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.
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