august 2021.

What a month!! This month was one of the best of my life! One my dearest friend’s from B.C. came to visit! My friend, Rachel, came for 3 whole, wonderful weeks! Her time here was the biggest blessing. After some tough life events, having a soul sister come was just what the Lord knew my heart needed. I was able to show Rachel my daily life here in Kenya, from driving around and learning Swahili to bartering at the markets and meeting my friends. It was so fun to show her the people and places that I love here. We were also able to have some very incredible adventures during her time here. We went on a safari at the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti that border Tanzania, and were able to make beautiful once-in-a-lifetime memories. I continue to thank God for His goodness.

This month marked the beginning of a new school year! I was so thankful to have Rachel here to help me set up my classroom. School began on August 9th and we are now back in full swing! I am so thankful that we were able to begin this school year in person and on campus. While there are still restrictions here (curfew, masks at all times, temp checks), it looks like the school will be able to remain in person for the entire school year. Praise God! I have the dream class size this year… only ten students! I still can hardly believe it. This will be such a sweet year to really know my students. Only a few weeks before the school year began, God brought another Rachel to Kenya, my new 3rd grade teaching partner. She is an answer to prayer and has already become more than a coworker, a friend. I am thankful God brought her here in His perfect timing.

The first few weeks of school have been off to a great start! I already adore my sweet littles. I’m always amazed at how God handcrafts the perfect bunch each year. This year our school celebrated it’s 25 year anniversary. It was special to be a part of such a monumental milestone and reflect on God’s favor on our campus and the privilege it is to serve here. I continually thank God for this ministry and for calling me to teach at West Nairobi School.

Lastly, this month, I have had the opportunity to grow deeper in my relationships with my friends at the local market. I have invited a friend of mine, who I’ve mentioned a few times on here, and her 2 children to family church on Sunday and I am praying for God’s hand to be at work in her heart. If you would, please join me in lifting up Susan, Natasha, and Jaden, I would greatly appreciate it! She has become a dear friend to me and I would love for her to experience the radical love of Jesus in her life. I have also felt the Holy Spirit put on my heart to invite her to our church’s Alpha this Fall. Please be praying for His will and timing. My prayer is that, if it be His will and I his vessel, that my friend’s heart would be open and receptive to hearing more about God and asking questions through this weekly event.

As we enter September, please consider praying for me as I continue my Masters courses alongside full time teaching and ministry here. God has sustained me so abundantly thus far. My prayer is that I would continue to rely on His strength and not my own to fulfill this calling that He has placed on my heart.

Thank you for always joining with me on this journey in your prayers, support, and love. I truly feel your prayers here. Thank you to each and every one of you who take the time to read my updates. Thank you.

J.