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 

Speed bumps and faithfulness

From the time we arrived at the airport, it seemed nearly every step had a hitch in it. But God is faithful. It took an hour to get checked-in for our flight because the airline had messed up Valerie's ticket. We sat 20ish rows apart and didn't see each other for the first flight. But God was with us. The hours in Amsterdam were quiet and restful. Then we boarded the second flight and sat for an hour and a half waiting for fuel. At least we were next to each other. We made it through all the lines in Nairobi and walked outside to find our ride to the hotel was not there. But God provided. We arranged for a taxi and made it to our beds around 12:30am. At 4:45 we were loaded in the van headed back to the airport. Check in was Kenyan style chaos but breakfast was wonderful. God is good. We were the last to board because I missed boarding time which was actually on time for the first time ever. The sky was beautifully clear and we could see Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro from the plane. God is amazing! Rodgers said they left the house early and found us already waiting. 

Our first couple of days have been spent getting used to the time and the heat, eating good food, talking a lot, playing Texopoly (thanks Valerie!), going to church, and walking to the beach. Church is worth mentioning. The pastor attended high school with Rodgers. In true Kenyan fashion, the music was extra loud but the sermon was refreshing. Pastor Francis reminded us that God's grace is greater than our sin and God's grace is greater than our religion. Ephesians 2 opens describing our former condition. We were walking around in our death. I couldn't help but picture zombies. Then comes verse 4: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,". That "but" is so important. God didn't leave us the walking dead but brought us back to life through his grace. How many zombie movies bring the zombies back to wholeness? But God... 

No step in getting here was without a hitch but no step was without God's presence, provision, and faithfulness. And now I lay here knowing I should but being unable to sleep while I reflect on God's grace. I'm listening to the local mosque play their morning call to prayer while excitedly anticipating the start of MKK high school camp. The next few days will be so full and way too fast. 

Let the Preparations Begin!

Back in the fall of last year, I talked with the Kahindis about going back to Kenya and for months I flip flopped on whether it was a good time to go. When is it ever a good time to drop normal life for two weeks? There's always something to do, somewhere to be, something else to spend the money on. So I stalled and I waffled. Then one Sunday morning, God made it abundantly clear that it was time to plan another trip. Our church always ends the service with, "You are not dismissed, you are sent!" In that moment I heard God say, "go". So here I go. I bought plane tickets February 8. The trip will be April 18-May 1. 

On January 29, I met Valerie at a Bible study. Less than a month later, while listening to me ramble on excitedly about my trip, she told me she felt God telling her to go with me. I was stunned. My first two trips I looked for people to go with me. I didn't want to go alone. At the time of my first trip, I had small children and I rarely even went to the bathroom alone. But God wanted me to fly across an ocean...through Europe...to Africa...alone. But he proved to me from the first flight that I was not alone and he provided people to care for me along the way. Fast forward to early this year, I didn't give much thought to taking anyone with me. How long I prayed in 2018 and 2022 for companions and fellow workers, and now in 2024 God has provided one without me even asking. I am humbled to see God working in someone else's life through mine and excited to see his plans unfold. 

Prayer:

•Praise God for his calling and guidance

•Ask God for his provision and wisdom as we plan, prepare, and pack

 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

-‭‭Ephesians 2:10

I'm home

My last days in Kenya I had intended to spend packing in between beach trips, fresh cinnamon rolls, shopping, and a little more sightseeing. However, I woke up early on Saturday quite sick. I spent most of the day in bed and the only thing I accomplished was the packing. I'm thankful to everyone who prayed for me in that time. Sunday I was still not well but I was well enough to travel. Rodgers went by the chemist (pharmacy) and got me some good meds that helped me on my trip home. The flights and layovers were not as bad as I thought they would be and God was with me every step of the way. I arrived home late Monday night and by Wednesday I felt great.

Coming home is always a special feeling. Getting to hug my people again and listen to all the kids' stories was good for my soul. This trip was amazing. My eyes were opened to so much and I've come away with new friendships. I am in love with Kenya and, Lord-willing, I will be going back. I have so many stories and experiences to share. If you want to hear more, just ask!

He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all you watch. -Psalm 91:11

Kachororoni Primary School

Thursday we visited Kachororoni Primary School where my sponsored kids attend. The drive was long and really rough. There were many spots that didn't look like a road at all. More like a rough dry river bed or tiny hiking trail. But we made it. Our first stop was Grandma Chome's house. She is the guardian of Sifa and Jacob as well as their brothers, Japhet who is in college, and Lemmy in primary school. She is also the Grandma of the Safaris who live with their mom a short walk away. There are 8 Safaris who are all MKKs. Our kids are Ngao and Gloria and we have sponsored them for about 5 years. Getting to meet them and hug them and being introduced as their "mom" was a special moment.

We first visited their house and Grandma or Nyanya Chome fed us a wonderful brunch. I found out I love chapati. They're almost like tortillas and delicious. Then we went to the school, met the Head Teacher (principal), and all the kids. As we got out of the car every kid from that school crowded around to try and touch Rachel and I. It was overwhelming. I talked with them a moment, found out they are older than I thought, and took lots of pictures. There's pictures in the album of me with my 2 and me with all the kids I met. Overall it was overwhelming but awesome.

MKK Camp

High school camp was a lot packed into a little bit of time. I had conversations with several of them just trying to get to know them and let them know that it's ok to talk to me. We had 4 long teaching sessions. I taught the last one. Teaching is not really my strength because I get nervous and speed through. Here I wasn't nervous at all and I took most of the time I was given so I feel like it went well. I did get the kids to answer some questions and they were all reading scripture aloud. I didn't realize how big of a deal that was until R&R told me how a few of these kids could barely read a couple years ago when they became MKKs. It's amazing to hear how far they have come in just a short while.

We ate meals together, drank chai together, watched a movie, and played games. I played the quietest, most awkward game of Uno ever with 5 of them. They seemed to have fun. We had a couple challenges for them to complete, one as a team and another individually. Seeing them laugh and smile and get competitive was a delight.

After I taught the last session and we were hanging out waiting for our last lunch and time to leave, Brayan and Dishan followed by a bunch of guys actually sat with me and asked me all about Texas. Before that, I think Jacob had been the only one to ask me anything. Of course they would decide I'm approachable on the last day. As we said goodbye and loaded them into tuk-tuks, I felt a strong connection to these kids. These are my kids now. Whenever I see pictures of them and get updates on them they won't seem so far away anymore. I told them that now they know me and next time they can't wait until the last day to talk to me. We stood there awkwardly for a minute and then Francis asked Liz if hugging was ok. Kenyans don't hug much, they shake hands. Of course hugs are ok!! We parted not with goodbye but "I will see you again." And now I've made a promise I have to keep.

Camp First Day

Today was so good. We met the high schoolers and Liz (Maisha Kamili "case manager") at the resort we will be staying at for camp. I have met all of the high school kids that Maisha Kamili sponsors. They are all so quiet and reserved. I'm learning more culture like how kids, even high schoolers and college students, don't feel like they can talk to adults. Getting them to open up has been like pulling teeth. But when one would finally start talking and I got a glimpse of their heart, it's beautiful. I cherish the opportunity to put not just a name with a face but a person. I am getting to know who they are and what they think. Bryan is one of the youngest here but he is so sharp and confident when he speaks. Jacob "Shuks" is sweet and fun and made all of us laugh just by introducing himself. My heart breaks hearing stories of where they've been and how far they have come already. Some of these, like Shuks, have been MKKs for years and for others, like Kiboni, this is their first year. I am so grateful for the opportunity to tell them that God has a plan for their lives. That, no matter what the world has told them, they are valuable and they are loved. I pray they believe it and love Him back.

Here's the new Google photo album for the rest of the trip:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/yoMXSToXrUoKeCEv6

Lessons from Sunday School

Today is Fathers Day. I'm glad I thought ahead and celebrated with my dad and Matt before I left. I did talk to Dad today. Rachel bought a bundle of international airtime so she could call him. We went to church a little early today. The men were serving breakfast and lunch and leading everything this morning in honor of Fathers Day. This isn't a normal thing but something that Rodgers is encouraging. I had several culture lessons today.

What stuck out to me the most was crayons. Rachel teaches the kids Sunday school up to 4th grade. She said normal is anywhere between 4 and 30 kids aged preschool to 4th. This week we had 20. She did a lesson, we sang a fun song, and colored. When I saw her putting crayons out I couldn't help but notice how small, few, and broken they were. My very American response was to fix it. I can easily buy her several boxes of crayons and send them with my parents when they come or I could go to the store with her here and buy some. But then my mind went through so many things. First of all, the fact that the church and team school I am part of have boxes and drawers of crayons that aren't being used. So many of them won't be used because they are "broken" but they are bigger and so many more than this class has. Then I thought, I could bring those here because these kids won't care. But no, we shouldn't be giving the things we would throw away. We should be giving the things we would want our own kids to have. And then I came to the point of, what's wrong with broken crayons? There's nothing wrong with these crayons. They work just fine and these kids enjoyed it. Every child in that class except one colored a picture. The one was coloring on the chalkboard with tiny pieces of chalk. There's nothing to fix except my own eyes. Not to say I won't ever send her crayons for her class but if I do it won't be because it needs to be fixed.

Perspective is important. My perspective is being shifted.

Adventures in getting to know Kenya

Friday and Saturday were spent getting to see and know this area of Kenya. Friday we first walked to the beach. My first time to see the Indian ocean. It really was beautiful. The beaches I've been to don't compare. White sand, blue water, and creatures we don't have at home. Then after lunch we drove to Mombasa county to go to Haller Park. We fed giraffes, walked around right next to tons of monkeys, watched them feed hippos and crocodiles, and saw a unicorn oryx (antelope). Then Saturday we drove the other direction to Malindi. There we went to Falconry of Kenya where they have birds and reptiles. That was really cool. I got to hold several different birds of prey. Then lunch was pizza. One of them had ham and eggs on it and another was a seafood pizza with octopus. That was interesting. And then we visited the Malindi tourist market before heading home. We got home later than we intended because, well, this is Kenya. I've heard that phrase a lot but now I'm learning what it means. Those two days were much more than sightseeing. They were learning culture and riding in the front seat of the car for hours with matatus, motorcycles, and tuk-tuks all around. There's so much that I've seen, heard, and learned this weekend that I can't put into words.

Pictures are in here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/boiR5jguQUXLVH35A

Planes, trains, and automobiles!

God is amazing. Attentive to every detail. I left Texas Monday evening headed for Kenya. I wasn't able to choose my seat and I ended up between two strangers. I was somewhat anxious about the prospect of spending 10 hours so close to these guys so I started talking hoping to make it less awkward. The man on my right was on a business trip. The man on my left was visiting friends in SE Asia and mentioned he had recently retired from the IMB. Long story short, he is good friends with my aunt and uncle who also recently retired from the IMB. We were both blown away to find a connection like that on such a big plane and I was very much encouraged and comforted. God is so good.

My first stop was Frankfurt, Germany. I had a long layover, so I had the opportunity to explore a little of the old city, ride the bahnhof (metro rail), and sleep in a beautifully charming hotel. The mix of old architecture and new sky scrapers is really beautiful. It was an adventurous day but also soothing in the solitude.

The rest of the trip was less eventful but just as exciting. One long and one short plane ride later and I was in Mombasa hugging Rodgers. Then we drove the rest of the way to Kilifi. The difference between Germany and Kenya was expected but still shocking. I feel I've passed into another world. Today has been mostly hanging out, touring Kilifi, and getting settled. Tonight I sat in on a planning meeting and Bible study with the Kahindis and their pastor.

Funny moment of the day: at lunch when a bowl was brought to our table for us to wash hands and I just stared dumbly at it until Rachel told me what was expected. I've never washed my hands in a bowl before.

My app is not letting me include pictures in posts so look here for a few: https://photos.app.goo.gl/boiR5jguQUXLVH35A

2 Days til Liftoff

Well, it's here. The countdown to my trip is nearly over. In 48 hours I'll be in Houston getting ready to board my first flight. The excitement mounts everytime I think about it. Right now, Matt and I are on our way home from meeting his sister who is keeping our kids for 2 weeks while I'm gone and he works. Honestly, today was hard. Deciding they would stay with them was easy. It was the simplest answer, really. They will be well taken care of and they will have a blast. I know they'll be fine. They love these people and they've been there before. But putting my loves in another car and driving the other direction proved harder than I thought it would be. And here I thought they would be the ones crying. I know Monday's parting will be hard as well but then I'll be on a plane on an adventure with only Jesus to travel with and it's going to be awesome.

Please pray with me for:
*Confidence and direction as I travel
*J, M, and C to enjoy their visit with cousins and not be homesick
*High school camp preparation

Blog Restart

The last time I used this blog was June 2006 on my trip to Latvia to work with Buckner Orphan Care International.  June of this year (2018), I will be going on another mission adventure.  This time, I am headed to Kenya where my sister and brother-in-law live and work.  Their organization, Maisha Kamili, is focused on ministering to orphans as well as discipleship in local churches.  They are also beginning work on a life skills training center called Skills for Life.  Maisha Kamili means "full life" in the local language, so this new opportunity is quite fitting.  I am excited to see their ministries and life with my own eyes.  I leave Houston bound for Kenya June 11 and return June 25.  I'll be posting updates here as often as I can.  Please pray with me as I prepare for this adventure!

Valmiera/Lode

I know this is a little late, but better late then never. I've been back home now for about a week. I'll put a final post on here before too long, but before I do that you may want to know how Valmiera and Lode were.
We stayed in a hotel in Valmiera and drove to Lode for 3 days to work with the orphans there. We had prayer every morning at 6:30 with the church there in Valmiera. The kids in Lode were amazing. They were so hungry for our love and attention. They were also very polite. They asked us when they wanted candy and they listened to everything we said. We all fell in love with them so fast. It was very hard to leave after only 3 days with them. I hope someday to go back to that orphanage again. If I could choose one of the places we went, it would be there. They are so poor and groups have never gone there before.
On Thursday we helped with a Sunday school camp with the Valmiera church. We led rec for all the kids. They were very sweet and fun to play with. It was good to remember that there are normal kids out there too. I love the kids at the orphanages, but they are very needy and it was hard to be there so long.
Friday we went shopping in Riga and then flew home on Saturday. On Saturday, I was up for 28 hours straight. Lots of fun. Anywho, It's good to be home. I'll try to post again soon.

Useful Latvian phrases the kids have taught us

Ajam ara! let's go outside
A labu nakti. good night
Ka tevi sauc? what's your name?
Stuba tooka. stupid pig
Es gribu pertikci. I want a monkey.
forša. cool
Es tevi milu. I love you
zema. strawberry
varde. frog
Kungs Jezus Christe. Lord Jesus Christ
rit. tomorrow