Back from Kenya!

Two days ago I emptied out my backpack and attempted to snuggle under the familiar blanket covers on my own bed. Disillusionment from jet lag and pondering thoughts were successful in keeping the shutters of my eyelids open. A morning college class and other responsibilities waiting for me in several hours didn't carry enough motivation for me to sleep. I had so much to process. I still do. A hop, skip and a jump to Africa and back can't just be followed by a cup of tea. It takes time for gazing, enjoying, and analyzing the depths of its experience, like the measures of studying a beautiful painting.

My initial few days spent in Nairobi were honestly somewhat blank and disoriented. I was still getting my bearings for the purpose of me joining this team (Disciples of Worship from Norway). I was gradually recovering from jet lag, exhausted after two days of non-stop traveling. Nevertheless, I jumped right in. We visited an orphanage, squeezed adorable babies & toddlers with love, and ministered with a worship team from a church in Nairobi. Beyond my somewhat blurred perspective quickly to be remedied by sleep and rest, I was already in love with this place.

Soon it was time to venture on a bumpy, 6 hour road trip to visit the Maasai tribe in Maasai Mara. Before heading to facilitate our worship conference at Mizpah Prayer Center in Nakuru, we were highly encouraged by our Kenyan friends to share life with the Maasai and view God's creation through the classic safari experience. Something which continues to sit in my bucket list is to live with an unreached people group for a period of time. I came very close to checking this one off... too close, actually. 

As we entered into Maasai territory, yellow trees glistening of gold from the sunlight welcomed us. The road's bumps intensified as we scanned the landscape for any wild animals in sight. We began to notice herds of goats roaming the fields, often crossing the streets with their young shepherds keeping them together. It didn't take much for the Maasai children to flash their bright smiles, waving toward us cheerfully. 

As we continued, clean laundry drying on rocks caught our attention, followed by stares behind the rocks from women dressed in vibrant colors. Men with their weapons and colorful "cloaks of honor" roamed the land, carrying such dignity in their presence. We passed by several villages consisting of humble, cement homes built with tin roofs, as well as local shops and schools.

We finally arrived at our camp destination, warmly welcomed by members of the Maasai tribe. As we spent the next two days safari gazing, I'll easily admit that my favorite part was spending time with the Maasai people. We were privileged to spend time in their village, learning about their culture and history. As we received an honorable tribal dance by the Maasai men, giggles and hugs from the kids, and warm smiles from the women, my heart soared. God's imprint of love was all over these people. The characteristics of His dignity and glory glowed on the faces of these beautiful people. His presence was invading this place. They just didn't know it yet. 

Before our team left the village, we asked if we could teach our new friends a song. As I pulled out my guitar and handed out some shakers, we began to sing "Mighty to Save", explaining the Gospel message to them. That God loved the world so much that He sent His son Jesus to die for their sins, and then rose again so that we might be seated with Him in the heavenly realms as God's sons and daughters!

Heaven invaded this village as we sang, placing words of truth on the lips of the Maasai people. As we continued repeating the words of this simple song, the atmosphere shifted. New songs began to flow within our hearts as we prophetically claimed the land, the people, the animals, everything for His glory. Our Maasai friends might not have recognized the knowledge of the Holy Spirit at that moment.

 But they felt Him. We all did. It was glorious!

As we reached to our final goodbyes with our Maasai friends the following morning, I secretly did not want to leave. If I had the choice to remain there for the rest of our two-week visit to Africa, I would have! But little did I know this would only be the start to discovering the spiritual wealth of Kenya. And as we drove back onto the bumpy, dusty road exiting the Maasai land, my heart was about to explode and spill over with more oceans of His love than I could ever have imagined. 

** Rebecca Burger** Go to http://beethesongbird.blogspot.no/ for more of Becca's blogs