Wow, I really haven't updated in a while! It seems impossible to even collect all my thoughts about what has been going on for the past week or so. Nakuru was absolutely wonderful...once again. We spent our 4th of July by going on a safari to the Nakuru National Park. It was soo amazing! We got to see tons of zebras, flamingos, rhinos, monkeys, and even lions and leopards! Rarely do many people get to see lions at this park, but we managed to be within 10 feet away! :) It was great to finally see all the animals!
So, I'm guessing you're probably wondering where I am now. Well... last night I had thought we were going back to Nairobi to spend our final days in Kibera but as we're loading up our bags TJ tells me he has booked us tickets to go to the beach in Malindi! I was so in shock! So instead of a nice 2 hour bus ride into Nairobi, we took a 12 hour bus ride to the Indian Ocean. :) When we arrived this morning we ate some lunch and walked along the beach. It's absolutely gorgeous! The white sand beneath our toes... ahh what could be better huh? The crazy thing is... all week long I kept trying to come up with something nice to give TJ or show TJ how much I've appreciated all his hard work he has done to make this trip possible. I mean really, I have had it made. For instance, when I was buying all my gifts for my family, I'd just pick something out, let him barter, while I just kept on shopping, then I'd tell the man that he'd be over to pay. I wish it were this way back at home! Haha. Anyhow, the point is I can't believe he's managed to pull this one over on me. I can't complain though. :)
Our bus ride was pretty interesting to say the least. I really got to thinking about one ladies courage on the bus though. So here we are, sitting in the very back of the bus... it's horribly bumpy, not to mention I haven't gone to the bathroom for ten hours so in the back of my mind I'm just certain I'm going to pee my pants. Out the window we see palm trees within the corn fields. Theres boxes of these baby chickens on the bus that won't stop chirping. Okay, you get the picture... It's Africa and anything is possible! Even with all this going on around us, this Sho Sho (Grandma) stands up and starts talking in Swahili, and keeps getting louder and louder. So finally I ask the smelly Kenyan beside me :) what she is talking about. He said she as sharing her testimony. My first instinct is how strange is that? But I really got to thinking... I would never have the courage to do that! I mean I distinctly remember having to talk in front of church in high school and I was so stinking nervous! It just amazes me that this lady can stand up and tell her story about how Christ has impacted her, then continue to give the opportunity for non believers to come to Christ, and have everyone pray on the bus. Seriously, who can honestly say that have experienced that in America? Anyone? I highly doubt it. So, I'm challenging myself and everyone else to get out of their comfort zone. Share His word! That's what we're all called here to do!
Well, I better go enjoy myself on that beach! :) TJ has uploaded a few pictures from the Safari. Make sure to check them out! Much love!
Jul 6, 2007
Jun 25, 2007
Yes TJ, that's right- I wore flip flops in the Jungle!
If you've read TJ's blog before mine, it's true. I definitely wore flip flops in the Kakamega Rain Forest
On a lighter note, things are going better. I was really sick yesterday, but TJ was so sweet and went into town and bought me these little bananas, sprite and a pillow. I still have a sore throat, but I'm feeling a lot better! Then last night TJ told me we were going to go out on a date for a desert. I was a little shocked, but then he pulled out the cookies and Ipod and said here we go! :) Haha. So under the mosquito net we 'went out' for a movie and desert.
The children love all the games we have brought for them. It has been challenging to teach them, but they get a hang of it after a while. We're going to be leaving on Thursday to head back to Nakuru. It is hard to believe our trip is half way over. I'm pretty certain when it comes time to leave, I'm not going to want to. Really theres just something about Africa that makes you feel so at home. I mean sure, out showers consist of a bucket of hot water, we've eaten beef and sweet potatoes for 5 days in a row, and the mesquites are horrible, but it's the people that make you enjoy every single day.
Well, it's time for TJ to go play soccer. Catch ya later! <3
On a lighter note, things are going better. I was really sick yesterday, but TJ was so sweet and went into town and bought me these little bananas, sprite and a pillow. I still have a sore throat, but I'm feeling a lot better! Then last night TJ told me we were going to go out on a date for a desert. I was a little shocked, but then he pulled out the cookies and Ipod and said here we go! :) Haha. So under the mosquito net we 'went out' for a movie and desert.
The children love all the games we have brought for them. It has been challenging to teach them, but they get a hang of it after a while. We're going to be leaving on Thursday to head back to Nakuru. It is hard to believe our trip is half way over. I'm pretty certain when it comes time to leave, I'm not going to want to. Really theres just something about Africa that makes you feel so at home. I mean sure, out showers consist of a bucket of hot water, we've eaten beef and sweet potatoes for 5 days in a row, and the mesquites are horrible, but it's the people that make you enjoy every single day.
Well, it's time for TJ to go play soccer. Catch ya later! <3
Jun 20, 2007
Kakamega
We made it to Kakamega! I must tell you about Nakuru first... Well, I LOVE Nakuru. Getting from Nairobi to Nakuru was a pretty bumpy road! Although I did get to see my first Zebra (and Keshia, I took a picture just for you!) we got in a traffic jam and then got a flat tire. So it took us about 4 hours to get there.
Ivan, Mary and their daughters Racheal and Sarah run the baby orphanage. They are so excited to have guest at any time. They are just the most caring and fun people I’ve met on this trip so far. It gets pretty loud at the orphanage considering it’s a huge orphanage with 27 little ones. So far Lucy and Joshua are my favorite little ones there. :)
On Tuesday we had the Day of the African Child. It was a lot of fun! First we had to go to the park to wait for the trucks to arrive. During this time we met some street kids which was eye opening and rather scary at the same time. They all had their glue bottles which makes them not at hungry. Pretty crazy…
Anyway, we did make it to Kakamega! Whoo Whoo! It took a while, but we did in fact make it. Please keep TJ and me in your prayers, It’s the first time we’ve had to have mosquito nets and bug spray at all times. Plus when I went to go take a shower, apparently it’s not working so the house keeper brought us a bucket of hot water. This could be an interesting 10 days.
Well, that’s all I can think of right now. TJ has been taking care of me! I am a little sick with a sore throat. Maybe I shouldn’t mention that though. :) Loves!
Ivan, Mary and their daughters Racheal and Sarah run the baby orphanage. They are so excited to have guest at any time. They are just the most caring and fun people I’ve met on this trip so far. It gets pretty loud at the orphanage considering it’s a huge orphanage with 27 little ones. So far Lucy and Joshua are my favorite little ones there. :)
On Tuesday we had the Day of the African Child. It was a lot of fun! First we had to go to the park to wait for the trucks to arrive. During this time we met some street kids which was eye opening and rather scary at the same time. They all had their glue bottles which makes them not at hungry. Pretty crazy…
Anyway, we did make it to Kakamega! Whoo Whoo! It took a while, but we did in fact make it. Please keep TJ and me in your prayers, It’s the first time we’ve had to have mosquito nets and bug spray at all times. Plus when I went to go take a shower, apparently it’s not working so the house keeper brought us a bucket of hot water. This could be an interesting 10 days.
Well, that’s all I can think of right now. TJ has been taking care of me! I am a little sick with a sore throat. Maybe I shouldn’t mention that though. :) Loves!
Jun 14, 2007
Kibera
Ahhh… I finally got to a computer that would actually be reasonably fast to check my e-mail. So sorry Mom that I haven’t gotten back to you! Right now I’m at Nukumatt with Zitah. Zitah helps out at the AIM’s orphanage. She’s also 19, so she’s been a lot of fun to hang out with. We came by the Matatu (basically a large van that 9 people cram into and it stops about every 2 min. to load more people. Haha) Anyway, so we’re going to get some more chicken for our meal tonight. I don’t want to leave Zitah waiting on me. Tomorrow as much as TJ and I don’t want to leave, we’re going to go to Nakuru. We’re already planning to come and stay at the AIM’s orphanage at the end of the month. So Zita and I are going to pick up some flowers. Sally, Patty, Sherry, and Cindy- you won’t believe this, a dozen roses is only $1.50! Once again I do feel really safe in Kibera. And to hear that coming from me, well that’s a huge statement. TJ is back watching a video with Evan so we probably won’t update again until we’re in Nakuru.
Oh and we got a cell phone here. You can call us anytime by getting an international calling card. TJ has the cell phone with him now. He has really just taken care of everything! I mean really, I don’t think I’ve had to make one contact phone call, or call the taxi driver, or pay for anything. He’s been in charge! So I don’t even know our number, but once I do, I’ll let ya know.
(Sorry that this is just a jumbled post) Also we went to the airport last night to get our bags and it was funny because TJ and I had only seen my two bags. So jokingly TJ said, “Wouldn’t that be funny if only your bags came in?” Sure enough, only my bags did! The joke wasn’t too funny after that. This morning the airport called and TJ got his bags. So he finally has clean underwear. Haha. Okay we’re going to go! Bye!
Oh and we got a cell phone here. You can call us anytime by getting an international calling card. TJ has the cell phone with him now. He has really just taken care of everything! I mean really, I don’t think I’ve had to make one contact phone call, or call the taxi driver, or pay for anything. He’s been in charge! So I don’t even know our number, but once I do, I’ll let ya know.
(Sorry that this is just a jumbled post) Also we went to the airport last night to get our bags and it was funny because TJ and I had only seen my two bags. So jokingly TJ said, “Wouldn’t that be funny if only your bags came in?” Sure enough, only my bags did! The joke wasn’t too funny after that. This morning the airport called and TJ got his bags. So he finally has clean underwear. Haha. Okay we’re going to go! Bye!
Jun 13, 2007
Finally!
Well, I can say that I have made it safely to Nairobi. To make a long story short, we missed our connecting flight and waited 7 hours in the London airport. I love it here in Kibera. The people are wonderful and the AIM’s team is awesome! My computer isn’t really working. So check out TJ’s blog. Much love!
Jun 7, 2007
A Twist in the Adventure
This morning I had a HUGE wake up call, literally. After I had gotten off the phone with Ali from AIM I literally fell to my knees and I had to be reminded of what Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; Trust also in me.” John 14:1
TJ and I are going to be in the Kibera slums for 3 days. Sure, this is something we both really felt like we needed to experience, but I must tell you, this is the first time I have put all my trust and faith in Him.
So what changed morning? Well, reality has finally set in. Kibera is the largest slum in Kenya. There are 1.2 million people living in the slums. Rarely is there running water, I’m assuming there’s no electricity and shall I mention it’s VERY dangerous! (Not exactly what any parent wants to hear.) So I’ve been told not wear jewelry, wear closed toed shoes so the worms won’t get into our toe nails, and to basically look as if you were a poor American.
So what are my emotions at this point? I’m terrified, nervous, anxious, excited, and through all this, just ready to see God work through myself. This next month isn’t going to be a vacation; it’s going to be a challenge. This week I have been constantly reminding myself of the passage in Philippians 4:11-13 it says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
I’ll admit, I love having the wireless internet at home, I enjoy taking a nice hot shower in the morning and blow drying my hair, and I love going to a cold refrigerator to get a glass of Vickee’s sweet tea. But I know in Africa it’s not going to be anything like this. So in any and every situation I must learn to be content.
Please keep me in your thought and prayer please. Especially when we’re “slummin’ it.”
Here’s the three orphanages we’ll be staying at...
TJ and I are going to be in the Kibera slums for 3 days. Sure, this is something we both really felt like we needed to experience, but I must tell you, this is the first time I have put all my trust and faith in Him.
So what changed morning? Well, reality has finally set in. Kibera is the largest slum in Kenya. There are 1.2 million people living in the slums. Rarely is there running water, I’m assuming there’s no electricity and shall I mention it’s VERY dangerous! (Not exactly what any parent wants to hear.) So I’ve been told not wear jewelry, wear closed toed shoes so the worms won’t get into our toe nails, and to basically look as if you were a poor American.
So what are my emotions at this point? I’m terrified, nervous, anxious, excited, and through all this, just ready to see God work through myself. This next month isn’t going to be a vacation; it’s going to be a challenge. This week I have been constantly reminding myself of the passage in Philippians 4:11-13 it says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
I’ll admit, I love having the wireless internet at home, I enjoy taking a nice hot shower in the morning and blow drying my hair, and I love going to a cold refrigerator to get a glass of Vickee’s sweet tea. But I know in Africa it’s not going to be anything like this. So in any and every situation I must learn to be content.
Please keep me in your thought and prayer please. Especially when we’re “slummin’ it.”
Here’s the three orphanages we’ll be staying at...
In Kibera:June 12-14
In Nakuru:June 14-19, July 4-12
In Kakamega:June 20-July 4
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." Jeremiah 17:7
May 21, 2007
Jewels
It doesn’t seem possible, but in just 20 short days TJ and I will be departing for Africa! I feel like I’ve done a lot to prepare, but at the same time I don’t feel ready at all! When I was first preparing and deciding whether this was God’s calling for me to go to Africa I was in the Christian bookstore just looking for a new Bible I saw this book called, Go Girl: Finding adventure wherever your travels lead by Marlee LeDai. The book is about women who traveled in biblical times and how as Christian women we can travel and find inspiration wherever mission God has lead us. So to make a long story short I was reading a chapter when the author went to South Africa on a mission trip. Being in a third world country she wasn’t sure how to show back her gratitude and to express God’s love to some of the African people. She had taken over a lot of cheap jewelry so when she was visiting with the African people she would take off a piece of jewelry and give to them as a gift. It was a way to express her thankfulness.I got to really thinking about her simple act and thought “I can do that!” While in Kenya I know I’ll be around a lot of girls; whether it’s at a school, in town, or at the orphanages. I would like to take jewelry over, and be able to give them a necklace, bracelet or whatever and show them that I am making a sacrifice just as Jesus has done for us. So if you have any old jewelry that you don’t wear anymore I’d be more than happy to pick it up from you so I can take it over to Kenya! Also, if you have a skirt that you don’t wear anymore and could live w/o it for a month, I’d love to take it with me! Thanks so much!
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