‘When you live by faith, you have just have to take what the Lord gives you.’ – Gary Casady

God provided a gift for our being side tracked in our travel plans. Not only did we get to fly through another African country during the trip, we got to do it in class – KLM World Business Class to be specific. It was without a doubt the most comfortable flight most of had ever been on. The amenities are too extensive to list here, but it was a true blessing and if you’ve ever had trouble sleeping on a plane, you would sleep like a baby here!

 

The flight to Ghana was over 6 hours, so many of us were able to catch up on some rest and prepare for the next leg which would hopefully take us to Kenya as planned. We would be landing on July 15th in the early morning, two full days after our departure. Our perfect flight plan was already long (almost 24 hours in flight) and this would add another 10 hours to the travel. We should be good and bushed when we arrive!

Next…God provides a guide in Ghana!

Hitch #1 – ‘Toilet Situation’

First let me say we arrived finally, but not on the planned path or the date/time. It was however and adventure I think enjoyed by all of the team.

Miller's Saying Goodbye at PDX

So back to the beginning and the ‘Toilet Situation.’ It was actually not a big deal, but it did cause a total revamping of our travel plans. Our first plan had a malfunction in the electronics of the waste systems. As in many cases, after we all boarded the plane, they found there was a problem, so there we sat…for 2 ½ hours!

Gary w/ Mt. Rainer in Window

Because of the initial delay we missed our connection in Amsterdam and our perfect travel plans went to uncertain. We initially thought we would overnight in Amsterdam, but ended up getting a flight out through Ghana and the city of Accra. It took a long time to get everything situation for the next leg of the travel, so by the time that was done, we had little time to catch the flight.

Relaxing in Amsterdam

Next…Luxury awaits!

We're Off!

Team Kenya 2010 is underway and with no hitches so far.  We had an awesome and uplifting prayer session in the church parking lot with the team and many prayer partners.  We were inspired and lifed up as a result.  God is truly with us.  Here's the initial team picture...

We'll this is the first post from the trip and as with each one, it could be the last depending on if our technology works as we move forward through the trip.

We were also blessed by our driver Phil Foote.  Thanks Phil...much appreciated!!  Also thanks to all who have supported us and lifed us up.  I can assure that your wfforts are well received and appreciated.

We'll this is the first post from the trip and as with each one, it could be the last depending on if our technology works as we move forward through the trip.

We are at the gate with the whole team, we'll grab a bite to eat and will begin boarding in less than an hour.  To our families we say goodbye and we will miss you all.  We hope to come back with immense joy and stories of how God used us in a special way for three weeks in July 2010.  God Bless.

Commissioned and ready to head out...

Gateway's staff, elders, and Mission Commission formally commissioned our team at services this Sunday. It was a touching service and meant a lot to those of us that are being sent out. We are not going alone, but with an army of prayer warriors that are lifting us up to bring blessings to Gods Kingdom. There may only be eight of us going, but our entire congregation is with us. Thanks on behalf of all of us.

We also had an additional blessing of having two Kenyans, Elijah and Samuel join us for the commissioning and the lunch following.  A magical surprise and gift from God?  :-)

Packed and ready to go...

Well...not quite ready to go, but getting close. We are just a couple days from liftoff of the mission. The team met Saturday evening to discuss packing, weigh bags, discuss concerns and pray!

It's a little surprising, but the nerves are starting to come into play at this point. There are always the basic safety concerns, but on a spiritual level some of us have concerns about being able or good enough to serve our God and further his Kingdom. We all agreed that it's not about us and our success on this mission will be totally attributable to God. We can rest in that and know that He is with us and all we need to be is a willing servant. Amen!

The 'Plan'

A few short days till we leave and we are all trying to figure out what we should be taking, gathering various items we think might be useful, and thinking about how we can pack with as little luggage as possible.

We’re also getting slightly apprehensive, wondering can we really do this, and being very thankful that our faithful Father who has called each of us to this trip, will be with us every step of the way. Actually we’ve talked about the interruptive divine appointments we’re likely to encounter along the way, and the adventure of being VERY dependent on God’s enabling power each occasion.

Here’s a rough outline of our itinerary as it stands now:


13-Jul 8:00AM meet at Gateway to load people and bags in various family vehicles, leave Portland 1:30PM

14-Jul Arrive Amsterdam 8:30AM, Depart Amsterdam 10:25AM, Arrive Nairobi 7:25 PM, Dan (Mutisya) will meet us at the airport and take us to Presbyterian Guest House.

15-Jul Sleep, travel to Rift Valley

16-17-Jul Resting, picking up supplies, visiting ministries, visit orphanage called New Life Center http://www.missionofmercy.org/donate/index_917.cfm

18-Jul Nairobi, church maybe with Dan (Mutisya)

19-Jul Travel to Kitui, disperse to accommodations in various homes.

20-Jul Getting acquainted, visit needy children

21-Jul Discussion of care for needy children, visitation to a home, dinner with South Asian friends.

22-Jul Meet with Grace Ministry Outreach (GMO) board members, in the afternoon Willie, Sydney and Marie visit local youth.

23-Jul Meet with national missionaries from remote locations in Kenya. Afternoon, the youth again meet together.

24-Jul Saturday, 24 July – Partner with Kenyan leadership for the Family Focus Conference

25-Jul Attend church with our host families

26-Jul Depart Kitui, travel to Tsavo National Park

27-Jul Tsavo

28-Jul Return to Nairobi, dinner with the Owens, accommodations at Mennonite Guest House

29-Jul With Owens'

30-Jul With Owens'

31-Jul With Owens'

1-Aug Church in Nairobi

2-Aug Depart Nairobi 8:10 AM Arrive Amsterdam 3:55 PM, stay at Shelter Christian Hostel

3-Aug Depart Amsterdam 10:10 AM Arrive Portland 11:40 AM (WARP SPEED FLIGHT!!)

Stay tuned for last minute changes to the schedule by our heavenly Director.

Kenya Here We Come...

It's hard to believe that in just over a week, our team will find ourselves on Kenyan soil.  We are so blessed to have the opportunity to serve in this way.  Your prayers are needed as we move forward with confidence that we have great things to both do and learn on this mission.  Glory be to God.