Always Joyful

 

    This past week we were able to travel to Kenya for a midterm break! The three of us student missionaries were invited to the Kenya AMEN (Adventist Medical Evangelism Network) conference, which focuses on sharing the gospel and prayer with patients. Attending the conference was such a blessing. It really focused on love for others —which truly is the heart of mission! And even though we aren’t medical professionals yet, this heart of mission still applies to us, wherever we may be.

    During the break, we were also able to visit our friends in Kendu Bay, who are student missionaries from Southern Adventist University. They are pictured above, along with the missionary kids at Kendu.

School girls and I after picking up trash around the Kendu compound

    Finally, we were able to visit Kenya’s gorgeous Maasai Mara National Park, where we did two days of safari! We got to see the Big 5, along with the Great Migration from Serengeti. Some highlights are pictured below. 

The Great Migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara

A lion eating fresh kill

A mother elephant with its baby

A leopard napping!

    But we couldn’t go to Kenya without visiting the Maasai tribe! With their traditional red robes, beautifully beaded jewelry, highly skilled warriors, and huge cattle herds — the Maasai are well known. As we passed through their village, it was amazing to see how they have preserved and passed down their traditions for generations. 

    While we toured the village, the Maasai warriors decided to give each of us names in their tribal language. And the name they gave me was actually Nashepai - meaning “always happy”. 

    This name meant so much to me, because I was glad that in the short time I was visiting, they already seemed to think that I was a very joyful person! 

    And whether or not that first impression is a true representation of who I actually am, it did make me want to live up to that name. In Philippians 4:4 it says — “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say rejoice”. When we place our foundation firmly in Christ, no matter what happens, we can rejoice. 

    This experience has allowed me to be so thankful for all the blessings that I have been given. We are truly blessed beyond measure. And through Christ, we can remain always joyful.

A song I’ve been listening to this week: 

I fix my eyes on what’s above 

where angels dance around Your presence, God 

I will become what I behold 

to know You, Lord, as I am fully known

the more of You I see 

the more You’re changing me 

let my heart be overwhelmed 

by who You are 

The More of You I See - Iron Bell Music 

Much love, 

Nashepai