meadows2kenya

We're home!

2011-07-22T18:05:00.001-07:00

The team made it home safe and sound. We can't wait to share all our experiences soon!

Homeward Bound

2011-07-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

The team survived their safari and airport security (all three checkpoints).

Currently waiting on their flight which is on-time. They should be home in 24 hours.

Group Shot from Tumaini!

2011-07-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

Cheatin' Death Day 2

2011-07-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

By: Drew

So we all survived the drive back to Nairobi. That may seem like a mundane thing, but in Kenya they do not close down roads they are doing construction on. They just drive around the people working on the road. I think some pictures were taken of this, which will help those at home understand the fear and triumph of arriving safely. We are recovering in the Methodist Guest House before testing God's providence again tomorrow with bush planes into the Mosai Mera.

Leaving Tuminani is a tough task. Lucky we were able to walk the kids to school and that kept the emotions down slightly. Its sad to see the Home disappear in the rear-view mirror. We know as a team that the reason it hurts so much to leave is that our work mattered. The connections made with them were real. They are in our prayers, we know we are in theirs.

Its good to be back together as a group. The two teams have taken to each other, and honestly it makes for more targets for the lions, which increases the livelihood of survival for any single member. From here on out its fellowship, game drives, and bush planes. Wish you all at home could be here with us, but trust me when I say you will be sick of our 3000 pictures and 10 hours of video in no time.

A Quick Hello

2011-07-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Jambo!

We've had a very busy Saturday so far as everyone back home is just waking up. We enjoyed lots of time with the children of Tumaini and Huruma today. Tonight, we will be staying at the homes of members of the parish. It is so kind of them to welcome so many of us into their homes. We'll send a longer update soon. Thanks for all our your thoughts and prayers. We can feel them here on the other side of the world!

The Eastminster Team goes to Chuka

2011-07-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

-From Chuka with Love,
Written by: Drew Scholtens

For those of you who don't know the Eastminster Team broke off and headed to Chuka to visit the Kenyan Connection Kids Ministry. We left early Wednesday and headed thru Karatina on our way to Chuka. Naturally the first two ATM's didn't work, so we walked the 2nd largest open air market in all of Africa looking for a working ATM. We found an ATM and a few other "necessary" items. I was the only man in all off Karatina in shorts...Thanks Tim for pointing that out.

We eventually made it to Thutci Lodge which we were going to use as our base camp for a day. We met up with Humphrey Kanga and headed to his house, then the Kids home.

The Kenyan Connection Home is an awesome place. It is a totally different model than Tumaini, and while we try not to compare the two, it is difficult not too. Both do what they are designed to do in the God's Plan. They focus on the Family element in the Kenyan Connection model. The kids live in a house, each house has a "mama" who is for all intensive purposes...the mama... There is also a full-time helper who does not live on the property who is an "auntie" and a Social Worker who is an Uncle. In conjunction with the 17 kids in the home there is also 100+ kids living out in the community who are "sponsor" children.

The Kenyan Connection is also a much newer ministry which is still trying to get roots down, and has a lot of building ahead of it. A second house has been completed and soon a second mama will be hired and another batch of children will move in. They operate at capacity since their numbers are so low.

The Team is well. Mark's beard is filling in nicely. Soon we will not be able to distinquish him from the safari animials. Leslie is totally going with the flow. Several times today her response was "We'll just go with it". Planning is for people who are worried, not Leslie. Dick DuBose has reviewed 50% of water refining operations in East Africa, and gave a rousing talk today on greenhouse gases to Humphrey. Kathy DuBose and Jan Conkright did a great job on the crafts with the kids today. Imagine explaining to kids whose primary language is Tribal, whose second language is Swaheli, and whose third language is English how to make a box out of paper and glue stuff to it...its not as easy as it sounds. Tim is good, though without Abigale sometimes he looks lost. He has been trying hard to get something named after himself that would rival his toilets in Kokuyu. So far he has failed. But tomorrow is a new day, and Tim is a persistent man. Tom and I are great. Just sittin back, sipping on Tea, playing with children...you know the heavy lifting and what not.

Tomorrow we do some work in the morning before heading North to drive back to Nyeri. Tonight we are on home visits and loving it. We are however looking forward to re-uniting with the Meadows group. Its odd how quickly you begin to miss team-mates, and cheeseburgers buts that for another blog entry...

God calls us out of our ‘neighborhood’

2011-07-14T11:49:00.001-07:00

It feels as if overnight my little world expanded. God has called me out of my comfortable living to teach me, in part, how to better be the person he intended.

Yesterday most of the team went to Thunguma Church to paint interior walls and a gate. Two team members went to Sugarbaker Clinic to assist with patients, deliver medical supplies, and meet with staff to learn more about their work.

Julie and I were taken to Nyeri town to buy some food and supplies for the team. In particular, we were buying groceries to prepare food for the team to take to a potluck at Baraka House…yes they call it a ‘potluck’ in Kenya, too. The shopping went a lot like a scavenger hunt travelling from store to store through a bustling town, with the help of Gladys, Francis, and Elizabeth (all on staff here at Tumaini).

It’s quite humorous now to look back at our attempt to buy Mexican beef enchilada ingredients in an Indian market in Kenya. We called it our Mexi-Kenyan dish. Anyways, we had fun and unusual excitement in and among the unfamiliar. In this place I cannot see or know what is next or what to expect, let alone plan for it.

In Isaiah 40:31 we read “…but they who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.

Leading up to his mission trip God, through Jesus Christ, brought me to the very edge of where my trust in Him lies. However, I continue to learn that when I wait on His leading I can trust God’s good plan for me.

Missing everyone at home!

Leaning on God’s grace,

-Kris

p.s. The potluck went well, allowing us to fellowship with elders and leaders in the Tumaini parish this evening.

Tuesday at Tumaini

2011-07-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

This morning, many of us woke up early to give the kids a “push” to school. Some of us walked with children to the primary school which is right next to Tumaini and others made it to the secondary school—a short five minute walk. I was fortunate enough to join my prayer partner, Maureen on the walk to school and her friend Rubina. She had a mock exam in Biology for her Form 4 final which is at the end of the month, so we compared test taking strategies. After breakfast, the entire team was able to take a tour of both of the schools. I was fascinated to see the secondary school, the equivalent of high school back in the States. I graduated from high school a little over a month ago. The kids I saw studying were students just like me. They were learning many of the same things that I learned. I can only imagine the challenges of taking a final exam that covers everything that I learned in high school over the four years. At primary school, we were able to play with many of the students during their break.

After our tours of the school, the team (minus the partners meeting attendants) headed to Gatitu Church where they are building a home for the aged. We received such hospitality from the women at the church. We were served tea as soon as we arrived, before we painted the home. Lunch followed which was an incredible feast. There were many delicious dishes and multiple fruits for dessert. The women that prepared the meals were so generous to us. As a team, we applied two layers of paint to the outside of the home as well as priming a few rooms inside.

We came home to clean up before the kids arrived home. I had the pleasure of joining the children from both Huruma and Tumaini after school for a run. I ran with a girl named Caroline from Huruma and had other children around us. It was an incredible opportunity to see even more of Kenya on a 3.2 kilometer loop. Our group of runners returned back to Tumaini where we led stretches. The kids were so joyous throughout the entire run. I cannot even begin to explain how great of an opportunity it was to build even more relationships with the kids during their daily routine.

School finished and the children eventually all made it back home. Sally showed off her hula hooping skills while teaching the children how to hula hoop. We passed out bubbles as well to the kids who were able to both blow the bubbles and then chase around to pop them. A few of the older girls even did it all at the same time: they blew their bubbles; they popped them; and they were hula hooping. That’s true talent. We had devotions after school. We praised the Lord with multiple songs. The students learned the song Days of Elijah (a Meadows favorite) with the dance moves. Imani Hall was filled with all of their beautiful voices as well as their fantastic dance moves. Drew acted out the parable of the Good Samaritan with the help of some of the older boys. Everyone watched attentively as the play became very animated and silly, while still continuing to learn more about what is commanded of us.

We enjoyed yet another delicious feast for dinner. I can safely say I’ve been eating plenty while I’ve been here. The chefs here at Tumaini have continued to give us new meals to try and even introduced me to one of my favorite bread like dishes—chipati.

I can not begin to explain the joy that has been shared with me while we have been here. I’m enjoying every second that I’ve been here. The Lord is very much at work in this place and in these children’s lives. I can see it through their interactions and their love for each other, truly inspiring.

We miss you all back home. We hope that you are all very safe and healthy. Everything here is fine. We send lots of love to you from all the way across the ocean. Thank you so much for your support and prayers since we’ve been gone. They mean so much to us.

Bwana asifiwe!

- Megan

Monday at Tumaini

2011-07-12T09:25:00.001-07:00

Tonight I learned how to dance. The steps I learned from a team of girls in their colorful dormitory room and the rhythm I tried my very best to follow. What a wonderful finish to a wonderful day!! Dancing is one of my favorite things to do and the children of Tumaini Childrens’ Home in Kenya very much enjoy dancing and singing together. I am thrilled to join them any time I can! They have such joy and grace in the way they interact with other people and I admire them for that.

Today, the Tumaini Partners-including Abigail, Tim, my dad, Kathy, Julie and Wendell- met upstairs for what I think was an annual meeting while the rest of our team worked on various projects. We worked all day—touching up the red, bright blue, cream and black paint on the windows, railings and walls outside, delivering sewing materials to the Tailoring School here at Tumaini and sorting through tubs of supplies we’ve brought to give to Tumaini, Huruma Childrens’ Home and to send with the Eastminster group when they leave for Chuka. God brings us joy to serve Him as we serve and lift up our brothers and sisters here in Kenya!

We also spent time with the children when they returned home from school between 4:00 and 5:00 today. Megan and Denise directed the beginnings of work to put together a Tumaini “yearbook”. The Dierolf sisters took pictures of 50 children today, 80 more to go! We also wrote down answers to basic questions such as, “what’s your age?... favorite subject in school? … what do you want to do when you grow up?... etc” We will put each child’s answers in the book, next to their picture. It is a gift to spend some time talking with each of the children because each one of them has something special to offer. In knowing each child, I am blessed. By knowing them I know more of my Savior and my closest, dearest Friend—Jesus Christ, the Living God. He said, “Let the little children come unto me”, and I follow His example because it is true that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven!” I can see glimpses of it here in a different way then I see the kingdom in the USA.

Devotions and music followed free time, chores and tea time. We had a delicious dinner and then some of us, myself included, spent time with the kids in the study room where they work every night—very diligently, I might add. And from the study room I ended up where this blog post started—led to a dormitory room by some of my new friends, Sarah and Monica and introduced to a piece of their lives through pictures, artwork and dancing! How privileged I am to be able to share this time with all of these friends: my team mates, the children, the staff and the members of Riamukurwe Parish!

To all our friends and family, asante sana (thank you very much) for your support and prayers! Bwana asifiwe! Praise the Lord! …. Can I get an AMEN?

--Lindsay

an update

2011-07-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

Jambo!

We are finally connected to the internet. Sorry for our slow start up with the blog. We are going to try our best to get more online as soon as we can. Our internet access is much better now that the computer teacher, Anne, has arrived.

We are truly having an incredible experience. We all have made it safely to where we need to be including all of our luggage. We are taking out some of the toys and games we brought to play with the children this afternoon. We will share more stories soon!!

Hello from Kenya!

2011-07-11T04:45:00.001-07:00

We are here and doing well! I have only been in Kenya for a day and have already fallen in love with the people and our surroundings. It is so beautiful here and all of the people are so welcoming and friendly. We have been at the guest hostel for the rehabilitation hospital for the past two nights and then we left for Tumaini. I really enjoyed the ride because we got to experience Kenyan driving. Much, much different than American driving! I also enjoyed talking with our driver Vinson. I learned a lot about him in the couple hours we had to talk to each other. We ended up having a very deep and meaningful conversation about his past and how God worked through his life to save him. He was just a very friendly and interesting guy. Once we arrived at Tumaini, we immediately jumped in and began playing with them, talking to them, and just getting to know each other. I already have girls whom I feel like I know really well already. Most of the children are very open and like to talk to you about everything. I have had a wonderful experience so far with the children and I know that I was placed in this trip in order to love these kids and give them attention that they seek. I hope to blog again soon and I wanted to let you all know that everything is going great!

-Kirsten

A Warm Welcome

2011-07-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

The team experienced a warm welcome when they arrived at the Tumaini Children's home in Nyrei yesterday afternoon. After a nice lunch they spent the afternoon with the children. It was a grand reunion for the returning team members and an opportunity to make new friends for all. Everyone is already feeling blessed by the experience.

Made It Safely

2011-07-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

God is Good - All the Time

I just spoke with my daughters from Kenya. Their internet access is marginal so they asked me to make a a quick post to let everyone know that both the Meadows and Eastminster team members made it safely to Kenya with all their luggage and supplies. Today is a travel recovery day and they head to Nyeri tomorrow. -Dave Dierolf

All the Time - God is Good

Countdown to Kenya

2011-07-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

This time tomorrow our team will be sitting in Dulles airport waiting to board our first flight. It is so exciting to be embarking on a trip we have been planning for so long. We are so thankful for all the support you have given that has made it possible for us to go on this trip.

We will be using this blog to keep in touch with everyone back home. We will try to update it as much as possible. Different team members will be sharing their thoughts so you'll get to hear lots of different perspectives.

Finally, we hope you'll join us in prayer for our trip. We are including a prayer calendar with this post to give you an idea of our daily prayer requests.

Click here for the prayer calendar!

Weiglein Advance Team

2011-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Catch up with Mike and Vail (who have already been in Kenya for a week) over at www.notagrainofsense.wordpress.com

Here we go again!

2010-09-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Kenya 2011 Team! We'll try to use this site to connect as we prepare to go back to Kenya -- in just 10 months!

The Parachute Movie

2008-08-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

The important work of missions! One of my favorite video clips from the trip. What fun it was to play with these precious kids. --Timothy

Home at Last

2008-07-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

We are back home safe and sound. A long trip but it is great to be at home. Thanks to everyone for the prayers.

Many from the team should be in church tomorrow morning. We have many stories to tell.

God bless everyone that has been a part of this trip, team members, families that stayed behind, financial supporters, and everyone that prayed for us and God bless the people of Kenya.

From Julie - Friday Evening at the Airport

2008-07-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all our family and friends from Kenya! We are winding up our final activities here and our thoughts and conversations keep drifting back to you. We send you our love and look forward to being reunited with each one of you.

Yesterday, we spent the day on safari where we spied a leopard in the bushes, more wildabeasts than we could ever count and myriad other animals you have, no doubt,already read about. The day was pleasantly warm and we enjoyed our time together marveling at God's amazing creations. We stopped on the savannah for a picnic prepared for us by the lodge-tomato sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, and some fruit. Everything tastes better when you're picnicking!

After lunch we visited a Masai village where all huts are built around a central "yard" which serves as the cattle corral every evening. We were greeted by a show of dancing and singing by the Masai women. While the women sang, several young men jumped in the air as though they had springs on their feet! A few of our men joined the jumping team,but did NOT put the Masai men to shame (although Tim came close)!

We were invited to go into their huts to see how they live. They exist under the most meager conditions I have ever seen. Their homes, built by the women, are made mainly from cattle dung which is in abundant supply! The huts are very dark, incredibly tiny and the only "furniture" was a table and mats on the floor for beds. There were about 20 young children who sat in a line to greet us-they seemed intrigued, although they have seen many others like us before! We understood all the other children were attending a nearby Masai school.

The Masai are quite creative people who earn income by making and selling jewelry, wood carvings,and beautiful red woven fabric. (The red color helps keep them safe amongst the wild animals!) We were treated to an open air craft market just outside the walls of the compound-we got some good deals!

We headed back after a long hot day enjoying a real shower before gathering for dinner. As the hippos serenaded us to sleep, we prepared for a quick early morning safari before leaving this beautiful, intriguing land.

To bring this to a close, we began our journey back home, not really looking forward to our long flights, but excited to be back with our loved ones! Thank you all for your support, love, and prayers. We could not have made this wonderful trip without you. We look forward to sharing all of our Kenya adventures with you!

In His name,

Julie & Mom :)

Heading Home

2008-07-18T23:54:00.001-07:00

We are in Heathrow Airport London after an 8 hour flight from Nairobi. Everything looks good for BA flight 265 and on time arrival at Dulles around 12:45.

I think everyone is excited to be heading home.

Julie wrote a blog entry for yesterday but it looks like I'll need to wait until I get home to post it.

-Dave

from the Mara Safari Club

2008-07-17T09:27:00.001-07:00

16 July 2008, Masai Mara

God made the wild animals according to their kinds...and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
- Genesis 1:25

Today started on a somewhat sad note as we said good bye to our drivers Boniface and James who have transported us around Kenya the last two weeks safely and with good humor. We have been thankful for their friendship as they have navigated us not only on the highways, but through some of the finer points of the language and culture as well. Boniface helped us particularly by letting us know how "terrible" the Matatu drivers are (Matatus being Toyota vans that carry up to 14 people and serve as taxis all over the country). According to him they behave worse than the baboons. He really doesn't like them. These two have been a gift to us in a country we don't know much about.

After they dropped us off at Wilson airport we boarded a plane for the Masai Mara in the Western part of the country to go on Safari for a few days. A few of us (I may or may not have been a part of this) rushed ahead to get window seats so we could have a great view of the African countryside for the 45 minute flight. As a result we were somewhat dispersed throughout the plane and ended up sitting with people we didn't know. This led to many conversations about why we were in Kenya and our faith in general. It's funny how God uses even something as silly and selfish as trying to get window seats on plane. Another cool part of the flight was being able to see Masai villages along the way. The Masai are a cattle herding tribe in the area who always wear red and have distinctive village set-ups. We plan to visit one of their villages tomorrow. Apparently the Masai are also good businesspeople and will be more than happy to take our money when we visit.

After we touched down on the dirt landing strip we were driven to our accommodations at the Mara Safari Club. About halfway to the club our drivers pulled over to the edge of the river so we could watch a herd of Hippopotamus napping in the water and mud, not to mention the crocodile hanging out nearby. This was just the beginning of a spectacular day of watching wildlife. The first thing we realized is that the Mara is what most of us westerners picture in our minds when we think of Africa. It is so wide open and beautiful. Another nice aspect of being on safari here is that our drivers are not restricted to roads and will drive straight up to the animals we want to look at. One highlight of the day included being within ten yards of a pride of lions that included several cubs. We came upon this find early in the trip and it was exciting for everyone as lions are on the shortlist of animals we all want to see. We came across more lions as we were headed home in the early evening and they were headed out on the hunt. This included seeing two male lions (we hadn't seen any of them before) and also some female lions stalking a group of Wildebeest. We thought about sticking around to see what might happen, but it was getting dark and our driver said it may be hours before there was any action as lions are patient hunters. We also came within yards of a herd of elephants, apparently somewhat rare this time of year as they stick more to the trees in the dry season. Probably the biggest treat of the day was finding a leopard! Once again we were very close. Leopards tend to be reclusive and stay in the woods, so this was a rare find indeed! Even our drivers were excited.

Other animals we saw today - an ostrich, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, zebras, giraffes, topis, a hartebeest, a jackal, a hyena, a warthog, buffalo, dik-diks, some sort of monkey, and many varieties of birds. It is a privilege to be in such a wonderful part of God's creation. We have been asked throughout our time here if we were going to go see the wildlife, as Kenyans are very proud of this aspect of their country and want to share it with visitors. I can see why. Tim commented on how great it is that Kenya's national treasures are the creations God has placed here as opposed to any man made monuments. Well said Tim.

As much fun as we are having now, I know we all miss the kids at Tumaini and wish we could still be with them. I know for me it is weird to still be here and not be with them. We also recognize that the trip is winding down and we are only here for two more days. We look forward to returning home to see everyone we love and miss.

Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray, especially for the different ministries we have worked with here. They are making big impact on the people and communities they touch.

Grace and peace in Christ -
Mike

Hello from Nairobi

2008-07-15T21:21:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, today was to be our visit to the Beacon of Hope ministry in the nearby town of Ongata Rongai. This particular ministry works with the people who reside in the sizable slum found in that town. The team knew that this was an important visit to make; however, as this area, particularly the slum, had seen some incidence of violence in the post-election period there was some concern over the safety of the team during the visit. But with reassurance from our travel agent, Peter Kariuki, we continued with our visit.

I should mention that we were graciously hosted by the Kariuki family yesterday evening. Peter, his wonderful wife, Esther, and their daughter, Mercy, warmly welcomed us home. We were amply fed and treated as the family members they consider us to be. They send their greetings and love to our support family in the states.

(Continuing with the Beacon of Hope visit.)

As I said, we were told that the visit was safe, and so we pressed on. After the 45 minute drive on the roller coaster that is a Kenyan highway we arrived at the Beacon of Hope compound. We were warmly received and given a tour of the facility; which includes an HIV/AIDS clinic, administrative offices, a vocational school and shop, and a preschool for community children.

After spending our time at the compound we took a brief drive through the slum area before heading back to Nairobi.

Their is a great deal one could share from the day: the hopeful faces of HIV+ patients at the testing and treatment clinic, the bright faces of the children who were overjoyed just to run their hands through your hair, or the smiles and voices of children greeting us as we visited the slums.

Today we saw the overflowing joy in lives many consider to be hopeless. We saw plans and people excited for how God might work in the lives of those who have nothing. We saw people who understood care for the poor to be a scriptural and spiritual obligation, rather than a gracious act of charity. Today we saw and heard stories of our brothers and sisters living and dying in ways and places that they were not created to live or die in. These people, who are so rich in hope, can be counted among the least of these, and it is necessary for us to love them as Christ loves them. The Beacon of Hope ministry is certainly living up to its name as it answers God's call to serve the poor no matter how hopeless the situation or circumstances might seem.

Love,

Griffin Bonham

Sat-Mon

2008-07-15T07:33:00.001-07:00

Tuesday morning July 15 - by Dave

It has been a busy few days. Saturday was a fun day at Tumaini. I started my day with a 10K run through the Kenya countryside. Running with the Kenyans was quite the experience but there was no way I could keep up with the young ones. Luckily coach Titus took pity on me and stayed back.

The secondary school students go to school for half the day but everyone else had the day off, sort of. If you call washing your clothes in a five gallon bucket a day of rest. I tried it and it is not the easiest way to wash. Water does not seem to be a problem but when you have that many children filling five gallon buckets the water pressure goes way down. We had lots of time to interact with the children. Many members of the team went to Nyeri town but since I had the chance on last Tuesday I stayed behind. The afternoon was filled with volleyball, frisbee, table tennis, and football. Will even taught a few a little all American baseball. Dinner Saturday night was a goodbye banquet. We are certainly not in want of food. I think most will come home a little heavier than we left.

On Sunday morning the parish had an all congregation (8 churches) worship service for the ordination of elders. The service was to go from 10:30 until it finished. We had to leave in the middle of the service to get a quick lunch and head on our way. Many of the children skipped out early too for a tearful goodbye. A piece of each of our hearts is staying behind.

We jumped in our vehicles and headed north to Nanuki for some rest and recovery time. Crossed the equator and jumped back into summer. Of course we are at over 6000 feet in elevation so summer was anything but hot. We arrived at Sweetwaters in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and had not been inside for more than a few minutes when we came upon some giraffes right beside the road. It was breathtaking. After checking into our room we went out on a game drive. We saw rhinos, gazelle, impalas, warthogs, giraffes, zebras and plenty of amazing birds. A treat was petting Morani the black rhino. They like to be scratched behind the ears. When you see these animals you know God has quite a sense of humor.

Monday we awoke to a beautiful sunrise. We stayed in tents but did not rough it at all. These tents had ceramic tile, flush toilets and a wonderful shower. Mount Kenya was completely visible. Most of the time she hides behind the clouds. After a hearty breakfast we went game driving again. A day where the adjectives just run out. After lunch we went to a spinners and weavers mission that helps 107 women. They spin, weave and knit beautiful wool treasures. I was fascinated by the natural ways they dye the wool. Then we headed back to Nairobi and after a long and sometimes very bumpy ride we arrived at Peter and Ester Kariuki's home for more food. Peter is our travel agent and they were most gracious hosts. Today we will spend time with the Beacon of Hope ministry here in Nairobi.

Everyone is well. At this point I know everyone is missing home. This has truly been a life changing experience.

Love, peace and joy, Dave

Friday, July 11

2008-07-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

Friday:

Our time at Tumiani is ending very quickly. We spent our day finishing projects and giving all the supplies we brought.

We painted some offices at the primary school. It has been very difficult to leave work undone and to say no when people ask if we can do other projects. It was a joy, though, to see the chalkboards we painted with the day's lesson on them.

We delivered supplies to Huruma, the primary and secondary school, and the tailoring program. Julie was able to spend time at the tailoring program and my dad taught a class for the computer program. It was exciting to see all the different talents God put to use in Kenya.

Most of our team also met with the partnership committee.

The best part of the day was worshiping with the children during their Friday night worship. It was so beautiful to be jumping and dancing for Lord with these children. The music was incredible. It was especially striking the listen to these children sing about counting your blessings. The heart the children have for Christ is extraordinary.

Thursday, July 10

2008-07-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2008

TUMAINI, Timothy McConnell

This morning we visited a clinic supported by Rev. Tolley, who came to speak to Meadows in February when we had a mission dinner to support the trip. It was a joy to see the dreams and promises of a new clinic dedicated to underprivileged children coming to fruition. While we were there, we found out that just this morning, before we arrived, the government official in charge had come by to deliver a long awaited letter certifying the clinic for operation! What a divine coincidence that we were there to celebrate this new beginning with Eve and her friends.

After that we traveled to a large hospital that exists by cooperation between PCEA (Pres. Ch. East Africa) and PCUSA called Tumutumu Hospital. The conditions were difficult, although so much better than what is often expected in Africa, and the visit brought tears to our eyes and deep emotions. God is truly given joy when any of the least of these are comforted in their illness.

Next to Karatima market, which our hosts attest is the second largest open air market in Africa. We moved through there very quickly! No shopping yet!

VBS is going great, and today was the fourth day of hosting over one hundred children between two different sessions. We all cherish this time, because we get to see the children smile, we get to hear them sing songs of worship, we get to hear them laugh at silly skits and games, and we truly feel that God has given us a privilege with this opportunity to bring joy to children who have known such grief.

So God has continued to show us little miracles each day that keep us inspired, and keep us laughing. We laughed yesterday that I had put Huruma Home (a different orphanage run by the same administration) on the prayer calendar for that day long before anyone knew that we would be there that very day! But today I regret asking you to pray about sickness among us, because sure enough, one of the team was quite sick this morning--but your prayers must also have helped as she now feels fine.

What really counts is the story of the faith in Jesus Christ found among these children, and bursting forth in their every word and deed. It is hard to be so far from home, but it is so amazing to give these precious little ones a taste of the love and happiness we know every day back home.

Thank you for your prayers! Keep it up, as we can feel your prayers keeping us going.

PS -- a special "hello" to Ellie, Jack, and Peter. Hi! We love you dearly and miss you every day, but we share your love with these dear kids who are just like you but without Moms and Dads, and we'll be home soon. So sorry email is still not working, but hopefully it will soon!

Wednesday, July 9

2008-07-12T02:11:00.000-07:00

Jambo from Tumaini! We send you greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We've had another marvelous day here in Kenya. Our days have been full of activity. Today a few of us rose early in order to see the children as they walked to school. We said good-bye to many who were heading out from Tumaini. Their school day begins at 7 a.m. Primary

school lets out at 3 p.m., and secondary students get out at 4 (grades 9 & 10) and 5 p.m. (grades 11 &12). Kenyans refer to secondary school grades 9- 12 as Forms 1-4. When we went out to watch the kids on their way to school, we were amazed at the numbers of them! It was like watching a parade of green uniforms- the boys in their short green pants, green checked shirts and green sweaters, and the girls in their green checked dresses and sweaters. What an amazing sight to see so many children with beautiful smiling faces, carrying their water bottles as they walked to school. (Their water bottles are old milk or vegetable oil containers - the Kenyans are clever recyclers!) After breakfast and devotions (led by our own Timothy McConnell), our team headed to Huruma Children's Home, which is not more than a mile or so from here. That short trip was made in the Tumaini children's ministry bus, and there were at least 15 of us crammed in the back in very tight quarters....it was a bonding experience! We also had many cans of paint and various goodies for the kids. Huruma is very different from Tumaini -it is much smaller and the facilities are comparable to what Tumaini was like several years ago, we're told. There are more younger children, as well as special needs children Nancy, the wonderful manager of Huruma, greeted us warmly. She was so grateful that we came. Most of the children were in school, but we did get to meet the special needs kids and got to sing, dance and play with Camogo, a wonderful Downs Syndrome boy. We toured the facilities, taking lots of pictures of the new kitchen and dining hall,which serves as a place of worship for the children and staff on Sundays. One of the highlights of our work at Huruma was watching the entire team do "Extreme Hall Makeover" to the dining hall - painting the entire hall (with very high ceilings) in about 2 hours. It was satisfying to get to help complete the project that Meadows had funded. The books we collected were also delivered and organized on shelves. We were fed tea at Huruma before we were driven back to Tumaini for lunch! Surprisingly, one thing we have not gone without on this trip is food - we've eaten lots of fresh veggies at big meals every day. Kenyan hospitality is gracious, generous and humbling. We finished projects after lunch and prepared for Bible School and youth group. The children are enjoying both - they love the music, the crafts, the skits and the talk. Today Griffin had the primary kids (& the rest of us) laughing so hard during the skit when he wrestled a lion.....a small stuffed animal! What a gift it is to bring laughter to these children, who are some of the most remarkable I've ever met. They are so kind to one another, so caring - older ones help out the younger ones, and they are full of joy! The entire team has been amazed at the spiritual depth of these children. They know God intimately. It's indeed a privilege to get to know them and to serve them in some small ways. We've all met and gotten to love on our prayer partners and some of yours. Their prayer partners are very important to them.

Be assured that God is alive in Africa! We're seeing and experiencing Him in so many ways here. We've fallen in love with the children and the staff of Tumaini. I'm afraid we'll leave part of our hearts here when we leave.

We're so thankful for being allowed to be the "traveling team!" We appreciate you so much, our sending team, for all your prayers, love and support!

One final note: one lesson we're all learning is to trust God and His timing and plan. Our bins of supplies showed up one day later than we did, but we all see how important it was for us to arrive without all the distraction of that "stuff." One bin didn't show up with the others - and it contained our craft supplies for today's Bible School. It was delivered today, 2 hours before we needed it! God is good - AND He has a sense of humor!

Your sister in Christ,

Sudie

Tuesday, July 8

2008-07-12T02:07:00.000-07:00

Tuesday--

Today was another beautiful day at Tumaini. We began our day having devotions with Reverend Mundi. We have so much to learn from him.

After devotions and breakfast we began our projects. Our groups painted and worked on a fence. I painted blackboards at the primary (or elementary and middle) school. It looked like to me that we were creating a huge distraction for the school day but the headmaster, Samuel, was so excited we were there. The deputy headmistress cleared our all the classrooms of the school so we could paint and told the children to go to the field. There are 738 students at the school. You cannot even imagine the mass of children that came from the classroom and then kept coming. The work forced me to put aside my perfectionism and to realize that I cannot fix all the problems at this school. There are about 60 children in each classroom, yet the teachers seem so happy and excited to teach. As we painted the blackboards a crowd would gather at the doors and windows of the room we were painting. The children would ask us questions. Their favorite question to ask is "Are you English?" While we were painting one classroom the kiswahili teacher even taught me head, shoulders, knees, and toes in Swahili. After a while Samuel joined us to paint even though he was dressed in his best clothes. He was so excited and enthusiastic about our presence. Other requests started coming in while we were painting. There is so much that is needed and our time is so limited, but it is very difficult to say no. One of my favorite moments painting occurred when we returned from lunch. Samuel said that he would organize that children and be ready to work in 10 minutes. And he seriously had over 700 children sitting quietly grouped by class less than 10 minutes with no other help.

Today we also had our vacation bible school and youth group. Interacting with the kids here is so wonderful. There is such joy as we play games and sing songs. Communication is definitely an issue at times but we are still able to laugh together.

Our time at Tumaini has been so incredible. I cannot really describe it. God is so clearly at work in the lives of the kids here. God has been teaching me a lot about listening to his plan and how to put aside my own plan. His plan is always better. He has been helping me to reexamine how I live my life and how I see the world. I know He has much more in store for me in the coming days.

Please continue to pray for our team as we continue our time with the children at Tumaini. Thank you for all your prayers so far; we can definitely feel their impact. God is doing great things here.

Denise

Monday

2008-07-08T00:52:00.001-07:00

Monday, 7 July 2008

Bwana Asafiwe!!! (Praise the Lord!!!, in Ki'swahili)

We continue to be amazed by the work that God is doing here in and through His church and feel blessed to be a small part of it. The graciousness of the people here is oftentimes humbling. Following breakfast this morning we attended devotions in the parish sanctuary led by Rev. Simon Kibilo. Today's message was based on John 15:1-17. In these verses Jesus explains himself as the vine and we as the branches. I can truly say that the limb which is Tumaini Children's Center is fully laden with fruit. It is impossible for me to express in words the gratitude that I have in my heart for the commitment that the Meadows family has made in its support of this mission. The work of Christ is clearly bearing fruit through the branch which is Meadows, as well. To see God working across the ocean by using the blessings that He has bestowed upon us to touch the lives of these children here in Nyeri is nothing short of awe-inspiring. God's Word this morning helped to frame our day and the theme continued to be played out in all that we saw and did.

Our first stop today was the PCEA Primary School where we toured the office, the library, and a few classrooms. The Head Teacher, Samuel (???), provided us with an overview of the work that they are doing. Samuel is a Presbyterian elder from a neighboring parish to Riamurkurwe Parish who quoted scripture to us as he was relating his work at the school. The school is adjacent to the Tumaini Center and is where the young children from Tumaini receive their education. During our tour, the bell for changing classes rang and the novelty of fair-skinned visitors was too much for the 180 students who attend the school to resist. We were quickly surrounded by anxious children eager to know from where we had come. "Are you English?" "Are you Greek?" "No, we are from America, and we, too, are Presbyterian." Excitement radiated from the faces of these young children on hearing this. The command of the English language displayed by even the very young was amazing, and the depth of their questioning even more so. Finally, we had to leave the schoolyard in order that order might be restored and learning continued.

From the Primary School we went to the Secondary School, where we were given a tour by a staff that clearly has a pride in what they are doing to provide a firm educational foundation for the children in the area including those from Tumaini. One of the tour guides was Virginia (???), an elder at the Namaan Githenya Church on the grounds of the Tumaini Center. During the tour the farm plots of the Form 4 (equivalent of a high school senior) students were pointed out. Later, in the day some of us would receive gifts of carrots from our Tumaini prayer partners who are Form 4 students at the school.

Following our tour we returned to the center for lunch and then set about loading and delivering the books which had been collected at Meadows so many months before. The books were delivered to the Secondary School to be sorted according to age group. The construction of the Secondary School library was completed in 2006; however, the library is far from full and the condition of the books leaves something to be desired. But, they are still something for the children to use. The school staff was visibly moved when they saw what Meadows was providing. Again, a heartfelt thanks to those who helped make this part of the project a reality.

With the books delivered it was time to get back to Tumaini to prepare for VBS, the focus verse for the week being Joshua 1:9. Our program is a look at great leaders from the Bible. God's hand was truly at work during the first day from the skits and songs to the story of Moses to the fun craft activity and games. Following afternoon tea which is provided for the children every afternoon, we put on a program for the older children. This time was followed by another opportunity for some incredible encounters with these young, spirit-filled, inquisitive minds.

During our evening devotion, a time when we gather to reflect on and decompact the events of the day, a number of team members shared the same thought which I hope will address some of the concerns of those who had questions as to whether it would have been better to send money that would have been used for travel, rather than sending a team. The children here live in a walled in compound and leave each day to attend school, but must return to the same place every day, except for the one time of year that the Center can afford to send each child to his or her home area to visit the family or relatives who are unable to take care of them. The children are not allowed to venture outside of the compound for fear of their safety. Visits by groups such as Meadows help to break up this routine and provide these children with a knowledge that they are not forgotten that another group of believers in God's earthly kingdom cares about them and prays for them. Much more work could be done here, and it is my hope and prayer that Meadows finds a will and a way to make a continuing difference by tending to this one branch in which the love of Jesus Christ is clearly alive and well.

From Sunday

2008-07-08T00:46:00.001-07:00

Greetings in the name of the Lord from Kenya. This was our first full day at the Tumaini Children's Children Center and in just this brief time many blessings are flowing. To the Meadows congregation, friends and families please know that we think of you often, we are all well and the experience has already been life-transforming.

The hospitality is beyond compare. The staff has greeted us with open hearts and great meals with some wonderful local dishes. Our sleeping arrangements are adequate but we long for the comfort of our beds and hot showers.

We had the opportunity to spend much time with the kids today. They crave our presence and many have asked if we can stay longer. They have shared with us many stories of what brought them here and we have been overwhelmed in some cases of the tragedies. However, we have seen beautiful faces with bright smiles and that just reminds us of why we are here.

We did not know of what to expect of the worship service. However at the end of the day I think we all felt a strong Christian bond with our Kenyan friends. We started at the 8:30 youth service where the music of the Praise Team was awesome. Tim McConnell, upon arrival was asked to preach. He expressed his anxiety to the team of having limited time to prepare and what to preach on. Well, Tim did a tremendous job at the challenge and delivered just the right message for the kids at Tuimaini and the adults from Meadows.

We then divided into groups and went to some of the other churches in the parish. We traveled bumpy, red clay roads enroute. The services were in Kikuyu and the music consisted of the local Kenyan musical instruments. Such a contrast from Meadows. We did not understand much except we were there to praise and worship the same Lord. Again, an experience of a life time.

We also were joyed with the arrival of all crates (but one) and that one contained many supplies for our Vacation Bible School. However, we did some planning and VBS will go on. Please pray for us as we engage about 80-120 kids in Bible stories, singing, crafts and recreation.

And so I can conclude by saying we all believe we were meant to be here and that God calls us to a purpose here. It is hard to imagine we could have had a more complete experience on our first day.

Please pray for the children and the staff here at Tumaini and our continued ministry here. We are not sure what tomorrow holds but we are confident blessings will continue to flow.

And now on behalf of the entire mission team we say

Peace to all,

Kathy Floyd

(Written around midnight (Kenyan time) on July 6-7)

Greetings

2008-07-08T00:37:00.001-07:00

All is well. Everyone is healthy and filled with joy.

The internet connections at Tumaini are not working. I'm writing from a internet cafe in Nyeri. This place is amazing. The hospitality has been unbelievable and everyone is incredibly friendly.

We have many stories to tell but they will need to wait until we get better connectivity.

Peace and joy all.

Asland is on the move at Tumaini.

In Nairobi

2008-07-04T22:46:00.001-07:00

We arrived last night with all our personal luggage intact. All 26 tubs of supplies and the guitar are still in London. Hopefully they will come tonight. Did not have much feel for what time was what.

We had a good night's rest at the Methodist Guest House and are soon heading out for some grocery shoppig and then the three hour ride to Nyeri.

Worried that the internet connectivity at Tumaini will be spotty but we'll find a way to post occassionally.

Love and Peace to all.

In London

2008-07-04T01:17:00.001-07:00

We are in Heathrow getting ready for one more flight. I was a very short night but I think everyone got at least a little sleep.

@ the airport

2008-07-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

4:40 we are at the gate all 26 tubs and the guitar checked without trouble. Thanks to all who showed up to send us off. Next stop London.

Tubs of love!

2008-07-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday we packed, weighed and labeled 26 tubs to check with us on the flights to Nairobi. Books, clothes, linens, VBS supplies, sports equipment, gifts for the kids and our hosts, medical and dental supplies, communionware...
Some pics:

Assembing goodie bags for the kids

2008-06-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who helped put pencils, sharpeners, candy, stickers, bookmarks and wooden crosses into baggies! The kids are gonna love'em.

Ludaphine

2008-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hear the story of Ludaphine — a 17-year-old who lives at Tumaini ...
(video from Hope Runs)

New blog home

2008-04-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Meadows mission team blog has a new home here at Meadows2Kenya. This site lets you make comments and will be quicker to access than the old blog. We'll also be keeping a daily journal at this site for folks back home to follow our travels and experiences while we're in Kenya in July. Hope you like it!