Zzzzzz

In Kenya, the sound produced by the repetition of the 26th letter of the alphabet is just as likely to signify a mosquito in your ear as it is to signify a state of unconsciousness. Coincidentally, it's during that state of unconsciousness that you are most likely to have a mosquito in your ear. I have no idea whether or not there have been any mosquitos in our room (Mike says he saw one... but then he asked me what they look like... so...), but there has certainly been an ample supply of unconsciousness. We landed yesterday morning, and almost as soon as we made it to our hotel room, we were both asleep. I think Mike was up and down for a meal or two and an e-mail or two, but I can't be quite sure, because I've never been much good at knowing what's going on around me while unconscious.

I suppose it's time I introduced you to the cast of characters for part one of the story.

• Luke Payne. Narrator and protagonist. If you're reading this, you're probably already pretty well acquainted with him. If you're not, it's likely that you'll become well acquainted with him by reading this. So keep reading.

• Luke's ankle. The villain. Luke's ankle is causing significant strife, but his plans often backfire when he provides Luke with premium economy seating. He may win a battle here and there, but in the end, he will be defeated. Much like another familiar villain.

• Mike Sanborn. Sidekick. (Ok, I suppose I'm really his sidekick, but what do you expect when Robin is writing Batman's story?) Mike is the pastor to adults at Granada Heights Friends Church. A gifted theologian, Mike is bringing his knowledge to Kenya to share with some pastors involved with the organization TLAfrica (Transformational Leadership in Africa), headed by Faustin Ntamushobora. Over the next week, Mike will lead a series of seminars and small group sessions with these pastors focusing on discipleship. It's an issue that is badly needed in Africa, where many have been given bibles, and filled with a passion for evangelism, but left hanging when it comes to building transferrable and transformative relationships with others in the Kingdom of God. Mike doesn't sleep well on planes, so he has also been well acquainted with the letter z since our arrival.

• Faustin Ntamushobora. Faustin is the founder and executive of TLAfrica. He is the brains behind our involvement here in Kenya (to stick with the Batman anaolgy, he would be Alfred and Commissioner Gordon rolled into one), and was the one who recruited Ed each of the last two years as well. He is a brilliant evangelist, and a visionary when it comes to the methodology and philosophy of the advancement of the gospel in Eastern Africa. Perhaps due to the nature of his work and perhaps due to his time in the USA, he is also one of the most forward-thinking and scheduled Africans I have ever met. Of course he's still African, so his planning is very flexible, but the balance is quite amazing. In this and in many more ways, he is uniquely suited to the task of organizing the advancement of the gospel in Africa and communicating the needs of Africa to the West. Faustin's wife Salome, and his daughter Pelagie - both wonderful, delightful, Godly women - will probably show up in chapters to come.

• Almighty God. The only real hero. In the interest of avoiding a slew of schmaltzy clichés, I won't attempt to fit Him into my story. My story fits into His, which is found in another book. Go read that one while I catch some more "zzzzzz"s.