Nairobi Arrival Update

First, we have to pause briefly and thank all of you who have send e-mails communicating that you are praying and about your interest and concern for us. We had over 60 e-mails in our in-box when we opened it this morning. We can't adequately tell you how much we appreciate your interest and concern and prayers.

We arrived in Nairobi at about 9AM on January 2 and were welcomed by 8 men from the missionary compound and ANU. The arrival and the trip from the airport were quiet and uneventful. We saw two trucks with soldiers in them, but neither truckload seemed to be on high alert. In fact, one of the trucks was parked by the road and several of the soldiers were stretched out napping in the shade. More on the political situation later.

After we arrived, Professor Marangu, our new University boss, arrived with hugs and words of welcome. Nan and I were given the keys to our new car and Rod Reed, a religion faculty member, and I went to the Nakkumatt (the Kenyan Walmart) to get some groceries for our temporary apartment here in the compound. They were nearly out of meat, fresh fruit and eggs, but things seemed calm in the store. We stopped for gas and were told there was a thousand shilling (enough for about a third of a tank) limit on gasoline.

Nan picked up a bug and was exhausted from the flight. She has been sleeping off and on for 24 hours but seems to be getting over the bug. It's good to be able to rest and relax.

In regard to the political situation: the opposition candidate had scheduled a rally for today which the government said could not be held. We are being told that there are some clashes between government troops and opposition supporters near the Nairobi Central Church of the Nazarene (similar to those pictured in the earlier post). The US Embassy is telling Americans to stay where they are. The conflict seems to be entirely between opposing Kenyan political parties and tribes with no specific danger for American or British expatriates. Don Gardener, the East Africa field director, said yesterday that so far Kenyan Nazarenes seem to be safe although understandably concerned. There have been no reports of Nazarene injuries or property damage. We'd appreciate your prayers for the safety of the Kenyan Nazarenes and for all the Kenyans in the slums around Nairobi and in Kisumu, where much of the violence has taken place. Right now, there are no plans for the Nazarene missionaries in Kenya except to stay put and keep a low profile.

Mood-ometer report: Nan's health is a concern, although a relatively small one. We'd appreciate your prayers for her. We know it may be hard as you look at video footage and hear of the very real casualties of this conflict to believe it, but we do not feel in any danger right now. We are concerned for Kenya, our new adopted home, and its people, and for innocent people who are caught up in the conflict and we know conditions can change rapidly. Right now, though, we feel safe and able to rest and --most importantly-- in the center of God's will. Thanks again, very much, for your prayers and interest. We love you all.