Back in the USA

If you hadn't already guessed from my lack of posting lately, I am back in the US and have been in a month-long whirlwind of celebrations, catching up with friends, meeting with other members of the CARE for AIDS team, and speaking to all kinds of people about what God is doing in Kenya Time really flies when you get out of a routine, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to write an update on how the transition has gone!

My last few days in Kenya were crazy, as I finished checking off (most) items on my final to-do list. I had a bunch of sad goodbye's with the CFA staff and friends, but all of that was made infinitely easier because of the knowledge that I would be returning to Kenya in about a month. I think I've mentioned this before, but I've agreed to continue working with CFA in Kenya for another year, so I'll be back in Limuru from July until at least May 2011! This is so exciting for me, and I am praising God for the opportunity to continue working for a vision that I have become so passionate about. I feel extremely blessed right now for this opportunity, and I am confident that I will get to see even more amazing things happen in my second year in Kenya.

I am also thankful for the way that God has provided for my girlfriend Jane. During her visit in March, she was able to interview for a job with ACTS as a volunteer coordinator. She has agreed to take this job for the next year, so she will be coming back to Kenya with me and living just down the road in Tigoni with some of my best friends - what a blessing!

Over the last few weeks back in the States, I have been given several chances to speak with various groups and individuals about CARE for AIDS. It is so exciting for me to share not just about what CFA is, but about what I have seen happening over the past year with my own eyes. I feel like I have so much to talk about, and so many stories to tell, and I am really praying that God would put me in touch with every opportunity between now and when I return to Kenya. All of us on the CFA team are pushing hard this summer to raise the funding to open new centers in several different areas of Kenya, and I am hoping that God would use my first-hand experiences to open many people's eyes to not just the reality of life for people suffering from HIV, but also to the reality of the hope that CARE for AIDS offers.

I have a lot more thoughts on what it's like to be back in America and what the change of pace is teaching me, so check back soon for more updates! Thank you all for your continued prayer and support - if any of you would like to get in touch over the next 5 weeks or so, feel free to do so!