Let me start with a minor correction to Adele's report of the flight to the safari. We ended up not going in an 8 seater, but rather in a much larger DeHaviland turbo prop commercial airplane. It is amazing that those planes can navigate the dirt runways of the Maasai Mara so well, but our flights were enjoyable and uneventful.
The safari experience was delightful for all of us. Since none of us were eaten by the animals we will be able to tell you all about it in person at home. I won't consume the time and space here because it would take all night to do it justice.
After an afternoon of shopping for souvenirs, and an interesting dinner at the Carnivore restaurant (including ostrich, camel and crocodile) the team (except for Wayne and Carol) headed to the airport for the long trip home. Wayne and Carol returned to Eldoret the following morning (Wed March 29) to continue the activities there.
Over the past 3 days Carol almost completed the painting and decorating in the training center, ironed the curtains for Kipkaren, and today went to Kipkaren to hang the ones that could be hung now. The timing seemed to be appreciated since there is a pastor's graduation there tomorrow. The residents there are excited to have the curtains and will hang the rest of them before the main graduation there next week.
Wayne has spent some time continuing the sorting of the action packers that have been left over the past several years - it is amazing what things exist in the bottom of some of those boxes! That also cleared space for the workbench that has been built by fundi Patrick so that the new grinder and vice could be mounted. Several small shelves are also being built around the bench so it will be more convenient to get at the supplies and tools that are not suited to hanging on the pegboards, etc.
Wayne also spent the past two days doing some training for the auto mechanics at Remmy's "garage". The work is done in an open area behind buildings where Remmy rents some space along with other mechanics and auto body workers. They seem pretty good with mechanical items, but were looking for some better understanding of how the electrical systems worked. One of the mechanics who did not work for Remmy was an electrical specialist, and he brought out a timing light to get an understanding of how it was used. That was part of God's provisions for us since the timing on the Isuzu Trooper that we were working on was badly out (approx 45 degrees advanced!) and it was not running properly. At the end of the day, after locating a disconnected vacuum line and adjusting the timing, valve clearances, and carburetor, the Trooper was running just fine and better than it had run in months or years. The Mitsubishi Pajero also has a new starter, front brakes back in operation, a suspension travel limiting bumper and a reinforced body mount so it also is back in good running order. Remmy seems very pleased with the sharing that has gone on.
The mechanics working with us borrowed some of the fine tools that had been donated for ELI's use and seem very impressed with them (maybe even a bit envious of ELI).
Is is quite different here without the other team members to keep life active. Our cook Joel had a death in his family so he has been given the week off. We are making our own breakfast and lunch and have been invited out for the evening meals.
There seem to be several people who think that we should stay for another month. Since Carol has used the need to see grandson Samuel as part of the reason we must return, Samuel Teimuge (the director) offered to be our "grandson" Samuel here so we could stay. It doesn't seem to be working on Carol and I don't think British Airways would be cooperative either so we expect to be home in Corning next, Wednesday April 5.
Until then, we have lots of work to do and I must get some rest so we can continue with that tomorrow. I will try to provide another update when I can make some time.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Victory Highway: Unforgettable Plane Experience
It's Sunday morning. We're in Nairobi. The guys arrived safely from Tanzania yesterday, delighted to find the guest house has big bath tubs for them to get really clean! Their journey was uneventful, and they have lots of stories--including a marriage proposal to Don Willis.
The group from Eldoret had an adventuresome start to the journey to Nairobi. It was hard pulling ourselves away from the events at the Children's Home since there were about 500 guests and the kids kept wanting to say good-bye to the team, even getting into the vehicle for a last hug.
We arrived at the airport in good time and were delighted to be offered seats on an earlier flight. (There are NO earlier flights here. There's one flight from Eldoret in the morning and one in the evening. But an 8-seater was apparently passing through from the Maasai Mara, dropping off passengers.) The sky looked eerie with very dark clouds as a storm was brewing in the West, and the pilot asked everyone to hurry so we could beat the storm.
Seemed like someone on the ground hurried TOO much, removing the tail support beam too soon (or perhaps never putting one down). So when we were all in our seats and the pilot got in, too, he head to ask the passenger by the door to step back so he could close the door.
The weight of one more person toward the back of the plane
+ the fact that there was no tail support beam
= a very expensive mistake
Next thing the nose of the plane went up and bam! the tail hit the ground. (In case you're skimming this entry you may have missed the part that we're still ON THE GROUND, NOT MOVING. No need to panic.) So we were asked to all get out. As the pilot walked around grumbling at the ground staff for not doing their work, we carefully got out of the airplane. Dot almost flew off the tiny steps as the pilot tilted the plane back! But she didn't.
So now we can officially say we've been in a plane crash and walked away unscathed. The same cannot be said for the little airplane, though. The tail had bent upwards, so the rudder couldn't move! (The photo is of the pilot and mechanics examining the damage.)
We were, in fact, VERY happy to get into a bigger (albeit still small) plane for the flight to Nairobi. It was rather scary seeing the lightning seemingly right outside our windows as we flew into Wilson airport. And of course we didn't think it's a good idea to get into a plane that didn't have an operating rudder...
After dinner and exchanging stories, everyone was very happy to head to bed for a good night's sleep. After breakfast today, the team is heading back to Wilson airport and will indeed board a tiny 8-seater plane to fly to the Maasai Mara for a time of debriefing. They'll be flying home on Tuesday night, at which time the Siddals will return to Eldoret for another week with plenty more to do in Eldoret.
Thanks for praying for us.
The group from Eldoret had an adventuresome start to the journey to Nairobi. It was hard pulling ourselves away from the events at the Children's Home since there were about 500 guests and the kids kept wanting to say good-bye to the team, even getting into the vehicle for a last hug.
We arrived at the airport in good time and were delighted to be offered seats on an earlier flight. (There are NO earlier flights here. There's one flight from Eldoret in the morning and one in the evening. But an 8-seater was apparently passing through from the Maasai Mara, dropping off passengers.) The sky looked eerie with very dark clouds as a storm was brewing in the West, and the pilot asked everyone to hurry so we could beat the storm.
Seemed like someone on the ground hurried TOO much, removing the tail support beam too soon (or perhaps never putting one down). So when we were all in our seats and the pilot got in, too, he head to ask the passenger by the door to step back so he could close the door.
The weight of one more person toward the back of the plane
+ the fact that there was no tail support beam
= a very expensive mistake
Next thing the nose of the plane went up and bam! the tail hit the ground. (In case you're skimming this entry you may have missed the part that we're still ON THE GROUND, NOT MOVING. No need to panic.) So we were asked to all get out. As the pilot walked around grumbling at the ground staff for not doing their work, we carefully got out of the airplane. Dot almost flew off the tiny steps as the pilot tilted the plane back! But she didn't.
So now we can officially say we've been in a plane crash and walked away unscathed. The same cannot be said for the little airplane, though. The tail had bent upwards, so the rudder couldn't move! (The photo is of the pilot and mechanics examining the damage.)
We were, in fact, VERY happy to get into a bigger (albeit still small) plane for the flight to Nairobi. It was rather scary seeing the lightning seemingly right outside our windows as we flew into Wilson airport. And of course we didn't think it's a good idea to get into a plane that didn't have an operating rudder...
After dinner and exchanging stories, everyone was very happy to head to bed for a good night's sleep. After breakfast today, the team is heading back to Wilson airport and will indeed board a tiny 8-seater plane to fly to the Maasai Mara for a time of debriefing. They'll be flying home on Tuesday night, at which time the Siddals will return to Eldoret for another week with plenty more to do in Eldoret.
Thanks for praying for us.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Victory Highway: Plateau Celebration (As told by Dot)
What a day of celebration we experienced with the Plateau women (or the Bahasha Women's group because they worked on the paper project. Bahasha means envelope.)
We arrived early in Thursday morning to finish washing windows (they were put in last night), hanging curtains which we finished ironing just before the electric went out last night, and generally sprucing things up for the day. Some of the ladies had already arrived even though they walk for two and a half hours to get to the property.
In addition to the 37 Bahasha women, there were family members and other visitors who came to help celebrate.
I hope you have read the story of these women who accepted Jesus, stopped brewing alcohol and totally changed their lives so dramatically that they formed a group, pooled their funds and began building rental properties.
When I visited with Emily yesterday while she washed the inside of the windows and I washed the outside simultaneously in order to hold the panes in place - the putty was still wet - she told me that her two children would work during the night in shifts and couldn't go to school. On a bad day she would not make any profi,t and on average days she would clear 20 shillings - less than 30 cents US! She would have to decide whether to spend it on food or on soap...
Back to the celebration
Two rental units were completed with their bedroom (6x12) living room (10x12) and kitchen (4x4--and no, this is not a misprint). The third unit which is one room only is not yet complete, and the outside bathroom has yet to built on the site. The units are colorful with their rust-colored bricks, green doors and black window frames. The inside is painted high gloss cream with white ceilings and dark red floors.
The ladies planted flowers along the foundation and made a circular flower bed in the yard with the seeds we brought.
We took bright blue ribbon and tied it from one end to the other for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
And now, we'll hear from . . .
Everyone sat in the sunny lawn and listened to Pastor Rono as he congratulated and encouraged the women. He said, "Now is the time of ideas, not tomorrow or yesterday. It is the time to share your vision. In the grave there is no vision. Use your time to work, think and fellowship. Keep going on . . ."
One of the group, a lady in her early 40s named Sally then gave a testimony. "I was lost because of alcohol. I had been brewing alcohol for 20 years. I had decided to kill all my children because I saw there was no hope. But ELI helped me to get out of that life. I thank the Lord He has set me free. ELI gave us jobs in papermaking. We came like small children to learn. After making paper for a time, ELI told to go and dream. We dreamed of pooling our money together and building rental units. God made our dream come true. Construction started by ELI helping us. We leave everything to the hands of God, who is the Shepherd of the flock. We were lost sheep. You sacrificed to come and help. Let us stay together as we focus on heaven. Thank you."
All the ladies could've probably shared similar stories, but we would've sat there way into the evening, so only one more was given time to share. Her name iis Mama Louise, and she said: "When we were in Plateau, we were brewers but God knew our plans. God has sent us his help. We were healed because of help." We were tickled by her commenting on the fact that she realized in working side-by-side with our team that "We women can do men's work." (In Kenya, women never paint or climb a ladder. But here we were, all grandmas (or gogos, as they say here) climbing ladders and painting the homes. In fact, many of the women helped us paint, and they had a LOT of fun! Someone commented later that the fundis (construction workers) of Plateau will have to look out--the ladies might decide to raise funding to complete the project by doing paint jobs!
George, the main contractor had these comments to our team: "Thanks for coming and witnessing what has happened. You have sacrificed a lot for this project and we pray our Lord will bless all who took their time to pray and help and work on this project." He continued by addressing the Bahasha Women's Group, "Going to Canaan there is honey and milk, but the honey will draw bees who bite. Satan never likes to see people working together. Stay close to God. He will keep you together." George concluded by thanking the Lord that he lead ELI and our team to Africa. "There are people who are suffering [in Africa], and these people may be empowered and their lives may be changed. You may think you only empowered these ladies, but also you empowered our families! Work hard, and pray hard so people will come to assist you to complete your mission for the 37 rooms to be done."
There were several other speeches, among others words by Baba Keegan (ELI Director Samuel Teimuge) who reminded our team of ELI's theme verse, Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Samuel told us, "The ladies live on less than a dollar a day and yet they have this dream..." He encouraged them not only to look to ELI for help with the completion of the project, but to look at what resources they had, to go home and sell their chickens to raise money.
Song and Dance
The Bahasha women sang and presented Adele, Amy, Carol, Jean and me with flowers bright pink ketanges which are like wrap-around skirts. We sang and danced around the circle together, hugging and laughing.
After all the speeches (there were several more!), we planted a tree in honor of Mary Lou's brother-in-law Wally, who passed away during our time here. [The women had met Mary Lou at a fellowship last week, and wanted to do something to remember Gogo Andrew/Mary Lou.] They planted an umbrella tree (aka a family tree) in the middle of the compound. One lady had carried a bag of compost with her that day for the tree planting--yes, the entire 2-and-a-half-hour walk!)
The Bahasha women danced around an umbrella tree, singing praise songs and waving a bright orange ketange as a sign of their love for Mary Lou and their prayers for her family. The sight was breathtaking as Kenyans and Americans knelt together around the tree giving praise to God that Wally was safe with Him and his memory would live on.
Next, we cut the ribbon and the ladies sang and danced as they entered one of the units.
Thank you, Jesus
Probably one of the most moving sights of the day was to see one of the Bahasha gogo's (grandmothers) stand with her face against a wall with her arms stretched out in prayer. Tears were streaming down her faces as she left the small room...
Food for All
We had supplied lunch for all, and since there was plenty left and it was dinner time by the time the speeches and celebrations were through (!), we all sat on the lawn for a second meal of rice and meat broth. (Pastor Rono's wife, Mama Elijah, had started cooking at 4 a.m. to prepare all the food!)
At the end of the day, we drove Mama Elijah home and Pastor Rono showed us their ministry and told of their work in rehabilitation with alcoholics. There are six people living there right now with bunks enough for 12. They told us of their dreams for a classroom and more housing for the Kenya Anti Alcohol clients in the future.
MORE Celebrations
I bet you thought that should be the end of the story . . . but you see, this was also Wayne's birthday so we just kept on going! We picked up ice cream on our way home (he had gone home in a different vehicle). Since very few people have refridgerators here, ice cream is a real treat in rural Kenya!
As an after-dinner-treat, Amy had made an angelfood cake, and there was a lot of cut mangos to put on the cake with custard and ice cream. Then he opened his gift - many more mangos. (What gives you the idea that Wayne loves mangos?) We had a good time and were ready for lala salama (sleeping peacefully).
We feel so very blessed to be with our Kenyan sisters and brothers and all of us are being blessed more than we can say. Our time has just flown by. Be well. Until tomorrow... Dot for the team.
We arrived early in Thursday morning to finish washing windows (they were put in last night), hanging curtains which we finished ironing just before the electric went out last night, and generally sprucing things up for the day. Some of the ladies had already arrived even though they walk for two and a half hours to get to the property.
In addition to the 37 Bahasha women, there were family members and other visitors who came to help celebrate.
I hope you have read the story of these women who accepted Jesus, stopped brewing alcohol and totally changed their lives so dramatically that they formed a group, pooled their funds and began building rental properties.
When I visited with Emily yesterday while she washed the inside of the windows and I washed the outside simultaneously in order to hold the panes in place - the putty was still wet - she told me that her two children would work during the night in shifts and couldn't go to school. On a bad day she would not make any profi,t and on average days she would clear 20 shillings - less than 30 cents US! She would have to decide whether to spend it on food or on soap...
Back to the celebration
Two rental units were completed with their bedroom (6x12) living room (10x12) and kitchen (4x4--and no, this is not a misprint). The third unit which is one room only is not yet complete, and the outside bathroom has yet to built on the site. The units are colorful with their rust-colored bricks, green doors and black window frames. The inside is painted high gloss cream with white ceilings and dark red floors.
The ladies planted flowers along the foundation and made a circular flower bed in the yard with the seeds we brought.
We took bright blue ribbon and tied it from one end to the other for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
And now, we'll hear from . . .
Everyone sat in the sunny lawn and listened to Pastor Rono as he congratulated and encouraged the women. He said, "Now is the time of ideas, not tomorrow or yesterday. It is the time to share your vision. In the grave there is no vision. Use your time to work, think and fellowship. Keep going on . . ."
One of the group, a lady in her early 40s named Sally then gave a testimony. "I was lost because of alcohol. I had been brewing alcohol for 20 years. I had decided to kill all my children because I saw there was no hope. But ELI helped me to get out of that life. I thank the Lord He has set me free. ELI gave us jobs in papermaking. We came like small children to learn. After making paper for a time, ELI told to go and dream. We dreamed of pooling our money together and building rental units. God made our dream come true. Construction started by ELI helping us. We leave everything to the hands of God, who is the Shepherd of the flock. We were lost sheep. You sacrificed to come and help. Let us stay together as we focus on heaven. Thank you."
All the ladies could've probably shared similar stories, but we would've sat there way into the evening, so only one more was given time to share. Her name iis Mama Louise, and she said: "When we were in Plateau, we were brewers but God knew our plans. God has sent us his help. We were healed because of help." We were tickled by her commenting on the fact that she realized in working side-by-side with our team that "We women can do men's work." (In Kenya, women never paint or climb a ladder. But here we were, all grandmas (or gogos, as they say here) climbing ladders and painting the homes. In fact, many of the women helped us paint, and they had a LOT of fun! Someone commented later that the fundis (construction workers) of Plateau will have to look out--the ladies might decide to raise funding to complete the project by doing paint jobs!
George, the main contractor had these comments to our team: "Thanks for coming and witnessing what has happened. You have sacrificed a lot for this project and we pray our Lord will bless all who took their time to pray and help and work on this project." He continued by addressing the Bahasha Women's Group, "Going to Canaan there is honey and milk, but the honey will draw bees who bite. Satan never likes to see people working together. Stay close to God. He will keep you together." George concluded by thanking the Lord that he lead ELI and our team to Africa. "There are people who are suffering [in Africa], and these people may be empowered and their lives may be changed. You may think you only empowered these ladies, but also you empowered our families! Work hard, and pray hard so people will come to assist you to complete your mission for the 37 rooms to be done."
There were several other speeches, among others words by Baba Keegan (ELI Director Samuel Teimuge) who reminded our team of ELI's theme verse, Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Samuel told us, "The ladies live on less than a dollar a day and yet they have this dream..." He encouraged them not only to look to ELI for help with the completion of the project, but to look at what resources they had, to go home and sell their chickens to raise money.
Song and Dance
The Bahasha women sang and presented Adele, Amy, Carol, Jean and me with flowers bright pink ketanges which are like wrap-around skirts. We sang and danced around the circle together, hugging and laughing.
After all the speeches (there were several more!), we planted a tree in honor of Mary Lou's brother-in-law Wally, who passed away during our time here. [The women had met Mary Lou at a fellowship last week, and wanted to do something to remember Gogo Andrew/Mary Lou.] They planted an umbrella tree (aka a family tree) in the middle of the compound. One lady had carried a bag of compost with her that day for the tree planting--yes, the entire 2-and-a-half-hour walk!)
The Bahasha women danced around an umbrella tree, singing praise songs and waving a bright orange ketange as a sign of their love for Mary Lou and their prayers for her family. The sight was breathtaking as Kenyans and Americans knelt together around the tree giving praise to God that Wally was safe with Him and his memory would live on.
Next, we cut the ribbon and the ladies sang and danced as they entered one of the units.
Thank you, Jesus
Probably one of the most moving sights of the day was to see one of the Bahasha gogo's (grandmothers) stand with her face against a wall with her arms stretched out in prayer. Tears were streaming down her faces as she left the small room...
Food for All
We had supplied lunch for all, and since there was plenty left and it was dinner time by the time the speeches and celebrations were through (!), we all sat on the lawn for a second meal of rice and meat broth. (Pastor Rono's wife, Mama Elijah, had started cooking at 4 a.m. to prepare all the food!)
At the end of the day, we drove Mama Elijah home and Pastor Rono showed us their ministry and told of their work in rehabilitation with alcoholics. There are six people living there right now with bunks enough for 12. They told us of their dreams for a classroom and more housing for the Kenya Anti Alcohol clients in the future.
MORE Celebrations
I bet you thought that should be the end of the story . . . but you see, this was also Wayne's birthday so we just kept on going! We picked up ice cream on our way home (he had gone home in a different vehicle). Since very few people have refridgerators here, ice cream is a real treat in rural Kenya!
As an after-dinner-treat, Amy had made an angelfood cake, and there was a lot of cut mangos to put on the cake with custard and ice cream. Then he opened his gift - many more mangos. (What gives you the idea that Wayne loves mangos?) We had a good time and were ready for lala salama (sleeping peacefully).
We feel so very blessed to be with our Kenyan sisters and brothers and all of us are being blessed more than we can say. Our time has just flown by. Be well. Until tomorrow... Dot for the team.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Visiting
I was asking Emily to tell us her life story yesterday while Dot and I were over helping with the project. After about half an hour, I had to leave to pick up cleaning supplies from town. When I got back an hour later, Emily was finishing up her story... It's really what life is about here: Sitting and sharing your burdens. It means more to Kenyans than if you simply came in and did the job. In fact, if you came and got the job done yet didn't invest in building relationships, Kenyans will consider your mission failed.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Victory Highway: March 22 by Wayne
We just completed a delightful supper by Joel (our Kenyan cook) - it is amazing what that man can do over a charcoal cooker
- meat samosas
- french fries
AND fresh mangoes
The ladies continue to sew and iron curtains (and visit as ladies do). I am in the room next door at the children's home computer. As I understand it they will complete the curtains for Kipkaren and the rental Plateau project tonight. That makes over 60 windows worth of curtains and the accompanying 120+ tie-backs. The sewing machines have been near smoking but are apparently humming along very well.
Dot and Adele spent part of the day at the Plateau rental project getting things ready for the grand opening tomorrow. We will all be there for the special occasion.
I spent my day adding as many projects as I completed so the list remains long. I am trying to do as wide a variety of things as possible so my Kenyan helpers (primarily Benard) can understand how to continue after we leave. Today we replaced a defective valve on the solar water heater, extended the pipe outside the cabinet and added a shelf to set a pail on so it would be more practical to get at the hot water. That required that we thread a piece of iron pipe and that was just one more new thing for Benard to learn about. In the process of doing the repairs we broke the rotted crossbar on the clothes line so that added the afternoon project.
There were two badly leaning posts in front of a stone water tower so instead of attempting to redo the posts, we just lag bolted a crossbar to the stone wall. When I suggested it, Benard was very worried because he could not imagine how we would drill into the stone to set the anchors. The new Dewalt cordless hammer drill did the job with little effort and continues to amaze Benard and others. We also completed the entire redo of the clothes lines and supports.
We spent some time today discussing weather phenomena and they were fascinated by some of the concepts. We also got into aspects of the airplane instrumentation that allows us to tell the windspeed etc. - they are very interested in these things. I am still curious about the effects that lead to the rainy season from April to August. If someone has the answer to that or is prepared to research it for us I would be pleased to hear about it when we get home. It is kind of odd to watch the sun head straight overhead during the day
Discussions of the guardians day that will be held on Saturday are beginning. Since we will be leaving here later on Saturday we will not be able to update that until later so let me give you a bit of understanding of it now. Once a year the guardians of the orphans are invited to the Ilulla childrens home to see where the orphans live and how they are doing. Keep in mind that all 92 of the children are true orphans with no mother or father. However, their siblings, relatives, members of their churches, etc. come for the day. Last year there were around 300 - they are expecting more this year, but really don't know how many to expect. We will be helping where we can and it should be interesting.
I guess that is enough rambling for today - good night.
- meat samosas
- french fries
AND fresh mangoes
The ladies continue to sew and iron curtains (and visit as ladies do). I am in the room next door at the children's home computer. As I understand it they will complete the curtains for Kipkaren and the rental Plateau project tonight. That makes over 60 windows worth of curtains and the accompanying 120+ tie-backs. The sewing machines have been near smoking but are apparently humming along very well.
Dot and Adele spent part of the day at the Plateau rental project getting things ready for the grand opening tomorrow. We will all be there for the special occasion.
I spent my day adding as many projects as I completed so the list remains long. I am trying to do as wide a variety of things as possible so my Kenyan helpers (primarily Benard) can understand how to continue after we leave. Today we replaced a defective valve on the solar water heater, extended the pipe outside the cabinet and added a shelf to set a pail on so it would be more practical to get at the hot water. That required that we thread a piece of iron pipe and that was just one more new thing for Benard to learn about. In the process of doing the repairs we broke the rotted crossbar on the clothes line so that added the afternoon project.
There were two badly leaning posts in front of a stone water tower so instead of attempting to redo the posts, we just lag bolted a crossbar to the stone wall. When I suggested it, Benard was very worried because he could not imagine how we would drill into the stone to set the anchors. The new Dewalt cordless hammer drill did the job with little effort and continues to amaze Benard and others. We also completed the entire redo of the clothes lines and supports.
We spent some time today discussing weather phenomena and they were fascinated by some of the concepts. We also got into aspects of the airplane instrumentation that allows us to tell the windspeed etc. - they are very interested in these things. I am still curious about the effects that lead to the rainy season from April to August. If someone has the answer to that or is prepared to research it for us I would be pleased to hear about it when we get home. It is kind of odd to watch the sun head straight overhead during the day
Discussions of the guardians day that will be held on Saturday are beginning. Since we will be leaving here later on Saturday we will not be able to update that until later so let me give you a bit of understanding of it now. Once a year the guardians of the orphans are invited to the Ilulla childrens home to see where the orphans live and how they are doing. Keep in mind that all 92 of the children are true orphans with no mother or father. However, their siblings, relatives, members of their churches, etc. come for the day. Last year there were around 300 - they are expecting more this year, but really don't know how many to expect. We will be helping where we can and it should be interesting.
I guess that is enough rambling for today - good night.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Victory Highway Team: Tues. March 21 (Jean's Turn)
It has been another busy day! Time is going much too fast -- there is still much to do, and so many people we want to get to know.
The men in Tanzania are pleased that the building is going well. They are thankful that the rain comes at night so they can still work during the day, although the area needs rain so badly. It is the planting season there as well as here in Kenya, so the seed will need sufficient moisture soon.
We ladies here in Kenya spent the day with the Plateau ladies. They are so proud of the rental unit that will soon be ready for tenents! Amy, Carol, Dot and I painted in the morning while the Kenya ladies planted flowers in front of the units. They did a beautiful job of landscaping, complete with borders. They will water them diligently to keep them alive.
We shared a lunch of bread and soda together, and tried to communicate with them through simple words and motions. Most of the women have limited English, but try hard to express their thoughts. And we tried hard to understand and respond.
After lunch, we returned to our painting with at least half of the 17 ladies there today squeezing into the rooms to watch. They were fascinated by the paint rollers we were using, and of course, wanted to try their hand at it. They really became pretty adept at painting in a fairly short period of time.
As we finished and started to clean up, the oil-based paint needed turpentine to remove it from fingers and hands -- even a few spots on faces. I really felt like Jesus washing feet as I held each work-worn hand to rub off the paint with a turpentine-soaked cloth. As I looked at those hands, I could only imagine the work they had done, the children they had held, or the alcohol they had brewed before they came to know Jesus. They are now so proud of their accomplishments and feel they are models for others to follow. They again have hope that life will be better, and are encouraging those who are still brewing to give it up. We will return on Thursday to hang the curtains that we will sew tomorrow. We're looking forward to the "ribbon cutting" and celebration then, too.
Amy treated us to ice cream cones on the way home! And I didn't even think they had ice cream here in Kenya!
When we arrived home, Wayne said that he didn't even miss us! He was busy all day showing Benard how to do a variety of things. His highlight of the day was seeing the look on John's face as he tried the jembe (a short-handled large hoe-like tool) after Wayne had sharpened it. For the last two weeks, John had been putting his whole weight behind each swing to break up the dry, hard ground with a very dull blade. As he took the next swing, it was lucky that his foot was not in the way as he went through the ground almost like a hot knife through butter! Wayne wished that he could have captured that look with his camera. Needless to say, others were anxious to have their jembes sharpened. Thus another teaching opportunity as Wayne showed John how to sharpen other jembes.
That is what ELI is all about -- working beside the Kenyans, or those in Tanzania, or the Congo, or the Sudan -- teaching others to do for themselves. We are already seeing some of the women here at Ilula who sat at sewing machines last week showing others how to use them this week. That is empowerment at its best!
Time to call it a night. Tomorrow's beautiful sunrise will be here once more. I'll enjoy the starry sky as I walk back to my hut in a few minutes. It's so good to reflect on today's blessings and on God's creation and gifts to us. I'm remembering the song we were taught the other night -- "Everything is better when Jesus is on the throne!"
Good night, and God bless. Jean, for the rest of the team.
The men in Tanzania are pleased that the building is going well. They are thankful that the rain comes at night so they can still work during the day, although the area needs rain so badly. It is the planting season there as well as here in Kenya, so the seed will need sufficient moisture soon.
We ladies here in Kenya spent the day with the Plateau ladies. They are so proud of the rental unit that will soon be ready for tenents! Amy, Carol, Dot and I painted in the morning while the Kenya ladies planted flowers in front of the units. They did a beautiful job of landscaping, complete with borders. They will water them diligently to keep them alive.
We shared a lunch of bread and soda together, and tried to communicate with them through simple words and motions. Most of the women have limited English, but try hard to express their thoughts. And we tried hard to understand and respond.
After lunch, we returned to our painting with at least half of the 17 ladies there today squeezing into the rooms to watch. They were fascinated by the paint rollers we were using, and of course, wanted to try their hand at it. They really became pretty adept at painting in a fairly short period of time.
As we finished and started to clean up, the oil-based paint needed turpentine to remove it from fingers and hands -- even a few spots on faces. I really felt like Jesus washing feet as I held each work-worn hand to rub off the paint with a turpentine-soaked cloth. As I looked at those hands, I could only imagine the work they had done, the children they had held, or the alcohol they had brewed before they came to know Jesus. They are now so proud of their accomplishments and feel they are models for others to follow. They again have hope that life will be better, and are encouraging those who are still brewing to give it up. We will return on Thursday to hang the curtains that we will sew tomorrow. We're looking forward to the "ribbon cutting" and celebration then, too.
Amy treated us to ice cream cones on the way home! And I didn't even think they had ice cream here in Kenya!
When we arrived home, Wayne said that he didn't even miss us! He was busy all day showing Benard how to do a variety of things. His highlight of the day was seeing the look on John's face as he tried the jembe (a short-handled large hoe-like tool) after Wayne had sharpened it. For the last two weeks, John had been putting his whole weight behind each swing to break up the dry, hard ground with a very dull blade. As he took the next swing, it was lucky that his foot was not in the way as he went through the ground almost like a hot knife through butter! Wayne wished that he could have captured that look with his camera. Needless to say, others were anxious to have their jembes sharpened. Thus another teaching opportunity as Wayne showed John how to sharpen other jembes.
That is what ELI is all about -- working beside the Kenyans, or those in Tanzania, or the Congo, or the Sudan -- teaching others to do for themselves. We are already seeing some of the women here at Ilula who sat at sewing machines last week showing others how to use them this week. That is empowerment at its best!
Time to call it a night. Tomorrow's beautiful sunrise will be here once more. I'll enjoy the starry sky as I walk back to my hut in a few minutes. It's so good to reflect on today's blessings and on God's creation and gifts to us. I'm remembering the song we were taught the other night -- "Everything is better when Jesus is on the throne!"
Good night, and God bless. Jean, for the rest of the team.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 12?
Everyone's doing well. The ladies are working hard at getting curtains made for ELI's Training Center in Kipkaren before they leave to start decorating the Plateau Women's rental units tomorrow.
But they've not only sewed a lot. They've been training some of the moms how to sew. And they've been reading stories to the kids. I believe that one of the highlights of Dot's day might be to go and have chai with the kids in the morning and then walk them to school.
Wayne's been trying to get things checked off the list of maintenance jobs, but his list seems to be growing instead! He's been working alongside Benard, one of the younger staff members, who has been a keen learner!
Like the team, the kids miss Gogo Andrew. We had received news that Grant and Mary Lou made it home safely and will be able to join the funeral of their brother-in-law Wally.
Please pray especially for the next few days' interaction with the Plateau ladies. Also pray that we won't get stuck in the mud as we head out there. It's been raining on and off over the past few days. We're very thankful for the rain. We're just hoping we won't get stuck in the mud.
G'night from this side of the world.
But they've not only sewed a lot. They've been training some of the moms how to sew. And they've been reading stories to the kids. I believe that one of the highlights of Dot's day might be to go and have chai with the kids in the morning and then walk them to school.
Wayne's been trying to get things checked off the list of maintenance jobs, but his list seems to be growing instead! He's been working alongside Benard, one of the younger staff members, who has been a keen learner!
Like the team, the kids miss Gogo Andrew. We had received news that Grant and Mary Lou made it home safely and will be able to join the funeral of their brother-in-law Wally.
Please pray especially for the next few days' interaction with the Plateau ladies. Also pray that we won't get stuck in the mud as we head out there. It's been raining on and off over the past few days. We're very thankful for the rain. We're just hoping we won't get stuck in the mud.
G'night from this side of the world.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
News from Tanzania
I just received the following text message from Don in Tanzania:
"Good, long day. One hundred and ten came forward for prayer at our afternoon meeting. Over 300 now watching the Jesus film! Powerful day for ministry. Bricks for classroom now half way."
Please continue to pray for the men who are in Tanzania, for continued health, energy and protection.
"Good, long day. One hundred and ten came forward for prayer at our afternoon meeting. Over 300 now watching the Jesus film! Powerful day for ministry. Bricks for classroom now half way."
Please continue to pray for the men who are in Tanzania, for continued health, energy and protection.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 9 (Carol's Comments)
Greatings, one and all!
Here's a brief recap of the last couple of days.
Yesterday, Amy Dot and Mary Lou went to spend the day at a rally with the Plateau women. About 99 women showed up and the day was a huge success. Read the story of the Plateau women posted on elikenya.blogspot.com.
Jean stayed back at this center to sew, and I continued painting, bagging (a paint technique) and praying that the paint would last until the job was done. It is unbelievably difficult to get paint here (in Eldoret). The hardware stores here are woefully deficient. However, PTL, the paint - thinned though it may be - did last and by supper time the room was transformed with al lot of help from our friends. It was good to have it done in time for today's ladies rally.
Wayne spent the day sorting through the “store” i.e. tool/storage shed, and found all kinds of things nobody realized they had here!
Today dawned bright and beautiful, but with very sad news from home. Mary Lou received word that their dear brother-in-law Wally passed away. With many phone calls, internet contacts, and some miracles, arrangements were successfully made for Grant and Mary Lou to meet in Nairobi today. (Grant had to be flown from Tanzania with a detour over Mt. Kilimanjaro!) Tonight, they are flying back to the States. They will be sadly missed by our teams here and in Tanzania, and will be much in our prayers.
About 85 ladies showed up for the Ladies Rally today. Dot represented us in the morning sessions while Jean and I continued sewing curtains for ELI's Kipkaren Training Center, and Wayne continued working on his to-do list (which somehow seems to grow LONGER as the days go by, rather than shorter!) In the afternoon Dot, Jean and I all shared briefly at the Rally, and then gave little gifts to all the ladies. We are overwhelmed by the love shown to us here. It's not hard to fall in love with these people.
After a full week, we are looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow - after we help with Sunday school and possibly sharing a musical number in the morning service.
God is sooo good and continually shows us his faithfulness. Thanks again for all your love, prayers and support.
Blessings, from Carol and the Team
Here's a brief recap of the last couple of days.
Yesterday, Amy Dot and Mary Lou went to spend the day at a rally with the Plateau women. About 99 women showed up and the day was a huge success. Read the story of the Plateau women posted on elikenya.blogspot.com.
Jean stayed back at this center to sew, and I continued painting, bagging (a paint technique) and praying that the paint would last until the job was done. It is unbelievably difficult to get paint here (in Eldoret). The hardware stores here are woefully deficient. However, PTL, the paint - thinned though it may be - did last and by supper time the room was transformed with al lot of help from our friends. It was good to have it done in time for today's ladies rally.
Wayne spent the day sorting through the “store” i.e. tool/storage shed, and found all kinds of things nobody realized they had here!
Today dawned bright and beautiful, but with very sad news from home. Mary Lou received word that their dear brother-in-law Wally passed away. With many phone calls, internet contacts, and some miracles, arrangements were successfully made for Grant and Mary Lou to meet in Nairobi today. (Grant had to be flown from Tanzania with a detour over Mt. Kilimanjaro!) Tonight, they are flying back to the States. They will be sadly missed by our teams here and in Tanzania, and will be much in our prayers.
About 85 ladies showed up for the Ladies Rally today. Dot represented us in the morning sessions while Jean and I continued sewing curtains for ELI's Kipkaren Training Center, and Wayne continued working on his to-do list (which somehow seems to grow LONGER as the days go by, rather than shorter!) In the afternoon Dot, Jean and I all shared briefly at the Rally, and then gave little gifts to all the ladies. We are overwhelmed by the love shown to us here. It's not hard to fall in love with these people.
After a full week, we are looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow - after we help with Sunday school and possibly sharing a musical number in the morning service.
God is sooo good and continually shows us his faithfulness. Thanks again for all your love, prayers and support.
Blessings, from Carol and the Team
Friday, March 17, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 7 (Dot Reporting)
Today started with a beautiful sunrise at about 6:30.
We received news that the Tanzania team is doing well and the weather is staying dry. They are looking forward to a fish dinner if Bob has enough energy and time to make it. I’m reminded of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 9 which states “Go eat your food with gladness and drink your chai with a joyful heart for it is now that God favors what you do.”
We had the pleasure of meeting some friends of Jay LaScolea who will actually be at his wedding. Their names are Joe and Rachel Fick. With them were Tyson Domer and a friend of his – Sarah. Both Sarah and Rachel are involved with research in pediatrics on HIV/Aids and are working with other Kenyan pediatricians for a while. Joe and Tyson were very helpful today as they painted the Training Center along with Carol. As you might expect, Carol is doing a wonderful job of redecorating the Training Center while Jean and Mary Lou are sewing the curtains. Jean and Mary Lou have several Kenyan sewing students who are doing really well on the machines. Tonight at dinner, Adele asked Mary (one of the moms/students) what the highlight of her day was and she said it was learning to mend little boy’s pants. Mary with her husband Jonah are the parents to 24 orphans and she is so happy to learn to sew on a machine. (Until now, she's been mending her 24 kids' clothes by hand!)
Wayne went to town today to check out the Kenyan Home Depot. (Wishful thinking.) He had a fairly successful trip but couldn’t find common things like staples or hand cleaner. He is having a good time teaching, though.
Dot had fun with fifty-three third grade children teaching them to brush their teeth. This morning she served chai and jelly sandwiches to many of the children. This is their normal breakfast. Afterward we walked to school together.
The new ELI sign was installed today. It says "Empowering Lives International and Children’s Home." Lots of work is being done.
We’ve wondered why the Africans talk so softly; perhaps I’ve stumbled across the answer in Ecclesiastes where it states “The quiet words of the wise are to be heeded…” and “…calmness can lay great errors to rest.”
Thanks so much for praying for us and for all the support you’ve given. We are truly a blessed team. Blessings to you.
We received news that the Tanzania team is doing well and the weather is staying dry. They are looking forward to a fish dinner if Bob has enough energy and time to make it. I’m reminded of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 9 which states “Go eat your food with gladness and drink your chai with a joyful heart for it is now that God favors what you do.”
We had the pleasure of meeting some friends of Jay LaScolea who will actually be at his wedding. Their names are Joe and Rachel Fick. With them were Tyson Domer and a friend of his – Sarah. Both Sarah and Rachel are involved with research in pediatrics on HIV/Aids and are working with other Kenyan pediatricians for a while. Joe and Tyson were very helpful today as they painted the Training Center along with Carol. As you might expect, Carol is doing a wonderful job of redecorating the Training Center while Jean and Mary Lou are sewing the curtains. Jean and Mary Lou have several Kenyan sewing students who are doing really well on the machines. Tonight at dinner, Adele asked Mary (one of the moms/students) what the highlight of her day was and she said it was learning to mend little boy’s pants. Mary with her husband Jonah are the parents to 24 orphans and she is so happy to learn to sew on a machine. (Until now, she's been mending her 24 kids' clothes by hand!)
Wayne went to town today to check out the Kenyan Home Depot. (Wishful thinking.) He had a fairly successful trip but couldn’t find common things like staples or hand cleaner. He is having a good time teaching, though.
Dot had fun with fifty-three third grade children teaching them to brush their teeth. This morning she served chai and jelly sandwiches to many of the children. This is their normal breakfast. Afterward we walked to school together.
The new ELI sign was installed today. It says "Empowering Lives International and Children’s Home." Lots of work is being done.
We’ve wondered why the Africans talk so softly; perhaps I’ve stumbled across the answer in Ecclesiastes where it states “The quiet words of the wise are to be heeded…” and “…calmness can lay great errors to rest.”
Thanks so much for praying for us and for all the support you’ve given. We are truly a blessed team. Blessings to you.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
First, you thread the machine...
One of the many projects the Victory Highway team has been working on is empowering some ELI staff to sew. Learning how to sew has been especially rewarding to the moms at the children's home: Until now, they've been doing all the mending by hand. How would you like to do that when you have 24 kids?
Click on the photo to see more.
The team is dying to hear from friends/family. When you view photos, you can post comments. Please, please write to them!
Click on the photo to see more.
The team is dying to hear from friends/family. When you view photos, you can post comments. Please, please write to them!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 6 (As Told by Mary Lou)
After a wonderful breakfast and sharing time the five of us, as well as the six members of the Dowd family from California, all piled into a matatu (taxi) and headed out for Kipkaren, about one hour away from where we are stationed. After about 40 minutes we heard a large clunk ! sound and thought we should look behind us to see if our transmission was lying on the road. It wasn’t, but we were done with that matato. We had to call on Juli from Kipkaren to come, and another matatu arrived to take the rest of us. Many interesting stares from those who were driving, walking, bicycling by.
Kipkaren is another training center/compound where much the same as goes on as in Ilula: modeling the different ways to use the ground for growing a variety of crops, how to make compost, utilizing land in the best ways possible. The students in the six-month program, who are just weeks away from graduation, gave us the tour. After they graduate they will then take their accumulated knowledge back to their villages sharing what they have learned with others. All is done to help the Kenyans improve their quality of life, but also to be ready to share the Gospel when asked why anyone would want to help them.
Kipkaren is involved in a new building project, again in the pattern of the compound of Ilula: building a series of homes for 100 orphans, once again most who have been orphaned by AIDS. Some of those children who will be coming to live there in June will be HIV positive, some negative, but all of them will be wanted, cared for and loved.
While having our lunch with Juli (nurse practitioner who focuses on HIV care) and David Tarus (training center director, and one of the founders of ELI), we listened intently as Juli shared the reason she was involved with ELI at Kipkaren. Her idea was that she would come and give compassionate care for those dying of AIDS—-be with them if everyone else deserted them in their dying days. She soon got tired of just sitting with the people and seeing the hopelessness there when she knew there was medicines available for treating them.
She met a man, Kibet, who was about 6’ tall and weighing only 100 pounds at the time, and he was on the verge of dying. She didn’t know quite how or what she was going to do, but she told him she would go on the journey with him, she wouldn’t leave him to die alone. One day she came upon a clinic and met a white doctor to whom she poured her heart out about her desire to help these people with AIDS. He took her to a door and opened it--it was filled with HIV medications. She cried as she realized that God had led her to this man, and she was standing in a room filled with the hope she could offer to Kibet and many others. We met Kibet today as we were leaving Kipkaren. He is now healthy and strong enough to be a fundi (construction worker), and guess where he’s working--yes, on the new orphanage!
Juli shared the verse from Matthew 25 about when we do something for the least of these, we are doing it for the Lord. She said “I get to sit with Jesus all of the time. When I look into the eyes of someone I am helping, I see Jesus looking back at me.” She’s an amazing person and we all felt blessed to be there and hear her journey.
David Tarus had the vision for the clinic when a young boy was brought to the compound that had been burned badly over much of his body. David carried the boy in great pain over a great distance to a clinic only to be turned away because the clinic had just closed. He walked over 5 miles to get help for that child, and decided there needed to be a place for help that was closer. After building the clinic and getting staff they concentrated on dealing with malaria patients, and now the HIV help that is so needed in Kenya.
It was a good day in Kenya, and we heard the Tanzania team is doing well also. We praise the Lord they are not having the rains as yet. That would make their work that much more difficult to accomplish. Our team gets together in the gazebo prior to breakfast and prays for our men in Tanzania each morning. It is a great time to ask the Lord to bless their work, keep them in good health, work out any problems they may have with communication or supplies, etc. We feel we share in their work through our prayers. We understand Grant is working on a soccer game and children's story time for Saturday with some of the nationals. Afterwards, they'll show the Jesus film.
Tomorrow is another day filled with opportunities to serve in a variety of ways, but then I’ll leave that for the next teammate to tell.
Lala salama (sleep peacefully) to all we love.
Kipkaren is another training center/compound where much the same as goes on as in Ilula: modeling the different ways to use the ground for growing a variety of crops, how to make compost, utilizing land in the best ways possible. The students in the six-month program, who are just weeks away from graduation, gave us the tour. After they graduate they will then take their accumulated knowledge back to their villages sharing what they have learned with others. All is done to help the Kenyans improve their quality of life, but also to be ready to share the Gospel when asked why anyone would want to help them.
Kipkaren is involved in a new building project, again in the pattern of the compound of Ilula: building a series of homes for 100 orphans, once again most who have been orphaned by AIDS. Some of those children who will be coming to live there in June will be HIV positive, some negative, but all of them will be wanted, cared for and loved.
While having our lunch with Juli (nurse practitioner who focuses on HIV care) and David Tarus (training center director, and one of the founders of ELI), we listened intently as Juli shared the reason she was involved with ELI at Kipkaren. Her idea was that she would come and give compassionate care for those dying of AIDS—-be with them if everyone else deserted them in their dying days. She soon got tired of just sitting with the people and seeing the hopelessness there when she knew there was medicines available for treating them.
She met a man, Kibet, who was about 6’ tall and weighing only 100 pounds at the time, and he was on the verge of dying. She didn’t know quite how or what she was going to do, but she told him she would go on the journey with him, she wouldn’t leave him to die alone. One day she came upon a clinic and met a white doctor to whom she poured her heart out about her desire to help these people with AIDS. He took her to a door and opened it--it was filled with HIV medications. She cried as she realized that God had led her to this man, and she was standing in a room filled with the hope she could offer to Kibet and many others. We met Kibet today as we were leaving Kipkaren. He is now healthy and strong enough to be a fundi (construction worker), and guess where he’s working--yes, on the new orphanage!
Juli shared the verse from Matthew 25 about when we do something for the least of these, we are doing it for the Lord. She said “I get to sit with Jesus all of the time. When I look into the eyes of someone I am helping, I see Jesus looking back at me.” She’s an amazing person and we all felt blessed to be there and hear her journey.
David Tarus had the vision for the clinic when a young boy was brought to the compound that had been burned badly over much of his body. David carried the boy in great pain over a great distance to a clinic only to be turned away because the clinic had just closed. He walked over 5 miles to get help for that child, and decided there needed to be a place for help that was closer. After building the clinic and getting staff they concentrated on dealing with malaria patients, and now the HIV help that is so needed in Kenya.
It was a good day in Kenya, and we heard the Tanzania team is doing well also. We praise the Lord they are not having the rains as yet. That would make their work that much more difficult to accomplish. Our team gets together in the gazebo prior to breakfast and prays for our men in Tanzania each morning. It is a great time to ask the Lord to bless their work, keep them in good health, work out any problems they may have with communication or supplies, etc. We feel we share in their work through our prayers. We understand Grant is working on a soccer game and children's story time for Saturday with some of the nationals. Afterwards, they'll show the Jesus film.
Tomorrow is another day filled with opportunities to serve in a variety of ways, but then I’ll leave that for the next teammate to tell.
Lala salama (sleep peacefully) to all we love.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 5 (In Wayne's Words)
Wayne for the team this time – they kept the best for last! Actually I was tied up until midnight the previous couple of nights getting the vehicles ready for the Tanzania trip and crashed last night so this is my first good opportunity to write.
It was another day of a variety of activities. Carol began her work on redecorating the training center with a little help from her friends – thank goodness I had to write this or I would be over there now helping her get some wooden window valences undercoated. The ELI staff seem quite excited at the possibilities, but Carol may have more ideas than time so we will see how far things get.
Jean and Mary Lou got the sewing training going today and seemed really pleased with the aptitude of some of the ladies from the center here as well as some from the outside. They started off with simple projects but they might have to step up the pace to keep up with their students.
We all went over to the school to present some of the items that we had brought for them. When we opened the suitcase the schoolmaster Wycliffe immediately commented “there is something here that we really need”. It was a hand bell that was visible near the top of the suitcase and they were excited because good quality bells are expensive or not readily available. They were also pleased with the many other things that the suitcase contained. He promised to return it empty so that we could take it home and bring it back full on another trip.
Another interesting note from that time was when Wycliffe took my (Wayne’s) hand as we talked and walked across the schoolyard. Fortunately I had been advised that this was a perfectly natural part of the Kenyan culture so I didn’t shake it off. Unfortunately, nobody took a picture.
We paid a visit to one of the classes where we were introduced by our Kenyan names – for example “Gogo Andrew” was Mary Lou who was the grandmother of Andrew (her first grandchild). The ladies seem quite pleased to be known as “gogo girls” and the children seem very pleased to have a whole bunch of grandmas to dole out the hugs.
Dot (with Marilou’s help) continued her tooth brushing training at the school and worked on the curtains for the training center redecoration.
I went at some window pane replacements today along with my helper Bernard. (Editorial comment: the spirite at Empowering Lives is to train/empower nationals to do work. Though it might be faster for Wayned to do some tasks on his own, the goal is to train some Kenyans to do the tasks.) Before we got far into taking out broken window panes, it was clear that a grinder would be useful. But first, it was necessary to replace the pull start rope on the Honda generator. Bernard got to use a rachet for his first time ever, Laban found some suitable rope which was better than the electrical wire that we were planning to try, and we found some non-essential bolts from other parts of the generator to use for the ones that had been lost when it was taken apart some time ago. The generator is now working fine and the test of cutting the edge off the concrete pad with a diamond blade on an angle grinder got some interesting reactions. Josiah’s eyes got really big as he imagined all the things he could do with that device!
Josiah is a really sharp fellow with a vision for what can be done at the center to help people with really practical ideas. His mushroom-growing project using a plastic bread bag filled with steamed corn stalks is fascinating. Today, Josiah and a carpenter was finishing up a couple of worm boxes to be used for breaking down food scraps into some of the best natural fertilizer available.
An extended family of 6 from California (friends of a staff member) arrived today and filled up the tables to make things feel a bit more like they had been before the guys left for Tanzania.
We will be off to Kipkaren (an hour away by matatu/minibus) tomorrow, and we will provide another update after that.
It was another day of a variety of activities. Carol began her work on redecorating the training center with a little help from her friends – thank goodness I had to write this or I would be over there now helping her get some wooden window valences undercoated. The ELI staff seem quite excited at the possibilities, but Carol may have more ideas than time so we will see how far things get.
Jean and Mary Lou got the sewing training going today and seemed really pleased with the aptitude of some of the ladies from the center here as well as some from the outside. They started off with simple projects but they might have to step up the pace to keep up with their students.
We all went over to the school to present some of the items that we had brought for them. When we opened the suitcase the schoolmaster Wycliffe immediately commented “there is something here that we really need”. It was a hand bell that was visible near the top of the suitcase and they were excited because good quality bells are expensive or not readily available. They were also pleased with the many other things that the suitcase contained. He promised to return it empty so that we could take it home and bring it back full on another trip.
Another interesting note from that time was when Wycliffe took my (Wayne’s) hand as we talked and walked across the schoolyard. Fortunately I had been advised that this was a perfectly natural part of the Kenyan culture so I didn’t shake it off. Unfortunately, nobody took a picture.
We paid a visit to one of the classes where we were introduced by our Kenyan names – for example “Gogo Andrew” was Mary Lou who was the grandmother of Andrew (her first grandchild). The ladies seem quite pleased to be known as “gogo girls” and the children seem very pleased to have a whole bunch of grandmas to dole out the hugs.
Dot (with Marilou’s help) continued her tooth brushing training at the school and worked on the curtains for the training center redecoration.
I went at some window pane replacements today along with my helper Bernard. (Editorial comment: the spirite at Empowering Lives is to train/empower nationals to do work. Though it might be faster for Wayned to do some tasks on his own, the goal is to train some Kenyans to do the tasks.) Before we got far into taking out broken window panes, it was clear that a grinder would be useful. But first, it was necessary to replace the pull start rope on the Honda generator. Bernard got to use a rachet for his first time ever, Laban found some suitable rope which was better than the electrical wire that we were planning to try, and we found some non-essential bolts from other parts of the generator to use for the ones that had been lost when it was taken apart some time ago. The generator is now working fine and the test of cutting the edge off the concrete pad with a diamond blade on an angle grinder got some interesting reactions. Josiah’s eyes got really big as he imagined all the things he could do with that device!
Josiah is a really sharp fellow with a vision for what can be done at the center to help people with really practical ideas. His mushroom-growing project using a plastic bread bag filled with steamed corn stalks is fascinating. Today, Josiah and a carpenter was finishing up a couple of worm boxes to be used for breaking down food scraps into some of the best natural fertilizer available.
An extended family of 6 from California (friends of a staff member) arrived today and filled up the tables to make things feel a bit more like they had been before the guys left for Tanzania.
We will be off to Kipkaren (an hour away by matatu/minibus) tomorrow, and we will provide another update after that.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 4 (Jean Reporting)
Greetings to all from Jean this time.
It was another glorious day to be about God’s work! As usual it was informal fellowship over coffee in the gazebo, followed by delicious breakfast.
But today was different -- we gave the Tanzania team of guys a proper send-off at 8:15 with prayers and hugs. We know that they will be protected as they work near Lake Victoria. The best news is that we received a quick call from Don Rogers about 9:00 this evening that both vehicles arrived safely and in good time. Praise God! Don did comment that the vehicles have never functioned so well as they did today – thanks to Wayne’s excellent automotive skills! No break-downs, no problem at the border, and a good meal awaiting them – what more could be asked. I’m sure that as soon as they get the tent set up, they’ll be ready for a good night’s rest.
With vehicles working properly, Wayne immediately started on his list of things to do. He started by attacking a stopped-up drain in a shower in the children’s home. He realized that it must be lunch time when he ended up with nine boys to “assist” him by trying to climb into the shower stall with him! Fun for all! (He finally did get the drain cleared this afternoon – cross that one off the list!)
We ladies met with Amy Rogers and Adele to plan and schedule the two weeks we’ll be here. We sure hope we can get it all crammed in!
Carol went to town with Adele to pick out paint for renovating the training center. (Where’s Home Depot when you need it?) Carol really got Amy and Adele excited with her talk of “bagging” and “feathering” the walls in the Training Center meeting room/dining room to coordinate with the drapes there and to cover up imperfections in the walls. Carol is so good at working her magic.
While in town, they also picked up plants at the nursery to help beautify the Training Center grounds.
Mary Lou spent a Bible Study and prayer time with the four mothers from the Children’s Home. She shared with us that the depth of their spiritual journey is amazing. We can learn, and are learning so much from them. She also spent considerable time measuring fabric in preparation for sewing curtains.
The ladies of Victory Highway were so generous that there should be plenty of fabric that we can also sew skirts for the girls in the Home.
Dot did her usual fantastic job of relating with children when she taught the preschoolers how to brush their teeth. She was assisted by Christopher Crocodile (with his set of human-looking choppers) and a toothbrush more than a foot long! I also got to assist and help the children practice with Christopher. It didn’t take too long to convince them that he wouldn’t bite them! We left toothbrushes and toothpaste for each child to take home.
We’d love to be a mouse in the corner tonight as those little ones related the event to their parents!
In between times, we all worked at organizing and preparing for our times to be spent with the ladies in the community, as well as a group 45 minutes away. We’ll tell you about those events as they happen.
It seemed strange to have fewer people around the lunch and dinner tables, but that didn’t dampen the fellowship. We shared our day with the others (especially highs and lows) and closed with the usual singing praises of worship. You should hear the harmony, even without Lyle’s tenor!
It’s off to bed with thankful hearts that the team is now safely in Tanzania! Today was yet another wonderful day!
(Click on the photo for more.)
It was another glorious day to be about God’s work! As usual it was informal fellowship over coffee in the gazebo, followed by delicious breakfast.
But today was different -- we gave the Tanzania team of guys a proper send-off at 8:15 with prayers and hugs. We know that they will be protected as they work near Lake Victoria. The best news is that we received a quick call from Don Rogers about 9:00 this evening that both vehicles arrived safely and in good time. Praise God! Don did comment that the vehicles have never functioned so well as they did today – thanks to Wayne’s excellent automotive skills! No break-downs, no problem at the border, and a good meal awaiting them – what more could be asked. I’m sure that as soon as they get the tent set up, they’ll be ready for a good night’s rest.
With vehicles working properly, Wayne immediately started on his list of things to do. He started by attacking a stopped-up drain in a shower in the children’s home. He realized that it must be lunch time when he ended up with nine boys to “assist” him by trying to climb into the shower stall with him! Fun for all! (He finally did get the drain cleared this afternoon – cross that one off the list!)
We ladies met with Amy Rogers and Adele to plan and schedule the two weeks we’ll be here. We sure hope we can get it all crammed in!
Carol went to town with Adele to pick out paint for renovating the training center. (Where’s Home Depot when you need it?) Carol really got Amy and Adele excited with her talk of “bagging” and “feathering” the walls in the Training Center meeting room/dining room to coordinate with the drapes there and to cover up imperfections in the walls. Carol is so good at working her magic.
While in town, they also picked up plants at the nursery to help beautify the Training Center grounds.
Mary Lou spent a Bible Study and prayer time with the four mothers from the Children’s Home. She shared with us that the depth of their spiritual journey is amazing. We can learn, and are learning so much from them. She also spent considerable time measuring fabric in preparation for sewing curtains.
The ladies of Victory Highway were so generous that there should be plenty of fabric that we can also sew skirts for the girls in the Home.
Dot did her usual fantastic job of relating with children when she taught the preschoolers how to brush their teeth. She was assisted by Christopher Crocodile (with his set of human-looking choppers) and a toothbrush more than a foot long! I also got to assist and help the children practice with Christopher. It didn’t take too long to convince them that he wouldn’t bite them! We left toothbrushes and toothpaste for each child to take home.
We’d love to be a mouse in the corner tonight as those little ones related the event to their parents!
In between times, we all worked at organizing and preparing for our times to be spent with the ladies in the community, as well as a group 45 minutes away. We’ll tell you about those events as they happen.
It seemed strange to have fewer people around the lunch and dinner tables, but that didn’t dampen the fellowship. We shared our day with the others (especially highs and lows) and closed with the usual singing praises of worship. You should hear the harmony, even without Lyle’s tenor!
It’s off to bed with thankful hearts that the team is now safely in Tanzania! Today was yet another wonderful day!
(Click on the photo for more.)
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Making Friends
In the 3 short days that the team has been in Kenya, ELI's staff and children have stolen the hearts of many of the team members. When they're home, ask them to tell you about some of the individuals they met.
Click on the photo to see a few more photos of their time this far.
Click on the photo to see a few more photos of their time this far.
Victory Highway: Day 3 (Carol's Writings)
Sunday evening, and what a delightful day it has been. Our team started our day by sharing in the four Sunday school classes held for the children. Don Willis, Wayne and I did the story of Zacheus. I read while Don and Wayne were to act out the parts. Would you believe taaallll Don wanted to be Zacheus. No worries (hakuna matata) we didn’t let him. The kids enjoyed it and then learned the chorus to go with the story.
From there we went to the service in the Training Center. There was a full house, with many visitors (even a fellow Canadian). The worship service was inspiring; we (The Victory Choir – as Dot referred to us) did a couple of our Victory choruses; and then Pastor Ted did us all proud with his message on “How Do You Perceive God” and how that affects everything in your life, and what a loving heavenly Father we have.
After church we were treated to a delightful lunch at a most picturesque spot overlooking the Rift Valley. We got to see God’s amazing creation, and enjoy a time of sharing and prayer before sending half our team to Tanzania tomorrow. Some of us stopped at neighboring Equator flowers – a phenomenal rose exportation center.
The rest of the day was supposedly free time, although the Tanzania team were packing up, and Wayne was continuing repairs on the vehicles for their arduous trip tomorrow.
What a trip this has been to this point, and we look forward to new and exciting things every day.
Contrary to previous information, we can receive messages from family and friends. Just click on the COMMENT button below, and the message will be passed on to us. Even short notes are welcome.
We love and miss and appreciate you all.
From there we went to the service in the Training Center. There was a full house, with many visitors (even a fellow Canadian). The worship service was inspiring; we (The Victory Choir – as Dot referred to us) did a couple of our Victory choruses; and then Pastor Ted did us all proud with his message on “How Do You Perceive God” and how that affects everything in your life, and what a loving heavenly Father we have.
After church we were treated to a delightful lunch at a most picturesque spot overlooking the Rift Valley. We got to see God’s amazing creation, and enjoy a time of sharing and prayer before sending half our team to Tanzania tomorrow. Some of us stopped at neighboring Equator flowers – a phenomenal rose exportation center.
The rest of the day was supposedly free time, although the Tanzania team were packing up, and Wayne was continuing repairs on the vehicles for their arduous trip tomorrow.
What a trip this has been to this point, and we look forward to new and exciting things every day.
Contrary to previous information, we can receive messages from family and friends. Just click on the COMMENT button below, and the message will be passed on to us. Even short notes are welcome.
We love and miss and appreciate you all.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 2 (Dot Did It!)
What an awesome day it has been for our team! Just sit back and imagine yourself here with us as you follow our paths.
Don Rogers was the Graduation Speaker at a nearby Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. He was accompanied by Don Willis and Lyle Roloson. Two men were graduating from an intense rehabilitation program. One was named Emmanuel. Emmanuel's words were a bright shining testimony to God's goodness in leading him from his years of darkness into light. This is what he said: "I'm happy to stand in front of you and acknowledge Jesus. I had spent 10 years as an addict. I had a lot of trouble. I had to visit a mental hospital. I ended up at Rehab Center of Kampala (Uganda). They did a good job but they missed out on something. They didn't talk about Jesus. I ended up back at Square One - addicted again. The hospital couldn't take me away from addiction - nor could the center. But the Lord has been good to me. He connected me to this center. I want to thank Jesus - however much I tried it was Jesus that was the answer and what I was always thirsting for. Now I have the strength to say I cannot return to that addiction. I have a security through Jesus."
Emmanuel's mother came from Uganda for the graduation and commented that she didn't at first recognize her son.
In another corner of our world there was laughter and squeals of delight as some of us played with the children. Duck, duck, goose, relay races, follow the leader and many ball tossing games were enjoyed. Mary Lou had a delightful time with several of the children as they recited their verses and as she was telling them the story of Esther, they would just burst out with more details. They are so bright and know their Scriptures.
In the afternoon five of our team along with Amy and Mama Kigen (Rhoda Teimuge) went on visits to homes. We had such a good - and tasty - time as we saw how the women were blessed to use the skills they had learned at ELI's Training Center. You would be amazed to see the ovens made of mud and being three layers high. In the bottom are baby chicks in an incubator-type tray. On the next layer is the wood which heats the oven and on the top is the oven where food is prepared. Of course the chicks must be kept warm in order to live so there is constant work to this.
After enjoying chai in the first home, sharing encouraging words and having prayer, we went to the home of Esther, a wonderful hostess who had set up a nice little area under the trees where we chatted. Her entreprenauring is just amazing to see. She has baby chicks in the same type of oven as well as some older chicks and one pen of nice big healthy chickens which she will sell to help keep her children in school.
More astounding to me was that Esther also baked spectacular rolls and queen cakes (another skill she learned at ELI's Training Center). As a matter of fact, she had 15 packages of rolls on the coffee table in her home. We were humbled as she poured water over our hands and handed us a towel and then served us rolls. Delicious doesn't begin to describe them. We brought back all that were left for everyone to enjoy at dinner.
In another corner of our world was Grant and Bob making clotheslines for the orphanage so they don't have to hang clothes on the barbed wire fence to dry. The plan is to have lower lines that the children can use and higher lines for the women.
Bob and Jean were delighted to see a friend Bob had made on his last trip to Tanzania over a year ago.
Wayne has been busy going to town and getting supplies to help with his repair work. He's attempting to fix many thing (including vehicles) around the compound.
We all heaved a sigh of relief as the last action packer arrived! When you think that we came with 23 action packers and suitcases and nothing was missing, it is truly a miracle!
Tomorrow we will help with four Sunday School Classes and Pastor Ted will be preaching after the "Victory Choir" sings.
We love you and will be praying for you and covet your prayers for us. We are learning so much!
P.S. Tomorrow Lyle will become Goliath for the children. He has a green garbage can shield and a tree and aluminum foil spear. Now I'm only hoping that David's slingshot works (because I'm David...) Ted will be our reader. Doesn't that sound like fun???
Don Rogers was the Graduation Speaker at a nearby Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. He was accompanied by Don Willis and Lyle Roloson. Two men were graduating from an intense rehabilitation program. One was named Emmanuel. Emmanuel's words were a bright shining testimony to God's goodness in leading him from his years of darkness into light. This is what he said: "I'm happy to stand in front of you and acknowledge Jesus. I had spent 10 years as an addict. I had a lot of trouble. I had to visit a mental hospital. I ended up at Rehab Center of Kampala (Uganda). They did a good job but they missed out on something. They didn't talk about Jesus. I ended up back at Square One - addicted again. The hospital couldn't take me away from addiction - nor could the center. But the Lord has been good to me. He connected me to this center. I want to thank Jesus - however much I tried it was Jesus that was the answer and what I was always thirsting for. Now I have the strength to say I cannot return to that addiction. I have a security through Jesus."
Emmanuel's mother came from Uganda for the graduation and commented that she didn't at first recognize her son.
In another corner of our world there was laughter and squeals of delight as some of us played with the children. Duck, duck, goose, relay races, follow the leader and many ball tossing games were enjoyed. Mary Lou had a delightful time with several of the children as they recited their verses and as she was telling them the story of Esther, they would just burst out with more details. They are so bright and know their Scriptures.
In the afternoon five of our team along with Amy and Mama Kigen (Rhoda Teimuge) went on visits to homes. We had such a good - and tasty - time as we saw how the women were blessed to use the skills they had learned at ELI's Training Center. You would be amazed to see the ovens made of mud and being three layers high. In the bottom are baby chicks in an incubator-type tray. On the next layer is the wood which heats the oven and on the top is the oven where food is prepared. Of course the chicks must be kept warm in order to live so there is constant work to this.
After enjoying chai in the first home, sharing encouraging words and having prayer, we went to the home of Esther, a wonderful hostess who had set up a nice little area under the trees where we chatted. Her entreprenauring is just amazing to see. She has baby chicks in the same type of oven as well as some older chicks and one pen of nice big healthy chickens which she will sell to help keep her children in school.
More astounding to me was that Esther also baked spectacular rolls and queen cakes (another skill she learned at ELI's Training Center). As a matter of fact, she had 15 packages of rolls on the coffee table in her home. We were humbled as she poured water over our hands and handed us a towel and then served us rolls. Delicious doesn't begin to describe them. We brought back all that were left for everyone to enjoy at dinner.
In another corner of our world was Grant and Bob making clotheslines for the orphanage so they don't have to hang clothes on the barbed wire fence to dry. The plan is to have lower lines that the children can use and higher lines for the women.
Bob and Jean were delighted to see a friend Bob had made on his last trip to Tanzania over a year ago.
Wayne has been busy going to town and getting supplies to help with his repair work. He's attempting to fix many thing (including vehicles) around the compound.
We all heaved a sigh of relief as the last action packer arrived! When you think that we came with 23 action packers and suitcases and nothing was missing, it is truly a miracle!
Tomorrow we will help with four Sunday School Classes and Pastor Ted will be preaching after the "Victory Choir" sings.
We love you and will be praying for you and covet your prayers for us. We are learning so much!
P.S. Tomorrow Lyle will become Goliath for the children. He has a green garbage can shield and a tree and aluminum foil spear. Now I'm only hoping that David's slingshot works (because I'm David...) Ted will be our reader. Doesn't that sound like fun???
Friday, March 10, 2006
Victory Highway: Day 1 (Mary Lou Tells It All)
Mary-Lou, on behalf of the team
What a day this has been for the team. For some of us here for the first time it has been a day of finding out exactly what a training center really is. For those who were here on a previous trip it was a day of touring all that was here again and all that has been added in the last four years. Let me share just a few thoughts of how God has blessed the Illula training center in that short amount of time.
We began our day with hearing from Samuel Teimuge and how the Lord allowed a vision of helping the Kenyan people to match the same vision that the Lord had given to Don Rogers. Both visions meshed with thoughts on what could be done with a place of training and modeling for the Kenyan people. It was to be a place where they could come and learn how to grow better crops, more variety for better nutrition and for caring for their families. It was to be a center where people could learn how to care for livestock, how to build an oven for baking, what plants would provide a natural fertilizer for their crops without costing money they didn’t have.
Not only did we hear, but we saw the areas that are the models for what any Kenyan can do to provide for his or her family if they receive the training and then implement it at their own property: double-dug gardens, fish ponds with tilapia growing in them, the oven they can build, the broad variety of vegetables that can be raised, even growing them in a vertical garden if their space is very limited.
The next part of our morning was touring the new orphanage and the wonderful home-like atmosphere they have created for some 90+ orphans. There are four sets of house parents whom these children look upon as their true parents. Most of the house parents have biological children of their own, but each of the 21-24 additional children is treated as their own also. While most of these children were attending the new school facility also within the compound we were able to see the homes they live in, the dining areas and the administration building. Each of these buildings was designed to allow these orphans to remember their places of origin: round in design with the dining gazebos having the traditional thatched roofs, but all of them closely connected so they know they are family. Each sleeping hut has room for 12 in bunked bed, each bed made up each day by the child, and they were done neat as a pin with towel folded neatly awaiting the time of their daily shower. The children all have chore responsibilities for each day, and they are given ownership of their new home by caring for not only their bedrooms, but also the grounds outside.
The administration building houses the offices as well as a conference room and numerous bookshelves waiting to be filled with books that the children and parents can check out for reading pleasure and study. Again, all was neatly in order and very clean.
We divided into two groups in order to go and share lunchtime with the children who come home from school to eat in the two gazebos. It was a wonderful time of hugging these young boys and girls who are so eager to share love with us. So many smiling faces and eager minds to learn about who we are and where we come from. We were invited back for their evening devotions time so we could share a Bible story with them as well as sing with them and listen to their wonderful African songs. What a delight!
Part of the team drove back to Eldoret to pick up the other half of our luggage and action-packers (the plastic boxes we packed all the tools, crafts, sewing machines, materials, etc. in that we brought along), and all were retrieved but one. We have yet to see if that one will arrive safe and sound. Some of the team members were relieved to see that their luggage arrived so they wouldn’t have to wear their same clothes a third day. It helps us all realize that some things aren’t quite as important as we think they are; we do survive without them, but getting them was a blessing anyway.
Once again the Lord allowed the boxes/bags to pass through customs with hardly a hitch. Our night of arrival they waved us through without asking to see a thing in Nairobi, while this time they wanted to check them all, but a call was made and whoever took the call said the right words and they were passed through. Thank you Lord!
Our cook Joel (Jo-el) is doing a wonderful job at each meal and we are truly appreciative of his skills in the kitchen. We also had a birthday cake for team leader, Bob Booth, this evening, and that was a treat to have cake. Amy Rogers was especially glad it was chocolate. We ended our day with singing praises to the Lord, being led by another of the house parents, Dorcas and Nelson. It is wonderful for all of us to get to know these people who have such large hearts of love for these children.
Some of the team still deal with the effects of jet lag, so we hope everyone will get a good night of rest. The huts are so comfortable for us, and the rest will have us in good shape for another day of being with some of the children, the men preparing their action-packers for leaving for Tanzania on Monday morning, doing some home visits and getting organized for the week ahead of us.
We all feel so blessed to be here (again), to share in the work that God is doing in this part of Kenya and Tanzania, and to make memories we’ll hold dear for a lifetime.
Good night to you all.
What a day this has been for the team. For some of us here for the first time it has been a day of finding out exactly what a training center really is. For those who were here on a previous trip it was a day of touring all that was here again and all that has been added in the last four years. Let me share just a few thoughts of how God has blessed the Illula training center in that short amount of time.
We began our day with hearing from Samuel Teimuge and how the Lord allowed a vision of helping the Kenyan people to match the same vision that the Lord had given to Don Rogers. Both visions meshed with thoughts on what could be done with a place of training and modeling for the Kenyan people. It was to be a place where they could come and learn how to grow better crops, more variety for better nutrition and for caring for their families. It was to be a center where people could learn how to care for livestock, how to build an oven for baking, what plants would provide a natural fertilizer for their crops without costing money they didn’t have.
Not only did we hear, but we saw the areas that are the models for what any Kenyan can do to provide for his or her family if they receive the training and then implement it at their own property: double-dug gardens, fish ponds with tilapia growing in them, the oven they can build, the broad variety of vegetables that can be raised, even growing them in a vertical garden if their space is very limited.
The next part of our morning was touring the new orphanage and the wonderful home-like atmosphere they have created for some 90+ orphans. There are four sets of house parents whom these children look upon as their true parents. Most of the house parents have biological children of their own, but each of the 21-24 additional children is treated as their own also. While most of these children were attending the new school facility also within the compound we were able to see the homes they live in, the dining areas and the administration building. Each of these buildings was designed to allow these orphans to remember their places of origin: round in design with the dining gazebos having the traditional thatched roofs, but all of them closely connected so they know they are family. Each sleeping hut has room for 12 in bunked bed, each bed made up each day by the child, and they were done neat as a pin with towel folded neatly awaiting the time of their daily shower. The children all have chore responsibilities for each day, and they are given ownership of their new home by caring for not only their bedrooms, but also the grounds outside.
The administration building houses the offices as well as a conference room and numerous bookshelves waiting to be filled with books that the children and parents can check out for reading pleasure and study. Again, all was neatly in order and very clean.
We divided into two groups in order to go and share lunchtime with the children who come home from school to eat in the two gazebos. It was a wonderful time of hugging these young boys and girls who are so eager to share love with us. So many smiling faces and eager minds to learn about who we are and where we come from. We were invited back for their evening devotions time so we could share a Bible story with them as well as sing with them and listen to their wonderful African songs. What a delight!
Part of the team drove back to Eldoret to pick up the other half of our luggage and action-packers (the plastic boxes we packed all the tools, crafts, sewing machines, materials, etc. in that we brought along), and all were retrieved but one. We have yet to see if that one will arrive safe and sound. Some of the team members were relieved to see that their luggage arrived so they wouldn’t have to wear their same clothes a third day. It helps us all realize that some things aren’t quite as important as we think they are; we do survive without them, but getting them was a blessing anyway.
Once again the Lord allowed the boxes/bags to pass through customs with hardly a hitch. Our night of arrival they waved us through without asking to see a thing in Nairobi, while this time they wanted to check them all, but a call was made and whoever took the call said the right words and they were passed through. Thank you Lord!
Our cook Joel (Jo-el) is doing a wonderful job at each meal and we are truly appreciative of his skills in the kitchen. We also had a birthday cake for team leader, Bob Booth, this evening, and that was a treat to have cake. Amy Rogers was especially glad it was chocolate. We ended our day with singing praises to the Lord, being led by another of the house parents, Dorcas and Nelson. It is wonderful for all of us to get to know these people who have such large hearts of love for these children.
Some of the team still deal with the effects of jet lag, so we hope everyone will get a good night of rest. The huts are so comfortable for us, and the rest will have us in good shape for another day of being with some of the children, the men preparing their action-packers for leaving for Tanzania on Monday morning, doing some home visits and getting organized for the week ahead of us.
We all feel so blessed to be here (again), to share in the work that God is doing in this part of Kenya and Tanzania, and to make memories we’ll hold dear for a lifetime.
Good night to you all.
Touring the Training Center
Most of today was spent doing orientation and rearranging much of the supplies for Tanzania as well as for projects. Here the team is having a tour of the training center.
Click on the photo to see a few more photos (taken by Grant and/or Mary Lou Gehman).
Click on the photo to see a few more photos (taken by Grant and/or Mary Lou Gehman).
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Victory Highway Team: They Made It!
For the friends and supporters of the Victory Highway team: they made it to Kenya and to Ilula safely. I believe they're all asleep by now since they've been traveling for three days straight.
The last leg of the journey (from Nairobi to Eldoret) was by road, a 9-hour drive on a road that's less than perfect. Regardless, everyone's in great spirits and ready for what lies ahead.
Of their 23 pieces of luggage, 13 pieces didn't make it! However, I was told today that those pieces were all on the flight from London today and would be delivered to Eldoret tomorrow morning.
Click on this photo for two more pictures of the team.
The last leg of the journey (from Nairobi to Eldoret) was by road, a 9-hour drive on a road that's less than perfect. Regardless, everyone's in great spirits and ready for what lies ahead.
Of their 23 pieces of luggage, 13 pieces didn't make it! However, I was told today that those pieces were all on the flight from London today and would be delivered to Eldoret tomorrow morning.
Click on this photo for two more pictures of the team.
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