Each passing day is bringing more Kenyan excitement than the one before. Today marks the two week point of being here in country. For the time that we have been here, a small family of mice has resided in the kitchen of the community house. I personally was not so burdened over their presence, apart from the food that they voraciously stole. Nonetheless, when the team arrived the mouse situation was not met with pleasure.

A portion of the team is not afraid of mice, but rather of girls who are. The screams became excessive and the throwing things grew to just as much; therefore, something had to be done. I purchased two smaller traps from a local hardware store that was nice enough to have traps, baited them up with peanut butter and awaited in anticipation for their demise.

Half of a day passed with not so much as a sighting and then turned to night. I was certain the seedy beasts would be active at night but awoke to find none in the awaiting jaws of death. However, around brunch today came the news, “Two Mice Slain in the Kitchen.” The moment we had waited for finally arrived and I went in to survey the damage. The one thing about mouse traps found in Kenya is that they are 100% metal in construction, with a row of serrated teeth where the wire trap meets the edge. Knowing this, I was expecting carnage of mouse-like proportions.

Upon further review, the mice were not damaged beyond recognition, however, they were dead. The one did suffer a gruesome death which I was glad no one was forced to witness. A quick maneuver threw them into the vines behind the house and I was certain our woes were over. As the story turns out, where there are two mice in Africa, two hundred are sure to follow. It appears that not all have been acquired but only time is necessary to bring the others to their doom.

A fair has come to town. Well maybe not really a fair, maybe a carnival or maybe an expo. I am not really sure what it is, but those are the terms the locals refer to it as. The ‘function’ that has arrived in town has monopolized the water in the area and as a result, there is no water to be had during the day. They are kind enough to turn the water back on into the slums at night. However, this water is more like a trickle and if we desire any we must help it out of the faucets.

In addition, this ‘function’ that has arrived, is no doubt putting a great strain on the power as well. At random times the power will flicker or go out completely. Tonight we had invited the pastors and their wives to our house that we may dine with them. We prepared a traditional Kenyan meal of ugali, rice and stew and were delighted that they were going to be with us.

They all arrived in time for supper as one who lives in Kenya is never late going anywhere. Supper began and we were having a tremendous time dining with the local pastors and family, talking about the plans for the slums and what God had been doing among His church here as of late. We were nearing completion of the meal and the power went out. When the power goes out, it doesn’t just go out, but its absence seems to suck any remaining speck of light into the abyss with it. So we were there in the blackest of night, with not even a match to bring a hint of a glow into the room.

I was all too presumptuous, however, for the nationals kept right on with their conversation and finished eating. As I acquired a kerosene lantern for the sake of light, the power came back on and permitted everyone’s departure in safety. How unpredictable is this place, but how grand its people.

Kenyan life is in full swing and I am glad to be back. It has been nothing short of sheer joy to be able to rekindle old friendships and have already made many new ones. The weather is quite pleasant, no doubt cooler than it is back in Trinity, NC. It is just cool enough to sleep at night and just warm enough during the day to merit a short sleeve shirt. To be honest it seems uncommon for a country that sits upon the equator.

The team arrived last Friday morning amidst the crowd pouring out of the airport like bees from a crowded nest. They have found the culture to be intriguing and unusual, but so warm that it is disarming in almost every way. Their first two weeks here will incorporate a more site-specific training, that they may properly understand the way one relates to the Kenyan culture.

Yesterday we ventured out into the Nairobi Arboretum, a rather peaceful place in the middle of a bustling city. The grounds were lovely, featuring trees from all over the world. I suppose the climate, being as it is, creates a proper environment for those various varieties. As we dealt with official matters, a group of monkeys handled their own affairs of the day as they stalked us with plans of sabotaging our time as well as our belongings. However, proper foresight maintained our course of action and our food.

The expansion of the Gospel will be greatly benefited by the days that lay ahead. We have already been blessed to see one come to Christ and many more touched by the love of our King through the team. With the more people we meet, the more we are humbled to be living in a culture so rich and so loving. Continue to pray that the Lord will plow up the heart’s soil that the seeds of the Gospel may be lodged deep within those who we share life with.