Our New Home

We arrived in Nairobi, Kenya on January 8th after a long but enjoyable flight. We flew over the Alps, which was so beautiful, but I did not have my camera to let you in on the fun. The Lewis family, and two journey girls (Alyssa and Mindy) picked us up at the airport and have helped us while we get our feet wet. We spent our week in Nairobi stocking up on the many things that you cannot get here in Loki. We packed the moving truck with our supplies, gas fridge, gas stove, and a few of their belongings and hit the road for a two day drive north.

On the drive up, we saw zebra, baboons, impala, and I missed those camera opportunities as well. However, while driving through the Rift Valley, I did have my camera handy but the picture does not do it justice. We stayed over night in Kitale and then drove the next day finally arriving at our new home in Lokichogio on Monday evening. Here is what it looks like after a lot of cleaning:

Yea for toilets and toilet paper!

                           Our room with my bug safety zone...Hey, I am a girl, so it is expected.

                                    Guest Bedroom...working on the bug free zone for this one.

                                                  Wait, two bathrooms?! How cool is this?

                                                 Our relaxing area with a makeshift table.

                                    And that is how we get around out here....think its big enough?

                    So, guess what surprise comes with the house...a mouse eater...guess it can stay.

                                               Our giant yard, but home to many cool birds.

We are getting adjusted, slowly but surly. Knowing that people are daily praying for us is helping us get through those moments of homesickness. God has been so good to us and has blessed us with: solar panels (which provide electricity during the day), batteries (which provide it at night), internet (slow but sooo thankful for this since it is not accessible in South Sudan), back up generator, and a water tank which provides running water. We begin language learning soon, but have already had opportunities to share Christ. To God be all the glory!

And We're Off

So first things first, thank you all so much for your patience during this Christmas season. We wish we could have updated this more, but we really appreciate the intimate time spent with family. The mad rush of condensing your life into 5 suitcases, opening and closing bank accounts, working through a HUGE list of last minuet to do's, and of course the 1000 Wal-Mart trips have come and gone. We said goodbye to our families around 9:30 this morning. It was one of the hardest things we have had to do, so we appreciate all of you who took time out of your morning to pray for us. We ask ourselves is it worth it? Of course it is because our Savior is worth so much more then we could ever give or sacrifice for Him.

As we are sitting here thinking about the wild and crazy blur these past few weeks have been, and the road that lies ahead of us (equally as hectic I'm sure). I'm so thankful for the next 20 hours, since I have absolutely nothing to do but relax and think about all of the blessings and the way God has brought us to this place. We have seen Him meet our deadline for our house by literally minuets, provide jobs, and bring Anita to Mike (Holly's dad) and Ben to DeAnna (Holly's sister). God has really provided for us and looking back we can see His hand working in His perfect timing. Well we must once again rush off to sit and wait. We want to thank all of you for your continued prayer, and if we can pray for you in any specific way please email us! jalesley@liberty.edu

The scare of the day came when we were taxing up to the runway and the stewardess said welcome to the flight to Norfolk. Of course we were supposed to be going to DC. My heart sank for about 5 seconds until she made the correction.