I want to start off by saying that I am not sick anymore! Thank you so much for all of your prayers! It is such a blessing to be healthy! Today was absolutely amazing. This morning I went to this big rock overlooking Kipkaren for a time of prayer and journaling. It was beautiful! I spent most of the day at the school today. I taught Link Tag to a PE class of children around 6 years old. Afterwards their teacher didn’t come back, so I spent the next hour teaching them numbers and animal noises, and reading to them. It was really random and unexpected, but so much fun! Later in the day I taught an art class with Heather.
Tonight I was able to spend a lot of quality time playing games and practicing Swahili with the boys in my family, which was such a blessing! It was so much fun spending time with them and I am excited to become closer to them in the next few months!
We have being doing Tae-Bo in the mornings here, and are trying to get some of the Kenyan women to join us! It would be a great way to fellowship with them and get to know them better! I hope it works out!
I would really like prayer that my relationship with my children continues to grow and that I continue to find time each morning to spend in the Word of God and prayer.
I miss you and love you all!
In His Love,
Megan Hoffmann
Friday, May 25, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Nikole: Final Post- Lasting Impressions
I can't believe that my time here is quickly coming to an end. It feels as though I have only just begun. The thing is that I really have only just begun the work that God has planned for me.
Most children yearn to watch their saturday morning cartoons but when I was a little girl, I was watching the World Vision commercials with tears rolling down my face. This being my second time in Kenya, I am positive that God gave me a heart for Africa for a reason. The minute I stepped off the plane just over 3 weeks ago, I felt instantly at home, and during my time here, my love for this nation has immensley increased. I know that my love affair with Africa will be long lived.
Here are some of the little things I will miss most when I leave:
- the sound of 50 children sipping chai at 6:30am
- waiting at the end of the road for hugs from the children as they return from school
- having to watch out for the cows as you walk over to the children's home
- the dirt that sticks under your fingernails after peeling 100 potatoes
- goosebumps during devotions
- having 2 arms sqeeze around your waist as if God made you curvy for that very reason
- the children wanting you to read to them at night, then when you finally find a book and start reading, they couldn't seem less interested
- asking one child "how are you?" and he or she answering "We are fine"
- laying under the mosquito net knowing that it is probably the only bug-free zone you will find
- knowing that it is time to wake up when the birds start chirping
- praying for the children every night as they slip into their beds
God loves me. He loves you. He loves all of us. God is so good.
It's simple yet so wonderful, so amazing, so extravagant, so fulfilling.
This is it for now. Only God knows when I will be back in Ilula.
May God bless you Big!
Nikole (Jebet) MacGregor
Most children yearn to watch their saturday morning cartoons but when I was a little girl, I was watching the World Vision commercials with tears rolling down my face. This being my second time in Kenya, I am positive that God gave me a heart for Africa for a reason. The minute I stepped off the plane just over 3 weeks ago, I felt instantly at home, and during my time here, my love for this nation has immensley increased. I know that my love affair with Africa will be long lived.
Here are some of the little things I will miss most when I leave:
- the sound of 50 children sipping chai at 6:30am
- waiting at the end of the road for hugs from the children as they return from school
- having to watch out for the cows as you walk over to the children's home
- the dirt that sticks under your fingernails after peeling 100 potatoes
- goosebumps during devotions
- having 2 arms sqeeze around your waist as if God made you curvy for that very reason
- the children wanting you to read to them at night, then when you finally find a book and start reading, they couldn't seem less interested
- asking one child "how are you?" and he or she answering "We are fine"
- laying under the mosquito net knowing that it is probably the only bug-free zone you will find
- knowing that it is time to wake up when the birds start chirping
- praying for the children every night as they slip into their beds
God loves me. He loves you. He loves all of us. God is so good.
It's simple yet so wonderful, so amazing, so extravagant, so fulfilling.
This is it for now. Only God knows when I will be back in Ilula.
May God bless you Big!
Nikole (Jebet) MacGregor
Carrie Seawright: The beauty of life
As my time here has progressed I have come to absolutely adore all of the children here at the Illula children's home. They are great kids who work so hard and behave so well. I have now been in Kenya for a little over a week. It is amazing how God can guide you to a place and time where you feel so much peace and love in your life. God has continually revealed himself to me and shown me his presence here in the Illula Village. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be here among these 91 inspiring children. I look at each one of their beautiful faces and see the face of God. These kids are so brilliant and challenge me everyday. They never miss a moment to ask me some kind of question. The other day I was visiting in one of the boys rooms and they were asking me questions about American Politics and questions concerning theology. I am amazed how eager they are to learn and understand the world around them.
During my time here I have learned so much about cultural differences and I have been challenged through them. What is so beautiful about these differences though is the fact that despite them we both are serving the same living God. I love to just sit with the Kenyans...while drinking chai of course.... and listen to how God has been actively involved in their lives. It is great to know that God transcends cultures and works through all people in every situation. I have been truly blessed to be here in Illula experiencing the beauty of life.
During my time here I have learned so much about cultural differences and I have been challenged through them. What is so beautiful about these differences though is the fact that despite them we both are serving the same living God. I love to just sit with the Kenyans...while drinking chai of course.... and listen to how God has been actively involved in their lives. It is great to know that God transcends cultures and works through all people in every situation. I have been truly blessed to be here in Illula experiencing the beauty of life.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Megan Hoffman (KK Intern): More Amazing Experiences
I have been here almost a week, and already have had so many amazing experiences! Probably some of my favorite times in Kenya are Saturday and Sunday mornings. At 6am all of the kids and staff go to the field near the school and spend an hour in prayer. We all pray separately and then come together for a song. It’s an amazing time to start off the day resting in the Lord and relaxing in Kenya. Plus, the mornings are absolutely beautiful here!
On Saturday, Heather and I made chapatti for all of the children for supper. Chapatti is kind of like a tortilla, but sweeter and fried. It’s a treat that the children get every Saturday. We were in the kitchen from about 10am-1pm making them! But it usually takes them until 4pm, so I am glad we were able to help.
I am becoming very close to all of my kids, and have been getting a chance to hear some of their stories. These kids have been through so much and are continually praising the Lord for His healing in their lives. I am learning so much from being with them, and am enjoying every moment we are able to laugh, play, and pray together.
Currently I would like prayer for my relationship with the children to continually be strengthened, and that I may give extra attention and love to the children who need it the most. I also would like prayer for health. This morning I had a fever, and my stomach has been hurting. It was actually a blessing because I was able to relax and spend quality time with the Lord, but I would really like to remain healthy during this trip.
Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. I miss you all and am so excited to share my experiences with you when I come home!
In His Love,
Megan Hoffmann
On Saturday, Heather and I made chapatti for all of the children for supper. Chapatti is kind of like a tortilla, but sweeter and fried. It’s a treat that the children get every Saturday. We were in the kitchen from about 10am-1pm making them! But it usually takes them until 4pm, so I am glad we were able to help.
I am becoming very close to all of my kids, and have been getting a chance to hear some of their stories. These kids have been through so much and are continually praising the Lord for His healing in their lives. I am learning so much from being with them, and am enjoying every moment we are able to laugh, play, and pray together.
Currently I would like prayer for my relationship with the children to continually be strengthened, and that I may give extra attention and love to the children who need it the most. I also would like prayer for health. This morning I had a fever, and my stomach has been hurting. It was actually a blessing because I was able to relax and spend quality time with the Lord, but I would really like to remain healthy during this trip.
Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. I miss you all and am so excited to share my experiences with you when I come home!
In His Love,
Megan Hoffmann
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Megan Hoffman (Intern): First Impressions
Well, I have been in Kenya for about 3 days now, and already I have so much to tell! The plane ride was about a 28-30 hour adventure when you include all of the layovers and the Kenyan airplane we took to arrive at Eldoret, the main city next to my village, Kipkaren. I have never seen a more beautiful place! It is the rainy season in Kipkaren, and everything around is a beautiful green. These past two days have been amazing, as I have begun to get to know the children I will be serving for the next two months. I am specifically going to be working with the Ruto family. The Ruto’s are house parents for 24 orphans (12 boys and 12 girls). The parents are on leave until next week, so other staff members through ELI have been taking care of the children. I had the pleasure of spending a few hours on my own with the kids last night. I was able to get to know them better, hear some of their stories, and teach them a few games. These kids have been through so much and it is amazing to see the transformation that Christ is doing in their lives through Empowering Lives International. Each of these children are beautiful and I am so excited to start putting some pictures up so that you can get to know them as well!
The interns have off on Fridays, so today we went into Eldoret and did some shopping. We had lunch with the interns from the other orphanage as well. Tonight we had dinner at the hut of some new friends, and have spent the night hanging out, drinking tea, and just enjoying our time in Kenya.
I am so excited for sharing the next two months with all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will be updating this Blog frequently, so please check back to find out what I have been up to! Right now the biggest thing I would like prayer for is to connect with the staff in Kipkaren and for the language barrier with the kids and Kenyan staff. Please keep us all in your prayers.
Peace and Love,
Megan Hoffmann
The interns have off on Fridays, so today we went into Eldoret and did some shopping. We had lunch with the interns from the other orphanage as well. Tonight we had dinner at the hut of some new friends, and have spent the night hanging out, drinking tea, and just enjoying our time in Kenya.
I am so excited for sharing the next two months with all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will be updating this Blog frequently, so please check back to find out what I have been up to! Right now the biggest thing I would like prayer for is to connect with the staff in Kipkaren and for the language barrier with the kids and Kenyan staff. Please keep us all in your prayers.
Peace and Love,
Megan Hoffmann
Heather Bixby: Overflowing!
I felt a sense of nervousness and excitement as I left California to begin my journey to Kipkaren, Kenya. Even though I did not quite feel I was on my way, I knew in my heart that God had great plans to work in me and through me. As I traveled from LAX (Los Angeles Airport) to London, London to Nairobi, and Nairobi to Eldoret…I had much time to prepare myself for my destination. I knew that God was going to take this time to teach me a great number of things that I have been refrained from while in the States. In Kenya, time is not an issue. I knew this will be one of God’s challenges: to discover my identity and the unknown.
When I got off the plane, I was immediately welcomed by Kierra (staff with Empowering Lives International). After Megan, Carrie, (my team member interns) and I got our luggage, we were greeted by the director: Julius. I cannot begin to describe how friendly these men were. We continued to travel by bus and plane, then bus again until we finally arrived to the village in Kipkaren, Kenya. However, I must tell you about the ride up to the village. When Ezkiel (one of the house parents) drove us to the children’s home…reality struck me. I cannot begin to explain the beauty I saw…but amongst poverty. Oh, and the Kenyan drivers are crazy….lol. Pedestrians definitely do not have the right of way.:)
When we arrived to the home, we could hear the children singing for us. It was all so overwhelming….I have never felt so welcome. Every child and staff member was at the front to welcome us. There was a rope that was between us and the children…and Joesph (another one of the house parents) asked us to cut the rope to open our “gift” – the children! Each child threw out their hands to welcome us. What I have learned in the last few days…Kenyans love on one another. Whenever you pass someone on the road, you always greet them. After meeting the children, we were welcomed by the staff. So many smiles! I do not know how to describe what I felt anymore then saying…I was so filled!
Later in the afternoon I was able to attend devotions and have dinner with the children. I was introduced to the family I will be working with…I will be helping the family of Peter and Zipporah. This couple is so amazing…they have such an amazing heart for God. They have 24 children under their care…one of whom is their biological son. They said it was hard for their son at first, for other children to call them mom and dad. It has been difficult for me because the children I am working with are very new to the home so they hardly speak any English. I found ways other ways to communicate with them…joking around and playing with them. Zipporah and Peter translate for me at times. They love to hear about my family, church, and bible stories.
There is so much to tell….and yet it has only been a few days! Oh, one thing: my name is very hard for them to say, so they renamed me as: Jeruto, which means I was born on a journey – traveler. I can not thank you enough for all your prayers and support! I will be updating you soon, and I trust you are all doing well! If you have a chance, please pray for my language barrier, and for a women in the village, Emily, who just heard word she received malaria. God bless!
When I got off the plane, I was immediately welcomed by Kierra (staff with Empowering Lives International). After Megan, Carrie, (my team member interns) and I got our luggage, we were greeted by the director: Julius. I cannot begin to describe how friendly these men were. We continued to travel by bus and plane, then bus again until we finally arrived to the village in Kipkaren, Kenya. However, I must tell you about the ride up to the village. When Ezkiel (one of the house parents) drove us to the children’s home…reality struck me. I cannot begin to explain the beauty I saw…but amongst poverty. Oh, and the Kenyan drivers are crazy….lol. Pedestrians definitely do not have the right of way.:)
When we arrived to the home, we could hear the children singing for us. It was all so overwhelming….I have never felt so welcome. Every child and staff member was at the front to welcome us. There was a rope that was between us and the children…and Joesph (another one of the house parents) asked us to cut the rope to open our “gift” – the children! Each child threw out their hands to welcome us. What I have learned in the last few days…Kenyans love on one another. Whenever you pass someone on the road, you always greet them. After meeting the children, we were welcomed by the staff. So many smiles! I do not know how to describe what I felt anymore then saying…I was so filled!
Later in the afternoon I was able to attend devotions and have dinner with the children. I was introduced to the family I will be working with…I will be helping the family of Peter and Zipporah. This couple is so amazing…they have such an amazing heart for God. They have 24 children under their care…one of whom is their biological son. They said it was hard for their son at first, for other children to call them mom and dad. It has been difficult for me because the children I am working with are very new to the home so they hardly speak any English. I found ways other ways to communicate with them…joking around and playing with them. Zipporah and Peter translate for me at times. They love to hear about my family, church, and bible stories.
There is so much to tell….and yet it has only been a few days! Oh, one thing: my name is very hard for them to say, so they renamed me as: Jeruto, which means I was born on a journey – traveler. I can not thank you enough for all your prayers and support! I will be updating you soon, and I trust you are all doing well! If you have a chance, please pray for my language barrier, and for a women in the village, Emily, who just heard word she received malaria. God bless!
Monday, May 14, 2007
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