Back in Kenya

James has been asking to go with me to Kenya for years. This year we finally said yes. So here we are. After 2 8-9 hour plane rides, a hotel in Nairobi, and a 5 hour train ride, I'm sitting at my sister's breakfast table and James is still sleeping off the travel days. 

This trip was cast in doubt this spring when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. That's a whole different story but the prognosis is very good and surgery is planned for September. God has answered so many prayers, several in the last week, as we have prepared for this trip. God has provided for this trip is beautiful ways that have given me confidence to know I'm right where I'm supposed to be. 

Today, MKK camp starts with 20ish junior high and high school students. I'm teaching the first and last sessions, James is leading games and participating. Both of us hope to build friendships with these students and love them like Jesus. Already I'm hearing stories of how they have been forgotten and ignored by the world, even by their guardians. I'm eager to help them see they are valued by God and by us. 

Dreams and Hard Work

On Saturday, the MKK college students were invited to lunch in Malindi. We had a wonderfully relaxed time chatting and laughing and eating chicken and chips. 

Only 5 of the 23ish students were able to make it but I'm grateful for the opportunity to hear about their dreams and encourage them to continue working towards them. Patience is working on becoming a chef, Joseph is working on a diploma in orthopedics and trauma medicine, Mwandeje and Francis are both learning plumbing, and Brayan is studying towards a BS in cyber security and forensics. 

All of them will be completing their studies in the next year or two and will be able to launch out into the real world. 

Dishan (Brayan's brother) knew he wouldn't be able to attend on Saturday so he came to see us on Thursday. These brothers were in high school when I came for my first MKK camp 6 years ago. They have grown so much and it was so good to catch up with them again. Like Joseph, Dishan is working on a diploma in orthopedics and trauma medicine. 

Lucky started with Maisha Kamili at Skills for Life. When he helped wire the solar panel for the water pump, they realized he had a natural understanding of electrical work. One of two current Skills for Life students, Lucky is pursuing a diploma in electrical installation. I didn't get a picture but he hung out with us several times and he worked on some electrical outlets in the Kahindis' house that were causing issues. He is currently on a break from school until August so he is going to the driving school in Malindi to get his driver's license. It's nice to see him making use of his time between courses. 

Culture and History

On Thursday we visited 3 of the 4 sites in the Malindi Historical Circuit. When the Kahindis lived in Kilifi we had to drive about an hour to do any sightseeing or shopping. Now they live right in Malindi so it's much easier. 

#1 Vasco de Gama pillar. In the 15th century, Vasco de Gama came to Kenya. The chief in Mombasa refused to help him but the chief in Malindi was friendly to him and sent a local sea captain to help him on his way to India. He set up this pillar to signal to future ships that this place is friendly. 

The tide was out so you can see the reefs in the background. 

#2 Portuguese Chapel. This chapel was first built by Vasco de Gama for the Christians that he left in Malindi. It has been rebuilt and used by various peoples since then. 

#3 Malindi Museum. This building has historical exhibits and literature exhibits. We learned about the origins of the people that now live in this area of Kenya. The Mijikenda are the ancestors of the Giriama tribe which is the tribe of Rodgers family and many of the students we work with. 

They also had beautiful artwork. This one is my favorite: 

We ended our tour at the Malindi tourist market. 

Letters from MKKs

With some encouragement from Madame Liz, Joel organized the students to write letters and then he stood up to give a thank you to all of us. 

Chalote also shared a thank you with us. 

Here are a few of their letters: 

MKK Camp (concluded)

Wednesday: 

Today was bitter sweet. The kids who came in 2 days ago shy and apprehensive are now all smiles and hugs. 

Our last session, taught by Rachel, was about angels and demons and how they influence our world. It was interesting hearing how this session changed their perspective on angels and demons. One of the recurrent things they mentioned was that they are created beings and limited. 

We also had the chance to do a little girl time with face masks and nail polish. The girls were skeptical at first but soon dissolved into smiles and giggles. I'm so glad we did this because it was a sweet time of just being girls. 

Chalote painting Claris's nails. So focused. 

Beautiful smiles from Claris and Glorian. Focus from Salma and Victoria. 

The day ended with hugs and final well wishing. We took a group picture and then everyone wanted pictures with everyone. 

Chalote and Victoria

The brothers, Briton and Klevon

MKK Camp (continued)

Tuesday: 

Trying to get our kids to open up is always a struggle. Claris is one I have met before and I know she can talk but this time she mostly just smiled and giggled at me. She did share with me that she wants to be her own boss one day. She also loves coming to camp because her hobby is socializing. She is a sweetheart and a leader amongst our kids. 

Klevon seems to struggle with English but he tried so hard to communicate. He shared with me about his family of 13 kids and how after his father died his mother struggled to keep her kids in school. Then he started talking about his favorite subject, marine biology. He told me about turtles and about mangrove plants. His family lives on an island surrounded by mangroves. 

The last time I saw Ngao was 6 years ago. At that time he was so shy around me he could barely even tell me his age. Now he is quiet but so well spoken. He was helping the other boys at our table to communicate. He is 9th grade and loves chemistry. This one is so special to me because even though they are all our kids, he is the first one we picked out to sponsor years ago when he was in primary school. I have prayed for and cried over Ngao more times than I can count. 

Today's sessions attempted to answer the questions Why does God allow suffering and Who is the Holy Spirit? Two deep subjects to get into but they sparked good discussion questions and responses. Rodgers noted that our response to suffering is more important than the why. Suffering can make us bitter toward God or turn us towards God. We can always take our anger and heartache to God. I was asked to teach on the Holy Spirit. We read lots of verses and took lots of notes to try to get an accurate, if limited, view of him. Liz told me they could understand me better this year because I speak "Kenyan English". It's good to know I'm getting better at communicating here. 

MKK Camp

Monday: 

We taught the MKKs some American games but they also made up their own games. The Girls of Grace group from Natalia TX sent me a dozen handmade fabric eggs to bring with me. I had no idea what we would use them for but I brought them and they were used constantly. Rodgers used them to keep us all awake during sessions. And if you look closely in this picture, there is one flying through the air. These times of silliness and bonding are just as important to me as the teaching sessions. 

Monday's teaching session asked the question How can I know God exists?  Benson did a good job of describing several arguments for God's existence and concluded with belief in God requires faith. 

My room at Malindi Pearl