Hopefullly getting settled.

So I’m nearing week four and the beginning of my official work here in Mombasa. I arrived in Mombasa on Saturday evening, January 7th. Since, I have been staying with the principal of the school at which I will be working, Mombasa Baptist High School. This is because the flat whereI will live needed repairs. Also, I have to furnish it myself, and I have yet to be able to do that. Still, I love it; it’s really pretty, located on the third floor, with the trees all around. It is supposed to be very safe too, as we will be paying a bit in addition to our rent every month especially for security, and it has a security switch in each flat, as well. Also, we have problems with monkeys, which is awesome (I saw 2 baby monkeys the other day)! An answer to prayer (no, not the monkeys…): I am not the only mzungu, in the complex. Carol, also a Baptist missionary is about 50 years old and has been living in Mombasa for 20 years. I am SO very ready to move in!

I start teaching on Tuesday, but I am also helping with the girls basketball team. C-razy….I haven’t played in years . . . years, I tell you! But I got to work out with them on Friday and it was a lot of fun. We played 4 on 5 for part of it and I was on the 4. After we were done with practice, the coach was all, “We always run after practice.” Excellent. Pretty sure I still ache, no wait…I’m positive. But I’m really pumped about getting to hang out with those girls, and have a chance to work out. I’ve already been able to kind of get to know one of the girls, Faith, who is very sweet and apparently plays tennis . . . eh?

There have been two tragedies within the last week here in Kenya. A few days ago one of the Nakuumats (could be spelling that wrong, but it’s like Wal-Mart) caught on fire, and because the exits were not well maintained and possibly because doors were purposely closed to save merchandise, some 20-30 people were killed. Then today, a petrol truck tipped over and it’s looking like over 100 were killed in the fire that resulted. The Kenyans are, naturally, very disturbed by these resent events. We would appreciate your prayers for the families and the injured victims.

As for me, pray that I will learn this language! I want to learn, but it’s so easy to be lazy (especially now that I am not in the slums) because everyone speaks English, even pretty much all the T.V. is in English. Also, please pray that I will just be aware of whatever God has for me to do, that I will be humble and available. –and obviously I am missing home A LOT. Thank you for your prayer in advance!