KATERA BOLANDER'S FIRST CONTACT    4 Feb 08

It feels so great to be able to write that I am back in Nairobi!  I am quickly stopping in at the internet cafe near the Nakumatt grocery store to let you all know that I have safely arrived in Nairobi. I have a phone now. You can reach me by calling 011 254 738 423 834. 

I continue to pray for God's guidance in case the situation here becomes volatile to the point of me needing to leave. However, I am overjoyed to report that I feel absolutely fine about the situation where I am. Things do seem to be quite normal and calm. I trust the people I am with will keep an eye on everything and keep my best interest at heart (that is, let me know if I need to leave).

Thank you all for the prayers. I managed to sleep almost the entire way from Chicago to London and then had an entire row of 3 seats to stretch out on and sleep from London to Nairobi. I felt better in the airport when I talked to a lady who was also staying in Kenya for several months...I thought I might be the only one. :-)




                                                                                Katera with two of the MITS Kamulu girls

I did have to go to the airport the next day to retrieve my luggage, but I've heard that is British Airways' way of life. Also, it was actually because my plane from Chicago arrived so late. I barely made it onto the plane to Kenya, so no surprise my luggage got to spend the night in England.

I have unpacked and am getting settled in my new living space. I love it! I found a group of the girls studying the Bible last night and joined them. They told me they read every night and discuss. How encouraging, and what a reminder of the precious souls I am here to be with!

Thanks again for the prayers, and please continue to pray for the people of this nation and for Made in the Streets and for me. This morning, Jackton taught about forgiveness in the adult Bible class and about love in church. He made applications both times to the situation in Kenya. I was so glad to hear him making those applications. The message needs to be repeated again and again.