It's Wednesday in Kenya!

We are in Kisumu! We all arrived safely - even the luggage! Ten of us flew from Nairobi (it took us about 30 minutes of flight time!) and the rest traveled by minibus (it took them nearly 7 hours!) But - we are all here and settled in after two very full days...

Our time with Dave and Jen Bell was a perfect way to start - the orientation gave us insight as to what to expect during our time here. We also had the opportunity to visit an orphange/school where we were treated to our own personal tours of the school by the children and youth and then a presentation of songs and skits - with the skits and most of the music written by the youth! Our ride to the school was also eventful with giraffe, ostrich, gazelle, sheep, goats, and cattle sightings along the way! Then it was back to the Bell's and getting ready for our next step towards Kisumu. We were all up the next morning and on our way by 5:30 am!

Our first day in Kisumu was non-stop - starting with meeting the five Dutch volunteers who were already here, meeting the local Christs Hope staff and renewing old friendships. We have already had the opprotunity for one team member to be part of the Care and Compassion ministry (visting with people that are known to be HIV positive), part of the team helping with a Choose To Wait lesson at the local youth jail (Remand Center), and many of the team sharing a story and being with children at a near-by orphanage. The team has grown in numbers as the Dutch volunteers are now part of what we are doing and it has already been good to have them help guide us through these first few days. One of the activities that we were able to do at the orphange was to bring a hand-washing station and then talk to the children about how important it is to wash your hands followed up by each of the children there having a chance to wash their hands. After a brief time of sharing and an evening meal we then finished the day with planning for today!

It's hard to share all about what we are experiencing without sounding like an activity-log! But please know that we are being blessed with each thing we do and each place we go. We pray that we are able to bring the message of God's love and caring each place we go and with each person we encounter. We also are learning that it's okay to slow down and share more with each other. We know that God has great things in store for us but even more important - that God will use us as His servants to minister to the pepole here.

All I can say is - Kenya is amazing! The sights, the sounds and even the smells! But what is most amazing is the people here.... Until next time!

H