Karibu Kenya. ("welcome Kenya" in swahili)

For the past week in Atlanta, I unpacked bags, did several loads of laundry, and then repacked my suitcase...but this time with long skirts, sweat pants, scrubs, and medical supplies... for Kenya. Looking back on the last 6 weeks in India, my heart is still heavy and feels somewhat tied there...as though India anchored my heart to its people. Reflecting on my trip has unveiled haunting memories and horror stories that were hidden in my heart, and I found myself breaking down in uncontrollable sobs at random times during the past few days. I have come to realize that doing research on human trafficking is one thing, but seeing it and holding it in your arms is another. My mind often trails back to the many faces of the men, women, and children I met, wondering where they are tonight, and where they will wake up tomorrow morning.

I recently learned that prostitution was legalized in South Africa for the world cup, and so I have been praying for and thinking about the 100,000 prostitutes that were flown into the country for this event. An organization called Exodus Cry created a 30 day prayer guide to lift up the victims, and if you are interested in participating for the last few days of the World cup you can find the guide right here: http://www.exoduscry.com/downloads/south_africa_prayer_guide_print.pdf.

The Nutrition program in Birla Slum for the teenage girls and women (who were forced to partake in child marriage around the age of 12) is going well! I received news that they have had the first two meetings, and the girls seem excited to participate. They will receive the first of their monthly hygiene packs (with soap and feminine pads each month, a new toothbrush and toothpaste every 3 months) this coming week, as well as have a health lesson on "5 keys to healthy diet," teaching them about the importance of nutrition. I will hopefully be skyping the 26 girls in the program once I return to the US again...

For the next three weeks, my family will be serving at a mission hospital in Kapsowar, Kenya. I will be working with my Dad in the hospital most of the time, as well as making several trips to a nearby orphanage called Kapchesewes to play and do crafts with the 35 children there. We have been to this village on two trips before, so the familiar faces make me feel like I am coming "home" in some ways.. I am currently sitting in a missionary Guesthouse in Nairobi that my family has stayed at on all 4 of our previous trips to Kenya--we are even sleeping in the same room for the 4th time haha! It is 12:15am right now (7 hour time change from the US) and our flight to El Doret leaves tomorrow at 8:15, and then we have a two hour bus ride after that, so I'm going to scoot to bed and crawl under a mosquito net.