As I write this, Simon has now been on his mission for almost eight months and has been in Kenya since December 30, 2021. To say that he loves Kenya is a huge understatement; this boy is ecstatic to be in Kenya. He has served in and lived in Kakamega, Langata and Nairobi (currently in the Nairobi area). He has picked up some conversational Swahili and tries to learn more each week. He is also learning phrases from several different tribal languages. His stories are seriously unbelievable: teaching a motorcycle gang in the Kibera slums, fighting off baboons from a shop, playing chess with strangers in the park, late night bus rides and miracles every single day. We are so incredibly proud of what he is doing and how he is growing and changing.

Simon has dedicated these two years to one thing only: bringing people to know Jesus Christ and His gospel. His whole life is about service and teaching and becoming fully immersed in the country of Kenya. I have never seen Simon so happy and so completely himself. Watching your kid thrive is the very best thing about being a parent. Here are some photos from the past five months he has been in Kenya.

We generally get to talk to Simon once a week. The WiFi is sometimes really tricky in his apartment so there is usually a lot of starting and stopping but getting to see his face (we are able to do video chats) and hear his voice and see/hear how happy and fulfilled he is is JUST THE BEST. Simon had a dream of serving and living in Africa from the time he was little and now he is doing it. So incredibly cool. His testimony of the Savior has grown so much, he has had to live on his own in a foreign country and navigate life – he has matured a ton. I can’t wait to post another update in a few months with updated photos from Simon. Stay tuned!