En-Gedi Mission Trip Update #1
We checked in at the Sioux Falls airport and got through security without problems or delays. We proceeded to our gate. We met TJ (see photo below) at our gate at Sioux Falls airport. He had been in Sioux Falls for a week-long Christian men's retreat. This man was ON FIRE for the Lord and couldn't stop talking about what God has recently done in his life!
He had been in the Marines and had used drugs for the past 15-18 years, living in Atlanta, GA. He felt God calling him to leave everything behind and go to Cleveland, OH. He wondered what God had in store for him, but he went. He found temporary lodging in a lovely home through Christian people and organizations. It was there that he met his wife. He is open to doing whatever God calls him to do!
Our flight from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, had many open seats. With flight attendants' permission, we moved from rows 50 and 51 to rows 32 and 33 (more excellent, roomier section)! Each of us had three seats to spread out and be comfortable. Some of us caught a few winks; others weren't quite as fortunate.
We landed in Frankfurt at around 10:30 pm Minnesota time, 5:30 am Germany time, a little hungry and tired. Our 5-plus-hour layover allowed us to stretch our legs, eat, and prepare for the final leg of our trip.
We arrived in Nairobi around 9:15 pm Tuesday. While waiting in the airport immigration and visa line, a young lady named Sarah noticed and commented on all our luggage. We told her where we were headed and what we were planning to do. She told us she is originally from Kentucky but has lived in Poland for almost two years, working at a church in evangelism and counseling. She is considering going to seminary and becoming a pastor. Meeting her and sharing our love and excitement for the Lord was a pleasure! We asked her to share her newsletter with us by e-mail so we could keep tabs on her.
Margaret Njuguna and Evan (a hired driver) greeted and welcomed us at the airport and took us and our 12 suitcases (plus backpacks/bags) to the En-Gedi Children's Home near Margaret's hometown of Kitengela.
We enjoyed a fantastic meal of chicken, rice, vegetables, and locally grown fresh fruit before collapsing into bed around 1:30 am.
On Wednesday, we will meet the En-Gedi children!
Written by Diane Westenberg
