 |
| Ride to Huruma and ready to paint |
 |
| PainterJehosaphat leads us in painting |
 |
| Wendell paints the wall. Watch out for Julie |
 |
| Vocational Center |
Saturday, June 14, 2014
We've had another incredible day! As has become our habit, we start the day with a terrific breakfast followed by devotions. Our group was in charge of devotions today and we chose for our theme "grace". A great way to begin a new day:)
Today was a big painting day a Huruma where we were warmly greeted by Nancy the manager. Huruma now has 78 children and is sporting a new addition which will house the handicapped residents and also serve as a study hall-male & female separately. They are very proud of the addition and very much wanted it to be painted. We worked all day on the project and will head back tomorrow to finish our work.
After visiting the "farm" at Tumaini after dinner, we climbed to the top of the vocational center which is moving along nicely. Even though it is not under roof yet, all plans are going forward and they hope to have it under roof and open by the fall of next year. Some of the courses of study they plan to offer include, carpentry, masonry, tailoring, and possibly others as the program progresses.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Hello from your Kenya team!!
What a day we've had! Being in Kenya is an experience that can not be compared to any other. Even though it is my third time here, I am finding out more about the people, their culture, and their country. After walking the children to school, where, by the way, I was a guest in a science teacher's class; we had a delicious breakfast prepared with eggs from their very own chickens! Then on to devotions where it was our turn to lead and the topic was "grace".
Our work plan for today was to paint the interior addition to the dormitory. What a job we had, painting on cement walls-one coat of primer, one coat of paint and we return tomorrow to paint the second coat. The new addition will be used to house the handicapped residents and to offer two study rooms-one for boys and one for girls. On our previous trip this addition had been a dream of Nancy the manager so we take great pride in helping this dream come to fruition.
Even though our day was quite productive and very rewarding, we were disheartened a bit by seeing the clothes line, filled with clean laundry, sink closer and closer to the ground as the rains continued. Huruma is in desperate need of a washing machine and dryer so that at least some of the bed linens can be washed and made available as needed. This is a particular concern as there are 6 severely handicapped residents whose linens are often soiled. Please keep this issue in your prayers. All the children's clothes are scrubbed by the children by hand and hung to dry.
We took a short "field trip" on grounds to climb to the top of the vocational center which is not yet under roof, but is making progress. Some of the skills the vocational center plans to offer include carpentry, masonry, tailoring, and others added as needed. As we were on the top, we caught a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kenya-what an awesome sight!
Tomorrow, after our painting duties are complete we will have lunch with Reverend and Mrs. Bernard Muindi who are the founders of the Tumaini and Huruma Children's Homes. We feel very honored to have been invited and hope we have time to scrub off all the paint before going!
Please know that you are in our prayers and, of course, we miss you all.
Julie Joyce
What a day we've had! Being in Kenya is an experience that can not be compared to any other. Even though it is my third time here, I am finding out more about the people, their culture, and their country. After walking the children to school, where, by the way, I was a guest in a science teacher's class; we had a delicious breakfast prepared with eggs from their very own chickens! Then on to devotions where it was our turn to lead and the topic was "grace".
Our work plan for today was to paint the interior addition to the dormitory. What a job we had, painting on cement walls-one coat of primer, one coat of paint and we return tomorrow to paint the second coat. The new addition will be used to house the handicapped residents and to offer two study rooms-one for boys and one for girls. On our previous trip this addition had been a dream of Nancy the manager so we take great pride in helping this dream come to fruition.
Even though our day was quite productive and very rewarding, we were disheartened a bit by seeing the clothes line, filled with clean laundry, sink closer and closer to the ground as the rains continued. Huruma is in desperate need of a washing machine and dryer so that at least some of the bed linens can be washed and made available as needed. This is a particular concern as there are 6 severely handicapped residents whose linens are often soiled. Please keep this issue in your prayers. All the children's clothes are scrubbed by the children by hand and hung to dry.
 |
| Painting team at Huruma |
 |
| Two gentlemen who have been long time residents of Huruma |
 |
| Farm at Huruma |
 |
| Manager Nancy and Virginia welcome us and offer us tea |
 |
| Blankets drying at Huruma |
We took a short "field trip" on grounds to climb to the top of the vocational center which is not yet under roof, but is making progress. Some of the skills the vocational center plans to offer include carpentry, masonry, tailoring, and others added as needed. As we were on the top, we caught a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kenya-what an awesome sight!
Tomorrow, after our painting duties are complete we will have lunch with Reverend and Mrs. Bernard Muindi who are the founders of the Tumaini and Huruma Children's Homes. We feel very honored to have been invited and hope we have time to scrub off all the paint before going!
Please know that you are in our prayers and, of course, we miss you all.
Julie Joyce
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Jambo!
Our first few days at Tumaini have been packed filled with fun, worship and painting!! Today we had the honor of Reverend Muindi and his wife Euinice visiting Tumaini. This is something that happens on rare occasion so to be here when they arrived was truly a blessing.
We have started the last few mornings by walking the kids to either the primary school or the secondary school. We are greeted with smiling faces, good mornings and handshakes to go around. For having to be at school from 7 am - 5 pm, these children are as happy as they can possibly be. It is amazing to be able to witness the love and thirst these children have for education. Most of them are proud to show us their classroom and meet their classmates and teachers.
Today (Tuesday), after walking the kids to school we started the daunting task for painting the base coat in Imani hall. The men that were working with us today showed us the ladders that we were to stand on as they were making them. Julie and Wendell were the only ones brave enough to climb onto the ladders, the rest of us stood on tables! No one left clean but our appetites were great! As we get to lunch the ladies in the kitchen had made us a surprise...PIZZA! I would have never imagined coming to Kenya to be served pizza!
After dinner the kids have study hours from 7-9. Some of us go with the older children and others of us go with the younger children. It became apparent quickly that most of us need a refresher in math...even with the younger children! Most of them have more homework than can fit in those two hours while the younger ones tend to take a nap when they finish.
Overall this has been a true blessing to be able to be apart of these children's lives. It is incredible to see the love that they have for the Lord and the trust that they have of a better life. Every day is filled with laughter, love, and faith. We are learning more from them than they could ever know, which is truly a gift from God!
1 John 4:16
" And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is LOVE. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
your sister in Christ,
Shannon W
Our first few days at Tumaini have been packed filled with fun, worship and painting!! Today we had the honor of Reverend Muindi and his wife Euinice visiting Tumaini. This is something that happens on rare occasion so to be here when they arrived was truly a blessing.
We have started the last few mornings by walking the kids to either the primary school or the secondary school. We are greeted with smiling faces, good mornings and handshakes to go around. For having to be at school from 7 am - 5 pm, these children are as happy as they can possibly be. It is amazing to be able to witness the love and thirst these children have for education. Most of them are proud to show us their classroom and meet their classmates and teachers.
 |
| Secondary school |
 |
| Biology class |
 |
| Kitchen at Secondary school with buckets for tea |
 |
| Girls at primary school |
 |
| Home science class at secondary school |
Today (Tuesday), after walking the kids to school we started the daunting task for painting the base coat in Imani hall. The men that were working with us today showed us the ladders that we were to stand on as they were making them. Julie and Wendell were the only ones brave enough to climb onto the ladders, the rest of us stood on tables! No one left clean but our appetites were great! As we get to lunch the ladies in the kitchen had made us a surprise...PIZZA! I would have never imagined coming to Kenya to be served pizza!
After dinner the kids have study hours from 7-9. Some of us go with the older children and others of us go with the younger children. It became apparent quickly that most of us need a refresher in math...even with the younger children! Most of them have more homework than can fit in those two hours while the younger ones tend to take a nap when they finish.
Overall this has been a true blessing to be able to be apart of these children's lives. It is incredible to see the love that they have for the Lord and the trust that they have of a better life. Every day is filled with laughter, love, and faith. We are learning more from them than they could ever know, which is truly a gift from God!
1 John 4:16
" And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is LOVE. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
your sister in Christ,
Shannon W
Friday, June 6, 2014
 |
| Church on Sunday morning |
We all were busy watching various movies on the flight but did manage to get in a little sleep.
We are now waiting to be called to board our flight to Nairobi. We are all eager to get there and begin our adventure.
Please continue to pray for our time here, that we are blessed and able to bless others, for health and safety.
Yours in Christ,
Kaki
 |
| Sending off of the team |
 |
| Arrival at Tumaini Children's Home |
 |
| Charity and Peter |
 |
| Jane |
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Four days until we begin our wonderful adventure to Kenya. It is hard to believe that after months of preparation and praying that it is time to go. The excitement that I have felt through out the preparation has now been met with the feeling of nervousness. After praying about our trip some more I came across a verse from Proverbs that helped ease that feeling. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse reminds me that I need to put all my faith in him and that he will keep us all safe throughout our journey.
Even though these feelings have arisen, my excitement for going has not diminished. This week I had the opportunity to work on the music for VBS! Music is my passion and being able to bring my love of music to the children in Africa brings me great joy. Putting together the CD’s makes me excited to meet the children and experience all of the amazing things that I pray they show me.
Tomorrow (Sunday, June 1st) we are going to be commissioned during the service. Having such an amazing church supporting and praying for us is such an uplifting thing! I ask that you please continue praying for our travels, the relationships that we build, and Africa as a whole. I also ask that you continue to pray that God uses us to spread his love wherever we go.
As we leave on Thursday we invite you to come pray with us before we leave! We are meeting at the church at 12:00 to pack the car and plan to leave by 12:30. If you cannot make it please just continue praying! Mark 16:15 says, “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”” We cannot wait to start spreading the word and sharing God’s love.
-Shannon W.
Even though these feelings have arisen, my excitement for going has not diminished. This week I had the opportunity to work on the music for VBS! Music is my passion and being able to bring my love of music to the children in Africa brings me great joy. Putting together the CD’s makes me excited to meet the children and experience all of the amazing things that I pray they show me.
Tomorrow (Sunday, June 1st) we are going to be commissioned during the service. Having such an amazing church supporting and praying for us is such an uplifting thing! I ask that you please continue praying for our travels, the relationships that we build, and Africa as a whole. I also ask that you continue to pray that God uses us to spread his love wherever we go.
As we leave on Thursday we invite you to come pray with us before we leave! We are meeting at the church at 12:00 to pack the car and plan to leave by 12:30. If you cannot make it please just continue praying! Mark 16:15 says, “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”” We cannot wait to start spreading the word and sharing God’s love.
-Shannon W.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Packing Party
Each trip brings with it a packing party. Tonight was the night. We gathered together and sorted, repackaged supplies, packed bins, weighed the bins, and made prayer books with messages and pictures from church members.Prioritizing what makes it into the bins is tough with so many needs among the children and our hosts. We will take with us VBS craft supplies, a bag for each child with a few school supplies and a wooden cross necklace, linens, toothbrushes, children's clothing, and more.
So exciting that we made 30 prayer books, packed 12 bins, and made one big step forward in our preparations. Kathy leaves for Kenya this Friday with a group of students and fellow professor from JMU. Travelling mercies on Kathy!
Please pray for the safe transportation of these bins of supplies for their intended uses at Tumaini and Huruma children's homes. Just over 2 weeks and we'll be on our way!
Monday, May 5, 2014
Summer 2014....here we go again.
Meadow's Presbyterian Church is sending a group of seven on a return trip to Kenya from June 5th through June 21st, 2014. Our friends at Eastminster Presbyterian travelled to Tumaini and Huruma Children's Homes last summer. We excitedly anticipate our return trip and continuing partner ministry. Team members include Julie, Kathy, Shannon, Kaki, Cynthia, Wendell, and Kris. We ask each of you to join us on this journey as we work to His Glory in a distant place. Please pray God's Holy Spirit goes before us and meets us there.
Our hope and intent is to minister to the 200 children who live in these two children's homes, to worship with the Riamukurwe Parish church family, and renew friendships with the parish elders and staff in these two homes. May God be glorified.
Two big events have supported this mission trip. First, we held a benefit concert featuring SGG and Essence of Praise on February 22nd. Second, on March 29th we held a African-style dinner with speakers, Stephanie Black (missionary and recent seminary professor in Nairobi) and Ebralie Mwizerwa (from The Outreach Foundation). Both events were informative, inspirational, and celebratory.
The donation of supplies and money allows us to provide school supplies, flip-flops, running shoes, recreation parachutes, volleyballs and nets, and bible school activity supplies. Each child will receive a cross on a necklace (hand-crafted by our own Hal) and a bible (250 bibles were purchased, supplemented with a grant through the American Bible Society). We will carry gifts to thank our generous hosts. Men will receive work gloves and a cross; while the women will receive a prayer shawl (knit by our Meadows women) and a cross.
Our plans for this mission trip began last summer and momentum continues to build as our departure comes soon. We would appreciate your prayers during this intense period of preparation. We will do our best to keep you informed during these weeks up until we leave and then through our travels. The team will be blessed to share what Jesus teaches us along the way. Stay tuned!
 |
| Greetings from the Meadows Church family |
Two big events have supported this mission trip. First, we held a benefit concert featuring SGG and Essence of Praise on February 22nd. Second, on March 29th we held a African-style dinner with speakers, Stephanie Black (missionary and recent seminary professor in Nairobi) and Ebralie Mwizerwa (from The Outreach Foundation). Both events were informative, inspirational, and celebratory.
The donation of supplies and money allows us to provide school supplies, flip-flops, running shoes, recreation parachutes, volleyballs and nets, and bible school activity supplies. Each child will receive a cross on a necklace (hand-crafted by our own Hal) and a bible (250 bibles were purchased, supplemented with a grant through the American Bible Society). We will carry gifts to thank our generous hosts. Men will receive work gloves and a cross; while the women will receive a prayer shawl (knit by our Meadows women) and a cross.
Our plans for this mission trip began last summer and momentum continues to build as our departure comes soon. We would appreciate your prayers during this intense period of preparation. We will do our best to keep you informed during these weeks up until we leave and then through our travels. The team will be blessed to share what Jesus teaches us along the way. Stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
