Mid-trip thoughts

The first stage in our trip to Kenya is drawing to a close with nine of the US team leaving for Nairobi late this afternoon and then on to a safari tomorrow! The team members that are leaving have very mixed feelings - the excitement and anticipation of a safari and at the same time leaving behind overwhelming experiences. Dave, Becky, Caleb, Amy, Rebecca, Darlene, Teresa, Nathan and Kelly will have one final school visit this morning before they are on their way. It will seem very different once they leave.... we have really come together as a team - each of us recognizing each other's strengths and each person doing their part wherever we go. Brad, Andy, Olivia, Ashley, Elizabeth and Heidi will still be here until Saturday - then we split up even more! Andy and Brad will stay a third week to go to the Pokot tribe to see the well that was installed last year, Olivia and Heidi will return to Nairobi and meet with the rest of the team for our return trip home and Ashley and Elizabeth will be staying until late April! (As you can imagine - the logistics can be challenging!)

Knowing that last night was our last night here as the entire team in Kisumu we spent some time talking about how God had led us to come to Kenya and anything else we wanted to say. The following are a few of the comments shared:

• Darlene - came to Kenya as part of this team through Dave and Jen Bell. Darlene told us how much she appreciates her niece with all her help in getting ready to go and in taking care of her home while she is away - how grateful she is to her niece knowing she does not have to worry at all about anything back in Wisconsin while she is here.
• Becky - had hoped to be able to go to one school consistently to establish more familiar relationships - and when that did not happen Becky still was able to see how God was working as we visited several different schools.
• Kelly - This is the third time that Kelly tried to come to Kenya and finally made it after a 2-year wait! Kelly told us that once she determined she would go this time for sure - it was a long fight to finally make it - but what a huge blessing it has been!
• Elizabeth - As part of the 2007 team, Elizabeth returned home very ill and it took a long time for her recovery. The past year (since then) has been difficult but she also sees how the events of the past year have led her back to Kisumu - even as a lady just turned up interested in renting her apartment/home while she is away for three months!
• Peter - as one of the Dutch volunteers, Peter thanked the US team and has realized that maybe we cannot change things here but we all certainly can make an impact.
• Rebecca - a good friend (for many years!) of Becky Kase, Rebecca was visiting the Kases in Traverse City this past summer and learned about the team going to Kenya and decided to go! This is her first time that she has taken a vacation in at least 10 years! There have been many trials along the way such as illnesses with her parents and even having to have surgery herself early in December! Rebecca told us that all along the way and through everything that has happened God has been faithful and friends and family have helped provide so she can be here. Rebecca also thanked the Dutch team and how great it has been working with them!
• Rogier - As part of the Dutch volunteers, he told us that prior to us coming he was wondering what it would be like for 15 people from the USA to be here! He was not feeling well just before we came and told us that because of us and being part of what we have been doing he has found renewed motivation to keep going while he is here (for several months more) and that he especially enjoyed spending time with Caleb and Nathan.
• Riejanne - Also a Dutch volunteer, she has now spent her third week meeting with patients as part of Care and Compassion. She is a nurse and shared with us about one man in particular that she has seen that had a wound that he was not taking care of. The last time she saw him she was very discouraged and was wondering what could she do to make him do what he needed to to help the wound. She was able to visit the man again on Saturday and the wound was much better! Riejanne told us that she realized through this experience that that it is not what we do but what God does that is important. She shared that she is looking for God's will to see if she will come back to Africa after her time here with Christ's Hope - since that is what she is hoping to do.
• Olivia - last year was just a taste and she knew she would come back - even though Olivia was also very ill upon her return from the trip in 2007 - and God has been good and health has been restored. Olivia shared many of the thoughts that she has previously posted on this blog with the group here and believes that not many are willing to do this type of mission. But for those that do have a heart to come to do this then we need to do what God has placed on our hearts. The reality that God is here in so many ways is obvious to all of us.
• Andy - A team was being formed to go this past May but eventually that team was not able to go. Andy was asked by Dave Kase if he would consider returning to Kenya and help form another team??? Andy said yes and that was the start of the 2009 team! Andy shared that he knew that he and Olivia wanted to return but time and resources were the main consideration. Andy reflected on the many things that have happened since it was decided to form another team and how God has provided for all of us to be here. He also commented about his spiritual family (at home) and the importance of their prayers and encouragement.
• Desmond - our Christ's Hope coordinator in Kisumu! Desmond told us how much it means to Christ's Hope to see us, what what we brought and us being here. Desmond is committed to Care and Compassion and shared with us the privilege he believes it is to care for and share with people about God's love and caring with those that are HIV positive and have AIDS. Desmond shared some stories of his experiences especially the fact that 11 people have died that were part of those visited through Care and Compassion in just the past few months. He believes that while we cannot save the people that are part of Care and Compassion, we can show them God's love and do as much as we can to celebrate their lives while they are still here.
• Agaath - Another Dutch volunteer that was here only one week before we came - and was a bit apprehensive about all of us coming as well as what she would be doing too. The result has been that she told us how she has been able to share with us and the time has flown by since we arrived!
• Ashley - has experienced some struggles with planning - as part of the team and then thinking about being here after the team leaves. She thanked the Lord for being able to separate the two.
• Annelien - another Dutch volunteer - thanked the US team and shared that she believes we have given them an energy boost for the work they are doing here!
• Nathan - at first did not want to go - but on the way to church one morning decided that God was telling him he should go and so asked him mother if he could go.
• Teresa - (Nathan's mother!) had met Dave and Jen Bell at a conference and had also made two previous trips to Ghana with another mission organization and knew she wanted to return to Africa. Teresa had struggled with whether to go or not due to many reasons but when her son Nathan said he wanted to go she knew that moving forward with the trip was the only option!
• Brad - told us that he has been overwhelmed - in a good way! Brad was also part of the 2007 team and shared how much he loves it here and expressed his love for all of us - the US team, the Dutch volunteers and Desmond...
• Amy - (age 9!) told us that she wanted to go at first and then later was not so sure - but she is here! After visiting one of the schools Amy was able to be with very young children with one young girl in particular and is eagerly looking forward to returning to that school this morning and seeing that girl once again.
• Caleb - also was not eager to come but is glad he is here.
• Dave - As the USA Director of Christ's Hope, Dave has also been one of the leaders of this team. Dave shared that when he decided this was the time to go with his entire family it has been like riding a roller-coaster with many ups and downs including surgery in early December. He told us that up until two weeks before we were to leave he was still in quite a bit of pain and was not sure if he would be able to make the trip - and then the pain left and he felt ready to go!
• Heidi - my story is one of clearly seeing God's path for me to go. I also shared my appreciation for the members of our team that have come for the first time as well as for the Dutch volunteers and how quickly they became part of the team and part of what we are doing here.

As you can see - God has been working in and through all of us - but we are not done and there is another five days ahead - whether we are part of the team remaining in Kisumu or making the way to Nairobi and the safari - we remain committed to sharing God's love in Kenya. H

Will It Matter?

Sometimes I question the wisdom of coming all the way to Africa to minister to the poor, the sick, the hungry, the widows and the orphans. There's plenty wrong at home. It is an expensive trip in many ways. Some on our team came here only through the financial support of others. And we've all been saving for this for a long while. Should we have just sent this money to the organization here and prayed for these people?
I know that some would say - yes... For sure, prayer is the foundation for everything we're doing here. Prayers from home and prayers here.

But yesterday (Saturday) we talked about what we call the Ministry of Presence. When we visit people here - young and old - they are so appreciative, they grin from ear to ear! It seems clear to all of us that coming and listening and hugging and holding and helping these people sends a powerful message. And gives them hope. They begin to see the intrinsic value that they have simply because they are creqated by God. Everything we are doing here reinforces that to them. And it changes us too.

I told a sick 20-year-old man this week that I had come so far simply because I wanted him to understand completely how much God loves him. I quoted John 3:16 and he listened to loving words with tears in his eyes. It was a powerful moment for a dying man and for me.....

Will it matter? I think - yes....

He asked me to please come back, he wants to hear more of this hope... this man Jesus, who died in his place.
I'm going next Tuesday - and I can't wait.....
Olivia

Promised Pictures

Photos from the Remand Center!

Impact

I should not be surprised to feel overwhelmed at this popint. There are so many experiences that have bombarded my senses and emotions. The sights, sounds, smells are familiar now, yet they still assault me.



As does the heat.



I fall into bed each night exhausted - - but my mind rushes to images of the day. The smiles of the children, cattle and goats crossing the streets, the local people living with so little, the disparity of material wealth between our two cultures, this place is so familiar, and yet so "other-worldly".



I've noticed that my emotions are close to the surface - laughter and tears come so quickly. The team is bonding I think because this shared experience is one we know we can never fully explain to anyone outside our circle. I'm beginning to think that God has begun a mini-revival in each of our hearts.



With each day we are relying on the Lord more for direction and praying together and alone more often. With each day there is more trust in Him...it's a realization that He is truly all we need and all things are in His hands. With each day He opens our eyes a little more. It gives us the desire to relax into His loving arms a little more with each experience. I'm sure most of us must wonder - - Why don't I live this "connected" all the time?



I am giving thanks to God for helping me find my way back to Him after a long time away. So long that my prevous life and relationship felt real and acceptable. I'm praising Him for welcoming me home. I didn't realize what a prodigal I had become.

Olivia

Where Do We Start? - So much to tell!

Friday has come and gone and there is so much to tell! Last night during our "debriefing" a couple of us could only use the word "overwhelming" to describe the day. A portion of the team returned to Hodi Hodi School in the morning to share a story, crafts and games, some of the team were part of Care and Compassion visits, and the rest stayed at Christ's Hope office to practice the drama we had planned to present at the Remand Center later in the day. During the afternoon most of the team went to the Remand Center (youth jail) and then returned to the office for pizza, movies, ice cream and popcorn! I am really trying to not make this posting be a laundry list of activities - but you can probably see how a team of 15 people plus 5 Dutch volunteers plus full time Christ's Hope staff (Desmond!) can create a lot of activity!

A good place to start is to tell about our lunch for the day... Many places here have an allowance (or budget) of no more than 10 shillings per day per child for food. To show a comparison - about 75 shillings equals 1 US dollar. Our lunch was typical of what lunch would be based on that amount. It consisted of ugali and greens (primarily kale). Ugali is a food with consistency similar to corn meal mush and is eaten with the fingers. The portions of ugali can be large and it is filling. It is interesting to watch Kenyans eat ugali as they form a scoop and use it to eat the greens. It was also interesting to see our fellow team members eat this meal! I believe the experience gave us all something to think about and once again realize how fortunate and blessed we are.

Here is an update on the Care and Compassion patient that was reluctant to go to get medication and Darlene had urged him to do so - yesterday he went and got his medication!

What can I say about the Remand Center - or where do I start? If I could capture the sound of the voices of the children and youth when they sing and post it on this blog - then you would know why it is all overwhelming! And the smiles on their faces and the enthusiasm of all the children when they receive a crayon and a coloring page (even the 16 year-old youth!). And singing "Fishers of Men" and watching the boys and the girls do the actions - and of course goof-up and laugh and laugh. And passing out a bottle of Coke to each one (did I mention there were around 100 children and youth there...) and seeing a room full of kids enjoying this treat...

And then the team, through the presentation of the drama, was able to share the gospel and invite the children to accept Christ into their lives... After this special time there were several youth that asked if they could pray with someone and many of the team had the opportunity to pray one-on-one with the youth. We experienced so much in such a short time but our prayer is that whatever we shared was understood and would in some way - help them. The stories of why and how the children came to be at the jail are difficult for us to understand - such as one young boy was brought there by his step-mother because both his mother and father had died or young children that were just found wandering in the streets... But the smiles we saw when we were there were incredible and I know that we were all truly blessed by our experience!

Our busy schedule continues throughout the weekend - starting with a two-hour boat ride on Lake Victoria at sunrise this morning to see the many types of birds and the hippos! Eleven of us got up early this morning and were rewarded with a beautiful (and cool) morning, three hippo sitings, many birds, fishermen pulling in their catch, the engine on the boat stalling, and finally the boat getting hung-up on a rock! We made it back safe and sound - the motor started eventually and the driver had to get in the water to manipulate the boat off the rock! Although it was very early we all agreed it was well worth the experience!

I am planning on including some pictures but I think this posting is already long! Pictures for sure later!
Blessings to all!
H

Thursday Happenings!

Each evening we gather and share our high points and perhaps any low points from our day. The following are brief comments on the high points of our day that were given at our evening debriefing last night (Thursday):

• We walked one half hour each way in the mud to get to the school/orphanage!
• At Care and Compassion I was able to share the importance of getting medication that the person, at first, was unwilling but eventually said he would
• Spending time with the children
• Watching children play with the parachute game
• The children calling my braces "teeth decorations" (Go Nathan!)
• The mad rush with a change of plans - minutes before we were scheduled to leave - and how good the day went!
• How patient everyone is despite the heat
• Improvement in the children that were sick the week before (From one of our Dutch volunteers)
• Support between team members
• Learning more about one of the schools through the willingness of the director to share
• The honor of being invited into a Kenyan home and share a meal (part of the team that went to that particular school)
• Thankful for the team to be flexible and improvising when needed
• Going to Care and Compassion and the fellowship on the way to each home with the local staff
• The children and their big smiles as they washed their hands at the new hand-washing station
• The kids that followed the team back to their van the entire 1/2 hour walk in the mud!
• How every sense was impacted - the sights, sounds, smells, taste and touch - as part of all of our experiences - and taking it all in!
• Washing dishes from the evening meal with the day's kitchen-duty crew and two of the Dutch volunteers coming in to help - lots of laughter - like a party!

Today is another day of going to see children, sharing stories and sharing God's love with them. We go to the youth jail this afternoon and have planned to present a very meaningful drama - please pray that it goes well and that the meaning of the drama is understood.

One last thought - if you have anything to share with all of us - please enter a comment!

Blessings! H

Hello Everyone!

Today (Thursday), I was blessed to go on Care and Compassion visits to 3 homes. They were all HIV positive. I understand why I am in Africa - it was so wonderful talking to the people and they were excited that we were there. At the last home the man we were visiting had a fever and it was decided he was going to the hospital. I sincerely hope he pulls through. There are alot of fake doctors selling fake medicine for a lot of money. He's getting the help he needs.

Because of the work I do at home with the Emergency Shelter, I was able to put thoughts together that I think will help the first man we visited.

PS - It is now Friday morning and the man I metioned that needed to go to the hospital was taken by Christ's Hope staff. He was given medication and treated for pneumonia and was able to return to his home. We were glad to know that he could return to his home but our prayers for him continue.
Darlene