Team Commissioning

In just two weeks from now (hopefully) we will be in Nairobi, resting from our travel, visiting the local markets, and getting ready to catch a puddle-jumper into Eldoret, our destination. I don’t think it has quite sunk in for any of us that we will be leaving so soon, although I imagine most of us will feel the same way at the end of our trip. We’re all buzzing with excitement and nervousness, going over checklists and making sure we’ll be prepared. We’ve been having meetings to prepare us for the culture, the travel, and the work we’ll be doing, but there is still a significant feeling that we are heading into the unknown. As I said, none of us can really believe that we are leaving in less than two weeks.

I had the privilege of going to Eldoret last summer, but it has seemed completely surreal to me that I’m going back. I was sitting on the porch last night, and for a moment I could remember what the air felt like in the evening, and what it smelled like right after it rained there. I had a brief reminder of my trip from last summer and I was immediately filled with excitement and anticipation for our upcoming trip. I can’t wait to go back and share the experience with my community.

Speaking of community, our team was commissioned yesterday at New Hope. We all wore our stylish blue shirts and went before the church community for some prayer and a good old fashion sendoff. Mind you, we’ll still see everyone for the next two weeks, so it was an early send off, but it still felt good to get the support from the congregation, many of whom have been supporting us through prayer and finances. I know I speak on behalf of my team when I say thank you to all of you who have been supporting and encouraging us. Without our friends, family, and church community, we would not be able to take part in this adventure that God has laid out for us.

-Jonathan Cotton