This was the first time in my life where I spent a December without snow! I have spent Christmas away from my family before, but had never spent an entire winter season without any snow! In fact, right now in Kenya, it’s summer and the temperature gets hotter every day. I’m really enjoying the warm weather, even if the UV rays sunburn me every so often. I’m thankful for the sunshine!
This month, we wrapped up 16 weeks of teaching online (Lord-willing)! Wow, it’s hard to believe sometimes that I haven’t been teaching in a classroom with children since March! I continue to pray that we are able to return to in person teaching in January. Here is a sample of one of my student’s writing pieces. I had them read Psalm 139, pray and reflect on it, then write a list of 10 thing they like about the way God made them. So precious.
As He does, God continued to show His everyday blessings in my life. I had some special opportunities this month. Two of my coworkers here got married and I was able to experience my first little taste of a Kenyan wedding (He is Kenyan and she is American). I really enjoyed all of the dancing and the beauty of blending the two cultures together.
It has been fun to be in such a tight-knit community here with my school. With so many people away from family over the holiday season, the women on staff have a long standing tradition of having an annual Christmas cookie exchange! It was so fun to be creative with recipes (imported peppermint extract was shared) and play Christmas music amidst the afternoon sunshine. I was also able to host a Christmas party of my own and I just felt so thankful that we are able to gather here as I know that has not been the reality for many others.
On Christmas Eve, I was able to bless some of my friends from the market with my love for baking by bringing them an assortment of cookies and spending the day with them. Dorcas and Catherine both have flower shops and they taught me how to make bouquets! My friend, Isaac, makes jewelery and things with beads and he taught me how to make earrings! It was a Christmas Eve memory that I’ll treasure for years to come.
At our school, we get three weeks of holidays and since travel is really complicated right now, I stuck around Nairobi for the break and did some day trips of exploring. It was such a blessing to have TIME. Time to explore this beautiful country, time to build relationships, time to work ahead, time to rest and be still. What a gift this break was to the end of a crazy year. Here are some photos of my adventures.
As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but feel gratitude for all that God has done in my life. He has shown his love for me in such personal ways. I have been in Kenya for almost 6 months now. Wow, God is faithful. I think back a couple years from now and I couldn’t have imagined all that God had in store for my life. I am so thankful that He is sovereign above all and the director of my steps. Praise Him for the testimony that is my life. As I look ahead to the future and all that this next year might bring, I pray that I would continue to fall more in love with my Maker and continue to trust in His leading and guiding.
Happy New Year!
J.
jocelyn's adventures in kenya. 