Nairobi Nairobi

Ahh Nairobi...you and I have a serious love-hate relationship.
I love your cool weather, your crazy blend of cultures, and of course your lattes and cheeseburgers.  But I could live without your insane traffic, your growing commercialism, and your convoluted politics.  


When I came to Kenya in September last year, I expected to be in Nairobi a few days here and there but spend the majority of my time in Gssa or villages in that area.  Instead, I lived in Gssa for about three weeks total and the other almost 7 months I've been in Nairobi!  It's been a huge blessing to be here in some ways (meeting believers from around the world, awesome language training, time with the Germos), but in other ways this has been very, very challenging.  It's been clear to me for many years that I am not created to live in a materialistic, money-hungry city scene.  Even in the States I fought against the pressure to pile up junk for the sake of junk and constantly chase after the next big thing to own.  When I read Paul's words "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want," (Philippians 4:12) I wonder if it was easier for him to live in need than in plenty.  


In my case, it is much easier for me to live in the middle of no where with no choice but to live simply than it is to live in a place like Nairobi where there is access to so much that I don't need.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with ice cream, coffee, movie theaters, professional hair cuts, pizza, or nail polish!  Good things aren't intrinsically right or wrong and it's hard for me to enjoy the gifts God gives me for the moment without feeling guilt.  It would be much easier for me to live like a hermit and just cut myself off from every luxury, but what does that lifestyle say about my Father, my provider, the one who plans my life?  To most Africans, it would appear I have a Father who is either unable or doesn't want to provide abundantly for me.  On the other hand, there's a whole lot of disgusting things that happen in our hearts when the focus shifts to obtaining the things themselves as the end goal instead of using them to glorify Him.  This is an ongoing challenge for me-to enjoy the good things while they last instead of removing the temptation to overindulge by refusing to enjoy it at all.


I had a pretty big disappointment last week when I found out that my application for a work permit in Kenya was denied.  That was definitely not what I expected to happen, but there are a few more steps I can take to get the permit so all hope is not lost.  My current visa is good for another 2 months, and I'll start this week with the appeal process and see what happens.


On a different note, I've had the incredible pleasure of living with the Witt family for the last couple weeks while we wait for baby #4 to arrive.  It's been a blast hanging out with their 3 daughters-I seriously missed having kids around!  I made a fort for them in the attic, we make daily trips to the playground, and they say some of the funniest stuff!  Hopefully I'll get some pictures and stories up sometime soon :)


All for now...thanks for reading my rambles.