Hey all,
I am just writing in with an update from my third week in Kenya. Thus far, life in the east is going really well. I attended another HIV/AIDS campaign this past weekend in which I participated in a 10k race. It was my goal to not get lapped three times, and it is safe to say that I did not meet that goal, in fact I wasn't even close. I believe that I was lapped around seven times. I did however finish the race (I would have rather died than quit), and while at the beginning of the race I heard my fair share of mzungu (white) comments, the end of the race held many encouraging comments from the crowd such as: "Do not surrender!" and "Don't worry, the Kalinjin are the world's best runners." Upon finishing the race, I felt as if I had been set on fire, and then promptly extinguished with a pitchfork. All in all, the race was a success and I will always remember the day I ran against some of the fastest runners in the world.
On a more serious note, my work at the clinic has been going quite well. Last Wednesday, some of the ELI health staff and I hosted a mobile antenatal and Maternal and Child Health clinic in a village a small distance away from our Chebaiywa clinic. I think that my favorite part of the day was when I administered an intradermal injection to a screaming six month old baby during a heavy rainstorm in which all of the mothers and their children packed into our small work station in order to seek refuge from the downpour. I guess you never know quite what to expect when working in the field, though you are however guaranteed that it will not be boring.
Perhaps one of the issues that has laid heavy upon my heart has been a patient that I had the privilege of meeting a couple days ago. She is a single mother who is only able to walk with the assistance of a cane. Her eldest son is mentally handicapped, and has frequent outbursts of rage. During his last outburst, he jumped upon his mother (who was unable to escape due to her walking condition) and stabbed her seven times with a stick, which consequently was the reason for her visit to our clinic. Fortunately, she will recover from her wounds, but in a town with an obsolete mental health system, this mother is left to live in fear of her first-born son. I am currently working with the ELI staff in order to determine the best method in which we will be able to assist this mother, which to me, further underlines the importance of the developmental work that ELI is conducting in Kenya. The value of having a local Kenyan staff who care about the condition of their community and are willing to invest themselves for the benefit of those who are suffering around them cannot be expressed in monetary terms.
It is now time for me to depart as my time slot for Internet availability is nearing a close. Thank you again to all who have continued to pray for me during my time in Kenya; your prayers are much appreciated.
-Kit
Showing posts with label Kipkaren. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kipkaren. Show all posts
Monday, August 04, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
News from Kit: July 18, Week 1
My trip to Kenya has been fairly exciting thus far. The adventure began when my baggage containing my clothes and medical supplies was lost in transit. I have since received the lost luggage; oh the joy that a fresh T-shirt (among other things) can bring.
My time has mostly been spent at the Chebaiywo health clinic. My patients have mostly been suffering from malaria and typhoid, though yesterday I received a patient suffering from a possible fractured tibia due to domestic violence from an alcoholic father. ELI has a program that is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, so I will keep you posted on the family's condition.
Perhaps one of the more surprising things that I have learned about myself during my time in Kenya is that I apparently have hairy arms. It is not uncommon for me to have a child run over to me solely for the purpose of petting my arms.
I am also very impressed with my house parents, Ezekiel and Noella, at the orphanage where I am staying. Ezekiel and Noella are such a incredible parents to their 26 children, and have made me feel as if I am part of their family. There is one orphan in their family that I have been given the pleasure of meeting named Patrick. Patrick's mother died from HIV/AIDS, and when his grandmother could not care for him, she dumped him off in the bush (wilderness) to die. Patrick survived until a someone found him nearly dead due to his infection with HIV/AIDS. He is now staying at the ELI Children's Home where he has regained his health and is currently undergoing Anti-RetroViral Therapy. Patrick has also been given the opportunity to attend school and receive a free education. I have yet to see a child so filled with joy.
Currently, I am preparing to take part in a campaign that will host various games as a means of promoting free HIV/AIDS testing, however I awoke this morning with a fever, so I may have to wait for next week to attend another campaign. Thank you all again for the your continued prayer and support.
-Kit
Kit ended up being in bed and out of commission for four days! He's doing well now. He caught a flu bug that's been making the rounds in our village. This weekend, Kit will be able to join another AIDS campaign, and should be able to post an update again next Monday. ~Adele
Saturday, July 12, 2008
NewSong Comprehensive Team Update
Wednesday, July 9
Diann led a spiritual formation time with the children’s home house parents specifically dealing with anger. This was followed by all four team members dividing the parents by gender, men with men, women with women, to discuss adolescent development issues specific to the gender. These development concerns are just beginning to be seen at the Kipkaren River Children’s Home and the parents are searching for effective ways to talk about them with the children.
Dan concluded a devotional experience by taking the older children on a treasure hunt teaching them to use a compass. The children were delighted to find the hidden treasure of a soccer ball and a jump rope.
Duke finished working on a game he had taught the children. He and Diann had to paint 96 sets of four rocks as playing pieces. Now each child has his/her own distinctive set.
Peggy finished helping Adele, our team hostess; sew colorful curtains for the guest rooms we stayed in.
Following staff devotions at 4:00 p.m., the team enjoyed dinner with Michelle and William Kiprop, staff members of ELI, and heard the story of the chaotic journey of their first 9 months of marriage.
Duke and Peggy met with another Kenyan couple who are recently married and searching for ways to bring diverse backgrounds into a healthy marriage.
Thursday, July 10
Following a breakfast time debriefing with Adele, Dan met with the headmaster and his assistant at the Brook of Faith Primary School to search out ways to improve the traditional methods of educational practice in the school and to plan for the development of a secondary school. This meeting was followed by a lengthy discussion on the same topic with Training Center Director, David Tarus. Together they examined solutions to bringing more financial support to the schools.
Diann, Duke, and Peggy went walking with Stone and Wilson, two ELI staff members who work with the ministry to alcoholics. They heard their stories and were able to meet with and encourage some recovered alcoholics. One lady who has come out of alcoholism and accepted the Lord as her savior stated that since the day she let Jesus into her life 6 months ago, neither she nor her children have gone hungry. That is an amazing testimony since she brewed alcohol to have money for food.
In the afternoon, Diann and Peggy attended a fun party for 30 women of the ELI staff put on by Juli and Allison, American staff members working in health care. It was a great time of celebrating each woman and encouraging them in their work they do for ELI.
When the afternoon rains started, the team received the affirmations of the training center, children’s home, and primary school staff in a farewell service. They are such a gracious and loving people. We were also able to share our closing thoughts with them letting them know how our lives had been affected because of their lives, work, and testimonies. This service was followed by a tearful goodbye from all the children in the orphanage. So many hugs!
Friday, July 11
We left the training center at 6:45 a.m. for an Indiana Jones style ride over slippery, rutted, rock filled roads to the airport. Adele’s skillful driving got us there 25 minutes before the plane left the ground. Upon arrival in Nairobi, Micah who is a trainer in the Dynamic Business Start-Up Project, served as our driver and took us to an orphan baby elephant rescue center where we witnessed 12 ranging in ages from 2 to 22 months be bottle fed and played with. We heard the sad stories of how they were orphaned, many by poachers, and how they would be trained for their return to the wild at age 3.
In the afternoon after settling into our rooms at the Mayfield Guesthouse, Duke and Peggy went on a walk exploring a farmer’s market and AIDS rescue clinic, Diann took a needed nap, and Dan spent 3 hours at an elite private high school once again exploring how Kenyans view and practice good education.
We all enjoyed HOT showers and soft mattresses.
Saturday, July 12
Dan discovered he has no voice due to a viral cold. His day was spent forming a report on his findings and recommendations to ELI leadership concerning the continued development of the educational program.
Diann spent the morning and early afternoon doing spiritual formation training at the church of a Kenyan pastor that was a part of the New Song Church community for several years while attending Fuller Seminary.
Duke and Peggy composed this report, journaled, and got some needed rest.
At 3:00 p.m., Micah once again became our tour guide taking us to a open air market then on to the Carnivore Restaurant where we enjoyed the delicacies of roast ostrich, crocodile, water buffalo, sheep, cow, and chicken while debriefing our time in Kenya and preparing ourselves for our return to the USA where we will share our insights, experiences, and shaping of our time of ministry to the wonderful people of Ilula and Kipkaren, Kenya.
Sunday, July 13
We will enjoy an early morning drive-through safari at the Nairobi Game Park then on to church with Wendy Ludovici, and ELI staff member working in business development in Nairobi. Following church we will do some more sight-seeing around Nairobi, then drive to the airport for the 11:20 p.m. start of our 26 hour flight home.
Monday, July 14
Afternoon arrival to be embraced (we hope) by our families.
We have all had an experience that is a gift and also a challenge. There are so many amazing stories, sights, and relationships that have impacted our lives over the last 18 days. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts of us. You have provided us with blessing and shield. Please pray now for our safe journey home. We hope to see many of you very soon and share first hand this experience with you.
With our deepest love and regards,
Dan, Duke, Peggy, & Diann
Diann led a spiritual formation time with the children’s home house parents specifically dealing with anger. This was followed by all four team members dividing the parents by gender, men with men, women with women, to discuss adolescent development issues specific to the gender. These development concerns are just beginning to be seen at the Kipkaren River Children’s Home and the parents are searching for effective ways to talk about them with the children.
Dan concluded a devotional experience by taking the older children on a treasure hunt teaching them to use a compass. The children were delighted to find the hidden treasure of a soccer ball and a jump rope.
Duke finished working on a game he had taught the children. He and Diann had to paint 96 sets of four rocks as playing pieces. Now each child has his/her own distinctive set.
Peggy finished helping Adele, our team hostess; sew colorful curtains for the guest rooms we stayed in.
Following staff devotions at 4:00 p.m., the team enjoyed dinner with Michelle and William Kiprop, staff members of ELI, and heard the story of the chaotic journey of their first 9 months of marriage.
Duke and Peggy met with another Kenyan couple who are recently married and searching for ways to bring diverse backgrounds into a healthy marriage.
Thursday, July 10
Following a breakfast time debriefing with Adele, Dan met with the headmaster and his assistant at the Brook of Faith Primary School to search out ways to improve the traditional methods of educational practice in the school and to plan for the development of a secondary school. This meeting was followed by a lengthy discussion on the same topic with Training Center Director, David Tarus. Together they examined solutions to bringing more financial support to the schools.
Diann, Duke, and Peggy went walking with Stone and Wilson, two ELI staff members who work with the ministry to alcoholics. They heard their stories and were able to meet with and encourage some recovered alcoholics. One lady who has come out of alcoholism and accepted the Lord as her savior stated that since the day she let Jesus into her life 6 months ago, neither she nor her children have gone hungry. That is an amazing testimony since she brewed alcohol to have money for food.
In the afternoon, Diann and Peggy attended a fun party for 30 women of the ELI staff put on by Juli and Allison, American staff members working in health care. It was a great time of celebrating each woman and encouraging them in their work they do for ELI.
When the afternoon rains started, the team received the affirmations of the training center, children’s home, and primary school staff in a farewell service. They are such a gracious and loving people. We were also able to share our closing thoughts with them letting them know how our lives had been affected because of their lives, work, and testimonies. This service was followed by a tearful goodbye from all the children in the orphanage. So many hugs!
Friday, July 11
We left the training center at 6:45 a.m. for an Indiana Jones style ride over slippery, rutted, rock filled roads to the airport. Adele’s skillful driving got us there 25 minutes before the plane left the ground. Upon arrival in Nairobi, Micah who is a trainer in the Dynamic Business Start-Up Project, served as our driver and took us to an orphan baby elephant rescue center where we witnessed 12 ranging in ages from 2 to 22 months be bottle fed and played with. We heard the sad stories of how they were orphaned, many by poachers, and how they would be trained for their return to the wild at age 3.
In the afternoon after settling into our rooms at the Mayfield Guesthouse, Duke and Peggy went on a walk exploring a farmer’s market and AIDS rescue clinic, Diann took a needed nap, and Dan spent 3 hours at an elite private high school once again exploring how Kenyans view and practice good education.
We all enjoyed HOT showers and soft mattresses.
Saturday, July 12
Dan discovered he has no voice due to a viral cold. His day was spent forming a report on his findings and recommendations to ELI leadership concerning the continued development of the educational program.
Diann spent the morning and early afternoon doing spiritual formation training at the church of a Kenyan pastor that was a part of the New Song Church community for several years while attending Fuller Seminary.
Duke and Peggy composed this report, journaled, and got some needed rest.
At 3:00 p.m., Micah once again became our tour guide taking us to a open air market then on to the Carnivore Restaurant where we enjoyed the delicacies of roast ostrich, crocodile, water buffalo, sheep, cow, and chicken while debriefing our time in Kenya and preparing ourselves for our return to the USA where we will share our insights, experiences, and shaping of our time of ministry to the wonderful people of Ilula and Kipkaren, Kenya.
Sunday, July 13
We will enjoy an early morning drive-through safari at the Nairobi Game Park then on to church with Wendy Ludovici, and ELI staff member working in business development in Nairobi. Following church we will do some more sight-seeing around Nairobi, then drive to the airport for the 11:20 p.m. start of our 26 hour flight home.
Monday, July 14
Afternoon arrival to be embraced (we hope) by our families.
We have all had an experience that is a gift and also a challenge. There are so many amazing stories, sights, and relationships that have impacted our lives over the last 18 days. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts of us. You have provided us with blessing and shield. Please pray now for our safe journey home. We hope to see many of you very soon and share first hand this experience with you.
With our deepest love and regards,
Dan, Duke, Peggy, & Diann
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
NewSong Update: Wednesday
The NewSong team continues to enjoy God’s blessing as we live and love among the people around the Kipkaren River Training and Development Center.
Diann, Duke, & Peggy have just wrapped up three days of seminars with parents of the community and have had good discussions about parenting, marriage, and letting God do His work in us.
Diane, doing an intensive training seminar with children's home parents
Dan has visited the Kamagut High School and continues to gather information and plant seeds of educational reform with the leadership of ELI’s schools. Today he walked the ground where the new high school will be built and received God’s promise that this ground would yield its fruit in its season. We also have spent time in homes and seen amazing families overcoming the many challenges of life with God’s love in their hearts. God, through ELI, is at work here!
Brian, biological son of Mike & Dorcas, ELI Kipkaren orphanage parents
Please continue to support us in prayer as we finish or time in Kipkaren on Thursday and head back to Nairobi on Friday where we will spend time with two missionary friends, explore the local marketplace, see a slum ministry, visit a high school, do a short drive-through safari, then board the plane for the long journey back to California.
We are tired but well and that is a good way to be. God has done a work in the seeds we have planted and He has done a work in our lives as well. We look forward to sharing more of our ADVENTURE with you in the days ahead.
Dan, Diann, Duke, & Peggy
~ text & photos by Dan
Diann, Duke, & Peggy have just wrapped up three days of seminars with parents of the community and have had good discussions about parenting, marriage, and letting God do His work in us.
Diane, doing an intensive training seminar with children's home parentsDan has visited the Kamagut High School and continues to gather information and plant seeds of educational reform with the leadership of ELI’s schools. Today he walked the ground where the new high school will be built and received God’s promise that this ground would yield its fruit in its season. We also have spent time in homes and seen amazing families overcoming the many challenges of life with God’s love in their hearts. God, through ELI, is at work here!
Brian, biological son of Mike & Dorcas, ELI Kipkaren orphanage parentsWe are tired but well and that is a good way to be. God has done a work in the seeds we have planted and He has done a work in our lives as well. We look forward to sharing more of our ADVENTURE with you in the days ahead.
Dan, Diann, Duke, & Peggy
~ text & photos by Dan
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
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Electricity in Kipkaren, AIDS campaign and more
I (Adele) just walked into my home after a marathon couple of days for all of us.
When the team got back from Sudan on Wednesday, they were happy to take showers and drink lots of fresh water. Wish you could see them devour the ice cold watermelon I gave them as they were heading to take showers... Later, we sat on my porch and chatted about their experiences. You'll want to ask them MANY questions when they get home. They have lots of stories to tell!
The team had both shrunk and grown. Micah, Kevin and Jen had gone straight to Nairobi, and Tammy joined the group from LA. She arrived on Wednesday night.
On Thursday morning, we headed to Kipkaren. They were welcomed by the Kipkaren children, after which they had tours of the centers. They were in Kipkaren on a historical night: The first night ever that there was electricity in the area! (Other than that from generators or solar panels.)
On Friday morning, we headed out bright and early to a nearby town for an AIDS campaign. It was in a small village where people are still very afraid of talking about HIV/AIDS, so the crowd was a bit smaller than usual (maybe 1500 as opposed to 3000+). More than 400 people got tested, of which 7 were HIV+.
The afternoon's events were interrupted by heavy rains, but about 30 minutes later, the soccer team was back on the field and the crowd back in their positions, cheering. Then followed the prize giving, after which we headed home. The Salvation Army Band from Kitale was still playing their hearts out by the time we pulled out and headed back to Kipkaren. (A band from Nairobi was also present, but not the usual band we have. They didn't play as much since it seemed like the very rural crowd enjoyed the Salvation Army guys more than they enjoyed the city boys!)
The band from Nairobi had a concert for the kids from the children's home after dinner (ask the team about it--I headed home for some down time), and then, BAM! there was a massive thunder storm and heavy downpour. It was wonderful! But the lightning hit something, and now there's no power in Kipkaren again... Power should be back soon!
Today, the team had some much-needed down time. They came to Eldoret to walk around the market, buy postcards, relax at Poa Place (poa means "cool"), the local hang-out for families. (It's a swimming pool and playground for kids.) I was not with them since I joined Laban and Angelina Rono's 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, followed by a birthday party for 35 of our kids in Ilula.
Tomorrow, the team will participate in church activities in Kipkaren, then go for some home visits. On Monday, they'll come to Ilula where they'll visit the ELI Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. Jervaun leaves on Monday evening. The team will spend the night at Ilula and will try to connect via e-mail at that time.
On Tuesday, they'll head back to Kipkaren, see the ELI clinic, and on Wednesday, they'll get to be a part of a Children's Ministry event at Kipkaren.
Thursday's back to Ilula. They fly to Nairobi early Friday morning to spend the day in the city (shopping & seeing touristy things), and then they'll be off, home-bound!
Please keep them in your prayers this week. I'll upload photos to my Flickr account later this week. I just realized that the USB cable for my camera is in Kipkaren... Sorry you can't see photos right now.
When the team got back from Sudan on Wednesday, they were happy to take showers and drink lots of fresh water. Wish you could see them devour the ice cold watermelon I gave them as they were heading to take showers... Later, we sat on my porch and chatted about their experiences. You'll want to ask them MANY questions when they get home. They have lots of stories to tell!
The team had both shrunk and grown. Micah, Kevin and Jen had gone straight to Nairobi, and Tammy joined the group from LA. She arrived on Wednesday night.
On Thursday morning, we headed to Kipkaren. They were welcomed by the Kipkaren children, after which they had tours of the centers. They were in Kipkaren on a historical night: The first night ever that there was electricity in the area! (Other than that from generators or solar panels.)
On Friday morning, we headed out bright and early to a nearby town for an AIDS campaign. It was in a small village where people are still very afraid of talking about HIV/AIDS, so the crowd was a bit smaller than usual (maybe 1500 as opposed to 3000+). More than 400 people got tested, of which 7 were HIV+.
The afternoon's events were interrupted by heavy rains, but about 30 minutes later, the soccer team was back on the field and the crowd back in their positions, cheering. Then followed the prize giving, after which we headed home. The Salvation Army Band from Kitale was still playing their hearts out by the time we pulled out and headed back to Kipkaren. (A band from Nairobi was also present, but not the usual band we have. They didn't play as much since it seemed like the very rural crowd enjoyed the Salvation Army guys more than they enjoyed the city boys!)
The band from Nairobi had a concert for the kids from the children's home after dinner (ask the team about it--I headed home for some down time), and then, BAM! there was a massive thunder storm and heavy downpour. It was wonderful! But the lightning hit something, and now there's no power in Kipkaren again... Power should be back soon!
Today, the team had some much-needed down time. They came to Eldoret to walk around the market, buy postcards, relax at Poa Place (poa means "cool"), the local hang-out for families. (It's a swimming pool and playground for kids.) I was not with them since I joined Laban and Angelina Rono's 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, followed by a birthday party for 35 of our kids in Ilula.
Tomorrow, the team will participate in church activities in Kipkaren, then go for some home visits. On Monday, they'll come to Ilula where they'll visit the ELI Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. Jervaun leaves on Monday evening. The team will spend the night at Ilula and will try to connect via e-mail at that time.
On Tuesday, they'll head back to Kipkaren, see the ELI clinic, and on Wednesday, they'll get to be a part of a Children's Ministry event at Kipkaren.
Thursday's back to Ilula. They fly to Nairobi early Friday morning to spend the day in the city (shopping & seeing touristy things), and then they'll be off, home-bound!
Please keep them in your prayers this week. I'll upload photos to my Flickr account later this week. I just realized that the USB cable for my camera is in Kipkaren... Sorry you can't see photos right now.
Friday, February 16, 2007
New Song Update from Kenya!
I’ve been trying to reach the team for the past few days, but haven’t been able to reach them. Annie finally called me this morning with news from the team.
Everyone’s doing really, really well. They’re all getting over jet lag. Says Annie, “We’ve been having a good time. We’re enjoying the atmosphere at Kipkaren. The kids have especially been amazing! We’re falling in love with them. They’re stealing our hearts! We’ve been playing with them after school, singing and leading their evening devotions.”
According to Annie, it didn't take a lot to get used to the bathroom arrangements and such. Thanks for your prayers!
Their first two days (Monday and Tuesday) were spent with the 33 students who are currently in ELI’s 9-month bio-intensive agricultural training program. They conducted leadership training, did exercises in team building, and Dan and Myra presented a variety of talks.
Yesterday, Duke conducted a marriage seminar for all the couples who are serving as parents at the orphanage. Duke loved it and is doing really well, too!
While Duke, Dan and Myra were at the parents’ training day, Daren and Annie went to Edwin’s home with ELI staff Juli and Allison. The 12-year-old Edwin sadly passed away yesterday after years of heart problems and surgery. Allison and Juli have been friends with Edwin for several years, visiting him in the hospital, raising funds for his surgeries and more. Daren and Annie were touched to be able to be with Edwin’s family during this difficult time.
Yesterday was Daren’s birthday. The team had taken carrot cake mix, and after dinner at ELI Kipkaren Director David Tarus’ house, they had carrot cake and celebrated the big 4-0 with Daren.
Today, they've been busy doing a leadership seminar for ELI staff and were all still in the training when I got to speak with Annie.
They’ll call me again early next week with an update and will also try to send me photos at that time to upload.
Again, thank you for being part of this journey with Daren, Duke, Annie, Dan and Myra!
Everyone’s doing really, really well. They’re all getting over jet lag. Says Annie, “We’ve been having a good time. We’re enjoying the atmosphere at Kipkaren. The kids have especially been amazing! We’re falling in love with them. They’re stealing our hearts! We’ve been playing with them after school, singing and leading their evening devotions.”
According to Annie, it didn't take a lot to get used to the bathroom arrangements and such. Thanks for your prayers!
Their first two days (Monday and Tuesday) were spent with the 33 students who are currently in ELI’s 9-month bio-intensive agricultural training program. They conducted leadership training, did exercises in team building, and Dan and Myra presented a variety of talks.
Yesterday, Duke conducted a marriage seminar for all the couples who are serving as parents at the orphanage. Duke loved it and is doing really well, too!
While Duke, Dan and Myra were at the parents’ training day, Daren and Annie went to Edwin’s home with ELI staff Juli and Allison. The 12-year-old Edwin sadly passed away yesterday after years of heart problems and surgery. Allison and Juli have been friends with Edwin for several years, visiting him in the hospital, raising funds for his surgeries and more. Daren and Annie were touched to be able to be with Edwin’s family during this difficult time.
Yesterday was Daren’s birthday. The team had taken carrot cake mix, and after dinner at ELI Kipkaren Director David Tarus’ house, they had carrot cake and celebrated the big 4-0 with Daren.
Today, they've been busy doing a leadership seminar for ELI staff and were all still in the training when I got to speak with Annie.
They’ll call me again early next week with an update and will also try to send me photos at that time to upload.
Again, thank you for being part of this journey with Daren, Duke, Annie, Dan and Myra!
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