Hello Everyone and greetings from Ohio, yea!It is so good to be home, cleaned up and ready to slip into my own bed after two weeks away. I must admit it was hard to leave, but once we were on our way I was excited to be home. Yesterday I was asked in Kenya if I was ready to go home and I said I had mixed feelings b/c there is so much that can be done in Kenya, but I miss my family, my youth group, my church and my friends. You all have become so important to me and being away on the other side of the world really has shown me your place in my heart. I found myself wondering what was going on back here, how was youth group going, what kind of trouble Matt was getting into now...haha just kidding Matt. But knowing you all were praying for me really helped me keep going.I think the transition home so far has been good, with the exception of the Airports and my stolen camera. To make a long story short, when we finally got back to the USA (which is supposed to be the most organized and efficient place to travel too) our first flight was canceled. Then the second flight we were put on wouldn't take us b/c NWA didn't do their jobs, then we were put on a third flight four hours later, but our luggage was sent on the earlier flight. Fortunately when we finally got to Cleveland our luggage was there, except Doriel's one piece (pray that it finds its way home). Then we had a run in with a over zealous uptight police officer who wouldn't let us wait a moment to load everybody up...he even wrote a ticket. With all this craziness it felt like our leaving the group was fragmented. I jumped in my parents van and we took off so fast b/c the police officer was watching everything so closely. But we made it home safely and hopefully we will get rested and transition back to our lives here quickly. I know that these trials of today are attacks by the enemy to get our focus off of what God has done in us and through us. Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us." These trials tested our patience when we were tired and our walls were down. But I know they are things that can preoccupy our thoughts and may cloud our memories if we let the enemy get a stronghold. It is always a good reminder to know that Satan is most concerned with believers who are serving God b/c he knows they are doing the most damage to his kingdom. I know that God did great things in Kenya through our team and the enemy tried to make us pay for it, but God is bigger then all this.
Upon arriving home I was greeted by loving arms from my family. What a great time to see all their faces again and to hug them and share with them. The only let down was that when I went to get my camera to show pictures it had been lifted from my bag. The case, battery and charger were in the bag along with the two stands, but the camera was gone. All I can say is thank the Lord for Dave Bell who had us back up all our pictures and videos on his computer. At least I know we can get what I lost as far as footage goes. I had a hard time getting upset b/c it was just a camera...to complain felt so selfish after seeing how much I have compared to what the children in Mathare have. I am still asking God to convict me of my own materialistic tendencies.
As I was sharing some of my stories I found myself close to tears a couple of times. It something else to know that God is trying to tell you something but you just haven't put your finger on it. I know those little ones touched my heart for a reason and i know God will reveal more of his plan for me and I can't wait to tell you more of what He has taught me through this trip. I know it created a greater dependence on Him and that always produces more fruit. "If you abide in me and my word abides in you, the same will produce much fruit." Well I must close now b/c my eyelids are heavy and I must take my malaria pills.
Praise God for His protection and guidance. Thanks for all your prayers and interest in our trip. If you haven't already done so, check out http://www.vesperlakemissions.blogspot.com/.
Its good to be home. God bless, Pastor Brad
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