"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

God's Faces

Sunday, July 22, 2007

First weekend in Kenya

Of course we had to visit a few tourist sites. With camera in one hand and Acacia leaf pellets in another, we met a family of giraffes. Yeen Lan (Rafiki Village director) was our tour guide and is quickly becoming a trusted friend. After spending 1/2 day with giraffes (a few hours too long for Lowell and I) we drove to a nice lunch spot owned by a friend of Yeen Lan's. Outdoor patio offered a warm fire in the patio fireplace. Still hard to believe that we are driving distance to the equator...and need a fire in the fireplace to stay warm. Elevation of 5500 feet and overcast skies make for cool days and cold nights during the Kenyan winter.
Sunday we drove into downtown Nairobi for our first church service. The Kreamer family (Rafiki teammates) invited us to visit their church. We were the clear minority in the all black St. Andrews Presbyterian church, which is exactly what we are looking for in a church. Our prayer is that God would allow us to really become part of this community soon and what better place than the church to get connected. We were welcomed with a song by the congregation as guests were invited to stand during the service. Communion inspired our souls and taste buds as bread and a very potent wine was passed thru the congregation. Wish you could have seen John's face as he experience his first communion. After the service visitors were invited to have tea on the outdoor patio where we met several members of the largest Presbyterian church in Nairobi.

8 comments:

Bro said...

Lewis:

Just wanted you to know that Joanna and I single handedly put you over the top on your support. At the estate sale, Joanna bought an elipticle exercise machine which she will never use, I bought your black shelving unit in the garage along with 2 of your reels for $1 a piece, which by the way had better work or I want my money back. It was different not seeing you and the family at the Edge today. Miss you bro.

Tim

Shannon Pate said...

What a great adventure!! We love hearing all about it!! Thanks so much for sharing!!! Know you are loved by the Pates, and you are prayed for everytime we read your posts!!! Have a great day!! Shannon

Chuck said...

Hello, friends! This blogspot is becoming a highlight of our day! Thanks so much for keeping us all posted. We love you and we're praying for you!

Bee said...

This is so awesome. God is already doing great things and you haven't even been there a week. The first driving adventure details made me a little nervous for you all but I'm glad you are safe. I'm sure it will take a while for you not to feel like you are on vacation but rather at home. When we lived in San Antonio for 3 years, it felt like vacation the whole time.

Bee

Sharon said...

Dear Taylor Gang,

I'm still laughing....I wish I could have seen John's face when he drank the wine! :) And I hope somebody fed a giraffe for me. That would be just too cool. Oh, the memories you'll have.

Not a day goes by that we don't think and pray for each one of you.

Thanks for so faithfully updating the blog. It helps us to feel connected to you. Love to you all!

Pat & Sharon

Lee Smith said...

By the way Taylors, I forgot to tell you all that we used to be Presbyterians before we moved down to Little Rock. I hope you connect with a body where you feel at home.

Steve said...

Great to see you guys getting yourselves integrated right off the bat! I look forward to hearing more about your time and can't wait to see what God does through someone so willing to do what God commands! You guys are a great inspiration to go when the Lord says to - thanks for modeling that to me.

Unknown said...

Just now figured out to get going on this blog and it's so great!! I love reading your updates Lewis. Thanks for all you describe. I will love seeing Africa through the eyes of you all. I echo Shannon in saying a prayer as I read your posts. Love to all - a special hug from Taylor to Anna!! Can't wait to see all that God does in your new home. Debbie