Hello my dear friends! Seriously, time flies. I can’t believe we only have 5 weeks left in our 1st term. Since I last wrote there have been lots of things happening. Some of you have asked for my address here at RVA and I wasn’t sure if I put it on the website so here it is. Attn: Amy Jarrett; PO Box 80, Kijabe, Kenya 00220
One huge blessing was the visit of my niece, Elissa Jarrett who is currently serving in Uganda until December. She was here from Oct 5th-11th. It was such a wonderful visit and very refreshing to us both I believe. I rode into Nairobi with a friend to pick her up and we got to enjoy some of the fun things Nairobi has to offer. We went to Nairobi National park where they have an animal orphanage. They had many animals there that you don’t often get to see on safari because of them being so rare. One was a Zebdonk. Yes that is right. It is a cross between a zebra and donkey! Then we went to the giraffe center where you get to feed the giraffe. One of the fun ways to do this is by putting the pellet of grain between your lips and getting a very slobbery kiss from the giraffe. Don’t worry; they assure you that the giraffe’s saliva is an antiseptic. This is proven by the fact that Giraffe are one of the only animals that can eat from the thorny Acacia trees because of the saliva that heals the cuts received from thorns. It’s a good thing too, because Acacia trees are their favorite treat. After getting some supplies we headed back to RVA. Elissa got to see me teach 3 of my PE classes. I think she agreed with my assessment of some rambunctious students that I teach. Friday we headed to Tenwek Hospital to be with Dad and Rachel over our Mid-term break. We were able to go on a one-night safari. It was such a great time to be out in God’s creation and we saw a breath-taking sunset that reminded me of the verse in Psalms. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” (Psalm 19:1-6 ESV) We also enjoyed the opportunity to visit missionary friends and the enjoyment of being together as a family. Though we were missing “a few” Jarretts to call it a reunion.
Dorm life- There has definitely been trying times the last week. I had to have some difficult conversations with some of my girls. Though I believe God gave me the words to say to them because I think these conversations were used to deepen our relationship in-spite of us dealing with different sins in their lives! I am thankful for God giving me opportunities to have these one-on-one conversations with the girls to challenge them in their walks with Him. There have also been great times together as we continue to grow closer together. I still laugh to myself and think occasionally what God has in mind putting me here with a bunch of crazy teenage girls. I think our dorm gets the prize for being the loudest. It is probably good that God made me to be a little more quiet and relaxed so that I can be a calming voice when it is needed.
Titchie: I am enjoying the PE and Music classes. While this is a big responsibility to add to my main “job” of Dorm mom, God has given me the strength to handle what He has asked me to do. The dean of Women has been working with the principals to see if they could give me a day off once a month for the rest of this term and then Lord-willing if other people can get all their support, they would be able to take some of the class load on a regular basis when we come back for 2nd term. I didn’t ask for this so I am thankful that God knows what I need and will provide for it in just the right time.
Fun days at RVA: Yesterday we celebrated Multicultural day. Many students and staff dressed up in outfits that represented their Culture’s dress. There were so many beautiful outfits. We also had a program that featured songs from the different language classes; Spanish, French, and Swahili classes. There was a Korean Fan Dance by the Titchie girls that was precious. They had skits and then a flag ceremony with over 20 nations represented that gave a beautiful picture of what Heaven will be like when every tribe and nation will worship the Lord. “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10 ESV) We didn’t have classes and finished the night off with a Staff vs. Seniors flag football game and Fireworks. It was such a fun day!
Kenya: God sent the rain to Kijabe these last two weeks. The people’s gardens needed rain so much and we were grateful for the rain. Northern Kenya is still in desperate need of rain. There are tensions of terrorist threats from groups in Somali since the Kenyan army has pressed into Somali to try and stop the terrorist acts that have happened across the Kenyan border. At this time the American Embassy has just raised awareness and told people to take caution. Another security issue that has happened recently around Kijabe is an increase in car hijackings. This has happened twice in the last 2 weeks. The police are working hard to find who is responsible. These things all sound alarming and we certainly take it seriously to be cautious and wise, but more importantly we serve a Powerful God. He is the only One that remains the same in a world that is ever changing. The safest place to be in this world is in the center of His will. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2 ESV) So please join me in prayer for safety and peace to reign in Kenya, but at the same time, we trust in God’s plan and His protection of His children.
Heart lessons: God keeps working in my heart to surrender completely to Him. I thought I had given Him every part of my life to be Lord over, but He has been showing me where I am still trying to hold tightly to my own desires. I am so thankful for His faithfulness to move and pray that I would be obedient to His plan so that He might be glorified.
Prayer requests:
• Continual wisdom and opportunities to pour into my girl’s lives and for discipleship in their walks with the Lord.
• Missing my family: God continues to be faithful in providing opportunities to talk to family and friends with modern technology that I am so thankful for. Also, will you please be praying with me about a chance to come home for a visit in April? Right now the tickets seem to be a little expensive so I am praying that if God wants me to find the right one; He would provide the way and make it clear.
As always, I would count it a huge blessing to hear from you. Please let me know if there is anything specific I can be joining you in prayer with or if God has been teaching you something you could share with me. I am so thankful for you friendship and support. It is so encouraging to have your prayer and friendship.
Serving with you,
Amy
