapon so I had to leave them in with my friends. Maybe this is obvious to everyone else but me. After all, I am the person who tried to bring firecrackers on the plane to Sudan without realizing that is never allowed!) The time flew bye and soon I was flying over my beloved San Diego. I love San Diego so much and feel so blessed to have grown up here. As I took my last glimpse of the Pacific Ocean for a while, I prayed and asked God to protect my city, my church and my loved ones.

The flight to Detroit was quick. Since I didn't have time to eat breakfast and there was no meal on the flight, I was starving. I ate my last US dinner at Chili's. I won't be able to have chips and salsa for a long time so I really savored it.

Now I am sitting in the Delta Sky Club Lounge with an hour and a half before I leave the US. I bought a pass to the lounge so I could take a shower in Amsterdam. I am so glad I did. The lounge is awesome! I wouldn't do it for domestic travel, but for international travel it's really nice. There is free WI-fi, drinks, snacks, nice showers and bathrooms and people to help out.

It feels so strange to be leaving the US soon. The last two times I flew to Kenya, I knew exactly what I was doing and when I would be coming home. I don't know either of those at this point. However, I am excited to be going and am looking forward to discovering God's plans for me.

A Busy Week

Tomorrow I leave and get ready to start a new adventure. This week has been a busy one filled with a lot of lasts (at least for a while)... the last church service, the last Charger game I will get to watch, the last BBQ at my brothers, the last family game night, the last Bible study, etc.

The thought of packing overwhelmed me, but I got the majority of it done yesterday. I just need to finalize my carry-on today.

On Tuesday I met with Alan and Shannon, the leaders of Africa Harvest of Hope. I had a great time talking with them and am really excited about helping them in Tanzania. I don't yet know the timing of it all and am trusting God to work it out.

I'm not sure about how often I will have internet access and when I will be able to email next. I will keep you updated as often as possible.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Please pray for safety as I travel over the next three days. Next time I post a new blog I will be in Kenya!

The Road to Kenya

Here is what my journey to Kisumu will look like...

Saturday - Get to the airport at 8:30
3 hour wait
11:30 - Fly to Detroit - 4 hours
3 Hour Layover
Fly to Amsterdam - 8 hours
9 Hour layover
Fly to Nairobi - 8 hours
Drive to Kisumu - 8 hours

Total Travel Time - 43 Hours

What does 20 hours of flying + 8 hours of driving + 15 hours of layover/waiting and no sleep equal?

A hot mess waiting to greet George and his family. I will try to keep the crankiness to a minimum!

How I Am Feeling

People have asked me how I am feeling lately and there are so many emotions that it's hard to describe. I am happy, sad, scared, excited, overwhelmed, at peace, unworthy, unprepared, insecure, loved, nervous, thankful.... so much more.

I have so much to do this week and so many people I want to see and I just don't have enough time. I am stressed about what to pack. It's hard to plan without knowing the final destination.

As I have started saying goodbye to people, my emotions are all over the place. Sometimes I am ok and manage to hold it together, other times I am sobbing. Saying goodbye is different this time because I am not visiting Africa, but moving there. Although, I will be back to visit, Lord willing, it breaks my heart to be away from the people I love.

As someone who has battled fear my whole life, I still find myself falling into those feelings easily. The difference is that now I am better at not dwelling on fear and instead finding peace and comfort in who God is. I don't know exactly what God's plan is for me and since I can't plan everything, I am forced to take things day by day. There are so many scary things I could choose to focus on (like finances, safely, health, new relationships, etc), but I try to focus on God's calling.

Thinking about the work God has called me to do pulls me out of my funk. I am really excited to be going back to Kenya, reuniting with George and returning to work with people. I have really missed that. I know there will be adjustments I need to make to blend into their culture that will stretch me incredibly, but it will make me rely on God more. I feel so unequipped for what God is calling me to do and know that I will learn so much these next few months. I have been asking God to help me work on areas where I struggle so I can be a better tool for His use. Working on shortcomings hurts and is difficult, but the results will help me serve His people better. A song that has been coming to mind lately comes from the verse Philipians 1:6

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

I don't have to be perfect and I will never be worthy. For some reason God chooses to use us anyway as long as we are willing. I am so thankful that God's grace is sufficient.

I hope you don't mind me sharing my feelings. I don't think I am explaining myself very well, but I try to be open about what is going on... the good and the bad. I anticipated this last week would be hard and have tried to prepare myself for the battle. I would appreciate your prayers as my departure approaches.

Beach Bonfire

One of the things I love to do most in the world is have a beach bonfire. I have so many fond memories from when I was younger, hanging out at the beach all day and having a bonfire at night. So, when Traci asked what I wanted to do for a goodbye party, a beach bonfire came to mind. Saturday, a bunch of us met at the harbor to just relax and spend time together. It was cute to see the kids running around and playing together.







And of course there were smores...





It was wonderful to have one last hoorah at the beach with everyone. Thanks Traci for being there all day to reserve the fire pit and thanks to everyone for coming.

Viva Las Vegas

Last week I went to sunny Las Vegas to spend time with my oldest (not in age, but in years known) friend, Angie, and her family. She is a teacher and I helped in her classroom for three days. I got to grade papers, organize things and work with kids one on one. I was in heaven. Her brother (who I have also known since birth) came over one night with his family for a little party.



I also got to see her mom. It was really great to see them all before I leave. Saying good bye to Angie and her family was so hard. I thought of all the things I wanted to say, but when we got to the airport, I was too emotional to say them. Thanks Angie, Jason, Trevor, Ashton and Maddie for the great week. I will miss you

Andy

Today I went to Target in Vista and met Andy. Andy was the nicest and friendliest cashier I have ever met. I took the hangers off the clothes I purchased (something I always do and don't think twice about) and he thanked me profusely. I hadn't noticed at first, but he seemed to have some sort of handicap and didn't have much use of his left hand from what I could tell. I guess that would make it hard to remove the hangers which is why he was so grateful. As he rang me up, he began to tell me little sayings (ex. it is greater to give than receive; do unto others what you would have done until you) and through them sharing his love for God. He asked me if I knew what the following initials meant:

B.I.B.L.E - Basic Instructions for leaving Earth
C.H.U.R.C.H. - (I forgot what that one was)

What does three nails and one cross equal - 4given.

He said some other things too and was very encouraging. I found his bold faith to be remarkable and memorable. He didn't know I was a fellow Christian, but he wanted me to know how much God loved me. Andy was living out something we talked about in church today - serving God in all areas of our life. Here is Andy - a cashier at Target - who loves God and wants other people to know God loves them too. Andy reminded me that we don't have to go to another country to be a missionary. We just need to ask God how we can bless others around us and be used where we are.

A Day at the Races

Today I went to the horse races with Paula, Dave and Becca. It's something we have done several times before, but it has been a few years since I have gone. The horses are beautiful and the jockeys are such tiny little people. I am fascinated by their size! The races are very exciting. It's so fun to try to pick the winner and cheer the horses on. I love going for the long shot, but it never works out. There is a reason they are the long shot! It was a beautiful day. Days like that remind me what a beautiful place San Diego is and how blessed I was to grow up here.

August Email Update

(Email Update sent September 1st)

Hi!

August flew by! Now it's September and my countdown to leaving begins. In 16 days I will be leaving for Kenya. It's very exciting, but scary at the same. I don't know all that God has in store for me, but I am walking in faith – trusting in Him to provide. My time in Sudan really prepared me for living in Africa long term. I have learned to be flexible (still learning actually) and am trying to go with the flow. Things can change so quickly, but I am relying on God to lead the way.

Preparations for leaving have gone well. In fact, I am pretty much ready to go I just need to pack (which I am waiting until the last week) and do a few other little things. Thank you to everyone who has purchased supplies for me. I really appreciate it. Next week I will be visiting a life long friend of mine in Las Vegas and then when I come back it's crunch time. I will doing all the last minute things that will inevitably come up and trying to see as many people as possible.

Ministry Update – last week I met with the leaders of Africa Harvest of Hope. They currently support an orphanage in Tanzania and are working on various other projects to help malnourished children. It seems like this may be a good long term fit for George and me. Both of us have a heart for kids in need and they are in need of administrative and logistical help. We are praying about how we can be helping this ministry and asking God if this is where He is calling us to go.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to the next few months in Kenya. I am hoping to start learning the language as soon as possible. If God wants us there there long term, it's important to speak in the language of the people we are serving. Plus, I need to learn how to cook Kenyan food and other skills that will be handy in the future. I have no idea what our living situation will be wherever we end up. I could be in a house with no running water or electricity so I need to know how to get by. It seems like the charcoal oven (aka my nemesis) may be making a reappearance in my future!

I have had people ask me how my support is going. Truthfully, I don't know! I have received some support while I have been home, but it is a fraction of what I had been raising before. Many people weren't sure what to do while I was in transition and figuring out what to do next. I am hoping to rebuild that support as I leave and hope people join with George and me and catch our vision as we reach those in need. I completely am trusting God to provide. He knows what we'll need to accomplish His will so I am not stressing about it. If you would like to send a one time donation or monthly, please visit my blog to see where to send them. The blog address is

http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/

We also need committed prayer warriors and would appreciate your prayers so much. Here are a few prayer requests:

1. Strength & peace as I prepare to leave many loved ones.
2. Safe travel and smooth visa acquisition
3. Wisdom as George and I combine our lives and seek long term ministry placement.

Thank you for your support, prayers, encouragement and help. Remember to check my blog for more information, stories, photos and prayer requests. I don't do Facebook so my blog is the best way to stay connected.

God Bless,
Stacie