And So It Goes: The In Between

It has been fourteen states, three continents, over 17,000 miles, and way to many “Goodbyes” since my last update. So to all of those people who have loved me so well over the past two month; HELLO from Nakuru, Kenya!

It truly has been a whirlwind adventure since my last post from West Glacier, Montana. Last month, I explained where the Lord was taking me after my time in Montana…and now, here I am! Nakuru, Kenya: home sweet home for the next nine months! Thank you so much for all of the support and continued prayer as the R.O.C.K. Nakuru team steps into a new experience together. Amy, Laura, Lauren, Shelley and I are very excited to settle into our cottages and acquaint ourselves with the local community members and new culture. While there is already so much to unpack from the short time we have been away from home, I would like to rewind a few weeks and explain what God showed me in the time between Montana and

Kenya

God is very big. This simple statement became very apparent to Ralph and me as we took a detoured route home from West Glacier, MT. Taking a left-hand turn out of the Treasure State, we were able to see some the countries most beautiful destinations. Two days of the Dave Matthews Band and other artists at the Gorge Amphitheatre; flying fish, the space needle, and the original Starbucks in Seattle; scaling the sea stacks of Olympic National Park; squeezing the Land Rover through the giant trees of Redwood National Forest; Chinese food in San Francisco’s Chinatown; beautiful scenery in Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, and Arches National Parks; the bright lights of Las Vegas; Tommy Knocker’s Brewery and a free Beach Boys concert with my sister in Denver; dear friends in Memphis and Birmingham; and finally home. WHEW!! What a trip! Each leg of our journey was packed with hours of stories, hundreds of photos, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Ralph and I feel very blessed to do something that most people only dream of doing. We were able to see America from our windshield. Sure, it was a very quick tour- we could have spent at least a month in each destination- but this teaser of a road trip was something I will never forget. Seeing God’s beautiful creation all over the country gave me a deeper sense of awe at His power and creativity.

Another thing I learned in the month of September was the overwhelming amount of support I have from the people God has put in my life. In the two weeks at home before my departure across the Atlantic, I was able to meet with more people than I thought was humanly possible. These cherished hours were filled with laughter, storytelling, tears, hard decisions, snow cones, prayers, apple pie, and words of encouragement. Whether we shared time over the phone or in person- thank you all for your time and friendship!
Additionally, I want to thank everyone for the continuous emails and messages I have been receiving. Your support means so much! I will post again on all things Kenya next week! Until then, here are a few pictures captured on my trip home from Montana!