Karibu Nyumbani

What a blessing! I am home here in Kenya. After a long journey, I made it safely to the HEART compound. Praise God, I made all of my flights and all of my luggage arrived. I slept very well last night. Yesterday, as I walked into the HEART compound I could not wipe the smile off of my face. I was so excited to see and embrace my Kenyan family here. Today I am just beginning to settle in, trying to prepare my heart and my mind for this summer. 

I just wanted to update you all on what was going on... as kind of a "Here we go!" blog. The best way to follow me this year is through Twitter at twitter.com/katewinslow since blogging takes more time, and I want to be faithful to update you on what is happening here in Kenya. If you have a twitter, you can also tweet at me at @katewinslow. I will do my best to tweet everyday about my adventures. This way you can follow me in real time!

However, I know how much fun it can be to read stories of everything going on, so if there is ever a time where my heart is overflowing with an experience, I will share it here. It will somewhat act as a journal for me, so I apologize if my grammar is not the best.

Again, I say "asante sana" to everyone who has taken part in me being here -- whether through financial support, prayers, or encouraging words. I was going through the intern files this morning and came across one that was thrown together for me last year after I left. In it I found a report by the KFS Field Coordinator in Manga (Kisii) named Bernard. I was surprised to see that the report mentioned me. Here is what it said:

"The team guide Katelyn entertained the people present. She danced to any song rhythmically and in style. It was very interesting to watch her. She even motivated people to work harder. I wish you were there to watch the drama. Whistling filled the air and songs of praise were sung."

This made me laugh and smile and tear up at once. Who knew that me dancing had such an impact on a community? God uses us in weird ways. I love it. 

Anyway, I wanted to share that with you because every year I return, I ask myself, "Am I really useful here?" But never should I underestimate the small moments of impact. God can and will use my surrendered heart.

Praise be to God. Will you join me? We have quite an adventure ahead of us...