We are back home safe and sound. A long trip but it is great to be at home. Thanks to everyone for the prayers.
Many from the team should be in church tomorrow morning. We have many stories to tell.
God bless everyone that has been a part of this trip, team members, families that stayed behind, financial supporters, and everyone that prayed for us and God bless the people of Kenya.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
From Julie - Friday Evening at the Airport
Greetings to all our family and friends from Kenya! We are winding up our final activities here and our thoughts and conversations keep drifting back to you. We send you our love and look forward to being reunited with each one of you.
Yesterday, we spent the day on safari where we spied a leopard in the bushes, more wildabeasts than we could ever count and myriad other animals you have, no doubt,already read about. The day was pleasantly warm and we enjoyed our time together marveling at God's amazing creations. We stopped on the savannah for a picnic prepared for us by the lodge-tomato sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, and some fruit. Everything tastes better when you're picnicking!
After lunch we visited a Masai village where all huts are built around a central "yard" which serves as the cattle corral every evening. We were greeted by a show of dancing and singing by the Masai women. While the women sang, several young men jumped in the air as though they had springs on their feet! A few of our men joined the jumping team,but did NOT put the Masai men to shame (although Tim came close)!
We were invited to go into their huts to see how they live. They exist under the most meager conditions I have ever seen. Their homes, built by the women, are made mainly from cattle dung which is in abundant supply! The huts are very dark, incredibly tiny and the only "furniture" was a table and mats on the floor for beds. There were about 20 young children who sat in a line to greet us-they seemed intrigued, although they have seen many others like us before! We understood all the other children were attending a nearby Masai school.
The Masai are quite creative people who earn income by making and selling jewelry, wood carvings,and beautiful red woven fabric. (The red color helps keep them safe amongst the wild animals!) We were treated to an open air craft market just outside the walls of the compound-we got some good deals!
We headed back after a long hot day enjoying a real shower before gathering for dinner. As the hippos serenaded us to sleep, we prepared for a quick early morning safari before leaving this beautiful, intriguing land.
To bring this to a close, we began our journey back home, not really looking forward to our long flights, but excited to be back with our loved ones! Thank you all for your support, love, and prayers. We could not have made this wonderful trip without you. We look forward to sharing all of our Kenya adventures with you!
In His name,
Julie & Mom :)
Yesterday, we spent the day on safari where we spied a leopard in the bushes, more wildabeasts than we could ever count and myriad other animals you have, no doubt,already read about. The day was pleasantly warm and we enjoyed our time together marveling at God's amazing creations. We stopped on the savannah for a picnic prepared for us by the lodge-tomato sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, and some fruit. Everything tastes better when you're picnicking!
After lunch we visited a Masai village where all huts are built around a central "yard" which serves as the cattle corral every evening. We were greeted by a show of dancing and singing by the Masai women. While the women sang, several young men jumped in the air as though they had springs on their feet! A few of our men joined the jumping team,but did NOT put the Masai men to shame (although Tim came close)!
We were invited to go into their huts to see how they live. They exist under the most meager conditions I have ever seen. Their homes, built by the women, are made mainly from cattle dung which is in abundant supply! The huts are very dark, incredibly tiny and the only "furniture" was a table and mats on the floor for beds. There were about 20 young children who sat in a line to greet us-they seemed intrigued, although they have seen many others like us before! We understood all the other children were attending a nearby Masai school.
The Masai are quite creative people who earn income by making and selling jewelry, wood carvings,and beautiful red woven fabric. (The red color helps keep them safe amongst the wild animals!) We were treated to an open air craft market just outside the walls of the compound-we got some good deals!
We headed back after a long hot day enjoying a real shower before gathering for dinner. As the hippos serenaded us to sleep, we prepared for a quick early morning safari before leaving this beautiful, intriguing land.
To bring this to a close, we began our journey back home, not really looking forward to our long flights, but excited to be back with our loved ones! Thank you all for your support, love, and prayers. We could not have made this wonderful trip without you. We look forward to sharing all of our Kenya adventures with you!
In His name,
Julie & Mom :)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Heading Home
We are in Heathrow Airport London after an 8 hour flight from Nairobi. Everything looks good for BA flight 265 and on time arrival at Dulles around 12:45.
I think everyone is excited to be heading home.
Julie wrote a blog entry for yesterday but it looks like I'll need to wait until I get home to post it.
-Dave
Thursday, July 17, 2008
from the Mara Safari Club
16 July 2008, Masai Mara
God made the wild animals according to their kinds...and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
- Genesis 1:25
Today started on a somewhat sad note as we said good bye to our drivers Boniface and James who have transported us around Kenya the last two weeks safely and with good humor. We have been thankful for their friendship as they have navigated us not only on the highways, but through some of the finer points of the language and culture as well. Boniface helped us particularly by letting us know how "terrible" the Matatu drivers are (Matatus being Toyota vans that carry up to 14 people and serve as taxis all over the country). According to him they behave worse than the baboons. He really doesn't like them. These two have been a gift to us in a country we don't know much about.
After they dropped us off at Wilson airport we boarded a plane for the Masai Mara in the Western part of the country to go on Safari for a few days. A few of us (I may or may not have been a part of this) rushed ahead to get window seats so we could have a great view of the African countryside for the 45 minute flight. As a result we were somewhat dispersed throughout the plane and ended up sitting with people we didn't know. This led to many conversations about why we were in Kenya and our faith in general. It's funny how God uses even something as silly and selfish as trying to get window seats on plane. Another cool part of the flight was being able to see Masai villages along the way. The Masai are a cattle herding tribe in the area who always wear red and have distinctive village set-ups. We plan to visit one of their villages tomorrow. Apparently the Masai are also good businesspeople and will be more than happy to take our money when we visit.
After we touched down on the dirt landing strip we were driven to our accommodations at the Mara Safari Club. About halfway to the club our drivers pulled over to the edge of the river so we could watch a herd of Hippopotamus napping in the water and mud, not to mention the crocodile hanging out nearby. This was just the beginning of a spectacular day of watching wildlife. The first thing we realized is that the Mara is what most of us westerners picture in our minds when we think of Africa. It is so wide open and beautiful. Another nice aspect of being on safari here is that our drivers are not restricted to roads and will drive straight up to the animals we want to look at. One highlight of the day included being within ten yards of a pride of lions that included several cubs. We came upon this find early in the trip and it was exciting for everyone as lions are on the shortlist of animals we all want to see. We came across more lions as we were headed home in the early evening and they were headed out on the hunt. This included seeing two male lions (we hadn't seen any of them before) and also some female lions stalking a group of Wildebeest. We thought about sticking around to see what might happen, but it was getting dark and our driver said it may be hours before there was any action as lions are patient hunters. We also came within yards of a herd of elephants, apparently somewhat rare this time of year as they stick more to the trees in the dry season. Probably the biggest treat of the day was finding a leopard! Once again we were very close. Leopards tend to be reclusive and stay in the woods, so this was a rare find indeed! Even our drivers were excited.
Other animals we saw today - an ostrich, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, zebras, giraffes, topis, a hartebeest, a jackal, a hyena, a warthog, buffalo, dik-diks, some sort of monkey, and many varieties of birds. It is a privilege to be in such a wonderful part of God's creation. We have been asked throughout our time here if we were going to go see the wildlife, as Kenyans are very proud of this aspect of their country and want to share it with visitors. I can see why. Tim commented on how great it is that Kenya's national treasures are the creations God has placed here as opposed to any man made monuments. Well said Tim.
As much fun as we are having now, I know we all miss the kids at Tumaini and wish we could still be with them. I know for me it is weird to still be here and not be with them. We also recognize that the trip is winding down and we are only here for two more days. We look forward to returning home to see everyone we love and miss.
Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray, especially for the different ministries we have worked with here. They are making big impact on the people and communities they touch.
Grace and peace in Christ -
Mike
God made the wild animals according to their kinds...and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
- Genesis 1:25
Today started on a somewhat sad note as we said good bye to our drivers Boniface and James who have transported us around Kenya the last two weeks safely and with good humor. We have been thankful for their friendship as they have navigated us not only on the highways, but through some of the finer points of the language and culture as well. Boniface helped us particularly by letting us know how "terrible" the Matatu drivers are (Matatus being Toyota vans that carry up to 14 people and serve as taxis all over the country). According to him they behave worse than the baboons. He really doesn't like them. These two have been a gift to us in a country we don't know much about.
After they dropped us off at Wilson airport we boarded a plane for the Masai Mara in the Western part of the country to go on Safari for a few days. A few of us (I may or may not have been a part of this) rushed ahead to get window seats so we could have a great view of the African countryside for the 45 minute flight. As a result we were somewhat dispersed throughout the plane and ended up sitting with people we didn't know. This led to many conversations about why we were in Kenya and our faith in general. It's funny how God uses even something as silly and selfish as trying to get window seats on plane. Another cool part of the flight was being able to see Masai villages along the way. The Masai are a cattle herding tribe in the area who always wear red and have distinctive village set-ups. We plan to visit one of their villages tomorrow. Apparently the Masai are also good businesspeople and will be more than happy to take our money when we visit.
After we touched down on the dirt landing strip we were driven to our accommodations at the Mara Safari Club. About halfway to the club our drivers pulled over to the edge of the river so we could watch a herd of Hippopotamus napping in the water and mud, not to mention the crocodile hanging out nearby. This was just the beginning of a spectacular day of watching wildlife. The first thing we realized is that the Mara is what most of us westerners picture in our minds when we think of Africa. It is so wide open and beautiful. Another nice aspect of being on safari here is that our drivers are not restricted to roads and will drive straight up to the animals we want to look at. One highlight of the day included being within ten yards of a pride of lions that included several cubs. We came upon this find early in the trip and it was exciting for everyone as lions are on the shortlist of animals we all want to see. We came across more lions as we were headed home in the early evening and they were headed out on the hunt. This included seeing two male lions (we hadn't seen any of them before) and also some female lions stalking a group of Wildebeest. We thought about sticking around to see what might happen, but it was getting dark and our driver said it may be hours before there was any action as lions are patient hunters. We also came within yards of a herd of elephants, apparently somewhat rare this time of year as they stick more to the trees in the dry season. Probably the biggest treat of the day was finding a leopard! Once again we were very close. Leopards tend to be reclusive and stay in the woods, so this was a rare find indeed! Even our drivers were excited.
Other animals we saw today - an ostrich, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, zebras, giraffes, topis, a hartebeest, a jackal, a hyena, a warthog, buffalo, dik-diks, some sort of monkey, and many varieties of birds. It is a privilege to be in such a wonderful part of God's creation. We have been asked throughout our time here if we were going to go see the wildlife, as Kenyans are very proud of this aspect of their country and want to share it with visitors. I can see why. Tim commented on how great it is that Kenya's national treasures are the creations God has placed here as opposed to any man made monuments. Well said Tim.
As much fun as we are having now, I know we all miss the kids at Tumaini and wish we could still be with them. I know for me it is weird to still be here and not be with them. We also recognize that the trip is winding down and we are only here for two more days. We look forward to returning home to see everyone we love and miss.
Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray, especially for the different ministries we have worked with here. They are making big impact on the people and communities they touch.
Grace and peace in Christ -
Mike
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Hello from Nairobi
As some of you may know, today was to be our visit to the Beacon of Hope ministry in the nearby town of Ongata Rongai. This particular ministry works with the people who reside in the sizable slum found in that town. The team knew that this was an important visit to make; however, as this area, particularly the slum, had seen some incidence of violence in the post-election period there was some concern over the safety of the team during the visit. But with reassurance from our travel agent, Peter Kariuki, we continued with our visit.
I should mention that we were graciously hosted by the Kariuki family yesterday evening. Peter, his wonderful wife, Esther, and their daughter, Mercy, warmly welcomed us home. We were amply fed and treated as the family members they consider us to be. They send their greetings and love to our support family in the states.
(Continuing with the Beacon of Hope visit.)
As I said, we were told that the visit was safe, and so we pressed on. After the 45 minute drive on the roller coaster that is a Kenyan highway we arrived at the Beacon of Hope compound. We were warmly received and given a tour of the facility; which includes an HIV/AIDS clinic, administrative offices, a vocational school and shop, and a preschool for community children.
After spending our time at the compound we took a brief drive through the slum area before heading back to Nairobi.
Their is a great deal one could share from the day: the hopeful faces of HIV+ patients at the testing and treatment clinic, the bright faces of the children who were overjoyed just to run their hands through your hair, or the smiles and voices of children greeting us as we visited the slums.
Today we saw the overflowing joy in lives many consider to be hopeless. We saw plans and people excited for how God might work in the lives of those who have nothing. We saw people who understood care for the poor to be a scriptural and spiritual obligation, rather than a gracious act of charity. Today we saw and heard stories of our brothers and sisters living and dying in ways and places that they were not created to live or die in. These people, who are so rich in hope, can be counted among the least of these, and it is necessary for us to love them as Christ loves them. The Beacon of Hope ministry is certainly living up to its name as it answers God's call to serve the poor no matter how hopeless the situation or circumstances might seem.
Love,
Griffin Bonham
Sat-Mon
Tuesday morning July 15 - by Dave
It has been a busy few days. Saturday was a fun day at Tumaini. I started my day with a 10K run through the Kenya countryside. Running with the Kenyans was quite the experience but there was no way I could keep up with the young ones. Luckily coach Titus took pity on me and stayed back.
The secondary school students go to school for half the day but everyone else had the day off, sort of. If you call washing your clothes in a five gallon bucket a day of rest. I tried it and it is not the easiest way to wash. Water does not seem to be a problem but when you have that many children filling five gallon buckets the water pressure goes way down. We had lots of time to interact with the children. Many members of the team went to Nyeri town but since I had the chance on last Tuesday I stayed behind. The afternoon was filled with volleyball, frisbee, table tennis, and football. Will even taught a few a little all American baseball. Dinner Saturday night was a goodbye banquet. We are certainly not in want of food. I think most will come home a little heavier than we left.
On Sunday morning the parish had an all congregation (8 churches) worship service for the ordination of elders. The service was to go from 10:30 until it finished. We had to leave in the middle of the service to get a quick lunch and head on our way. Many of the children skipped out early too for a tearful goodbye. A piece of each of our hearts is staying behind.
We jumped in our vehicles and headed north to Nanuki for some rest and recovery time. Crossed the equator and jumped back into summer. Of course we are at over 6000 feet in elevation so summer was anything but hot. We arrived at Sweetwaters in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and had not been inside for more than a few minutes when we came upon some giraffes right beside the road. It was breathtaking. After checking into our room we went out on a game drive. We saw rhinos, gazelle, impalas, warthogs, giraffes, zebras and plenty of amazing birds. A treat was petting Morani the black rhino. They like to be scratched behind the ears. When you see these animals you know God has quite a sense of humor.
Monday we awoke to a beautiful sunrise. We stayed in tents but did not rough it at all. These tents had ceramic tile, flush toilets and a wonderful shower. Mount Kenya was completely visible. Most of the time she hides behind the clouds. After a hearty breakfast we went game driving again. A day where the adjectives just run out. After lunch we went to a spinners and weavers mission that helps 107 women. They spin, weave and knit beautiful wool treasures. I was fascinated by the natural ways they dye the wool. Then we headed back to Nairobi and after a long and sometimes very bumpy ride we arrived at Peter and Ester Kariuki's home for more food. Peter is our travel agent and they were most gracious hosts. Today we will spend time with the Beacon of Hope ministry here in Nairobi.
Everyone is well. At this point I know everyone is missing home. This has truly been a life changing experience.
Love, peace and joy, Dave
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11
Friday:
Our time at Tumiani is ending very quickly. We spent our day finishing projects and giving all the supplies we brought.
We painted some offices at the primary school. It has been very difficult to leave work undone and to say no when people ask if we can do other projects. It was a joy, though, to see the chalkboards we painted with the day's lesson on them.
We delivered supplies to Huruma, the primary and secondary school, and the tailoring program. Julie was able to spend time at the tailoring program and my dad taught a class for the computer program. It was exciting to see all the different talents God put to use in Kenya.
Most of our team also met with the partnership committee.
The best part of the day was worshiping with the children during their Friday night worship. It was so beautiful to be jumping and dancing for Lord with these children. The music was incredible. It was especially striking the listen to these children sing about counting your blessings. The heart the children have for Christ is extraordinary.
Our time at Tumiani is ending very quickly. We spent our day finishing projects and giving all the supplies we brought.
We painted some offices at the primary school. It has been very difficult to leave work undone and to say no when people ask if we can do other projects. It was a joy, though, to see the chalkboards we painted with the day's lesson on them.
We delivered supplies to Huruma, the primary and secondary school, and the tailoring program. Julie was able to spend time at the tailoring program and my dad taught a class for the computer program. It was exciting to see all the different talents God put to use in Kenya.
Most of our team also met with the partnership committee.
The best part of the day was worshiping with the children during their Friday night worship. It was so beautiful to be jumping and dancing for Lord with these children. The music was incredible. It was especially striking the listen to these children sing about counting your blessings. The heart the children have for Christ is extraordinary.
Thursday, July 10
July 10, 2008
TUMAINI, Timothy McConnell
This morning we visited a clinic supported by Rev. Tolley, who came to speak to Meadows in February when we had a mission dinner to support the trip. It was a joy to see the dreams and promises of a new clinic dedicated to underprivileged children coming to fruition. While we were there, we found out that just this morning, before we arrived, the government official in charge had come by to deliver a long awaited letter certifying the clinic for operation! What a divine coincidence that we were there to celebrate this new beginning with Eve and her friends.
After that we traveled to a large hospital that exists by cooperation between PCEA (Pres. Ch. East Africa) and PCUSA called Tumutumu Hospital. The conditions were difficult, although so much better than what is often expected in Africa, and the visit brought tears to our eyes and deep emotions. God is truly given joy when any of the least of these are comforted in their illness.
Next to Karatima market, which our hosts attest is the second largest open air market in Africa. We moved through there very quickly! No shopping yet!
VBS is going great, and today was the fourth day of hosting over one hundred children between two different sessions. We all cherish this time, because we get to see the children smile, we get to hear them sing songs of worship, we get to hear them laugh at silly skits and games, and we truly feel that God has given us a privilege with this opportunity to bring joy to children who have known such grief.
So God has continued to show us little miracles each day that keep us inspired, and keep us laughing. We laughed yesterday that I had put Huruma Home (a different orphanage run by the same administration) on the prayer calendar for that day long before anyone knew that we would be there that very day! But today I regret asking you to pray about sickness among us, because sure enough, one of the team was quite sick this morning--but your prayers must also have helped as she now feels fine.
What really counts is the story of the faith in Jesus Christ found among these children, and bursting forth in their every word and deed. It is hard to be so far from home, but it is so amazing to give these precious little ones a taste of the love and happiness we know every day back home.
Thank you for your prayers! Keep it up, as we can feel your prayers keeping us going.
PS -- a special "hello" to Ellie, Jack, and Peter. Hi! We love you dearly and miss you every day, but we share your love with these dear kids who are just like you but without Moms and Dads, and we'll be home soon. So sorry email is still not working, but hopefully it will soon!
TUMAINI, Timothy McConnell
This morning we visited a clinic supported by Rev. Tolley, who came to speak to Meadows in February when we had a mission dinner to support the trip. It was a joy to see the dreams and promises of a new clinic dedicated to underprivileged children coming to fruition. While we were there, we found out that just this morning, before we arrived, the government official in charge had come by to deliver a long awaited letter certifying the clinic for operation! What a divine coincidence that we were there to celebrate this new beginning with Eve and her friends.
After that we traveled to a large hospital that exists by cooperation between PCEA (Pres. Ch. East Africa) and PCUSA called Tumutumu Hospital. The conditions were difficult, although so much better than what is often expected in Africa, and the visit brought tears to our eyes and deep emotions. God is truly given joy when any of the least of these are comforted in their illness.
Next to Karatima market, which our hosts attest is the second largest open air market in Africa. We moved through there very quickly! No shopping yet!
VBS is going great, and today was the fourth day of hosting over one hundred children between two different sessions. We all cherish this time, because we get to see the children smile, we get to hear them sing songs of worship, we get to hear them laugh at silly skits and games, and we truly feel that God has given us a privilege with this opportunity to bring joy to children who have known such grief.
So God has continued to show us little miracles each day that keep us inspired, and keep us laughing. We laughed yesterday that I had put Huruma Home (a different orphanage run by the same administration) on the prayer calendar for that day long before anyone knew that we would be there that very day! But today I regret asking you to pray about sickness among us, because sure enough, one of the team was quite sick this morning--but your prayers must also have helped as she now feels fine.
What really counts is the story of the faith in Jesus Christ found among these children, and bursting forth in their every word and deed. It is hard to be so far from home, but it is so amazing to give these precious little ones a taste of the love and happiness we know every day back home.
Thank you for your prayers! Keep it up, as we can feel your prayers keeping us going.
PS -- a special "hello" to Ellie, Jack, and Peter. Hi! We love you dearly and miss you every day, but we share your love with these dear kids who are just like you but without Moms and Dads, and we'll be home soon. So sorry email is still not working, but hopefully it will soon!
Wednesday, July 9
Jambo from Tumaini! We send you greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We've had another marvelous day here in Kenya. Our days have been full of activity. Today a few of us rose early in order to see the children as they walked to school. We said good-bye to many who were heading out from Tumaini. Their school day begins at 7 a.m. Primary
school lets out at 3 p.m., and secondary students get out at 4 (grades 9 & 10) and 5 p.m. (grades 11 &12). Kenyans refer to secondary school grades 9- 12 as Forms 1-4. When we went out to watch the kids on their way to school, we were amazed at the numbers of them! It was like watching a parade of green uniforms- the boys in their short green pants, green checked shirts and green sweaters, and the girls in their green checked dresses and sweaters. What an amazing sight to see so many children with beautiful smiling faces, carrying their water bottles as they walked to school. (Their water bottles are old milk or vegetable oil containers - the Kenyans are clever recyclers!) After breakfast and devotions (led by our own Timothy McConnell), our team headed to Huruma Children's Home, which is not more than a mile or so from here. That short trip was made in the Tumaini children's ministry bus, and there were at least 15 of us crammed in the back in very tight quarters....it was a bonding experience! We also had many cans of paint and various goodies for the kids. Huruma is very different from Tumaini -it is much smaller and the facilities are comparable to what Tumaini was like several years ago, we're told. There are more younger children, as well as special needs children Nancy, the wonderful manager of Huruma, greeted us warmly. She was so grateful that we came. Most of the children were in school, but we did get to meet the special needs kids and got to sing, dance and play with Camogo, a wonderful Downs Syndrome boy. We toured the facilities, taking lots of pictures of the new kitchen and dining hall,which serves as a place of worship for the children and staff on Sundays. One of the highlights of our work at Huruma was watching the entire team do "Extreme Hall Makeover" to the dining hall - painting the entire hall (with very high ceilings) in about 2 hours. It was satisfying to get to help complete the project that Meadows had funded. The books we collected were also delivered and organized on shelves. We were fed tea at Huruma before we were driven back to Tumaini for lunch! Surprisingly, one thing we have not gone without on this trip is food - we've eaten lots of fresh veggies at big meals every day. Kenyan hospitality is gracious, generous and humbling. We finished projects after lunch and prepared for Bible School and youth group. The children are enjoying both - they love the music, the crafts, the skits and the talk. Today Griffin had the primary kids (& the rest of us) laughing so hard during the skit when he wrestled a lion.....a small stuffed animal! What a gift it is to bring laughter to these children, who are some of the most remarkable I've ever met. They are so kind to one another, so caring - older ones help out the younger ones, and they are full of joy! The entire team has been amazed at the spiritual depth of these children. They know God intimately. It's indeed a privilege to get to know them and to serve them in some small ways. We've all met and gotten to love on our prayer partners and some of yours. Their prayer partners are very important to them.
Be assured that God is alive in Africa! We're seeing and experiencing Him in so many ways here. We've fallen in love with the children and the staff of Tumaini. I'm afraid we'll leave part of our hearts here when we leave.
We're so thankful for being allowed to be the "traveling team!" We appreciate you so much, our sending team, for all your prayers, love and support!
One final note: one lesson we're all learning is to trust God and His timing and plan. Our bins of supplies showed up one day later than we did, but we all see how important it was for us to arrive without all the distraction of that "stuff." One bin didn't show up with the others - and it contained our craft supplies for today's Bible School. It was delivered today, 2 hours before we needed it! God is good - AND He has a sense of humor!
Your sister in Christ,
Sudie
school lets out at 3 p.m., and secondary students get out at 4 (grades 9 & 10) and 5 p.m. (grades 11 &12). Kenyans refer to secondary school grades 9- 12 as Forms 1-4. When we went out to watch the kids on their way to school, we were amazed at the numbers of them! It was like watching a parade of green uniforms- the boys in their short green pants, green checked shirts and green sweaters, and the girls in their green checked dresses and sweaters. What an amazing sight to see so many children with beautiful smiling faces, carrying their water bottles as they walked to school. (Their water bottles are old milk or vegetable oil containers - the Kenyans are clever recyclers!) After breakfast and devotions (led by our own Timothy McConnell), our team headed to Huruma Children's Home, which is not more than a mile or so from here. That short trip was made in the Tumaini children's ministry bus, and there were at least 15 of us crammed in the back in very tight quarters....it was a bonding experience! We also had many cans of paint and various goodies for the kids. Huruma is very different from Tumaini -it is much smaller and the facilities are comparable to what Tumaini was like several years ago, we're told. There are more younger children, as well as special needs children Nancy, the wonderful manager of Huruma, greeted us warmly. She was so grateful that we came. Most of the children were in school, but we did get to meet the special needs kids and got to sing, dance and play with Camogo, a wonderful Downs Syndrome boy. We toured the facilities, taking lots of pictures of the new kitchen and dining hall,which serves as a place of worship for the children and staff on Sundays. One of the highlights of our work at Huruma was watching the entire team do "Extreme Hall Makeover" to the dining hall - painting the entire hall (with very high ceilings) in about 2 hours. It was satisfying to get to help complete the project that Meadows had funded. The books we collected were also delivered and organized on shelves. We were fed tea at Huruma before we were driven back to Tumaini for lunch! Surprisingly, one thing we have not gone without on this trip is food - we've eaten lots of fresh veggies at big meals every day. Kenyan hospitality is gracious, generous and humbling. We finished projects after lunch and prepared for Bible School and youth group. The children are enjoying both - they love the music, the crafts, the skits and the talk. Today Griffin had the primary kids (& the rest of us) laughing so hard during the skit when he wrestled a lion.....a small stuffed animal! What a gift it is to bring laughter to these children, who are some of the most remarkable I've ever met. They are so kind to one another, so caring - older ones help out the younger ones, and they are full of joy! The entire team has been amazed at the spiritual depth of these children. They know God intimately. It's indeed a privilege to get to know them and to serve them in some small ways. We've all met and gotten to love on our prayer partners and some of yours. Their prayer partners are very important to them.
Be assured that God is alive in Africa! We're seeing and experiencing Him in so many ways here. We've fallen in love with the children and the staff of Tumaini. I'm afraid we'll leave part of our hearts here when we leave.
We're so thankful for being allowed to be the "traveling team!" We appreciate you so much, our sending team, for all your prayers, love and support!
One final note: one lesson we're all learning is to trust God and His timing and plan. Our bins of supplies showed up one day later than we did, but we all see how important it was for us to arrive without all the distraction of that "stuff." One bin didn't show up with the others - and it contained our craft supplies for today's Bible School. It was delivered today, 2 hours before we needed it! God is good - AND He has a sense of humor!
Your sister in Christ,
Sudie
Tuesday, July 8
Tuesday--
Today was another beautiful day at Tumaini. We began our day having devotions with Reverend Mundi. We have so much to learn from him.
After devotions and breakfast we began our projects. Our groups painted and worked on a fence. I painted blackboards at the primary (or elementary and middle) school. It looked like to me that we were creating a huge distraction for the school day but the headmaster, Samuel, was so excited we were there. The deputy headmistress cleared our all the classrooms of the school so we could paint and told the children to go to the field. There are 738 students at the school. You cannot even imagine the mass of children that came from the classroom and then kept coming. The work forced me to put aside my perfectionism and to realize that I cannot fix all the problems at this school. There are about 60 children in each classroom, yet the teachers seem so happy and excited to teach. As we painted the blackboards a crowd would gather at the doors and windows of the room we were painting. The children would ask us questions. Their favorite question to ask is "Are you English?" While we were painting one classroom the kiswahili teacher even taught me head, shoulders, knees, and toes in Swahili. After a while Samuel joined us to paint even though he was dressed in his best clothes. He was so excited and enthusiastic about our presence. Other requests started coming in while we were painting. There is so much that is needed and our time is so limited, but it is very difficult to say no. One of my favorite moments painting occurred when we returned from lunch. Samuel said that he would organize that children and be ready to work in 10 minutes. And he seriously had over 700 children sitting quietly grouped by class less than 10 minutes with no other help.
Today we also had our vacation bible school and youth group. Interacting with the kids here is so wonderful. There is such joy as we play games and sing songs. Communication is definitely an issue at times but we are still able to laugh together.
Our time at Tumaini has been so incredible. I cannot really describe it. God is so clearly at work in the lives of the kids here. God has been teaching me a lot about listening to his plan and how to put aside my own plan. His plan is always better. He has been helping me to reexamine how I live my life and how I see the world. I know He has much more in store for me in the coming days.
Please continue to pray for our team as we continue our time with the children at Tumaini. Thank you for all your prayers so far; we can definitely feel their impact. God is doing great things here.
Denise
Today was another beautiful day at Tumaini. We began our day having devotions with Reverend Mundi. We have so much to learn from him.
After devotions and breakfast we began our projects. Our groups painted and worked on a fence. I painted blackboards at the primary (or elementary and middle) school. It looked like to me that we were creating a huge distraction for the school day but the headmaster, Samuel, was so excited we were there. The deputy headmistress cleared our all the classrooms of the school so we could paint and told the children to go to the field. There are 738 students at the school. You cannot even imagine the mass of children that came from the classroom and then kept coming. The work forced me to put aside my perfectionism and to realize that I cannot fix all the problems at this school. There are about 60 children in each classroom, yet the teachers seem so happy and excited to teach. As we painted the blackboards a crowd would gather at the doors and windows of the room we were painting. The children would ask us questions. Their favorite question to ask is "Are you English?" While we were painting one classroom the kiswahili teacher even taught me head, shoulders, knees, and toes in Swahili. After a while Samuel joined us to paint even though he was dressed in his best clothes. He was so excited and enthusiastic about our presence. Other requests started coming in while we were painting. There is so much that is needed and our time is so limited, but it is very difficult to say no. One of my favorite moments painting occurred when we returned from lunch. Samuel said that he would organize that children and be ready to work in 10 minutes. And he seriously had over 700 children sitting quietly grouped by class less than 10 minutes with no other help.
Today we also had our vacation bible school and youth group. Interacting with the kids here is so wonderful. There is such joy as we play games and sing songs. Communication is definitely an issue at times but we are still able to laugh together.
Our time at Tumaini has been so incredible. I cannot really describe it. God is so clearly at work in the lives of the kids here. God has been teaching me a lot about listening to his plan and how to put aside my own plan. His plan is always better. He has been helping me to reexamine how I live my life and how I see the world. I know He has much more in store for me in the coming days.
Please continue to pray for our team as we continue our time with the children at Tumaini. Thank you for all your prayers so far; we can definitely feel their impact. God is doing great things here.
Denise
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday
Monday, 7 July 2008
Bwana Asafiwe!!! (Praise the Lord!!!, in Ki'swahili)
We continue to be amazed by the work that God is doing here in and through His church and feel blessed to be a small part of it. The graciousness of the people here is oftentimes humbling. Following breakfast this morning we attended devotions in the parish sanctuary led by Rev. Simon Kibilo. Today's message was based on John 15:1-17. In these verses Jesus explains himself as the vine and we as the branches. I can truly say that the limb which is Tumaini Children's Center is fully laden with fruit. It is impossible for me to express in words the gratitude that I have in my heart for the commitment that the Meadows family has made in its support of this mission. The work of Christ is clearly bearing fruit through the branch which is Meadows, as well. To see God working across the ocean by using the blessings that He has bestowed upon us to touch the lives of these children here in Nyeri is nothing short of awe-inspiring. God's Word this morning helped to frame our day and the theme continued to be played out in all that we saw and did.
Our first stop today was the PCEA Primary School where we toured the office, the library, and a few classrooms. The Head Teacher, Samuel (???), provided us with an overview of the work that they are doing. Samuel is a Presbyterian elder from a neighboring parish to Riamurkurwe Parish who quoted scripture to us as he was relating his work at the school. The school is adjacent to the Tumaini Center and is where the young children from Tumaini receive their education. During our tour, the bell for changing classes rang and the novelty of fair-skinned visitors was too much for the 180 students who attend the school to resist. We were quickly surrounded by anxious children eager to know from where we had come. "Are you English?" "Are you Greek?" "No, we are from America, and we, too, are Presbyterian." Excitement radiated from the faces of these young children on hearing this. The command of the English language displayed by even the very young was amazing, and the depth of their questioning even more so. Finally, we had to leave the schoolyard in order that order might be restored and learning continued.
From the Primary School we went to the Secondary School, where we were given a tour by a staff that clearly has a pride in what they are doing to provide a firm educational foundation for the children in the area including those from Tumaini. One of the tour guides was Virginia (???), an elder at the Namaan Githenya Church on the grounds of the Tumaini Center. During the tour the farm plots of the Form 4 (equivalent of a high school senior) students were pointed out. Later, in the day some of us would receive gifts of carrots from our Tumaini prayer partners who are Form 4 students at the school.
Following our tour we returned to the center for lunch and then set about loading and delivering the books which had been collected at Meadows so many months before. The books were delivered to the Secondary School to be sorted according to age group. The construction of the Secondary School library was completed in 2006; however, the library is far from full and the condition of the books leaves something to be desired. But, they are still something for the children to use. The school staff was visibly moved when they saw what Meadows was providing. Again, a heartfelt thanks to those who helped make this part of the project a reality.
With the books delivered it was time to get back to Tumaini to prepare for VBS, the focus verse for the week being Joshua 1:9. Our program is a look at great leaders from the Bible. God's hand was truly at work during the first day from the skits and songs to the story of Moses to the fun craft activity and games. Following afternoon tea which is provided for the children every afternoon, we put on a program for the older children. This time was followed by another opportunity for some incredible encounters with these young, spirit-filled, inquisitive minds.
During our evening devotion, a time when we gather to reflect on and decompact the events of the day, a number of team members shared the same thought which I hope will address some of the concerns of those who had questions as to whether it would have been better to send money that would have been used for travel, rather than sending a team. The children here live in a walled in compound and leave each day to attend school, but must return to the same place every day, except for the one time of year that the Center can afford to send each child to his or her home area to visit the family or relatives who are unable to take care of them. The children are not allowed to venture outside of the compound for fear of their safety. Visits by groups such as Meadows help to break up this routine and provide these children with a knowledge that they are not forgotten that another group of believers in God's earthly kingdom cares about them and prays for them. Much more work could be done here, and it is my hope and prayer that Meadows finds a will and a way to make a continuing difference by tending to this one branch in which the love of Jesus Christ is clearly alive and well.
From Sunday
Greetings in the name of the Lord from Kenya. This was our first full day at the Tumaini Children's Children Center and in just this brief time many blessings are flowing. To the Meadows congregation, friends and families please know that we think of you often, we are all well and the experience has already been life-transforming.
The hospitality is beyond compare. The staff has greeted us with open hearts and great meals with some wonderful local dishes. Our sleeping arrangements are adequate but we long for the comfort of our beds and hot showers.
We had the opportunity to spend much time with the kids today. They crave our presence and many have asked if we can stay longer. They have shared with us many stories of what brought them here and we have been overwhelmed in some cases of the tragedies. However, we have seen beautiful faces with bright smiles and that just reminds us of why we are here.
We did not know of what to expect of the worship service. However at the end of the day I think we all felt a strong Christian bond with our Kenyan friends. We started at the 8:30 youth service where the music of the Praise Team was awesome. Tim McConnell, upon arrival was asked to preach. He expressed his anxiety to the team of having limited time to prepare and what to preach on. Well, Tim did a tremendous job at the challenge and delivered just the right message for the kids at Tuimaini and the adults from Meadows.
We then divided into groups and went to some of the other churches in the parish. We traveled bumpy, red clay roads enroute. The services were in Kikuyu and the music consisted of the local Kenyan musical instruments. Such a contrast from Meadows. We did not understand much except we were there to praise and worship the same Lord. Again, an experience of a life time.
We also were joyed with the arrival of all crates (but one) and that one contained many supplies for our Vacation Bible School. However, we did some planning and VBS will go on. Please pray for us as we engage about 80-120 kids in Bible stories, singing, crafts and recreation.
And so I can conclude by saying we all believe we were meant to be here and that God calls us to a purpose here. It is hard to imagine we could have had a more complete experience on our first day.
Please pray for the children and the staff here at Tumaini and our continued ministry here. We are not sure what tomorrow holds but we are confident blessings will continue to flow.
And now on behalf of the entire mission team we say
Peace to all,
Kathy Floyd
(Written around midnight (Kenyan time) on July 6-7)
Greetings
All is well. Everyone is healthy and filled with joy.
The internet connections at Tumaini are not working. I'm writing from a internet cafe in Nyeri. This place is amazing. The hospitality has been unbelievable and everyone is incredibly friendly.
We have many stories to tell but they will need to wait until we get better connectivity.
Peace and joy all.
Asland is on the move at Tumaini.
Friday, July 4, 2008
In Nairobi
We arrived last night with all our personal luggage intact. All 26 tubs of supplies and the guitar are still in London. Hopefully they will come tonight. Did not have much feel for what time was what.
We had a good night's rest at the Methodist Guest House and are soon heading out for some grocery shoppig and then the three hour ride to Nyeri.
Worried that the internet connectivity at Tumaini will be spotty but we'll find a way to post occassionally.
Love and Peace to all.
We had a good night's rest at the Methodist Guest House and are soon heading out for some grocery shoppig and then the three hour ride to Nyeri.
Worried that the internet connectivity at Tumaini will be spotty but we'll find a way to post occassionally.
Love and Peace to all.
In London
We are in Heathrow getting ready for one more flight. I was a very short night but I think everyone got at least a little sleep.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
@ the airport
4:40 we are at the gate all 26 tubs and the guitar checked without trouble. Thanks to all who showed up to send us off. Next stop London.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tubs of love!
Sunday we packed, weighed and labeled 26 tubs to check with us on the flights to Nairobi. Books, clothes, linens, VBS supplies, sports equipment, gifts for the kids and our hosts, medical and dental supplies, communionware...
Some pics:
Some pics:
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