Matthew 5:4

says "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

What a relief to know that we are promised comfort in times of mourning, even if we can not reverse the circumstances. This comfort is enough to allow us to see the hope beyond the mourning. The hope that if we are Christ Jesus, we WILL see Him face to face, our pain and suffering WILL subside, and we WILL see our brothers and sisters again one day. HOPE. 

As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, my sweet grandfather, Poppy, has been sick and slowly declining for the past month and half. On August 25, sadly, he passed away.

I am sure he would like to be remembered as this handsome, young devil!

I got the news that he had 2 weeks to live on the 24th and then rapidly scrambled to find a last minute plane ticket (along with the funds) to get home in time to see him one more time. To no avail. He passed away as I was waiting to board my plane to America. I was so angry and filled with grief, but I was in a tent with about 200 other people waiting to board a plane (because the Nairobi airport international departures terminal caught on a fire about a month ago). That angered me even more because I could not even grief how I wanted to for fear of having all those people stare at me or worse, ask me what was wrong and avoid sharing this tragedy with a perfect stranger. I just wanted to be alone but I was about to spend  the 24 hours with 200 people so clearly that wish was not granted.

I made it home safely however, and was sooooooooo glad not only to recognize that RDU airport (minus the immense humidity I had forgotten about) but to see my cousin, Gray, who came to pick me up! It was such a surreal experience to be back in America where everything was familiar and yet different at the same time. On the way home, I was so excited. Even though I knew I was about to walk into a sad situation, I could not hold back my joy of anticipating seeing my family for the first time in 8 months! Not to mention I was blown away by just how clean America is and how pothole-less the streets are!

Squishing my Nana with my sister and cousin, Kennedy

We went to my Nana's first and my whole family was gathered there....what a sight it was too. My favorite times of the year have always been when my whole family gathers together at my Nana's house. I guess that's why I love being in big groups of people, it's what I am used to. The best part though was seeing my daddy! I swear he hugged me 20 times and wouldn't stop! But, I loved every minute of it even though I probably wouldn't admit that to his face :) And, when my sister arrived, she actually put aside her sassy comments long enough to express that she missed me and hugged me as we sat together on the couch. It was a glorious reunion, even under the saddest of circumstances. I also did not broadcast my brief return on social media because I wanted to have some quiet time with my loved ones.

I was home for a total of 9 days and was so thankful I had the opportunity to be with my family at that time. I feel it gave me more closure than remaining in Kenya would have because just being able to grieve with people who understood how much this person meant to you really does make all the difference. His funeral and internment were wonderful services and really did him justice. Poppy was a reverent man but so full of love and joy that he could make you smile without doing anything! I will miss him dearly, as I know my Nana and Daddy and his siblings will too, more than I can know (and I pray I don't have to experience that kind of grief any time in the next 50 years :) ). I was so encouraged by the welcoming I received from my family while I was home too. It was nice to just feel familiar in my old stomping grounds.

Taylor, cousins Haley and Gray, me

I will say, I took advantage of my time there by restocking on toiletries, filling my stomach with things like MCDonalds, Chikfila, and Mexican, and getting my fare share of pumpkin spice lattes! I will return in a month though, for my best friend, Rachel Lilley's wedding! I can not wait to celebrate this union and be with ALL of my friends just like old times :) I also get to see my wonderful boyfriend, DB, who I have been separated from for 5 months! So, I definitely don't hate that!

Anyway, I am safe and sound back in Kenya and our 3rd term officially started on Tuesday! We have already had our first clubs of the semester at Uhuru Academy as well as Jikaze, the IDP camp we partner with, and look forward to expanding into 2 schools nearby this term!

ALSO HUGE PRAISE!!!!!!!! ONE OF OUR STUDENTS BECAME A CHRISTIAN AT A YOUTH CAMP OVER HOLIDAY AND IS NOW ON FIRE FOR THE LORD! 

Jonah 2:9- "But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay, SALVATION BELONGS TO THE LORD!"