"Santa" comes to Nyeri!

Salvete omnes!

While Saturdays for most can be "lazy days," this is not true of Kenyans! Class 7 and 8 students have school on Saturday, and the older students still have chores. The major chore today, besides the standard cleaning of the walkways, was cutting all the children's hair. I considered getting my hair shaved as well, but was convinced not to do it. 😞

Today was also a big day for distributing gifts to adults and children. Children at Tumaini and Huruma received a pencil case with school necessities inside, flip flops, a Bible, and toothbrushes. Students in secondary school also received a calculator and geometry set (compass and protractor). Adult women received bags hand-made by Meadows parishioners, and men received work gloves; both also received Bibles and hand-made wooden crosses. Wendell, Kaki, and I went to Huruma to distribute the gifts while Kathy, Julie, and Kris remained at Tumaini for "Days for Girls" orientation #2 (Kris will tell you more about that). I played volleyball with the young men at Huruma and have the bruised arms to prove it!

After returning to Tumaini, I spent more uninterrupted time with the kids than I have been able to this trip. I either sat and talked with them, watched television with them, ran after them, or threatened to make them into a chapati. Many call me a "crazy mazunga" (crazy white person) and I point at them and say "No, you're a crazy mazunga" and then we begin arguing! I have also been called a "crazy Kenyan" by them, which I take as a point of pride.

I am beginning to feel the time here get shorter, and I hope to spend as much time with the kids as I can. It is unfortunate that we are not here another week, as I have only begun to see the kids become more familiar with me, and I, in turn, am beginning to become rather close to a few in particular. I can only cherish the time I have left and continue to hold them in my heart once I leave.

ex animo,
Stella aka Ngwaci (Sweet Potato)

Me chasing after the children in GIF form:

Saturday is coming to a close.  It rained earlier this evening.  It's rained more and has

been cooler than any of us remember from previous trips.  I hear children singing faith songs in Kikuyu and Kiswahili.  Little ones are running around, burning off steam endlessly.  Sounds from surrounding rooms include chairs and tables scooting on the concrete floors.  All these sounds are all familiar in just the short time we have been here.

THE LIBRARY PROJECT IS COMPLETED!!  When we arrived last Saturday Eunice, the manager of the 2 children’s homes indicated that the Tumaini library full of books had gone unused for many years and needed major updating.  So we set-out to pull outdated or badly-worn books and books that were not matched well to children’s taste and ability.  Over the week, we removed most of the books from the shelves and reviewed, sorted, grouped and re-shelved them in a way that was conducive to the children accessing the books.   At times the work was tedious.  However, we have the opportunity to learn that being obedient to God's will sometimes means that the work will seem boring.  And we will leave without certainty as to what will happen with any project after we're gone.  But we have great hope. 


Plans are for Reuben, our new friend and ‘partner-in-crime’/ time-keeper, and others to make the books more readily accessible to the children, encouraging a love of reading while caring for the books.  The children have been asking for more story time.  So, if anyone wants to drop by and read a book to the children, they are most-welcome, I’m sure.

Who knew that our trips to Kenya would lead to teaching the young girls of Tumaini and Huruma about their anatomy, reproduction, self-defense, sex trafficking and how to use reusable hygiene kits?  This was a new one.  Sally P. from our church (who had travelled here in 2011) gathered a group of wonderful women who purchased, cut, stitched, and assembled 100+ Days for Girls kits…the preparation of the kits was meticulous and precise.  These kits are non-disposable and give the girls the independence and security they need each month.  Some of our team did the training and got certified to teach the “how’s” and “why’s” for caring for their God-given bodies.  The girls were very excited to receive the kits during the training.  And we pray that this ministry is among the others we have seen succeed here.

As I wrap-up, the sounds are fading.  I heard the gate for the dorm close and the children are locked-in for the night...as are we.  Less furniture-dragging noise, voices are muted, and no more running for tonight.  Goodnight from Kris and the team.

On top of the Vocational Training Center

 

Church and fellowship

Salvete omnes!

The days grow shorter as the relationships grow stronger.

Today was a special church service from 10am to around 3pm, nearly entirely in Kikuyu (Virginia helped me by translating some of what was going on, and the minister dropped in English from time to time). All 9 churches in the parish were in attendance as today Elders were ordained. There were tents and sooooo many chairs set up by the kids at Tumaini. The Meadows team presented a song that was in Kiswahili , and luckily I got out of presenting a song alone, though Peter brought it up later when he saw me after the church service. Whoops! The sermon was based on Nehemiah chapter 3 and 2 Timothy 2:20-26.

Ready for church with our friends Reuben and Eunice!

After lunch, I looked for some kids to spend time with and ended up being called over to a group of older kids (Form 1-4) and some younger children followed. We ended up spending a couple hours just talking, laughing, and dancing. At one point we went back to Imani Hall (the multi-purpose center) and continued to talk as we made bracelets with beads based on a design following Psalm 23.

Then the work began! I carried in some benches with Gladys and Martha, swept a portion of the walkway for Mary and Sharon to wash, washed a small portion of Naomi's area, and milked some cows (after washing their udders)! YES! I MILKED SOME COWS! The minister has since given me a Kikuyu name because of it! Unfortunately, none of these events were captured in photographic form, but I really enjoyed helping some of the kids with chores, and I gained an even greater appreciation of the work that they do. There was quite a bit of laughing from the kids as they watched me (some came to the cows who never go just to watch), but I think that it meant something to them since I was doing something with them that I didn't have to do!

Unfortunately, my time with the kids ended too quickly as dinner time arrived. The celebration dinner included a fine meal with many Elders of the parish. I sat next to Virginia, whom I will miss very much as I have come to really care for her and have enjoyed talking and joking with her. The Kenyans went around the table to add what they have seen from our trip, and the Meadows team did the same. Gifts were presented and tears were shed.

Late night packing began after the dinner, and I also had the pleasure of reading a few notes that some of the older girls wrote to me. I am heartsick that the time here at Tumaini is coming to an end when the relationships have just begun to solidify. I continue to contemplate the merits of staying more than one week, as that would offer more opportunities for fellowship and deeper conversations.

We will be walking the secondary students to school tomorrow and I'm not exactly sure what that will be like. Please hold the Meadows team and the students in your prayers as we bid adieu.

ex animo,
Stella aka Ngwaci (Sweet Potato)

Doing chores in GIF form:

Nanyuki, baby goats, and MONKEYS!!!

Salvete omnes!

We have gone around 24 hours without electricity and now find ourselves without water. While it might seem like an inconvenience, I find it enjoyable because I consider what Paul went through during his missions and find no real comparison. Plus, it's been fun to read Don Quixote by flashlight!

At Bible on the Ground

This morning's devotions were based off of Matthew 25:31-40, and as usual the leader's words were very pertinent and practical for our trip and our lives beyond. We then went on a day trip to Nanyuki which is about 61km north of Nyeri. We first stopped at the EQUATOR and got to watch the Coriolis Force in action on both sides of the line! Next we went to African Bible on the Ground which was on the grounds of a Benedictine monastery. There are several places to pray and be silent, and the recommended time for completing the outdoor exhibit is three days! Unfortunately we only had around 45 minutes!

After this we went to Spinners and Weavers, which employs and benefits widows and single mothers and their children. We received a tour of the facility and got to see all parts of the operation: brushing the wool to make it soft, spinning the wool, washing the wool (5x times without soap and 4x more with soap), dyeing, and weaving it into a pattern. My highlight from this outing was certainly watching newborn goats on the property! They were only 2 hours old and could already stand!

We had lunch at The Painted Dog and watched Brasil vs. Costa Rica. After some guilting (and Virginia complaining on my behalf), we went to the entrance of a vacation resort and saw some Colobus monkeys! It was an exciting day for animals all around!

When we returned to Tumaini, we had fellowship time with the kids, which involved singing praise songs, praying, and scripture reading. The team presented a song: "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord". We will be presenting another song on Sunday, and I'm afraid that I will be doing a solo as well, as the leader of the devotion this morning said, "Stella...Sunday...presentation." Hmmm... After the fellowship time, the team handed out Bibles and a bookmark to all the children. They were overjoyed and appreciative!

Vivid rainbow on the road from Nanyuki

As I made my way back to the room, I found myself corralled by 15 girls and I had nowhere to go! I asked one of them why they wouldn't let me leave and she said, "They find you interesting!" All I was doing was dancing, singing Justin Bieber, and beat-boxing; what's so interesting about that?! I was finally able to make it to the room and cried "Sanctuary!" so that I would be protected!

Tomorrow will be a busy day with many activities and gift-giving, as well as "Days for Girls" part 2! Finally, don't tell my parents, but I have begun filling out my application for Kenyan citizenship!







ex animo,
Stella aka Ngwaci ("Sweet Potato")

My expression at seeing all the animals today in GIF form:

Happy Birthday, Bradley!

     Today is Bradley's birthday! He would have been 34 years today and celebrating here in Kenya, away from my family has been really hard. My team mates here have been extremely caring and aware of this special day and have made it as good as possible. I ordered a birthday cake for Bradley and shared with all the children here. It was a great surprise and very much appreciated. Then Gladys, the main kitchen cook, made a lovely cake for Bradley for the adults to share after dinner. It's been a hard day for my family and I wish we could have been together.


Besides celebrating Bradley, we were able to pick up some of the shoes we purchased for them, with others coming in a month after the shoemaker has finished making them. The children were tremendously excited!

New school shoes

 



Another highlight for today was our luncheon at Eunice Muindi's house. We felt very honored to have been invited and spent a lovely afternoon with her.

Lunch with Mrs. Muindi and friends

 The final highlight of MY day was that Stella found my missing Kenya bird book! Yea Stella!! (It's because I have such a good memory and recall little details! ~S)

In His service,
Julie Joyce

Blessed Day in Kenya

I bring you greetings in the name of the Lord from Nyeri,  Kenya and the Tumaini and Huruma Children's Home.  We have just completed the 4th full day on sight which marks the half way point of our stay here.  Our hosts continue to treat us like special guests and we have not grown weary of the attention but perhaps a bit spoiled as our meals are prepared for us,  served tea twice a day and have our personal drivers to take us to town. 


    The children continue to bring so much joy to our time here.      It is amazing  to see them in their daily activities.  They have a bounce in their feet as they walk to school in the AM and upon return to the home in the afternoon they are ready to play with us and seem to crave the limited amount of time we have with them.  The kids love the crafts  planned for them -  friendship bracelets and making bookmarks.  From the youngest kids ( 4 years to approximately 20)  they were easily engaged with the activities.  It is amazing how you can get a "cool" adolescent boys engaged with such activities.  Then we realize it is not about the activity but our time with them.    We brought many beach balls , some basketballs and soccer balls.  They are always the hit and bring much activity on the playground.

  Today we  held our first teaching sessions with 11 young girls using the program Day for Girls.  Content of the program includes teaching the girls the basics of anatomy and physiology of the female and male reproductive system,  the basics on feminine hygiene, concepts of self-defense,  slave trafficking, and perhaps most important respecting and caring for their own bodies which is a gift from God.   Upon conclusion of the program we gave each girl their own personal hygiene kit  for easier management of  the days in the month that otherwise may be very difficult due to lack of modern products.    Kris,  Kaki,  Julie and Kathy taught the class.  We were a bit nervous and uncertain how the girls would respond.   We were delighted that from start to finish they were totally engaged and  very excited to receive the hygiene kits.  They even had some very good questions for us.  We will continue to teach more girls later in the week. 

     As we prepared for the trip we were told that shoes for the children was one of the biggest needs. Therefore arrangements were made for the local shoe cobbler  to measure each child's foot and shoes will be made at $8 per pair (about 200 pair needed)  After seeing the kids and some of the conditions of  their shoes we are convinced this is money well spent. 

 This AM we went to the bread baking  enterprise which is located here on site.   This project is run by 3  graduates of the children's home.  Three days a week they make approximately 125  loaves of bread which is sold to other local schools and served to the children at the two homes.  For these three people this enterprise gives them employment and provides a much needed service to the community.    The bread is delicious and hard to believe it is cooked with firewood  ( yes folks delicious bread with no electricity).


The team is holding up well.   Their are challenges each day mostly with time management and planning but we all rejoice in being here and the relationship building that continues between Meadows and the folks within the parish and at the children's home.      There are some frustrations as our day is planned and then it changes due to things beyond our control.  We remind ourselves we are on Kenya time.   


     We find comfort in knowing  our Meadows family  and many more are praying for us.  We ask continued prayers for safety,  energy and that God's plan for this trip be realized. 

To His Service, 

Kathy and the Kenya Team.

Operation: Ordered Chaos

Salvete omnes!

The "before" picture after the kids got in

After walking the children to school, breakfast, and morning devotions/a mini-sermon on 1 Peter 2:9, the team got right back into re-organizing the piles of books we made which were taken down by Hurricane Discipuli (i.e. the primary children students). We made a lot of progress, emptying the shelves that we are in charge of and organizing the books based on reading level. Elsewhere, we are also organizing the youth shelves, making sure series are in order and there are age-appropriate books on the correct shelves.

During tea and lunch, the team spoke with Frederick, the chairman of the Tumaini board. He updated us specifically on the progress of the vocational school, which currently has 4 levels and a roof, and will soon have walls in place.

Story time

Happy with their handmade bookmarks

Given the chaos of yesterday's storytime, the team decided to attempt some "ordered chaos" and have different
scheduled activities for the primary school children: Kris and Kathy, along with two student helpers (Anne and Kevin to read in Kikuyu) led storytime for the children in the chapel (Kathy said "they craved every word read"); Kaki and Julie had a craft center in the multi-purpose room, which consisted of making friendship bracelets, designing bookmarks (Kaki said "as usual stickers were a big hit, no matter the age"), and giving Kaki a new hairstyle! After watching some World Cup 2018 action with the older kids (England beat Tunisia 2-1), Wendell and I had several beach balls and a parachute, which the children quickly took control of. I'm surprised it made it through the day! At one point, a couple small children sat in the center of the parachute (one at a time) and the children on the outside ran around in a circle, causing the child in the center to levitate on the parachute! I don't think we got them to sign waivers!

Prior to dinner I went back into the multi-purpose center just to see what the kids were doing and I was greeted by the older ones who were using Kris's phone to take pictures of themselves and with Kris. I was quickly pulled into many pictures with the older kids, which was a pleasant surprise since I have not had the opportunity to fellowship with them. I spent about 15 minutes talking with Jane, a Form 3 (about a Junior in HS in the US), learning about her and answering questions about the US. She has two other siblings here, Helen (I embarrass her by singing Justin Bieber to her because she wears a shirt with his face on it) and Dennis, and two older siblings who are either in university or the workforce. I learned that her mother left them in 2009 and her father died in 2010, leaving her with a grandmother that had difficulty taking care of them. She told me, "As you can see, I've been through many difficulties, but I made it through them." And she is all the stronger for it!

Youngest child, Abrihim, is 4 years old

Sometimes little Abraham comes up to me to hold my hand. He is the youngest here and was dropped at the front gate of Tumaini with his sister. The person who dropped them off told them "Your mother is inside" shortly before driving off. Eunice tried to find where he came from but was unable to. This is just one child's story. At dinner we learned more about the students and what they value here, which gives you a sense of their background. When asked what they like about Tumaini, they most often say "food". The children can sleep anywhere, but they cannot always have something to eat. Eunice explained when they first arrive and receive their first meal they often cradle it in their arms, showing ownership over that food and cherishing it.

What I have experienced here so far is exactly the thing I had hoped for: learning about and understanding the lives of different people, and building relationships with those people. While speaking with the Kenyans may at times be difficult, I have enjoyed the experience because I get close to them and focus on every word they say, something that I think is important for us to do in order to relate to other human beings. I look forward to hearing more personal stories from the kids and building more relationships.

ex animo,
Stella aka Ngwaci (aka Sweet Potato)

PS Someone asked why we have a bucket. It is in case the toilet breaks down!

Today in GIF form: