Monday 20 July 2009
The team was back in Kibera today. There is a short term medical team from Missouri with us. I hung out with Teacher Josephine in the morning and helped teach classes. I shared my Peanut M&Ms with her and Teacher Anne. They loved them. In the afternoon, I helped the medical team with the kids... making sure the kids were paying attention to the doctors when they were telling them about their medicines. Today the medical team looked at all the kids that went to school where we help teach at. Almost all of the children went to see them since this is one of the few times they will ever see a doctor. (especially an American doctor) Later when we were back at the convent, one of the doctors said that he thinks almost all the kids he saw are HIV+ (which is probably true) So that was heartbreaking to hear. It was a long day because we didn't leave Kibera until all the kids who wanted to be seen were seen.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
So recently I have been thinking a lot about something Jacob said in one of our "rumination" times: "Don't think of leaving Kenya as leaving the mission field, but think like this is just you moving from one mission field to another." I really like that a lot. It has helped me a lot. It is a very good way to look at how we approach going home. Today I went into Kibera. I got to help David with ultrasounds, which was amazing. The first pregnant woman that I saw came in for a check-up and found out she is having TWINS! It was the first time I had ever been beside someone when they were getting an ultrasound done. It was so amazing. The God we serve is so amazing and David just kept saying all the reason why God is so cool. It was a really awesome day. Some of the women were so surprised that they could actually see their baby while it was inside them... or see their heartbeat... or even better see their unborn child's heartbeat! I felt really blessed today. Lunch wasn't served until 4pm today and trust me everyone was hungry by then! It was a long day but a great day... a day I hope never to forget.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
I was back in Kibera again today. While the medical team was setting up, I helped Teacher Josephine with Grade 5 English (learning about how to use can't and must). Then I took tea with her. It was rainy and cold today which was LAME. After tea, I helped David with ultrasounds. We saw FOUR pregnant women today. It was so much fun! Today was the medical teams last day in Kibera, which was sad. We had ugali for lunch. (the staple food for most Kenyans) It was a good day.
Thursday 23 July 2009
Today Pastor is taking the medical team to Muthiga so we are walking to Karen to catch a matatu to go to Kibera. We met Carol, Purity, and Wycliffe in Karen. George, Josh, and I took a matatu to Karen (instead of walking) and went to the Nakumatt. I thought as I was walking into Kibera how I would only walk these streets one more time before leaving to go home. I tried to capture everything I saw in my mind... I have so many memories that I hope never to forget. Today was my last day of teaching. I saw my Grade 4 students for Math and my Grade 5 students for English (collective nouns). Teacher Josephine told Grade 5 that it was my last day teaching before I left. It was so sad. I have grown to love those kids so much. As I took tea during break, Joanna said, "Can you believe this is the last time we will take tea in Kibera?" The thought hadn't even come across my mind until then. It was a sad day. At the end of the day I had to tell Kuku (Teacher Josephine) goodbye. It was my hardest goodbye. I think we hugged at least 4-6 times before she actually left to go home. I didn't cry but that is only because of the strength God has given me these past few days. I really think I'll come back to Kenya. (God willing) The medical team offered to take us (the interns), Pastor and his family, Wycliffe, Purity, and Carol out to dinner at Carnivore. It was a nicer place to eat. The interns along with Wycliffe, Purity, and Carol decided to walk and meet the rest of the crew at Carnivore. As we started to walk, I started to lose my voice...
Friday 24 July 2009
When I woke up this morning, I couldn't talk at all. Today is our off day. I finished reading the Bondage Breaker today; it was amazing! Today was just spent in silence (since I couldn't talk) and reflection. I can't believe I fly out in 2 days. The summer has just flown by!
Saturday 25 July 2009
I still can't talk. Tomorrow I will start my journey home. We spent most of the day at the Shuname Shelter with the girls and the Nakumatt. We had bought them a new oven because theirs broke with the rest of our ministry money. It was a fun time. I am going to miss these girls and singing and dancing with them.
Sunday 26 July 2009
My last day in Kenya. William shared his testimony during Kibera Youth Sunday School and Lydia taught the lesson. (Col. 1:1-14) It was really good. Church service was great. I am going to miss KRPC. I'm going to miss the youth boys and how they run up onto the stage and sing and dance. I'm going to miss Phillip playing the drums and the boys blowing whistles. I'm going to miss Carol and Purity leading worship with the Shuname girls. I'm going to miss the random shouting to the Lord. I'm going to miss prasing the Lord outloud with the congregation. (even though it took awhile to get use to) I'm going to miss how relax the church setting is. Pastor Makuku took us to Java House for lunch. It was fitting since Java House is where this journey began. So it ended like it started.
I want to really thank all of you. The people who have prayed for me and supported me. The people who have taken the time to read my updates and thought of me throughout the summer. Asante sana!! (Thanks so much)
May God Bless You as Much as He has Blessed me this Summer,
Neema
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Week 7 (PLUS SAFARI)
Saturday 11 July 2009
Joanna and I worked on our Bible study that we are going to teach the older youth girls this afternoon during the morning part of the day. I have started to read a book called "Where Soldiers Fear to Tread". It is a relief worker's tale of survival in Somalia. It's really good so far. We went to Uhuru Gardens in the afternoon to play football (Soccer) and teach Bible study to the older youth from Kibera. The Bible study that Joanna and I led was about the 5 women mentioned in Matthew 1. It went well. Since Opal and Tom were here, they took us out to eat at this super fancy place for dinner. Dessert was the best though. I ordered fudge cake, which was almost like a giant swiss roll with fudge on top. Pastor's van had some issues throughout the day but at the end of it we figured out the true problem. (PTL!)
Sunday 12 July 2009
Not much happened today. The power was out this morning. We ended up being late to Sunday School. However, George preached on Suffering this morning and the sermon was excellent. The rest of the day I spent reading... nothing too exciting.
Monday 13 July 2009
HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY LITTLE SISTER! I found out today that tomorrow will be my last day in Muthiga. I spent most of the day with Nancy. I helped prepare the chai tea at Nancy's house this morning. She taught me how to grill corn like they do here. She showed me some of her pictures. I met Hannah (Wanyora) who has 4 children. The youngest being Martin who is possibly one of the cutest and smartest 2 yr. olds I have ever met. I met Bernerdate (Ngina) who is expecting her 1st child soon and Eunice. I am now a part of the Kikuyu tribe as well as the Luhya tribe. My Luhya name is Nelima which simply means born when people are tilling land preparing to plant. Kikuya is the main (only) tribe in Muthiga. Grace is Kikuya is Wega. But my Kikuyu name is Wairumu Njambi. Today was a day to remember. I love Muthiga.
Here are some more Kikuyu phrases:
Hello: Wimwega
I'm Fine: Nikwega
Friend: Murata
I'll see you soon: Tuonane
Praise the Lord: Mwathani Agoaoo
God Bless You: Ngai Akurathime
I love you: Ningwendete
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Today was my last day in Muthiga. I got to do home visits with George, Nancy, Tony, and Hannah. This time I was much better at it. God gave me strength and He stretched me. I got to see my little baby boy again. He has gotten so big. His name is Sendric Kiambuthi. His mom's name is name is Irene Nduta. One of the women I met today has only lived in Muthiga for 2 wks. She use to live in/near the Rift Valley but when the elections happened she and her family where chased out by other tribes. It is so amazing to see God at work here in Kenya. I saw Hannah's house today. It was beautiful. Saying goodbye today was really hard... but I try not to think of it as Goodbye but See you Later because I know one day I will see them again.
Wednesday 15 July 2009
We took a matatu to Kibera this morning after walking to Karen. I worked with Teacher Josephine. I taught Grade 1 Science (Air)... then Break with Chai Tea... Grade 5 English (Abstract Nouns). I practiced my Kiswahili afterwards. After we left Kibera, Pastor handed out mail! The days I get mail are the best! A BIG special thanks to everyone who has sent me something. It has meant more than you know!
Thursday 16 July 2009
10 days left in Kenya. Time has flown by this month. We went into Kibera again today. Teacher Josephine has me laughing all morning. I got to read a lot of my Grade 5 English papers that were about me today. They were so awesome. Teacher Josephine told them to correct their mistakes and I get to keep the final copies! I am so excited! I took quite a few pictures today! YAY! My Kiswahili has improved so much these past few weeks! The short term medical team arrives tomorrow. We watched The Lion King today in preparation for Safari tomorrow! (awesome I know)
Friday 17 July 2009 (SAFARI)
Today we loaded up and headed to Safari. It is a 4-5 hour trip plus we stopped to eat lunch. Before we even got to the campground we saw 4 giraffes on the side of the road! It was AWESOME! The campground is a lot nicer than I thought it was going to be. Each tent has 2 beds and the beds are huge! It has a small desk and a chair. It was GREAT! There were toilets that flushed too! After putting our stuff in our tents, we had about an hour and a half until we were going to leave for Safari! (too hot) Lauri and I are rooming together. Anyways then we headed out to Safari! I saw baby gazelles, baby elephants, baby zebras, wildebeasts, and all the big animals of the baby ones! AND THEN WE SAW 3 BABY LION CUBS ALL ALONE! Shortly afterwards, we found a male and female lion. It was AWESOME! The sunset was beautiful. O and the stars out here are incredible!
Saturday 18 July 2009 (Safari)
TODAY IS DAY 50 IN KENYA! I have been in Kenya for 50 days. That is so Awesome! The wind was awful last night so I didn't sleep much. Breakfast and then back to Safari land! Today I saw warthogs, hippos, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, buffalo, and more lions! I took pictures until my camera died. Safari was one of the coolest experiences ever. It was so beautiful. I saw the sunset again today. (totally awesome)
Sunday 19 July 2009
So I woke up this morning to find out that there were elephants RIGHT outside my tent last night. Apparently the night before we arrived, an elephant attacked a woman so the park rangers had to shot it. (12 shots) So all these elephants were going to find the "missing (dead) elephant". This morning Lawerence and Kennedy, 2 Maasai Warriors, took Jacob, George, Joahuya, and I on a hike. Kennedy had a spear and Lawerence had a bow and arrow. (totally cool I know) We were going to see the remains of the elephant but there were a bunch of other elephants at the sight surrounding the dead one and burying it. So after Lawerence told us to leave (because it was too dangerous), Kennedy lead us away quickly and quietly so we wouldn't be stomped on by elephants. Apparently, elephants bury and then lay sticks over a dead elephant. Then they get hungry and mean... so that's why we left. There are black mambas around where we camped... I could have gone without knowing that. lol. I saw more giraffes today while we were on our hike. (about 10-12) When they run it looks like they are running in slow motion. It is so funny to watch. Lawerence almost shot one of them with his bow and arrow. We saw baboons on the drive home. We didn't get back in until around 8pm. The short term medical team was in the dining hall when we arrived but they were busy so we didn't bother them.
So that is about it for Week 7. I probably won't update about Week 8 until July 31 after I get home. Keep the team and I in your prayers as we will be leaving soon and have to say goodbye. Pray for our travels as we fly home. Pray that we will adjust well once we get back to the states. Pray that we will be able to share our story in a way that glorifies God. I miss ya'll and I can't wait to see you again!
God Bless,
Grace
Joanna and I worked on our Bible study that we are going to teach the older youth girls this afternoon during the morning part of the day. I have started to read a book called "Where Soldiers Fear to Tread". It is a relief worker's tale of survival in Somalia. It's really good so far. We went to Uhuru Gardens in the afternoon to play football (Soccer) and teach Bible study to the older youth from Kibera. The Bible study that Joanna and I led was about the 5 women mentioned in Matthew 1. It went well. Since Opal and Tom were here, they took us out to eat at this super fancy place for dinner. Dessert was the best though. I ordered fudge cake, which was almost like a giant swiss roll with fudge on top. Pastor's van had some issues throughout the day but at the end of it we figured out the true problem. (PTL!)
Sunday 12 July 2009
Not much happened today. The power was out this morning. We ended up being late to Sunday School. However, George preached on Suffering this morning and the sermon was excellent. The rest of the day I spent reading... nothing too exciting.
Monday 13 July 2009
HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY LITTLE SISTER! I found out today that tomorrow will be my last day in Muthiga. I spent most of the day with Nancy. I helped prepare the chai tea at Nancy's house this morning. She taught me how to grill corn like they do here. She showed me some of her pictures. I met Hannah (Wanyora) who has 4 children. The youngest being Martin who is possibly one of the cutest and smartest 2 yr. olds I have ever met. I met Bernerdate (Ngina) who is expecting her 1st child soon and Eunice. I am now a part of the Kikuyu tribe as well as the Luhya tribe. My Luhya name is Nelima which simply means born when people are tilling land preparing to plant. Kikuya is the main (only) tribe in Muthiga. Grace is Kikuya is Wega. But my Kikuyu name is Wairumu Njambi. Today was a day to remember. I love Muthiga.
Here are some more Kikuyu phrases:
Hello: Wimwega
I'm Fine: Nikwega
Friend: Murata
I'll see you soon: Tuonane
Praise the Lord: Mwathani Agoaoo
God Bless You: Ngai Akurathime
I love you: Ningwendete
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Today was my last day in Muthiga. I got to do home visits with George, Nancy, Tony, and Hannah. This time I was much better at it. God gave me strength and He stretched me. I got to see my little baby boy again. He has gotten so big. His name is Sendric Kiambuthi. His mom's name is name is Irene Nduta. One of the women I met today has only lived in Muthiga for 2 wks. She use to live in/near the Rift Valley but when the elections happened she and her family where chased out by other tribes. It is so amazing to see God at work here in Kenya. I saw Hannah's house today. It was beautiful. Saying goodbye today was really hard... but I try not to think of it as Goodbye but See you Later because I know one day I will see them again.
Wednesday 15 July 2009
We took a matatu to Kibera this morning after walking to Karen. I worked with Teacher Josephine. I taught Grade 1 Science (Air)... then Break with Chai Tea... Grade 5 English (Abstract Nouns). I practiced my Kiswahili afterwards. After we left Kibera, Pastor handed out mail! The days I get mail are the best! A BIG special thanks to everyone who has sent me something. It has meant more than you know!
Thursday 16 July 2009
10 days left in Kenya. Time has flown by this month. We went into Kibera again today. Teacher Josephine has me laughing all morning. I got to read a lot of my Grade 5 English papers that were about me today. They were so awesome. Teacher Josephine told them to correct their mistakes and I get to keep the final copies! I am so excited! I took quite a few pictures today! YAY! My Kiswahili has improved so much these past few weeks! The short term medical team arrives tomorrow. We watched The Lion King today in preparation for Safari tomorrow! (awesome I know)
Friday 17 July 2009 (SAFARI)
Today we loaded up and headed to Safari. It is a 4-5 hour trip plus we stopped to eat lunch. Before we even got to the campground we saw 4 giraffes on the side of the road! It was AWESOME! The campground is a lot nicer than I thought it was going to be. Each tent has 2 beds and the beds are huge! It has a small desk and a chair. It was GREAT! There were toilets that flushed too! After putting our stuff in our tents, we had about an hour and a half until we were going to leave for Safari! (too hot) Lauri and I are rooming together. Anyways then we headed out to Safari! I saw baby gazelles, baby elephants, baby zebras, wildebeasts, and all the big animals of the baby ones! AND THEN WE SAW 3 BABY LION CUBS ALL ALONE! Shortly afterwards, we found a male and female lion. It was AWESOME! The sunset was beautiful. O and the stars out here are incredible!
Saturday 18 July 2009 (Safari)
TODAY IS DAY 50 IN KENYA! I have been in Kenya for 50 days. That is so Awesome! The wind was awful last night so I didn't sleep much. Breakfast and then back to Safari land! Today I saw warthogs, hippos, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, buffalo, and more lions! I took pictures until my camera died. Safari was one of the coolest experiences ever. It was so beautiful. I saw the sunset again today. (totally awesome)
Sunday 19 July 2009
So I woke up this morning to find out that there were elephants RIGHT outside my tent last night. Apparently the night before we arrived, an elephant attacked a woman so the park rangers had to shot it. (12 shots) So all these elephants were going to find the "missing (dead) elephant". This morning Lawerence and Kennedy, 2 Maasai Warriors, took Jacob, George, Joahuya, and I on a hike. Kennedy had a spear and Lawerence had a bow and arrow. (totally cool I know) We were going to see the remains of the elephant but there were a bunch of other elephants at the sight surrounding the dead one and burying it. So after Lawerence told us to leave (because it was too dangerous), Kennedy lead us away quickly and quietly so we wouldn't be stomped on by elephants. Apparently, elephants bury and then lay sticks over a dead elephant. Then they get hungry and mean... so that's why we left. There are black mambas around where we camped... I could have gone without knowing that. lol. I saw more giraffes today while we were on our hike. (about 10-12) When they run it looks like they are running in slow motion. It is so funny to watch. Lawerence almost shot one of them with his bow and arrow. We saw baboons on the drive home. We didn't get back in until around 8pm. The short term medical team was in the dining hall when we arrived but they were busy so we didn't bother them.
So that is about it for Week 7. I probably won't update about Week 8 until July 31 after I get home. Keep the team and I in your prayers as we will be leaving soon and have to say goodbye. Pray for our travels as we fly home. Pray that we will adjust well once we get back to the states. Pray that we will be able to share our story in a way that glorifies God. I miss ya'll and I can't wait to see you again!
God Bless,
Grace
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Week 6 (A Hard Week)
Monday 6 July 2009
This week we were back in Kibera. Today I helped Teacher Josephine teach Grade 4 Math. Then it was time for lunch. In the afternoon, I graded English for Grade 5. It was a very good day. Teacher Josephine is just so much fun. She taught me more Swahili today.
Nina Furaha (I’m happy)
Mrembo (Beautiful)
Hapa (NO!)
Penda Mungu, Penda Watu (Love God, Love People)
Keti Chini (Sit Down)
Jina langu ni Grace. (My name is Grace.)
Tabasamu (Smile!)
Rudia (Repeat)
Ninakukosa ( I miss you)
Tuesday 7 July 2009
I realized today how funny it is going to be when I get back to the states and greet people in Kiswahili. As I was walking into Kibera, I noticed how the smell seems to be getting worse. I think it is because of the broken pipe. Honestly, I can’t imagine what is must be like to live in Kibera. My cough was worse today but at night and early morning is when it bothers me the most. I PTL for that because that allows me to spend time with my friends in Kibera and for that I am grateful. I taught Grade 4 math again today. They are learning Perimeter. I assisted Teacher Josephine with Grade 1 Science. (Sound) I continued with my Grade 1 Kiswahili lessons. (You have to start somewhere!) I’m getting better and Teacher Josephine said I am a good student. Haha. The past two days the teachers have been asking where my sweatshirt is but to me the weather isn’t too cold by that time of day. July is the coldest month is Kenya. Most people are bundled up. The temperature here is mid-50s in the early morning and at night and around 75 during the day. So it feels pretty good for the most part. I have almost finished reading The Bondage Breaker. I would recommend it for EVERYONE! It is a great book.
Heko! (Congrats!)
Ninakufurahia (I’m happy for you)
Mimi (I)
Ndiyo (Yes)
Mtu (Person)
Wacha mapenzi ya Mungu yatimizwe (Let God’s Will be Done)
Kazi nzuri (Good Job!)
Mama (Mother)
Baba (Father)
Dada (sister)
Ndugu (Brother)
**Note: In Kenya, within a family mothers are called Mama (insert Firstborn’s name). So my mother should be called by other family members and close friends… Mama Grace.
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Not too much happened in Kibera today. I hung out with Teacher Josephine. I had two cups of chai tea. Ugali was for lunch. I continued to learn more Kiswahili from Teacher Josephine. Opal arrives tomorrow. That was about it. It was just a fun day to hang out with my friends and teach some school.
Tuonane kesho (See you tomorrow)
Leo (Today)
Jumapili (Sunday)
Jumatatu (Monday)
Jumanne (Tuesday)
Jumatano (Wednesday)
Aihamisi (Thursday)
Ijumaa (Friday)
Jumamosi (Saturday)
U hali gani? (How are you feeling?)
Mwalimu (Teacher)
Samawati (Blue)
Kijani Kibichi (Green)
Hali ya anga ikoja? (How is the weather?)
Kuna baridi. (It’s cold.)
Kuna joto. (It’s hot.)
Thursday 9 July 2009
I’ve been in Kenya and working in the slums for 40 days now. God has continued to show me how He provides. He has taught me to rely on Him and not on my own strength. He has taught me that He is a big God. He takes cares of us and loves us just like He takes care of and loves the children and people in Kibera and Muthiga. For the past 5 weeks, I have seen the people not the poverty. However this week, I have seen the poverty. My heart has been broken this week. It really hit home when Teacher Josephine pointed out her house to me today. I didn’t realize she lived in Kibera until then. Then, later that night I realized that most of the teachers live in Kibera. My friends are living in a place that is so horrible, I can’t even describe it. However, I have learned how much you truly need to survive. (It isn’t much) Even though I came to a lot of realizations, today was probably one of my favorite days in Kibera. I spent a lot of time talking to Teacher Josephine. I taught and worked out more math problems about Perimeter for Grade 4. I love teaching Grade 4 Math. Then it was tea time! Then we hung out in the teachers lounge for a bit. Then I taught Grade 5 English. I taught Present Perfect Tense and how to write a good composition paper. Then Teacher Josephine told Grade 5 that they needed to write a paper for their homework. The topic? “Write a paper about your new teacher Grace.” Haha. I can’t wait to read them! Then it was lunch time. After lunch, I helped teacher Josephine teach CRE. CRE is Christian Religion Education. In Kenya, every student chooses what religion class they want to take (Christian, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) CRE today was about not pretending. I have been taking pictures with each of my classes this week. (Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 5) After class, I took a picture of all the teachers. I am really going to miss Teacher Josephine. I am going to miss my Kiswahili lessons! We have shared so many stories, pictures, and laughs this week. Time has flown by.
Mbwa (dog)
Paka (cat)
1 Moja
2 Mbili
3 Tatu
4 Nne
5 Tano
6 Sita
7 Saba
8 Nane
9 Tisa
10 Kumi
Njoo Hapa (Come Here)
Rangi niipendayo ni samawati (My favorite color is Blue.
Nenda Kaoge (Go Bathe!)
Maua (Flowers)
Gari (Vehicle)
Nyanya (Grandmother or Tomato)
Nyoka (Snake)
Ishi. Cheka. Upenda. (Live. Laugh. Love.)
**Note: Teacher Josephine is from the Luhya tribe. Her Luhya name is Awinja which means Updenda (love.) She gave me the Luhya name Nelima. It means born when people are tilling land and preparing to plant. My nickname became Sarah (Sara in Kiswahili).
Friday 10 July 2009
Only 3 days until my baby sister turns 16. Only 16 days until I leave Kenya! Today is my day off. Bwana Ashiwe. (PTL!) So I will continue my story about how this week has been hard on my team. We started hearing personal stories from our friends. We found out that some of the youth boys actually live in the church. One of them lives there because when he parents found out he was a Christian, they kicked him out. Some of the members did home visits in Kibera yesterday. Their stories were even more heartbreaking. Even through all the sadness, I know the God I serve is good. I know He is a just God. I know He renews all things. I know one day all things will be made new. I know that God’s will is perfect and good. I have seen firsthand how God is working in Kibera. I have seen joy in the people there that is a joy that only God can give. Most of the time, the people that have the most joy are the people that have had some of the hardest lives. I pray that I will not feel guilty about the blessings that God has given me. Guilt is from the evil one. I pray that God will continue to show me how to love my Kenyan brothers and sisters better. I pray that He will show me how to encourage them. I remet a man from Sudan today. His name is John. He is one of the lost boys. He was a child solider. (around 10-12) His dad was a police officer who was murdered during an attack one day. A few years ago he was reunited with his mom after not seeing her for over 10 years. He is attending school in Kenya. He is 28. I don’t know much else about his life, but even that is horrifying to me. The team talked with Opal and Tom about how Africans don’t show much emotion and how they don’t complain when bad things happen. Opal thinks it is because Africans expect bad things to happen, so they aren’t phased much by them when they do. However, when good things happen they Praise God and are very thankful. Americans are the opposite. We expect good things to happen. When bad things happen to us, we try to figure out what went wrong or what we did wrong. My heart is broken. It has been a rough week. There are so many horrible situations that are affecting my friends: wives being raped and beaten, children starving, child soldiers, tribalism, extreme poverty, HIV/AIDS, polio, sewage problems, unsafe drinking water, debt from getting an education, etc. The list goes on and on. It is no longer statistics to me. I have a face and a friendship to put to those numbers.
**So continue to pray for our team. And thanks for all the prayers you have already said.
Mungu Akubariki (God Bless You)
Ishi. Cheka. Upenda. (Live. Laugh. Love.)
Until Next Time,
Nelima
This week we were back in Kibera. Today I helped Teacher Josephine teach Grade 4 Math. Then it was time for lunch. In the afternoon, I graded English for Grade 5. It was a very good day. Teacher Josephine is just so much fun. She taught me more Swahili today.
Nina Furaha (I’m happy)
Mrembo (Beautiful)
Hapa (NO!)
Penda Mungu, Penda Watu (Love God, Love People)
Keti Chini (Sit Down)
Jina langu ni Grace. (My name is Grace.)
Tabasamu (Smile!)
Rudia (Repeat)
Ninakukosa ( I miss you)
Tuesday 7 July 2009
I realized today how funny it is going to be when I get back to the states and greet people in Kiswahili. As I was walking into Kibera, I noticed how the smell seems to be getting worse. I think it is because of the broken pipe. Honestly, I can’t imagine what is must be like to live in Kibera. My cough was worse today but at night and early morning is when it bothers me the most. I PTL for that because that allows me to spend time with my friends in Kibera and for that I am grateful. I taught Grade 4 math again today. They are learning Perimeter. I assisted Teacher Josephine with Grade 1 Science. (Sound) I continued with my Grade 1 Kiswahili lessons. (You have to start somewhere!) I’m getting better and Teacher Josephine said I am a good student. Haha. The past two days the teachers have been asking where my sweatshirt is but to me the weather isn’t too cold by that time of day. July is the coldest month is Kenya. Most people are bundled up. The temperature here is mid-50s in the early morning and at night and around 75 during the day. So it feels pretty good for the most part. I have almost finished reading The Bondage Breaker. I would recommend it for EVERYONE! It is a great book.
Heko! (Congrats!)
Ninakufurahia (I’m happy for you)
Mimi (I)
Ndiyo (Yes)
Mtu (Person)
Wacha mapenzi ya Mungu yatimizwe (Let God’s Will be Done)
Kazi nzuri (Good Job!)
Mama (Mother)
Baba (Father)
Dada (sister)
Ndugu (Brother)
**Note: In Kenya, within a family mothers are called Mama (insert Firstborn’s name). So my mother should be called by other family members and close friends… Mama Grace.
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Not too much happened in Kibera today. I hung out with Teacher Josephine. I had two cups of chai tea. Ugali was for lunch. I continued to learn more Kiswahili from Teacher Josephine. Opal arrives tomorrow. That was about it. It was just a fun day to hang out with my friends and teach some school.
Tuonane kesho (See you tomorrow)
Leo (Today)
Jumapili (Sunday)
Jumatatu (Monday)
Jumanne (Tuesday)
Jumatano (Wednesday)
Aihamisi (Thursday)
Ijumaa (Friday)
Jumamosi (Saturday)
U hali gani? (How are you feeling?)
Mwalimu (Teacher)
Samawati (Blue)
Kijani Kibichi (Green)
Hali ya anga ikoja? (How is the weather?)
Kuna baridi. (It’s cold.)
Kuna joto. (It’s hot.)
Thursday 9 July 2009
I’ve been in Kenya and working in the slums for 40 days now. God has continued to show me how He provides. He has taught me to rely on Him and not on my own strength. He has taught me that He is a big God. He takes cares of us and loves us just like He takes care of and loves the children and people in Kibera and Muthiga. For the past 5 weeks, I have seen the people not the poverty. However this week, I have seen the poverty. My heart has been broken this week. It really hit home when Teacher Josephine pointed out her house to me today. I didn’t realize she lived in Kibera until then. Then, later that night I realized that most of the teachers live in Kibera. My friends are living in a place that is so horrible, I can’t even describe it. However, I have learned how much you truly need to survive. (It isn’t much) Even though I came to a lot of realizations, today was probably one of my favorite days in Kibera. I spent a lot of time talking to Teacher Josephine. I taught and worked out more math problems about Perimeter for Grade 4. I love teaching Grade 4 Math. Then it was tea time! Then we hung out in the teachers lounge for a bit. Then I taught Grade 5 English. I taught Present Perfect Tense and how to write a good composition paper. Then Teacher Josephine told Grade 5 that they needed to write a paper for their homework. The topic? “Write a paper about your new teacher Grace.” Haha. I can’t wait to read them! Then it was lunch time. After lunch, I helped teacher Josephine teach CRE. CRE is Christian Religion Education. In Kenya, every student chooses what religion class they want to take (Christian, Muslim, Hindu, etc.) CRE today was about not pretending. I have been taking pictures with each of my classes this week. (Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 5) After class, I took a picture of all the teachers. I am really going to miss Teacher Josephine. I am going to miss my Kiswahili lessons! We have shared so many stories, pictures, and laughs this week. Time has flown by.
Mbwa (dog)
Paka (cat)
1 Moja
2 Mbili
3 Tatu
4 Nne
5 Tano
6 Sita
7 Saba
8 Nane
9 Tisa
10 Kumi
Njoo Hapa (Come Here)
Rangi niipendayo ni samawati (My favorite color is Blue.
Nenda Kaoge (Go Bathe!)
Maua (Flowers)
Gari (Vehicle)
Nyanya (Grandmother or Tomato)
Nyoka (Snake)
Ishi. Cheka. Upenda. (Live. Laugh. Love.)
**Note: Teacher Josephine is from the Luhya tribe. Her Luhya name is Awinja which means Updenda (love.) She gave me the Luhya name Nelima. It means born when people are tilling land and preparing to plant. My nickname became Sarah (Sara in Kiswahili).
Friday 10 July 2009
Only 3 days until my baby sister turns 16. Only 16 days until I leave Kenya! Today is my day off. Bwana Ashiwe. (PTL!) So I will continue my story about how this week has been hard on my team. We started hearing personal stories from our friends. We found out that some of the youth boys actually live in the church. One of them lives there because when he parents found out he was a Christian, they kicked him out. Some of the members did home visits in Kibera yesterday. Their stories were even more heartbreaking. Even through all the sadness, I know the God I serve is good. I know He is a just God. I know He renews all things. I know one day all things will be made new. I know that God’s will is perfect and good. I have seen firsthand how God is working in Kibera. I have seen joy in the people there that is a joy that only God can give. Most of the time, the people that have the most joy are the people that have had some of the hardest lives. I pray that I will not feel guilty about the blessings that God has given me. Guilt is from the evil one. I pray that God will continue to show me how to love my Kenyan brothers and sisters better. I pray that He will show me how to encourage them. I remet a man from Sudan today. His name is John. He is one of the lost boys. He was a child solider. (around 10-12) His dad was a police officer who was murdered during an attack one day. A few years ago he was reunited with his mom after not seeing her for over 10 years. He is attending school in Kenya. He is 28. I don’t know much else about his life, but even that is horrifying to me. The team talked with Opal and Tom about how Africans don’t show much emotion and how they don’t complain when bad things happen. Opal thinks it is because Africans expect bad things to happen, so they aren’t phased much by them when they do. However, when good things happen they Praise God and are very thankful. Americans are the opposite. We expect good things to happen. When bad things happen to us, we try to figure out what went wrong or what we did wrong. My heart is broken. It has been a rough week. There are so many horrible situations that are affecting my friends: wives being raped and beaten, children starving, child soldiers, tribalism, extreme poverty, HIV/AIDS, polio, sewage problems, unsafe drinking water, debt from getting an education, etc. The list goes on and on. It is no longer statistics to me. I have a face and a friendship to put to those numbers.
**So continue to pray for our team. And thanks for all the prayers you have already said.
Mungu Akubariki (God Bless You)
Ishi. Cheka. Upenda. (Live. Laugh. Love.)
Until Next Time,
Nelima
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Week 5
Monday 29 June 2009
We are back in Muthiga this week. When we got to the property, we pulled some more weeds. Then we combined a bunch of the piles so there were only 3 piles. Then we started burning all the piles… which was hard because it had rained the day before so a lot of the stuff was wet. That was pretty much the whole morning. I did my best to avoid the smoke because I am still coughing. Then in the afternoon we did a bible club for the little kids. Today was the first time I took pictures of the Kenyan kids. I don’t remember if I have written this already but photography is a BIG deal in Kenya so Pastor has asked us to limit it. So no I don’t have a lot of pictures. You have to be careful when taking pictures. You always must ask permission first. Some of the older generations still think if you take a picture of them… you are stealing their soul. Some think you are only taking pictures to sell to magazines when you go home. So it is very important that you make relationships with the people you are taking pictures of BEFORE you take their picture. Not too much happened other than that.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
I can’t believe today is the last day of June! That is so crazy to me. Time has flown by lately. Even if I could write down every single thing I have seen and every person I have met since I have been in Kenya… it still wouldn’t be accurate or good enough. I don’t find Kenya to be good or bad, just different. I mean yes some things in Kenya are bad: living conditions, tribalism, rape, lack of food, etc. However, some things are good. Every child in Kenya knows how important and valuable a school education is. Nothing is taken for granted. Kenyan Christians that I have met has been some of the most bold, straight-forward Christians I have ever met in my life. Most people are so full of joy and are so hospitable to complete strangers. (us) Almost everything is shared… clothes, food, tools. Today we prayed for our friends and family who have lost their way in sin or just haven’t been following Christ to begin with. I think so many times we forget to pray for them. One of the things that I have taken for granted in the past that I had never thought about before I came to Kenya is the fact that in America there is SO much food variety. Let me just let you in on a secret… in Kenya most families eat the same meals every week if not every day. So food variety is definitely something I won’t take for granted anymore. We were in Muthiga again today. I lifted buckets of dirt out of the pit latrine hole that the guys (and Lydia) have been digging. It has to be 25 feet deep. It is probably one of our biggest tasks. Then I got to help Alice (a friend) go and pick fruit. I started sharing my Peanut M&Ms yesterday with my Kenyan brothers and sisters… and they LOVE them. So I shared again today. Nancy (one of our translators and Alice’s mom) showed me her home today. It was the first “slum” Kenyan home I have been in. It was so incredible. The outside of the house is made completely out of tin. (including the roof) It has a wooden fence around in. I walked into the main room. There were two benches with blankets on them (like couches). There was a small table in the middle of the room. There were a few calendars and posters on the walls. It felt like a home. After I visited at her house, we walked to meet up with the rest of the group. Then we led another Bible club for the little kids. We told the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. We gave out hard candy to the kids today and they LOVED it. That was pretty much my Tuesday.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
I can’t believe I only have 25 more days in Kenya! I miss being at home… BUT I will also admit that I love the spiritual growth I’ve experienced since I have arrived in Kenya. God has shown me so many things. God has emptied me this summer and every day He fills me with His spirit. I have learned that all things work out for the good. I have learned to completely rely on God’s strength not my own. In Muthiga, we just worked the land. I got to be the one who climbed the fruit tree with Alice. It was so much fun! So yesterday Josh sprained his ankle playing football(soccer)with the kids after Bible club so he didn’t join us today. Our team so was worried about Josh that we ended up forgetting a ton of stuff that we usually bring into Muthiga. We forgot Peanut Butter (so we ate plain bread), the buckets and rope we use to pull out the dirt, and work gloves today. However, the Lord showed us how to be flexible. Our translators ended finding some more rope and buckets… so we still got a lot of work done. It was a short day.
Thursday 2 July 2009
Today we did home visits in Muthiga. We split into 3 groups and each group had a translator. My group was Jacob, Joanna, and me. Our translators were Nancy and John. One of the first houses we visited was a mother who had 2 children… a 3 year old and a boy who was 10 days old. While we were sharing with the mom, I got to hold the little boy. He was so adorable and had a head full of curly black hair! When we go on home visits, we introduce ourselves… we asked how we are pray for them… we share an encouraging verse from the Bible… and then we pray. I had 2 and ½ cups of chai tea and I had my first cup for chocolate tea? It was just hot water with grounded up coco. So it was kind of like hot chocolate. Kenyans only drink it in July because July is when it is the coldest in Kenya. I can already tell the difference in the weather from when we arrived to now. It has definitely gotten colder. In the morning, I am usually in a sweatshirt. I wonder if it is that cold in Alabama! Haha. After all the home visits, we came back to the convent. Around 530pm we walked to Denny’s house. Denny is a missionary from OK who has been living in Kenya since 2005. It was the first time I have had REAL American food in Kenya. I had carrot sticks, RANCH, grapes, chicken pizza (that was AMAZING), and COOKIES! Denny has a 4 year old girl who is adorable. We watched Open Season with them and then we came home. It was SUCH a fun night! Then it was “Grace Time”. The team has been taking turns sharing their testimonies and struggles… one person every week. So tonight was my turn. I probably talked for an hour. It was nice to be able to share. I felt more understood afterwards. My team is getting closer every day and I LOVE IT! I am the youngest by at least a year from everyone else… so I am the “little sister”, which is weird for me since I am the oldest child. However, I now understand a little bit about being the youngest. (I like being the oldest better!)
Friday 3 July 2009
Hooray for days off. We went to the Village Market again. So I did some more shopping. My cough got worst in the evening. I thought my head was going to explode with every cough. Joshua bought Kenyan bracelets for the whole team… so now we all match kind of on a daily basis. Nothing too exciting happened. It was just a day of relaxing and having fun.
Saturday 4 July 2009
HAPPY 4th OF JULY! So the team kind of had the day off today because in the states it is a holiday. Around 2pm, we went to the Shuname Shelter to celebrate the 4th with the girls. It was basically a huge party. It was so much fun. That is where my new Facebook profile picture comes from. Today marks 5 weeks of being in Kenya. Only 3 weeks left to go! Susan (one of the girls… and also Nancy’s daughter) showed me (well started to) how to clean cow stomach so you can eat it! It was fun getting to take group pictures. The day was filled with fellowship, American songs, American food, Balloons (closest we had to fireworks… popping them), and a time of prayer IN ENGLISH! Lauri cooked a lot of the food. We made BBQ chicken sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, jello, cookies and pineapple. (well we didn’t make the pineapple but we brought it) Once we got there… Joanna helped Purity make Red, White, and Blue Chapati. All the girls said something good about America. When we got home… Joshua led us in a time of prayer. We prayed for our country, its leaders, the Church, etc. I learned a lot of new Swahili words and phrases today from Martha.
Mungu Anakupenda (God loves you)
Bwana Ashiwe (Praise the Lord!)
Asante (Thanks)
Karibu (Welcome)
Habari (Hello! How are you?) Mzuri (Fine)
Lalasalama (Good Night)
Mzungu (one who goes around… aka a white person)
Wazungu (Plural of Mzungu… aka many white people)
Pole (I’m sorry that happened to you)
Baba (Father)
Mama (Mother)
Sawa Sawa (okay)
Sunday 5 July 2009
So today we went to church in Kibera. We walked in through a different route because of Joshua. The route we usually take is flooded at the moment because of a busted pipe. So we would have had to jump across on rocks… which with Joshua’s ankle wasn’t possible. So we walked on another route. In Sunday School, Lauri shared her testimony with the older youth. It was very encouraging. Lauri has become kind of my older sister because she is the oldest and we share the same birthday. Yes the oldest and the youngest on the team share the same birthday… we are that cool. She is 5 years older than me. Anyways… we sang Mighty to Save during church service. Pastor Wycliffe preached today. It was mostly in Swahili so I didn’t understand a lot of it. I know he preached on Matthew 5: 43-48. I can’t believe we have 3 more Sundays in Kenya and that is it. The last Sunday will be the Sunday I fly home. That is so crazy to me. It doesn’t seem like almost half of my summer is over. Well until next week… leave some comments!
Here is a word of Encouragement for you.
Naweza mambo yote katika yeye anitiaye nguvu.
( I can do everything through Him who gives me strength) Philippians 4:13
God Bless,
LG
We are back in Muthiga this week. When we got to the property, we pulled some more weeds. Then we combined a bunch of the piles so there were only 3 piles. Then we started burning all the piles… which was hard because it had rained the day before so a lot of the stuff was wet. That was pretty much the whole morning. I did my best to avoid the smoke because I am still coughing. Then in the afternoon we did a bible club for the little kids. Today was the first time I took pictures of the Kenyan kids. I don’t remember if I have written this already but photography is a BIG deal in Kenya so Pastor has asked us to limit it. So no I don’t have a lot of pictures. You have to be careful when taking pictures. You always must ask permission first. Some of the older generations still think if you take a picture of them… you are stealing their soul. Some think you are only taking pictures to sell to magazines when you go home. So it is very important that you make relationships with the people you are taking pictures of BEFORE you take their picture. Not too much happened other than that.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
I can’t believe today is the last day of June! That is so crazy to me. Time has flown by lately. Even if I could write down every single thing I have seen and every person I have met since I have been in Kenya… it still wouldn’t be accurate or good enough. I don’t find Kenya to be good or bad, just different. I mean yes some things in Kenya are bad: living conditions, tribalism, rape, lack of food, etc. However, some things are good. Every child in Kenya knows how important and valuable a school education is. Nothing is taken for granted. Kenyan Christians that I have met has been some of the most bold, straight-forward Christians I have ever met in my life. Most people are so full of joy and are so hospitable to complete strangers. (us) Almost everything is shared… clothes, food, tools. Today we prayed for our friends and family who have lost their way in sin or just haven’t been following Christ to begin with. I think so many times we forget to pray for them. One of the things that I have taken for granted in the past that I had never thought about before I came to Kenya is the fact that in America there is SO much food variety. Let me just let you in on a secret… in Kenya most families eat the same meals every week if not every day. So food variety is definitely something I won’t take for granted anymore. We were in Muthiga again today. I lifted buckets of dirt out of the pit latrine hole that the guys (and Lydia) have been digging. It has to be 25 feet deep. It is probably one of our biggest tasks. Then I got to help Alice (a friend) go and pick fruit. I started sharing my Peanut M&Ms yesterday with my Kenyan brothers and sisters… and they LOVE them. So I shared again today. Nancy (one of our translators and Alice’s mom) showed me her home today. It was the first “slum” Kenyan home I have been in. It was so incredible. The outside of the house is made completely out of tin. (including the roof) It has a wooden fence around in. I walked into the main room. There were two benches with blankets on them (like couches). There was a small table in the middle of the room. There were a few calendars and posters on the walls. It felt like a home. After I visited at her house, we walked to meet up with the rest of the group. Then we led another Bible club for the little kids. We told the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. We gave out hard candy to the kids today and they LOVED it. That was pretty much my Tuesday.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
I can’t believe I only have 25 more days in Kenya! I miss being at home… BUT I will also admit that I love the spiritual growth I’ve experienced since I have arrived in Kenya. God has shown me so many things. God has emptied me this summer and every day He fills me with His spirit. I have learned that all things work out for the good. I have learned to completely rely on God’s strength not my own. In Muthiga, we just worked the land. I got to be the one who climbed the fruit tree with Alice. It was so much fun! So yesterday Josh sprained his ankle playing football(soccer)with the kids after Bible club so he didn’t join us today. Our team so was worried about Josh that we ended up forgetting a ton of stuff that we usually bring into Muthiga. We forgot Peanut Butter (so we ate plain bread), the buckets and rope we use to pull out the dirt, and work gloves today. However, the Lord showed us how to be flexible. Our translators ended finding some more rope and buckets… so we still got a lot of work done. It was a short day.
Thursday 2 July 2009
Today we did home visits in Muthiga. We split into 3 groups and each group had a translator. My group was Jacob, Joanna, and me. Our translators were Nancy and John. One of the first houses we visited was a mother who had 2 children… a 3 year old and a boy who was 10 days old. While we were sharing with the mom, I got to hold the little boy. He was so adorable and had a head full of curly black hair! When we go on home visits, we introduce ourselves… we asked how we are pray for them… we share an encouraging verse from the Bible… and then we pray. I had 2 and ½ cups of chai tea and I had my first cup for chocolate tea? It was just hot water with grounded up coco. So it was kind of like hot chocolate. Kenyans only drink it in July because July is when it is the coldest in Kenya. I can already tell the difference in the weather from when we arrived to now. It has definitely gotten colder. In the morning, I am usually in a sweatshirt. I wonder if it is that cold in Alabama! Haha. After all the home visits, we came back to the convent. Around 530pm we walked to Denny’s house. Denny is a missionary from OK who has been living in Kenya since 2005. It was the first time I have had REAL American food in Kenya. I had carrot sticks, RANCH, grapes, chicken pizza (that was AMAZING), and COOKIES! Denny has a 4 year old girl who is adorable. We watched Open Season with them and then we came home. It was SUCH a fun night! Then it was “Grace Time”. The team has been taking turns sharing their testimonies and struggles… one person every week. So tonight was my turn. I probably talked for an hour. It was nice to be able to share. I felt more understood afterwards. My team is getting closer every day and I LOVE IT! I am the youngest by at least a year from everyone else… so I am the “little sister”, which is weird for me since I am the oldest child. However, I now understand a little bit about being the youngest. (I like being the oldest better!)
Friday 3 July 2009
Hooray for days off. We went to the Village Market again. So I did some more shopping. My cough got worst in the evening. I thought my head was going to explode with every cough. Joshua bought Kenyan bracelets for the whole team… so now we all match kind of on a daily basis. Nothing too exciting happened. It was just a day of relaxing and having fun.
Saturday 4 July 2009
HAPPY 4th OF JULY! So the team kind of had the day off today because in the states it is a holiday. Around 2pm, we went to the Shuname Shelter to celebrate the 4th with the girls. It was basically a huge party. It was so much fun. That is where my new Facebook profile picture comes from. Today marks 5 weeks of being in Kenya. Only 3 weeks left to go! Susan (one of the girls… and also Nancy’s daughter) showed me (well started to) how to clean cow stomach so you can eat it! It was fun getting to take group pictures. The day was filled with fellowship, American songs, American food, Balloons (closest we had to fireworks… popping them), and a time of prayer IN ENGLISH! Lauri cooked a lot of the food. We made BBQ chicken sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, jello, cookies and pineapple. (well we didn’t make the pineapple but we brought it) Once we got there… Joanna helped Purity make Red, White, and Blue Chapati. All the girls said something good about America. When we got home… Joshua led us in a time of prayer. We prayed for our country, its leaders, the Church, etc. I learned a lot of new Swahili words and phrases today from Martha.
Mungu Anakupenda (God loves you)
Bwana Ashiwe (Praise the Lord!)
Asante (Thanks)
Karibu (Welcome)
Habari (Hello! How are you?) Mzuri (Fine)
Lalasalama (Good Night)
Mzungu (one who goes around… aka a white person)
Wazungu (Plural of Mzungu… aka many white people)
Pole (I’m sorry that happened to you)
Baba (Father)
Mama (Mother)
Sawa Sawa (okay)
Sunday 5 July 2009
So today we went to church in Kibera. We walked in through a different route because of Joshua. The route we usually take is flooded at the moment because of a busted pipe. So we would have had to jump across on rocks… which with Joshua’s ankle wasn’t possible. So we walked on another route. In Sunday School, Lauri shared her testimony with the older youth. It was very encouraging. Lauri has become kind of my older sister because she is the oldest and we share the same birthday. Yes the oldest and the youngest on the team share the same birthday… we are that cool. She is 5 years older than me. Anyways… we sang Mighty to Save during church service. Pastor Wycliffe preached today. It was mostly in Swahili so I didn’t understand a lot of it. I know he preached on Matthew 5: 43-48. I can’t believe we have 3 more Sundays in Kenya and that is it. The last Sunday will be the Sunday I fly home. That is so crazy to me. It doesn’t seem like almost half of my summer is over. Well until next week… leave some comments!
Here is a word of Encouragement for you.
Naweza mambo yote katika yeye anitiaye nguvu.
( I can do everything through Him who gives me strength) Philippians 4:13
God Bless,
LG
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Week 4: A Rough Week
Saturday 20 June 2009
Today we went into Kibera and led a VBS for over 100 kids. We sang songs and then read/acted out the story about Jonah and the Big Fish! The kids are on midterm break… yes the kids in Kenya go to school Monday through Saturday. They are in school for 3 months and then out of school for a month… yes parents YEAR ROUND SCHOOL! They get the months of April, August, and December off. William and I had planned on doing crafts for the kids as part of the four rotations (Bible Study Explained, Games, Songs, and Crafts) but the Lord had bigger plans for us. William and I soon learned that we would just be doing crafts with the youngest kids (2 and under for the most part) for the entire 2 hours. We had at least 50-60 kids in our room. IT WAS AMAZING! Teacher Abigail told me at the very beginning to retell the story with her translating to the little ones, which I did. None of the kids I was playing with spoke English so that was FUN! Haha. PTL for all the teachers and faculty that came out and helped us! We passed out coloring sheets for all the kids and one crayon. They LOVED it! Then we fed the kids because for some it would be the only food they would have to eat until school lunch on Monday. Lunch was butter and jelly sandwiches, which Kenyans love. Throughout the morning the kids almost doubled. It was VERY loud but so much fun! It was such a success and glory be to the Lord! Plus Pastor told us that we would be taking Monday off for a day of much needed rest!
Sunday 21 June 2009
We went back into Kibera this morning for church service. Jacob shared his testimony with the older youth Sunday school class and we sang “Amazing Grace”. Joshua gave the sermon today in church. It was on How to Be a Christian and it was very good. The best English sermon I have heard since arriving in Kenya! Haha. A little girl fell asleep on me during service. Have I mentioned there is NO such thing as personal space in Kenya? There is NO such thing as personal space in Kenya. Kids constantly want to touch you because you are white and hairy. They love to pull or touch your arm hair. It fascinates them. We are reading LOTR out loud as a team. It is so much fun and a good bonding experience.
Monday 22 June 2009
YAY for a day off! I bought orange mango juice at the Nakumatt Karen yesterday after church and I had some for breakfast this morning. It was SO good. Mangos are just awesome in Kenya. A lot of things taste so much better here. (It is because most things are made with pure sugarcane in Kenya.) I have lost my voice a few times already and am beginning to get sick again. I know it is from all the dust, smoke, and exhaust that my body is just not use to. I rested and read off and on all day.
Tuesday 23 June 2009
I didn’t sleep at all last night because my body was hurting so much from all the coughing. I went to the doctor this morning and he confirmed that is from all the dust and such. I started taking 3 medicines which included a cough syrup. Every single time I swallow it hurts. My chest is congested and I have had a fever off and on for four days now. My ears are killing me from sinus pressure and drainage. I am truly miserable but I know this is where God wants me to be. Lydia stayed behind with me today. PTL for a great mentor. I’m physically tired from the lack of sleep but rest is so hard to get when you are coughing every 5 seconds. I continue to pray that God will allow me to be content and give me peace about being sick while I am here in Kenya to serve. Some days I truly feel more like a burden to my team than a blessing but I know that is Satan whispering lies in my ears. All afternoon there was a goat outside my window that would NOT be quiet! Plus I had a rooster that apparently has NO sense of time. lol. Nothing too exciting happened today.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
So another day of me not going into Kibera with my team. I didn’t sleep again last night so I really didn’t have the energy or strength to go today. My chest doesn’t hurt as much today. My nose is running a lot and I am coughing a ton. I think my ribs are starting to bruise because of all the coughing. My body feels so limp and weak. However, I got my package from mom today and it lifted my spirits greatly. I still don’t understand why Sarah sent me cat fur… but it’s the thought that counts right??
Thursday 25 June 2009
I am finally starting to feel better, PTL! Amen. I stayed behind again today. The power was out at the convent most of the day. Lydia stayed back with me again today to keep an eye on me. I finally fell asleep around 8am and slept until 1130am. IT WAS SO AWESOME! It rained today. I am continuing to trust God throughout all of this. We have scheduled our safari for July 17-19. I thought about the Gummy Bear Song today, ask all the kids who went to Strength to Stand or my mom. At the end of the day, I am feeling much better. I am still coughing but other than that I am feeling okay.
Friday 26 June 2009
Today is the team’s day off. I’m feeling much better after a full nights rest. I am still coughing a whole lot. We rode to Mount Longonot (about a 2 hour drive). The team hiked up the mountain. It was very beautiful. It was so nice to see another part of Kenya. We finished the first LOTR movie tonight as a team. It was SO much fun! Thanks mom! The sisters even brought us popcorn and ASKED TO WATCH THE MOVIE WHEN WE WERE DONE! Haha.
Saturday 27 June 2009
THE HALFWAY POINT! Today marks four weeks of being in Kenya. I have 4 weeks and one day until I get on the airplane that takes me back to the states. Time has really flown by lately. I am really going to miss Kenya. It is so beautiful and so different from home. The people are mostly Christians and are so full of joy and helpful. I walked to the Nakumatt in the morning to buy more juice. Lydia, Josh, and I took a Matatu back and it had 25 people in it! IT WAS INSANE! When Pastor came HE BROUGHT MAIL! I received 6 letters! Thanks so much guys! Today we led a football (soccer) Bible camp for kids 12 years and older. We played soccer for an hour (well ½ the team did along with all the kids). Lauri, Joanna, and I helped Caroline and Purity make butter and jelly sandwiches. Then we sang songs. Then we split into guys and girls to have a time of Bible study. Lauri shared part of her testimony with the girls. Then it was food time for the kids. Afterwards we got everyone in a circle to pray (about 80-90 kids). After prayer some of the guys ran into the middle of the circle hitting jugs with sticks and making music with their hands. They sang “Happy Birthday” to Pastor Makuku who turned 49 years old today. It was so much fun to be with my team again.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Neema: Grace
Imani: Faith
Mungu: God
Shetani: Devil
Upendo: Love
Tumaini: Hope
Those are the words I learned in Church this morning in Kibera. I don’t know if I have mentioned this but Pastor says the way they worship is very Pentecostal but they way they preach is very Reformed and that is SO true! Joanna shared her testimony with the older youth Sunday school class. Jeffery preached today so of course I didn’t understand a single word for the most part. I know he preached from Judges 7. I had pizza for lunch and the girls switched roommates today. (We switch every 2 weeks) Nothing too much has happened. I am still feeling well but coughing a lot. Sometimes breathing takes a lot of energy. My asthma is having a rough time, but God has been giving me strength each and every day He chooses to. God willing I will not get very sick again.
Thanks again for all the many prayers that you have lifted up. Continue to pray. My team is constantly at war with Satan and his demons. George, Jacob, and Lauri have been battling colds. Joshua recently found out that his best friend’s (Kate) dad has a brain tumor and another one of his very close friends is in a coma (He is serving in Iraq) and the doctors have given him 24 hours. Jacob is planning his wedding from thousands of miles away. Joanna’s brother just had major jaw surgery a week ago but is doing well. The devil is hard at work every day. He is constantly trying to pull us down. These are some of the many prayer requests. Continue to pray that we will Stand Firm. Pray that we will focus on Christ and not stray from His path. Pray that will we not feel guilt when we are sick and can’t go out with our team. Just PRAY! I miss and love you all and can’t wait to share many stories.
God Bless!
LG
PS. If you are sending mail, please don’t send anything after the 4th of July. THANKS!
Today we went into Kibera and led a VBS for over 100 kids. We sang songs and then read/acted out the story about Jonah and the Big Fish! The kids are on midterm break… yes the kids in Kenya go to school Monday through Saturday. They are in school for 3 months and then out of school for a month… yes parents YEAR ROUND SCHOOL! They get the months of April, August, and December off. William and I had planned on doing crafts for the kids as part of the four rotations (Bible Study Explained, Games, Songs, and Crafts) but the Lord had bigger plans for us. William and I soon learned that we would just be doing crafts with the youngest kids (2 and under for the most part) for the entire 2 hours. We had at least 50-60 kids in our room. IT WAS AMAZING! Teacher Abigail told me at the very beginning to retell the story with her translating to the little ones, which I did. None of the kids I was playing with spoke English so that was FUN! Haha. PTL for all the teachers and faculty that came out and helped us! We passed out coloring sheets for all the kids and one crayon. They LOVED it! Then we fed the kids because for some it would be the only food they would have to eat until school lunch on Monday. Lunch was butter and jelly sandwiches, which Kenyans love. Throughout the morning the kids almost doubled. It was VERY loud but so much fun! It was such a success and glory be to the Lord! Plus Pastor told us that we would be taking Monday off for a day of much needed rest!
Sunday 21 June 2009
We went back into Kibera this morning for church service. Jacob shared his testimony with the older youth Sunday school class and we sang “Amazing Grace”. Joshua gave the sermon today in church. It was on How to Be a Christian and it was very good. The best English sermon I have heard since arriving in Kenya! Haha. A little girl fell asleep on me during service. Have I mentioned there is NO such thing as personal space in Kenya? There is NO such thing as personal space in Kenya. Kids constantly want to touch you because you are white and hairy. They love to pull or touch your arm hair. It fascinates them. We are reading LOTR out loud as a team. It is so much fun and a good bonding experience.
Monday 22 June 2009
YAY for a day off! I bought orange mango juice at the Nakumatt Karen yesterday after church and I had some for breakfast this morning. It was SO good. Mangos are just awesome in Kenya. A lot of things taste so much better here. (It is because most things are made with pure sugarcane in Kenya.) I have lost my voice a few times already and am beginning to get sick again. I know it is from all the dust, smoke, and exhaust that my body is just not use to. I rested and read off and on all day.
Tuesday 23 June 2009
I didn’t sleep at all last night because my body was hurting so much from all the coughing. I went to the doctor this morning and he confirmed that is from all the dust and such. I started taking 3 medicines which included a cough syrup. Every single time I swallow it hurts. My chest is congested and I have had a fever off and on for four days now. My ears are killing me from sinus pressure and drainage. I am truly miserable but I know this is where God wants me to be. Lydia stayed behind with me today. PTL for a great mentor. I’m physically tired from the lack of sleep but rest is so hard to get when you are coughing every 5 seconds. I continue to pray that God will allow me to be content and give me peace about being sick while I am here in Kenya to serve. Some days I truly feel more like a burden to my team than a blessing but I know that is Satan whispering lies in my ears. All afternoon there was a goat outside my window that would NOT be quiet! Plus I had a rooster that apparently has NO sense of time. lol. Nothing too exciting happened today.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
So another day of me not going into Kibera with my team. I didn’t sleep again last night so I really didn’t have the energy or strength to go today. My chest doesn’t hurt as much today. My nose is running a lot and I am coughing a ton. I think my ribs are starting to bruise because of all the coughing. My body feels so limp and weak. However, I got my package from mom today and it lifted my spirits greatly. I still don’t understand why Sarah sent me cat fur… but it’s the thought that counts right??
Thursday 25 June 2009
I am finally starting to feel better, PTL! Amen. I stayed behind again today. The power was out at the convent most of the day. Lydia stayed back with me again today to keep an eye on me. I finally fell asleep around 8am and slept until 1130am. IT WAS SO AWESOME! It rained today. I am continuing to trust God throughout all of this. We have scheduled our safari for July 17-19. I thought about the Gummy Bear Song today, ask all the kids who went to Strength to Stand or my mom. At the end of the day, I am feeling much better. I am still coughing but other than that I am feeling okay.
Friday 26 June 2009
Today is the team’s day off. I’m feeling much better after a full nights rest. I am still coughing a whole lot. We rode to Mount Longonot (about a 2 hour drive). The team hiked up the mountain. It was very beautiful. It was so nice to see another part of Kenya. We finished the first LOTR movie tonight as a team. It was SO much fun! Thanks mom! The sisters even brought us popcorn and ASKED TO WATCH THE MOVIE WHEN WE WERE DONE! Haha.
Saturday 27 June 2009
THE HALFWAY POINT! Today marks four weeks of being in Kenya. I have 4 weeks and one day until I get on the airplane that takes me back to the states. Time has really flown by lately. I am really going to miss Kenya. It is so beautiful and so different from home. The people are mostly Christians and are so full of joy and helpful. I walked to the Nakumatt in the morning to buy more juice. Lydia, Josh, and I took a Matatu back and it had 25 people in it! IT WAS INSANE! When Pastor came HE BROUGHT MAIL! I received 6 letters! Thanks so much guys! Today we led a football (soccer) Bible camp for kids 12 years and older. We played soccer for an hour (well ½ the team did along with all the kids). Lauri, Joanna, and I helped Caroline and Purity make butter and jelly sandwiches. Then we sang songs. Then we split into guys and girls to have a time of Bible study. Lauri shared part of her testimony with the girls. Then it was food time for the kids. Afterwards we got everyone in a circle to pray (about 80-90 kids). After prayer some of the guys ran into the middle of the circle hitting jugs with sticks and making music with their hands. They sang “Happy Birthday” to Pastor Makuku who turned 49 years old today. It was so much fun to be with my team again.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Neema: Grace
Imani: Faith
Mungu: God
Shetani: Devil
Upendo: Love
Tumaini: Hope
Those are the words I learned in Church this morning in Kibera. I don’t know if I have mentioned this but Pastor says the way they worship is very Pentecostal but they way they preach is very Reformed and that is SO true! Joanna shared her testimony with the older youth Sunday school class. Jeffery preached today so of course I didn’t understand a single word for the most part. I know he preached from Judges 7. I had pizza for lunch and the girls switched roommates today. (We switch every 2 weeks) Nothing too much has happened. I am still feeling well but coughing a lot. Sometimes breathing takes a lot of energy. My asthma is having a rough time, but God has been giving me strength each and every day He chooses to. God willing I will not get very sick again.
Thanks again for all the many prayers that you have lifted up. Continue to pray. My team is constantly at war with Satan and his demons. George, Jacob, and Lauri have been battling colds. Joshua recently found out that his best friend’s (Kate) dad has a brain tumor and another one of his very close friends is in a coma (He is serving in Iraq) and the doctors have given him 24 hours. Jacob is planning his wedding from thousands of miles away. Joanna’s brother just had major jaw surgery a week ago but is doing well. The devil is hard at work every day. He is constantly trying to pull us down. These are some of the many prayer requests. Continue to pray that we will Stand Firm. Pray that we will focus on Christ and not stray from His path. Pray that will we not feel guilt when we are sick and can’t go out with our team. Just PRAY! I miss and love you all and can’t wait to share many stories.
God Bless!
LG
PS. If you are sending mail, please don’t send anything after the 4th of July. THANKS!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Week 3
Saturday 13 June 2009
So today was a good day. I woke up to a monkey eating an avocado in the tree outside my room. The team went down to the Nakumatt. I got pizza from a place called Tangerine. Then I got a chocolate milkshake. They were both AWESOME! After being there for a few hours, we went to the Shuname Shelter. I helped a girl named Susan get the greens ready. In Kenya the girls make doing all the cooking… and preparing greens includes washing them and then cutting them using your left hand as a cutting board as you shred the greens with your right hand. It is very difficult to do without cutting your finger/hand. However, the girls have been very patient with me and I am trying to learn how to do this before the end of the summer. So instead of cutting, I was in charge of pulling all the leaves off the stems and washing them. It took probably 30 minutes to an hour. Then it was time for songs and prayers. My health is so much better now and I praise the Lord for that! Dinner was chapati and I have discovered that putting sugar and butter on a hot chapati is one of my new favorite Kenyan desserts. It was REALLY awesome. Chapati days are the best! The Lord has allowed our team to only grow closer and I praise Him for that. The night ended with amazing rain on tin roofs and beautiful HUGE Kenyan rainbows. It was overall one of my best days in Kenya.
Sunday 14 June 2009
Today instead of going to Kibera for church, the team went to an English speaking church. The name of the church is Nairobi chapel. It was so very different from Kibera. (and not just because the service was in English) There were lots of upbeat songs, skits that the children did about how awesome Sunday school is, and an interview session with one of the church members about how she works with the poor. Almost 2 hours later, the sermon started. Later, Martha told us that a lot of middle class and wealthy Kenyans attend that church. It helped us all understand the importance of the interview session during church because that left a lot of us really confused. The church was like this HUGE permanent white tent. It had a projection screen and sold the sermon on CD/DVD after the service… it was VERY different from Kibera. After church, we walked to the Nakumatt Junction (a different Nakumatt) to eat lunch. I ate at Wimpys, which is a hamburger joint. Then we took a bus back to Nakumatt Karen and we walked home. The rest of the day was spent in the Word, prayer, and lots of fellowship.
Monday 15 June 2009
There is a short term team here from MTW, so we (the interns) will not be working in Kibera this week. So we spent the day in a different slum, Muthiga. The slum is in the country. It is by far the smallest and “tamest” slum that MTW works in. The area is very rural and there are hills and fields in every direction. The church is actually on the top part of the hill and the slope/bottom holds the slum. The slum is very different from Kibera because most of the houses here in Muthiga are made entirely out of tin. (instead of mud, waste, and garbage) The homes are mostly freestanding one-room shacks with a fence around it and a little piece of land. The church there is the African Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The main focus in Muthiga is door to door evangelism which we haven’t done yet. The morning was spent on another piece of property that the Church has recently bought in Muthiga to build a school on. We spent the morning digging holes for trees and hedges around the fence. We also started clearing out the land using our bare hands to pull weeds and such. At one point, a huge rat came out from a plant (we had been hearing it make noises). Its back looked like that of a chipmunk. It was once of the craziest creatures I have seen so far. All the new flowers, trees, plants, and animals continue to amaze me. I get to see the Southern cross every night and I know that is something I will miss once I am back in Alabama. The stars shine so bright here and you can see so many of them here. It is truly beautiful, like Pastor Makuku would say, “It is a little piece of heaven for you.” After digging, we walked down the hill into the slum and ran a short Bible club for the younger kids. We told the story of David and the Giant. We even acted it out. Then we sang songs with them and played games. It was tons of fun! Today I got my first mosquito bite. I guess that about sums up the day.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Another day in Muthiga. We worked on the property. Today was another day of pulling weeds, grasses, and thorns with no gloves. I’m going to have some rough hand when I get home from all the manual labor. Haha. Today was a shorter day. We didn’t do a bible club and we arrived back around 3pm. Day 2 of peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. I tried Mango for the first time today. It has intense flavor but was overall very tasty.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Today was filled with insects. I found a praying mantis. It was so beautiful. It was green but also had stripes that held colors of the rainbow. Then I found the darkest toad I have ever seen in my life. There were tons of bright blue and neon green beetles in the dirt I was working in. There were different kinds and colors of ants and spiders as well. I am slowly becoming one with the earth. These are the things you learn when you pull up grass and such for hours… well that and mud fights. It rained last night so everything was VERY muddy today. Everyone was pretty much covered in mud by the end of the day. After working the property, we walked down the hill and ran Bible club again for the kids. The story today was Daniel and the Lions Den. We had chapati again for dinner so it was another good day.
Thursday 18 June 2009
I don’t think I have mentioned the fact that George has been reading Lord of the Rings out loud to the team every day. It has been a bonding experience for the team and a great read! I made French toast again this morning. (I have had French toast for breakfast for about 7-9 days now but I am still loving it!) Then we left to go to Muthiga again. Today we planted trees and cleared more land. I am getting to be a pro at using the machete. I found a stick bug today which was AWESOME! I also formed and popped my first blister. *sigh* Lunch for the 4th day in a room was a peanut butter sandwich. Haha. O I forgot! This morning some women stopped by the property when we first arrived and told us they were giving us some food to eat with our tea. Tea time is an every day thing in Kenya. (Hot Tea) So at tea time, we discovered what the food was. It was arrowroot. It was grayish purple in color. The best way I can think to describe it is a cold soggy French fry without salt or a cold baked potato with NOTHING on it. It really could have used some salt. Haha. We did another Bible club with the kids in Muthiga, which meant another long but fun day. I got my hair braided by I think 4-5 girls. It was intense.
Friday 19 June 2009
Have I mentioned that there are fences and gates EVERYWHERE in Kenya? Well if I haven’t there are fences and gates EVERYWHERE in Kenya. Every place has a fence… businesses, houses, churches, etc. Today was my day off again. Around lunch I went to the Nakumatt Karen. I had pineapple pizza at Tangerine that was AMAZING. Pineapple is my FAVORITE thing to eat here so far. It is just so fresh and juicy and amazing. Then later on in the afternoon around 3pm, Carol, Purity, and Wycliffe came and we walked to the Shuname Shelter. I love going there. It is just such a relaxed setting and just a time to talk, laugh, play, and learn. I practiced my cutting using my hand as a cutting board again today. Then I talked to Susan again. It is such a joy getting to know the girls there. Wycliffe has decided that I am Kalenjin, which is one of the 50 tribes in Kenya. When I asked him why Kalenjin, he told me because they are all tall and thin like me. Haha. Then he told me that tomorrow he will figure out what my new name will be. So I will post that next week. Well it is time for me to ruminate with my team and have a short bible study so I must end this.
I pray that each of you are doing well. God Bless!
Until Next Time,
LG
So today was a good day. I woke up to a monkey eating an avocado in the tree outside my room. The team went down to the Nakumatt. I got pizza from a place called Tangerine. Then I got a chocolate milkshake. They were both AWESOME! After being there for a few hours, we went to the Shuname Shelter. I helped a girl named Susan get the greens ready. In Kenya the girls make doing all the cooking… and preparing greens includes washing them and then cutting them using your left hand as a cutting board as you shred the greens with your right hand. It is very difficult to do without cutting your finger/hand. However, the girls have been very patient with me and I am trying to learn how to do this before the end of the summer. So instead of cutting, I was in charge of pulling all the leaves off the stems and washing them. It took probably 30 minutes to an hour. Then it was time for songs and prayers. My health is so much better now and I praise the Lord for that! Dinner was chapati and I have discovered that putting sugar and butter on a hot chapati is one of my new favorite Kenyan desserts. It was REALLY awesome. Chapati days are the best! The Lord has allowed our team to only grow closer and I praise Him for that. The night ended with amazing rain on tin roofs and beautiful HUGE Kenyan rainbows. It was overall one of my best days in Kenya.
Sunday 14 June 2009
Today instead of going to Kibera for church, the team went to an English speaking church. The name of the church is Nairobi chapel. It was so very different from Kibera. (and not just because the service was in English) There were lots of upbeat songs, skits that the children did about how awesome Sunday school is, and an interview session with one of the church members about how she works with the poor. Almost 2 hours later, the sermon started. Later, Martha told us that a lot of middle class and wealthy Kenyans attend that church. It helped us all understand the importance of the interview session during church because that left a lot of us really confused. The church was like this HUGE permanent white tent. It had a projection screen and sold the sermon on CD/DVD after the service… it was VERY different from Kibera. After church, we walked to the Nakumatt Junction (a different Nakumatt) to eat lunch. I ate at Wimpys, which is a hamburger joint. Then we took a bus back to Nakumatt Karen and we walked home. The rest of the day was spent in the Word, prayer, and lots of fellowship.
Monday 15 June 2009
There is a short term team here from MTW, so we (the interns) will not be working in Kibera this week. So we spent the day in a different slum, Muthiga. The slum is in the country. It is by far the smallest and “tamest” slum that MTW works in. The area is very rural and there are hills and fields in every direction. The church is actually on the top part of the hill and the slope/bottom holds the slum. The slum is very different from Kibera because most of the houses here in Muthiga are made entirely out of tin. (instead of mud, waste, and garbage) The homes are mostly freestanding one-room shacks with a fence around it and a little piece of land. The church there is the African Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The main focus in Muthiga is door to door evangelism which we haven’t done yet. The morning was spent on another piece of property that the Church has recently bought in Muthiga to build a school on. We spent the morning digging holes for trees and hedges around the fence. We also started clearing out the land using our bare hands to pull weeds and such. At one point, a huge rat came out from a plant (we had been hearing it make noises). Its back looked like that of a chipmunk. It was once of the craziest creatures I have seen so far. All the new flowers, trees, plants, and animals continue to amaze me. I get to see the Southern cross every night and I know that is something I will miss once I am back in Alabama. The stars shine so bright here and you can see so many of them here. It is truly beautiful, like Pastor Makuku would say, “It is a little piece of heaven for you.” After digging, we walked down the hill into the slum and ran a short Bible club for the younger kids. We told the story of David and the Giant. We even acted it out. Then we sang songs with them and played games. It was tons of fun! Today I got my first mosquito bite. I guess that about sums up the day.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Another day in Muthiga. We worked on the property. Today was another day of pulling weeds, grasses, and thorns with no gloves. I’m going to have some rough hand when I get home from all the manual labor. Haha. Today was a shorter day. We didn’t do a bible club and we arrived back around 3pm. Day 2 of peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. I tried Mango for the first time today. It has intense flavor but was overall very tasty.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Today was filled with insects. I found a praying mantis. It was so beautiful. It was green but also had stripes that held colors of the rainbow. Then I found the darkest toad I have ever seen in my life. There were tons of bright blue and neon green beetles in the dirt I was working in. There were different kinds and colors of ants and spiders as well. I am slowly becoming one with the earth. These are the things you learn when you pull up grass and such for hours… well that and mud fights. It rained last night so everything was VERY muddy today. Everyone was pretty much covered in mud by the end of the day. After working the property, we walked down the hill and ran Bible club again for the kids. The story today was Daniel and the Lions Den. We had chapati again for dinner so it was another good day.
Thursday 18 June 2009
I don’t think I have mentioned the fact that George has been reading Lord of the Rings out loud to the team every day. It has been a bonding experience for the team and a great read! I made French toast again this morning. (I have had French toast for breakfast for about 7-9 days now but I am still loving it!) Then we left to go to Muthiga again. Today we planted trees and cleared more land. I am getting to be a pro at using the machete. I found a stick bug today which was AWESOME! I also formed and popped my first blister. *sigh* Lunch for the 4th day in a room was a peanut butter sandwich. Haha. O I forgot! This morning some women stopped by the property when we first arrived and told us they were giving us some food to eat with our tea. Tea time is an every day thing in Kenya. (Hot Tea) So at tea time, we discovered what the food was. It was arrowroot. It was grayish purple in color. The best way I can think to describe it is a cold soggy French fry without salt or a cold baked potato with NOTHING on it. It really could have used some salt. Haha. We did another Bible club with the kids in Muthiga, which meant another long but fun day. I got my hair braided by I think 4-5 girls. It was intense.
Friday 19 June 2009
Have I mentioned that there are fences and gates EVERYWHERE in Kenya? Well if I haven’t there are fences and gates EVERYWHERE in Kenya. Every place has a fence… businesses, houses, churches, etc. Today was my day off again. Around lunch I went to the Nakumatt Karen. I had pineapple pizza at Tangerine that was AMAZING. Pineapple is my FAVORITE thing to eat here so far. It is just so fresh and juicy and amazing. Then later on in the afternoon around 3pm, Carol, Purity, and Wycliffe came and we walked to the Shuname Shelter. I love going there. It is just such a relaxed setting and just a time to talk, laugh, play, and learn. I practiced my cutting using my hand as a cutting board again today. Then I talked to Susan again. It is such a joy getting to know the girls there. Wycliffe has decided that I am Kalenjin, which is one of the 50 tribes in Kenya. When I asked him why Kalenjin, he told me because they are all tall and thin like me. Haha. Then he told me that tomorrow he will figure out what my new name will be. So I will post that next week. Well it is time for me to ruminate with my team and have a short bible study so I must end this.
I pray that each of you are doing well. God Bless!
Until Next Time,
LG
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Update for Week Two
Friday 5 June 2009
So it was actually Purity and Pastor Wycliffe (another pastor who works in Kibera with the Makuku’s) who took us to downtown Nairobi. We rode our first public Matatu. It was kind of crazy. I am pretty confident now that Matatus are what at least half of the vehicles are around here. We basically just walked around Nairobi and then ate at an authentic Kenyan food place for lunch. It was a time to relax and sightsee. Downtown Nairobi was VERY clean (no trash on the ground) and so is most of Kenya. Fridays are the most relaxed day because the team pretty much decides what we want to do. =)
Saturday 6 June 2009
Around 230pm Pastor Makuku and his wife took us to the Shuname Shelter. It is the girls’ (and 2-3 boys) home that is led by Caroline and Purity. (and the Makuku’s) In case you didn’t know Shuname was a resting place in the OT. We just hung out with the kids for the most part… playing football (soccer), Frisbee, and guitar/singing. At the end of our time together, we all gathered in a circle and sang different Swahili and English songs. Once we got back to the convent, we practiced our songs for church service tomorrow. That was about it. Another pretty relaxed day in Kenya.
Sunday 7 June 2009
The weather was GREAT today. We went to Kibera for church service again this Sunday. The church didn’t feel like an oven like last week, which was such a blessing. George shared his testimony during Sunday School with the older youth kids. (something all of the interns will probably do before the summer is over) The team sung for Sunday School and church service today. (No autographs please! Haha) The church in Kibera had even more energy and excitement this week than last. It was so lively and encouraging. I love the way the Kenyan people worship. It is so moving. There is singing, drums, clapping, and dancing! Pastor Makuku finished last weeks service today. It was talking about how you can spiritually murder your brother without physically harming him by being angry with him. I had the same translator as last week which was a blessing as well. The smell in Kibera gets worse every time I walk in I think, but I just try to ignore it the best I can because I know my time here is short. I also know that the Kenyans are constantly watching us as we walk in and out of Kibera. The paths we walk are their front porches… their yards. I still can’t imagine what they must be thinking while we are walking by so many of them. I can’t believe a whole week has gone by! My stomach started hurting off and on today but God is good and I know He will take care of me. We ate lunch around 3:30-4pm, which was late even in Kenya. lol.
Monday 8 June 2009
I woke up still not feeling well but I went out to the property to finish digging the holes for the fence. After the team had finished digging the fence holes… we kept digging but this time they were tree holes. (which are about twice as big) Nothing too exciting happened today. I saw a lot of donkey carts, cows, goats, sheep, chicken, etc. O yeah and Coke is HUGE over here. There are a ton of advertisements for coca cola over here… Pepsi does NOT exist. (Life is Good.)
Tuesday 9 June 2009
I am not getting better but I am continuing to trust the Lord for I know that He is good in all things. By the time we arrived in Kibera I felt horrible. Then I got to walk into Kibera which I found out use to be a lake I think… but if you can think of a lake that was turned into a landfill and then people decided to build houses on this land… that still doesn’t even begin to describe Kibera. Once we arrived at the church, I had to lie down. I listened in on the AIDS support group meeting. I had a fever so I ended up spending the rest of the afternoon resting in the office. I know God will strengthen my body when He wants me to be strong but until then I will rely on God’s strength and do the best that I can while I am sick. We left to go pick up Lydia at the airport around 6:30pm (Lydia is our mentor and my roommate for the summer). Martha told me to take tomorrow off and rest. Once we got back to the convent we tried to get Lydia all caught up and had some Kenyan tea. Then it was time for bed.
Wednesday 10 June 2009
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD Jeremiah 30:17I took the day off like Martha told me to. Today was the worst so far as far as being sick. I started having chest pain and it took almost all my energy to just breathe sometimes. I spent the day in bed and for most of it I just slept and prayed. The spiritual warfare in Kenya is strong. I could feel the devil trying to pull my spirit down because I was not well enough to go into Kibera and serve the Lord like the rest of my team. I will be content whatever the circumstance. I feel like I have grown so much in the past week and a half and I LOVE IT! God has been so good to me and I know that He is in control. I will not lose faith.
Thursday 11 June 2009
So Lydia went with me to the doctor today. I have a chest infection. By the afternoon I was already feeling much better though I hated keeping Lydia behind and not being able to go to the property. The property and Kibera are polar opposites by the way. By nightfall, my chest was doing much better and the stomach pain wasn’t as severe. I am not going to lie, the past few days have been HARD… but that is the Christian life… the Christian walk is meant to be HARD… the Bible NEVER says it is going to be easy. This is just another trial for me. Thanks so much for all the prayers.
Friday 12 June 2009
Another day off for the team. I am almost back to my 100% feeling better self. I know God will continue to heal my body is that is what He chooses to do. Around 11am or so, Caroline, Purity, and Wycliffe came and picked us up. We took a Matatu all the way to the Village Market (which is farther than downtown). There were a ton of white people!!! It was HILARIOUS! lol. So we ate lunch. I ate some PIZZA, which was a GREAT change. Haha. My stomach can only take so much Kenyan food I think. Then we got to go bargain with the locals. It was SO much fun! O yeah and I saw a British army vehicle today with a British army guy in it! The short term (2-week) MTW team will come in tonight and then our team will have a meeting with Pastor Makuku about what all is going to be going down the next few weeks. PTL I am feeling better and have recovered so quickly! The Lord has been so gracious to me.
I miss Alabama. I miss my family. I miss my church family. I miss my friends. But do not fear, for I will see you again soon! I will continue to pray that God is working in your life as much as He has been working in mine. God Bless!
Until Next Week,
LG
So it was actually Purity and Pastor Wycliffe (another pastor who works in Kibera with the Makuku’s) who took us to downtown Nairobi. We rode our first public Matatu. It was kind of crazy. I am pretty confident now that Matatus are what at least half of the vehicles are around here. We basically just walked around Nairobi and then ate at an authentic Kenyan food place for lunch. It was a time to relax and sightsee. Downtown Nairobi was VERY clean (no trash on the ground) and so is most of Kenya. Fridays are the most relaxed day because the team pretty much decides what we want to do. =)
Saturday 6 June 2009
Around 230pm Pastor Makuku and his wife took us to the Shuname Shelter. It is the girls’ (and 2-3 boys) home that is led by Caroline and Purity. (and the Makuku’s) In case you didn’t know Shuname was a resting place in the OT. We just hung out with the kids for the most part… playing football (soccer), Frisbee, and guitar/singing. At the end of our time together, we all gathered in a circle and sang different Swahili and English songs. Once we got back to the convent, we practiced our songs for church service tomorrow. That was about it. Another pretty relaxed day in Kenya.
Sunday 7 June 2009
The weather was GREAT today. We went to Kibera for church service again this Sunday. The church didn’t feel like an oven like last week, which was such a blessing. George shared his testimony during Sunday School with the older youth kids. (something all of the interns will probably do before the summer is over) The team sung for Sunday School and church service today. (No autographs please! Haha) The church in Kibera had even more energy and excitement this week than last. It was so lively and encouraging. I love the way the Kenyan people worship. It is so moving. There is singing, drums, clapping, and dancing! Pastor Makuku finished last weeks service today. It was talking about how you can spiritually murder your brother without physically harming him by being angry with him. I had the same translator as last week which was a blessing as well. The smell in Kibera gets worse every time I walk in I think, but I just try to ignore it the best I can because I know my time here is short. I also know that the Kenyans are constantly watching us as we walk in and out of Kibera. The paths we walk are their front porches… their yards. I still can’t imagine what they must be thinking while we are walking by so many of them. I can’t believe a whole week has gone by! My stomach started hurting off and on today but God is good and I know He will take care of me. We ate lunch around 3:30-4pm, which was late even in Kenya. lol.
Monday 8 June 2009
I woke up still not feeling well but I went out to the property to finish digging the holes for the fence. After the team had finished digging the fence holes… we kept digging but this time they were tree holes. (which are about twice as big) Nothing too exciting happened today. I saw a lot of donkey carts, cows, goats, sheep, chicken, etc. O yeah and Coke is HUGE over here. There are a ton of advertisements for coca cola over here… Pepsi does NOT exist. (Life is Good.)
Tuesday 9 June 2009
I am not getting better but I am continuing to trust the Lord for I know that He is good in all things. By the time we arrived in Kibera I felt horrible. Then I got to walk into Kibera which I found out use to be a lake I think… but if you can think of a lake that was turned into a landfill and then people decided to build houses on this land… that still doesn’t even begin to describe Kibera. Once we arrived at the church, I had to lie down. I listened in on the AIDS support group meeting. I had a fever so I ended up spending the rest of the afternoon resting in the office. I know God will strengthen my body when He wants me to be strong but until then I will rely on God’s strength and do the best that I can while I am sick. We left to go pick up Lydia at the airport around 6:30pm (Lydia is our mentor and my roommate for the summer). Martha told me to take tomorrow off and rest. Once we got back to the convent we tried to get Lydia all caught up and had some Kenyan tea. Then it was time for bed.
Wednesday 10 June 2009
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD Jeremiah 30:17I took the day off like Martha told me to. Today was the worst so far as far as being sick. I started having chest pain and it took almost all my energy to just breathe sometimes. I spent the day in bed and for most of it I just slept and prayed. The spiritual warfare in Kenya is strong. I could feel the devil trying to pull my spirit down because I was not well enough to go into Kibera and serve the Lord like the rest of my team. I will be content whatever the circumstance. I feel like I have grown so much in the past week and a half and I LOVE IT! God has been so good to me and I know that He is in control. I will not lose faith.
Thursday 11 June 2009
So Lydia went with me to the doctor today. I have a chest infection. By the afternoon I was already feeling much better though I hated keeping Lydia behind and not being able to go to the property. The property and Kibera are polar opposites by the way. By nightfall, my chest was doing much better and the stomach pain wasn’t as severe. I am not going to lie, the past few days have been HARD… but that is the Christian life… the Christian walk is meant to be HARD… the Bible NEVER says it is going to be easy. This is just another trial for me. Thanks so much for all the prayers.
Friday 12 June 2009
Another day off for the team. I am almost back to my 100% feeling better self. I know God will continue to heal my body is that is what He chooses to do. Around 11am or so, Caroline, Purity, and Wycliffe came and picked us up. We took a Matatu all the way to the Village Market (which is farther than downtown). There were a ton of white people!!! It was HILARIOUS! lol. So we ate lunch. I ate some PIZZA, which was a GREAT change. Haha. My stomach can only take so much Kenyan food I think. Then we got to go bargain with the locals. It was SO much fun! O yeah and I saw a British army vehicle today with a British army guy in it! The short term (2-week) MTW team will come in tonight and then our team will have a meeting with Pastor Makuku about what all is going to be going down the next few weeks. PTL I am feeling better and have recovered so quickly! The Lord has been so gracious to me.
I miss Alabama. I miss my family. I miss my church family. I miss my friends. But do not fear, for I will see you again soon! I will continue to pray that God is working in your life as much as He has been working in mine. God Bless!
Until Next Week,
LG
Friday, June 5, 2009
Update for Week One
30 May 2009
I finally arrived in Kenya after spending over 24 hours on planes and in airports. I rode my first double decker plane from Amsterdam to Kenya. The Kenya International Airport is bigger than I expected. The most chaotic part was trying to get your luggage. It was insane. Pastor Makuku came and picked us up and took us to the convent where we are staying. It was dark when we arrived but you could still see the many flowers and trees that are in bloom here. The guest house that I am staying in is beautiful. I didn’t think about the cars though. The driver seat is on the right side of the car and they drive on the left side of the road. A lot of things here are like they are in Britain since Kenya was once ruled by the British. The sisters had dinner ready for us when we arrived here. Dinner was rice, green beans, Bananas from Uganda (which tasted like potatoes!), and some beef. That was my first night in Kenya.
31 May 2009
“We need to emphasis what God emphasizes” –Pastor Makuku
I don’t even know where to begin. I ate breakfast around 8am which was toast and honey for me. The bread here is twice the size it is back home. Pastor had told us he would pick us up for church around 10am. After breakfast our team decided on a song to play/sing at church service. George played guitar and the rest of us sang “Trading My Sorrows”, which happens to be one of my favorite songs. Pastor had asked us the night before to have a song ready to sing at church service. Pastor and his wife Martha came and picked us up for church. Everything here looks SO different in the daylight. Most of the roads we took were nothing but clumps of dirt. Kenyan roads are not made for people who get carsick! lol. The site of Kibera is something that I can’t even begin to describe to you. Once we parked the vehicle, we starting to walk into Kibera. There was so much to see that you go into “sensory overload”. When you walk in, you have to hop across on clumps of what you are hoping is mud and have to be extremely careful not to slip and fall. I saw the biggest pig I have ever seen in my life. Kibera is a maze. The “safe” parts to walk on are the piles of garbage and mud. (well you pray it is mud) I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it in my life. After walking for a few minutes, we finally made it to the church. I found out that the MTW teams are the only white people that go into this part of Kibera. The kids practice their English by saying “How are YOU? How are YOU?” as you walk past them. It is almost a chant. The church service was around 3 hours long. Church in Kibera is so very different than church back home. Everyone pays attention here even the kids. The kids (for the most part) come by themselves, parents don’t make them. People are randomly called up to share a word of encouragement or a testimony. The service is very interactive. We had translators so we would know what was going on since the service is NOT in English. The music is INCREDIBLE here. Everyone loved our song that we sang. People were thanking us as soon as we sat down. The sermon was on “Thou shall not kill.” Deu. 5:17. Everything seems so much more relatable here. We went out to lunch at the Java Hut. When we arrived back at the convent, we decided to explore. Lauri found a chameleon. Everyone took turns holding it. That was pretty much it.
1 June 2009
Today is a holiday in Kenya. It is the day they got their independence (so it is like our 4th of July) So we didn’t have any plans until 2pm. After breakfast the team headed into town. It was about a 20-30 minute walk. My new favorite store is the Nakumatt (which is like Walmart but better) Around 3pm Pastor Makuku came and picked us up. (Time doesn’t really matter here) We went to his house, which is SO beautiful. Kenya has so many barn animals (cows, goats, sheep, donkeys pulling carts, etc.) I had my first cup of hot Kenyan tea today. It was AMAZING. We talked about the importance of prayer, our fears, and our expectations while we were at Pastor’s house. God has been so good to me. I’m so thankful for my time here in Kenya and so grateful for all the people who made this experience possible.
2 June 2009
After breakfast Pastor and his wife picked us up to go back into Kibera. We met all the staff and teachers today. Then Jeffery (the Head Master) took us around to each classroom to meet all the students. The students are so eager to learn here. After that we went to the AIDS support group. It is actually called the Neema group, which means Grace Group. The women were all so joyful and willing to help us Americans understand what was going on. Josephine picked me after lunch to work with her. Each teacher got to choose a team member to assist them with their classes. She is so very sweet and funny too. I graded a lot of math problems for her and helped her teach the Apostles Creed. After school was over, Pastor brought us back to the convent. I feel asleep early.
3 June 2009
Today was another day in Kibera. Today I helped teach Grade 1 Science. The lesson was on Food. Chapati and Ugali are Kenyan foods. Chapati is AWESOME! I have already had it 2-3 times since I have been here. Ugali is the staple food for most Kenyans and for some it is their only food. (It is like a cross between mashed potatoes and grits) I am now called Teacher Grace by most of the kids. After I assisted with Grade 1, I went into the church and listened in on the Bible Study. Then it was lunch time. The kids taught me the Chapati song. Then the whole team helped wash dishes. The art of washing dishes in Kibera: 2 buckets filled with cold water, a sponge with soap, scrub in the 1st bucket, rinse off in the 2nd bucket. That’s it. I could have gone without knowing that but the team just keeps praying the God will keep us safe from sickness. As we were leaving Kibera, I saw my first slum cat. Then at the end of the houses, there is a “stream” of sewage with a “bridge”. In the “water”, on my left was the HUGE pig that we saw on our first day in Kibera and on my right were 4 BIG baby pigs. We played Apples to Apples when we got back to the convent. We have been taking turns leading Bible Study each night. My team is super awesome and each day we are becoming closer. PTL!
4 June 2009
I don’t know if I have mentioned it or not but the statement that was made before I left about Kenyans being very modest except for men urinating publicly and women nursing is SO true! I have seen both on many occasions already. Today we went out to the Church’s new property where we dug around 80 holes with VERY simple tools. The girls removed the dirt from the holes after the guys had broken it up with their tools. O the day in the life of a mole. lol. Lunch was Peanut Butter and Plum Jam sandwiches. It was very good. I got a little sunburn, nothing too bad. It is the worst on my neck. I have learned that most Kenyans live a very simple life. A lot of the time it seems the Bible is so much more relevant here in Kenya because it’s like OT times. There are over 50 tribes in Kenya, which are all represented in Kibera. They eat to live (they don’t live to eat). Kibera Reformed Presbyterian Church’s staff is so strong ion their faith and so are their members. My prayer is that I will see and love God the way so many of these Kenyan women do! Their faith is so unshakable no matter the circumstance. It is a true blessing to be around the women here. I am learning so much. I saw the Ngong hills (which have 7 peaks) and the Hill of the Buffalos (which I thought was a mountain). You can see both from the church’s new property. The property is SO beautiful.
5 June 2009
Today is the team’s day off. Around 10am we will go sight seeing with Caroline and Purity. (two of the Kenyan women) I CAN’T WAIT!
Thanks for all the many prayers. I hope that this letter gives you a little insight on what I have been doing and seeing since I arrived in Kenya. Continue to prayer for my team and I that the Lord will strengthen us each and every day. Spiritual warfare is very alive and well in Kenya. Pray for the Kenyan people as well.
God Bless!
LG
I finally arrived in Kenya after spending over 24 hours on planes and in airports. I rode my first double decker plane from Amsterdam to Kenya. The Kenya International Airport is bigger than I expected. The most chaotic part was trying to get your luggage. It was insane. Pastor Makuku came and picked us up and took us to the convent where we are staying. It was dark when we arrived but you could still see the many flowers and trees that are in bloom here. The guest house that I am staying in is beautiful. I didn’t think about the cars though. The driver seat is on the right side of the car and they drive on the left side of the road. A lot of things here are like they are in Britain since Kenya was once ruled by the British. The sisters had dinner ready for us when we arrived here. Dinner was rice, green beans, Bananas from Uganda (which tasted like potatoes!), and some beef. That was my first night in Kenya.
31 May 2009
“We need to emphasis what God emphasizes” –Pastor Makuku
I don’t even know where to begin. I ate breakfast around 8am which was toast and honey for me. The bread here is twice the size it is back home. Pastor had told us he would pick us up for church around 10am. After breakfast our team decided on a song to play/sing at church service. George played guitar and the rest of us sang “Trading My Sorrows”, which happens to be one of my favorite songs. Pastor had asked us the night before to have a song ready to sing at church service. Pastor and his wife Martha came and picked us up for church. Everything here looks SO different in the daylight. Most of the roads we took were nothing but clumps of dirt. Kenyan roads are not made for people who get carsick! lol. The site of Kibera is something that I can’t even begin to describe to you. Once we parked the vehicle, we starting to walk into Kibera. There was so much to see that you go into “sensory overload”. When you walk in, you have to hop across on clumps of what you are hoping is mud and have to be extremely careful not to slip and fall. I saw the biggest pig I have ever seen in my life. Kibera is a maze. The “safe” parts to walk on are the piles of garbage and mud. (well you pray it is mud) I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it in my life. After walking for a few minutes, we finally made it to the church. I found out that the MTW teams are the only white people that go into this part of Kibera. The kids practice their English by saying “How are YOU? How are YOU?” as you walk past them. It is almost a chant. The church service was around 3 hours long. Church in Kibera is so very different than church back home. Everyone pays attention here even the kids. The kids (for the most part) come by themselves, parents don’t make them. People are randomly called up to share a word of encouragement or a testimony. The service is very interactive. We had translators so we would know what was going on since the service is NOT in English. The music is INCREDIBLE here. Everyone loved our song that we sang. People were thanking us as soon as we sat down. The sermon was on “Thou shall not kill.” Deu. 5:17. Everything seems so much more relatable here. We went out to lunch at the Java Hut. When we arrived back at the convent, we decided to explore. Lauri found a chameleon. Everyone took turns holding it. That was pretty much it.
1 June 2009
Today is a holiday in Kenya. It is the day they got their independence (so it is like our 4th of July) So we didn’t have any plans until 2pm. After breakfast the team headed into town. It was about a 20-30 minute walk. My new favorite store is the Nakumatt (which is like Walmart but better) Around 3pm Pastor Makuku came and picked us up. (Time doesn’t really matter here) We went to his house, which is SO beautiful. Kenya has so many barn animals (cows, goats, sheep, donkeys pulling carts, etc.) I had my first cup of hot Kenyan tea today. It was AMAZING. We talked about the importance of prayer, our fears, and our expectations while we were at Pastor’s house. God has been so good to me. I’m so thankful for my time here in Kenya and so grateful for all the people who made this experience possible.
2 June 2009
After breakfast Pastor and his wife picked us up to go back into Kibera. We met all the staff and teachers today. Then Jeffery (the Head Master) took us around to each classroom to meet all the students. The students are so eager to learn here. After that we went to the AIDS support group. It is actually called the Neema group, which means Grace Group. The women were all so joyful and willing to help us Americans understand what was going on. Josephine picked me after lunch to work with her. Each teacher got to choose a team member to assist them with their classes. She is so very sweet and funny too. I graded a lot of math problems for her and helped her teach the Apostles Creed. After school was over, Pastor brought us back to the convent. I feel asleep early.
3 June 2009
Today was another day in Kibera. Today I helped teach Grade 1 Science. The lesson was on Food. Chapati and Ugali are Kenyan foods. Chapati is AWESOME! I have already had it 2-3 times since I have been here. Ugali is the staple food for most Kenyans and for some it is their only food. (It is like a cross between mashed potatoes and grits) I am now called Teacher Grace by most of the kids. After I assisted with Grade 1, I went into the church and listened in on the Bible Study. Then it was lunch time. The kids taught me the Chapati song. Then the whole team helped wash dishes. The art of washing dishes in Kibera: 2 buckets filled with cold water, a sponge with soap, scrub in the 1st bucket, rinse off in the 2nd bucket. That’s it. I could have gone without knowing that but the team just keeps praying the God will keep us safe from sickness. As we were leaving Kibera, I saw my first slum cat. Then at the end of the houses, there is a “stream” of sewage with a “bridge”. In the “water”, on my left was the HUGE pig that we saw on our first day in Kibera and on my right were 4 BIG baby pigs. We played Apples to Apples when we got back to the convent. We have been taking turns leading Bible Study each night. My team is super awesome and each day we are becoming closer. PTL!
4 June 2009
I don’t know if I have mentioned it or not but the statement that was made before I left about Kenyans being very modest except for men urinating publicly and women nursing is SO true! I have seen both on many occasions already. Today we went out to the Church’s new property where we dug around 80 holes with VERY simple tools. The girls removed the dirt from the holes after the guys had broken it up with their tools. O the day in the life of a mole. lol. Lunch was Peanut Butter and Plum Jam sandwiches. It was very good. I got a little sunburn, nothing too bad. It is the worst on my neck. I have learned that most Kenyans live a very simple life. A lot of the time it seems the Bible is so much more relevant here in Kenya because it’s like OT times. There are over 50 tribes in Kenya, which are all represented in Kibera. They eat to live (they don’t live to eat). Kibera Reformed Presbyterian Church’s staff is so strong ion their faith and so are their members. My prayer is that I will see and love God the way so many of these Kenyan women do! Their faith is so unshakable no matter the circumstance. It is a true blessing to be around the women here. I am learning so much. I saw the Ngong hills (which have 7 peaks) and the Hill of the Buffalos (which I thought was a mountain). You can see both from the church’s new property. The property is SO beautiful.
5 June 2009
Today is the team’s day off. Around 10am we will go sight seeing with Caroline and Purity. (two of the Kenyan women) I CAN’T WAIT!
Thanks for all the many prayers. I hope that this letter gives you a little insight on what I have been doing and seeing since I arrived in Kenya. Continue to prayer for my team and I that the Lord will strengthen us each and every day. Spiritual warfare is very alive and well in Kenya. Pray for the Kenyan people as well.
God Bless!
LG
Thursday, May 14, 2009
For Those of You Who Pray
Please Pray For My:
Family and friends to be comforted while I’m away for 2 months this summer.
Attitude, that it would be Christ-like and God-honoring.
Illnesses that occur to my team or me be kept to minimum and for speedy recoveries.
Trust in God’s timing of sending our team of 8 men and women to do His work in Kenya.
Hearts of those I’ll be ministering to in Kenya.
“Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
"but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:7-8
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD Jeremiah 30:17
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Family and friends to be comforted while I’m away for 2 months this summer.
Attitude, that it would be Christ-like and God-honoring.
Illnesses that occur to my team or me be kept to minimum and for speedy recoveries.
Trust in God’s timing of sending our team of 8 men and women to do His work in Kenya.
Hearts of those I’ll be ministering to in Kenya.
“Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
"but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:7-8
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD Jeremiah 30:17
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Friday, May 8, 2009
Address =)
I just received my address for the time I will be serving in Kenya. Just a reminder NO PACKAGES please ONLY letters. I have to pay duty on any packages, and it's iffy as to whether they would even get to me (their postal system isn't very secure.) Also I will be flying out May 29th and be there until July 26th, just something to keep in mind when sending mail. =)
Grace Waldrop
C/o Rev. Imbumi Makuku
Kibera Reformed Presbyterian Church
Box 1229 Karen
Nairobi, Kenya [East Africa]
Thanks for all your prayers! God Bless! =)
Grace Waldrop
C/o Rev. Imbumi Makuku
Kibera Reformed Presbyterian Church
Box 1229 Karen
Nairobi, Kenya [East Africa]
Thanks for all your prayers! God Bless! =)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Amazing Day.
Today is a very special day! Not only was $4000 broken but now there is less than $1000 (only about $700) left to raise!
Current Amount Raised: $4,985 (PTL!)
Amount Needed to Go to Kenya: $5, 582
Thanks to all who have supported me so far during this journey and thanks for all the prayers. Expect Thank You Cards in the upcoming weeks! =)
Some of you might be wondering why the amount needed to go to Kenya has changed from $6400 to roughly $5600. At the beginning of the process each intern is given an Excel Budget Expenses Sheet. From that Sheet, some items can change their cost. Example, Passport MTW says the cost is $100 BUT I already have a passport so I can subtract that $100. Another big item that changed was that we got our tentative flight plans. The cost was $1800 but now it is $1633. Also the cost for my 6 shots that I had done last week/this week had $500, but because my dad is in the Air Force and I got all my shots on base, that cost is now $0. When your items change... the administrative fee (15%) also changes... which is why my amount needed to go has gone down almost $1000. PTL! =) If you have any other questions about the change in cost, leave me a comment and I will get back to you! Have a Blessed Day!
Current Amount Raised: $4,985 (PTL!)
Amount Needed to Go to Kenya: $5, 582
Thanks to all who have supported me so far during this journey and thanks for all the prayers. Expect Thank You Cards in the upcoming weeks! =)
Some of you might be wondering why the amount needed to go to Kenya has changed from $6400 to roughly $5600. At the beginning of the process each intern is given an Excel Budget Expenses Sheet. From that Sheet, some items can change their cost. Example, Passport MTW says the cost is $100 BUT I already have a passport so I can subtract that $100. Another big item that changed was that we got our tentative flight plans. The cost was $1800 but now it is $1633. Also the cost for my 6 shots that I had done last week/this week had $500, but because my dad is in the Air Force and I got all my shots on base, that cost is now $0. When your items change... the administrative fee (15%) also changes... which is why my amount needed to go has gone down almost $1000. PTL! =) If you have any other questions about the change in cost, leave me a comment and I will get back to you! Have a Blessed Day!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Background on the Kibera Slum- written by the Kenyan Pastor Imbumi Makuku
KIBERA
The Kibera slum began in 1912 when retired Sudanese Nubian soldiers from the British Kings African Rifles were allocated land in the area. They served 12 years in the army to qualify. The Nubians are now in their eighth generation. They are mostly Muslims and have kept their culture intact.
Kibera in the Nubian language has two meanings: “to be silenced in a bad manner” and “jungle”.
Over the years other tribal groups began to settle in the area either renting from the Nubians or by being allocated land to build on a temporary basis by the government. In most cases money changes hands before one is given a plot to build on. Kibera is close to the city center and to the industries so most people can walk to work. It is a reservoir of very cheap labor for the city.
It is eight kilometers from the city center.
Kibera borders one of the presidents houses in the city. It is also next to a major golf club in the city.
The inhabited portion of the slum is 225.6 hectares. The annual growth of the slum is estimated at 12 percent per annum.
It is estimated that right now the population is between 700,000 -1.2 million people.
More than 83 percent of the people are underemployed or unemployed. Most make $1 a day. That goes to provide for 4.2 people in the small 10x10 room they rent.
54 percent of Kenyans make $1 a day.
Kibera is divided into 10 areas, and most of the neighborhoods are based on tribe. The Nubians still see at themselves as the rightful owners of the slum and thus they have physically resisted attempts by other tribes to encroach on their supremacy. Iin November 2001, more than ten people lost their lives when clashes broke out over the issue of tenants paying cheaper rent. The tension still simmers under the surface.
It is estimated that there are 22,000 landlords in the slum. Most of them are absentee. The Nubians own 300 size of the land. They have a Kibera Land Committee to fight for their rights. The total acreage of Kibera is 3,000 acres. It is prime property as it is very close to the city center and all the amenities that favor the middle and upper classes.
The land in Kibera is owned by the government, which has the right to demolish it or give the people the right to own it so they can improve it.
Kibera is seen as a reservoir of votes and labor.
The slum is characterized by a lack of all that is basic to living a life of dignity: water, privacy, education, health, family structure, etc.
The people are united by their poverty. Poverty is king in the slum with all the attendant problems that come in its wake. The Church must give the people their true hope.
Houses in Kibera are built of mud walls and iron sheets. In Nairobi as a whole, only 14 percent of houses are made of brick or blocks. Some 86 perfect of all other dwellings are made of temporary materials.
The slum is three square kilometers. The population density is 230,000 if we take the lower figure of 700,000 people. The vast majority of the people are young. Nairobi has 34 percent of its people less than 15 years old, while Kenya as a whole has over 50 percent of its people under 24. Thus they are highly educated, visionaries, aggressive, motivated, and ready to change the society. These young people have come to the slum because of relatives in the slum, housing is cheap, and makes for a stable footing while one looks for a job. This group is highly hit by AIDS. Some 50 percent of all Kenyan hospital beds are taken up by AIDS related illnesses.
Other major slums in Nairobi: Mathare Valley with 147,000 people on three sq. km of land having 49,000 per sq. km.; Kangemi with five sq. km with 36,000 and a density of 7,000; Kawangware with four sq km and 54,000 people and density of 54,000; Kariobangi with one km and a density of 26,000 per sq. km; Korogocho with one km and density of 54,000; Huruma with one km and 63,000. The above estimates are for the year 1994.
Nairobi had more than 133 slums by 1995. Kibera is the largest. Thus the slums in Nairobi need new churches the most. The slums cover 6 percent of the total residential land in the city. The density per hectare is very high with a minimum of 750 people compared to that of middle income residents, which average 50-180 people. It is estimated that over 73 percent of Nairobians live in the slums. Nairobi needs 25,000 new low-rent housing units each year. Many are too expensive for the poor. The slums are able to put up 15 houses each day to meet the demand.
The slums are characterized by the following:
The slumlords have semi-legal rights to the land; the occupation of the slum is temporary as the government can have it moved; the place is unplanned and the structures made of semi-permanent materials; the rental of the rooms is on a room-by- room basis; a room holds 4.2 people; the room serves all their needs of bathing, coking, sleeping, hospitality, etc; the low income and the self employed are the majority; the population density is extremely high making for a very low quality of life; minimal services are provided by the City Council and government[ thus there are only two roads in the area, water has to be bought, there are no toilets, so there is the phenomenon of “flying toilets”; AIDS is a major killer and affects nearly 1 out of 3; mortality rates for infants are very high caused by environmental sewage and sanitation conditions; there are many women who are the breadwinners of the family as they have been separated from their husbands. It is estimated that 20 percent of the homes are female-headed. The rent varies from $15-20 monthly. Drainage mostly flows into where they are located [eastern Nairobi]. Unemployment is close to 80 percent.
Garbage in Kibera is burned or thrown into the river. It is not collected, as there is no provision for that by the City Council. Since it does not exist in government planning, the slum cannot be included in city planning or in the budget of the government. Thus the landlords build pit latrines: one latrine serves more than 100 people. Most are restricted to the tenants of the landlord. Drainage is by open earth channels. Children suffer the most from these unhygienic conditions.
Food poverty is a major problem. Malnutrition is endemic. Kids have one meal per day, thus most end up scavenging in the middle-class area. Those who go to school suffer hunger pangs and cannot concentrate. The poor in Kibera see their priorities as education, food, transportation and shelter.
Common diseases include tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, malaria, sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), scabies, respiratory diseases, dysentery, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis, and worms. Access to health facilities is contingent on money thus most people rely on quacks and traditional healers. Some give up and wait for death in their little hovels.
In most cases, even the pit latrines are built over to build create new rooms. The room is the center of all activity and is characterized by a stool, a coffee table, a bed, and cooking space.
Vulnerable groups in the slum include widows, orphaned and abandoned children, the disabled, and youth and young girls. Most of these are be unemployed with no professional skills thus with a lot of hopelessness. Many resort to drugs, crime and petty theft, or are hired by politicians for their rallies.
Women bear the brunt of the problems in Kibera as they are socially and culturally marginalized. They are disadvantaged economically, educationally, and have to work in unventilated rooms, use contaminated water, care for the in children, and stave off starvation for their families. The Kibera woman is renowned in Kenya for hard work and thrift!
The children are also vulnerable as parents are off busy fending for them. Schooling is difficult for them as the formal school system needs fees paid, uniforms worn, subordinate staff paid by the PTA, and tuition given after school is paid for. Thus most kids are not in school. The churches in the slum have informal schools that try to fill the gap.
City Council schools have 800 pupils per school and 45 students per class. Payment of pay school fees is a key factor in getting an education.
The poverty is compounded by large families, illiteracy, and a lack of education, inadequate food and a balanced diet, unemployment, and or low paying jobs. The low incomes contribute greatly to poverty.
Intervention needed by the Kibera RPC includes preaching the gospel in word and deed. The church will work to see that there is good nutrition for the families in its target area, health is provided for, vocational training is provided for the youth, and the younger children receive an education.
The Kibera Reformed Presbyterian Church is in the slum for the long haul. Its goal is to plant a solid Bible-based church in each of the 10 neighborhoods of the slum. The church will also reach the pastors through a small Bible institute so that they can be trained to preach the Word properly. A small library will be set up in the place towards these ends.
The Kibera slum is looked upon as harboring all manner of evil people ranging from thieves, prostitutes, robbers, moon shiners, the diseased, illiterates, gangs, drug addicts, violent political activists, etc. It will be the goal of the church to show that these are the people that listened to Christ gladly when he preached the Good News. Our goal will be to plant His kingdom in their midst. It is the slums that we have the majority of Nairobi people living. The people have come to the city usually out of their own choice or in a few cases natural disasters broke the back of their livelihood. They are a group that the Lord would have his church reach with the gospel. They have come to better their lives and with the aspiration of attaining a middle class status. God has brought them to the church for a purpose.
The church will also be an advocate for the people in relation to issues such as land rights, tenure and security of the people, education of the children, etc. Where possible, the church will link the poor with Christian professionals engaged in seeing righteousness and justice practiced in society at large. The church will thus be fully engaged in upgrading the slum, which has been in the doldrums for the past two years.
The church realizes that it will in many ways experience the insecurities and the inconveniences of the slum. This must be so in order for us to throw ourselves upon the Lord and for the people to realize that we are credible. The pastoral mode in the slum will therefore very different from that of a pastor in a middle-class English-speaking church in Nairobi. Helping for the people have a say in what happens will be a great part of the ministry. In short, we will seek to be prophetic in preaching and apostolic in doctrine. The cross must be central in the work of the church in Kibera (John 17:3).
The church will respond to the issue of the poor by responding to their spiritual, cultural, and economic justice through a biblical perspective. Thus land rights, slum upgrading, rehabilitation of houses, vocational training, community organizing, healthy work, advocacy of the rights of the poor, and environmental concern will be some of the foci of the church. This will mean working with marginalized groups such as street hawkers, market people, street kids from the slums, drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, people living with AIDS, the handicapped, and prisoners. In many cases, we will seek to work with other Christian groups who are involved in the same work.
The church will also seek to plant churches in the Kibera area and other slums of Nairobi that are run by slum dwellers who have come to know the Lord and are called back to the slums. It will also seek to have the educated Christians become part of the work. As such, young Christians from middle and upper class families will be encouraged to give both themselves and their resources to the task of reaching the poor. The affluent church will also be challenged to speak out on issues that affect the poor, especially in the urban slums of Nairobi.
The church will also have a strong Christological emphasis where the offices of Christ as prophet, priest, and king will be stressed.
The poor have not been well incorporated into the church in Nairobi as the church is still stuck in a time warp. The majority of the pastors reported in research some years ago as preferring to minister in the rural areas rather than the city. The congregations in the slums see these in the frequent transfer of pastors. Thus the need that the KRPC will have to address discipleship and evangelism so that the lay people can reach the dwellers as part of their calling as light and salt.
Cults are very prominent in the area. These are both Kenyan and foreign.
The Kibera slum began in 1912 when retired Sudanese Nubian soldiers from the British Kings African Rifles were allocated land in the area. They served 12 years in the army to qualify. The Nubians are now in their eighth generation. They are mostly Muslims and have kept their culture intact.
Kibera in the Nubian language has two meanings: “to be silenced in a bad manner” and “jungle”.
Over the years other tribal groups began to settle in the area either renting from the Nubians or by being allocated land to build on a temporary basis by the government. In most cases money changes hands before one is given a plot to build on. Kibera is close to the city center and to the industries so most people can walk to work. It is a reservoir of very cheap labor for the city.
It is eight kilometers from the city center.
Kibera borders one of the presidents houses in the city. It is also next to a major golf club in the city.
The inhabited portion of the slum is 225.6 hectares. The annual growth of the slum is estimated at 12 percent per annum.
It is estimated that right now the population is between 700,000 -1.2 million people.
More than 83 percent of the people are underemployed or unemployed. Most make $1 a day. That goes to provide for 4.2 people in the small 10x10 room they rent.
54 percent of Kenyans make $1 a day.
Kibera is divided into 10 areas, and most of the neighborhoods are based on tribe. The Nubians still see at themselves as the rightful owners of the slum and thus they have physically resisted attempts by other tribes to encroach on their supremacy. Iin November 2001, more than ten people lost their lives when clashes broke out over the issue of tenants paying cheaper rent. The tension still simmers under the surface.
It is estimated that there are 22,000 landlords in the slum. Most of them are absentee. The Nubians own 300 size of the land. They have a Kibera Land Committee to fight for their rights. The total acreage of Kibera is 3,000 acres. It is prime property as it is very close to the city center and all the amenities that favor the middle and upper classes.
The land in Kibera is owned by the government, which has the right to demolish it or give the people the right to own it so they can improve it.
Kibera is seen as a reservoir of votes and labor.
The slum is characterized by a lack of all that is basic to living a life of dignity: water, privacy, education, health, family structure, etc.
The people are united by their poverty. Poverty is king in the slum with all the attendant problems that come in its wake. The Church must give the people their true hope.
Houses in Kibera are built of mud walls and iron sheets. In Nairobi as a whole, only 14 percent of houses are made of brick or blocks. Some 86 perfect of all other dwellings are made of temporary materials.
The slum is three square kilometers. The population density is 230,000 if we take the lower figure of 700,000 people. The vast majority of the people are young. Nairobi has 34 percent of its people less than 15 years old, while Kenya as a whole has over 50 percent of its people under 24. Thus they are highly educated, visionaries, aggressive, motivated, and ready to change the society. These young people have come to the slum because of relatives in the slum, housing is cheap, and makes for a stable footing while one looks for a job. This group is highly hit by AIDS. Some 50 percent of all Kenyan hospital beds are taken up by AIDS related illnesses.
Other major slums in Nairobi: Mathare Valley with 147,000 people on three sq. km of land having 49,000 per sq. km.; Kangemi with five sq. km with 36,000 and a density of 7,000; Kawangware with four sq km and 54,000 people and density of 54,000; Kariobangi with one km and a density of 26,000 per sq. km; Korogocho with one km and density of 54,000; Huruma with one km and 63,000. The above estimates are for the year 1994.
Nairobi had more than 133 slums by 1995. Kibera is the largest. Thus the slums in Nairobi need new churches the most. The slums cover 6 percent of the total residential land in the city. The density per hectare is very high with a minimum of 750 people compared to that of middle income residents, which average 50-180 people. It is estimated that over 73 percent of Nairobians live in the slums. Nairobi needs 25,000 new low-rent housing units each year. Many are too expensive for the poor. The slums are able to put up 15 houses each day to meet the demand.
The slums are characterized by the following:
The slumlords have semi-legal rights to the land; the occupation of the slum is temporary as the government can have it moved; the place is unplanned and the structures made of semi-permanent materials; the rental of the rooms is on a room-by- room basis; a room holds 4.2 people; the room serves all their needs of bathing, coking, sleeping, hospitality, etc; the low income and the self employed are the majority; the population density is extremely high making for a very low quality of life; minimal services are provided by the City Council and government[ thus there are only two roads in the area, water has to be bought, there are no toilets, so there is the phenomenon of “flying toilets”; AIDS is a major killer and affects nearly 1 out of 3; mortality rates for infants are very high caused by environmental sewage and sanitation conditions; there are many women who are the breadwinners of the family as they have been separated from their husbands. It is estimated that 20 percent of the homes are female-headed. The rent varies from $15-20 monthly. Drainage mostly flows into where they are located [eastern Nairobi]. Unemployment is close to 80 percent.
Garbage in Kibera is burned or thrown into the river. It is not collected, as there is no provision for that by the City Council. Since it does not exist in government planning, the slum cannot be included in city planning or in the budget of the government. Thus the landlords build pit latrines: one latrine serves more than 100 people. Most are restricted to the tenants of the landlord. Drainage is by open earth channels. Children suffer the most from these unhygienic conditions.
Food poverty is a major problem. Malnutrition is endemic. Kids have one meal per day, thus most end up scavenging in the middle-class area. Those who go to school suffer hunger pangs and cannot concentrate. The poor in Kibera see their priorities as education, food, transportation and shelter.
Common diseases include tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, malaria, sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), scabies, respiratory diseases, dysentery, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis, and worms. Access to health facilities is contingent on money thus most people rely on quacks and traditional healers. Some give up and wait for death in their little hovels.
In most cases, even the pit latrines are built over to build create new rooms. The room is the center of all activity and is characterized by a stool, a coffee table, a bed, and cooking space.
Vulnerable groups in the slum include widows, orphaned and abandoned children, the disabled, and youth and young girls. Most of these are be unemployed with no professional skills thus with a lot of hopelessness. Many resort to drugs, crime and petty theft, or are hired by politicians for their rallies.
Women bear the brunt of the problems in Kibera as they are socially and culturally marginalized. They are disadvantaged economically, educationally, and have to work in unventilated rooms, use contaminated water, care for the in children, and stave off starvation for their families. The Kibera woman is renowned in Kenya for hard work and thrift!
The children are also vulnerable as parents are off busy fending for them. Schooling is difficult for them as the formal school system needs fees paid, uniforms worn, subordinate staff paid by the PTA, and tuition given after school is paid for. Thus most kids are not in school. The churches in the slum have informal schools that try to fill the gap.
City Council schools have 800 pupils per school and 45 students per class. Payment of pay school fees is a key factor in getting an education.
The poverty is compounded by large families, illiteracy, and a lack of education, inadequate food and a balanced diet, unemployment, and or low paying jobs. The low incomes contribute greatly to poverty.
Intervention needed by the Kibera RPC includes preaching the gospel in word and deed. The church will work to see that there is good nutrition for the families in its target area, health is provided for, vocational training is provided for the youth, and the younger children receive an education.
The Kibera Reformed Presbyterian Church is in the slum for the long haul. Its goal is to plant a solid Bible-based church in each of the 10 neighborhoods of the slum. The church will also reach the pastors through a small Bible institute so that they can be trained to preach the Word properly. A small library will be set up in the place towards these ends.
The Kibera slum is looked upon as harboring all manner of evil people ranging from thieves, prostitutes, robbers, moon shiners, the diseased, illiterates, gangs, drug addicts, violent political activists, etc. It will be the goal of the church to show that these are the people that listened to Christ gladly when he preached the Good News. Our goal will be to plant His kingdom in their midst. It is the slums that we have the majority of Nairobi people living. The people have come to the city usually out of their own choice or in a few cases natural disasters broke the back of their livelihood. They are a group that the Lord would have his church reach with the gospel. They have come to better their lives and with the aspiration of attaining a middle class status. God has brought them to the church for a purpose.
The church will also be an advocate for the people in relation to issues such as land rights, tenure and security of the people, education of the children, etc. Where possible, the church will link the poor with Christian professionals engaged in seeing righteousness and justice practiced in society at large. The church will thus be fully engaged in upgrading the slum, which has been in the doldrums for the past two years.
The church realizes that it will in many ways experience the insecurities and the inconveniences of the slum. This must be so in order for us to throw ourselves upon the Lord and for the people to realize that we are credible. The pastoral mode in the slum will therefore very different from that of a pastor in a middle-class English-speaking church in Nairobi. Helping for the people have a say in what happens will be a great part of the ministry. In short, we will seek to be prophetic in preaching and apostolic in doctrine. The cross must be central in the work of the church in Kibera (John 17:3).
The church will respond to the issue of the poor by responding to their spiritual, cultural, and economic justice through a biblical perspective. Thus land rights, slum upgrading, rehabilitation of houses, vocational training, community organizing, healthy work, advocacy of the rights of the poor, and environmental concern will be some of the foci of the church. This will mean working with marginalized groups such as street hawkers, market people, street kids from the slums, drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, people living with AIDS, the handicapped, and prisoners. In many cases, we will seek to work with other Christian groups who are involved in the same work.
The church will also seek to plant churches in the Kibera area and other slums of Nairobi that are run by slum dwellers who have come to know the Lord and are called back to the slums. It will also seek to have the educated Christians become part of the work. As such, young Christians from middle and upper class families will be encouraged to give both themselves and their resources to the task of reaching the poor. The affluent church will also be challenged to speak out on issues that affect the poor, especially in the urban slums of Nairobi.
The church will also have a strong Christological emphasis where the offices of Christ as prophet, priest, and king will be stressed.
The poor have not been well incorporated into the church in Nairobi as the church is still stuck in a time warp. The majority of the pastors reported in research some years ago as preferring to minister in the rural areas rather than the city. The congregations in the slums see these in the frequent transfer of pastors. Thus the need that the KRPC will have to address discipleship and evangelism so that the lay people can reach the dwellers as part of their calling as light and salt.
Cults are very prominent in the area. These are both Kenyan and foreign.
The following message is from Opal Hardgrove who is with the New Ministry and Mentorship
Development at MTW:
Hope you are all well. I just returned from Kenya Friday. I met with the Makuku's and they are looking forward to you all coming over. We talked a little about what you all would be doing and here are some of his thoughts.
1. Be in very good physical shape: come prepared for hard labor. We are in the process of building a new girls home in the Gong Hills so there will be some manual labor!!!! Sounds fun huh?
2. Please prepare yourself to eat the food there. In the past there have been issues with people not eating the food. This can be a little culturally inappropriate so please be prepared to eat just a little. Food is very important to the folks there and when they see us picking at their food it is a little disheartening.
3. Pray pray pray. You will be heading into an area that is very dark spirtually and he would like for you all to understand and begin practicing regular and fervent prayer.
So for those of you who wanted some more prayer requests for me there they are. I need to find time to continue to go to the gym, start preparing my body for the food, and continue to be strong in my prayer life. Thanks for the prayers! =)
Development at MTW:
Hope you are all well. I just returned from Kenya Friday. I met with the Makuku's and they are looking forward to you all coming over. We talked a little about what you all would be doing and here are some of his thoughts.
1. Be in very good physical shape: come prepared for hard labor. We are in the process of building a new girls home in the Gong Hills so there will be some manual labor!!!! Sounds fun huh?
2. Please prepare yourself to eat the food there. In the past there have been issues with people not eating the food. This can be a little culturally inappropriate so please be prepared to eat just a little. Food is very important to the folks there and when they see us picking at their food it is a little disheartening.
3. Pray pray pray. You will be heading into an area that is very dark spirtually and he would like for you all to understand and begin practicing regular and fervent prayer.
So for those of you who wanted some more prayer requests for me there they are. I need to find time to continue to go to the gym, start preparing my body for the food, and continue to be strong in my prayer life. Thanks for the prayers! =)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Safety.
I was asked about safety tonight and here is what I found.
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Sun Apr 05 2009 23:38:24 GMT-0500 (CDT).
KENYA
November 14, 2008
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya. American citizens in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing threats from terrorism and the high rate of violent crime. This replaces the Travel Warning of August 22, 2008, to note increased security concerns in northeast Kenya near the Somali border.
The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats aimed at American, Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya. Terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Many of those responsible for the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in 1998 and on a hotel in Mombasa in 2002 remain at large and continue to operate in the region. In November 2008, armed groups based in Somalia crossed into Kenya near the town of El Wak and kidnapped two Westerners. Travel by U.S. Embassy personnel to border areas of Kenya northeast of the town of Wajir has been restricted until further notice.
Violent and sometimes fatal criminal attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries, can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in Nairobi. As recently as June 2008, U.S. Embassy personnel were victims of carjackings. In the short-term, the continued displacement of thousands of people by the recent civil unrest combined with endemic poverty and the availability of weapons could result in an increase in crime, both petty and violent. Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter or investigate such acts or prosecute perpetrators.
American citizens in Kenya should be extremely vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. Americans should also remain alert in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Americans who travel to or reside in Kenya are encouraged to register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. The U.S. Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254) (20) 363-6000; fax (254) (20) 363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254) (20) 363-6170. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.
Updated information on travel and security in Kenya may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Kenya and the Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.
So keep me in your prayers but also remember that God is good and in control. =)
Much love,
LG
Donations.
Donations that the Children in Kenya would Love
Kibera School Needs:-pencils, pens, paper, notebooks
-kids books
-posters, teaching aides
-construction paper
-folders, crayons, paints, scissors
-over the counter meds
-baby formula
-legos, puzzles
Church:
-BIBLES =)
-bible stories, Jesus Storybook Bible
-sermon tapes
-books for the Pastor
The following passage is from Joanna who is another MTW intern that went to Kenya last year and will be returning as an intern again this summer:
"They really really need Bibles. That was the biggest need- Imbumi and another pastor, Shikonde, were telling us that the people can't afford to own their own Bibles and may not have access to one, except on Sundays. Some of them lost their Bibles when their homes were burnt down during the violence last January. It makes it so hard for there to be the kind of growth and understanding of who God is without the Bible. Either way, English or Swahili Bibles are good.
I also noticed that the school always needs more pencils and notebook paper. I'm sure they could always use more medicines... (over the counter ones...) and baby formula I mean so many of the mothers there have HIV/AIDS that i'm sure it's a huge need. OH. My favorite thing that I left behind in Kenya was the Jesus Storybook Bible. The kids absolutely LOVED it. Shoes would probably be good... because they have to walk in crap pretty much everyday in the slums. "
There will be a box or something close to a box at the Church starting this Sunday for donations. =)
Tonight I had in my opinion one of the biggest challenges so far in the missionary process... talking in front of my home church. Most people know that my biggest fear is public speaking. I have been praying about my short speech for over a month now. I put a lot of time and effort into it and now it is over. It just goes to show that anyone can "Do Hard Things". (it's a book about how teenagers should do hard things...GREAT FOR ANY TEENAGER BTW) God provided the words tonight and gave me the strength to not freak out or break down while I was up there tonight. Any time I started to get nervous I just remembered "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." God gave me a lot of strength tonight and for that I am very grateful. Thanks to all who came and heard me speak tonight and thanks to all who have contributed so far and those who will contribute in the upcoming weeks. I will be getting all my medicines and shots this Tuesday so keep me in your prayers! =)
In Christ,
LG
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Update.
God is good. All the Time.
Amount Raised: $1,875 (PTL!)
Amount to Raise: $6,171
Every day God continues to remind me how Great and Powerful He really is. God is in complete Control. =)
Amount Raised: $1,875 (PTL!)
Amount to Raise: $6,171
Every day God continues to remind me how Great and Powerful He really is. God is in complete Control. =)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
God is in Control.
I must admit that when I first heard the amount that I needed to raise in order to serve in Kenya, I was a little taken back. I mean $6367 is a lot of money especially right now when money is tight because of the economy. However, for 3 months now I have been faithfully praying that somehow God would call others to obey the Great CoMission through me and support God's work in Kenya. I am learning how to trust God and really lean on and rely on Him through this process. I found something the other day that I had gotten while I was in about 3rd grade. It was a sticker of a frog and it said: "F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God)" Support raising is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. By allowing other believers to contribute to my needs, I increase the level of interdependence we have as Christ's Body. I am continuing to pray for my supporters individually as they commit their resources to me. I keep reminding myself that people aren't supporting me because in reality they are supporting God's work in Kenya and the people He has called me to. I pray that God will continue to speak through me whenever I share my vision for ministry. I also pray that I would have the heart of Jesus as I trust God and humbly share my need with others. I have also been praying through Philippians 4:17 (Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.) God is in control. Today is a very special day for me. Today over $1000 has been raised. PTL! I have decided to keep everyone informed of where I stand in my support raising in comparison to where I need to be by May 15th. I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far and I will continue to pray that more will be led. =)
Amount to Raise: $6,171
Amount Raised As of March 24: $1,485 (PTL!)
Psalm 40:4a Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust.
Amount to Raise: $6,171
Amount Raised As of March 24: $1,485 (PTL!)
Psalm 40:4a Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Curious?
Some Things You might be Curious About:
1. How do women dress over there? What will you be expected to wear?
I actually asked a woman named Hellen these questions. She was born and raised in Kenya until she was 27 years old. She is a native. I met her over Christmas break on a missions trip to TN. (and she is one of the tools God used to lead my heart towards Kenya this summer) She told me that "with regard to the dressing. Girls just dress the same way ladies dress here in the united states, with the exception of a few women who like wearing traditional clothing. Traditional clothing here is just a long dress, made of a colorful fabric. However, when you go into the slum area, where you will be working, it is usually advisable to wear, a nice long skirt, that goes below your knees. You may want to bring some black snickers to use when you are there because it may be muddy from the rainy season. You could bring your nice jeans and any nice tops to wear when you are not working or when you are visiting elsewhere. Bring some warm jacket too."
2. What will the weather be like while you are there?
Hellen: The weather in the months may and some part of june is wet and dry, so bring your small umbrella and your rain jacket with you. The temperature ranges from 55 to about 80 in the day. Usually between 10 am in the morning to 3pm in the after noon, then it begins to drop down to about 60 in the evening, it is nice weather. but because the equator cuts across Kenya and some parts of Nairobi in the middle, the sun is very close to the earth and may cause you some horrible sun burns, bring your sun screen with you to apply in the morning and in the evening. other wise your skin will crack. It is also hot and dry and a very high altitude you will need to drink a lot of water during the day.
3. I asked Hellen if there are any major differences?
Hellen: A major difference for you Grace when you go to Kenya, might be adjusting to the foods. Some people do it really fast some take time. Most foods have not food additive or artificial hormones in the them and may either taste completely bad or may taste really nice, but you will find some foods you like. Imbumi will definaltey take care of you guys, and will probably give you guys are brief introduction to everything. there is a huge mall named YAYA, you will like it there are food courts in there and you can find what you like if you get a chance to go there. There are other nice places, on Ngong road, like the Nakumat Plaza, and Nakumat Junction. You will love these places. There are others as well.
Remember I am sending out the support letters tomorrow =)
Please add me to your prayer list during this time.
I hope everyone is doing well. Don't forget you don't have to make an account or anything to simply post a question. Just click Anonymous and Post and I will answer your question as soon as I can. =)
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
1. How do women dress over there? What will you be expected to wear?
I actually asked a woman named Hellen these questions. She was born and raised in Kenya until she was 27 years old. She is a native. I met her over Christmas break on a missions trip to TN. (and she is one of the tools God used to lead my heart towards Kenya this summer) She told me that "with regard to the dressing. Girls just dress the same way ladies dress here in the united states, with the exception of a few women who like wearing traditional clothing. Traditional clothing here is just a long dress, made of a colorful fabric. However, when you go into the slum area, where you will be working, it is usually advisable to wear, a nice long skirt, that goes below your knees. You may want to bring some black snickers to use when you are there because it may be muddy from the rainy season. You could bring your nice jeans and any nice tops to wear when you are not working or when you are visiting elsewhere. Bring some warm jacket too."
2. What will the weather be like while you are there?
Hellen: The weather in the months may and some part of june is wet and dry, so bring your small umbrella and your rain jacket with you. The temperature ranges from 55 to about 80 in the day. Usually between 10 am in the morning to 3pm in the after noon, then it begins to drop down to about 60 in the evening, it is nice weather. but because the equator cuts across Kenya and some parts of Nairobi in the middle, the sun is very close to the earth and may cause you some horrible sun burns, bring your sun screen with you to apply in the morning and in the evening. other wise your skin will crack. It is also hot and dry and a very high altitude you will need to drink a lot of water during the day.
3. I asked Hellen if there are any major differences?
Hellen: A major difference for you Grace when you go to Kenya, might be adjusting to the foods. Some people do it really fast some take time. Most foods have not food additive or artificial hormones in the them and may either taste completely bad or may taste really nice, but you will find some foods you like. Imbumi will definaltey take care of you guys, and will probably give you guys are brief introduction to everything. there is a huge mall named YAYA, you will like it there are food courts in there and you can find what you like if you get a chance to go there. There are other nice places, on Ngong road, like the Nakumat Plaza, and Nakumat Junction. You will love these places. There are others as well.
Remember I am sending out the support letters tomorrow =)
Please add me to your prayer list during this time.
I hope everyone is doing well. Don't forget you don't have to make an account or anything to simply post a question. Just click Anonymous and Post and I will answer your question as soon as I can. =)
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
New Stuff.
So I have received my internship manual in the mail and I have read it through. I have a lot of forms to fill out and such. I also have a book to read. It is called The Art of Crossing Cultures 2nd edition by Craig Storti. I am excited to say that I will be sending out my support letters this weekend!
Another question some have asked if is what happens if I do not have my support by my tentative departure date?
A: If an intern doesn't have FULL support or pledges at least ONE week prior to leaving (May 15), the MTW staff, in consultation with the field missionary and with the intern will review the situation. The review will be to determine if God is using the lack of support to lead the person away from missionary service for this time, if the departure should be just delayed, or what other action should be taken.
God is in control. Support raising is one of God's tools for teaching Trust and Humility among believers. If God has called me, He will also provide for me. I need your support to allow me to serve in Kenya this summer. I pray that many of you will discover that support raising is an incredible opportunity for you to obey the Great CoMission through me when you could not go youself. I am not asking you whether or not you want to support Me, because in reality you should Prayfully consider financially supporting GOD's work in Kenya and the people He has called me to.
Thanks for all the prayer support so far! I will update with new stuff as soon as I can! =)
Another question some have asked if is what happens if I do not have my support by my tentative departure date?
A: If an intern doesn't have FULL support or pledges at least ONE week prior to leaving (May 15), the MTW staff, in consultation with the field missionary and with the intern will review the situation. The review will be to determine if God is using the lack of support to lead the person away from missionary service for this time, if the departure should be just delayed, or what other action should be taken.
God is in control. Support raising is one of God's tools for teaching Trust and Humility among believers. If God has called me, He will also provide for me. I need your support to allow me to serve in Kenya this summer. I pray that many of you will discover that support raising is an incredible opportunity for you to obey the Great CoMission through me when you could not go youself. I am not asking you whether or not you want to support Me, because in reality you should Prayfully consider financially supporting GOD's work in Kenya and the people He has called me to.
Thanks for all the prayer support so far! I will update with new stuff as soon as I can! =)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
More Questions Answered!
1.Q: What is "security" like where I will be staying? By that, I mean in terms of the stuff I bring with me? Do I have my own locker to put stuff in?
A: Security where you will be staying is good, though we discourage bringing many valuables. You will not have your own locker, but you will be able to lock up your room. It is on the grounds of a convent.
2.Q: Are digital cameras okay to bring?
A: I can bring a digital camera, but not a fancy one, just a simple point and shoot because interns don't want to look like wealthy Americans.
3.Q: Also people have been asking me in terms of the compound we are staying on.. is it an actual building with running water? Is it a tent? Is it the same kind of house that other people in Kenya live in?
A: I will be staying in a real building with running water. :) It is in a safer part of Nairobi in what they call a guest house. It is run by nuns and their convent is on the same property, so they are around most of the time.
Remember if you have a question. Leave a comment =)
Thanks for all the prayers. Keep them coming!
A: Security where you will be staying is good, though we discourage bringing many valuables. You will not have your own locker, but you will be able to lock up your room. It is on the grounds of a convent.
2.Q: Are digital cameras okay to bring?
A: I can bring a digital camera, but not a fancy one, just a simple point and shoot because interns don't want to look like wealthy Americans.
3.Q: Also people have been asking me in terms of the compound we are staying on.. is it an actual building with running water? Is it a tent? Is it the same kind of house that other people in Kenya live in?
A: I will be staying in a real building with running water. :) It is in a safer part of Nairobi in what they call a guest house. It is run by nuns and their convent is on the same property, so they are around most of the time.
Remember if you have a question. Leave a comment =)
Thanks for all the prayers. Keep them coming!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Some Questions Answered
Questions that People have Asked and I Now have Answers to:
1.) Can I mail you a package?
While I am in Kenya, it is difficult to receive packages because I would have to pay import duty on anything sent to me (sometimes more than it is really worth). As such MTW discourages receiving packages. However I can receive letters though using the church address that I will post here and also add to the Church Directory very soon!
2.) Is there internet service in Kenya available for me to use?
There will be internet I can use for a small fee at the convent guest house where I will be staying, I'm not sure on the cost, but in years past they have charged by the hour for use, so interns would typically share their internet time with each other. I believe there is only one computer available, unless they have purchased another one recently. :)
3.) Will I have cell phone coverage?
Pastor Makuku will have a cell phone, but the cost to call back to the US is $4.99 a minute from most cell phones over there. Donations of calling cards from Sams or Costco or even walmart that I can use while I am there would be another way to help support me. That is the least expensive way to call home.
4.) Will everyone be on the same flight?
Yes. MTW will book my flights because they need the entire team to fly together from Atlanta to Nairobi. =)
If you have a question for me, leave a comment and I will post it with the answer so everyone else can know the answer too =)
1.) Can I mail you a package?
While I am in Kenya, it is difficult to receive packages because I would have to pay import duty on anything sent to me (sometimes more than it is really worth). As such MTW discourages receiving packages. However I can receive letters though using the church address that I will post here and also add to the Church Directory very soon!
2.) Is there internet service in Kenya available for me to use?
There will be internet I can use for a small fee at the convent guest house where I will be staying, I'm not sure on the cost, but in years past they have charged by the hour for use, so interns would typically share their internet time with each other. I believe there is only one computer available, unless they have purchased another one recently. :)
3.) Will I have cell phone coverage?
Pastor Makuku will have a cell phone, but the cost to call back to the US is $4.99 a minute from most cell phones over there. Donations of calling cards from Sams or Costco or even walmart that I can use while I am there would be another way to help support me. That is the least expensive way to call home.
4.) Will everyone be on the same flight?
Yes. MTW will book my flights because they need the entire team to fly together from Atlanta to Nairobi. =)
If you have a question for me, leave a comment and I will post it with the answer so everyone else can know the answer too =)
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