Habari? Hello, this is Stephanie. We are nearing the end of our journey in Kenya and so far everything has been fantastic. Being surrounded by the beautiful nature of Kenya reminds me of God's wonders and inspires me to give thanks. The people here are so kind and they love God so much. I have learned a great deal from them about what it means to be a servant, have faith, trust in God, and praise God in all circumstances.
Today we started off the day by attending the church service here. It was a great service held in the dining hall. We sang songs of praise to God, watched the children sing and dance, and listened to the sermon in English and Swahili. At the end of the service, everybody goes outside and you form a line to greet everybody. We ate lunch and then had a few hours to ourselves to relax.
At 3:00, Danette, Adele, Jennifer, Nan, Andrea, and I went to visit some children that lived down the street. We walked for about 10 minutes along the dirt road to get to their house. We arrived and Joanne, who is 9 years old and the oldest, ran out to meet us and give us hugs. There are 4 children who live in the very small house made out of wooden planks. Their mother does not live with them anymore and their father works all day, so they are home alone. Joanne runs the household. She fetches the water, feeds the other children, cleans them, and clothes them. The children all used to have hundreds of jiggers, but Adele has been going to their house and taking them out. She also brings the children food and clothes to help take care of them.
When we got to their house today, they took off their shoes and socks because they knew they had more jiggers and they wanted Adele to take them out. The process looks terribly painful, but they made it through. They are very strong children and they love God. It was so heart breaking to see the way they live. Their living conditions are terrible, no child should have to live like that. But the thing is, they have hope because they believe in Jesus.
While Adele was working on the other children, Joanne was singing "God is so good". This was incredible to me. Here's this little girl, who doesn't have parents that really take care of her, who has to step up and take care of her siblings, whose life looks hopeless, yet she has this unshakable trust in God. I can only hope that one day I can grow to have as much trust and faith in God that she has. They were so happy to see us. After 3 hours of work, their feet had been almost completely ridden of jiggers once more. Andrea and I played with the other 3 children while they waited to have their feet worked on. They had so much fun with us. Often they just wanted to hug us, or hold or hand, or have us rub their back; they just wanted to be loved.
That was the main event of our day. After that, some of us went to the children's devotions at the orphanage. After dinner, the adults had somewhat of a goodbye ceremony for us (which I skipped because I wanted to go spend more time with the children).
The trip has been wonderful so far, and I've learned so much. I can't wait for the safari tomorrow, but I'm going to miss the children here. The children and I send greetings to all my friends and family at home. I brought pictures of my life, and they asked so many questions. They probably know all your names by now. I can't wait to see you all again!
Stephanie
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Team Iowa: Mungu Yu Mwema, God is so good!
What an example the African people are to me and the team. They praise our God through the many struggles of hunger, lack of adequate shelter and clothing, and of course, illnesses and AIDS. Their life is hard and difficult, yet, I did not ever hear complaining, but saw the constant raising of their hands to thank God for ALL that He HAS provided. Their faith is strong and resilient and they rely not on their own power, but God’s provision.
I want to share with you a special journey that I took while in Kipkaren. I was invited by Mama Sifuna to travel to her home. She was one of many ladies who would wash our clothes each day and take care of team needs. As we walked the rough, rocky and dusty path (which took about 30 minutes) we approached two small mud and stick buildings. The first room was a 12 x 12 foot building. There is one mattress for Mama Sifuna and her children to sleep on and one suitcase with ALL of their clothing. (She is raising five children alone, as her husband had left her.)
It was dark and musty inside and there was no furniture to sit down on. On her walls were strung various colors of paper mache. Those were her only home furnishings. We took several steps outside to her cooking room. In the one corner was a fire pit for cooking and in the other corner there was firewood. The few charred pots that she had were on a make-shift table outside. Ah, but her children were laughing and playing in the nearby tree, eating sugar cane and wanting their picture taken.
She was so proud to show me through her home. As Mama Sifuna and I traveled back to Kipkaren, we held hands and sang songs together, smiling and laughing and praising the Lord. I was smiling with my sister in Christ, but my heart was breaking for her and her children.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me and Andrea financially, or through prayer so that we could take this life-changing journey. You are in our thoughts and prayers, as well. Hi to Bob, family and friends and everyone at DCS!
Tutaone – See you soon!
Love,
Lori
Jambo! Andrea here. Well, it’s true, God really has been good. We came to Ilula from Kipkaren yesterday. After some car trouble and an hour and a half of sitting on the side of the road getting a great tan, we finally made it to Julius’ house (ELI's Director of Operations) for lunch. We had a wonderful talk about monkey tails and new babies, how Jesus came into his life, and much more. We met all his children, and then we left for Ilula.
When we first got there, they put on a beautiful welcome ceremony for the team and then welcomed us all individually. This was actually the first time I’ve gotten to meet the girl our family sponsors: Caroline. She gave me a bouquet of flowers and held my hand until I had to leave for dinner. Ilula is a bit different than Kipkaren’s children’s home. Here the children’s rooms are smaller and they all sleep on bunk beds with one big table in the middle of the room. They each have their own cubby for school supplies and shoes and one drawer each for their clothes. After we were shown around, we went to rest in our huts. After a wonderful night’s sleep we are ready to get going and fulfill God’s calling for each of us.
To all my classmates and teachers back home in Iowa, I miss you all so much and look forward to seeing you again. Oh, and for those who sent letters, thank you so much. I’ve loved all of the food so far, and all of the animals (excluding the geckos). I’ve seen GEICO’s mascot about 20 times!* Well, I hope that you’re all doing well and I can’t wait to see all of you again! Well, even though it’s morning here, it’s night time there, so lala salama! (good night) ☺
Love,
Andrea
I want to share with you a special journey that I took while in Kipkaren. I was invited by Mama Sifuna to travel to her home. She was one of many ladies who would wash our clothes each day and take care of team needs. As we walked the rough, rocky and dusty path (which took about 30 minutes) we approached two small mud and stick buildings. The first room was a 12 x 12 foot building. There is one mattress for Mama Sifuna and her children to sleep on and one suitcase with ALL of their clothing. (She is raising five children alone, as her husband had left her.)
It was dark and musty inside and there was no furniture to sit down on. On her walls were strung various colors of paper mache. Those were her only home furnishings. We took several steps outside to her cooking room. In the one corner was a fire pit for cooking and in the other corner there was firewood. The few charred pots that she had were on a make-shift table outside. Ah, but her children were laughing and playing in the nearby tree, eating sugar cane and wanting their picture taken.
She was so proud to show me through her home. As Mama Sifuna and I traveled back to Kipkaren, we held hands and sang songs together, smiling and laughing and praising the Lord. I was smiling with my sister in Christ, but my heart was breaking for her and her children.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me and Andrea financially, or through prayer so that we could take this life-changing journey. You are in our thoughts and prayers, as well. Hi to Bob, family and friends and everyone at DCS!
Tutaone – See you soon!
Love,
Lori
Jambo! Andrea here. Well, it’s true, God really has been good. We came to Ilula from Kipkaren yesterday. After some car trouble and an hour and a half of sitting on the side of the road getting a great tan, we finally made it to Julius’ house (ELI's Director of Operations) for lunch. We had a wonderful talk about monkey tails and new babies, how Jesus came into his life, and much more. We met all his children, and then we left for Ilula.
When we first got there, they put on a beautiful welcome ceremony for the team and then welcomed us all individually. This was actually the first time I’ve gotten to meet the girl our family sponsors: Caroline. She gave me a bouquet of flowers and held my hand until I had to leave for dinner. Ilula is a bit different than Kipkaren’s children’s home. Here the children’s rooms are smaller and they all sleep on bunk beds with one big table in the middle of the room. They each have their own cubby for school supplies and shoes and one drawer each for their clothes. After we were shown around, we went to rest in our huts. After a wonderful night’s sleep we are ready to get going and fulfill God’s calling for each of us.
To all my classmates and teachers back home in Iowa, I miss you all so much and look forward to seeing you again. Oh, and for those who sent letters, thank you so much. I’ve loved all of the food so far, and all of the animals (excluding the geckos). I’ve seen GEICO’s mascot about 20 times!* Well, I hope that you’re all doing well and I can’t wait to see all of you again! Well, even though it’s morning here, it’s night time there, so lala salama! (good night) ☺
Love,
Andrea
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving Family and Friends
This morning the entire team divided up and spent time on home visits. The reality of Africa becomes unavoidable when sitting in a very small hut with a family who has very little. And yet these families face the struggles with dignity and grace. They welcomed us into their homes inviting us to chat, drink Chai and pray.
Melody walked with Pastor Peter to Lillian's home to pray for her. Maryann, Andrea, Jennifer and Stephanie went with the interns to visit several other families.
Danette, Adele and I had a special opportunity to visit with Lucy and Kibet. They live about 1/2 mile down the road from the Kipkaren compound. When we arrived, they were so happy to see us and invited us in. After some very interesting conversation about their tribal background and how they met, Kibet shared with us his very amazing story. Both Lucy and Kibet have AIDS. At one point in 2004 Kibet was near death as his body was shutting down from the disease. He had lost so much weight (he is a very tall man) he couldn't stand or sit. Then Julie from ELI walked into his life. He said she was like an angel from heaven. She took Kibet to get medical attention and once they found out the AIDS, they were given anti viral medications. Kibet and Lucy now have much improved lives. They have accepted Christ into their lives and now have a very productive home. They grow wonderful fruits and vegetables and raise chickens to sell. It was such a joy to hear their story and spend time with them.
This afternoon, Adele and I, with the help of some of the kitchen staff, prepared Thanksgiving dinner for the team and the staff here. It was SO much fun cooking a turkey in a charcoal oven. I was a bit nervous since there is no way to monitor the temperature. The meal included stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, modified green bean casserole (we had no beans so we substituted with spinach), and pumpkin dessert.
We were invited to David's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was really wonderful sharing food and thanks with old friends and new. We were all missing our families back home but enjoying the new memories we are making here in Africa.
Tomorrow we travel to Illula. We are expecting to witness more miracles there. God Bless!
Nan for the Iowa team
Melody walked with Pastor Peter to Lillian's home to pray for her. Maryann, Andrea, Jennifer and Stephanie went with the interns to visit several other families.
Danette, Adele and I had a special opportunity to visit with Lucy and Kibet. They live about 1/2 mile down the road from the Kipkaren compound. When we arrived, they were so happy to see us and invited us in. After some very interesting conversation about their tribal background and how they met, Kibet shared with us his very amazing story. Both Lucy and Kibet have AIDS. At one point in 2004 Kibet was near death as his body was shutting down from the disease. He had lost so much weight (he is a very tall man) he couldn't stand or sit. Then Julie from ELI walked into his life. He said she was like an angel from heaven. She took Kibet to get medical attention and once they found out the AIDS, they were given anti viral medications. Kibet and Lucy now have much improved lives. They have accepted Christ into their lives and now have a very productive home. They grow wonderful fruits and vegetables and raise chickens to sell. It was such a joy to hear their story and spend time with them.
This afternoon, Adele and I, with the help of some of the kitchen staff, prepared Thanksgiving dinner for the team and the staff here. It was SO much fun cooking a turkey in a charcoal oven. I was a bit nervous since there is no way to monitor the temperature. The meal included stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, modified green bean casserole (we had no beans so we substituted with spinach), and pumpkin dessert.
We were invited to David's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was really wonderful sharing food and thanks with old friends and new. We were all missing our families back home but enjoying the new memories we are making here in Africa.
Tomorrow we travel to Illula. We are expecting to witness more miracles there. God Bless!
Nan for the Iowa team
Team Iowa: End of the Conference
We just completed a two-day women’s conference. Lori and Maryann taught on domestic violence, Nan showed the women how to quilt and I (Melody) taught on biblical femininity. The women really loved quilting, it was such fun to watch them sit around the compound working together. They had never quilted before so it was a new experience for them. They loved it. Nan brought enough material for 200 women and the 65 women used it all up.
The women had many questions about domestic violence and they learned many new things. Lori and Maryann were able to leave material for the pastor and answer in a very culturally sensitive way the many questions the women had.
The women were very appreciative of our teaching. It was so humbling to be able to teach the Word to women who have experienced so much pain and suffering. Our God is so good and faithful and true to His word.
In the afternoon we all gathered together and Adele facilitated a discussion among all the women. They asked questions, supported and encouraged each other. It was a blessing to see the women come together and talk about real issues.
Jennifer was able to spend the day at the medical clinic. One woman was suffering severely from malaria and probably needed to be in ICU. They gave her IV malaria medication for several hours. Jennifer, Danette and Adele traveled around the village treating very gross open wounds (that is my interpretation!) Danette keeps wanting us all to look at the pictures. Danette is sooo in her element!
Stephanie and Andrea spent the day with the children. They made puppets, played, read stories and worked very hard with the children (they cleaned out a piece of land by hand.) Yesterday they took a “walk” with the children. This “walk” was 5 miles up and down big hills. The girls are amazed how the children never complain and were actually concerned about rather if Stephanie and Andrea were OK. The 96 children in the orphanage range in age from 3-12. They live in families of 12 with a mom and dad. The children love the girls and can’t wait until they come back to visit. Stephanie and Andrea are doing great – sunburned and tired, but great.
Thank you all for your prayers. Some of what we have been experienced has been challenging, but it has also been very inspiring to worship with our sisters on the other side of the world. Tonight they had a good bye dinner with us (since the conference just ended.) They shared their love and asked us to thank all the people back home who made it possible for us to come and visit them. So thank you! Keep praying. We are believing God for great things!
Melody
The women had many questions about domestic violence and they learned many new things. Lori and Maryann were able to leave material for the pastor and answer in a very culturally sensitive way the many questions the women had.
The women were very appreciative of our teaching. It was so humbling to be able to teach the Word to women who have experienced so much pain and suffering. Our God is so good and faithful and true to His word.
In the afternoon we all gathered together and Adele facilitated a discussion among all the women. They asked questions, supported and encouraged each other. It was a blessing to see the women come together and talk about real issues.
Jennifer was able to spend the day at the medical clinic. One woman was suffering severely from malaria and probably needed to be in ICU. They gave her IV malaria medication for several hours. Jennifer, Danette and Adele traveled around the village treating very gross open wounds (that is my interpretation!) Danette keeps wanting us all to look at the pictures. Danette is sooo in her element!
Stephanie and Andrea spent the day with the children. They made puppets, played, read stories and worked very hard with the children (they cleaned out a piece of land by hand.) Yesterday they took a “walk” with the children. This “walk” was 5 miles up and down big hills. The girls are amazed how the children never complain and were actually concerned about rather if Stephanie and Andrea were OK. The 96 children in the orphanage range in age from 3-12. They live in families of 12 with a mom and dad. The children love the girls and can’t wait until they come back to visit. Stephanie and Andrea are doing great – sunburned and tired, but great.
Thank you all for your prayers. Some of what we have been experienced has been challenging, but it has also been very inspiring to worship with our sisters on the other side of the world. Tonight they had a good bye dinner with us (since the conference just ended.) They shared their love and asked us to thank all the people back home who made it possible for us to come and visit them. So thank you! Keep praying. We are believing God for great things!
Melody
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Team Iowa: Day 1
Greetings from Kipkaren, Kenya. It has been a good day and God has blessed us with many wonderful encounters. All team members are now accounted for as we had been awaiting MaryAnn’s arrival. She was unfortunately delayed due to a flight cancellation, however, we just received her today and she was all but anxious to see everyone.
Our day began quite early as many are still recovering from jet lag. We were blessed to hear so many of God’s creations singing His praises. After a time of praying together and enjoying breakfast we were able to unpack all of the items many of you sent with us. We have over 400 pairs of underwear for the children and many other items to present to them tomorrow. Thank you again to everyone who was so generous with the gifts.
As Lori spent the day teaching about 50 men and 15 women from around the village about healthy relationships and the effects of domestic violence on their families, the other team members and I were able to visit a very special friend of Adele’s. Hanna is about 50 years old and suffers from a facial tumor. We sat with her and her family signing Hymns and praying together. It was an honor to attend “church” at Hanna’s home today.
Our day was also filled with several tours around the ELI campus. The clinic has developed well over the past 2 yrs since my last visit. They are now seeing up to 15-20 patients per day. Jennifer and I are looking forward to helping in any way possible to assist Bernard and his team.
Our young girls, Stephanie and Andrea are enjoying the time with the children. They have spent most of the day with the 96 boys and girls playing jump rope, tag and other fun games with them. This evening the girls were able to spend some devotional and reading time with the kids also.
Tomorrow will be a full day and we will begin the women’s conference, “Behold the Beauty of God’s Handiwork.” Melody will teach on femininity and helping the women discover who they are in Christ, Nan will bring the creativity talent out of each woman at the conference, and Lori and MaryAnn will spend time discussing the Power and Control Wheel, Boundaries and what God’s says about healthy relationships. Jennifer and I will spend the remaining 2-3 days in the clinic to assist in any ways we can and seeing patients.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. God has been good to us. Praise Him, for His mercy endures forever.
Blessings,
Danette for the Team
Our day began quite early as many are still recovering from jet lag. We were blessed to hear so many of God’s creations singing His praises. After a time of praying together and enjoying breakfast we were able to unpack all of the items many of you sent with us. We have over 400 pairs of underwear for the children and many other items to present to them tomorrow. Thank you again to everyone who was so generous with the gifts.
As Lori spent the day teaching about 50 men and 15 women from around the village about healthy relationships and the effects of domestic violence on their families, the other team members and I were able to visit a very special friend of Adele’s. Hanna is about 50 years old and suffers from a facial tumor. We sat with her and her family signing Hymns and praying together. It was an honor to attend “church” at Hanna’s home today.
Our day was also filled with several tours around the ELI campus. The clinic has developed well over the past 2 yrs since my last visit. They are now seeing up to 15-20 patients per day. Jennifer and I are looking forward to helping in any way possible to assist Bernard and his team.
Our young girls, Stephanie and Andrea are enjoying the time with the children. They have spent most of the day with the 96 boys and girls playing jump rope, tag and other fun games with them. This evening the girls were able to spend some devotional and reading time with the kids also.
Tomorrow will be a full day and we will begin the women’s conference, “Behold the Beauty of God’s Handiwork.” Melody will teach on femininity and helping the women discover who they are in Christ, Nan will bring the creativity talent out of each woman at the conference, and Lori and MaryAnn will spend time discussing the Power and Control Wheel, Boundaries and what God’s says about healthy relationships. Jennifer and I will spend the remaining 2-3 days in the clinic to assist in any ways we can and seeing patients.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. God has been good to us. Praise Him, for His mercy endures forever.
Blessings,
Danette for the Team
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Team Iowa: Safely here!
The team made it safely - including all of their 15 ActionPackers! (Actually, they had 14 pieces of checked luggage, and it grew... While I was in the luggage hall, checking in on a piece of luggage that British Air had broken in April, I found one piece of luggage from a previous team. It was just sitting there! So bizarre.)
We're at the Nairobi Java House right now, having lunch. (Hence the picture.) Everyone's doing really well. They're all a little bit hazy from jetlag, but all smiles!
Soon, we'll be flying to Eldoret and from there, drive to Kipkaren. We'll write a detailed update from there.
We're at the Nairobi Java House right now, having lunch. (Hence the picture.) Everyone's doing really well. They're all a little bit hazy from jetlag, but all smiles!
Soon, we'll be flying to Eldoret and from there, drive to Kipkaren. We'll write a detailed update from there.
Monday, October 01, 2007
almost home
Hi friends!!
Just wanted to let you all know that I made it safely out of Kenya. I arrived in London on Saturday and have been having a few days of my own personal debreif here, while also completely falling in LOVE with this city and being blessed by God's continued grace as shown to me through my new friends here. I will be here for a few more days, to be returning to the States on Wednesday evening. Thanks to those who are still praying...please know that God is still working! I love you all and miss you and can't wait to give you huge hugs!
much love,
erin
Just wanted to let you all know that I made it safely out of Kenya. I arrived in London on Saturday and have been having a few days of my own personal debreif here, while also completely falling in LOVE with this city and being blessed by God's continued grace as shown to me through my new friends here. I will be here for a few more days, to be returning to the States on Wednesday evening. Thanks to those who are still praying...please know that God is still working! I love you all and miss you and can't wait to give you huge hugs!
much love,
erin
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Oh Jesus
Last year in Gospel Choir at APU we sang a song called "Oh Jesus." Each part, soprano, alto, and tenor, had a unique melody to sing that wove themselves in and out of each other, creating an intricate and moving testimony to the tenderness, power, truth, justice, and love of Christ. I almost never was able to sing that song without tears coming to my eyes. It spoke to my heart of all God is and all He has been to me. In times of trials, it reminded me of His faithfulness. In times of joy, it reminded me of His greatness. In times of saddness, it reminded me of His nearness. In times of struggle, it reminded me of His calling. We sang it at the beginning of most of our concerts and it had a remarkable ability to set a tone of humility and of joy and of a sheer desire to worship the Living God for singers and listeners alike. The most amazing part, though, is that the song only consisted of two words, "Oh Jesus."
I was walking last night watching one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen and I started thinking about this song. I didn't plan it, but as I watched the sun slowly sink through the greying sky and into the heavy rain clouds painted orange and pink and purple on their edges, the words just came to my lips, "Oh Jesus." And even as I sang them, I saw something else. Just beyond the rain clouds there was a clearing. Through it I could see blue sky lit from behind with all the radiance of the sun, stubbornly refusing to dim its light even as it was on its way to rest for the night.
God has been speaking to me over the past few days and weeks in ways that I am not able to fully understand. But what I do understand is that He is so much more than I know. Because of the things I have seen over the past weeks here, those words, "Oh Jesus," somehow mean more to me than they did a month ago. They have more power. They carry more weight. They touch me in a deeper place. And still I know that there is more. Last night I was so focused on the beauty of the clouds in the sunset that I almost missed seeing the brilliance of the sunshine behind them. In the same way, God was showing me that, as beautiful as I think the things are that He is showing me now, this is only the beginning. There is more. He is more.
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. I can assure you that they have been powerful! Please continue to pray for my last few days here - that I would not slow down, that I would find ways to be a blessing, and that I would give all that I have and all that I am so that I will leave with a peaceful spirit. I miss you all so much!
much love,
erin
I was walking last night watching one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen and I started thinking about this song. I didn't plan it, but as I watched the sun slowly sink through the greying sky and into the heavy rain clouds painted orange and pink and purple on their edges, the words just came to my lips, "Oh Jesus." And even as I sang them, I saw something else. Just beyond the rain clouds there was a clearing. Through it I could see blue sky lit from behind with all the radiance of the sun, stubbornly refusing to dim its light even as it was on its way to rest for the night.
God has been speaking to me over the past few days and weeks in ways that I am not able to fully understand. But what I do understand is that He is so much more than I know. Because of the things I have seen over the past weeks here, those words, "Oh Jesus," somehow mean more to me than they did a month ago. They have more power. They carry more weight. They touch me in a deeper place. And still I know that there is more. Last night I was so focused on the beauty of the clouds in the sunset that I almost missed seeing the brilliance of the sunshine behind them. In the same way, God was showing me that, as beautiful as I think the things are that He is showing me now, this is only the beginning. There is more. He is more.
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. I can assure you that they have been powerful! Please continue to pray for my last few days here - that I would not slow down, that I would find ways to be a blessing, and that I would give all that I have and all that I am so that I will leave with a peaceful spirit. I miss you all so much!
much love,
erin
Monday, September 24, 2007
Yesterday, Today, and Forever...
Hey friends! I don't have a lot of time to write, but I just wanted to assure those of you who have been following my little adventure that I did arrive safely in Kipkaren on Friday. I'll save the details of the story (mostly so that I can tell my parents what happened in a place where they can actually see me and know for sure that I am ok!), but I do want to say that God performed a complete miracle in getting me here. I don't know that I have ever sensed Him so closely or felt His hand move more powerfully in my life than I did that day. And the most amazing part of it is that He is the same today as He was in that moment. He never changes. He is always that close, always that real, always that involved, and always loves me just that much. It's a really great story. I'm sure I'll tell you all when I get home! :)
Other than that, things are great! I'm just trying to dive in to my last week here and see what life is like in Kipkaren without teams or other visitors. Please continue to pray for me over the next 5 days. Pray that God would guide me to the people He wants to connect me with and that I would always say, "yes" whenever I hear His voice. Pray that I would have the emotional energy and courage to let Him take me to deeper levels of understanding and of faith. And pray that I would have the opportunities to lay good foundations for the relationships that will continue even after I return back home. Thanks to the T.K. members who have continued to read about what's happening and are still praying for me! You guys are wonderful and I'm so thankful for each of you. To everyone else - I miss you all so much and wish you could all be here with me!
much love,
erin
Other than that, things are great! I'm just trying to dive in to my last week here and see what life is like in Kipkaren without teams or other visitors. Please continue to pray for me over the next 5 days. Pray that God would guide me to the people He wants to connect me with and that I would always say, "yes" whenever I hear His voice. Pray that I would have the emotional energy and courage to let Him take me to deeper levels of understanding and of faith. And pray that I would have the opportunities to lay good foundations for the relationships that will continue even after I return back home. Thanks to the T.K. members who have continued to read about what's happening and are still praying for me! You guys are wonderful and I'm so thankful for each of you. To everyone else - I miss you all so much and wish you could all be here with me!
much love,
erin
Friday, September 21, 2007
Coming Home
Just a quick note from the last remaining member of Team Kenya:
Yesterday was a pretty amazing day! We had to leave our safari early, so we didn't get to go out for our morning game drive. However, Team Leader Brian, in his infinite wisdom and generosity, decided to take us to the Animal Orphanage in Nairobi. All of Roxy's wildest dreams came true as some of us got licked by the huge, rough toungue of a LEOPARD and got to go into the cheetah inclosure and pet and play with three CHEETAH sisters!! As Kacy would say (and, in fact, DID say) it was pretty much our FAVORITE DAY EVER! PRAISE THE LORD! Bryan also had fun as we had our lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, and some of us experienced the trials and tribulations of bargaining for souveniers at the Zebra Market (don't ask Bryan about this one...he might punch you in the face). All in all, it was a really REALLY amazing day and a wonderful end to the team's trip.
Everyone got off on time and in one piece VERY early this morning. They will be heading to London, then to Chicago, and finally home. Please be in prayer for traveling mercies and good rest for them over the next 30 hours or so.
I am getting ready to catch a matatu (public bus - minivan size, 15 passenger capacity...should be good times!) from Nairobi back up to Eldoret to spend another week in Kipkaren. Please be in prayer for ME as we travel along some dangerous and uncomfortable roads!
Thanks to all who have been reading and responding. God is doing so much in all of us and there is so much to say, but (for me, at least) all I can say right now is Bwana Asifiwe! He is good!
Wish me luck! EEK! :)
much love,
erin
Yesterday was a pretty amazing day! We had to leave our safari early, so we didn't get to go out for our morning game drive. However, Team Leader Brian, in his infinite wisdom and generosity, decided to take us to the Animal Orphanage in Nairobi. All of Roxy's wildest dreams came true as some of us got licked by the huge, rough toungue of a LEOPARD and got to go into the cheetah inclosure and pet and play with three CHEETAH sisters!! As Kacy would say (and, in fact, DID say) it was pretty much our FAVORITE DAY EVER! PRAISE THE LORD! Bryan also had fun as we had our lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, and some of us experienced the trials and tribulations of bargaining for souveniers at the Zebra Market (don't ask Bryan about this one...he might punch you in the face). All in all, it was a really REALLY amazing day and a wonderful end to the team's trip.
Everyone got off on time and in one piece VERY early this morning. They will be heading to London, then to Chicago, and finally home. Please be in prayer for traveling mercies and good rest for them over the next 30 hours or so.
I am getting ready to catch a matatu (public bus - minivan size, 15 passenger capacity...should be good times!) from Nairobi back up to Eldoret to spend another week in Kipkaren. Please be in prayer for ME as we travel along some dangerous and uncomfortable roads!
Thanks to all who have been reading and responding. God is doing so much in all of us and there is so much to say, but (for me, at least) all I can say right now is Bwana Asifiwe! He is good!
Wish me luck! EEK! :)
much love,
erin
Monday, September 17, 2007
Last day in Ilula...
Roxy
Well this is our last day here at Ilula and tomorrow we’re off to the Safari. I’m finding that my experiences on this trip are pretty hard to put in words; there are so many things that have touched my heart, that I will never be the same. I didn’t write personally the last time we all did b/c I wasn’t sure who would be looking at this, BUT I’m so happy that you (Mom and Benny) have written some things! Mom I can’t wait to come and see the house I’m sure it looks so good and I am so happy that you’re finally getting it all done, I miss you I can’t believe I haven’t talked to you in so long. The tears have been flowing here, who do you think I got that from?!?! Tell Dad, Jess, Doug and the boys I say Hi and I love you all. Benzi I can’t wait to hear about how your new job is going and how things have been!! I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you at the airport, I love you so much. You would have loved it here and I thought about you often when we were with the kids=0)
So an update- I got sick while we were in Kipkaren and was up all night and stayed in until dinner but I’m thankful that it got better after that, and since then I have been great. It’s amazing how much joy these kids have brought me, oh my goodness they are so loving and accepting. I met two girls in particular that both gave me letters and bracelets they were great! I went on a home visit with some others from the group to a woman named Dina’s house and she was amazing. She had so much joy for the Lord and was living with so little but at the same time had so much, I have much more to say about her but I’ll tell you more when I get home. So the stay here at Ilula has been short and I’m sad that we didn’t get more time to interact with everyone. I did get to visit one of the parents yesterday, her name was Mary and she is pregnant with her second child due in about two months I think….it was really nice to get to know her a bit more, and amazing to see how much she cared for all her children and how much she was eager to improve. I can’t imagine having the job of taking care of that many children, but to her it came so easy and she had so much faith in God to keep her strong. Well I think I have written enough, I’ll see you all soon Love you!
Bryan
We arrived in Ilula on Friday, and as it has been raining all week, it was raining then as well. So the dirt roads were more like a muddy swamp. About a mile from the village our vehicle got stuck in the mud so about four of us had the privilege of getting the vehicle unstuck. A little advice to anyone who gets stuck in the mud in the future: the best way to get you vehicle out of the mud is the “rocking method”. Here’s what you do, push the car and let the momentum bring the vehicle back to you, then push it again. After four or five “rocking motions”, you should be cleared from the stuck position. Anyway, we had a lot of fun. The entire group made the best of the situation. The really funny part is when we finally arrived to the village. We had apx 100 kids and 20 adults waiting to welcome us. They were singing songs to honor all of us and to welcome us. So here we are wet and some covered in mud, walking around shaking everybody’s hands. A time we’ll remember for years to come.
I miss all my friends and family. I miss all the students at Discovery; I’m sure things are going well with Lindsay, Brandon, Brian, and all the wonderful leaders in charge. I look forward to Unite Night on Tuesday, Sept 25. The plan is to be in church on Sunday, September 23. I look forward to seeing all of you!
I have so much more to say but I’ll wait until I see all of you. The people here are great and so welcoming and Christ-like. It has really humbled me. I’ll see all of you soon.
PS Tom – you are da man! Thanks for the first aid kit. (Story to follow.)
Kacy
Hellloooo Everyone That I Love! I miss you all greatly, but am sad that our time in Kenya is coming to an end soon. When I left for Kenya, I prayed that I would know God’s character more and in a different way. I prayed that I would get a bigger idea of how BIG God is, experience His love in new ways, and that I might understand the ways He created me to love others. I have learned so much here and have seen over and over again that God is bigger than I ever imagined. I felt like I have been a sponge, absorbing more information and seeing more of God in daily life than I ever imagined. God has definitely been with me in my prayers! I have had many opportunities to have rich discussions with parents, teachers and the kids, of course. This week in Ilula, I was able to teach some parents, Pastor Lucas and Leah Rono, at the Children’s Home how to do “group time” with some of their boys and shared a special bedtime time with the Rono family last night. It’s been a joy and a blessing to be part of these kids’ lives, even for a short time.
We have also been leading children’s activities and devotion times and have been overwhelmed at the love for the Lord even the tiniest kids have. We have heard countless testimonies, memory verses, and beautiful beautiful Swahili songs. PTL! We are sufficiently adorned in beads and covered in love. I enjoy the hang-out down time the most. Amanda and I learned quickly with the Rono family that a love for echo-mics and inflatable guitars is international! Note to self: the echo mic and inflatable instruments have found a home in Kenya… need to purchase more stat. Don’t worry, there is video footage of the first official concert, and I think you might see potential! Rosa and NaNa, there is also a special video for you. Sister, stop being jealous. I left them pictures of you and told them how wonderful you are.
Now let’s talk about how much I love you all and can’t wait to share my pictures and stories. Ailey, I haven’t heard your voice in far too long. Mija and Mooooooo, I miss the A-town lovin’ and wish I could show you pictures in PERSON. To the Fuller folk: let 21 Choices know I’m coming home and prepare yourselves for a killer African dance party (me and Amanda are bringing home instruments!) Drea… IT’S ALMOST TIME! Sister, Rosa, NaNa and the rest of the Schedule crazies: being here in a family-oriented culture has made me miss you like cwwaaaazy! I have told many stories of all of you (well, the ones that are appropriate) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my family! (Let’s all move to Africa… please?) If Eve and Lily are reading this, I MISS YOU and can’t wait to bring you some surprises! Sadly I will not be bringing home my best African purchase ever: the beloved gum boots (rain boots)… because it hasn’t rained in California IN A YEAR! I will also not be able to bring home the beautiful roses we were given by the children at our welcome. But I bring home their greetings and their love. I am also praying, and ask you to join in my prayers, that I will bring the heart of Kenya with me. I am praying that I will remember to cherish and value each person as a precious creation of God rather than getting lost in schoolwork, practicum, work and general life chaos. It will be a challenge to find balance in American fast-paced life and wanting to incorporate what I have learned in this trip. Go! Fight! Win!
Love you.
Erin
Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE AFRICA??? Just checking.
These few days that we have had in Ilula have been interesting. A lot of the team really poured their hearts out in Kipkaren, so because of that and because of the short time we had here, some of us had a harder time engaging here…and by “us”, I mostly mean “me”. =) However in God’s amazing grace, last night He provided a wonderful time of fellowship and laughter with the children that transformed the strain and the disconnect of the past few days into a time of well-needed emotional re-fueling. I met two kids last night, Alex and Mercy.
Mercy is an 8-year-old beauty who caught me watching her during worship time in devotion. The first time our eyes met her mouth spread into a grin and her eyes quickly darted to the floor and a game of still and silent hide-and-seek began over the heads of 47 singing children. After devotions were over, I saw her walking back to her gazebo for dinner so I ran up behind her to sweep her up into a big hug. Over the next few minutes we stood in a circle with some of her sisters and some of the other girls on the team and played a few games that involved her pushing up on my hands, intertwining her fingers with mine, and giggling as she held onto my fingers and spun under my arm. We didn’t say anything to each other, but we didn’t have to. When it was time to go, she gave me a big smile and a huge hug and I knew that our hearts had been joined forever.
Alex is a 12-year-old orphan who has an incredible leadership ability growing inside of him. I watched him help his brothers and sisters during our craft, set an example of patience and attentiveness during Kacy’s devotion, and when we asked the kids to give a testimony, he was the only one to stand up. He thanked God for everything in his life - from his great parents and home to the blessing of the rain, from the safety God had provided us (the visitors) to the gift of salvation. When I looked at him I felt like I was looking into the future of Kenya, and even more, into the future of the Kingdom, and I was overcome with peace and joy and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of an organization that is providing orphans like Alex the chance to fulfill God’s calling on their lives.
So, I’m getting ready to be abandoned and left to fend for myself in the African bush!! Well, maybe it’s not quite that dramatic, but I am preparing for the team to leave and to see what this next week and a half will hold for me. Please keep praying! Pray that I will not be afraid to let God keep pouring into me and that I will not be afraid to keep pouring into those around me. Pray for continued health and safety (and maybe for a break in the rain???). Pray that I would be sensitive to what God wants me to see and who He wants me to talk to and what He wants me to learn over the next eleven days and that I would be filled once again with God’s energy, joy, passion, and love.
Thanks to everyone who has been praying us through to this point. Chris & Erica – I hope the move went well and that you are already feeling at home in your new place. Mom & Steve – I hope things are going great for you and that you are dealing ok with Chris and Erica and Taylor (well….mostly Taylor, let’s be honest) being gone. Dad & Lisa – thanks so much for the comments you have left on the blog. It has been such a blessing to get an occasional note from home. Tabitha – I LOVE YOU!!!! I can’t wait til we’re officially roomies for more than a weekend! Everyone else, I miss you and love you and would love to hear from you through comments on the blog over the next 11 days while I’m here by myself!! I love you guys and am so thankful for the role that each of you play in my life and in this journey.
much love,
erin
Kathy
Hello my dear friends and family. We are just days away from returning home and I am so anxious to hug you and look at your faces!
Kenya has been amazing. We have been in Ilula the last few days. Our trip to Ilula was memorable beyond words. The road to the Children’s Home/Training Center was muddy, muddy, muddy. In fact, both vehicles got stuck at some point. Fortunately we had purchased “gum boots” in Eldoret on our way here. These are basically just big rubber boots. It was so much fun to walk…it was raining, muddy…and when the vehicle got stuck we went back to push. We rocked it until it finally went forward…and sprayed us with rich, red mud. We were an absolute mess when we arrived at the Children’s Home to 92 children singing…waiting for us with bouquets of roses. It was such a lovely reception.
Samuel and Laban, who run this facility, are amazing men of God. Their wives, too, are so wonderful to talk to. These people are doing an unbelievable work in the midst of so many challenges. They truly are heroes.
We were supposed to leave tomorrow morning, driving to Eldoret then flying to Nairobi and catching another flight to the Safari location. With the amount of rain and mud we’ve decided to leave this afternoon and fly to Nairobi, spend the night at the Mayfield Missions Home and leave tomorrow for the Safari. Because our flight was due out early it seemed best to get out this afternoon. It will be an adventure that I’ll surely tell you about.
My heart has been so filled, challenged and broken. I don’t even know what I’m learning. I just try to take it all in and pray that I will never be the same…never go back to who I was before I came. I don’t know all that means, but I know that I want to be changed by this. I love you all dearly and pray blessings on you. I hug you.
Kathy
Joanne
Rose…are the Camboni Missionaries in Nairobi? If so, where?
Amanda
Hello everyone! I wish I could tell you that I miss you all dearly and that I am homesick and want to come home, but, if I tell the truth I love it here and don’t miss LA at all. J Of course, if I wasn’t coming home in a few days I’m sure I would miss you more. Haha.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Since I’ve been healthier (and not dizzy) my time here has been wonderful. There is such a rich and deeply rooted presence of God here and I feel like I’ve been pulled back on course just by watching how these people love their God and depend on Him for all things. Words really can’t describe the steadfastness of their faith…I wish they could!
Kipkaren and Illula (the village we are in now) are very different communities. Aside from the geographical and climate differences, the people and programs are very distinct, and I have really enjoyed both of them. Kipkaren was more chaotic…not that the programs and purpose weren’t organized, things ran like a well-oiled machine. But the energy was explosive and a good representation of Africa, I think (chaotic yet completely ordered at the same time). Illula is more mellow and methodical. The leaders here have been at it a little longer; they are seasoned and wise and I have truly appreciated the small glimpse I have gotten of their obedient service to the Lord and the people of their country.
We are off to safari today, and I hate to admit that I am so scared of being eaten by a lion that I’d rather skip the adventure and stay here and learn more from these wonderful people. But, there will be a good amount of debriefing in the next few days, and so I would like to ask that you would pray hard for me in this final stretch. Please pray that I will hear from God and understand how to begin to relate this experience to the rest of my experiences and my future direction. Brian mentioned when we were in Kipkaren that when you go to Africa, you leave with a disease called Africa that you can never get rid of. I think I’ve been bit with the bug, but still need to know what to do with it!
Thanks again for your prayers. I love you and can’t wait to show pictures and share stories (like when I got locked in the choo [bathroom]!) J
Bwana Asifiwe (Praise the Lord),
Amanda
PS: Mom and Dad I am glad you made it to your new home safely and hope you are getting settled!
PPS: thank you to all who have left comments or emails of encouragement. I have gotten to read most of them at least briefly and they have spurred me on! Bless you!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Good morning on our last morning in Kipkaren! I’m writing on behalf of the whole team as we are busy packing our things and heading to Ilula. Word on the street is that the road to Ilula is going to be high HIGH adventure! It has rained a lot this week, especially the last two days, making the roads…um, a challenge. We’ll be thanking God for the opportunity to pray as we drive and for the laughter the journey will surely cause.
Last night was our final time with the children. We did devotions with them as usual and wrapped up the week with a physical representation of the gospel message – Bryan acted as Jesus and laid his body down on the ground for Jo to walk across the gap of sin and make it into fellowship with God (played by Christina). After devotions were over, we spent a few minutes taking pictures, receiving letters and small gifts from the children, and saying our tearful goodbyes. These children have for sure taken a special place in our hearts and we will never be the same.
We had an amazing “Bye-Bye Service” with the adults of Kipkaren last night. Representatives from the Training Center, Children’s Home, leadership students, Home-Based Care team, and the missionary community gave speeches and shared the impact that team has left on the community here, then the three pastors on staff prayed for us. We were so touched by their sincerity and kind words…there wasn’t a dry eye in the room! To close, Joshua (our favorite worship leader) started a song and all of our new friends joined in singing in their beautiful Kenyan harmonies. As they sang, they lined up and gave each of us a warm hug, wished us journey mercies, and welcomed us back with a “karibu tena!” We all laughed together as Pastor Peter demonstrated his sweet dance moves, including the motorbike (kickstand, kickstand) and as Bush (the director of the Children’s Home) and Bishop David competed in a jumping contest to the beat of the music. It’s incredible how deep and rich our friendships have become even after only being here for a week. God is so good!
We are so grateful for your continued prayers and comments on the blog. We pray that you are able to get a sense of the amazing things God is allowing us to learn and experience even through our humble and inadequate words. Ben - Roxy misses and loves you too and can’t wait to share all of her exciting and fun memories with you when she gets home. =)
much love,
erin and T.K.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
CA Team - Continuing on!
Greetings and salutations from Team Kenya!! We are together sending this so here are the high points of our last two days.
• Yesterday several of us went on home visits. One of the great experiences of Kenya is to go into homes of Kenyans and see them as they are, to encourage them. It is a great honor for a Kenyan that you would come into their homes. Many of them are HIV positive. And for us it is a great experience to see these local villages and homes. It truly is a life changing experience. Christina adds that it is a great opportunity to pray with people in their own setting.
• Bryan says he got bit by a Black Mamba…but Bryan lies all the time and he’s no weirder than when we arrived…so you make the call.
• We’ve spent a lot of time at the school and the Children’s Home. Our time there continues to be sweet. Erin was sitting on the tire swing with a little one on her lap yesterday…trying to put the child’s hands on the ropes and then tickling her. The laughter and glee were infectious and utterly beautiful. We do a daily devotional with the kids in the evening before dinner. The stories, worship and crafts delight the kids…but surely we are more impacted than they. We wish you could hear their voices raised in worship…see their hands raised and eyes closed. It is heaven.
• Bryan enjoyed very much playing football with the kids yesterday…which begs the question of how he’s faring after the snake bite….
• Kacy adds that her career as a “Jumperoo” paid off as she joined in jump rope games with the girls and excelled. Perhaps her “in your face” attitude when she wins is inappropriate but she seems to be loved anyway…
• Some of us have participated in a Leadership Conference for students and alumni of the Training Center. Brian and his Baba talked on vision and communication, our friend Fernando spoke on challenges in leadership, Amanda talked about being a force in the nation as leaders who seek justice. Kathy closed last night talking about perspective…seeing our life as a whole in God’s story.
• Amanda, who you know was sick the first couple of days, is much recovered. Its good to see color in her cheeks and her voice singing again.
• Ben, Roxy wants to remind you that she will be home on Friday the 21st at about 11:30pm. In fact, to all of you who are picking us up….make note!!
From Team Kenya we send love, hugs and blessings. We are experiencing so much that cannot yet be put into words. Thanks for your ongoing prayers.
T.K.
• Yesterday several of us went on home visits. One of the great experiences of Kenya is to go into homes of Kenyans and see them as they are, to encourage them. It is a great honor for a Kenyan that you would come into their homes. Many of them are HIV positive. And for us it is a great experience to see these local villages and homes. It truly is a life changing experience. Christina adds that it is a great opportunity to pray with people in their own setting.
• Bryan says he got bit by a Black Mamba…but Bryan lies all the time and he’s no weirder than when we arrived…so you make the call.
• We’ve spent a lot of time at the school and the Children’s Home. Our time there continues to be sweet. Erin was sitting on the tire swing with a little one on her lap yesterday…trying to put the child’s hands on the ropes and then tickling her. The laughter and glee were infectious and utterly beautiful. We do a daily devotional with the kids in the evening before dinner. The stories, worship and crafts delight the kids…but surely we are more impacted than they. We wish you could hear their voices raised in worship…see their hands raised and eyes closed. It is heaven.
• Bryan enjoyed very much playing football with the kids yesterday…which begs the question of how he’s faring after the snake bite….
• Kacy adds that her career as a “Jumperoo” paid off as she joined in jump rope games with the girls and excelled. Perhaps her “in your face” attitude when she wins is inappropriate but she seems to be loved anyway…
• Some of us have participated in a Leadership Conference for students and alumni of the Training Center. Brian and his Baba talked on vision and communication, our friend Fernando spoke on challenges in leadership, Amanda talked about being a force in the nation as leaders who seek justice. Kathy closed last night talking about perspective…seeing our life as a whole in God’s story.
• Amanda, who you know was sick the first couple of days, is much recovered. Its good to see color in her cheeks and her voice singing again.
• Ben, Roxy wants to remind you that she will be home on Friday the 21st at about 11:30pm. In fact, to all of you who are picking us up….make note!!
From Team Kenya we send love, hugs and blessings. We are experiencing so much that cannot yet be put into words. Thanks for your ongoing prayers.
T.K.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Christian Assembly - Settling in.
BRYAN SANDS:
Dear family and friends,
From Bryan
All is well and I love my time here. The group and I have been spending a lot of time with the children. They are so precious. They’re not use to seeing other human beings with white skin so every time we get kids around us they are inquisitive and put their hands all over our face and hands attempting to figure us out. The children are so well behaved and respectful to everyone. Yes, it’s true, children can behave!
There are ninety-three children in the orphanage and four sets of parents who are in charge of them. The children stay in separate rooms than the parents and it’s very organized. It’s neat seeing how the older kids take care of the younger kids.
We’ll be in Kipkaren (that’s the village we’re in now) until Friday then we head to Ilula (another African village) for a few days and we’ll top off our journey with a two day safari. Oh and on our way back to the States we’ll stop at a restaurant and I’ll enjoy some giraffe and zebra (and no I don’t think the meat is striped).
I do miss all you youth group students, family and friends. Thank you for your continued prayers while I’m here. I am truly grateful.
Love, Bryan
CAROLYN AND CHRISTINA CONTRERAS:
Greetings Mom, Dad, Sheshe, Meagan, Eddie, Adrienne, and P&P!
Kipkaren is wonderful and we’re doing very well with the toilet and bath situation, we have just about mastered it Kenyan style. We miss and love you all very much. God Bless
Love, Christina and Carolyn
AMANDA MORGAN
Hey everyone! I think by now there’s been a post or two that we have arrived safely and have begun activities with the orphans and others who live at the ELI Center. I wish I had some wonderful stories to share with you all, but unfortunately, God has really been humbling me and the time here so far has been very difficult. I have been pretty sick ever since we arrived, and have spent the majority of each day in bed. It has been challenging to have come all this way and yet feel separate from the team and the wonderful people here. Please pray for God to fully heal me and allow me to join in the events of each day. Please pray specifically for God to heal me of dizziness – I have literally been dizzy 24 hours a day since we arrived last Friday and it is making everything very difficult.
Thank you so much for your prayers…I really feel a great need for them right now. Keep praying, and I hope I can send you stories of fun adventures soon!
Grateful for you,
Amanda
KATHY CHRISTOPHER
So to my family and friends I send my personal greetings and much love. I think of you more than you know as I see and experience so many new and different….and challenging things. The first night here (I was very over-tired and you know that means I’m unraveling), I went to bed and was feeling utterly inadequate for this task…unsure that I had it in me to be whatever I’m supposed to be here. I drew a word of encouragement from the bag Sarah sent with me. It was Micah 6:8. “The Lord has told you what is good. To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Well heck, I can do that! It was such a moment of God showing up to encourage me. I was very, very grateful. Every day has had amazing blessings…holding these children, playing with them, being blessed by them. Every day has also had great personal challenges like feeling totally out of sync with the culture, anxious that I not do the wrong thing, trying to take care of basic human needs…daily necessities…personal stuff…you know what I mean? It ain’t Kohler bathrooms over here….
I just wanted to let you know that I love you. Nikki, Sara and Sarahd, thank you for your thoughtful notes. To each of you who I know is praying for me, thinking of me, missing me, it means the world. I love you and can’t wait to show you these pictures…though I know they cannot capture the fullness of what’s going on here.
I send you greetings from Kenya.
kath
KACY CHAFFIN
Hello everyone!! Thank you so much for your prayers and the support that has led me here to this great adventure! Kenya already has a hold on my heart. (Don’t tell NaNa!) My health has been well and I have slept more here than I have in my entire life! I have developed a love for Chai (Melissa Ailey will be pleased) and am diggin’ the African cuisine. PTL for my hot pink leggings as I adjust to a life of skirts and slips! I’ve befriended a sweet, sweet child named Gloria and her friends are working on teaching us African dances. Prepare yourself for some sweet new moves. Yesterday I went on a home visit and was blessed to see life outside of the community we are staying in and learn about the culture. I even got to see a video of an African wedding!
I am having a wonderful time as God is showing me His character in new ways. I do not yet have words to capture my experience, but am praying that I will internalize the moments here in a way that I will be able to hold on to forever. I love you all and am excited to share stories and pictures! (PS: Sorry Sister. A child stepped on your camera and broke the flash.) Sending you kisses and hugs! Love, Love, LOVE YOU!
ERIN MCLAUGHLIN
Hey friends!! Bwana asifiwe! (That means “Praise the Lord,” and you should be responding with a resounding “AMEN” right about now…) Since we have arrived, I haven’t stopped thinking of the AMPM slogan that says, “Too much good stuff.” From our beautiful welcome to the hilarious time of trying to fly a kite with the kids, the sounds of the church singing praise songs and the river rushing by outside our room to the amazing view of the valley all around us, the hugs from our brothers and sisters here that are full of warmth and love to the sweet moments of rocking my new little orphan friend as she sleeps peacefully on my chest, my heart is full.
Mom, Dad, you may not be too excited about this, but I feel once again like my heart has come home. I still very much feel like a kid eating Thanksgiving dinner at the grown-ups table for the first time, but I know even more now that my place with ELI is a gift from God and that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Thank you so much for your prayers! Please continue to pray for unity, health, and safety for our team, that we would be diligent in listening and responding to God’s direction for each day we are here, and that we would have open hearts to process all the amazing things we are experiencing and clearly hear what God is trying to teach us.
Oh, and good news everyone: No new parasites as of yet! (but I’ll keep you posted…)
much love,
erin
Joann Saraceno
To the Saraceno clan and Friends
Woo-hoo! I am in Kenya!!!!!
Praise the Lord! [Amen!]
Praise the Lord, again! [Amen]
Hmmmmmmmm I am told to keep this short so……….. Just some things for you to ask me and I’ll tell you about :
• The plane ride and God’s blessings w/ the seating arrangements and those I sat next to
• The toilet adventures and the advantages of dropping something in the toilet and not having to worry about it clogging up the drain (the downside… the item is non-retrievabe!!0
• The Kenyan shower…. Which I will attempt to do in our drought state ….however… the first shower was a little awkward… me in my birthday suit and the door flying open!!! Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord….
• Fab food
• Even more fab…. The music!!!! Yippie I love the music!!
• The Kenyan people very welcoming both the adults and the children; I am finally getting and giving my daily dose of hugs
The life is not fast paced at all, very peaceful!!
I spent sometime in the class room…. Awesome! Rose you would love it! The kids are very well behaved and the teachers do not spend any time babysitting…. They teach! Almost all lessons are taught in English!!!
God is sooooooooooooo visible; in this compound, God rules and the successes are because of Him. This place is a place of hope. The children thrive because they are loved and they know the King of Kings!
I’ve exceeded my space….. I love you all;
Remember who you are!
Rafiki and Mike start saving your money…. You’re next!! God has take care of the anxiety stuff…. I only threw up twice!! Right on!
Happy Birthday Pam
Love hugs and Blessings,
Ho
For whom the Son sets free shall be free indeed! Ciao.
ROXY
Hello and love to all of my friends and family. I send greetings!
Dear family and friends,
From Bryan
All is well and I love my time here. The group and I have been spending a lot of time with the children. They are so precious. They’re not use to seeing other human beings with white skin so every time we get kids around us they are inquisitive and put their hands all over our face and hands attempting to figure us out. The children are so well behaved and respectful to everyone. Yes, it’s true, children can behave!
There are ninety-three children in the orphanage and four sets of parents who are in charge of them. The children stay in separate rooms than the parents and it’s very organized. It’s neat seeing how the older kids take care of the younger kids.
We’ll be in Kipkaren (that’s the village we’re in now) until Friday then we head to Ilula (another African village) for a few days and we’ll top off our journey with a two day safari. Oh and on our way back to the States we’ll stop at a restaurant and I’ll enjoy some giraffe and zebra (and no I don’t think the meat is striped).
I do miss all you youth group students, family and friends. Thank you for your continued prayers while I’m here. I am truly grateful.
Love, Bryan
CAROLYN AND CHRISTINA CONTRERAS:
Greetings Mom, Dad, Sheshe, Meagan, Eddie, Adrienne, and P&P!
Kipkaren is wonderful and we’re doing very well with the toilet and bath situation, we have just about mastered it Kenyan style. We miss and love you all very much. God Bless
Love, Christina and Carolyn
AMANDA MORGAN
Hey everyone! I think by now there’s been a post or two that we have arrived safely and have begun activities with the orphans and others who live at the ELI Center. I wish I had some wonderful stories to share with you all, but unfortunately, God has really been humbling me and the time here so far has been very difficult. I have been pretty sick ever since we arrived, and have spent the majority of each day in bed. It has been challenging to have come all this way and yet feel separate from the team and the wonderful people here. Please pray for God to fully heal me and allow me to join in the events of each day. Please pray specifically for God to heal me of dizziness – I have literally been dizzy 24 hours a day since we arrived last Friday and it is making everything very difficult.
Thank you so much for your prayers…I really feel a great need for them right now. Keep praying, and I hope I can send you stories of fun adventures soon!
Grateful for you,
Amanda
KATHY CHRISTOPHER
So to my family and friends I send my personal greetings and much love. I think of you more than you know as I see and experience so many new and different….and challenging things. The first night here (I was very over-tired and you know that means I’m unraveling), I went to bed and was feeling utterly inadequate for this task…unsure that I had it in me to be whatever I’m supposed to be here. I drew a word of encouragement from the bag Sarah sent with me. It was Micah 6:8. “The Lord has told you what is good. To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Well heck, I can do that! It was such a moment of God showing up to encourage me. I was very, very grateful. Every day has had amazing blessings…holding these children, playing with them, being blessed by them. Every day has also had great personal challenges like feeling totally out of sync with the culture, anxious that I not do the wrong thing, trying to take care of basic human needs…daily necessities…personal stuff…you know what I mean? It ain’t Kohler bathrooms over here….
I just wanted to let you know that I love you. Nikki, Sara and Sarahd, thank you for your thoughtful notes. To each of you who I know is praying for me, thinking of me, missing me, it means the world. I love you and can’t wait to show you these pictures…though I know they cannot capture the fullness of what’s going on here.
I send you greetings from Kenya.
kath
KACY CHAFFIN
Hello everyone!! Thank you so much for your prayers and the support that has led me here to this great adventure! Kenya already has a hold on my heart. (Don’t tell NaNa!) My health has been well and I have slept more here than I have in my entire life! I have developed a love for Chai (Melissa Ailey will be pleased) and am diggin’ the African cuisine. PTL for my hot pink leggings as I adjust to a life of skirts and slips! I’ve befriended a sweet, sweet child named Gloria and her friends are working on teaching us African dances. Prepare yourself for some sweet new moves. Yesterday I went on a home visit and was blessed to see life outside of the community we are staying in and learn about the culture. I even got to see a video of an African wedding!
I am having a wonderful time as God is showing me His character in new ways. I do not yet have words to capture my experience, but am praying that I will internalize the moments here in a way that I will be able to hold on to forever. I love you all and am excited to share stories and pictures! (PS: Sorry Sister. A child stepped on your camera and broke the flash.) Sending you kisses and hugs! Love, Love, LOVE YOU!
ERIN MCLAUGHLIN
Hey friends!! Bwana asifiwe! (That means “Praise the Lord,” and you should be responding with a resounding “AMEN” right about now…) Since we have arrived, I haven’t stopped thinking of the AMPM slogan that says, “Too much good stuff.” From our beautiful welcome to the hilarious time of trying to fly a kite with the kids, the sounds of the church singing praise songs and the river rushing by outside our room to the amazing view of the valley all around us, the hugs from our brothers and sisters here that are full of warmth and love to the sweet moments of rocking my new little orphan friend as she sleeps peacefully on my chest, my heart is full.
Mom, Dad, you may not be too excited about this, but I feel once again like my heart has come home. I still very much feel like a kid eating Thanksgiving dinner at the grown-ups table for the first time, but I know even more now that my place with ELI is a gift from God and that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Thank you so much for your prayers! Please continue to pray for unity, health, and safety for our team, that we would be diligent in listening and responding to God’s direction for each day we are here, and that we would have open hearts to process all the amazing things we are experiencing and clearly hear what God is trying to teach us.
Oh, and good news everyone: No new parasites as of yet! (but I’ll keep you posted…)
much love,
erin
Joann Saraceno
To the Saraceno clan and Friends
Woo-hoo! I am in Kenya!!!!!
Praise the Lord! [Amen!]
Praise the Lord, again! [Amen]
Hmmmmmmmm I am told to keep this short so……….. Just some things for you to ask me and I’ll tell you about :
• The plane ride and God’s blessings w/ the seating arrangements and those I sat next to
• The toilet adventures and the advantages of dropping something in the toilet and not having to worry about it clogging up the drain (the downside… the item is non-retrievabe!!0
• The Kenyan shower…. Which I will attempt to do in our drought state ….however… the first shower was a little awkward… me in my birthday suit and the door flying open!!! Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord….
• Fab food
• Even more fab…. The music!!!! Yippie I love the music!!
• The Kenyan people very welcoming both the adults and the children; I am finally getting and giving my daily dose of hugs
The life is not fast paced at all, very peaceful!!
I spent sometime in the class room…. Awesome! Rose you would love it! The kids are very well behaved and the teachers do not spend any time babysitting…. They teach! Almost all lessons are taught in English!!!
God is sooooooooooooo visible; in this compound, God rules and the successes are because of Him. This place is a place of hope. The children thrive because they are loved and they know the King of Kings!
I’ve exceeded my space….. I love you all;
Remember who you are!
Rafiki and Mike start saving your money…. You’re next!! God has take care of the anxiety stuff…. I only threw up twice!! Right on!
Happy Birthday Pam
Love hugs and Blessings,
Ho
For whom the Son sets free shall be free indeed! Ciao.
ROXY
Hello and love to all of my friends and family. I send greetings!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Greetings from the CA Team
Jambo! Greetings!!
As you've been told, we have arrived safely. So much has happened that it would be difficult to convey all of it, but on behalf of the team I will try to give you a taste of our life thus far.
Our journey was approximately 32 hours long...waiting, airplane, waiting, airplane, wild ride through Nairobi, SMALL plane (wee-haa!), wild van ride from Eldoret to Kipkaren Children's Home and Training Center. By end of day on Friday we were zombies. Gratefully, God's promise is true: His mercies are new every morning. On Saturday we awoke to sunshine, breakfast and shining faces...theirs and ours!
While individual stories will come when we return home, I will try to give you a picture of what we've been doing. We have spent several hours a day at the Children's Home worshipping and playing with the children. They truly are so amazing. They worship God with such abandoned and love to sing. They are inspiring to watch and to follow. These children show so much love and care...they love to hold our hand and to sit on your lap. They show respect and affection together.
Christina, Caroline, Amanda, Casey and Roxy did a wonderful job of leading games for the children on Saturday afternoon. Bryan and Brian played soccer with the boys and a good time was had by all. Joanne is amazing at connecting with everyone, adults and children alike. Kathy was assigned the cameras which was so much fun. The kids loved to see their pictures on the digital camera...they are NOT camera shy!
We were given a full tour of the Children's Home and the school. What an amazing work they are doing here...with so much love and integrity. I'll let each team member give you the low down on how they operate the Home. Its amazing.
This morning the team hosted the Sunday School for the children from the Home as well as local children. The girls (noted above) did a fabulous job of telling the story of David and teaching the children "He Knows My Name." It was wonderful. The morning church service (over 3 hours!) was such a grand experience. They sing their hearts out...children and adults...in genuine pure worship. Many are called upon to share their testimony and then there is a brief message from the Word. Today Kathy was asked to bring it (scary!). God is faithful and the translator was very good. Most of the community speaks English, but Swahili is most comfortable for them, so everything is done in both languages. It truly felt like the Church as God sees it...all kinds of people together worshipping Him.
The food has been good...and very different. Fernando, a visitor here with APU missionaries, made salsa yesterday and you would have thought he had discovered the cure for cancer! We praised him embarrassingly and savored every bite. I'll withhold sharing on the bathroom and shower facilities...ask us when we get home!
It is Sunday afternoon here...some of us have gone to the market (Fernando has orders for more salsa!), some to a home visit, and some are taking their Sabbath fully to rest. We are so very grateful for your prayers and love. We feel them and cherish them.
Every team member sends their love to family and friends. Kristen, Isaiah and Hope: Brian/daddy sends love. Budd...I miss you. And personally to every one of you family members and friends we send greeting and love. Perhaps on the next blog we will have opportunity for personal messages...I'll see how we can do that. Wayne ('Baba Brian'...Brian's dad)is a wonderful, kind presence among us.
From Team CA here in Kipkaren, we send love, greetings and gratitude.
Bwana asifiwei (God Bless you).
kathy
As you've been told, we have arrived safely. So much has happened that it would be difficult to convey all of it, but on behalf of the team I will try to give you a taste of our life thus far.
Our journey was approximately 32 hours long...waiting, airplane, waiting, airplane, wild ride through Nairobi, SMALL plane (wee-haa!), wild van ride from Eldoret to Kipkaren Children's Home and Training Center. By end of day on Friday we were zombies. Gratefully, God's promise is true: His mercies are new every morning. On Saturday we awoke to sunshine, breakfast and shining faces...theirs and ours!
While individual stories will come when we return home, I will try to give you a picture of what we've been doing. We have spent several hours a day at the Children's Home worshipping and playing with the children. They truly are so amazing. They worship God with such abandoned and love to sing. They are inspiring to watch and to follow. These children show so much love and care...they love to hold our hand and to sit on your lap. They show respect and affection together.
Christina, Caroline, Amanda, Casey and Roxy did a wonderful job of leading games for the children on Saturday afternoon. Bryan and Brian played soccer with the boys and a good time was had by all. Joanne is amazing at connecting with everyone, adults and children alike. Kathy was assigned the cameras which was so much fun. The kids loved to see their pictures on the digital camera...they are NOT camera shy!
We were given a full tour of the Children's Home and the school. What an amazing work they are doing here...with so much love and integrity. I'll let each team member give you the low down on how they operate the Home. Its amazing.
This morning the team hosted the Sunday School for the children from the Home as well as local children. The girls (noted above) did a fabulous job of telling the story of David and teaching the children "He Knows My Name." It was wonderful. The morning church service (over 3 hours!) was such a grand experience. They sing their hearts out...children and adults...in genuine pure worship. Many are called upon to share their testimony and then there is a brief message from the Word. Today Kathy was asked to bring it (scary!). God is faithful and the translator was very good. Most of the community speaks English, but Swahili is most comfortable for them, so everything is done in both languages. It truly felt like the Church as God sees it...all kinds of people together worshipping Him.
The food has been good...and very different. Fernando, a visitor here with APU missionaries, made salsa yesterday and you would have thought he had discovered the cure for cancer! We praised him embarrassingly and savored every bite. I'll withhold sharing on the bathroom and shower facilities...ask us when we get home!
It is Sunday afternoon here...some of us have gone to the market (Fernando has orders for more salsa!), some to a home visit, and some are taking their Sabbath fully to rest. We are so very grateful for your prayers and love. We feel them and cherish them.
Every team member sends their love to family and friends. Kristen, Isaiah and Hope: Brian/daddy sends love. Budd...I miss you. And personally to every one of you family members and friends we send greeting and love. Perhaps on the next blog we will have opportunity for personal messages...I'll see how we can do that. Wayne ('Baba Brian'...Brian's dad)is a wonderful, kind presence among us.
From Team CA here in Kipkaren, we send love, greetings and gratitude.
Bwana asifiwei (God Bless you).
kathy
Friday, September 07, 2007
CA: Safely in Kipkaren
Just a short note: The CA team has arrived safely in Kipkaren. I haven't seen them or talked to them but am merely relaying a message from the team in Kipkaren. I'll have the team write an update tomorrow when I'm in Kipkaren.
~ Adele, for the team
~ Adele, for the team
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
Northside - Loving the Youth Camp!
We have had an absolutely amazing youth camp. Doug has been sweating off 20 pounds playing Football (Soccer) with the kids and tonight he completely acted out the story of Jonah to the children at the Children’s Home. It was quite a show. Joe has been turning his years of Crown Ministry training into a Kenya relative message that teaches the glory of God through our work ethic. Karen has created a special bond with one of the Kenyan interpreters named Ruth. PS, she is an amazing Frisbee player. Tammy got to visit with Jen today and she sends her love to Linda and Liz. Cosmos misses all the teams from the past mentioning all of you by name. Kyoko and Kelly made bead necklaces with the children in the Children’s Home and they went absolutely crazy over this simple gift. Kyoko and Kelly are wondering if they are saved anymore because Kelly has a lip ring and Kyoko wears an anklet (they are still learning the culture). Tomorrow we finish up our teaching, which is going to be a nice conclusion after 9 times of teaching. This morning I was able to speak to the entire camp about Discipleship using many of my favorite illustrations. The Kenya students listen witch such intensity and take notes like I have never seen before. What a wonderful experience.
The youth camp is speeding by and soon we will be heading to Eldoret to visit another Empowering Lives children home. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Nobody is sick, everyone is having huge moments of successful conversations about Christ and the team unity is strong.
-Hopper
Ps. Our new African Names:
Kelly Taylor: Kelly Chepkoech (born at noontime)
Kyoko Kamada: Kyoko Chebichii (difficult birth)
David Hopper: Arap Birir (Red Bull)
Joe Terrill: Arap Too (born when visitors are around)
Karen Terrill: Nebo Arap Too (Mrs. Visitors)
Doug Taylor: Arap Legat (Mr. Tonight)
Tammy Taylor: Nebo Arap Legat (Mrs. Tonight)
The youth camp is speeding by and soon we will be heading to Eldoret to visit another Empowering Lives children home. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Nobody is sick, everyone is having huge moments of successful conversations about Christ and the team unity is strong.
-Hopper
Ps. Our new African Names:
Kelly Taylor: Kelly Chepkoech (born at noontime)
Kyoko Kamada: Kyoko Chebichii (difficult birth)
David Hopper: Arap Birir (Red Bull)
Joe Terrill: Arap Too (born when visitors are around)
Karen Terrill: Nebo Arap Too (Mrs. Visitors)
Doug Taylor: Arap Legat (Mr. Tonight)
Tammy Taylor: Nebo Arap Legat (Mrs. Tonight)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Northside- An Amazing Journey!
Wow…what an amazing journey. On Monday we went to the Children’s Home with 90 plus children between the ages 3 to 12. They ran up to us, held us, loved us and wanted to spend every second with us. What an incredible feeling of love. It was unconditional and instant, something I have never felt so powerfully, so quick. I immediately wanted to be with them for as long as possible. I looked at their love and joy and wished the world could be just like this. Each day we have been able to be love to them as they have been so much love to us.
On Tuesday we met a missionary by the name of Ezekiel. He is from Kenya and he is here talking with Empowering Lives about a refugee camp in southern Sudan that they want to empower like what has been done here. It was overwhelming to see this Kenyan Missionary wanting to be a missionary to a place with 100’s of thousands of refugees desiring Christ and fighting against a Muslim force that is spreading fast. The Muslims have dedicated to turn Africa into an Islamic Continent and to do this they are really targeting Kenya right now. They just signed a treaty with Kenya’s president in which Lybia has agreed to supply Kenya with oil in exchange for the rights to build a mosque every 50 kilometers from Nairobi to Mombassa. We definitely need to be praying for this country. It was beautiful to see the full circle of a missionary program sending out people from the nation they are in to surrounding nations with the gospel. It is so tough to see the real battle going on between two religions with one side fully aware and sending mass amounts of money, energy, manpower and time to the battle while the Christians are sending little time, money, energy, and manpower to do the same. The Harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. The power of God uses our little bit to battle a huge enemy.
Today we went to the Medical Clinic and saw the new wing they have built. This is a diamond in the rough as the community looks to this clinic for medical, dental, and eye care, AIDS testing and treatment, and every other disease you can imagine. This beautiful dream is making a difference in this community and as we walk these dirt roads we talk to person after person whose life has been change by Empowering Lives’ dedication. This morning as I woke up at 4:30am for like the third day in a row I talked to the night watchman who had battled alcoholism his whole life until he met the Director David Taurus of Empowering Lives who showed him Jesus, walked with him for a year and then offered him a job. He spoke all morning about how many lives have been changed by Jesus in this place.
Tonight the youth begin to arrive (15-25 year olds) as we begin a youth camp. It is funny to me that I am leading a youth camp…you try to get out but they pull you back in…lol We are so excited to begin teaching, singing, playing and showing the love of Jesus for the next 5 days.
Continue to pray for us, it has been working. No one is sick, no one is complaining, we are seeing Jesus move and every hour that passes is more joyful than the one before. Thank you for your prayers.
-Hopper
On Tuesday we met a missionary by the name of Ezekiel. He is from Kenya and he is here talking with Empowering Lives about a refugee camp in southern Sudan that they want to empower like what has been done here. It was overwhelming to see this Kenyan Missionary wanting to be a missionary to a place with 100’s of thousands of refugees desiring Christ and fighting against a Muslim force that is spreading fast. The Muslims have dedicated to turn Africa into an Islamic Continent and to do this they are really targeting Kenya right now. They just signed a treaty with Kenya’s president in which Lybia has agreed to supply Kenya with oil in exchange for the rights to build a mosque every 50 kilometers from Nairobi to Mombassa. We definitely need to be praying for this country. It was beautiful to see the full circle of a missionary program sending out people from the nation they are in to surrounding nations with the gospel. It is so tough to see the real battle going on between two religions with one side fully aware and sending mass amounts of money, energy, manpower and time to the battle while the Christians are sending little time, money, energy, and manpower to do the same. The Harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. The power of God uses our little bit to battle a huge enemy.
Today we went to the Medical Clinic and saw the new wing they have built. This is a diamond in the rough as the community looks to this clinic for medical, dental, and eye care, AIDS testing and treatment, and every other disease you can imagine. This beautiful dream is making a difference in this community and as we walk these dirt roads we talk to person after person whose life has been change by Empowering Lives’ dedication. This morning as I woke up at 4:30am for like the third day in a row I talked to the night watchman who had battled alcoholism his whole life until he met the Director David Taurus of Empowering Lives who showed him Jesus, walked with him for a year and then offered him a job. He spoke all morning about how many lives have been changed by Jesus in this place.
Tonight the youth begin to arrive (15-25 year olds) as we begin a youth camp. It is funny to me that I am leading a youth camp…you try to get out but they pull you back in…lol We are so excited to begin teaching, singing, playing and showing the love of Jesus for the next 5 days.
Continue to pray for us, it has been working. No one is sick, no one is complaining, we are seeing Jesus move and every hour that passes is more joyful than the one before. Thank you for your prayers.
-Hopper
Monday, August 13, 2007
Northside - We Made It!
WOW! We just arrived at the Kipkaren site it is 1pm Monday Aug. 13th. That is a very long journey indeed...5 flights and 1 long drive but what an amazing place. We were greeted by 92 plus children singing and welcoming us to the camp. Wednesday we are expecting 500 students to be at the youth camp. The compound itself is something quite unique helping surrounding communities grow food and make a living off the land and resources that surround them. This last weekend they also tested over 700 people for Aids and are helping in the fight against this global killer. The flights are long and annoying but to see God using this place and us in sharing Christ through word and action is truly a joy and honor indeed. Thank you for your continued support and prayer. -Hopper
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Orange Coast: Let the children come...
Bwana asifiwe! (Praise the Lord!) We hear these words many times a day and truly they are ringing praises to our amazing God. I just don’t have the time to write down every blessing that has been poured upon us during this leg of our trip. We arrived in Ilula on Monday and spent today with the kids camp. It will go from Tuesday – Friday and our team will be doing the teaching Wednesday and Thursday.
When we prepared for this trip, we thought 200-250 children would arrive… possibly 300. We brought supplies for a little over 300 in each of the training centers. You can’t imagine our surprise when 420 children showed up yesterday! What a praise that God has called so many kids to join us. Now they are expecting even more (possibly 500) kids today and the following days.
When we were in Kipkaren, we thought there would be 250 – 300 kids but we ended up only doing a program for the 96 kids in the children’s home. That means we had 200 craft items and tooth brushes left over that we brought to Ilula. That makes 500!! God is SOOOOOO good.
This is just a glimpse of the blessings we are experiencing ministering here with ELI. We’ve had the opportunity to spend time with the kids in the home after dinner as well. Some of the kids have such a sad past, but there is so much love and unity within the homes. You can definitely see the love of Christ! If you haven’t ever been here, you should really pray about coming. I know you will be blessed.
Please pray for our time Wed and Thursday. We will be splitting into 5 groups. (about 100 kids per group). Pray that we will allow the Holy Spirit to direct our time and that we will be able to work in harmony with one another.
God bless you all!!
Linda Endo
For the Orange Coast Free Methodist Church team
(Brenda, Zack, Kaylee, Donna and Linda)
When we prepared for this trip, we thought 200-250 children would arrive… possibly 300. We brought supplies for a little over 300 in each of the training centers. You can’t imagine our surprise when 420 children showed up yesterday! What a praise that God has called so many kids to join us. Now they are expecting even more (possibly 500) kids today and the following days.
When we were in Kipkaren, we thought there would be 250 – 300 kids but we ended up only doing a program for the 96 kids in the children’s home. That means we had 200 craft items and tooth brushes left over that we brought to Ilula. That makes 500!! God is SOOOOOO good.
This is just a glimpse of the blessings we are experiencing ministering here with ELI. We’ve had the opportunity to spend time with the kids in the home after dinner as well. Some of the kids have such a sad past, but there is so much love and unity within the homes. You can definitely see the love of Christ! If you haven’t ever been here, you should really pray about coming. I know you will be blessed.
Please pray for our time Wed and Thursday. We will be splitting into 5 groups. (about 100 kids per group). Pray that we will allow the Holy Spirit to direct our time and that we will be able to work in harmony with one another.
God bless you all!!
Linda Endo
For the Orange Coast Free Methodist Church team
(Brenda, Zack, Kaylee, Donna and Linda)
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Orange Coast Team- Greetings from Kipkaren!
Hello from Kipkaren!!
We are praising God that we are having a safe journey and are feeling so warmly welcomed by the staff. The children, parents and staff welcomed us with singing and flowers. We have been going on home visits and enjoying walking the Kenyan roads and meeting people along the way. The people have been so kind and welcomed us into their homes. We are all doing well and have been busy being part of the ministry here in Kenya. We have limited access to the internet so I am passing on a message from the team.
Zack says he’s having fun and Kaylee and Zack are both enjoying the rain. We all agree that the food is good!! Kaylee is enjoying playing “Down by the Banks” with the girls at the children’s home and Zack (aka Dr. Doolittle) has made friends with the guard dogs and has even rescued a baby chick from the mud.
The children at the homes have such a tragic past. Many are AIDS orphans while others are victims of war, poverty or abuse. Today, these children are happy and surrounded by loving parents and ELI staff.
It’s so hard to explain how amazing the staff is here at ELI. The apostle Paul said “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:1-5).” The staff here serve with such joy. Even those who have very little themselves give unselfishly and work tirelessly for others.
Prayer Requests:
• Please pray for the children here to get new clothes. Their current ones are thread-bare.
• They are having another AIDS campaign. These campaigns have brought awareness of the disease to the community. They have encouraged people to be tested and to speak openly if they are affected. They are given treatment and loved on by the local churches. They are already seeing a decrease in the area as more and more people are understanding the disease and willing to accept their situation.
• We will be having a special program for the children tomorrow. We are each leading a different part of the program.
God bless you and thank you all for your prayer and support.
Mungu awabariki (God bless you all),
Linda, Brenda, Zack, Kaylee and Donna
We are praising God that we are having a safe journey and are feeling so warmly welcomed by the staff. The children, parents and staff welcomed us with singing and flowers. We have been going on home visits and enjoying walking the Kenyan roads and meeting people along the way. The people have been so kind and welcomed us into their homes. We are all doing well and have been busy being part of the ministry here in Kenya. We have limited access to the internet so I am passing on a message from the team.
Zack says he’s having fun and Kaylee and Zack are both enjoying the rain. We all agree that the food is good!! Kaylee is enjoying playing “Down by the Banks” with the girls at the children’s home and Zack (aka Dr. Doolittle) has made friends with the guard dogs and has even rescued a baby chick from the mud.
The children at the homes have such a tragic past. Many are AIDS orphans while others are victims of war, poverty or abuse. Today, these children are happy and surrounded by loving parents and ELI staff.
It’s so hard to explain how amazing the staff is here at ELI. The apostle Paul said “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:1-5).” The staff here serve with such joy. Even those who have very little themselves give unselfishly and work tirelessly for others.
Prayer Requests:
• Please pray for the children here to get new clothes. Their current ones are thread-bare.
• They are having another AIDS campaign. These campaigns have brought awareness of the disease to the community. They have encouraged people to be tested and to speak openly if they are affected. They are given treatment and loved on by the local churches. They are already seeing a decrease in the area as more and more people are understanding the disease and willing to accept their situation.
• We will be having a special program for the children tomorrow. We are each leading a different part of the program.
God bless you and thank you all for your prayer and support.
Mungu awabariki (God bless you all),
Linda, Brenda, Zack, Kaylee and Donna
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Bethany Bible- Scott Shares
This maybe our last update. Yesterday six of us went to Ilula, the other training center run by ELI. Ilula is where they make the bread ovens, have the windmill and many of the other projects we have heard Don Rogers talk about. But Ilula is close to Eldoret, the closet main city. We all voted and agreed that Kipkaren was a better location for us. While the six of us were at Ilula, Ann and Charlotte went with the Mobile Health Clinic. They treated tons of kids. When the surrounding villages heard that there was someone who could help with physical disabilities was coming, they came in droves. Many came with severe disabilities and expected Charlotte to perform miracles. Sounds like the ladies dished out tons of compassion and did assist in the cases where they could. Today the whole team walked to the “Jesus Bridge” that Don has shared about. It was a neat feeling to see the simple bridge that has brought so much of Jesus’ love to this area. David, the director at Kipkaren, retold us the story of the bridge. About how they used to show the Jesus film along the river and the people on the other side would sing “build us a bridge to Jesus.” Tomorrow we leave for a one day safari and then our time in Kenya is over. The others will fly out of Nairobi on Sunday and arrive in Los Angeles on Monday. Ann, Rebekah and I will go to Uganda to visit Ann’s sister and family. We should arrive home Thursday. God has been so good. Everyone has experienced good health.
Scott
(Just a little story! Last night we were eating dinner at David, the director’s home when Kierra, one of the missionaries walked to a darker section of the living room and said, “I think there’s a spider on the floor, a large spider! David walked over and stepped on a turanchela (sp?) walking towards our dinner party. The ladies decided they were going to check their room well before going to sleep!)
Scott
(Just a little story! Last night we were eating dinner at David, the director’s home when Kierra, one of the missionaries walked to a darker section of the living room and said, “I think there’s a spider on the floor, a large spider! David walked over and stepped on a turanchela (sp?) walking towards our dinner party. The ladies decided they were going to check their room well before going to sleep!)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Dave Speaking
It is Tuesday morning, and Bryan, Ashlea, and Joyce are planting Kale seedlings in the garden. Kim and I are waiting to start day two of our community marriage conference. On Saturday, we discussed communication in the marriage and had a very good question and answer session. We are learning that communication within the marriage is an area where there is a struggle, so please be in prayer that what is talked about will be able to be applied to strengthen marriages.
It was exciting for Kim and I on Friday to see one of the staff had finished a three page letter to his wife, something that took him out of his comfort zone because he had never done something like that before.
On Monday we all took a trip to Kipkaren. It is completely different than two years ago when we were there. It is exciting to see how God has taken the vision that Don Rogers spoke about five years ago at KCC and has made it a reality. It was wonderful to see old friends and spend some time with them. Dorcas who was our cook two years ago is now married and is a house parent in the Children’s Home. They have a son, Brian. The clinic now has a new wing for eye care and dentistry. The children’s home and school has opened. The kitchen is now a computer room and they have a wonderful indoor kitchen. God has blessed them!
We are all in prayer for one of the children who has been sick this past week, he normally has a lot of energy, but is very tired and his stomach hurts, so please be in prayer for him. It has been a blessing to have God use me has an example both by what I say and the actions I have shown and how the Kenyans have been able to show me where I still need to grow in my walk with Christ.
Bwana Asifiwe
(Praise the Lord)
It was exciting for Kim and I on Friday to see one of the staff had finished a three page letter to his wife, something that took him out of his comfort zone because he had never done something like that before.
On Monday we all took a trip to Kipkaren. It is completely different than two years ago when we were there. It is exciting to see how God has taken the vision that Don Rogers spoke about five years ago at KCC and has made it a reality. It was wonderful to see old friends and spend some time with them. Dorcas who was our cook two years ago is now married and is a house parent in the Children’s Home. They have a son, Brian. The clinic now has a new wing for eye care and dentistry. The children’s home and school has opened. The kitchen is now a computer room and they have a wonderful indoor kitchen. God has blessed them!
We are all in prayer for one of the children who has been sick this past week, he normally has a lot of energy, but is very tired and his stomach hurts, so please be in prayer for him. It has been a blessing to have God use me has an example both by what I say and the actions I have shown and how the Kenyans have been able to show me where I still need to grow in my walk with Christ.
Bwana Asifiwe
(Praise the Lord)
Bethany Bible- From the heart of Rebekah
My dad challenged us to try and express our feelings in a poem because it touches people’s hearts more, since we are relational beings. Now I am no poet but I think God blessed me with the words to express myself and I wanted to share it with you as well. Love, Rebekah
My Africa
I cry for you my Africa,
I must shed a tear,
I have heard your tragic story,
And closed my heart in fear.
Confusion overtakes me,
As my emotions ebb and flow,
How can you say God is good?
Or what you reap is what you sow?
Pain fills your life song,
A humble melody,
Yet with God as your refuge,
You sing harmony.
With a rhythmic dance,
Your passion overflows,
For this God of compassion,
I hardly seem to know.
The notes of your past,
Have left an open door,
To see the heart of God,
To serve and love Him more.
Can this be envy,
That creeps inside of me?
For though my tune is sweet,
It seems somehow empty.
So my Africa,
I want to tell you this,
Though I came to help and serve,
You’ve shown me what I’ve missed.
Glory be to God,
For how you’ve touched my life,
Teaching me to be filled with joy,
In the face of strife.
Asante, my Africa
I’m just so overwhelmed.
My Africa
I cry for you my Africa,
I must shed a tear,
I have heard your tragic story,
And closed my heart in fear.
Confusion overtakes me,
As my emotions ebb and flow,
How can you say God is good?
Or what you reap is what you sow?
Pain fills your life song,
A humble melody,
Yet with God as your refuge,
You sing harmony.
With a rhythmic dance,
Your passion overflows,
For this God of compassion,
I hardly seem to know.
The notes of your past,
Have left an open door,
To see the heart of God,
To serve and love Him more.
Can this be envy,
That creeps inside of me?
For though my tune is sweet,
It seems somehow empty.
So my Africa,
I want to tell you this,
Though I came to help and serve,
You’ve shown me what I’ve missed.
Glory be to God,
For how you’ve touched my life,
Teaching me to be filled with joy,
In the face of strife.
Asante, my Africa
I’m just so overwhelmed.
Bethany Bible- Ida Reporting
The beauty of Kip Karen reminds me of Wisconsin…how awesome is our CREATOR….We have had to get used to doing things in primitive ways….even as we ready ourselves for the day…..and it seems to say to us all that the people of Africa seem to look deep within our hearts and are more in touch with who the LORD created us to be than we are ourselves our.
My heart still seems to be with the Samaritan Women but much has transpired within their group. Suzie lost her 18 year old son as he was riding his bicycle ….the traffic on the streets between those riding their bicycles and the cars and trucks make it amazing that so many of us survived…The funeral was last week but because of their culture we did not have the freedom to comfort her. Mary seems to be the only one who has succeeded in her business of making jewelry; thus some have gone back into their previous life. Please keep Mary, Rose, Suzie, Phonice, Marizia and Gloria in your prayers for I am convinced that our GOD can do the great and awesome things within their lives for He is all powerful.
We have visited those that are HIV positive. How they hunger just for the touch of another human and are so grateful the Lord has sent us. We have gone out with the men from the AA group and last week Peter prayed to accept Christ as he prayed with Tom, Wilson and I. Only the Lord knows the hearts of the people but He does promise us that His Word will accomplish His purpose Please keep him in your prayers and the others in the village who have such a huge struggle with alcohol. Many, including the staff of ELI, have been delivered from the deep spiritual darkness that surrounds Africa, but because of the depth of where they have come from they seem to have a freedom that we each long for as they praise God.
A great need here seems to be to help finance the Nationals as they reach out to the people of the villages and the surrounding area. Many make less per day than it would cost us to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks and thus they cannot afford to send their children to the school at ELI. My prayer also would be that Stone and Wilson who head up AA would have bibles to give to those that make a decision for CHRIST.
In the early evening a double rainbow appeared. Perhaps it is a reminder to us that our GOD truly does keep his promises and has an awesome love for His people throughout the world.
Ida
My heart still seems to be with the Samaritan Women but much has transpired within their group. Suzie lost her 18 year old son as he was riding his bicycle ….the traffic on the streets between those riding their bicycles and the cars and trucks make it amazing that so many of us survived…The funeral was last week but because of their culture we did not have the freedom to comfort her. Mary seems to be the only one who has succeeded in her business of making jewelry; thus some have gone back into their previous life. Please keep Mary, Rose, Suzie, Phonice, Marizia and Gloria in your prayers for I am convinced that our GOD can do the great and awesome things within their lives for He is all powerful.
We have visited those that are HIV positive. How they hunger just for the touch of another human and are so grateful the Lord has sent us. We have gone out with the men from the AA group and last week Peter prayed to accept Christ as he prayed with Tom, Wilson and I. Only the Lord knows the hearts of the people but He does promise us that His Word will accomplish His purpose Please keep him in your prayers and the others in the village who have such a huge struggle with alcohol. Many, including the staff of ELI, have been delivered from the deep spiritual darkness that surrounds Africa, but because of the depth of where they have come from they seem to have a freedom that we each long for as they praise God.
A great need here seems to be to help finance the Nationals as they reach out to the people of the villages and the surrounding area. Many make less per day than it would cost us to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks and thus they cannot afford to send their children to the school at ELI. My prayer also would be that Stone and Wilson who head up AA would have bibles to give to those that make a decision for CHRIST.
In the early evening a double rainbow appeared. Perhaps it is a reminder to us that our GOD truly does keep his promises and has an awesome love for His people throughout the world.
Ida
Monday, July 23, 2007
Bethany Bible- Carolyn Reports
Jambo, rafiki!
We are enjoying another afternoon rain shower as I type. We do wish that somehow we could bring the rain home to Southern California.
Our evenings start with dinner at 7pm. Usually, some staff member shares his or her story and our hearts are broken and encouraged by what we hear. It is amazing how God is the same wherever in the world we are. Tuesday night we had a special treat as Pastor Peter, his wife Ruth, Pastor James, and Cosmas all came to play games after dinner. Peter showed us his motorbike moves that he uses to encourage people to be tested at the AIDS clinic. We laughed so hard and can‘t wait to share them with all of you. He shared about some traditions of the Nandi tribe to which all four of them belong. We ended with singing praises to God in Kiswahili. What a blessing. It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that we finally played “Pass the Pigs” with Peter and some of the others. Although our mornings can be filled with tears, our evenings here are filled with laughter.
Wednesday morning Julie, the American nurse, gave us an update on the fight against HIV/AIDS in this area. She quoted Mother Teresa, “Every AIDS victim is Jesus in a distressing disguise.” I think that for me, I am seeing Jesus in many disguises. Giving that cup of cold water in His name has never been so real. We divided into two groups and hiked out into the community to visit HIV/AIDS patients in their homes. Our team stopped to talk with an old man in tattered clothing who carries his Bible in his backpack and ministers to whom ever he meets. We fellowshipped in the Word and in prayer. When we arrived at the home of our visit, only an eighteen-year old girl was there with the two young children. The gogo (grandmother) had gone to Kipkaren to get rubber gloves. The HIV patient is a 20 month old girl who had so little energy that she just sat in Charlotte’s lap and leaned her head against her. Flovia lost her mother to AIDS in December. Her gogo and aunt are now her caregivers. Before we left, we prayed for the family, and the aunt accepted Christ. Home visitation teams go out several times a week and will do follow up with Prisca, the aunt. Please do pray for both Prisca and Flovia. The other team had a good visit with an adult man, David Kabet, who has been positive for a number of years. His case is more encouraging as he can farm to support his family. In the afternoon Char worked with Kipleget who has muscular weakness and lives in the boarding home here on the compound. She plans to give him therapy each day we are here. He, along with 71 other children, attends Brook of Faith Academy, but will go home to their parents on July 29th when the school recesses for a month.
Scott shared devotions about Jesus being a cook rather than an engineer with the staff at the Children’s Home at 4 pm, Ann gave her testimony to the children for their devotions at 6, and we all enjoyed singing with the kids. Boy, can they sing loudly!! Tonight we plan to eat ugali and veggies with the children in their homes. Hugs and smiles will be our dessert.
Today we met Betty who is HIV positive. She met the Lord in 2004 and knows Him more intimately because of being rejected and living through the pain of being positive than most who have known Him much longer. Our time here has been filled with stories, more than we can ever recount. After breakfast everyone split up. Ann and Charlotte walked to the clinic to work with the babies and sick. Tom and Scott planned to do woodworking. Smitty helped Daniel fix a very important generator (Will we have electricity tonight?). Becky washed clothes and assisted the teacher of the Baby Class at the Children’s Home. Ida took pictures (she has taken more than 600 since we’ve been here!). I wanted to visit with the headmaster of the school, but taught a social studies lesson instead. God is using all of us.
Tomorrow brings the graduation of a number of agricultural students, one of whom is a friend of the Crockers. The busyness and excitement fill the air. Right now the men are slaughtering a cow with the assistance of Scott and Smitty. This place is empowering lives one by one to change the world for Christ. Thanks for praying for us and with us as we continue on this journey!
We are enjoying another afternoon rain shower as I type. We do wish that somehow we could bring the rain home to Southern California.
Our evenings start with dinner at 7pm. Usually, some staff member shares his or her story and our hearts are broken and encouraged by what we hear. It is amazing how God is the same wherever in the world we are. Tuesday night we had a special treat as Pastor Peter, his wife Ruth, Pastor James, and Cosmas all came to play games after dinner. Peter showed us his motorbike moves that he uses to encourage people to be tested at the AIDS clinic. We laughed so hard and can‘t wait to share them with all of you. He shared about some traditions of the Nandi tribe to which all four of them belong. We ended with singing praises to God in Kiswahili. What a blessing. It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that we finally played “Pass the Pigs” with Peter and some of the others. Although our mornings can be filled with tears, our evenings here are filled with laughter.
Wednesday morning Julie, the American nurse, gave us an update on the fight against HIV/AIDS in this area. She quoted Mother Teresa, “Every AIDS victim is Jesus in a distressing disguise.” I think that for me, I am seeing Jesus in many disguises. Giving that cup of cold water in His name has never been so real. We divided into two groups and hiked out into the community to visit HIV/AIDS patients in their homes. Our team stopped to talk with an old man in tattered clothing who carries his Bible in his backpack and ministers to whom ever he meets. We fellowshipped in the Word and in prayer. When we arrived at the home of our visit, only an eighteen-year old girl was there with the two young children. The gogo (grandmother) had gone to Kipkaren to get rubber gloves. The HIV patient is a 20 month old girl who had so little energy that she just sat in Charlotte’s lap and leaned her head against her. Flovia lost her mother to AIDS in December. Her gogo and aunt are now her caregivers. Before we left, we prayed for the family, and the aunt accepted Christ. Home visitation teams go out several times a week and will do follow up with Prisca, the aunt. Please do pray for both Prisca and Flovia. The other team had a good visit with an adult man, David Kabet, who has been positive for a number of years. His case is more encouraging as he can farm to support his family. In the afternoon Char worked with Kipleget who has muscular weakness and lives in the boarding home here on the compound. She plans to give him therapy each day we are here. He, along with 71 other children, attends Brook of Faith Academy, but will go home to their parents on July 29th when the school recesses for a month.
Scott shared devotions about Jesus being a cook rather than an engineer with the staff at the Children’s Home at 4 pm, Ann gave her testimony to the children for their devotions at 6, and we all enjoyed singing with the kids. Boy, can they sing loudly!! Tonight we plan to eat ugali and veggies with the children in their homes. Hugs and smiles will be our dessert.
Today we met Betty who is HIV positive. She met the Lord in 2004 and knows Him more intimately because of being rejected and living through the pain of being positive than most who have known Him much longer. Our time here has been filled with stories, more than we can ever recount. After breakfast everyone split up. Ann and Charlotte walked to the clinic to work with the babies and sick. Tom and Scott planned to do woodworking. Smitty helped Daniel fix a very important generator (Will we have electricity tonight?). Becky washed clothes and assisted the teacher of the Baby Class at the Children’s Home. Ida took pictures (she has taken more than 600 since we’ve been here!). I wanted to visit with the headmaster of the school, but taught a social studies lesson instead. God is using all of us.
Tomorrow brings the graduation of a number of agricultural students, one of whom is a friend of the Crockers. The busyness and excitement fill the air. Right now the men are slaughtering a cow with the assistance of Scott and Smitty. This place is empowering lives one by one to change the world for Christ. Thanks for praying for us and with us as we continue on this journey!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Bryan Speaking
On Friday, Dave did a Bible Study with the kids at Samro School. Later Dave, Kim, Ashlea, and Bryan pulled weeds out of the carrot garden. Joyce helped cook in the kitchen for the kids. We were able to eat with the kids much to their delight. We visited Jane’s house who is a preschool teacher at Samro. Her parents-in-law are 105 and 102 years old and can still move like they were 80 years old. When we got back from the house visit we played with the kids. Bryan helped burn the trash and burnt his hands too. (Obviously not badly since he can type. Editorial comment.)
On Saturday Dave and Kim did a community marriage seminar. While they were doing that Joyce, Ashlea, and Bryan prayed for them and did worship songs. Then we went out and played with the kids while Kim and Dave did the marriage seminar. Bryan helped burn the trash again and luckily didn’t burn his fingers. Later, we went on a house visit to Sally who is an assistant house parent here at Ilula. Her mother and dad stretched out their earlobes when they were young. (Click here to see a picture of how the grandma used to cut and stretch her ears.)
Today, we led Sunday school about how we are sheep and Jesus is our Shepherd. For church we had a guest speaker who was a pastor at a church in town. He preached on Judges six (isn’t it amazing how Pastor Ed was preaching on Judges before we left and then when we got here another pastor preaches on Judges). For lunch we went to Kerio View for lunch and to relax. The view was gorgeous from where we ate.
Please keep us in your prayers as we come home next week.
On Saturday Dave and Kim did a community marriage seminar. While they were doing that Joyce, Ashlea, and Bryan prayed for them and did worship songs. Then we went out and played with the kids while Kim and Dave did the marriage seminar. Bryan helped burn the trash again and luckily didn’t burn his fingers. Later, we went on a house visit to Sally who is an assistant house parent here at Ilula. Her mother and dad stretched out their earlobes when they were young. (Click here to see a picture of how the grandma used to cut and stretch her ears.)
Today, we led Sunday school about how we are sheep and Jesus is our Shepherd. For church we had a guest speaker who was a pastor at a church in town. He preached on Judges six (isn’t it amazing how Pastor Ed was preaching on Judges before we left and then when we got here another pastor preaches on Judges). For lunch we went to Kerio View for lunch and to relax. The view was gorgeous from where we ate.
Please keep us in your prayers as we come home next week.
Bethany Bible- Graduation Time!
Jambo Rafiki,
This has been a full week. Yesterday was the graduation of the 9 month students from the ELI training center. It was their largest class ever, 33 young men and women. Many come from neighboring villages but some come from as far away as Uganda. We were able to meet and give support to Joshua, the Ugandan student that the Crocker’s had sponsored. He was delighted to meet us and he told us we would be his family. The students’ families came and celebrated with us. The church was full to past-capacity, then there were many standing outside. They had huge speakers and enjoyed the loud worship and booming announcements so all could hear. The ceremony was to start at 10:00am. The worship began but the women were still making food in the nearby kitchen and not all the famlies had arrived yet, so it actually didn't start till 12:00. We (the women) helped make traditional Chipatis (like tortillas) and finished just in time for the start of the ceremony. The students were honored by the presence of dignitaries and their teachers shared about them too. We enjoyed being a part of the 6th graduation at ELI. Afterward they fed over 600 people. And we thought our luncheon for 200 was a lot of work. Ha! Then we (the women again) helped wash and rinse the dishes from all those people. There was amazing fellowship with the women in the kitchen. The men helped out with sweeping and moving tables and the like but are not supposed to do dishes!! We were exhausted and slept well. This morning we led kid’s club for over 200 children. Recreational games with the equipment we brought and I shared the wordless book with them also. They are so well behaved but it was another exhausting day. We are so thankful to God for all He is enabling us to do while we are here. Thanks for your support and prayers. We send many greetings from all of our new African friends. Love in Jesus, Ann
This has been a full week. Yesterday was the graduation of the 9 month students from the ELI training center. It was their largest class ever, 33 young men and women. Many come from neighboring villages but some come from as far away as Uganda. We were able to meet and give support to Joshua, the Ugandan student that the Crocker’s had sponsored. He was delighted to meet us and he told us we would be his family. The students’ families came and celebrated with us. The church was full to past-capacity, then there were many standing outside. They had huge speakers and enjoyed the loud worship and booming announcements so all could hear. The ceremony was to start at 10:00am. The worship began but the women were still making food in the nearby kitchen and not all the famlies had arrived yet, so it actually didn't start till 12:00. We (the women) helped make traditional Chipatis (like tortillas) and finished just in time for the start of the ceremony. The students were honored by the presence of dignitaries and their teachers shared about them too. We enjoyed being a part of the 6th graduation at ELI. Afterward they fed over 600 people. And we thought our luncheon for 200 was a lot of work. Ha! Then we (the women again) helped wash and rinse the dishes from all those people. There was amazing fellowship with the women in the kitchen. The men helped out with sweeping and moving tables and the like but are not supposed to do dishes!! We were exhausted and slept well. This morning we led kid’s club for over 200 children. Recreational games with the equipment we brought and I shared the wordless book with them also. They are so well behaved but it was another exhausting day. We are so thankful to God for all He is enabling us to do while we are here. Thanks for your support and prayers. We send many greetings from all of our new African friends. Love in Jesus, Ann
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Kim Reports
WOW!! What God has shown us here in Ilula since we arrived almost one week ago. We have just finished our first marriage seminar with the ELI staff that we will be presenting while we are here. We have had very enlightening discussions in the marriage seminar and believe that we are learning just as much as we are teaching. The couples are very inquisitive and have so many questions. As one wife said, “The journey has begun.” Some of the concepts we have been discussing are very difficult for them, but what a wonderful group of God-loving people who are willing to take the challenge and make a change. Please pray for the next seminar we will be having with the Ilula community beginning on Saturday.
The children here are absolutely amazing. We have met the boy, Collins, that we sponsor here at the Children’s Home along with his sister, Diana. Collins was not feeling well when we arrived but is now doing better. He is quiet and reserved, while his sister is more outgoing. What joy it is to spend time with them. Bryan is in Collins’ hut most evenings while Kim is in Diana’s hut most evenings.
We went on our first house visit yesterday. We had chai and mandazi (like donuts). What a humbling experience to share with a family in their home.
Bryan and Ashlea have been working hard at keying (spreading cement between the brick cracks) at the Children’s Home each morning. They are doing a wonderful job (and no Ashlea does not plan on doing more when she returns home). Joyce spent time in the Children’s Home kitchen helping prepare lunch for the children when they come home for lunch break. They had a polyglot mixture in the kitchen today with Swahili, English, Spanish, German, French, and many other languages being spoken. Bryan cut his hand cutting the cabbage yesterday so he now works outside. Of course they gave him a bigger weapon instead, a machete, to slash grass. He decided it was very hard work. He has now also been banned from the machete since he was getting to close to his hand.
We have all been doing well. Please continue to pray that we stay healthy and for our sharing opportunities. We are enjoying our time here soooo much. Thank you to all of our supporters for allowing us to come and serve in Africa. What blessings we have received.
The children here are absolutely amazing. We have met the boy, Collins, that we sponsor here at the Children’s Home along with his sister, Diana. Collins was not feeling well when we arrived but is now doing better. He is quiet and reserved, while his sister is more outgoing. What joy it is to spend time with them. Bryan is in Collins’ hut most evenings while Kim is in Diana’s hut most evenings.
We went on our first house visit yesterday. We had chai and mandazi (like donuts). What a humbling experience to share with a family in their home.
Bryan and Ashlea have been working hard at keying (spreading cement between the brick cracks) at the Children’s Home each morning. They are doing a wonderful job (and no Ashlea does not plan on doing more when she returns home). Joyce spent time in the Children’s Home kitchen helping prepare lunch for the children when they come home for lunch break. They had a polyglot mixture in the kitchen today with Swahili, English, Spanish, German, French, and many other languages being spoken. Bryan cut his hand cutting the cabbage yesterday so he now works outside. Of course they gave him a bigger weapon instead, a machete, to slash grass. He decided it was very hard work. He has now also been banned from the machete since he was getting to close to his hand.
We have all been doing well. Please continue to pray that we stay healthy and for our sharing opportunities. We are enjoying our time here soooo much. Thank you to all of our supporters for allowing us to come and serve in Africa. What blessings we have received.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Bethany Bible Update
Jambo rafikis!
We have had such an awesome experience so far, and are so excited for what God still has in store! Sunday we were able to experience a genuine Kenyan church service where we sang and clapped for about an hour before Scott gave a great message on fear. The people were very welcoming and we got to share some of our songs with them too, although ours were not so lively! Carolyn also taught Sunday school for the kids and we had tons of fun making fingerprint animal bookmarks with over two hundred kids! After church we went to the children’s home to join in their devotion time for the second time. Saturday night we were able to give the kids the bibles we bought for them with the money from all our AWANA kids at home. They were so happy to each have their own bible and they send their thanks! Our dinner was quite special that night, as we had to eat by candle light! It rains about every evening and the electricity goes in and out. I thought it was fun! After dinner we usually get to hear a testimony of a staff member, which is always a treat because they have such amazing stories! Then it is off to bed because everyone is pretty wiped out at the end of each day. We are still getting used to the time change and most of us get up at about two or three in the morning! But God is good and has lavishly given us enough energy to keep going.
Monday we got to visit the medical clinic and the school. The clinic is about a ten minute walk through beautiful terrain where people are welcome to come anytime of day to get treatment, and they won’t ever be turned away. At the school we visited every classroom where we were greeted by endless smiles. We at some lunch and then went back to the children’s home for devotions. They were so excited that we were there that they took each of us by hand and led us to different homes to eat dinner with them! Unfortunately we had dinner waiting for us so we promised to join them another night. I wish you could see these kids worship God! It made my heart overflow with joy to get to join them! We also played dodge ball with the kids during their P.E. time and they loved it.
Today we went on house visits, with the leaders of E.L.I.’s A.A. program, to encourage people who are recovering from alcoholism. It was a great experience and a nice hike! We prayed with many people who have finally seen how alcohol has hurt them and their families and turned to Jesus for help. We were even able to pray with one man as he accepted Jesus as his personal savior! It was awesome!
Thank you for your prayers, and continue to lift us up as we go tomorrow on house visits with AIDS victims and start our carpentry projects.
Asante sana,
Rebekah
We have had such an awesome experience so far, and are so excited for what God still has in store! Sunday we were able to experience a genuine Kenyan church service where we sang and clapped for about an hour before Scott gave a great message on fear. The people were very welcoming and we got to share some of our songs with them too, although ours were not so lively! Carolyn also taught Sunday school for the kids and we had tons of fun making fingerprint animal bookmarks with over two hundred kids! After church we went to the children’s home to join in their devotion time for the second time. Saturday night we were able to give the kids the bibles we bought for them with the money from all our AWANA kids at home. They were so happy to each have their own bible and they send their thanks! Our dinner was quite special that night, as we had to eat by candle light! It rains about every evening and the electricity goes in and out. I thought it was fun! After dinner we usually get to hear a testimony of a staff member, which is always a treat because they have such amazing stories! Then it is off to bed because everyone is pretty wiped out at the end of each day. We are still getting used to the time change and most of us get up at about two or three in the morning! But God is good and has lavishly given us enough energy to keep going.
Monday we got to visit the medical clinic and the school. The clinic is about a ten minute walk through beautiful terrain where people are welcome to come anytime of day to get treatment, and they won’t ever be turned away. At the school we visited every classroom where we were greeted by endless smiles. We at some lunch and then went back to the children’s home for devotions. They were so excited that we were there that they took each of us by hand and led us to different homes to eat dinner with them! Unfortunately we had dinner waiting for us so we promised to join them another night. I wish you could see these kids worship God! It made my heart overflow with joy to get to join them! We also played dodge ball with the kids during their P.E. time and they loved it.
Today we went on house visits, with the leaders of E.L.I.’s A.A. program, to encourage people who are recovering from alcoholism. It was a great experience and a nice hike! We prayed with many people who have finally seen how alcohol has hurt them and their families and turned to Jesus for help. We were even able to pray with one man as he accepted Jesus as his personal savior! It was awesome!
Thank you for your prayers, and continue to lift us up as we go tomorrow on house visits with AIDS victims and start our carpentry projects.
Asante sana,
Rebekah
Bethany Bible Fellowship- We're here!
Jambo, This has already been so amazing. No troubles traveling on any of the flights. We got to make a little stop at the town of Windsor in England during our stopover. We were greeted in Nairobi and taken to Mayfield house and took a needed nap. We estimated the each one of us averaged 4 hours sleep in the first 48 hours of travel. The last bit of our traveling was by car and it was an adventure on the dirt roads. The scenery is more beautiful than we could imagine. It is very green and lush with lots of grass and crops, especially corn. We were all in tears with our greeting by the orphans and staff. They sang in Swahili and it was incredible. Each one wanted to shake our hands. They said we were family. Today we took a tour of the compound. We got to see the agriculture center and all the projects they are doing. We got to go to the orphanage and it is really not an orphanage. Each family has four round houses, one for the parents, one for the 12 girls, and one for the 12 boys, and one for studying. They love each and every child and count them as their own. We went back to see the kids and played with the children this afternoon. We were surrounded by children giving us hugs and holding our hands. Everyone is so loving and welcoming. It pours and thunders every afternoon and we almost got caught in the storm, and we were running back to the compound from the orphanage. The food is different but very very good. Our showers are with a cup and a bucket of water. We have been able to meet, and eat with David Tarus the other director of Empowering Lives with Don Rogers. He has such a vision for the people here. He is a national and has a big booming voice and a great laugh. All of our luggage arrived and the bins made it. Some of them were broken in the travel but made it. Thank you for everyone that gave children’s clothes. They need them so badly. God Bless! -Charlotte
Kingsburg 5: Joyce speaking
Greetings from sunny East Africa! We thank God daily for your faithful prayers and support as we minister in this land of such deep need. Jesus is doing great and wonderful things in Ilula, and we are indeed grateful for the call, challenge, and opportunity to serve Him here. It is humbling, to say the least.
This morning a precious brother on staff with ELI, Jotham, shared his story and the journey that has brought him to this place. I’d like to share some notes from that meeting. His special training was in social work, and he shared from the beginning of Psalms 1. It is the work (Christian social work) to rebuild a world that has been broken. Build the walls. The enormous challenge at the children’s home here is: how are you going to identify the children? Who are the real orphans? I could have never imagined the magnitude of the need until I caught a glimpse of it for myself. However, the lives that were broken are being mended day by day. When one 3 year old boy came to the home he would wake up early every morning looking for a container. When asked what he was doing, he said that he had to go and fetch water for the brew. His parents brewed alcohol in their home to make a little money. The children would have to wake up early every morning to go and fetch water to make the brew. Their parents would invite guests (customers) to come to the house and drink and pay for the alcohol. He and his siblings thought that everyone brewed alcohol for a living and that all adults were drunkards. It wasn’t until after three months here that he got over waking up so early. Clearly the greatest trauma he and his three siblings have suffered was watching their mother be killed when lightening struck her. Even today they cringe in fear when they see lightening. May our Lord continue to heal the deep emotional traumas of each and every child here.
On a lighter note, today Ashlea and Bryan continued their work “keying” the gazebo at the children’s home and are becoming quite the experts. They send their love and seem to be enjoying the new experiences they are having. Right now they are playing with the children and helping them with some of their chores. They will also be helping in the kitchen since the job of cooking for ninety one children can be quite large.
We pray for Dave and Kim as their marriage seminar is now in full swing. May the Lord open up the hearts of the couples attending in order for their marriages to be transformed and become more fruitful than they could have ever dreamed.
As far as myself, I can tell you that I have been assisting Adele and two Kenyan ladies in removing jiggers from the hands and feet of four very unfortunate local children from the neighborhood. Please read Adele's blog for heart-wrenching information about this tragic situation. It is so painful for the children and the task is so big, that we can only work on each one for less than an hour/day and go back each day to do a little more. It may take many more days yet, but we praise God that the 18-month-old is as of today jigger-free!
Continue to pray—your faith-filled prayers are more powerful than you can know. We pray for you and love you with all of our hearts.
Warmly, Joyce
This morning a precious brother on staff with ELI, Jotham, shared his story and the journey that has brought him to this place. I’d like to share some notes from that meeting. His special training was in social work, and he shared from the beginning of Psalms 1. It is the work (Christian social work) to rebuild a world that has been broken. Build the walls. The enormous challenge at the children’s home here is: how are you going to identify the children? Who are the real orphans? I could have never imagined the magnitude of the need until I caught a glimpse of it for myself. However, the lives that were broken are being mended day by day. When one 3 year old boy came to the home he would wake up early every morning looking for a container. When asked what he was doing, he said that he had to go and fetch water for the brew. His parents brewed alcohol in their home to make a little money. The children would have to wake up early every morning to go and fetch water to make the brew. Their parents would invite guests (customers) to come to the house and drink and pay for the alcohol. He and his siblings thought that everyone brewed alcohol for a living and that all adults were drunkards. It wasn’t until after three months here that he got over waking up so early. Clearly the greatest trauma he and his three siblings have suffered was watching their mother be killed when lightening struck her. Even today they cringe in fear when they see lightening. May our Lord continue to heal the deep emotional traumas of each and every child here.
On a lighter note, today Ashlea and Bryan continued their work “keying” the gazebo at the children’s home and are becoming quite the experts. They send their love and seem to be enjoying the new experiences they are having. Right now they are playing with the children and helping them with some of their chores. They will also be helping in the kitchen since the job of cooking for ninety one children can be quite large.
We pray for Dave and Kim as their marriage seminar is now in full swing. May the Lord open up the hearts of the couples attending in order for their marriages to be transformed and become more fruitful than they could have ever dreamed.
As far as myself, I can tell you that I have been assisting Adele and two Kenyan ladies in removing jiggers from the hands and feet of four very unfortunate local children from the neighborhood. Please read Adele's blog for heart-wrenching information about this tragic situation. It is so painful for the children and the task is so big, that we can only work on each one for less than an hour/day and go back each day to do a little more. It may take many more days yet, but we praise God that the 18-month-old is as of today jigger-free!
Continue to pray—your faith-filled prayers are more powerful than you can know. We pray for you and love you with all of our hearts.
Warmly, Joyce
Monday, July 16, 2007
Kingsburg 5: Ashley reporting
So this is going to be the team journal for the past couple of days, since we were not able to post them earlier…
When we arrived in Ilula, we were greeted by 91 children gathered in a semi circle singing songs to us. We then introduced ourselves and made our way around the semi circle shaking each hand of the children as they said “Welcome home!” and we each received a beautiful small bouquet of pink and white roses. It was an extraordinary welcome, especially since these children have so little but give so much.
Sunday was a busy day. We started off with church, followed by lunch, then a tour of the compound. The team got to see the training center which helps locals learn how to plant crops, farm, and make ovens. At the end of the tour Bryan and myself got to milk a cow, while the rest of the team laughed and took pictures. But hey we got to try everything once right? We got to play with the children until devotionals time, and I some children asked why my neck and upper back were red, so I had to explain that I am very white and the sun burns my skin, and that next time I will be wearing sunscreen. I still don’t think they understood…
Today at a staff meeting, Dave enjoyed preaching Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” We got to visit the local school where they have a prep period at 7:15 for extra learning, and a flag salute and prayer from 8-8:15.
It's so wonderful to be blessed by the Kenyans, they are so warm and willing to teach us new words and phrases, even if it takes us more than once to learn how to say it. They are so willing to learn about us, our families, odd things we do in the US, and most importantly new information about Jesus. Though the children know more verses by heart than you can even imagine!
Sarah and Rachel Fandel, I found Jonah, and told him that you told me to give him hugs. So I said “I’m going to give you 3 hugs, one for Rachel, one for Sarah, and one for myself.” All the children watched, laughed and counted along as I gave him 3 hugs.
Mom, I tried calling you at the London airport, but the calling card wasn’t working, and collect calls weren’t accepted from your number or the home phone. So I am sorry about that! I love and miss you and dad!
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
-Ashlea Dedini
Click here to see some photos of our time so far.
When we arrived in Ilula, we were greeted by 91 children gathered in a semi circle singing songs to us. We then introduced ourselves and made our way around the semi circle shaking each hand of the children as they said “Welcome home!” and we each received a beautiful small bouquet of pink and white roses. It was an extraordinary welcome, especially since these children have so little but give so much.
Sunday was a busy day. We started off with church, followed by lunch, then a tour of the compound. The team got to see the training center which helps locals learn how to plant crops, farm, and make ovens. At the end of the tour Bryan and myself got to milk a cow, while the rest of the team laughed and took pictures. But hey we got to try everything once right? We got to play with the children until devotionals time, and I some children asked why my neck and upper back were red, so I had to explain that I am very white and the sun burns my skin, and that next time I will be wearing sunscreen. I still don’t think they understood…
Today at a staff meeting, Dave enjoyed preaching Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” We got to visit the local school where they have a prep period at 7:15 for extra learning, and a flag salute and prayer from 8-8:15.
It's so wonderful to be blessed by the Kenyans, they are so warm and willing to teach us new words and phrases, even if it takes us more than once to learn how to say it. They are so willing to learn about us, our families, odd things we do in the US, and most importantly new information about Jesus. Though the children know more verses by heart than you can even imagine!
Sarah and Rachel Fandel, I found Jonah, and told him that you told me to give him hugs. So I said “I’m going to give you 3 hugs, one for Rachel, one for Sarah, and one for myself.” All the children watched, laughed and counted along as I gave him 3 hugs.
Mom, I tried calling you at the London airport, but the calling card wasn’t working, and collect calls weren’t accepted from your number or the home phone. So I am sorry about that! I love and miss you and dad!
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!
-Ashlea Dedini
Click here to see some photos of our time so far.
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