New interns have arrived.

The hallway at Bethany. 
"How can they call on Him unless
they believe in Him?
How can they believe in Him unless
they hear about Him?
How can they hear about Him
unless someone preaches to them?
And how can anyone preach 
without being sent?"
Romans 10: 14-15

Back in the day Jason (originally from Virginia) and I, Bekah (originally from New York) met in Minnesota. We met at a missionary training college- that gave us a bachelor's degree after 4 years of completion. The first 2 years were spent in the classroom where we had Cultural Anthropology, Preaching and Teaching, Spiritual Warfare, Evangelism, Theology, Hermaneutics, and other Bible classes. Our junior year was spent overseas on an internship.  This gave us a chance to practically apply all that we had learned and to see if we really were called to permanently leave America and start our career as missionaries. We were dating at the time so were in 2 different locations in Kenya but had opportunities to collaborate. Our internship truly tested us to be away from the "comforts" of all we have ever known and showed us what it was like to be away from our families. This sacrifice was especially felt during the holiday times of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was a test to see what a totally different culture eats, how they greet, how they practice their religion and live out their faith. We had to figure out how to culturally adapt and speak/act appropriately. We also sought to be attentive on how we could be God's vessels where we were located in Kenya. Looking back I see how young I was. Not only had never cooked a meal, I really didn't know what my giftings were and how I could be useful. God began developing that in me during my internship. God confirmed a calling in our hearts by giving us an unconditional love for the Muslims in the region we are currently living in. God also provided a place of ministry for us to land our feet, a home that was already furnished, and other missionaries we could partner with. 

One week ago Jason went with Paul to Nairobi to receive our 10th group of interns! They all took a private bus to Gtown on Tuesday and we have been doing Orientation throughout the rest of the week. Because this is a "high risk" area we have a lot of rules and boundaries for the interns to be wise and safe while living here. Although it was important to go over all this information we still had time to play games and had fun getting to know one another. We got to walk down to a village that is literally "right down the road" from their house. This village has no church and no group of established believers but it does have a Mosque. Jason still remembers the first time he ever stepped in this village ( this is in 2002 we came on a short term missiontrip after our freshman year of college) - he had the feeling that he was transported back in time. We also got to take the interns to the farm to meet the workers and see the layout. On Monday they will start their Swahili class which will help them be able to communicate and build friendships. Our daughters have embraced these interns and are already huge fans. We are praying for God to help the adjustment and to give eyes to see people how He sees them. Praying God will give them patience, and confidence that He goes before them. We pray He will be glorified as His will is done these next 13 months of their internship. 

Charis brought this mattress (and other things) up 5 flights of stairs to get the guy interns house ready. 

We are thankful for this "corner store" that sells most of the essentials for houses. Nevaeh and Samara were coming back to the car after picking up a last minute item.

We are walking down the dirt path to a village that's "down the road" from the girl interns house.

Playing a card game at the farm. (Five Crowns- we didn't get to finish but Samara was winning. The Witt girls are super competitive- no one should ever go easy on them.)

Hanging out under the shade provided by the trees.

Laying down to rest during the heat of the day.

We always like to introduce people to Ugali and Sukuma (collard greens) for their first time and watch their reaction. These interns ate it up like Champs for the most part.

The five interns.