Thursday was heavier than the other days this week. I have been honored by the stories that have been shared and the vulnerability with which several of the students have approached conversations this week. 

After chapel this morning, I walked a bit more slowly to lunch. There is this shady drive that leads to where I'm headed that always smells so sweet. I'm not sure what the flowers are that are putting off that smell, but these red ones along that route are quite striking in the Kenyan sunshine. 

ANU has so quickly felt like home that I know a piece of my heart will remain here. The people are so gracious and welcoming that I hardly feel like it's only been a week here, and I working hard to be present and not let the dread of tomorrow's endings interfere with the living of the wonderful day ahead.

Tomorrow morning we will meet for the last service of Holiness Week. I fully expect that God will show even more than he has every other day. The responses after the service is over, and the continued exploration that has occurred beyond the tabernacle have been the most powerful I have ever experienced. In this revival-esque setting, that might not seem surprising. But it is the genuine wrestling with shame that has been shared in quiet moments that goes so far beyond the emotional response of revivals of which I have been part before. 

In a not unsurprising revelation, I have become far more aware of the voices of shame in my own mind as I have listened each day. There is a pattern of grace developing in response that I pray sinks in deeply enough to fly home with me next week. 

As the praise team was singing this morning, I was struck by the shift in the power of a song they sang. It's one that I have heard for most of my life. Quite familiar. But the impact of singing "for" instead of "from" changed the whole message of the song.

 

It was such an amazing day. I am so thrilled to be here. I so appreciate all who are praying as I am here.

I love you, friends!

💜💜💜