Pearl River

Isaac and I just arrived in Pearl River for our orientation with Africa Inland Mission. They put us up in a clean room with three beds, a TV and bathroom. Looks like we won't actually arrive in Kijabe for almost a week -- we have a couple days of orientation here in New York and a couple more once we arrive in Nairobi.

But the biggest news of all is that Isaac and I have to give our testimonies in front of the AIM staff on Wednesday, complete with favorite Bible verse. This is not good. After afternoon "chai time" we immediately went up to our room to find a favorite Bible verse. Finally, the memorizing skills developed during all those late nights cramming anatomy will be put to good use.

Everyone has been asking about Jacob and how he is doing (he was supposed to come with us to Kenya). It's hard to explain to people how much of an inspiration Jake has been as he deals with his current situation. A young man who just finished running a marathon and is about to finish medical school isn't supposed to have cancer. But God is always in control, and Jake has been an amazing example of a man who is truly abiding in God during the toughest of trials.

Isaac refuses to write posts and has decided that he will be the designated photographer for our trip. He ran downstairs to take a picture of a sign that greeted us as we walked into the AIM headquarters.

By the way, here is my favorite Bible verse. It has been taped to the wall in my room since undergrad.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4