Recap: Alysha's story before Sam

We thought it would be fun to post our stories before becoming Alysha and Sam Omundi. Sam will share his soon but let's start with me. Most of you might know the story but it is enjoyable to walk done memory lane! I'll do the abbreviated version for you.

I was a good girl (no, great girl...haha) growing up. I was a good student, a pleasant daughter and sister (my own opinion), and I loved church and church activities. I had my moments though, too. I made it through school and I was off to college, pursuing a career as a Christian Counselor.

It wasn't until I was in college that missions work was even on the radar screen. I had never been on a plane...never left the United States...never even considered being a missionary. I went to the Dominican Republic and when I got back all i thought was "Well, that was a bunch of drama!!" Believe me, it was and I was largely to blame. Little did I know, how that one drama-fest trip would change my life.

I ended up signing up for a 9 month mission trip. By closing doors, the Lord directed my heart and flight straight to Kenya! Nine months became 18 months. In those two years, the Lord really healed deep levels of brokenness and also broke my heart this country. I thought I would work with kids in orphanages forever...even start one myself. Again, little did I know, that several trips to a program that helped kids with special needs would change my life. God..again...closed doors to the jobs and ministries I was not to pursue to show me what I was to pursue. This began the passion for special needs ministry.

I made trips to Kenya myself..surveying the land, the ministry, the need. After two years of doing such, I thought I was ready to go but the Lord placed a job opportunity in my lap instead. Okay, okay, okay....let me do this job and wait for the Lord's timing to come....was my begrudging thought. BUT, He knew what He was doing.

Fast forward to 2012, when I found my missions group, Commission to Every Nation. I joined with them and knew it was the missing piece. I started full-time support raising and came to Kenya in 2013 as a full-time missionary. It was a place of arrival and a place of beginning again.

I served with established ministries working with special needs children. Finding a husband was not even on my radar screen (I think I need to fix my radar screen!). I knew the man needed to love Jesus, love Africa, love special kiddos, and love me! The Lord provided for all of the above.

As we are continuing to serve the Lord in different ministries, we are praying for the Lord to join us in ministry. And He is beginning to unfold that plan but that is for another blog. Tune in to hear more about Sam before Alysha and about what God has in store for the us as the Omundi's.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!! Sam and I have high hopes for the new year. We are seeing prayers answered not only within our ministries but in our personal lives. God has been so faithful in our lives and we have a childlike excitement to see what unfolds these next 12 months....but we know it will be good. We are wanting to start off the year right...starting off with making the focus all about God. Also, this is a time for organization. Sam is much better in this department but for me, I am cleaning up and getting systems in place that will keep me in order for the next year. As well, Sam and I realize how wonderful and important communication is. Sam really wanted to start a blog and I thought "Why not?!?" (especially with the additional benefit of having someone to keep me accountable to keeping up with it). This will be a forum where we can share with all of you about Kenya, about ministry, about life, about our concerns and joys. Sam and I are walking hand in hand into this new year and we are asking you to join us! God Bless!!