African Home

My move to Kenya, Africa has involved many steps of faith. Making this change in my life plan has been one GIANT step of faith. I am reminded daily that my plans are not God’s plans. 

When I left Oregon on Jan. 6, 2014 with two large bags weighing about 50# each and a small carry-on bag, I did not know where I would be living in Africa. I had packed supplies to live in a small dwelling or rent a room in Eldoret. I was hoping to live in one of the cottages at the Open Arms (OA) village, but that had not been confirmed before I left the USA.

There are eight African cottages at the Open Arms village. When I was there last summer, five of the cottages were being used for classrooms and a sixth was a teacher’s lounge. (Note: We have purchased property to build a permanent school nearby, but are waiting on approval/documents to break ground.) The other two were occupied by long-term volunteers -Ted & Brenda Whiteman (2.5 yrs.), and Rachel Gulden  (3 yrs.). 

Much to my delight, I was informed that I would be moving into one of the African cottages after our January course ended. A short-term volunteer was staying in the cottage while our class members were in the guest lodges at the OA village. I moved into the cottage a few days after the students returned to the USA.

I am finally settled into my new living space, and loving it! It is similar to a studio apartment – everything I need in one room. Actually, there is a small on suite bathroom. Soooooo… technically… everything is in two rooms.

 

The main space has a kitchen area, dining table (that doubles as a desk), bed with mosquito net, a wardrobe and large cupboard for storage, and a chair. There is only one twin-sized bed in the room, but I told them to put a second bed in the room so others have a place to stay when the guest lodges are full; plus, there will be two more beds when they have large teams staying at the OA village. 

A covered porch at the entrance is great for sitting outside while eating meals or watching the children play (in my front yard) during their recess breaks. My first weekend was spent, playing in the dirt, creating some landscaping at the entry. The Whiteman’s gave me some clippings from their well-established plants. I am told the soil is so good here that all I need to do is stick things in the ground and they will grow. Thus far, the rosemary and flowers are still alive. It just might work!

It is good to be “Home” in Kenya!