Empowering Lives: Teams

Team Update

2009-09-22T16:58:00.003+03:00

Greetings;
We had a wonderful 3 page description of our days and highlights from each team, but as often happens, the computer that contained these thoughts completely crashed. The internet has not been possible up until now as well.
So, this is a short "everyone is doing fine" update. Our time at Tenwek Hospital Center was an amazing time to see how the work of the Lord has grown over many years. Their hospital has grown from a one-room "clinic" to a fully functioning center with an ER, Peds ward, Ortho, Therapy, Maternity...even a 5 room OR.
Here at Kipkaren we have been involved in so much; visiting farmers, taking soil samples, leading a pastor's conference, first aid classes, agricultural classes, clinic work (immunizations/inventory) and nightly visits to the children's home. In particular, our visit to the milk cooler was a highlight for everyone; especially since less than a year ago it was a dirt lot. The farmer's co-op has formed its board and is eager to grow, with 150 members already. There have been many new friendships formed and also some familiar faces to reconnect with.
Doug, Deric and Tim will leave us early tomorrow morning for a 2 day "Ag" visit to Embu and will join up with the rest of the team at Nairobi airport. The rest of us will carry on with our projects, then leave Friday to return home (with a Safari on the way).
We appreciate all your prayers and support during this adventure and we have definitely felt God's hand during our many "challenges." Thank you again and we will see you all soon.

The Salem ELI team

CA Team - Final Blog

2009-08-18T19:31:00.002+03:00

Greetings in the name of the Lord!

It has been a couple of days since our last entry. In the meantime, we have had some great experiences here. Sunday started out with baptisms in the Kipkaren River. Todd was asked to assist the pastors, and did a wonderful job, as over 35 people were baptized!
The worship service that followed was amazing. There were so many people standing outside due to the number of youth from the camp and the normal Sunday worshipers that, in just 20 minutes, we took all the chairs and the sound system to the hillside overlooking the river for worship. It was beautiful! Mark was asked to preach for the service and did an outstanding job speaking about the life of Joseph. The children from the children’s home sang a song as well and it is so fun to see 96 kids singing and dancing in unison. They are such a joy to watch.
Yesterday we had to say goodbye to the youth from the camp and the pastors that translated for us during our classes. And after our goodbyes we had a chance to go into Eldoret and then visit the children’s home in Ilula. They greeted us with songs and flowers much like our greeting in Kipkaren. It was a powerful moment for us. The visit was short, but the children there are just as wonderful and we really enjoyed seeing the work that is going on there.
Today is our last day in Kipkaren and we have so far started the day joining Juli before daybreak to watch the sun rise over the valley. After breakfast we broke up into a few groups to go on some more home visits where we prayed for people, some of whom are HIV positive. We also got to visit a woman named Lidia who did our laundry for us while were staying here. She lost her husband about a month ago and is trying to find work so that she can provide for her two children (2 & 4).
We are praying that the work that is going on here in Kipkaren will continue and be a light for many who, like Lidia, need hope and help in desperate times.
Tomorrow, we leave very early in the morning to go on safari, via Nairobi. We will be there 3 days, and hope to have a chance to blog one more time before we return home. Gratefully, the Kenya Airlines strike is over, so we are thankful for all of your prayers toward that end. God is faithful!

CA Team - Personal Messages

2009-08-15T20:25:00.004+03:00

“Jambo” again from Kipkaren, Kenya! We are all well, having just completed a 3-day intense schedule of seminars we were teaching to the local youth (18-35 year-olds). In the coming days, we will join the youth in closing activities, travel to the orphanage in Ilula, spend one final day here helping in any way we can, and then depart to enjoy a safari.
While here, we have been learning a lot about the Kalenjin culture, the dominant tribe in the area. Kenya is comprised of many tribes, and the Kalenjin consider themselves one of the strongest. They are the main source of runners for Kenya, a relatively small country that rules the world of marathons and distance running. They are physically active, walking everywhere, sometimes great distances, as well as working their farms with very little technology and equipment. Needless to say, they are physically strong people, and love athletics such as running, volleyball and soccer. The local area is poor, with few graduating from college or university, as they are needed to work the farm. Most of them are farmers, scratching out a living amidst a drought, and since they depend on rainfall for irrigation, things have been especially difficult lately. But oh, can they worship! They love to dance and sing, songs lasting well over ten minutes each, and worship services regularly running 2-3 hours. Our ideas of “church” have been changed!
We ask you to pray for our travel arrangements as we return. Kenya Airline employees are currently on strike, and since that is one of our connecting airlines for our return trip, I ask you to pray that the strike would be resolved quickly, and if things do not improve, that we would be able to re-schedule our flights easily.
We are so grateful for all of you!

And now, as promised, each of us would like to send a message . . .

Hi, Babe! I sure miss you and the girls! God is doing amazing things in all of us. Can’t wait to see you and tell you all about it. To my support team, thank you ALL for making this trip possible. I feel so humbled to be here on your behalf and look forward to gathering together to show you and tell you everything I have experienced. May God richly bless you all! --Mark

Thank you for your prayers that have helped restore my health. We have received gifts here in Africa beyond what we all imagined. Hopefully we have planted seeds that God will nurture and build upon…. The Helmstedters

Bumblebeetuna! (hope someone gets that haha). Hey there to all who have been keeping up with us and leaving comments of support, keep ‘em comin! It’s so good to hear from home. It’s just been awesome here and I’m sad to think we are almost headed back (ok ok I won’t be sad to see a Starbucks again), but not yet, we are here and going strong! Oh. Happy Birthday to my sister Amber today August 15th! Love you, Bumblebeetuna!.......Amie

Hello from Christy, also known as Jepkigen (which means long awaited which refers to my birth). The trip has been amazing and full of new experiences. I had such a wonderful birthday; it was a great was to start a new year. Thank you so much for all your prayers and support throughout this journey. I can’t wait to be share in detail everything that has happened here we left LAX. Thanks again! Christy

Hey there from Sara, AKA Schom! Hello roommates, friends and family! Mom, I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I love you so much. I am immersed in the most passionate worship music and dance that I could ever have imagined. There have been many times I have smiled until it hurts! So many of the youth at the camp have opened up and shared their lives with us. It will be very hard to leave this beautiful place. Bwana Asifiwe (Praise the Lord).

Jambo or Hello from Kenya, This has been an amazing trip. I thought we knew how to worship being from CA, however they know how to worship in Kenya. I want to say how much I miss my sweetheart Sally and my kids Kali and Kyle. I have prayed for you guys everyday. God is stretching me in unreal ways. I feel so blessed. We have gone on several home visits and the kids at the orphanage are amazing. We have just finished our teaching, 9 seminars. Sally you would have been so proud of Natalie, she was preaching her heart away. I love you all and I love my bride - Todd

Hello everyone from Kenya!!!! Our team has had an amazing time here in Kenya. I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with all of the people here. We just finished our lessons, all 9 of them. Now we get to have fun with everyone here, playing sports and worshiping. Tomorrow we get to see baptisms and my 1st revival service. I miss you all (especially you mom and ka) and I am so grateful for all of the prayers and I can’t wait to show you all the pictures. Love Nat

First of all, thanks again to all of you who have been praying for our team, for the youth camp and for the Kenyan leaders here in Kipkaren. The last 10 days have been great. What fun our team has had. We’ve had a chance to be with the kids from the children’s home. We’ve been able to meet some amazing people and see how God is moving in this community. The stories are too numerous to mention here, but I look forward to being able to share with you all what we have seen. And we’ve been praying that what do here, the little offering that we have, will be used by God. Peace to you all, Eric PS – They have the best chai tea!

What an experience! There is no way that I could have imagined what we would see and do. We have taught 9 lessons each on subjects that were suggested to us by the camp leadership. I taught on forgiveness. Today we were told that a 21 year old male went to one of the pastors after our lesson and said he wanted to be forgiven and gave his life to the Lord. He had also been causing problems with the cooks here at camp. He asked if he could go to the cooks and ask them to forgive him. What a joy to hear a good report. Hey Jimmy, you are missed and wish you were here. Jeannie otherwise known here as Go Go which is Grandmother.

Hey everyone, family, roomies, friends! I miss you but I’m having an incredible time. I finally got my bag back which is a huge relief—thanks for your prayers. My favorite has been singing and dancing with the kids. I can’t imagine leaving… it’s going to be hard. God is humbling me and teaching me so many things. Please continue praying. Don’t worry, I’ll share EVERYTHING when I get home. Love you all, Renee

CA Team - Half-way

2009-08-14T21:55:00.000+03:00

Jambo from Kipkaren! Hard as it is to believe, we have reached the halfway point of our trip already. Amie here, and it’s a beautiful morning as we begin our second day teaching at the youth camp. It has been very interesting teaching in entirely different culture! Thankfully we are blessed with interpreters to help us communicate, but we are still learning the best way to word things and encourage participation. It’s a challenge but we are growing and making adjustments and trusting God to help us make an impact.
On a funny note, yesterday a “Girl’s Education” seminar was scheduled in the main hall, so Christy, Sarah and I decided to sit in on the talk to learn more about the culture and to support the Kenyan leaders. The pastor who had been speaking in Swahili the whole intro (so we hadn’t understood a word he said) told us he was leaving and that we could begin the lesson. They were under the impression WE were going to teach the class to over 100 young Kenyan women! Needless to say, we stalled for time until someone could come to save us. It was one of those cross-cultural miscommunication stories you read about, but never think you’ll experience yourself.

The campus in full of hundreds of Kenyan youth from all around and we are thanking God that the electricity has remained on (as the government turns it off 3-4 days a week) which can effect water supplies, communications and other vital functions. But regardless of any obstacles and surprises, we are encouraged and optimistic God will guide us as we serve. It has been so amazing to see how joyful and eager these youth are, considering their lack of luxuries we take for granted.

The Team is feeling MUCH better health-wise but prayers are still needed! I have fully recovered from the stomach bug and Chris is feeling better day by day. Some of the team is having allergy issues as well though, so please continue to pray for our health. We miss you all and thank you for your prayers.

Tomorrow, we will each write a short message, so stay tuned!

CA Team - Youth Camp Time!!!

2009-08-13T10:20:00.002+03:00

Camp is About to Begin!

“Jambo” and “Chemge” from Kipkaren! With the exception of Amie and Chris, who have suffered from stomach bugs, we are doing well. God has been teaching us many things about Kenyan culture and ourselves, as we have experience so many life-changing things.
Picking up where our last blog ended, we went on another day of home visits on Tuesday. Again, we saw the daily life of Kenyans and came away amazed at their strength and resilience in the face of obstacles, and their deep commitment to family and community. We also visited the clinic where Juli meets with patients, and heard her share her vision of developing palliative care for the dying.
One aspect of Kenyan life that impresses us is how physically fit they are. They walk or bicycle everywhere, and are so strong that a walk that makes us huff, puff and sweat hardly stresses them at all! You can see why this area of Kenya produces such great long-distance runners.
We also visited a Milk Cooling Station in Kipkaren that ELI helped found. The purpose of the station is to empower local farmers, by preparing their milk for sale on the open market. Each farmer brings in their milk, it is checked for contaminants, measured and pooled into giant coolers, which ready it for distribution to a milk processor, who pays for the milk. It is an amazing story of God’s blessing. They opened in April, to 26 farmers, who gave 178 liters of milk. In just four months, they now have over 500 farmers who come, and give an average of over 3600 liters a day! ELI is truly helping locals become self-sustaining!

Yesterday, we helped prepare for the annual Youth Camp. We built bunkbeds for campers, helped register arrivals, and met with Kenyan pastors. This is the 11th year they have had this camp, and about 300 young adults from neighboring areas, some walking over 5 miles, have assembled here, tucked in every corner imaginable. It is really quite exciting!
Our role in the camp is to lead discussion groups on various topics: Spiritual Growth, Small Business Development, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Dating, Decision-Making, HIV and AIDS awareness, etc. The campers have been divided into 9 groups of about 30 each, and they will rotate through four one-hour sessions each day. We will each have a local pastor who will translate and contextualize the message so it is most effective.
In the afternoons, we will participate in activities with the campers, such as soccer, volleyball, frisbee, tug-of-war and crafts. It will be a wonderful way for us to connect with these youth through play.
As the camp begins, we would ask you to pray for the following:
1. That we would continue to stay healthy and strong. Amie and Chris are not feeling well, so pray they would recover. For the next two days, we each lead four seminars a day, and we want be at our best, so pray we stay healthy.
2. That any Kenyan youth here who does not know Christ will come to faith. This is a generation under great stress. Pray that God would use us to reach them with the gospel.
3. That God would continue teaching us to serve others.

We are SO grateful for your support, in the form of prayers and comments on the blog. They keep us going!

The Kenya Team

p.s. Here are some photos. Enjoy!

The Bridge Team: Greetings from Kenya

2009-08-13T00:57:00.001+03:00

We arrived in Kenya on Sunday night and checked into the Mayfield guest house in Nairobi around midnight. The next day we recoverd and took our last flight into Illula late in the afternoon. We arrived in Eldoret early Monday evening. Laban, the director of the Children's Home, was at the airport to meet us and bring us to Illula where we had an amazing reception from the children. They were singing and greeted each one of us with a handshake and roses. We felt very welcomed.
We're 2 days into VBS. It's going very well. We have the younger kids in the morning for about 2-2 1/2 hours and then the older kids in the afternoon. The games in the afternoon were a challenge yesterday because it rained. It's good that it rained because they're going through a drought, but it made it difficult to play kickball. Yesterday we had around 110 children. Today we expect over 200 because of word of mouth from the children in the village. I'm sure the number will continue to grow as the days go on. We're having the VBS celebration service on Sunday during church. They expect a lot of people there, so we'll be having church outside.
The weather has been nice. It's warm (75 degrees) during the day and gets cool at night.
Overall, things are going well. We're staying very busy which helps us sleep well at night. We're enjoying the food and the chai and getting to know everyone.
We'll post another update as soon as we are able.
Thank you for your prayers. God continues to do amazing things in Kenya and we're blessed to be a part of it.

CA Team - Tears, Laughter and Dancing

2009-08-10T20:38:00.001+03:00

Monday, August 10, 2009
We were all in for a wonderful treat to worship with our brothers and sisters yesterday. Sara put it well yesterday—“My face hurts from smiling so much!” We were blessed to see the children from the home sing and dance for us, and even invited all of us to join them. We had to laugh a bit at Todd’s moves and the fact that they made Eric sit down after only a few minutes of dancing, but we enjoyed every second of it. We even got to experience the singing and dancing again at the Children’s Home for their nightly devotions. Eric and Sara and the rest of us led a few songs as well and we got to sing Jacob’s song ‘Just Sing’ and the kids caught along and were jumping and dancing and shouting… again more smiling .
After the church service yesterday we had the opportunity to participate in the funeral of one of the community members. They considered it an honor for us to be there even though we were complete strangers. We simply walked to the family’s land, listened to some people share and sing, were greeted by the family, and left. Julie invited us into her home in the afternoon and was so gracious to make chocolate cake so we could celebrate Christy’s birthday together.
After another night of semi-jetlagged sleep, we joined the ELI staff for their weekly devotions. One of the house mothers, Dorcas, led us in some beautiful singing. I think I speak for everyone when I say that it’s been a beautiful experience to hear people worship in Swahili. Immediately after the staff meeting, Julie shared a little bit about her community based ministry to people with HIV. We were all moved to tears by the countless stories she has of how God has healed and how the people in the community have a deep, deep faith despite the hardest of times. Then, three men who work at the Hope and Health Center led us on hikes (from ½ mile to 3 miles away) to visit some of the very people Julie had just shared about. Part of their ministry is to visit and encourage, and we were so privileged to join in. Upon returning to the center, we were overflowing with stories of the people we had met. My team visited a man named David and his wife Ruth, both of whom are HIV positive. They had such an encouraging story about how the Lord had brought them from a point of near death, to now sharing his story and encouraging other people to get tested and be treated. When we stopped to pray for him, he asked us to bring his story back home. And we will. We will all have so many stories to share when we get home.
God is answering many of the prayers of the people here in that it is raining right now. We’re enjoying the beautiful thunder and pounding rain (something we never experience in So Cal!) and looking forward to devotions with the kids followed by our dinner and daily debriefing.
It’s hard to describe all that we’re seeing and experiencing. Today we’re all wondering how we’ve all been so blessed— not only in our time here but also in our lives back at home. The fact that none of us has ever had to wonder where our food is coming from is really blowing us away. All of these people are so grateful and hospitable. Thank you for your prayers and support in allowing us to be here. This experience so far has been life-changing. We’re all healthy, which is a huge blessing! We’re still missing my luggage, and Brian’s wife Kristen arrived today and is missing hers as well.
Greetings from Eric, Sara, Christy, Amie, Chris, Diana, Jeannie, Mark, Todd, Natalie, Renee, and Brian and the family.
--Renee for the CA Kenya Outreach Team

CA Team - We have arrived!

2009-08-09T13:35:00.001+03:00

We made it!! The Christian Assembly Kenya arrived safely and we all have so much to be thankful for. It is Sunday morning and a few of us are sitting and singing at the gazebo at the bend of the river at the Kipkaren Training Center enjoying the beauty of God’s amazing creation. This place is a welcome refreshment after what seems like endless flights and waiting in line to get here. We definitely had a way of picking the longest line to check our bags in, to re-check our bags, to go through security, and to go through customs. We flew from LAX to London and then from London to Nairobi. Our first night in Nairobi, we got about 4 hours of sleep at the Mayfield Guesthouse before having to catch another flight to Eldoret.
The last leg of our journey to Kipkaren was a bumpy van ride through the countryside. Our eyes were opened to the vast beauty of the land as well as the poverty we saw along the way. A little groggy and overwhelmed, none of us were prepared for the amazing greeting we would receive at the gate of the children’s home. As we rounded the last curve of the muddy red clay road to the village we heard the amazing sound of children’s voices. There wasn’t a dry eye as we stumbled out of the vans to be welcomed by the smiling faces of 100 children and the Empowering Lives staff. They sang, gave us flowers, and shook all of our hands and echoed “Karibu!” (or “welcome”) as we entered.
Since then we’ve taken a tour of the Children’s Home, met several staff, enjoyed some wonderful hot meals together, and tried to get caught up on sleep. We’ve all been so blessed by the joy and hospitality of our hosts here. It’s been an encouragement for all of us to meet or be reunited with Julie McGowan as well. Right now we’re off to join the village for Sunday worship. Our journey has only just begun and we’re excited to continue to be floored by God’s goodness and provision. Please pray that we will all be over jetlag soon so that we will be able to have open eyes and ready hearts. We’re still missing one piece of personal luggage, so we would love your prayers for that to be found. Everyone says to say hello to parents, siblings, roommates, spouses, and children. We miss you all and will share more soon!
CA Kenya Team

Kokom Team - Final blog

2009-08-09T13:33:00.000+03:00

This is our last full day in Kipkaren. The weather has been beautiful, sunny during the day and an afternoon shower most days. The wood for the beds finally arrived today so we’re hoping to get a couple beds finished by the end of the day.
It has not been lost time as we have had a wonderful time everyday with the children. They are really amazing. We’re going to have crafts with them today…what fun! We also spent quality time with the women this week as they each made floral arrangements and place mats. We also made worship banners together for the church. Yesterday we went to home visits to HIV victims. What amazing stories they have to share. How courageous they are. We visited a family who had lost a husband and father just last week. Our hearts were broken as the wife has no source of income and her children are very young.
We had dinner last night at the home of David and Allison Taurus. He was one of founders of ELI here in Kenya. He also oversees the milk collection business in Kipkaren. All is well as we head for Nairobi in the morning and off on Safari on Saturday morning. Pray for our plane rides on the small planes as Diana doesn’t do well on them. We have been blessed on this trip! Praise the Lord!

Kokomo Team - New Village

2009-08-04T07:25:00.000+03:00

Catching up from last Saturday. Leaving Ilula today, excited but sad, leaving behind our new family we will miss. Our lives have been greatly changed in one week. We came to give but cannot put into words what we have received. We all wept with joy for the blessings we’ve received. We have also been given beautiful gifts. It was a beautiful drive today. Even though they’re suffering through drought, it is very lovely here. We are all excited about our coming week in Kipkaren and what the Lord has planned for us.
Up early after a good nights rest. Two other girls arrived today to help in the clinic. Ali and Sumy are nursing students here for a month. Church was great today with lots of praise and worship and singing by the children. We introduced ourselves with our new Kenya given names. We toured the training center in the afternoon before joining the children for devotions. We divided up and went to the children’s home for dinner and sharing. Many questions, a desire to know us and our ways and also for us to know them.
Since we’re arrived in Kipkaren it has rained each evening. The rain is really needed. Vickie and Sarah learned to milk the cow yesterday. I don’t think the cow appreciated the new hands. It’s now Monday and we toured the clinic and they really appreciated the medications that we brought to them. Thanks Joe and Dr. Gohil. Today we start building bunk-beds for the dorms. Having a great time but some days really tiring. Mom and Dad, Sarah says hi and that she’s having the time of her life. Keep praying for us that our health holds up…no one has been sick yet. We leave here on Friday and on Safari starting Saturday morning. Be Blessed. We’ll have pictures and stories.

The Kokomo Team

Kingsburg Team- Uganda Report

2009-08-03T01:52:00.002+03:00

Greetings from Uganda,

Darol, Alistair and Julius Kemboi left the rest of the Kingsburg team last Saturday, July 25th in KipKaren, Kenya and headed via bus for Uganda. We were met in Kampala by Barnabus with Sports Outreach Ministry (SOM) and spent two days in Kampala. On Sunday we worshipped together at a church in one of Kampala's slum areas. SOM primarily focuses on spending time with the "poorest of the poor". One of their platforms is to play soccer (football) with the kids and teaching them skills. It becomes a bridge into the lives of the children and their parents. In time many kids and their families are born again! A Sports Outreach affiliated church is recommended for deepening their new life in Christ. Alistair and Julius had an eye clinic following the church service. Eyecare needs were met and it was good preparation for the eye clinics to follow in Gulu, Uganda. Darol trained the "Glasses for Missions" kit at the Kampala Center for the Physically Disabled. The Glasses for Mission Kit training brought tools such as welding wire, lenses, etc. and skills to make glasses from beginning to end. Reading glasses can be offered to individuals with some simple assessment tools. The process takes about 30 minutes and usually becomes an opportunity to present Christ.

Monday was a travel day. We arrived in Gulu and Alloysius with SOM showed us an area of farm land that was committed to improving the lives of locals by adding empowerment skills on a multitude of levels. The 3 of us agreed that there were many parallels with E.L.I. It was sad to learn how the war with rebels has devastated this region. Families were dislocated and splintered and often rape and murder was witnessed by other family members. SOM also provides ongoing counseling and a church family in simple home settings. The Holy Spirit is moving and convicting many of their needs to be born again. The love and passion they have for Jesus Christ and for serving others is a true witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ in their lives. Praise God.

The eye clinic served to train others for a simple ongoing eyecare ministry. Skills, glasses and the "Glasses for Missions Kit" was left for their continued eyecare service and ministry. Prayers were offered for several personal needs that surfaced at the clinic. New brothers and sisters in Christ were added to His Kingdom as some came to a new found faith in Jesus Christ. Praise God.

We set up clinic outdoors at a remote village site outside of Gulu

Darol training staff at SOM - Gulu on how to
make glasses from the Glasses For Missions Kit

Alistair assisting a gentleman with reading glasses

Darol training the staff from the Kampala Center
for the Physically Disabled on how to make glasses
from the Glasses for Missions Kit.

Kokomo Team - Settling in

2009-07-31T09:32:00.000+03:00

The days here are very warm, and the nights are nice and cool. They say this is the most perfect climate in the world, and we are not going to argue with that. We’ve learned so much about Empowering Lives International (ELI) in the past few days and we are more excited about working here than ever. The men have torn out the old beds in the guesthouse and are building beautiful new beds. The women have put together crafts, bible studies, a birthday party and home visits to the house parents who each look after 25 children. We are still missing 3 suitcases. They are in Tanzania, go figure that. Wayne has worn the same slacks for 8 days, and no one will sit with him at dinner.

We all send our love.
Mama Brian, Baba Brian, Mama Matthew, Baba Matthew, Mama Tawni, Baba Tawni, and beautiful Sarah

Kokomo Team - We made it!

2009-07-28T20:27:00.004+03:00

Greetings from Kenya,

The team from Kokomo says hello from Kenya. We finally arrived, a day late but not in the least discouraged. Yesterday was a transition day from Nairobi to Ilula. We were met by the children with roses, singing and a wonderful dance. Once the tears cleared we made introductions and now we’re part of a whole new family. The story of our travels will need to be told by the individuals because the events are to numerous to list here….hopefully the rest of our luggage will arrive before leaving for Kipkaren.
The attached pictures are us at the Mayfield House in Nairobi, and the opening ceremony of the children at school in the morning. We will add more pictures as the weeks progresses.
Sarah says hi to mom and dad. She is having a wonderful time and is spending as much time with the children as she possibly can. This is a special experience in her life. Tony and Vickie are having fun working with the mosquito nets and the out door toilets. Dick and Diana are doing fine and food has not been an issue. Keep praying for this group of people as we are loving serving in the strong name of Jesus. Check in a couple days for another update. All our love from the Kokomo Team.

Kingsburg Pictures

2009-07-23T09:05:00.009+03:00

Dr. Kemboi with a Patient and his new Glasses

Patients Lining up to be Seen for Eye Clinic

Emily and Ryan helping with Eye Screening

One of the Many Beautiful Kenyan People

Ryan working with the Painting Crew

Alistair with Children's Home House Parents

Kathy Assisting with the Initial Screening Process

Darol Treating a Patient

The Team having dinner with David and Allison Tarus and Juli

Kingsburg Team Update

2009-07-23T08:47:00.002+03:00

Greetings from beautiful Kenya. Today finds us well and busy.

The clinic opened Monday, and as Dr. Darol will tell you, a variety of patients have been seen. The number of patients is somewhat fewer than anticipated, due to the on-going eye care that Julius Kemboi provides. The slower pace allowed the clinic staff time to visit and share with waiting patients, and Alistair was able to hep a family get urgent medical care for their child.

It has been such a blessing to witness the growth of Julius Kemboi. He is a true professional. In the eye clinic we refer to him as "Dr. Kemboi". Dr. Kemboi has demonstrated superb skills in diagnosing and treating near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatisms and various reading prescriptions. He also makes glasses, edging the lenses with great precision. He is eager to add to his understanding and to take on the new challenges such as learning to diagnose and treat certain eye pathologies. What a privilege it is to be part of his mentoring process.

The eye clinic is now well on the path to being self-sustaining. A nominal fee is charged for the materials and services, enough to cover overhead and meaningful livelihoods for Dr. Kemboi and staff. The patients have been interesting and challenging. Cases are as varied from removing foreign bodies, droopy eyelids, cataracts, to very aggressive eye infections. The prescribing of glasses has been assigned to Julius Kemboi.

On Tuesday a baby boy, James, was born in the adjacent medical clinic. Kathy, Al and Ellen had the great honor of visiting and praying for him and his family. There really aren't words to describe the blessing this brought to us. Please pray for baby James and his health, as he had a difficult birth.

Ryan's birthday was the 20th and we celebrated 34 hours. Kenyan time, plus U.S. time. His birthday brought many blessings; newborn babies, calves, lambs, and kids and the needed rain.

Emily and Ryan have been painting with Isaac Odari and have developed a special relationship with him. When he injured his finger they were able to gently persuade him to come to the clinic for a tetanus shot, which he would not have done on his own. Kathy traveled to Ilulla for a short visit Wednesday. We look forward to her safe return. Once again, we thank for your prayers and support.

2009-07-20T15:22:00.006+03:00

Our Team with David Tarus ELI Co-Founder

Al and Ellen assisting with Eye Exams

Al and Ryan getting their Kenyan Groove on at the Harambee

Children Praising and Dancing at the Harambee

Kathy getting HER Kenyan Groove On!!

Ellen with a New Friend

Ryan having some Down time with the Kids

Emily Enjoying a Secret from a New Friend

Darol Enjoying some Non-Eye-Time with the Kids

Alistair is also really enjoying the Children

Kingsburg Team Update

2009-07-20T15:03:00.002+03:00

Jambo from Kenya! Friday was a busy, productive day for us. Dr. Darol and Alistair began organizing for the eye clinic opening Monday and the rest of us painted dormitory rooms. Saturday, we continued with our work. Al took time to play Goliath in a skit for the children's devotion time. ALthough he had a very convincing death scene, he was advised not to quit his day job.

Dr. Darol saw his first patients on Saturday also. The Children's Home and Brook of Faith Academy brought some students. Several staff members were seen as well as a few "early birds" from the community.

On Sunday we attended a harambee. "Harambee" means pulling together, and this one was a fund-raiser to build a church. We were treated to several songs and dances by the children, who are wonderful singers and dancers to begin the festivities. They truly make a joyful noise unto the Lord. The community gave us a warm welcome and even asked us to sing. A fter the sermon, several local leaders and visiting dignitaries spoke. The day concluded with the offering collection and a delicious dinner. The church was thrilled to find that they actually raised more than the projected goal. Later that evening we visted for devotions with the children at the Children's Home.

Today is Monday and we are busy working at the clinic. Things are going well. Part of our team is continuing with the painting project which is also going well. Everyone remains healthy and our spirits are high.

We are so blessed to be in this beautiful coutnry where the people are filled with the joy of the Lord. Thank yo ufor your support encouragement and prayers.

Kingsburg Team Upate

2009-07-17T12:51:00.007+03:00

Kathy and Pastor Peter at our Welcome Ceremony

Children at the ELI Center

Devotional Time at the Mayfield Guest House in Nairobi

Tour of the Training Center Gardens

Darol and Alistair with the Medical Team at the Clinic

Devotion Time at the Children's Home

Darol Training Julius on New Equipment

Alistair giving hemophiliac medication to a specialty doctor

Kingsburg Team Upate

2009-07-17T12:43:00.002+03:00

Jambo Marafike na Nyumbaini (Hello Friends and Family),

Yes, we finally made it here. We are sorry for not posting an update earlier, but life has been a whirlwind since we arrived. We Arrived in Nairobi Tuesday night with not too much incident. We praised God that all 14 pieces of our luggage arrived safely and cleared customs smoothly. We spent the night at the Mayfield House in Nairobi and Alistair was able to connect and give hemophilia medicine and supplies to the doctor and staff at the National Hemophilia Treatment Center in Nairobi. We then flew out to KipKaren the next day – what an experience! The people had a very warm welcoming ceremony for us when we arrived.

Yesterday, Thursday, was our first full day in KipKaren. We got a tour of the ELI facilities and learned of all the ways they are “empowering” the lives of people in this area through sustainable agriculture training and changing their lives for the better along with sharing the love of God with them. Next we got a tour of the Children’s Home/Orphanage and the Brook of Faith Academy School. This was especially exciting for our 3 teachers on our team. The school is facing its own set of challenges and our teachers have all taken these issues to heart and we prayed with the Headmaster and several teachers.

After lunch we were invited over to Cosmas’ home (dear friend of Kathy’s) and his wife Helen served us chai tea and hotcakes and we enjoyed their 3 month old son Jotham and good fellowship.

In the afternoon, we had a quick tour of the clinic where we saw the facilities where we will be assisting with eye care next week. We also learned about how the clinic works on a normal daily basis. In the evening we got to join the kids at the Children’s Home for their daily evening devotions. Wow! We got to sing and share Bible verses and stories with them before they went to dinner. We were all so impressed and blessed.

Today, Friday, Darol and Alistair are at the clinic to start setting things up for clinic which begins tomorrow. The medical staff at the Cheboiywa Clinic are amazing and wonderful people providing such a valuable ministry of health and healing to the people in the area with a Community Health Center and Home Care Visitation program. The rest of the team is doing a marathon painting project back at the Training Center.

We will get to share in the graduating ceremony of 31 students at the ELI Sustainable Agriculture Community Development Training Program and we will also attend a big fundraising and worship service on Sunday for the building on a new church right next to the health clinic.

We think of you all every day. We miss you lots and so appreciate your prayers. We definitely feel them here and they have truly been sustaining us. Everyone is healthy and doing well. Our daily team devotions and worship have been powerful and we appreciate the personal family devotions very much. We have been praying for each of you and thanking God for your support and prayers. We will post an entry every three days or so.

Love to all,

Kathy, Darol, Alistair, Ryan, Emily, Al and Ellen

Kipkaren Intern: Kayte Kerr Update

2009-07-15T14:52:00.000+03:00

While preparing to come to Kenya, I was given pictures of all the kids that are living in the Children's Home. I can remember looking through them and telling people that I wanted to bring them home with me. I would like to share with you now that I don't want to take any of these children home, not because they aren't incredible children that have touched my heart but because they are so happy and well cared for here. I would like to share a brief description of the everyday things that I witness and appreciate about what this organization is doing for these children.

First of all, the parents are so hard working. They are putting everything into these children and truly are making a difference in their lives. They are teaching them not only responsibilities that come with being a family but also love and faith. They lead by example, showing these children how to live right and think of others which can be seen clearly in the actions being repeated by the children. These parents deal with sickness, school struggles, and everyday problems that come up when you are raising two dozen children. It amazes me when I see them mending clothes, going over school work, and cleaning up a scraped knee that they never seem to complain or just want a break and if we comment on their hard work and care that they show for these children they will simply say that they are parents and that's part of the job.

Secondly, the emphasis on education and furthering yourself through school is so strongly ingrained in these kids. They have such a strong work ethic. Starting school at 6 in the morning and continuing all day and then going back again after dinner seemed like a lot of me but for them they see it as more time to learn. They study hard, have big ambitions and have a strong, supportive staff that I know will help them to achieve their dreams. These teachers daily go above and beyond to make sure that the students are understanding the material and most know all the students by name and have formed close relationships with the students. It is neat to see teachers and students committed to learning together and progressing together at Brook of Faith. I am honored to get to see these students and teachers in action a few days a week and continue to be impressed with the dedication that they all have for education.

I have truly been blessed to get to be a part of all that goes on here in Kipkaren. The staff is so hardworking and is really making a difference in not just the kids lives but they are a blessing to the whole community. These kids are happy, healthy, full of hope and joy. I will be leaving them shortly but know that I am leaving them in excellent hands and I know that they will continue to grow, learn and be loved.

Kat and Stephanie Intern Update

2009-06-30T16:45:00.003+03:00

Jambo from Kipkaren! Kat and I arrived at the children's home this morning after saying difficult goodbyes to our friends at the Ilula children's home. We were greeted by all of the staff singing and clapping a greeting to us. To enter the grounds, we were handed a pair of scissors and asked to cut a rope that had been wrapped in flowers. We were each given roses and were able to greet everyone individually. Our room is right by the river and has drinkable water in the sink!!! We are so grateful to be here and were amazed at the warm welcome we received. After lunch, Kat went to visit the childrens school and speak with the director. I shadowed at the clinic and learned a lot about the common illnesses in this area and got a wonderful tour. The clinic has an HIV counseling department, an optometry dept, exam rooms, a lab, a maternity room and a dental room! We are excited for the opportunities that we will have in the days to come.

We send our love to everyone at home and will try to update later! :)
Steph and Kat

Kate Kerr Intern - Second Update

2009-06-10T21:58:00.000+03:00

Jambo rafikis! It’s almost been three weeks here at Kipkaren and it seems that I wake up and experience something new everyday! Last Wednesday, I got the opportunity to go on some home visits to locals that are HIV positive. We stopped by the home of a man named Joseph and found that he was actually in the hospital at the time. We prayed for him with his family and today we got to go back and visit with him. It was amazing seeing our prayers in action. He told us that he had heard of our visit and appreciated all of our prayers and thoughts and that he had been unsure if he would even make it back home again. It was wonderful seeing him with his family and how much he appreciated the little time that we got to spend with him. I know if we keep praying and even greater things will happen!

Other then that, I’m still blown away by the beauty of my surroundings here. A few of us are planning a hike some weekend and some more long walks to explore even more of this area. I’m learning lots of Swahili and have even planned a devotion for the kids tomorrow night that is about 25% in Swahili! The last few nights have been enjoyed by a fire with the children. School is going really well, I’m enjoying working with the kids and getting a feel for the classroom environment here in Kenya. I’m still getting used to walking down the road and hearing kids yell out, “Hello, Madam Kayte”! Keep watching for updates there are always new memories being made!

Kayte Kerr Intern Update

2009-06-10T21:51:00.000+03:00

Hey guys! I made it safely and have been loving every minute of this adventure. The facilities at Kipkaren are more than I ever could have wished for and the welcoming attitude of not only the staff and children but the community as a whole has been extremely overwhelming. I guess I will give you a little overview of what I have been doing over here. On Mondays and Tuesdays I spend the day teaching at Brook of Faith, the private school that the kids from the Children’s Home attend. I work with the baby class on Mondays and then class one, two and three on Tuesdays. It has been a joy watching these children learn and be patient with me since most of them are still working on their English and I’m working on my Swahili. On Wednesdays I go to the clinic and do home visits to people in the surrounding area that are either HIV positive or are suffering from a chronic illness. We visit with them and bring them a little positive encouragement while they share their stories with us. Thursdays and Fridays are spent at the public school in town, Chebaiywa. I teach mathematics to class six and class eight and then in the afternoons I teach CRE (Social Studies with a Christian flair) to class seven. It has been such a blessing being a part of the student’s lives there. They have so much potential and I am just starting to see their personalities come through now that they have gotten over the fact that I will be teaching them and that I’m white! Other than that my days are spent almost completely over at the Children’s Home, spending time with all the kids, learning how to wash clothes by hand, and sing and dance. The food is great and weather lovely. I honestly am having the time of my life and couldn’t ask for a better experience. I will tell you some more details and stories in my next blog…tune in!

Ann Pak is in Nairobi, Kenya :)

2009-06-06T09:29:00.004+03:00

June 6, 2009

After 24 hours of being on a plane and layovers in N.Y. and London, I finally arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport late yesterday night. Because of the higher altitude, my head felt heavy and it was a bit hot and humid inside the airport, but nevertheless, I was excited about being in Kenya! I passed through the VISA line without any complications and was ecstatic that both my luggage bags had made it safely to the carousel! :) As I made my way out to the general arrivals area, I saw a kind looking man (George) holding a sign that said "Mayfield Guesthouse" and underneath it in smaller letters "Kiprop/Pak". On my way to the guesthouse, I found myself scratching my left hand where a mosquito had already feasted, and noticed that the driver was on the right side of the car and we were driving on the left lane. I also noticed that the gates of the homes and buildings on the streets had some kind of barbwire, spikes, or shattered glass and quickly was informed by Michelle that homes were often broken into. Because it was dark those were my first impressions of Nairobi :) Today, despite my time conversions and efforts to avoid jetlag, my eyes opened at 3:30 in the morning so I got out my airplane pretzel snack and appeased my growling stomach while awaiting the sun to come up. I have a busy day ahead of me with Michelle and William in Nairobi, and I will be sure to blog/facebook about it when I get a chance! :) But I'm super excited to be here and am enjoying every moment!

APU Update

2009-05-30T15:44:00.001+03:00

Jambo!

All of us have been having a wonderful time in the village. Saying goodbye tomorrow will be bittersweet. None of us want to leave the children and the joy they create with their singing and laughter. The last week has been filled with many different activities.

Tuesday, we celebrated Brent’s 22^nd birthday. We started off the morning with mandazi (Kenyan donuts) and singing happy birthday. Then the boys went back to keying and the girls tried some hoeing in the garden. Our job was to break up the ground in preparation to plant vegetables. It was a hard job. I don’t know how the women do it in the hot Kenyan sun. The women are definitely to be looked up to. In the afternoon, we had a mini surprise party waiting for Brent at Michelle’s house (one of the missionary nurses). After a tour of the clinic, we walked next door to her house and surprised him with almond cake drizzled with chocolate and another happy birthday song. After speeches from Justin and Brent, we enjoyed the delicious cake Michelle made. At devotions that night, all the children sang him happy birthday once again. Brent said it was one of his most memorable birthdays.

Wednesday, the boys went to the children’s home to key and the girls went on an adventure to the clinic to help prepare for the HIV campaign on Friday. We decided to take a short cut. Now, we’re used to trekking through fields of maize and over hopping barbed wire in skirts, but this time was different. Our short adventure consisted of crawling on our hands and knees under a barbed wire fence in leaves infested with ants and who knows what else. We all made it under without a scratch, but with much laughing and many rear view pictures. Haha. Once at the clinic, we made cotton balls (although the cotton seemed to like Emilia’s shirt and skirt more than being made into balls) and put together baskets for the HIV testing.

Thursday, the highlight of the day was our afternoon in the clinic. The rain came down hard and we all crowed into the clinic to wait for it to stop and then butter bread for lunch at the HIV campaign. We passed the time by teaching some of the Kenyan guys to “walk it out” and “thizz”. They enjoyed hearing about our silly American dances. The funniest part happened when we decided to play musical chairs. It was a rough game, with Justin and Brent cheating the whole time. Finally, it was down to Jonathan, Justin, and Taylor. The music stopped and Taylor found one chair, but behind her Justin pushed the chair away from Jonathan. The chair flies across the room, Jonathan slides and hits the floor. He bounces immediately up, on a mission, and sits down right in the chair. The last round proved to be the most intense. When the music stopped, both Taylor and Jonathan fight for the chair. It skids across the floor with the leg of the chair bending almost completely in half. Everyone gasped in surprise, but the chair was ok and Taylor won. It was a fun afternoon.

Friday, the whole team traveled to a school outside Kipkaren for the HIV campaign. It was a day for the kids to break their normal school routine and come compete in races and also be informed about HIV and AIDs. The wazungu (us white people) learned quickly how fast the Kenyans can run. Not only did they not wear shoes, but we are also 6,000 feet above sea level. Brent and Jeremiah decided they were up for the challenge though and entered the 200M race. Jeremiah was up against some of the older boys and found himself in dead last, but he put up a valiant effort. He wasn’t too far behind. Brent took off and full speed against some of the younger boys and just managed to pull ahead to win his heat. The finals took a different turn though. Brent still proved himself worthy of running along side the Kenyans, but in the last seconds fell back to last place. We definitely learned that the Kenyans are known for their running for a reason. We all had fun timing the races and cheering the kids on. It was a long day, but the experience was worth it. We are learning so much about the culture. From home visits to keying to washing clothes, the Kenyans have touched our hearts and taught us many lessons. Next up is our safari in Nakuru! We will have many more stories to tell when we are back in America. This will probably be our last post before we are home. We love and miss all of you back home. Our flight gets into LAX at 3:20 p.m. Thursday, June 4^th. We can’t wait to see your faces!

Simpson Univ. 09: We are in Kenya!!

2009-05-29T10:22:00.002+03:00

Bwana Asifiwe! (Praise the Lord) We made it safely to Kenya on Wednesday the 20th. We traveled for 2 days, and after a 9 hour drive from Nairobi to Illula we arrived. We were greeted by the children singing and giving us flowers. The people here welcomed us with open arms and let us know how thankful they were that we got there. We really feel at home here even though we are thousands of miles away.
The first week we got here we started on the project for which we had raised funds. We are building a numba ya kuku (chicken house) for the children. We have been working on it for a week and a half and are almost finished. It is exciting to know that we are leaving something here that will last.
Our daily routine so far starts with waking up at 7 am to get ready and pray for our day. We then go to breakfast at 8am where we eat toast, bananas, eggs, and chai. Kenyans drink tea (chai) with sugar and milk and they drink it like water. We really enjoy it as well. After breakfast we go to work on the numba ya kuku until our chai break at 11. At 11:30am we continue to work until lunch at 1pm where after we rest until we go back to work at 2:30pm. We continue to work until 4pm when the children get out of school; and come to play. We are able to be with the kids until devotion time at 6. We each lead devotions with different families (the children are separated into 4 families each with a set of house parents), and sing songs and have bible study. We serve dinner to the children (ugali and cabbage), and at 7:30 we share dinner with the directors of ELI. We always have good conversation and enjoy getting to know them. We then head back to our house where we journal, talk, read, and pray before going to bed to wake up the next day and do it all over again.
We really love being here in Kenya and haven't experienced much culture shock because we are living in a christian community with people who love and serve God. We have been really encouraged and welcomed by the people here and are learning so much from the children and staff.
As a team, we have encountered some struggles but with prayer and seeking God we have gotten past them and are growing so much closer as a team. God has strengthened each one of us individually and as a group. He has united us and has used each of our strengths to make us a strong team. We are thankful that God has called us together for a purpose and a time such as this.
We are excited to see what God has planned for us in the next few weeks and we want to be used in any way God has for us.
Thank you for all of your prayers because God has really been protecting us in every way. We are praying for you as well. Some prayer requests are that we would continue to be healthy and be sensitive to God's leading for us. Also for continued unity and strength as a team.

Shout outs:

Elisa- Mom and Dad I miss you a lot and I hope the move is going well. Chelsea your letter encouraged me so much and I love you! Family I love you all! Friends I miss you all! Gram and Gramps I really do miss you and thank you for the letter.

Megan McCarty- Family and friends, I love you and am ever so grateful for you, your prayers, support, encouragement and letters. I am praying for you and God's hands upon your lives and I look forward to being with and sharing my experience with you upon returning! - Amani!

Karissa- Mom, dad, Josh and little girl (MLE), I miss you guys! I love the letter you wrote, I've read it like four times! MLE- I have a baby for you, I'm packing it in my suit case. Love you guys! JFuzz- oh my goodness I miss you! I have so much to tell you, see you soon. Love you and miss you!

Megan Flores- Ninapenda Kenya (I love Kenya)! If it weren't for you all in American whom I love so much, I'd probably stay for the summer. Mom and dad, I love and miss you lots, I'll bring you back with me some day. You too Macee and Matt. Jeni I am beginning to understand why you love this place so much. Meme, Mom, Dad, and Katie thanks so much for your letters. Chad I can't wait to hear about your job it is in my prayers. Marcy I miss you and you're all in my prayers. To the rest I love you all! Love Meg

APU Update

2009-05-25T11:13:00.006+03:00

Greetings from Kipkaren!

Brent and Justin here, and we would just like to take a few moments to say hello to friends and family and share a little bit about our time here at the training center. This past week has been filled with so many joyful events, we would just like to highlight a few of them. As we have been spending time with the children, the children have all found favorites, and thus we generally are playing with the same posse of children. For me, Brent, there are three children in particular who have touched my heart. Faith, Collins, and Dennis are their names, and I like them each for different reasons. I like Collins because he will never leave me alone, and always has to be holding my hand or rubbing the hair on my arm or doing something that involves affection towards me. Faith has an amazing story, and she is very shy, but always comes up to me and wants me to hold her or give her attention. Dennis is a crackup, he is an amazing dancer and loves to sing. Each of these children is HIV positive. My general days consist of waking up at dawn and running, and yesterday I ran with a Kenyan who took me on an 8 km run. I was beginning to walk around barefoot, but nurse Julie told me not to because she does not want me to get worms. All of the children are fascinated by my scabs (yes mother I crashed my scooter again and I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to freak out. More details later). We go on home visits which are awesome because we meet people with amazing stories and we even meet people along the way who have never seen a white person (Wazungu) before. This place is amazing and the Kenyan people offer a hand of love that cannot be matched. I love you all and could not wish for any better way to spend my birthday.

For me, Justin (or Kipblimo as the Kenyans would call me), the kids that have touched me since I have been here are Toi, Sandra, Melva and Patrick. Each of them are unique in their own way and I love spending time with them. Toi is not afraid to say hello or run up to me and great me. She is amazed by my big hands and always finds a vein, bug bite or freckle to show other kids. Sandra is a lot like Faith, she is super shy but won’t be afraid to say hello to me or hug me. Melva is a couple years older then Toi and Sandra. She is usually alone except when she sees me. I love that her shyness doesn’t get in the way of our relationship. Lastly is Patrick, he is one the older boys of the childrens home and has an amazing story behind his life. Whenever I am around, he will give me a firm handshake then walk with me and hold my hand. Our days, as Brent mentioned, consist of the same tasks in the morning and the afternoon is always different. The guys on the trip spend our mornings keying (plastering cement) and the women wash the kid’s clothes at the children’s home. Everyone here we meet is very welcoming into their home and each and every one of them is so generous. God is doing incredible work here in our hearts and in their community. I love you all and will see you in a week in a half. I send blessings your way and we have been praying for you. Love you Mom, Dad and Shane! Miss you Beandip, Love you!

APU P.S.

2009-05-22T10:31:00.003+03:00

We wanted to share our Kenyan names with you:

Brent: Kiplagat
Justin: Kiplimo
Jonathan: Kimutai
Grace: Cherotich
Taylor: Chelimo
Emilia: Mama Cherotich
Emily: Chepkoech

Also, we are planning to post photos sometime soon in the coming days. So keep your eyes open!

APU Update from Kipkaren

2009-05-22T10:23:00.000+03:00

Jambo Rafiki!! (Hello Friends)Early Monday morning, we had a 7:45am flight to El Doret. We agreed the night before to meet in the lobby of Mayfield at 6:30am, but we didn’t actually leave the hostel until after 6:45. This was obviously a concern because traffic in Nairobi, on a Monday morning can be VERY unpredictable, and we were already about fifteen minutes away from the airport with no traffic. In addition to all of this, we had 17 pieces of luggage to check, and we weren’t exactly flying on a 747 jet (we’ll leave it at that). We finally get past security with all of our luggage (here, security is done first, with ALL of your luggage). Emilia (Mama Grace/Mama Cherotich) was checking us in with all of our passports, in a line that was long and unmoving, and the time was approaching 7:30. We were devising a strategy to execute for just in case some of our luggage needed to be shipped. After all of this, we got our luggage into the hands of Jetlink (the airline), and Emilia sent the rest of team to the plane while she paid for the excess luggage.

Since the plane is a much smaller plane, there was no terminal to enter from, and we entered directly from the tarmac. Every single attendant in neon vests was rushing us telling us to hurry in order to catch the plane, which was a good 200 yards away from the door. Mind you, Emilia still had not joined us in our rush. When we got up to the plane (Grace was trailing behind, trying to wait for her mom), we were all greeted by a smiling, polite, Kenyan flight attendant. He showed everyone to their seats, and was extremely welcoming. When Grace entered, he gave his smiling welcome, and hurriedly, she said, “Oh, there’s still one more person! My mom is still coming.” Thinking that he would respond with an understanding reply, he instead said with a smile, “We’ll see if she makes it.” You could imagine the team’s concern, since we could see that she still hadn’t emerged from the door.

However, she did make it, and the half-hour flight was smooth and comfortable, and we got cookies and juice for refreshments. Even the landing was done very well. When we got in the airport, every single piece of luggage came through on the conveyor belt within 5 minutes, and 2 of the staff of ELI were eagerly waiting for us as we came through the baggage claim area. One of our biggest prayers through all of this was for things to go smoothly. Whether or not everything was perfect, we prayed for everything to work out well. Through all of this, God has proved his faithfulness.

We have now been in Kipkaren for 4 days. The people are wonderful in every activity that we’ve been doing—from the construction projects for the guys, to helping the women hand wash clothes for the girls. Nightly, we attend and participate in devotions at the children’s home just up the road. There are not enough words to describe the experience of watching and hearing the children as they worship and praise the Lord with their singing and dancing. Their extreme joy and the apparent purity of their hearts as they praise the God they love is such an inspiration. We are only here for about 10 more days, so we are continually trying to make the most of every moment.

Team APU: Safe and Full

2009-05-17T20:30:00.003+03:00

All flights were smooth. There was practically no trouble at any airport. Bwana asifiwe (Praise the Lord)! It seemed we were eating every two hours or so. Sleep, eat, sleep, eat, de-board. Do it again. It's beautiful here! And this is just the city, I can't wait till we get to the village. The sky is clear and blue, the land is flat and green all around.
First night in a bed tonight after a couple days and most of the team is taking advantage of it. We arrived in the big city at 6 AM. After a short ride to the guest house, we had breakfast and some time to relax. We checked out the local market and we were able to get some deals (some better than others). We were fortunate enough to have dinner at a local restaurant much like a Brazilian BBQ - meat after meat coming around on skewers. It was delicious! We had crocodile and chicken liver and ostrich along with the norms of lamb, chicken, and steak. I'm not sure one back in the States could compare (sorry Porto Alegre).
Another flight tomorrow morning. Pray the flights continue to be blessed.
Pray for:
Grace and patience with each other to start now so when we are tired it is already a habit.
Continued blessing and protection from the Lord.
Open eyes, ears, and hearts for us and those we encounter.
Boldness and wisdom
You all are being prayed for also. Bwana akubariki (Lord bless you)! Please leave comments below!

Simpson Univ. 09: Training Week

2009-05-14T11:06:00.000+03:00

Well this past Monday marked the beginning of our week of training. The purpose of the week is to build us up as a team and to learn to work together through times of struggle and frustration. We started out the week with a 6 mile hike up to Castle Crags. This hike was difficult and challenging but we all made it through and were able to work together to make it through the hike. The next day we helped the park services and we carved out a trail with various tools. This job was very physical and also challenging, but it was amazing to see how our team continued to work although we were exhausted from the previous day and the sleepless night. By the time we were able to drive back to Simpson campus we were exhausted, sore, and dirty but we were able to have some down time that night.
The next day we started the morning with worship and devotion and then went on a team prayer walk. This prayer walk was amazing because as we walked we prayed for our trip, ourselves, the people we will work with and encounter, and our friends and family we will leave behind. We brought our praises and requests to God and we really prayed over our entire trip...it was a very good walk. The rest of the day was filled with team building exercises which involved solving problems through various tasks.
Today has been a day where we are able to relax more as we are all still sore and tired. Although we woke up at 5 am we are able to rest now. We spent the morning in prayer and devotion and then did another team building exercise. Our team is really working well together and we are learning to recognize each others strengths and work those together to make a powerful team.
We are very excited for what God is doing right now in us and through us as He prepares our team and our hearts for the mission ahead of us. We have 4 days left until we depart from the San Francisco airport and we can't wait. We would ask for prayer for safe travels and for our team as a whole. We want to show the people of Kenya what love looks like through the love that we have as a team and we also really want to build each other up in their own strength to better serve the people in Kenya. We hope to update everyone at least once a week once we get there...so remember to keep us in your prayers!!

Also...it's our leader Megan's birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her!!!

Simpson Univ. 09: The Journey Begins

2009-02-26T07:52:00.002+03:00

So our journey has begun and we are so excited! We have been building relationships in our team and growing together in anticipation for Kenya. We are having our first real fundraiser on Friday. We will be showing the movie Ice Age and are inviting the whole student body to come. It will be great!

We all have our passports and next week are going to get shots together. Our team dynamic has greatly changed now that Ryan has left our team... we really miss him and we know he misses us! Now we're a team of girls... oh my!

The past few weeks have been rather stressful for the members of our team as we have been occupied with life and midterms. We've finally made it, though, and are breathing a bit now. We ask for prayer in regards to finances with our trip but are blessed to have already received some financial support from family and friends. As well, we need prayer that God will continue to grow us individually and as a team. Like wise, that we will be reminded to continually walk in prayer and trust in God in all that we do.

Salem: Saying good-bye

2008-10-14T20:52:00.003+03:00

The team wrote a somewhat detailed report today at lunch about the last few days. But due to a technical glitch, I lost the entry.

So, as they're currently at the airport (they should be at their gate as I'm typing this), I'll just conclude with some quotes from dinner conversation tonight -

Several team members kissed giraffes this morning. You'll have to get the scoop from them!
Going to the market to buy souvenirs was quite an experience. Tim described the vendors' enthusiasm to serve them as "like piranhas going for fresh meat"!
Derick is thinking of starring in "Farmer wants a wife." OK, not really. But he's been told by a Kenyan couple that once their baby gets born, if it's a girl, he can marry her. So the team might re-unite in Kenya in 20 years.
For dinner, the team sampled crocodile, guineafowl, camel, and had lots of other good meat and salads. They all decided that the camel was not too good. It may take a person the entire flight to Amsterdam to chew one bite.

They really had an amazing time in our village, and we were blessed to have them. We look forward to seeing the future results of their work, especially in terms of the farmers' coop that was started this week!

Thank you for each of you who were a part of this journey through your support and prayers.

Salem: Sunday

2008-10-12T14:48:00.012+03:00

Sorry about the gap between the last blog as we have been out all day the last 2 on projects and field trip tours to farms. Doug, Deric and Tim were able to go onto their first farm tours on Thursday after the successful seminars had ended. We were taken to two farms by David, the Kipkaren Center director, and traversed some extremely rough road with breath taking natural beauty. The first stop was at the farm of Samson who farms 31 acres of Maize and pastures for his family. With the extreme increase in fertilizers we felt in the US market, so has the cost of fertilizers in Kenya, and a number of growers here had decided to use less and some no fertilizer at all, thus their maize crops range from good to poor. The fear here is that as the crop is being harvested currently and it being short, there may be some big issues of running out of food this coming March. Meanwhile, as we toured Samson’s farm, we were able to pull a soil sample from 2 of his fields and our hope is to bring them back to the USA to be analyzed for actual nutrients in their soil to help them increase productivity. Samson was greatly appreciative of our help and talk of starting a new coop and we were blessed with a wonderful Kenyan lunch in his home made of thatch roofing and mud walls. The other farms we visited and spoke to were given some added hope as the desire to form this cooperative and gaining new “farming practices” motivated all the growers we met with. We were also able to get some samples of their feeds to bring home and have analyzed for actual nutritional content as the bags they buy have “no” information. Please pray that the Lord will help us be able to bring these samples into our customs and be able to come into the USA. The agriculture staff was greatly encouraged by all we experienced and saw and have definitely sensed that God has opened a door to help the Kenyans succeed in producing and storing more food for their people. We’ve all sensed that these people want to work and are willing to try some new things as they have been kept in the dark about new technologies over the last number of years. Friday, Tim had an opportunity to teach the ag students in their classroom for 3 hours and did some practical applications in the experiment garden as well as soil sampling techniques in the afternoon. He was amazed at their ability to take notes and he appreciated their questions and class participation.

Thursday evening after a busy day being involved in a variety of things we were divided into 2 groups and had dinner in local homes. We had good meals and interesting conversation. We continue to learn more of the Kenyan culture along with individual stories of a way of life that can be difficult to comprehend. God has done amazing things in so many lives and situations and it is humbling to hear. Unfortunately Vickie spent the day very ill but she is OK now and everyone else is well.

The First Aid/CPR training finished well this morning. Jenn did a great job teaching and modifying as needed as we did not have the usual equipment such as mannequins to practice on. We practiced most of the skills on the cement floor and used rolled up blankets and benches to practice the compression skills of CPR! The students were very involved, asked good questions and had fun while at it. Those who completed all the classes were given certificates of completion. Linda did a teaching session Thursday afternoon and will finish up on Monday. Friday was a holiday here and six of us went with many of the staff and students to another ELI location in Illula for a day of competition between the two centers. The morning included both men and women’s volleyball games and in the afternoon we enjoyed the men’s football (soccer) match. It was quite a good game and Fred was invited to play on the Kipkaren team and did well. He even got in a couple great head shots! Afterwards we stopped in the bustling town of Eldoret for dinner and some brief shopping in one of the markets. The roads can be a bit harrowing but we had an excellent driver and all went well.

Salem: Wednesday

2008-10-08T20:19:00.010+03:00

Greetings from Kipkaren! The pastors and agricultural seminars were completed today with great success. Fred has been playing soccer with the staff and students – No injuries yet, there is a game with another training center on Friday so Injuries could be pending-please pray! Fred spoke at the children’s home today and led the children in singing "I’ve Got Peace Like A River". Fred and Jen have new friends from the children’s home, Bonyface, a five year old and Viola who is about 8. Here are some pictures and updates on the team.

Doug was able to help the farmers of Kipkaren to begin their new co-op. Thirty-one were in attendance and all signed up and 14 paid their membership fees! Tim was able to share a cost vs. return on Maize (corn) today and stirred up a number of good questions. Tim will look for options for new fertilizer uses after he pulls some soil samples from a number of farmers and gets the results from a USA lab.

The Pastor’s convention ended with 38 of them graduating and this will be celebrated at a service tonight after dinner. The pastor’s were greatly encouraged and empowered and given a great deal of encouragement through fellowship. Super Linguist H and Fred did a great job of sharing and teaching. God has really moved in a mighty way in the pastor’s conference. The pastor’s were so excited and encouraged by the seminars.

Vicky was invited to Miriam’s home for a nice visit and made chocolate chip cookies for lunch, yum. Vicky and Jenn taught Miriam how to make chili and banana bread. Most excellent feast for tonight.

Linda had an opportunity to go on her first home visit with a couple of woman from the home care team and went on an extended journey on foot over the river (literally) and through the banana patches to a young lady how has been suffering greatly from a bone and joint disease. The good news was the patient was definitely feeling better as the medication she was recently put on was helping. On her way home, Linda was blessed by seeing a number of lovely children at a school who gave her all their attention. The walk was 6 miles round trip but she had a great time seeing some of the back country and had the chance to greet many lovely Kenyans along the way.

Here are some pictures from our arrival.

Arriving at our destination in Kipkaren after two days of traveling!

Children's Home welcomes the team when we arrived.

Salem Update: Tuesday

2008-10-07T20:57:00.006+03:00

Everything is going well. The last day of both seminars is tomorrow so our hectic schedule will slow some. They both are being well received and well attended exceeding what they expected.

God’s Word is being taught and the discussion in the pastor’s seminar has been rich. Fred and H are an awesome team.

The Ag seminar was great today with Tim and Deric both sharing about their Ag experiences with lots of questions by the farmers. Tomorrow they are going to try to form a cooperative; Doug’s job is to lead them through the formation, with trust of their own people being a big issue for them.

Jenn was feeling better today and had her 1st training session today with an overflow group. She will teach each morning all week. Linda gave a training session today and worked in the clinic.

Vickie has been busy with the cooks and visiting with the Kenyan women and children. The team is just finishing the nightly devotional with all 96 of the children at the children’s home. It is awesome to hear the children sing and share their testimonies.

Please continue to pray for strength for the team as we finish the seminars tomorrow. Doug is still having some altitude sickness issues but is doing better.

Pray for the hearts to remain open as God works in each of our lives as well as the Kenyan people's lives.

Salem: Update 1

2008-10-06T14:20:00.001+03:00

Dear friends and family,

We apologize for the delay in getting this out to you. We arrived safely in Kipkaren on Friday to an amazing ELI welcome. There were about 200 children and adults from the center waiting to welcome us with singing and dancing. It made us feel like royalty and we were all teary eyed by the end.

Since then we have settled in to our nice cottages – much better accommodations then we expected. The food has been good and we have been made to feel very welcome and appreciated.

For the most part, everyone is feeling well although Doug and Jenn have been dealing with upset stomachs and a little light headed, that we attribute to the higher elevation.

On Sunday, Tim and H gave the sermon and the rest of us participated in small ways including performing a team song (I know some of you are laughing at this!) We were treated to an amazing display of talented singing and dancing by the children, almost like the African Children’s Choir only from the Kipkaren village! The entire service lasted two and a half hours.

Today Fred and H taught the pastoral seminar to 24 pastors and it was well received. Tim and Deric went into town to hunt for what Ag supplies are available. Doug taught about cooperative to over 80 farmers which was well received. Both seminars will continue tomorrow and Wednesday.

Linda and Jenn met with Michelle from the medical clinic to plan the week’s schedule of teaching opportunities and then spent some time at the clinic this afternoon. Linda had an opportunity to accompany Kiptoo (an RN) and a few others to the public school up the road to invite some of the teachers to the First Aid training that will begin tomorrow.

Vickie spent the day taking pictures of the seminars and working with the cooks.

We are all enjoying being here and are learning much about the Kenyan culture. We are enjoying many opportunities to minister to and build relationships with the people and we are being ministered to also.

Please pray for health and stamina as we are keeping a busy schedule in a different culture and that our hearts and the Kenyan hearts remain open. We hope all is well with those of you back home and we are praying for you also.

Worth Reading

2008-09-23T22:20:00.000+03:00

I found this insightful article on short-term missions trips by a friend of a friend. It's absolutely worth reading.

Update from the Northside Crew

2008-08-24T21:36:00.000+03:00

This week has been filled with joys and challenges. Our team taught our lessons 9 times in 3 days, which was very tiring. None of us are accustomed to doing this but the great thing is that the youth have loved what God has spoken through us. It is worth every bit of it because of the fruit that has come of the lessons. We anxiously wait to see all the youth that have come forward to be baptized tomorrow. Please pray for these youth as they have committed to a change of life, following Christ.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with the kids at the Children’s Home. The smiles and the joy that shine from their face are so encouraging to us. All we want to do is pick them up and hold them. It brings us great joy to see the happiness in their lives. You would never know that their biological parents have all died. They are loved by their “house parents” just like they are their own.
Please pray for us as we are tired from this busy week. We are beginning our next journey to Uganda on Monday morning so please pray for safety in travel and health. I am anxious to see what God has in store for us while we are their. Also, please keep our family members in your prayers. We miss our spouses, children, and other family and friends a lot. It’s hard to be away from them for so long.
We love you and are praying for you as well. May God bless you and use you.
Tommy Kemboi Corrao

Northside- Loving the Youth Camp!

2008-08-22T23:10:00.000+03:00

Jambo Friends and Family!
We have just finished day 2 of the Youth Camp. What a blessing to us! We have each taught the same lesson 8 times (except for me, I was sick yesterday). The youth range in age 12-31. They listen attentively but it is difficult to engage them in conversation in a group. But get one or two alone with you and they start asking lots of questions! It is fun! Today I tried to explain why someone my age (the age of a go go – grandmother) doesn’t have grey hair! Somehow “miss Clairol” didn’t make any sense!
The youth treat us like celebrities. They love to have their picture taken with us. Truly, they humble us by treating us so well! God is good and He is teaching us much about Himself and His love.
Thank you for your continued prayer coverage. It is so important to us. Soon we will be sharing many stories and photos with us. Blessings! Love, Cheryl for the team

Northside Crew: Discovering Kenya!

2008-08-20T20:46:00.000+03:00

Dear family and friends, we are so thrilled to share with you what we’ve been up to in the last couple of days. We hope this information finds you all in good health and spirits, and we want to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers each day, too. Here’s a quick update:

•Tommy has enjoyed getting reunited with all of his old friends from this area, and everywhere we go people seem to know his name. Yesterday afternoon at the children’s home, he performed his famous “dinosaur” which includes a goofy face and roaming around like a raptor in the midst of the kids. They all love when he does it, and start running, laughing and screaming all around the campus. As you know, whenever Tommy can get kids to laugh, he’s happy, too.

•Cheryl had the opportunity to visit the wonderful well baby clinic here in Kipkaren and spent the morning with Michelle, the staff member/nurse in charge of that program. This was one of the portions of the trip that she was most looking forward to, and Cheryl was overjoyed to see that most of the babies she helped undress and weigh were very healthy, happy babies with chubby cheeks and loving mothers. When the rest of the team came to take a tour of the clinic and then head back to lunch, Cheryl really didn’t seem like she wanted to leave…she was truly in her element there.

•Rock has truly been a hit with the kids since we’ve arrived, teaching them how to salute and sing songs like “Amen”. It is a kick to see him standing amidst a group of children that are almost the same in height as he is, just enjoying each other’s company and smiling and laughing. He has been enjoying every single experience here, often commenting on how quickly the time is going by. He especially had an adventurous time playing futbol (soccer) with the kids from the children’s home…his muddy pants were evidence of the several spills he took while running alongside his new friends.

•Sarah had the privilege of leading a devotional time with the children at the children’s home just before dinner. After they sang several worship songs and recited their memory verses, she shared the story of Zacchaeus with them. It was evident that they knew the story, but the children were excited to learn the motions and song about the “wee little man.” She and the rest of the team had the privilege of eating dinner with each of the families from the children’s home…and with their 24 children. It was a great time of sharing and fellowship!

•Barron has been taking in the sights, smells, tastes and sounds of Kenya. We joke with him that he’s not fully ready to face the day until he get’s his “Folder’s Fix” but he seems to really enjoy every experience that we’ve had here. Yesterday, he got the opportunity to make a home visit to see a woman named Betty who shared her testimony on her life as an HIV positive woman here. It was a blessed time of fellowship, and Barron was able to offer words of encouragement, share his own testimony with her, and even join in the singing of “Amazing Grace.” He and Tommy have also been making each other break out in fits of laughter throughout the trip, and the guys have just been bonding. As with everyone else, he wants to let the members of his beautiful family know that they are loved and missed.

•Thank you to all of you for your continued support, prayers and encouragement. God is protecting us, blessing us, and teaching us about His love and His people here in Kenya.

Update From Kit

2008-08-20T10:00:00.000+03:00

Hey Everyone,
This past week in Kenya has proven to be just as exciting as the weeks prior, only with a little more variety in the forms of patient care that I have been given the chance to render.
My first patient of the week was a six year old boy who arrived with a pencil eraser lodged in his left ear. True to the nature of a six year old, this boy did not alert his family of the eraser until a month had passed and the pain from the infection became unbearable. Needless to say, the child was not excited about us removing the eraser; it took four nurses to hold this boy down while another nurse removed the foreign body. The procedure was successful, and the child was much happier once the eraser was removed (or maybe he was just happy that he would not have to see us anymore, I'm not sure which one, but I'll go ahead and choose believe the former).
I was also given the opportunity to work with a child from an Internally Displaced People's (IDP) camp. This child and his family had lost their home and most of their possessions in the post-election violence earlier this year. At the IDP camp, this child fell into a fire and received a badly burnt scalp as a result. Burn wounds have a way of looking . . . . well, not so nice. My stomach turned a little when I first witnessed the wound, but then I began to think how God's stomach turns when He views my sin and the way it destroys and harms me, yet He still came down from Heaven to help me in my destitute plight, and perhaps in a more real and tangible way than it ever had before, it occurred to me that in order for us to effectively reveal the love of Christ to others, we will have to "get our hands dirty" and do things that may make us feel uncomfortable. It also occurred to me that it is such an honor for someone of my stature and character to be included in the healing work that God is doing. Fortunately for us, God does not leave us alone to do His work, rather He supplies His supernatural grace, compassion and mercy within our hardened hearts so that we may be effective for His purposes (see Phil. 2:12-13). I may be reading too much into this scenario, but I think that it is a small but valid example of the work that God calls us to. As to the condition of the patient: the healing process will be painful, but he should make a full recovery within two months.

O for the P

Those who have worked in oppressed and impoverished areas will often speak of the impossible choices people face here. For example: a single mother with hungry children, one of whom has Malaria, only has enough money for food or medication, and is faced with an impossible choice. Does she feed her hungry children and hope that the sick child will be healed? Or does she buy the medicine while her and her children spend yet another night in hunger (which leads to a whole other set of epidemiological problems). The choices are impossible. Dr. Paul Farmer of Partners in Health states that the purpose of his organization is to create a preferential option for the poor, or an "O for the P," in which choices for the poor would no longer be impossible -- the sick mother would be able to feed her family and buy her sick child medicine.
In the village of Kipkaren where the choices are often impossible, Empowering Lives International has introduced a preferential option for the poor. Case in point: I have been given the opportunity to give daily insulin injections to an 18 year old girl who suffers from Type 1 Diabetes. This girl previously lived with two alcoholic parents who cared nothing of her ailments and let her condition worsen to the point where she became severely malnourished and blind. What was this child to do? Leave home and try to fend for herself, or stay at home and slowly deteriorate? Fortunately ELI has introduced a new option by giving her a safe place to live, food to eat, and proper medical care. It is in situations such as this that I become extremely grateful and honored to assist an organization like ELI.
Well, I know that I have written more of a short story as opposed to a blog entry, so this is where I will sign off. I again say thank you to you all for your continued prayers and support.
-Kit

Northside Church Checkin In

2008-08-17T23:09:00.000+03:00

From Cheryl- Jambo, family and friends! We are all safe and very happy, almost rested up. Sarah and I have had some good rest, not so sure about the guys. This is an amazing place, so different than I had envisioned. My little round hut is awesome – electricity and running water! The people are so kind and anxious to please us. And, almost everyone speaks good English. Worship today was so wonderful! I got some great videos of the children singing. Please keep praying – there is much more to see and experience. Tuesday I get to go to the well baby clinic – I can’t wait. But it will be wonderful and heartbreaking! Thank you all for your love and support. Ps –Ray, Tim, Eric, Ken, and Kim, and Tara! I really miss you – being apart from you is the only bad part. I love you and am showing everyone your photos!

From Sarah- Chamgay, dear family and friends. Our team is getting ready to head to bed on the first full day here in Kipkaren, Kenya. It would be impossible to describe the beauty, majesty and wonders we’ve already seen here at this ELI site. Our accommodations are so lovely because we are staying in the newly built cottages, complete with running water and electricity (within feet of the Kipkaren River)…except Cheryl and I have missed out on having lights and warm showers. Hundreds of beautifully colored birds woke us up with their singing. I will never forget the reception we got when we stepped off of the matatu (small bus) when we arrived here. There were around 90 children with the rest of the staff standing out in the cold, muddy evening. They were singing songs about Jesus and wanted to shake all of our hands or give us hugs. In addition to the scenery, there is just so much that is going through my mind about these faithful children and people whose love for God is more obvious than most anything else about them. I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity, and very thankful to all of you for your prayers and financial support. I wish you could be here to see it all, but for now…we just wanted to let you know that we are safe and blessed here in Kenya.

From Barron- Hi Lovely Wife and Beautiful Daughters, I miss and love you guys very much and look forward to seeing your pretty faces again. God is showing us amazing things and preparing us with each step we take leading up to the Youth Camp which starts Wednesday. The Church service was unbelievable this morning; worship was great they love to sign and are very good at it. I have a lot of things to share with you when I get back also a lot of great pictures. Love You Guys So Much and will write back in a few days.

From Rock- o Jambo family and friends. How great is our God here in Kenya, Africa Kipkaren Training center GREAAAAAAAAT! God’s children and staff here big hearts and they love the Lord. I see Amy Carmichael every where I go and the things I see take me back to “A Chance to Die For” by Elisabeth Elliot. Thank you so very much my Jennifer Lynn for helping me get ready for this missions trip. I have seen the work of the Lord everywhere and how his love for the world is blessing the life’s of Kenya’s beautiful people. I will share with you everything I see here after I return. I will never be the same person after my return to the USA. I asked the Lord how much do you love me? His answer: John 3:16 and he brought me here to see this beautiful land of Africa. Keep praying for our team and the people here and the little children. My SSG I will forever and always keep you in my heart, my dreams, and memories! Take care and God Bless Semperfi! Rock Mambo Sawa, We will see who is dancing like hot shrimp fajitas Jenn!!!

Update From Kit

2008-08-16T14:43:00.000+03:00

I am just checking in with news from yet another exciting week in Kenya. This past week saw me partaking in my usual routine at the clinic: giving immunizations to babies and then watching those babies give me an utterly perturbed facial expression that seems to inquire as to why I would be so nice to them, and then a few minutes later stick them with a needle. Oh the quandaries and enigmas of early childhood . . . Last week I wrote of a mother who was stabbed seven times by her mentally handicapped son. I have since spoken to the ELI staff about this, and we have arranged for one of ELI's pastors and social workers to further investigate this situation and decide the next course of action. More on this story as it develops.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go with 100 of the children from Kipkaren Children's Home on an informal "Safari Sunday." We saw much of the countryside as we hiked to a local waterfall. The sights were incredible; I have never seen such beautiful land before. Our "Safari Sunday" ended with a moderate rainstorm as we all sought refuge in a local's barn. Life in Kenya has yet to be boring and lacking in surprises.
My Internet availability today is slightly less than normal, so I will close now in saying thank you again to all who have supported me in prayer through this time.
-Kit

Labels: intern

Update from Kit

2008-08-13T15:01:00.000+03:00

Last week I wrote of a mother who was stabbed seven times by her mentally handicapped son. I have since spoken to the ELI staff about this, and we have arranged for one of ELI's pastors and social workers to further investigate this situation and decide the next course of action. More on this story as it develops.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go with 100 of the children from Kipkaren Children's Home on an informal "Safari Sunday." We saw much of the countryside as we hiked to a local waterfall. The sights were incredible; I have never seen such beautiful land before. Our "Safari Sunday" ended with a moderate rainstorm as we all sought refuge in a local's barn. Life in Kenya has yet to be boring and lacking in surprises.

My Internet availability today is slightly less than normal, so I will close now in saying thank you again to all who have supported me in prayer through this time.

-Kit

News from Kit: August 4, Week 3

2008-08-04T22:06:00.000+03:00

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

Exciting Update

2008-08-02T10:25:00.000+03:00

Well, in less than 24 hours I’ll be on a plane heading to my beloved Kenya! It’s been a whirlwind past month and I wanted to update you before I left to catch you up on some exciting things going on in my life and to ask for your prayers.

Michael Blaser: Yep, that’s right – I met someone! God has brought the most amazing man into my life and our past month and a half of dating have been a gift straight from heaven. Michael went to Kenya with ELI in May and I conveniently got to help plan his trip. Though I thought he was amazing before he left, God didn’t let the sparks start flying for either us until right as he returned. As I talked with him to debrief his trip the day after he returned, I found a kindred heart that I have never connected with in such a powerful way. Michael is such a man after God’s own heart! He is deeply in love with Jesus and loves His people so sincerely. He’s a lover through and through and he has definitely won my heart. He’s goofy, totally fun, extremely caring, gentle, deep, passionate, humble, a leader, and so much more. Everything about him and our relationship is beyond my wildest dreams and imagination and I have sensed God’s peace, leading, spirit, and favor over us in a way I’ve never experienced before. So needless to say, we’re really excited for what God has in store for us and the journey ahead.

Michael and I at the play Wicked. I highly reccomend it- such a powerful play!!!

Goofing off at a park with bubbles.

WOTH Retreat: What a joy to watch God refresh, heal, restore, and love on His precious daughters on this retreat. We had women attending who serve in 48 different countries around the world! Wow, talk about a powerful weekend to minister into the nations as we ministered to these mighty servants. I was amazed at how many women showed up to the retreat totally burned-out, depressed, depleted, hurting, lonely, and dry. But as we loved them throughout our time together, prayed with them, listened to them, pampered them, and asked God to minister to them, I watched Him breath hope, life, joy, peace, and energy back into his tired vessels.

The massage time was powerful for me! I massaged for 5 hours straight each day and was amazed at how much strength God gave me to persevere and finish strong. Thank you for your prayers – He definitely answered! One interaction stands out to me that I want to share with you as an encouragement. As I massaged one woman, I asked the Lord what His heart was for her. This is what He said to me:

“Kierra, you know how your heart has overflowed with love for Michael so much that it’s gotten to the point where you feel like it’s going to burst? Where the love you feel for him is too much to contain inside you and you feel like you might explode and it almost hurts? Well, that’s only the tip of the iceburg of what I feel for this daughter of mine. My heart is overflowing with more love for her than I can contain. And this is how it’s felt since the day she was born and how it will continue to feel into all eternity. For though human love comes and goes and has heights and lows, my love remains constant. I never fall out of love with my children and the intensity of my love never changes.”

Wow, I was blown away as I heard that. And the amazing thing is that this is how he feels about you and me and every other person in this world. Now if that’s not enough to put a smile in your heart today, I don’t know what is J.

Hope Walks: I’ve mentioned in past updates that we’re holding an event called Hope Walks on November 1st to raise money for our kids in D.R. Congo. Basically, it’s an opportunity for kids here to raise money and walk on behalf of orphans and vulnerable children affected by the AIDS crisis in Africa. It’s a fundraising and awareness building day that we’re hoping will also unite churches and the community of Brea. I encourage you to read more about it at www.hopewalks.org/brea. And I also encourage you to be involved! If you live near the Brea area (Southern California), you can register to walk online and join us for a fun day! Or, if you’re unable to attend, you can sponsor me to walk at www.active.com/donate/hopewalksbrea/KHiggin16. Or, if you work for a company that might be interested in sponsoring the walk, you can give them the attached letter. We are looking for event sponsors right now to help us cover the cost of the event so that all money raised by the kids and other walkers can go straight to Africa without paying for any overhead. We’re hoping to raise about $9000 from event sponsors, so please talk to your companies, or pass this info on to others who might be interested. Let me know if you have any other questions, and feel free to pass my contact info to others. Thanks so much!

Kenya and D.R. Congo: As I leave for Africa tomorrow, I have a sense that God is inviting me on a 6-week honeymoon with him (others have told me this as well as they’ve been praying for me). I am excited to go and dive into depths of a friendship with him that I have yet to enter. I have such a deep desire to grow in my friendship and intimacy with Him right now and am excited to have six weeks away to do just that. I’m also excited to serve, love on our staff and kids, host the team coming, etc, but mostly I’m looking forward to soaking in God. I’ve felt Him say that this trip isn’t so much about going to “do” for Him, but to go and “be” with him. In John 15, Jesus says to His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, but friends.” In the past, I’ve always gone to Africa with the mindset of a servant, but this time I hear God inviting me to come as a friend. Jesus’ ministry flowed out of an intimate friendship with God – not just trying to do a bunch of things FOR God. That’s my desire as well. So please pray for me as He leads you in this! I would also love prayers for my health and protection (especially as I travel to D.R. Congo in Sept).

Thanks friends- I treasure you so much and truly love walking this journey with you!

p.s. My recent trip to Hawaii with our SuDance team was awesome as well! We had great conversations with people, sparked quite a bit of interest in our ministry in Sudan, and had great fellowship time in God’s creation! I think my highlight was swimming with sea turtles one morning as we snorkeled!

Diana and I at the beach in front of our hotel.

News from Kit: July 29, Week 2

2008-07-29T01:21:00.000+03:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm just checking in for my second update from Kenya. Thus far, my trip has been anything but boring. Last week I ended my letter by saying that I was coming down with a small fever. Well, that fever turned out to be to be the flu, which left me bedridden for several days. I am happy report though that I am now well and able to walk again.

This week, I was given the opportunity to travel to a local rain forest for a day and a night. The wildlife there is amazing. Alwin (another intern) and I decided to go for a hike into the forest on a trail that was only to be traversed with a guide. Naturally, Alwin and I did the trail guideless, and all was going well, until we were ambushed by a pack of monkeys (do monkeys travel in packs? I don't know...). We thought we were sneeking up on one monkey to get a good picture when suddenly there was a large "crashing" sound coming through the bushes towards us accompanied by loud monkey chattering. Alwin and I slowly backed up until we noticed the chattering was now much louder and had encircled us. "Oh no," I thought, "they've encircled us, we've walked right into their trap!" We both began to just slowly walk away, and alas, I lived to tell the tail (Alwin lived too). All in all, the trip to the rain forest was incredible.

On a slightly more serious note, I was able to attend the HIV/AIDS campaign this past Saturday. The campaign hosts various community games and activities as a means of introducing the the village to volunteers who will be providing free HIV/AIDS testing in their area in the near future. For those who test positive, free Anti-Retro Viral Therapy and counseling will be given. This Saturday, I will be attending another campaign in which I will compete in a 10,000m race. When I look at the stature of the Kenyans I will compete against and the 120lbs that encompasses their body weight, my goal is to not get lapped. . . . . . . 3 times.

Tomorrow, I will resume my normal duties at the Chebaiywa Health Clinic. Tuesdays and Thursdays are our MCH days, so expect to continue giving many immunization shots to newborns. I feel that it is such an honor to be involved in the healing work that God is doing western Kenya.

I hope to have some of my pictures posted there in the next couple of days. I hope that all is well with you all. Thank you for your continued support and prayer, they are most definitely appreciated!
-Kit

News from Kit: July 18, Week 1

2008-07-23T13:49:00.000+03:00

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.

Kwaheri,

-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

NewSong Comprehensive Team Update

2008-07-12T22:43:00.000+03:00

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

NewSong Update: Wednesday

2008-07-09T20:15:00.000+03:00

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

NewSong: Weekend Activities

2008-07-06T22:41:00.001+03:00

It's been a busy weekend at Kipkaren, and the NewSong team have been able to observe some of the day-to-day ministry happening in our village.

On Friday night, they danced into the night with the children from the Children's Home and the Salvation Army Band that came for the AIDS campaign the next day. They were up early on Saturday to join the Kids' Camp (a one-day VBS-type event), after which they headed out to the campaign. They managed not to get caught in the typical afternoon rain storm. This photo of the team was taken right before they left the campaign. The sky was looking pretty ominous by then...

Today, Dan preached in church. (Diane caught a local virus that took her voice away for a bit. Please pray that her voice will hold up the rest of the week.) After lunch, the team enjoyed resting. They played Phase 10 with some of us ELI missionaries in the new visitor's gazebo by the river.

This week will be a busy one for them. Diane is teaching at the staff devotions. Then, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, she, Duke and Peggy are doing 3-hour seminars for ELI parents and community members on parenting adolescents. Diane and Peggy will be leading the Monday afternoon women's meeting, too. Dan's been leading devotions at the children's home.

I'm sure they'll write an update tomorrow or sometime soon so you can hear from them how things are going. They're doing wonderfully, though, and we're blessed to have them here.

NewSong Team Update

2008-07-04T16:38:00.000+03:00

Praise be to God!
A NewSong update by Peggy & Diann

After 41 hours of travel by car, train, bus, plane, and plane, and plane, and waiting along the way we arrived safely in Nairobi Friday night, June 27. We spent the night (or really the early morning hours for most of us, since one of our suitcases got left behind at the Nairobi airport and had to be fetched) at a missionary guest house in Nairobi.

On Saturday morning, after having to adjust our packing a bit due to a weight restriction, we flew in a 20-seater plane for Eldoret. (Our remaining two cases came the next evening.) Seeing the landscape from this vantage point was beautiful. We were picked up by the Ilula Children’s Home Director Laban Rono, the Ukweli Training Center Manager Patrick Kiprop and the Short Term Teams Coordinator Joel. They drove us through town and out a ways to the Ilula Children’s Home.

We received a beautiful greeting from the children as we pulled down the driveway onto the campus. All 90+ children were lined up in a semi-circle formation, from smallest to biggest. The four little ones at the start of the line held a bouquet of roses, one for each of us. As we walked down the line, each of them extended their precious little hand to shake ours and they put left hand over their right forearm as a gesture of honor to us, all the while saying: “Welcome” or “Welcome Home.” It was a greeting that overwhelmed our senses and emotions. The people here are very gracious, grateful, and kind . We received several warm welcomes by different staff and children in word, song, and dance before the welcome ceremony was concluded.

From that time until now, five full days have flown by. The people here, both ELI staff and villagers alike, are warm and loving people who value relationship. They have shared the stories of their lives and asked us about ours. The sharing has been rich. Time is not as important as people, and it is measured more by the event than the minute—although they do plan a daily and weekly schedule and pack a lot into each day. They are very grateful for us as their “visitors” and are so open and eager to listen and receive what God can speak through us. We have had several formal opportunities, and many casual ones, to minister; here are some highlights:

interacting with the staff of the Children’s Home, adult Training Center, and the Director of Operations for ELI Kenya over meals and in rich conversations
Duke and Peggy, primarily, spent three days of seminar discussions with the Children’s Home house parents; Diann sat in on the last two and contributed
a few hours of seminar discussion with 13 men and their two leaders in the 30-day alcoholic rehabilitation group—they live on the grounds and graduate Saturday (four are being baptized!); it was a powerful time
Dan met with the teachers and headmaster of the school next to the Children’s Home to discuss improvements in teaching and student growth
Diann was the main speaker at a church service on Sunday in a beautiful area at 8,500 feet elevation; three congregations came together for it and we were the first team to ever be taken to this area
we all spoke to a group from the church that afternoon about their community concerns and gave ideas, challenge, and encouragement

Each of these opportunities has been a privilege to be used by God as well as the many small conversations and interactions we have had interspersed among these. These wonderful people have hearts that are open wide to God’s truth and calling and have touched our hearts and deepened our faith immensely.

Tomorrow* we leave for 8 nights in Kipkaren and begin again to bond with God’s dear servants and to serve the least of these in Jesus’ precious name.

By His grace and for His glory,

NewSong Church Kenya Team
Dan Perrine, Duke and Peggy Draeger, Diann Enderby

* The team has since arrived at Kipkaren and are enjoying the new Kipkaren guest houses on the banks of the Kipkaren River. So far, they've been on tours of the various ministries at this base, and right now, they're at the graduation of the new DBSP class, a small-business training program. Tomorrow, they'll be spending some time at a children's rally (300+ are expected) as well as at an AIDS campaign.

Please keep praying for the team, for good health & for God to show them his heart.

African Sunday

2008-02-04T10:53:00.000+03:00

The poem below was written by Sanet, a visitor to ELI Kenya in September 2007.

AFRICAN SUNDAY
Dedicated to the congregation at Empowering Lives International, Kipkaren, Kenya

And we sing
and we dance
and we pray

and we walk from far
and we smell of smoke
and we carry a child

and we sing
and we dance
and we pray

and our eyes see deep
and our shoulders carry broad
and our feet can talk

and we sing
and we dance
and we pray

and we sweat this sweat
and we suffer this Aids
and we know this death

and we sing
and we dance
and we pray

and we hear the mosquito
and we see the sting
and we feel the fever

and we sing
and we dance
and we pray

and we hope
and we believe
and we know

and we sing
and we dance
and we pray

and we forget
and we forget
and we forget

Copyright
Sanet Booysen 2008
All rights reserved

Team Iowa: Trusting God

2007-11-25T22:23:00.000+03:00

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

Team Iowa: Mungu Yu Mwema, God is so good!

2007-11-24T23:14:00.000+03:00

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

Photos from this week

2007-11-23T07:00:00.001+03:00

Group at river
Originally uploaded by Boyznberry

Click on this photo to see more pictures of the team in action.

Happy Thanksgiving Family and Friends

2007-11-22T22:22:00.000+03:00

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

Team Iowa: End of the Conference

2007-11-22T00:18:00.000+03:00

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

Team Iowa: Day 1

2007-11-20T08:46:00.000+03:00

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

Team Iowa: Safely here!

2007-11-18T12:37:00.001+03:00

18-11-07_1223
Originally uploaded by Boyznberry

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.

almost home

2007-10-01T02:52:00.000+03:00

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

Oh Jesus

2007-09-26T10:04:00.000+03:00

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

Yesterday, Today, and Forever...

2007-09-24T09:28:00.000+03:00

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

Coming Home

2007-09-21T08:00:00.001+03:00

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

Last day in Ilula...

2007-09-17T22:25:00.000+03:00

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!

2007-09-14T09:10:00.001+03:00

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.

CA Team - Continuing on!

2007-09-12T09:17:00.000+03:00

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.

Christian Assembly - Settling in.

2007-09-10T15:08:00.000+03:00

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!

Greetings from the CA Team

2007-09-09T14:30:00.000+03:00

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

CA: Safely in Kipkaren

2007-09-07T20:09:00.000+03:00

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

APU videos

2007-08-26T01:00:00.000+03:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Northside - Loving the Youth Camp!

2007-08-17T21:01:00.001+03:00

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)

Northside- An Amazing Journey!

2007-08-15T13:01:00.000+03:00

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

Northside - We Made It!

2007-08-13T14:13:00.000+03:00

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

Orange Coast: Let the children come...

2007-08-08T08:42:00.000+03:00

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)

Orange Coast Team- Greetings from Kipkaren!

2007-08-05T21:06:00.000+03:00

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

Bethany Bible- Scott Shares

2007-07-26T20:56:00.000+03:00

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!)

Kingsburg 5: Dave Speaking

2007-07-24T19:55:00.000+03:00

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)

Bethany Bible- From the heart of Rebekah

2007-07-24T14:24:00.000+03:00

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.

Bethany Bible- Ida Reporting

2007-07-24T14:22:00.001+03:00

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

Bethany Bible- Carolyn Reports

2007-07-23T08:41:00.001+03:00

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!

Kingsburg 5: Bryan Speaking

2007-07-22T21:25:00.000+03:00

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.

Bethany Bible- Graduation Time!

2007-07-22T15:32:00.000+03:00

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

Kingsburg 5: Kim Reports

2007-07-19T22:55:00.000+03:00

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.

Bethany Bible Update

2007-07-17T21:18:00.000+03:00

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

Bethany Bible Fellowship- We're here!

2007-07-17T21:04:00.000+03:00

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

2007-07-17T21:03:00.000+03:00

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

Kingsburg 5: Ashley reporting

2007-07-16T23:17:00.000+03:00

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.

Kingsburg 5: Busy, busy, blessed

2007-07-15T20:46:00.000+03:00

I really will have the team write an update tomorrow. It's been a busy two days, and by the time they head to bed, they're usually looking through their eyelids, they're so spent!

Some highlights from the past two days include:
1. Supervising a bunch of first and second graders on a field trip
2. Celebrating July birthdays with a movie, watching Happy Feet with the kids
3. Reading bed-time stories to the kids, both last night and tonight, and answering the plethora of questions from the kids
4. Helping out in children's devotions in the evenings and Sunday school today. They also sang in church and Dave preached
5. Getting a 2-hour tour of our center, followed by playing with the kids till devotions time again
6. Dinner fellowships with staff, followed by time of worship and prayer, then off to read to/visit with the kids till bedtime
7. Milking the cows (Ashlea and Brian did)
8. Helping out with "my kids" down the road today. The kids came to church today for the first time, and we invited them to stay for lunch with the team. They all helped feed the little ones and play with them.

They're all doing really well and are having a wonderful time connecting with the kids and the community.

Tomorrow morning, they'll be going to the school to help at assembly, followed by sharing at our staff devotions, and then doing work projects. They'll start the marriage seminar on Tuesday.

Thank you for your continued prayers for your friends.

Kingsburg 5: Home safely

2007-07-13T23:31:00.000+03:00

Just a quick note to let you know that the Kingsburg Team made it safely to Ilula. I was a grueling, two-day journey to get here, and they're all asleep by now. Or I hope so, at least. Brian's the only one who slept on drive to Eldoret, so he might be tossing and turning tonight, but the others were pretty wiped out by dinner time.

Tomorrow morning they'll be off to assist at a school outing tomorrow for about 45 first and second graders who are going to Poa Place, a local park. They're definitely hitting the ground running!

Little Country Church - Saying Good-bye

2007-07-06T20:48:00.000+03:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Today was our final day of ministry in the village. It is hard to explain how attached we have become to the people here. At our bye-bye party, the village leaders came and prayed over us and spoke words of appreciation for each of us. As they spoke, our hearts were filled with joy to hear the impact our team has had on their lives.

To experience their welcome and their bye-bye is to experience the love of Christ in a way that we rarely experience in the U.S. Each of us have shaken more hands while here than most people do in a lifetime. You don’t walk past these gracious people without speaking to them and shaking their hand.

Sherry has been the mother to many of the women and the babies. She was our source of laughter.

Joanne was recognized as a special teacher to the children. Some say they saw Jesus in her as they watched her washing the ladies’ feet.

Janet has had a huge impact on the women she did massages for and today we had the AA meeting. There were over 50 alcoholics or brewers who attended. We are told that around 30 of them accepted Christ. They are now starting a new ongoing AA meeting group.

Tiffany has fit in so well. Though she is the quiet one of our group, she is also the one who made a great connection with the children. She seems to have become an integral part of the community. Africa may have a call on her life.

Vic has been learning patience as he has been having to wait for parts and people to do his job. He has a new name - it is Pembe. It means bull horns. The children call him this because of his mustache.

Pastor Dennis was a huge blessing to all of the people here. He was also able to spend some quality time with Juli. He is a wonderful team leader and we all feel blessed to have been a part of his team. We got to see the heart of this man of God, and it is awesome!

We will arrive Monday at 7:00pm in Sacramento. This will be during our 34-hour day. It will be the conclusion of 20 plus hours of flying.

To Donna,
I love you, miss you, and I am so excited to be with you. Jodi & Josh, I love you and have been praying for you. Everyone here sends their greetings. Love, Dennis (Dad)

Debbie,
I got your Zebra and love you! – Vic

All is well, see on Monday night. Much love for you all. – Sherry

Bill, I will be looking for you in Sacramento. I love you and miss you. – Janet

Bart, I can’t wait to exchange Guatemala/Africa stories in August! – Joanne

Mom, Dad, and All, I am having a great time. I am safe and healthy and will see you soon. Love, Tiffany

APU: Last Post

2007-07-03T23:22:00.000+03:00

I (Adele) am heading to Nairobi tomorrow, so the team will not be able to post any updates on their last 2 days. Sorry about that!

Today, we visited our base in Kipkaren. They went on home visits, walking first in the sun, then caught in the rain. But they took it in stride and returned with smiles on their faces, ready for the next thing. Next was time with the Kipkaren kids, playing for an hour. Those from the team who sponsor kids in Kipkaren got to connect with them, which is both a blessing to the kids as well as to the sponsors.

We ended the evening with dinner at Julius' house. Julius is ELI Director of Operations. We laughed a lot at his stories, but they were as moving as some were funny, and we ended the evening with a time of sincere prayer for Julius. What a blessing to see how the team just steps up and is ready to serve, whether through prayer or through service.

We were certain we'd get stuck in the mud on our way home... It had rained all day, and we were in the rear-wheel-drive Nissan minivan, one of the worst vehicles to drive through the intense mud. But as we drove home, we laughed and prayed, sang songs and before we knew it, we were home without having had to push. Yeah God!

Once again, the team's in Dreamland. Tomorrow morning, they get to lead a Bible class at school first thing in the morning, and after that, it's back to their construction project for their last 2 days here. There's a big farewell dinner for them on Thursday night, and on Friday, they'll fly to Nairobi for ministry in Kibera slum before their debriefing breakaway.

Thanks again for lifting these guys and girls up in prayer. You are a part of the work God is doing in and through them!

From the heart of Megan Hoffman...

2007-07-03T21:44:00.000+03:00

I am sitting on my bed in Africa, contemplating all that God has opened my eyes to in the past 2 months. I have a little less than 2 weeks left in Africa, and feel like this trip is a step in preparing me for a life of service for the oppressed and hurting of this world. I have seen many things on this trip that I am not ok with. I have seen young boys sleeping on the street covered in dirt as I walk through town. I have seen children left with nothing as their mothers die from AIDS. I have seen broken families and broken spirits all over Kenya, and it stirs my heart as I question what I am able to do to help. I am so thankful for what God is beginning in my heart, and I am excited to see how God is going to continue the work He is doing in me. My prayer is that I will live in accordance with the Holy Spirit, and have my mind set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5). Bwana Asifiwe!

APU: Still keying

2007-07-03T00:28:00.001+03:00

The team spent most of today working on their construction project, keying the homes at the children's home. Tonight, during dinner/debriefing/worship, I (Adele) got to share with the team about two girls they had met on the road the other day. As I shared, I couldn't help but cry. (Read this to understand why.) It turned into a time of intense worship. Some of the comments from them were that they know there are families in their towns, even in Azusa, with incredible needs, that they'd want to go home and see how God would lead them to serve.

Please pray for the team as we visit our center in Kipkaren tomorrow.

They're all doing REALLY well. Please pray that they'll finish well.

Little Country Church Update

2007-07-02T21:54:00.000+03:00

Greetings from Kipkaren, God continues to show up here. The people we have encountered have shown us the love of God in a way we have rarely seen in our country.
We continue to try and be a blessing to these people however, I believe we are the ones being blessed. On Sunday we attended church and the team sang for the congregation. Many decisions were made for Christ. After church Pastor Dennis took the team to one of his favorite places, “The Rock” where we spent about one hour. Children from around the village came to visit with us. We spent time with them and took their photos. It was a beautiful time for all. The scenery at this place was awesome.
On Monday Janet & Tiffany went on home visits to meet with people who are affected by alcoholism. This is a huge problem in Kenya. They were able to pray for these people and offer them hope in Christ. Janet is also meeting with the brewers of the alcohol and letting them know that they are helping alcoholics stay in bondage by brewing the alcohol. Many of them would like to change their occupation and we are praying for them. The team will continue to go out each day to minister to those who are suffering because of alcohol
Sherry attended a burial service today of a one year old baby boy. The child died on Saturday of an illness that would have been treatable in the U.S. Joanne goes each day to the school and teaches on personal hygiene - the kids really enjoy having her come. At 6:00 pm each day Tiffany, Sherry & Joanne do devotions with the children in the children’s homes. They are really doing a wonderful job ministering to the orphans there.
Throughout the time we have spent here Janet, Tiffany, Joanne & Sherry have been providing massage and manicures to the women of the village. These women are the ones who work so hard taking care of the orphans in their homes and teaching them in the schools. They are really enjoying the time we are spending with them.
Vic is working to correct many electrical errors that could be very dangerous. He is building a great relationship with one of the men here he is teaching.
Tiffany is quite amazing! She is so solid. She is displaying such a servant’s heart. She is working with the house mothers and the school kids. Pastor Dennis finished the pastor’s conference with over 50 pastors in attendance. Some traveled over 100 miles to get here. Many of them walked and rode bicycles. We covet your prayers and want you to know we are all doing very well and miss you very much and look forward to seeing you next week however, it will be very difficult for us to leave this beautiful place.
Love, “The Kenya Team”

APU: Moo! (Yip, they had their hands in cowdung today)

2007-06-30T22:08:00.001+03:00

Click on the picture to see more!
Originally uploaded by Boyznberry

Cows! What do you think when you see or hear the word cow? I think I speak for all of us when I say that this trip has definitely changed the way we will see or view them, ever again. Did you know that there are so many ways you can use cows? You can trade them for a wife, you can drink their milk, you can eat their meat, you can use their hide, you can tip them over, you can use their feces, you can artificially inseminate them…

(Click on the picture to see more photos from today.)

Alright, so let’s dive in straight to the “chunks” of the day (take that however you want to). Many people here in Kenya make their houses out of sticks, a tin roof, and mud mixed with special ingredient number two (which we shall call “moo” for mud and poo – though Laban told us tonight it’s not poop, it’s cowdung.). So a house made of moo, needs a lot of maintenance and care because the moo will deteriorate and crack. Just about every week (sometimes everyday for kitchens) the women would gather up cow dung and fine mud, and they would then mix it to form moo. They would then smear this stuff on their walls and floor to give it a good base coat. It’s kind of like stuck-o or cement, but that stuff is expensive. Did I mention that they do this bare hands and feet?

So today, we were blessed with the opportunity to experience what these women go through all the time. We collected cow dung and mud and mixed it with water to form moo. As you can imagine, none of us has ever done anything like this before. I don’t think before today that any of us has ever even touched poo, more so do it voluntarily. We then got on our bare hands and knees and smeared moo on the floors of three rooms. Even though, some people hesitated a little, some more than others, we all did it and did it joyfully. We sang songs about it and would joke around saying “Who flung poo?”

All I can say is, what a humbling experience! I think Steve said it best when he said, “My job satisfaction back home has just sky-rocketed!”. It really was great though, to be able to experience what these people go through, and they do with no complaints.

When we came back, we ate ground beef for lunch and showered. We then came to hang out with the kids and the S.O.S (Save our souls) children’s village, which came to visit. After the S.O.S people left, it was more time to play with the kids. Zach, Steve, Becca, and I play football (soccer) with the kids. While that was happening, Diana, Devon, and Brittany, was called over to witness the artificial insemination of a cow. The guy stuck his hand inside the cow to grab the uterus. His whole arm was pretty much in there, you only could see his shoulder. Then once he had hold of the uterus, he took a prod and injected some high quality Canadian bull sperm into the cow.

So pretty much, just to recap the day, we drank chai for breakfast which was made with cow’s milk, then we went and smeared their poo (or moo), at the house of one of the ladies working in the training center. Afterwards we ate ground beef for lunch then, a few of us had the wonderful opportunity to see a cow get artificially inseminated.

This trip has just been a great blessing and we are all experiencing new things each and everyday. For instance, this week, we’ve got to push a van out of the mud because Adele has managed to get the van stuck in the mud, twice, on different days, but in the same place. We each also got to plant our own trees. What else is there to say? Nuff said.

Peace,
Adriel Oka

P.S. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your love, support, and prayers. We look forward to sharing with you if and when we come back.

Little Country Church- We love Kipkaren!

2007-06-28T21:35:00.000+03:00

We are all doing well and are loving our time here. Here's a little look into our day today:

Pastor Dennis speaks to 51 pastors from different villages from around Kipkaren. Some come from as far away as 70 km. Many of the pastors are testifying that since January when Pastor Brian and Pastor Dennis shared, their church attendance has doubled and offerings have increased to a level where they can feed their families. Praise God!

Vic spent time today rewiring one of the huts at the Children’s Home. It appears to have been improperly wired and was smoking. Tomorrow he will check the rest of the huts. Everyone is so thankful for his help.

Betty shared her testimony with the team this morning. What a blessing she is! During our afternoon spa time, Janet gave Betty her very first massage ever! And Sherry, Joanne, and Tiffany gave her a manicure and pedicure. Betty is HIV positive and has tuberculosis – but testifies to God’s goodness and how much he loves her. She radiates the joy of the Lord as she confesses, “I think I am his favorite.” Betty is a counselor and does testing for AIDS in the nearby villages. She believes God for everything and He continues to supply all of her needs.

Betty & Janet

APU: They're fast asleep

2007-06-27T23:36:00.001+03:00

The team is really tired tonight. They had a wonderful day, and a full one at that.

Read my blog to learn about their adventures. And visit my Flickr site to see some more pictures.

Thanks for standing with them in prayer. They're doing great!

Adele

APU: Brittney Reports

2007-06-26T20:41:00.000+03:00

Zach and Diana Rudolph, team leaders

Sue and George Bache, APU Director of Institute of Outreach Ministries

The team: Zach, Brittney, Becca, Jessica, Diana, Devon, (back) Steve & Adriel

Adriel, Brittney, Becca, Jessica, Devon and Steve

Adele says: During dinner tonight, Laban ate a termite, wings and all. This got the whole team going... OK, not everyone ate termites, but Steve and Zach did. Of course. But they removed the wings. Gross! The team is currently back with the children, reading bedtime stories. They've been doing wonderfully! Thank you for praying for them. Here's what Brittney has to say:

Well let’s see… I am going to give you an update on the past three days here in Ilula. Starting on Saturday we worked on the keying of the kitchen that Becca mentioned in the last blog. I love those four hours that we work on that because it is a time where our team really bonds and we get to share stories and laugh with one another. We also get a chance to talk with the parents and get to know them on a personal level.

Later that day, the children all got together in a room and watched Finding Nemo. Some of the children were scared of the sharks and the big fish. Saturday was a pretty relaxing day which was very nice.

On Sunday, we had our first church service. It was so amazing! Many people from the town came and joined us so we had a chance to meet some new people. Our team went up and sang them a song called “African Rain,” then Zach spoke and gave a wonderful sermon about how we all have an inheritance as God's sons and daughters. Later that evening, we went to Kerio View which was at the edge of the valley overlooking a portion of the Great Rift Valley. I have never seen so much green in my life. Becca got attacked by huge ants, Zach and I thought we heard elephants making weird noises but we were told that there were no elephants in that area, so we are not sure what we were hearing. We then received a letter from our loved ones back at home. I know that receiving these put a big smile on everyone’s face. It was so nice to get words of encouragement from the people we love. So thank you to all of those who took the time to write to us, we really appreciated it. =)

Now for Monday… we finally got the rain that we have been waiting for. It is very cold and muddy, but it is so neat to sit under the gazebo and play a game of dominoes or UNO and just listen to the rain. We all went on a home visit to the directors of the Children's Home, Laban and Angelina. They served us chai and showed us pictures of their families and their wedding. It then started pouring so we couldn’t leave. We spent a good 2 hours just sharing our stories and drinking chai.

At dinner time the power went out so we had a candle light dinner. There was about 15 people sitting around the table talking and debriefing about what we have learned being here so far and what we have enjoyed. I have learned that with love anything is possible. The four sets of parents that are here have so much love for their children. Even though many of the children come from broken homes, being abused, parents dieing of AIDS the love that these parents show them have transformed them to be such wonderful loving children.

As for today, we worked in the morning continuing the keying and we finally finished the kitchen and are moving to the next house tomorrow. It started raining in the afternoon and has not stopped yet. Zach, Steve and I milked a cow for the first time, and I must say it was very interesting. Today has been such a beautiful yet cold day. I wish I could continue writing but it is time to go do devotions with the children. We love you and miss you all.

God bless,
Brittney