Off to Africa

Chatelains Off to Africa

We wanted to share with you some happenings in our lives and our plans for this up coming fall. First of all, we stand amazed and perplexed by our Lord who continues to teach and lead us daily. This letter has changed daily, as He has continued to orchestrate his will through us.

Last year we were married and began our life together in Boise, ID. We have had a wonderful first year together, lots of learning, but lots of fun too. We had intended to stay in the Boise area for two years prior to looking into mission opportunities. However, as we know God’s timing and our plans are often in conflict.

This last spring we prayed for God to use us and grow us, and he said "Get ready!" So we started saving money and looking for opportunities to serve, and we felt God had something in mind for us this fall. We looked into camps all around the states and new jobs in the area, but nothing seemed to fit.

Then in May, we both felt a leading to become involved in missions in Africa. God gave us a dream and passion that included serving those affected by the AIDS epidemic. We didn't know where in Africa God was leading us, but soon after we received an email about a trip to Kenya, Africa. The trip was a medical Work and Witness team with the Church of the Nazarene to minister to orphans, many affected by AIDS, that would take place in September. By this time we had goose bumps and were attentively listening.

In June we responded and said "Yes, we'll go!" We didn't know how we would get there or for how long, but we knew for certain God was leading us and would take care of the details. In July we are learning to trust. Trust that God has lead and spoken and to follow with all our heart. God seems to reaffirm his plans for us this fall--and perhaps longer, we don't know. We feel God has more in store following this two week medical mission trip and so we are looking into other opportunities to serve in Kenya and other areas of Africa.

As we were writing this letter we received news from Mercy Ships, stating that we have been accepted! We will be in Kenya through September and join the Africa Mercy Ship from mid-October to mid-December. Details are still forming but Jeremy will be working with the Dining services, a vital part of a working ship, and Kristin as ward nurse. We are very excited and the trip is becoming a reality! We will keep our blog updated as we learn more (see below for online blog address).

In August we will be ending our jobs in Boise, packing up and moving out in faith that God will take care of us, and then fly out for Nairobi, Kenya on September 3rd.

We need your prayers continuously in the weeks before we leave and while we are in Africa. We can not even anticipate what we will be experiencing or how to prepare our minds and hands to serve. God has already abundantly provided for us but finances and supporters are always part of traveling and vital to volunteer work. If you are interested in giving financial support please see our blog (see online address below) or call us for more details. We hope to stay connected with you through this blog and through email. We will definitely have email access while on the ship and hope to send out emails periodically. If you would like to receive updates please email us so we can add you to our list.

Thank you so much in advance for your prayers and support. We appreciate our family and friends so much, and know that you have shaped us as individuals.

With Love,
Jeremy & Kristin Chatelain