This week has flown by. I can't believe it's Friday night already. I have really gotten into the groove of teaching in Class 2 and Class 3. Simiyu and David have passion and drive. It's an honor to be in their rooms each day and to work with our students on their reading skills.
Things got hairy on Tuesday night when I got sick. I had some sort of 24 hour bug, not because Africa- but because we went from having 3 people to 26 people in the guesthouse. i was sent to sleep in the infirmary so the bug didn't spread to anyone else. Luckily, no one else got the bug, I took Wednesday to recover. On wednesday afternoon, we got word that we would be getting a new baby boy, a one month old. Of course, I didn't go to pick him up because I was sick, but Ashley and Allie got to go along for a very exciting time. Unfortunately, as is more often the case than not here, the "abandoned" baby was not really abandoned- it was a scam. Ashley and Allie were heartbroken, having been there and held the baby and seen everything crumble before their eyes first hand. We talked about it when they got back, and we prayed for the sweet child, who as of yet has not been named by his biological mother. We also prayed for the mom and the others involved in the scam. I don't know why God allowed that to happen, but I do know there is purpose in Him bringing this child to Naomi's Village attention. He will not leave us or forsake us, even the least of these, even an unnamed one month old baby boy, unwanted by his mother.
Thursday was our first day off. We went to Enashipai Resort in Naivasha, which is absolutely gorgeous. There's a spa, a restaurant, a pool, a coffee shop, a waterfall, and a lake full of hippos. We ended up taking an hour long boat tour to look at wildlife on Lake Naivasha, and it was a blast! We feasted on soup, salad, sandwiches, and fancy coffees. We had time to sit and talk, to think in solitude on God's vast creation, and to marvel at the beauty set before us as we enjoyed the day.
And today, it's already Friday- and what a packed day it was! I took my two 2nd graders to the dining hall this morning for an hour to do some intensive reading instruction. They. Were. Perfect! Polite, focused, making attempts to sound out unknown words- I had to teach them what the word "impressed" was! I gave many high fives and many fist bumps ending in explosions. It was so encouraging! I went to spend time in Class 3 after that, and we worked on (well they worked on) Kiswahili, and then CRE (Christian Religious Education). The lesson was about God's desire for us to be fair to one another, and how it saddens him when we treat each other unfairly. I find it utterly astonishing that the Kenyan government includes this as part of their compulsory curriculum... and yet in most Kenyan public schools, 5 out of 100 pupils in each grade level are actually taught the material. The juxtaposition of the important religious lesson and the reality of what happens in public school here is staggering. I am grateful to God that the kids at Naomi's Village have loving, compassionate teachers who teach every child and stick it out until the concept is mastered. They do not physically, emotionally, or spiritually harm the children in any way, which in and of itself, is miraculous. Beyond that, every child is learning and making progress. Cornerstone Teachers are not the norm in Kenya, and I'm thankful for that!
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Naivasha Medium Security Women's Prison
So it's Thursday night here in Maai Mahiu, but it took me a whole day to process what happened when we went to the Naivasha Women's Medium Security Prison yesterday.
We went to do some outreach, bringing clothing for children and some school supplies. You may be wondering what business we had taking children's items to a women's prison. In Kenya, when a woman is incarcerated, her children go to prison with her. It's quite unbelievable to ponder that children are actually doing time along with their mothers. But then your gaze widens, and you think about Kenyan culture in a broader sense. Many of these women have children but are not married, or are no longer married. Women are disrespected greatly by the majority of men here. If women find themselves in the unsavory event of having to serve time in prison- who else would care for their children? Certainly not the man who raped them and impregnated them in the first place, or the husband and father who has abandoned his family. Truly, the best place for these children is with their mothers.
We arrived in the afternoon, and walked through the sterile gated environment which these women see everyday. As we entered the prison yard area, the women stood and welcomed us with song. Their voices were loud and beautiful. We observed all types of women: young and old, short and tall, bone thin and more plump. They were clean, smiling, and all wearing a navy frock or pants and shirt with thin white vertical stripes. Seventy five women and twenty children live at the prison. We were welcomed very regally by the director, and she was also very kind. Her greeting of "Karibu sana", or "You are most welcome," was very sincere. She went on to say that the women at the prison, although they were serving a sentence, were dearly loved by the guards and other staff, and they were trying to teach them better ways to behave so when they are able to go out into the community, they will be successful and make better choices.
We gave candy to the kids who were there- some of the other kids were at school- but the littles were with their mamas. We left a big bouncy ball (think kickball) and a soccer ball for the older kids. We were also able to give each little child a new pair of shoes, supplies for school, and we left about 8 newborn kits- bags with a small shirt, a hat, a diaper, a burpcloth, and a blanket. Many women are pregnant when they enter jail, so they give birth while incarcerated and have nothing besides what the hospital provides. What just absolutely blows me away is that Naomi's Village does not clasp tightly to the things they are given- rather, they give out of what has been given to them- and even moreso, they give beyond what has been given to them. I mean, what kind of nonprofit gives good gifts to those in need- not simply the left overs or hand me downs that have already been used? This is one of the many reasons I love the Jesus I see in Bob and Julie so much. Their hearts are one with His- to give- to whomever has need- not just the sweet kiddos at Naomi's Village. This is Jesus' love lived here and now.
Once we were done with handing things out, Julie spoke to the women about the Gospel and the unconditional love of Jesus. The women sang beautifully again, and we were thanked most respectfully and prayed for by a young woman who had very good English skills. This led us to believe that she had previously had schooling, and she was bright. We found out that when she was in Grade 8, she stole a cell phone so she could make some money to pay her school fees. She was caught, and given 4 years in prison. This young girl was sitting next to a woman who was in jail for 5 years for abandoning her newborn child. You can see how different the crimes are, but how similar the punishments are. Mind blowing.
After the prayer of the young woman, we were invited to take a tour of the prison. The prison director showed us to a room where guards teach the prisoners how to do all types of handiwork for sale, so they will have some trades when they leave prison. There was embroidery, beadwork, crocheting, knitting- obviously, right up my alley! It was so great to see that these women were being empowered, regardless of the crimes they had committed. The prison director said that very few women return to the prison, so it seems they are doing better for themselves once their time has been served.
After we left the workshop, we were escorted to the prison director's office. There we were served the most delicious lunch! We were overwhelmed with the generosity and hospitality shown to us. Here we were, trying to serve these women and the guards who work with them, yet we were the ones being blessed. We had this amazing beef, pea, and carrot stew with the. most. delicious. chapati. I. have. ever. eaten. in. my. life. It was perfectly cooked, thin as a tortilla, and basically all around outstanding. To top it off, there was one Stoney (the best ginger soda I've ever had) and it was all mine.
The most amazing thing about this director was that she had worked in the Kenyan prison system for 23 years. That's 23 long years of loving, helping, and serving these broken women. She has only been at Naivasha for 18 months. It seems that the start of a great relationship has been formed, and it will only continue to get stronger with the identical visions of loving the unlovable and the oppressed. Once we ate and thanked the prison director, we were back in the land cruiser, marveling at what our God has done and continues to do in Kenya. One step at a time, one child at a time, one woman at a time, standing up for what is right one by one. Kenya is changing- there is evidence all around me.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
We went to do some outreach, bringing clothing for children and some school supplies. You may be wondering what business we had taking children's items to a women's prison. In Kenya, when a woman is incarcerated, her children go to prison with her. It's quite unbelievable to ponder that children are actually doing time along with their mothers. But then your gaze widens, and you think about Kenyan culture in a broader sense. Many of these women have children but are not married, or are no longer married. Women are disrespected greatly by the majority of men here. If women find themselves in the unsavory event of having to serve time in prison- who else would care for their children? Certainly not the man who raped them and impregnated them in the first place, or the husband and father who has abandoned his family. Truly, the best place for these children is with their mothers.
We arrived in the afternoon, and walked through the sterile gated environment which these women see everyday. As we entered the prison yard area, the women stood and welcomed us with song. Their voices were loud and beautiful. We observed all types of women: young and old, short and tall, bone thin and more plump. They were clean, smiling, and all wearing a navy frock or pants and shirt with thin white vertical stripes. Seventy five women and twenty children live at the prison. We were welcomed very regally by the director, and she was also very kind. Her greeting of "Karibu sana", or "You are most welcome," was very sincere. She went on to say that the women at the prison, although they were serving a sentence, were dearly loved by the guards and other staff, and they were trying to teach them better ways to behave so when they are able to go out into the community, they will be successful and make better choices.
We gave candy to the kids who were there- some of the other kids were at school- but the littles were with their mamas. We left a big bouncy ball (think kickball) and a soccer ball for the older kids. We were also able to give each little child a new pair of shoes, supplies for school, and we left about 8 newborn kits- bags with a small shirt, a hat, a diaper, a burpcloth, and a blanket. Many women are pregnant when they enter jail, so they give birth while incarcerated and have nothing besides what the hospital provides. What just absolutely blows me away is that Naomi's Village does not clasp tightly to the things they are given- rather, they give out of what has been given to them- and even moreso, they give beyond what has been given to them. I mean, what kind of nonprofit gives good gifts to those in need- not simply the left overs or hand me downs that have already been used? This is one of the many reasons I love the Jesus I see in Bob and Julie so much. Their hearts are one with His- to give- to whomever has need- not just the sweet kiddos at Naomi's Village. This is Jesus' love lived here and now.
Once we were done with handing things out, Julie spoke to the women about the Gospel and the unconditional love of Jesus. The women sang beautifully again, and we were thanked most respectfully and prayed for by a young woman who had very good English skills. This led us to believe that she had previously had schooling, and she was bright. We found out that when she was in Grade 8, she stole a cell phone so she could make some money to pay her school fees. She was caught, and given 4 years in prison. This young girl was sitting next to a woman who was in jail for 5 years for abandoning her newborn child. You can see how different the crimes are, but how similar the punishments are. Mind blowing.
After the prayer of the young woman, we were invited to take a tour of the prison. The prison director showed us to a room where guards teach the prisoners how to do all types of handiwork for sale, so they will have some trades when they leave prison. There was embroidery, beadwork, crocheting, knitting- obviously, right up my alley! It was so great to see that these women were being empowered, regardless of the crimes they had committed. The prison director said that very few women return to the prison, so it seems they are doing better for themselves once their time has been served.
After we left the workshop, we were escorted to the prison director's office. There we were served the most delicious lunch! We were overwhelmed with the generosity and hospitality shown to us. Here we were, trying to serve these women and the guards who work with them, yet we were the ones being blessed. We had this amazing beef, pea, and carrot stew with the. most. delicious. chapati. I. have. ever. eaten. in. my. life. It was perfectly cooked, thin as a tortilla, and basically all around outstanding. To top it off, there was one Stoney (the best ginger soda I've ever had) and it was all mine.
The most amazing thing about this director was that she had worked in the Kenyan prison system for 23 years. That's 23 long years of loving, helping, and serving these broken women. She has only been at Naivasha for 18 months. It seems that the start of a great relationship has been formed, and it will only continue to get stronger with the identical visions of loving the unlovable and the oppressed. Once we ate and thanked the prison director, we were back in the land cruiser, marveling at what our God has done and continues to do in Kenya. One step at a time, one child at a time, one woman at a time, standing up for what is right one by one. Kenya is changing- there is evidence all around me.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
Monday, June 16, 2014
African Children Deserve Better
Today was a great day. We went to celebrate Africa Children's Day in Naivasha, which is where the district office for the area schools is located. It took us about 30 minutes to get there from Naomi's Village. The best thing about today was: the event was starting at 8:30, we arrived an hour late... And we were still the first school there! Flo (the NV Social Worker) and I had a big laugh about that. Luckily, I knew some of the details about today because some friends from last years team got to go in 2013 so I was able to prepare Ashley and Allie. Info Point #1- if you have to use the bathroom, just don't. Don't do it. Info Point #2- many Kenyan school children will swarm around you wanting to touch your skin and hair. Do not be afraid.
One thing I wasn't prepared for was the 30 minute parade we walked with all the schoolchildren and teachers. We walked through the streets of Naivasha, declaring free compulsory education for all African children. There were signs stating, "Stop the Abuse" and "No More Rape". This event started in 1991. After 23 years, I wonder how much has really changed.
What I mean is this: we were sitting after the parade, listening to school after school recite poems and act out skits about children getting free compulsory education... And up walk two chokolas (street children)- a brother and sister. They were dirty, with clothing much too big for them, and certainly didn't belong to any of the school represented at the celebration. They see this gathering of children and adults, and walk up to have something to do on an otherwise ordinary Monday. And you know what happened? They were largely ignored for much of the day. No one spoke to them, no one paid them any mind at all- it was as if they were invisible. I am smiling and waving, like the crazy mzungu that I am- and all I get in return are wary stares from this brother and sister. The boy is about 7 and the girl is about 4. After awhile, I am given a seat under the shaded tent, near where these two children are sitting on the ground. I get the girl to come to me, but she knows no English. I pick her up and place her in my lap. The lady next to me helps me learn her name - it is, of course, Faith. This makes me well up with tears. I just hold her, patting her back, giving her hugs, stroking her face... She is dirty and has some sort of dry skin condition on her scalp. Her shirt is stained brown and is falling loosely around her shoulders. I just keep saying to her, "Nakupende, Faith." (I love you, Faith). She lays her head on my shoulder, and sighs deeply. I am sitting in here in the midst of a rally for free compulsory education, and I'm the only one noticing these two tag-a-longs?
When it was time to go, Faith would not let go of my hand. I had to get Teacher David to help communicate to her that it was time for us to go. All I could think of when I was with her was that I wanted to help her, give her something. Yet nothing I possessed at that moment would benefit her. Instead I attempted to give her an intangible something- love. I hope that she felt loved and comforted for those 30 minutes I was holding her.
One thing I wasn't prepared for was the 30 minute parade we walked with all the schoolchildren and teachers. We walked through the streets of Naivasha, declaring free compulsory education for all African children. There were signs stating, "Stop the Abuse" and "No More Rape". This event started in 1991. After 23 years, I wonder how much has really changed.
What I mean is this: we were sitting after the parade, listening to school after school recite poems and act out skits about children getting free compulsory education... And up walk two chokolas (street children)- a brother and sister. They were dirty, with clothing much too big for them, and certainly didn't belong to any of the school represented at the celebration. They see this gathering of children and adults, and walk up to have something to do on an otherwise ordinary Monday. And you know what happened? They were largely ignored for much of the day. No one spoke to them, no one paid them any mind at all- it was as if they were invisible. I am smiling and waving, like the crazy mzungu that I am- and all I get in return are wary stares from this brother and sister. The boy is about 7 and the girl is about 4. After awhile, I am given a seat under the shaded tent, near where these two children are sitting on the ground. I get the girl to come to me, but she knows no English. I pick her up and place her in my lap. The lady next to me helps me learn her name - it is, of course, Faith. This makes me well up with tears. I just hold her, patting her back, giving her hugs, stroking her face... She is dirty and has some sort of dry skin condition on her scalp. Her shirt is stained brown and is falling loosely around her shoulders. I just keep saying to her, "Nakupende, Faith." (I love you, Faith). She lays her head on my shoulder, and sighs deeply. I am sitting in here in the midst of a rally for free compulsory education, and I'm the only one noticing these two tag-a-longs?
When it was time to go, Faith would not let go of my hand. I had to get Teacher David to help communicate to her that it was time for us to go. All I could think of when I was with her was that I wanted to help her, give her something. Yet nothing I possessed at that moment would benefit her. Instead I attempted to give her an intangible something- love. I hope that she felt loved and comforted for those 30 minutes I was holding her.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Settling In
Today was our first "on the ground" day at Naomi's Village. We had church this morning, followed by a lunch with the Cornerstone Teachers, and a meeting discussing our role and how we would be working with the classes at Cornerstone. It was a great meeting with lots of questions, laughter, and talk. Of course, as happened last year, many teachers were surprised to hear the American teachers have similar problems in their classrooms as Kenyan teachers do- students who can't read as well as they should be able to, those who avoid completing work, those who have behavior issues.
I was asked many questions about Gifted and Talented students and we began formulating a list of students I should be testing based on teacher recommendations. I will be working mostly in Grade 2 with Teacher Samiyu- helping fill in some gaps that some students have in Reading. I'm also going to work in Grade 3 with Teacher David- managing classroom climate and student behaviors. I will be teaching art every Friday afternoon- my hope is to give the kids an outlet other than sports and playing with toys.
If you just read the last paragraph, you will see how perfectly God has formulated this summer specifically to my passions and niches within education. GT, Reading intervention, behaviorist approaches, AND art?!?! This is SO my jam. I can't wait to get in there and get started! My full schedule will begin on Friday, because Monday is Africa Children's Day, so we are taking the kids to the local celebration and they are performing. Tuesday through Thursday is the next round of Exams (Kenya has 3 rounds of exams per school year for each class).
This morning, I was reading in Luke, and just pouring over the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth- advanced in years, barren- and yet, God gave them John the Baptist in His perfect timing and will. I feel like I'm in this place- this unknown about my future, like if I say "yes" in one area, I'm giving up the opportunity for other things that I desire to come to pass. I'm just like, "why can't I have it all?" in typical selfish fashion. I have earnestly prayed for God to remove desires if they're not from Him, but they are still here, just hanging out in the corners of my heart. After reading about Elizabeth this morning, I know for certain: "For nothing will be impossible with God!"
My role is not to worry or concern myself with what might be, or even what might be missed. My role is to live with arms wide and heart abandoned, in awe of the One who made it all. If nothing is impossible when God is in charge, then I have nothing to fear. I need this reminder daily- hourly, even. All that I feel called to walk toward are not all things that run parallel to each other- some of them are contradicting each other at this very moment. Tonight, after a day full of planning and worship and teaching and making Skype calls happen- I know for sure that I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing today. I know tomorrow will be just as it should be. If I believe that, then I also must believe in God's goodness one year, five years, ten years from now.
Thank you for those who have been praying for us. We arrived safely to Naomi's Village and have been having a BLAST being the only 3 at the guesthouse. It will be so great to have more people from teams show up within the next week. I really think having this time with just us 3 has been very instrumental in bonding us together and helping us spend quality time together.
Prayer Requests:
Praise- My foot does NOT hurt at all! I have been using my golf balls from Leslie and Ken, and the essential oils from Amy to assist with that issue- and it has been great! Please continue to pray that there will be no more pain.
Pray for my sleep. I have been sleeping so well, but I am waking up at horribly early times and not being able to go back to sleep, which makes me want to go to bed early the next night, but then I wake up early again. I am going to try to stay up until 10 tonight (Bananagrams marathon game!!!)
I was asked many questions about Gifted and Talented students and we began formulating a list of students I should be testing based on teacher recommendations. I will be working mostly in Grade 2 with Teacher Samiyu- helping fill in some gaps that some students have in Reading. I'm also going to work in Grade 3 with Teacher David- managing classroom climate and student behaviors. I will be teaching art every Friday afternoon- my hope is to give the kids an outlet other than sports and playing with toys.
If you just read the last paragraph, you will see how perfectly God has formulated this summer specifically to my passions and niches within education. GT, Reading intervention, behaviorist approaches, AND art?!?! This is SO my jam. I can't wait to get in there and get started! My full schedule will begin on Friday, because Monday is Africa Children's Day, so we are taking the kids to the local celebration and they are performing. Tuesday through Thursday is the next round of Exams (Kenya has 3 rounds of exams per school year for each class).
This morning, I was reading in Luke, and just pouring over the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth- advanced in years, barren- and yet, God gave them John the Baptist in His perfect timing and will. I feel like I'm in this place- this unknown about my future, like if I say "yes" in one area, I'm giving up the opportunity for other things that I desire to come to pass. I'm just like, "why can't I have it all?" in typical selfish fashion. I have earnestly prayed for God to remove desires if they're not from Him, but they are still here, just hanging out in the corners of my heart. After reading about Elizabeth this morning, I know for certain: "For nothing will be impossible with God!"
My role is not to worry or concern myself with what might be, or even what might be missed. My role is to live with arms wide and heart abandoned, in awe of the One who made it all. If nothing is impossible when God is in charge, then I have nothing to fear. I need this reminder daily- hourly, even. All that I feel called to walk toward are not all things that run parallel to each other- some of them are contradicting each other at this very moment. Tonight, after a day full of planning and worship and teaching and making Skype calls happen- I know for sure that I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing today. I know tomorrow will be just as it should be. If I believe that, then I also must believe in God's goodness one year, five years, ten years from now.
Thank you for those who have been praying for us. We arrived safely to Naomi's Village and have been having a BLAST being the only 3 at the guesthouse. It will be so great to have more people from teams show up within the next week. I really think having this time with just us 3 has been very instrumental in bonding us together and helping us spend quality time together.
Allie, Paul, Me and Ashley enjoying lunch at Java House on Friday!
Malindi Macchiato from Java House- had one for you Megan!
Prayer Requests:
Praise- My foot does NOT hurt at all! I have been using my golf balls from Leslie and Ken, and the essential oils from Amy to assist with that issue- and it has been great! Please continue to pray that there will be no more pain.
Pray for my sleep. I have been sleeping so well, but I am waking up at horribly early times and not being able to go back to sleep, which makes me want to go to bed early the next night, but then I wake up early again. I am going to try to stay up until 10 tonight (Bananagrams marathon game!!!)
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Travel Time
Well, we made it! We are at GraceHouse in Nairobi. We had a few fun adventures to get here! First, all of my close friends who went to Kenya with me last year surprised me at the airport for a mini send off. It was the best! Kathy made a "Jill Ann" sign and everything! There was even cheering involved, although some would say it was chanting, NOT cheering (boys). Lindsay, Megan, Deanna, Ryan, Bryan, Britt, Kathy, Grace, Kim, Carolyn and my mom gathered around Ashley and I , joined by her mom, dad, and brother, to pray for us as we were getting ready to go through security. I gotta say, it meant so much to me.
We had a great first flight from DFW to Heathrow, and made our connecting flight in plenty of time! That was an answer to prayer because it was a very short connection (55 mins) and we had to go through security again in London. We met Allie at the gate or our next flight and boarded with her. This is when things started to get... "interesting".
We had this lady on our flight who was screaming and yelling, getting in people's faces, and basically being an unruly passenger. At one point, there were 5 flight attendants and the PILOT talking to her. Umm, I'm sorry, I think he should, you know, be flying the plane right now crazy?!? Then, I was standing up near the restroom, trying to get my lil smokie toes to reduce in size- and I hear a flight attendant on the phone, saying, "yes, she's in the back far left. We need another person back here to watch her or she's going to punch someone else." Umm, what? someone else?!? who had already been punched? So weird.
Finally, we got to Nairobi, went through customs, got our bags... and found our driver. He had a four door white car to take us to GraceHouse. Here is a photo of how the logistics worked in that small car with our giant bags:
Allie and I were sitting on actual car seats, while Ashley sat on our laps- with a 60 lb duffel bag on her lap and pushing into my lungs. The driver had 3 bags piled up next to him in the front, and Allie had about 6 bags piled up next to her in one of the back seats. We were cracking up, getting real cozy, and taking our first of what I'm sure will be many zany car rides here in Kenya.
When we got to GraceHouse, the guard at the gate said to our drive, "Where are the girls?" We were so covered up, that he couldn't even see us. Hilarious.
We are now cozy in our room, in fact the same room I was in last year! We are all clean, warm, and ready for tomorrow's adventures- getting our errands run, and getting on the road to Maai Mahiu!
We had a great first flight from DFW to Heathrow, and made our connecting flight in plenty of time! That was an answer to prayer because it was a very short connection (55 mins) and we had to go through security again in London. We met Allie at the gate or our next flight and boarded with her. This is when things started to get... "interesting".
We had this lady on our flight who was screaming and yelling, getting in people's faces, and basically being an unruly passenger. At one point, there were 5 flight attendants and the PILOT talking to her. Umm, I'm sorry, I think he should, you know, be flying the plane right now crazy?!? Then, I was standing up near the restroom, trying to get my lil smokie toes to reduce in size- and I hear a flight attendant on the phone, saying, "yes, she's in the back far left. We need another person back here to watch her or she's going to punch someone else." Umm, what? someone else?!? who had already been punched? So weird.
Finally, we got to Nairobi, went through customs, got our bags... and found our driver. He had a four door white car to take us to GraceHouse. Here is a photo of how the logistics worked in that small car with our giant bags:
Allie and I were sitting on actual car seats, while Ashley sat on our laps- with a 60 lb duffel bag on her lap and pushing into my lungs. The driver had 3 bags piled up next to him in the front, and Allie had about 6 bags piled up next to her in one of the back seats. We were cracking up, getting real cozy, and taking our first of what I'm sure will be many zany car rides here in Kenya.
When we got to GraceHouse, the guard at the gate said to our drive, "Where are the girls?" We were so covered up, that he couldn't even see us. Hilarious.
We are now cozy in our room, in fact the same room I was in last year! We are all clean, warm, and ready for tomorrow's adventures- getting our errands run, and getting on the road to Maai Mahiu!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
It Begins Again!
I am less than 24 hours from boarding the plane that will take me to my other home. It is finally time for me to return to Naomi's Village and live among dear brothers and sisters for 6 weeks.
The last 5 days have been a blur of fear, panic, excitement, love, laughter, tears, and a general sense of being in awe of God's timing.
First of all, I have been blessed with some of the most tender hearted and generous people in my life. Close friends, coworkers (teacher family!), and acquaintances have continued to offer help up until the very last minute- checks to go toward last minute needs, a bag of yummy snacks to take with me, friends going shopping for me (!!! This should so be a thing. I think it is, but I'm not actually fancy enough to know about it in real life), and the best roommate ever cleaning the house like a BOSS and then telling me that I am to leave everything on Wednesday- she will handle it. Are you even kidding me?!?! It is so humbling and makes me tear up (shocker, I know) to witness people banding together to assist me for the cause of bringing hope to the hopeless and change to the previously stagnant education system.
To pick up and go is much more than that when one is established- I have a home group, a house, a lawn, a dog, and three houseplants.... I can't just simply go. These pieces of me must be cared for, tended to, shepherded. So to those who are stepping up to help with home group- Paige, Chelsea, Rachel, and Mary- wow. Thank you so much. I know I will miss a great deal by not being with you this summer. I will be praying for your closeness and your community.
Those who are mowing my lawn to keep me from being the neighborhood jerk/ugliest lawn on the block- Ryan, Drew & Kristi, Mo, and Martin- you're awesome. I'm sorry if my weed eater breaks. It's just that I'm cheap, and it's janky. There's water and other yummies in the fridge for you.
To those wonderful, selfless, spectacular friends who are taking care of my Hazel girl- Carrie, Lissa, Carolyn, Morgan, Mom- words cannot express how relieved I am that you all will be taking care of her while I'm away. I'm pretty sure she's not even gonna miss me. But I want her back when I get home. No one can keep her.
Carolyn, the best roommate around, thanks for keeping up with house junk and checking the mail-not letting my Birchboxes melt in the steel case of death Lewisville calls a mailbox...watering my plants and taking care of the logistics of everyone shuttling Hazel around and coming to mow. I could never just go without your help.
As you can see- there have been so many that have stepped in to help send me. Without their commitment, I would not be able to go. I pray I will be able to help send you on a journey in some way down the road.
It's a good night, friends. Once on the plane, none of this crazy packing/getting out of school/shoving worry aside/stomachache/what ifs will even matter.
See you soon, Naomi's Village!
Prayer Requests: That our team (Ashley, Allie, and myself) would all make our different connecting flights so we can arrive in Nairobi together. Safety upon entering Nairobi
The last 5 days have been a blur of fear, panic, excitement, love, laughter, tears, and a general sense of being in awe of God's timing.
First of all, I have been blessed with some of the most tender hearted and generous people in my life. Close friends, coworkers (teacher family!), and acquaintances have continued to offer help up until the very last minute- checks to go toward last minute needs, a bag of yummy snacks to take with me, friends going shopping for me (!!! This should so be a thing. I think it is, but I'm not actually fancy enough to know about it in real life), and the best roommate ever cleaning the house like a BOSS and then telling me that I am to leave everything on Wednesday- she will handle it. Are you even kidding me?!?! It is so humbling and makes me tear up (shocker, I know) to witness people banding together to assist me for the cause of bringing hope to the hopeless and change to the previously stagnant education system.
To pick up and go is much more than that when one is established- I have a home group, a house, a lawn, a dog, and three houseplants.... I can't just simply go. These pieces of me must be cared for, tended to, shepherded. So to those who are stepping up to help with home group- Paige, Chelsea, Rachel, and Mary- wow. Thank you so much. I know I will miss a great deal by not being with you this summer. I will be praying for your closeness and your community.
Those who are mowing my lawn to keep me from being the neighborhood jerk/ugliest lawn on the block- Ryan, Drew & Kristi, Mo, and Martin- you're awesome. I'm sorry if my weed eater breaks. It's just that I'm cheap, and it's janky. There's water and other yummies in the fridge for you.
To those wonderful, selfless, spectacular friends who are taking care of my Hazel girl- Carrie, Lissa, Carolyn, Morgan, Mom- words cannot express how relieved I am that you all will be taking care of her while I'm away. I'm pretty sure she's not even gonna miss me. But I want her back when I get home. No one can keep her.
Carolyn, the best roommate around, thanks for keeping up with house junk and checking the mail-not letting my Birchboxes melt in the steel case of death Lewisville calls a mailbox...watering my plants and taking care of the logistics of everyone shuttling Hazel around and coming to mow. I could never just go without your help.
As you can see- there have been so many that have stepped in to help send me. Without their commitment, I would not be able to go. I pray I will be able to help send you on a journey in some way down the road.
It's a good night, friends. Once on the plane, none of this crazy packing/getting out of school/shoving worry aside/stomachache/what ifs will even matter.
See you soon, Naomi's Village!
Prayer Requests: That our team (Ashley, Allie, and myself) would all make our different connecting flights so we can arrive in Nairobi together. Safety upon entering Nairobi
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