While I continue to try to process all that has happened in the last 4 months, I thought I'd share some random thoughts and insights.
Before I left Kenya, I got my hair cut shorter than it's been in some time. I was telling everyone it was easier to manage- and it is. It's cooler and easier to manage.
The truth is, I haven't felt "pretty " enough to have short hair in years. My very round body made me feel like I needed to hide behind all that hair.
The good news is that while we were in Kenya I lost about 25 pounds. I started to feel better - more comfortable in my own skin. And as I felt more comfortable I thought - go for it.... Cut that hair.
And now it's shorter... and I am less round ( with additional roundness to shed)... Yes, eating better and less has been great. Moving more and walking more has made me feel so much better.
There is still stress... but I find it easier to rely on God now... and I am diggin' my short hair.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Gladys continued...
I have thought and prayed about whether or not I should share this video clip. I think that while it was a very personal conversation between me and Mama Gladys, sharing it will help others to understand what it is like - the work that we do here.
Gladys is the lovely girl I have posted about before. Her mother is sweet and fairly young. Apparently, the Mama has some alcoho problems and doesn't always provide a safe place for Gladys to live.
Yesterday, the new boarding students ( including Gladys) came to the school to receive their uniforms and other items required to begin school. We spoke with each of their guardians to explain that this is a partnership. We only wish to help, not replace parents where children have them.
Glady's mother Ann, was visibly upset . It was hard to tell if she was happy or sad. I believe she too was overwhelmed. She just kept saying God Bless you.
Peter, my brother, got the conversation I had with her on video. I was not aware that he was filming. This was a special conversation between me and Ann. But I'd like to share, because I hope you will be able to follow the story of Gladys and Ann.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E4qgfyM5Ko&feature=g-upl
Gladys is the lovely girl I have posted about before. Her mother is sweet and fairly young. Apparently, the Mama has some alcoho problems and doesn't always provide a safe place for Gladys to live.
When we asked Gladys if she would like to be a boarding student at Holy Trinity her eyes were filled with both happiness and sadness. I think that to say that she was overwhelmed put things in perspective. Laughter turned to tears very quickly.
Yesterday, the new boarding students ( including Gladys) came to the school to receive their uniforms and other items required to begin school. We spoke with each of their guardians to explain that this is a partnership. We only wish to help, not replace parents where children have them.
Glady's mother Ann, was visibly upset . It was hard to tell if she was happy or sad. I believe she too was overwhelmed. She just kept saying God Bless you.
Peter, my brother, got the conversation I had with her on video. I was not aware that he was filming. This was a special conversation between me and Ann. But I'd like to share, because I hope you will be able to follow the story of Gladys and Ann.
As Ann and I were finishing, Glady came in and found her mother crying.
We went to the dorm and settled Gladys in... please pray for Ann and for Gladys
Friday, August 10, 2012
I am fearfully and wonderfully made
My relationship with the children and staff of Holy Trinity Academy is going to grow. It is my prayer that I will be able to spend a great deal of time with these special students - especially the 35 in our pilot scholarship fund program. Some require help with everything. Some are total orphans. Some have one parent. All of the children on our list are very very poor. Beyond total support monetarily, I am drawn to a few who need daily support. I want to remind them that they are created in the image of God. That they are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made.
I learn something from these children each time I see them.
For instance, when you look at this picture, what do you see? I see lily white fat legs. I see short fat feet and short fat toes.When I saw this picture of me a few weeks ago I cringed at the look of my legs and feet.
At the music festival this weekend, we had some time at night to play and talk with the children. I sat down with a few. The usual touching of my "soft" hair was going on. But then I noticed that two girls were looking at my leg that was peaking from beneath my long skirt. They took my calf in their hands lovingly and were rubbing them as if they were some sort of jewel. They just kept saying, so beautiful... so beautiful. Then in their own language they called friends over to touch my legs. There was dirt on them from the day. They brushed it off very gently as if I might break.
It made me think..... I am fearfully and wonderfully made... and I thanked God for these beautiful children.
I learn something from these children each time I see them.
At the music festival this weekend, we had some time at night to play and talk with the children. I sat down with a few. The usual touching of my "soft" hair was going on. But then I noticed that two girls were looking at my leg that was peaking from beneath my long skirt. They took my calf in their hands lovingly and were rubbing them as if they were some sort of jewel. They just kept saying, so beautiful... so beautiful. Then in their own language they called friends over to touch my legs. There was dirt on them from the day. They brushed it off very gently as if I might break.
It made me think..... I am fearfully and wonderfully made... and I thanked God for these beautiful children.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Spa shower- it's all relative
We had three "working" showers in our house. Now, don't get me wrong, there was hot water that came out of each. It is a crap shot to see whether or not you will have a trickle or even very hot water. Actually, all things considered they were all perfectly wonderful showers compared to this one we had in Kopanga.
Don't get me wrong. This shower was perfectly fine. It was a little cold , but you got used to it.
Now we have the "spa shower".
This used to be an asian toilet ( see the chamber leading to the porcelain hole in the floor.) The asian toilet is now simply the drain for the new shower . The pressure is super and the water is HOT.
Now we all love this shower. And you can still brush your teeth while you shower.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Coincidence.... SURELY not
So, since our little camping expedition , I have been having some issues with a rash. Most of the time I am able to cure this with a little ( or a lot) of gold bond or anti-monkey butt ( and yes, that IS what it is called.)
This time I was having a particularly bad experience. The rash just would not go away.
This weekend we went to Nairobi to pick up a visitor. While we were there I went by the chemist( pharmacy) to see if perhaps they had some Lotrimin or some such thing. They did not.
And so I walked away from the store. The minute I left, I felt compelled to FIND SOMETHING... anything that would work. I went back to the store. They had Whitfield's ointment.
Now, from my experience with medical clinics, I had seen this used a gazillion times but never knew what it was for. I read the little tube and it said "anti-fungal." Yep... that ought to work.
There was of course no price tag on the tube so since I was in Nairobi I expected to pay an exhorbitant amount ( in the same store, revlon nail polish was the equivalent of $25.
I went to the counter, asked for the tube and the lady said 40 shillings - WOW - about 50cts.
So I took my tube back to the guest house, used it that night and things seemed to be clearing up.
On Monday, we traveled home and stopped by an IDP camp to do a little follow up on water filters we had distributed about 10 days ago. We walked from house to house and from tarped tent to tarped tent.
We were there for about 2 hours or so.
As we were leaving the camp, a mama came with her child and asked if we had anything for her child.
By that she meant the rash on her head. I looked at the rash and recognized it as fungal ( from all my time in triage at clinics, some things you see over and over.) This rash looked like mildew.
Whitfield's - yep- you treat it with Whitfield's.
So now I knew why I had the compulsion a couple of days before.
And so we went to the van, got out my tube and gave the little girl her first does. Our visitor and I washed her head and then applied the ointment.
I pray she is better. Somehow, even without another treatment of my own rash, it seems to be clearing up as well today.
Somehow..... there are no coincidences and I just smile and say Thank you Lord.
s
This time I was having a particularly bad experience. The rash just would not go away.
This weekend we went to Nairobi to pick up a visitor. While we were there I went by the chemist( pharmacy) to see if perhaps they had some Lotrimin or some such thing. They did not.
And so I walked away from the store. The minute I left, I felt compelled to FIND SOMETHING... anything that would work. I went back to the store. They had Whitfield's ointment.
Now, from my experience with medical clinics, I had seen this used a gazillion times but never knew what it was for. I read the little tube and it said "anti-fungal." Yep... that ought to work.
There was of course no price tag on the tube so since I was in Nairobi I expected to pay an exhorbitant amount ( in the same store, revlon nail polish was the equivalent of $25.
I went to the counter, asked for the tube and the lady said 40 shillings - WOW - about 50cts.
So I took my tube back to the guest house, used it that night and things seemed to be clearing up.
On Monday, we traveled home and stopped by an IDP camp to do a little follow up on water filters we had distributed about 10 days ago. We walked from house to house and from tarped tent to tarped tent.
We were there for about 2 hours or so.
As we were leaving the camp, a mama came with her child and asked if we had anything for her child.
By that she meant the rash on her head. I looked at the rash and recognized it as fungal ( from all my time in triage at clinics, some things you see over and over.) This rash looked like mildew.
Whitfield's - yep- you treat it with Whitfield's.
So now I knew why I had the compulsion a couple of days before.
And so we went to the van, got out my tube and gave the little girl her first does. Our visitor and I washed her head and then applied the ointment.
I pray she is better. Somehow, even without another treatment of my own rash, it seems to be clearing up as well today.
Somehow..... there are no coincidences and I just smile and say Thank you Lord.
s
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Thoughts from our first day at clinic at Kopanga
We'll try something new tonight. Here are a few favorite or memorable moments of today.
For me , today I was in triage for the first time this year. I had forgotten what it is like to see so many people so closely. So many who are so sick.
For me today, the most memorable was a young mother who fell down while she was breast feeding . Her fever was so high that she started shaking. We took her inside and got her fever down. It took two blankets and me laying beside her to get it straight. Martha took her very young baby outside while we treated her. Most babies here do not wear diapers - particularly in the rural areas. Martha was christened by the wee thing... I had to say it was funny. We made a diaper for the sweet little thing and Momma was better and went home smiling.
Susan.
More later... rain is coming.
S
For me , today I was in triage for the first time this year. I had forgotten what it is like to see so many people so closely. So many who are so sick.
For me today, the most memorable was a young mother who fell down while she was breast feeding . Her fever was so high that she started shaking. We took her inside and got her fever down. It took two blankets and me laying beside her to get it straight. Martha took her very young baby outside while we treated her. Most babies here do not wear diapers - particularly in the rural areas. Martha was christened by the wee thing... I had to say it was funny. We made a diaper for the sweet little thing and Momma was better and went home smiling.
Susan.
More later... rain is coming.
S
Monday, July 16, 2012
Stepping out of my comfort zone
Most of you are fully aware of my fear of the dentist. Many of you share that fear. Dr. Tom ( our friend and dentist on this trip) and I had a long talk before we left the states about my fear. Dr.T is a wonderfully kind and loving man. I see it in all that he does. I see it in the entire Smith family.
On the first day of the dental clinic, a young girl was waiting to see Dr. Tom because of a tooth ache. She was a school girl. She had come to the dentist and needed to get back to school. When I took her hand, she was shaking and then I felt her chest and her heart was indeed pounding out of her chest.
And so, I took her to the dentist chair and promised I would stay with her until it was all over.
I held her hand and she opened her mouth wide. So... I am not a dentist. I don't even like to see the "instruments of torture" but God had me right in the line of fire. When she opened her mouth , I saw half of a tooth and a bunch of black. My "diagnosis" was that what was left of that tooth was going to come out in pieces and it wasn't going to be pretty.
We had no idea how afraid she really was. Wingate, Tom's son, came in and held her other hand and eventually we did to hold her down. The tooth did eventually come out. But there were a lot of tears. Poor child was basically hyperventilating, so Wingate and I taught her out to breathe in and out slowly.
There were so many patients so she needed to get up and get moving. She was still crying. So I sat her up and hugged her a bit. Then she walked around the chair and I offered my chair to her so that she could collect herself. When I said would you like to sit in the chair.... she said yes, with you.
So I held that sweet little 13 year old girl until she caught her breathe. She left with a smile , two pens and a pack of gum for later. And I left with a sense that my hands had indeed shown the love of God.
On the first day of the dental clinic, a young girl was waiting to see Dr. Tom because of a tooth ache. She was a school girl. She had come to the dentist and needed to get back to school. When I took her hand, she was shaking and then I felt her chest and her heart was indeed pounding out of her chest.
And so, I took her to the dentist chair and promised I would stay with her until it was all over.
I held her hand and she opened her mouth wide. So... I am not a dentist. I don't even like to see the "instruments of torture" but God had me right in the line of fire. When she opened her mouth , I saw half of a tooth and a bunch of black. My "diagnosis" was that what was left of that tooth was going to come out in pieces and it wasn't going to be pretty.
We had no idea how afraid she really was. Wingate, Tom's son, came in and held her other hand and eventually we did to hold her down. The tooth did eventually come out. But there were a lot of tears. Poor child was basically hyperventilating, so Wingate and I taught her out to breathe in and out slowly.
There were so many patients so she needed to get up and get moving. She was still crying. So I sat her up and hugged her a bit. Then she walked around the chair and I offered my chair to her so that she could collect herself. When I said would you like to sit in the chair.... she said yes, with you.
So I held that sweet little 13 year old girl until she caught her breathe. She left with a smile , two pens and a pack of gum for later. And I left with a sense that my hands had indeed shown the love of God.
What it means to sponsor a child?
What does it mean to do a medical clinic?
While we are having a day of rest on the shores of Lake Victoria, I wanted to update you on last week. We were in a place called Ekerenyo. We have helped friends from Indiana at this clinic for several years.
Hundreds of people come each day. There are clinical officers from the local hospital who come. But there are so many volunteers who are helping from the local church.
We had our dear friend Dr. Smith and his cohort Lisa who are the greatest dental team. There was a young lady about to begin her last year of dental school as well, Meghan, who was a part of that team.
What we soon realized was that everyone was willing to be a jack of all trades. Wiley and Wingate assisted their Dad in the dental area. Even I held the hand of a young girl who was terribly afraid - even more afraid than I am of the dentist.
I'll try to describe this with pictures.
It means that even if you are not a "medical professional" you will see people with tumors and goiters etc that often can be fixed - but some cannot. Helen was referred to the hospital, and we are waiting to hear the surgeons report.
It means on the fly TLC and help for a busted lip.
It means learning new skills. This is a portable refractor that allowed us to fit hundreds of patients with eyeglasses.
It means that we were able to fit hundreds of people ( thanks to your donations) with reading glasses.
It means sharing love and learning to say God Bless you in many different tribal languages.
It means making friends with a chameleon while you wait for the dental instruments to be sterlized.
This is just a very quick recap of what happens in a clinic. We are blessed.... to have such a great team and to have the Lord right by our side.
Hundreds of people come each day. There are clinical officers from the local hospital who come. But there are so many volunteers who are helping from the local church.
We had our dear friend Dr. Smith and his cohort Lisa who are the greatest dental team. There was a young lady about to begin her last year of dental school as well, Meghan, who was a part of that team.
What we soon realized was that everyone was willing to be a jack of all trades. Wiley and Wingate assisted their Dad in the dental area. Even I held the hand of a young girl who was terribly afraid - even more afraid than I am of the dentist.
I'll try to describe this with pictures.
It means that we were able to fit hundreds of people ( thanks to your donations) with reading glasses.
This is just a very quick recap of what happens in a clinic. We are blessed.... to have such a great team and to have the Lord right by our side.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Life and death - a different look
If you remember, the eagle was coming every afternoon to snatch one of our chicks . The chicks were wandering freely in the compound and were at risk of being eaten at any time.
Bill, Peter, Sam, Francis and Len built a very nice house for the chickens and gave them a nice area for roaming around.
Since that time, nearly 20 chicks have died. Some had a funky eye disease... one was even taken by a very clever eagle.
Today Francis, who speaks very quietly and has a lovely smile, came to me as I was sitting on the porch reading. He had one black chick in his hands and said "this one is dieing." Len came out and they both looked at him. He appeared to have something wrong with his neck. Francis held the chick carefully and they both decided it needed to be "put down." And so Francis took the chick away.
Death is such a part of life here. Every day a child dies here somewhere. Just last weekend Mary took her own life. Animals get sick and die.
I have to remind myself that because we are here and with God's help, many will survive. But the heartbreak I see here every day is tough.
On a happy note, it's the fourth of July. Coincidentally, it's the opening of the "state fair" here in Nakuru. The Showgrounds is not far from our house and we can hear the bands playing and children laughing. I'll just pretend the entire parade is for the US.
Happy Fourth everyone! Eat some crabs for us!
Bill, Peter, Sam, Francis and Len built a very nice house for the chickens and gave them a nice area for roaming around.
Since that time, nearly 20 chicks have died. Some had a funky eye disease... one was even taken by a very clever eagle.
Today Francis, who speaks very quietly and has a lovely smile, came to me as I was sitting on the porch reading. He had one black chick in his hands and said "this one is dieing." Len came out and they both looked at him. He appeared to have something wrong with his neck. Francis held the chick carefully and they both decided it needed to be "put down." And so Francis took the chick away.
Death is such a part of life here. Every day a child dies here somewhere. Just last weekend Mary took her own life. Animals get sick and die.
I have to remind myself that because we are here and with God's help, many will survive. But the heartbreak I see here every day is tough.
On a happy note, it's the fourth of July. Coincidentally, it's the opening of the "state fair" here in Nakuru. The Showgrounds is not far from our house and we can hear the bands playing and children laughing. I'll just pretend the entire parade is for the US.
Happy Fourth everyone! Eat some crabs for us!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Mary Wambui
So... I was busy working in the clinic and finally on the last day, we got some supplies for her to go back to school. We visited her house and met her sister. She came on Saturday to help us pack things up from the clinic. It was there that I saw how quick she was and how anxious she was to learn. She told me that she wanted to go to school and have a good life.
We left the next day. And there was still something troubling me about Mary. The next year when we returned, I wanted to find her and see how school was going. A local pastor knew her and he went to her mother to try to find her. There was something "strange" going on. We were told that Mary was a house girl for someone in Nairobi. We searched for her while we were there. We did not find her before we left. So, from the US we continued to search for her. Peter, my brother, and our pastor friend found her. We got her back to Nakuru and she even moved in with Peter and Mama Chico and their family. We got her into boarding school. We were all so pleased.
And then as time went on, we started to understand what her life had really been for the last year or so. She had actually married and had a baby - and there was far more to the story than we ever realized.
She left school. It was too late. She had become a woman and now her life would never be the same.
I wept, because I had not done more quickly enough. I felt like I had not listened to God and because of that, it was too late for her.
Since then, we have gotten several other young girls into school and it feels good to be making that difference.
Today, I received tragic news. Mary Wambui who was married and had a 3 month old baby ate poison and took her own life. I vow never to put off another young girl. It breaks my heart and I will never forget her. If I had gotten her in boarding school in 2009 she might be alive today.
My heart is very heavy. But with the Lord's help, we will find the other young girls who are in danger.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Today was the day
So, we've been here 6 weeks now. This is the longest we have ever been in Kenya. Today, I have some sort of stomach bug. So while the team is out delivering water filters, I am at home taking care of a few things.
You know how when you don't feel well you want your Mom? Well, today is that kind of day. I don't feel well, I am a little tired and I am so far away from home.
Today was the very first day that I thought that perhaps I really could not do this forever. But as soon as I was feeling a little better, that went away.
The adjustment is harder than I thought it would be. I see everything here differently now. It's real and not far away. I now see that for every little sweet face I see, there is a teenager boy or girl who readily snatches a pencil from the younger children.
I see now that I am going to be asked for money from someone at least 3 times per day.
I know I cannot help everyone.
I wonder why some of my most difficult days are caused by Kenyan adults who have some sort of power.
But then I went to my daily devotion and it said( from Jesus Calling.."Rest with me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. ...Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey."
I need to adjust on His time.... This is not easy. But I am surely where God wants me to be. I thank God every day for Len who has been a great source of strength.
I am not counting the days until we come home. I am looking forward to the next few months. I just ask for prayers for days like this.
You know how when you don't feel well you want your Mom? Well, today is that kind of day. I don't feel well, I am a little tired and I am so far away from home.
Today was the very first day that I thought that perhaps I really could not do this forever. But as soon as I was feeling a little better, that went away.
The adjustment is harder than I thought it would be. I see everything here differently now. It's real and not far away. I now see that for every little sweet face I see, there is a teenager boy or girl who readily snatches a pencil from the younger children.
I see now that I am going to be asked for money from someone at least 3 times per day.
I know I cannot help everyone.
I wonder why some of my most difficult days are caused by Kenyan adults who have some sort of power.
But then I went to my daily devotion and it said( from Jesus Calling.."Rest with me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. ...Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey."
I need to adjust on His time.... This is not easy. But I am surely where God wants me to be. I thank God every day for Len who has been a great source of strength.
I am not counting the days until we come home. I am looking forward to the next few months. I just ask for prayers for days like this.
Monday, June 25, 2012
New Experiences
This week we have a team of 30 young people and adults. We are working in a nearby area where nearly 400 families live. These families live in very poor conditions and are victims of the tribal clashes from 2007. We had a wonderful worship service on Sunday. Our South Carolina friends have made many new friends.
After the church service we had a feast for everyone. There were nearly 160 people there. These people did not know that we were giving them lunch and did not know that they would be receiving cooking fat and maize meal. We worshipped for nearly 3 hours. I will try to post some video later, but for now I will post pictures of our friends meeting new friends .
In addition, we had communion on Sunday. This is a rare event in the Kenyan UMC, and for many, both adults and young people, this was their very first communion.
After the church service we had a feast for everyone. There were nearly 160 people there. These people did not know that we were giving them lunch and did not know that they would be receiving cooking fat and maize meal. We worshipped for nearly 3 hours. I will try to post some video later, but for now I will post pictures of our friends meeting new friends .
In addition, we had communion on Sunday. This is a rare event in the Kenyan UMC, and for many, both adults and young people, this was their very first communion.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Women's conference
Chat and I participated in a women's conference today. There wer nearly 40 women from near and far who came for the conference. Some women traveled an hour or more... partially by foot, partially on the back of a bike and finally on a matatu ( van that holds 11-14 people) They were young, they were old. Many carried babies on their backs.
Evelyn is the women's leader for Kenya. She spoke on intamacy with God. She also talked about tribalism and that it has no place in a Christian's life.I wish I could give you a great synopsis of all that was said today, but I could not give it credit. Other women spoke about the differences between men and women and how we deal with that. We could have been in America. But I wondered how many would have traveled that far and under the same circumstances if we had been in America.
It was incredibly funny too that Len and Bill and Peter made and served our lunch today. They could not believe that a man would /could and serve that way.
In the afternoon, we introduced the ladies to BINGO. What a hoot! At first it took a bit. Every time the ladies got one they screamed BINGO so we went on a little more about the idea of 5 in a row. We played in teams of two. There were two shoshu ( grandmothers) who were a HOOT. Everyone was laughing because they were so joyful and just having the best time.
Chat ended the day talking about how important it is to be a unit. That we are powerful by ourselves because the Holy Spirit gives us that power. But if we work together, we can accomplish much more.
My personal favorite part of the day was when the ladies washed their hands for lunch. Traditionally, when you go to a Kenyan home, a bowl is brought to you with soap, and then the Mama of the house poors water while you sit and wash your hands. Today, while nearly 40 women came through, my job was to poor that water over their hands. I looked straight at their hands ... praying a prayer of blessing over each hand. There were old hands, soft hands, wounded hands. There were small hands and large hands. I will remember each of those hands for a very long time. Bless them all....
Evelyn is the women's leader for Kenya. She spoke on intamacy with God. She also talked about tribalism and that it has no place in a Christian's life.I wish I could give you a great synopsis of all that was said today, but I could not give it credit. Other women spoke about the differences between men and women and how we deal with that. We could have been in America. But I wondered how many would have traveled that far and under the same circumstances if we had been in America.
It was incredibly funny too that Len and Bill and Peter made and served our lunch today. They could not believe that a man would /could and serve that way.
In the afternoon, we introduced the ladies to BINGO. What a hoot! At first it took a bit. Every time the ladies got one they screamed BINGO so we went on a little more about the idea of 5 in a row. We played in teams of two. There were two shoshu ( grandmothers) who were a HOOT. Everyone was laughing because they were so joyful and just having the best time.
Chat ended the day talking about how important it is to be a unit. That we are powerful by ourselves because the Holy Spirit gives us that power. But if we work together, we can accomplish much more.
My personal favorite part of the day was when the ladies washed their hands for lunch. Traditionally, when you go to a Kenyan home, a bowl is brought to you with soap, and then the Mama of the house poors water while you sit and wash your hands. Today, while nearly 40 women came through, my job was to poor that water over their hands. I looked straight at their hands ... praying a prayer of blessing over each hand. There were old hands, soft hands, wounded hands. There were small hands and large hands. I will remember each of those hands for a very long time. Bless them all....
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Birds
I am not a birder. But you'd have to be blind not to just be in awe of the birds here.
I'll try to send as many photos as possible of the different varieties.
Yellow finches are everywhere. Fire Finches are around as well but they are very small... I don't yet have really great picture of them.
Here's just a few for today.
I'll try to send as many photos as possible of the different varieties.
Yellow finches are everywhere. Fire Finches are around as well but they are very small... I don't yet have really great picture of them.
Here's just a few for today.
Eagle Watch
On Sunday, the massacres began. On Saturday we had 31 chicks. Now there are twenty eight. On Sunday a big hawk/eagle swooped down and plucked up one of the chicks and carried it away. That was at about 4:30 PM. On Monday, at precisely 4:30 the eagle/hawk do the very same thing. On Tuesday, we thought we were smart and went outside at 4:15 ish and stood watch until 5:00 PM. Clearly we had won.
At 6:30 on Tuesday night... he struck again. So tomorrow Len, Bill and Sam are building a big chicken house. But today we stood watch... and all the chicks are safe.
We find this funny. But chicks can be sold for 300 ks. Three hundred kenya shilling is what many people make in THREE days. So while we giggle over our vigilance, someone in a place very near to us would have lost three days pay.
At 6:30 on Tuesday night... he struck again. So tomorrow Len, Bill and Sam are building a big chicken house. But today we stood watch... and all the chicks are safe.
We find this funny. But chicks can be sold for 300 ks. Three hundred kenya shilling is what many people make in THREE days. So while we giggle over our vigilance, someone in a place very near to us would have lost three days pay.
Second pic is after Len got really serious about the eagle and "went Masai " on him
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The gift of prophecy
People sometimes think that "prophecy" means to predict (foretell) what will happen in the future. Actually, the simple gift of prophecy is essentially forthtelling; it is a ministry to make people better and more useful Christians now. Prophecy in the New Testament church carries no prediction with it whatsoever, for "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (I Corinthians 14:3). Notice that there is no mention of the word prediction here.
Persons with the gift of prophecy are not fortune tellers. I met a lady pastor today who had the gift of prophesy.
I met Pastor Joyce at a church that was not as far away as the last church, but was by far more difficult to reach. But that church was filled... with young people.
Pastor Joyce was quiet and had a beautiful round face and a very big smile. She greeted us warmly and I felt drawn to her in some way.
Then we all went in to the service. That would be the THREE hour service. A three hour service without a single sermon until the end. There were several very long periods of praise songs. It is customary in the churches we have visited to have a song played while everyone prays aloud. And there is plenty of time for everyone to pray as long as they wish. Prayers of thanksgiving and praise and prayers for healing and other things as well.
It was during that first song that Pastor Joyce began to pray in a way I have not seen someone pray in a long time. She quietly got up, knelt in front of her plastic chair and prayed and wept and prayed and wept. It was not a show... it was heartfelt prayer.
There were introductions and more songs. Then pastor Chris asked everyone to get up out of their plastic chairs and stack them to the side of this mud hut we were worshipping in. Most ladies removed their shoes. There were two drums and two pieces of iron that served as a kind of triangle. And for one hour we danced and sang and jumped for the Lord.
And that's when Pastor Joyce went into some kind of trance. She moved into the congregation spinning and turning and speaking in a language I did not understand, but it was not an unknown language to the congregation. She did this to the point of nearly passing out.
Near the end of the song she came to the front where we were. I was on the end, and she came all the way down, she threw her head back and I thought she was going to pass out. Instead, when I went to hold her and keep her from falling, she grabbed my shirt and spoke intently to me in either Swahili or Kikuyu. The pastors told me that she had said that I was surrounded by angels. She said that there was something special in me that was not of my own doing but of God... and I was just amazed.
Is there a part of me which thinks she was just a little coocoo... yep. But my Lord tells me that he gave some people this gift. She asked absolutely nothing of me but confirmed over and over that I was being blessed by God and that I would be protected.
I will still wrestle with these gifts. But in my heart, I know Pastor Joyce was right. And I sat in my chair and wept.
Persons with the gift of prophecy are not fortune tellers. I met a lady pastor today who had the gift of prophesy.
I met Pastor Joyce at a church that was not as far away as the last church, but was by far more difficult to reach. But that church was filled... with young people.
Pastor Joyce was quiet and had a beautiful round face and a very big smile. She greeted us warmly and I felt drawn to her in some way.
Then we all went in to the service. That would be the THREE hour service. A three hour service without a single sermon until the end. There were several very long periods of praise songs. It is customary in the churches we have visited to have a song played while everyone prays aloud. And there is plenty of time for everyone to pray as long as they wish. Prayers of thanksgiving and praise and prayers for healing and other things as well.
It was during that first song that Pastor Joyce began to pray in a way I have not seen someone pray in a long time. She quietly got up, knelt in front of her plastic chair and prayed and wept and prayed and wept. It was not a show... it was heartfelt prayer.
There were introductions and more songs. Then pastor Chris asked everyone to get up out of their plastic chairs and stack them to the side of this mud hut we were worshipping in. Most ladies removed their shoes. There were two drums and two pieces of iron that served as a kind of triangle. And for one hour we danced and sang and jumped for the Lord.
And that's when Pastor Joyce went into some kind of trance. She moved into the congregation spinning and turning and speaking in a language I did not understand, but it was not an unknown language to the congregation. She did this to the point of nearly passing out.
Near the end of the song she came to the front where we were. I was on the end, and she came all the way down, she threw her head back and I thought she was going to pass out. Instead, when I went to hold her and keep her from falling, she grabbed my shirt and spoke intently to me in either Swahili or Kikuyu. The pastors told me that she had said that I was surrounded by angels. She said that there was something special in me that was not of my own doing but of God... and I was just amazed.
Is there a part of me which thinks she was just a little coocoo... yep. But my Lord tells me that he gave some people this gift. She asked absolutely nothing of me but confirmed over and over that I was being blessed by God and that I would be protected.
I will still wrestle with these gifts. But in my heart, I know Pastor Joyce was right. And I sat in my chair and wept.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The non natives are restless
Tomorrow we are off to Nairobi to pick up Bill and Chat. First thing in the morning, we will be delivering 10 water filters to an HIV/AIDS community. That will be a great help to them and will truly change their lives.
In the meantime, the non natives ( Len and Seth) are clearly restless. First they decided to pull out Ngaroiya's bow and arrows and his "knocker." They examined the barbs on the arrow and determined that they would indeed hurt if they impaled you. The second thing they found out was that the "bow" was somewhat flimsy and when shot, the arrows had little force or flight. Of course, these are not professionals. If Ngaroiya ever gets here in daylight, perhaps he will give them a lesson.
After that part of their entertainment, they moved on to how one might scale the wall around the compound. Seth thought he probably could without causing too much damage to him or to the wall. Len thinks he'd just push the entire wall down. For those of you who have visited this continent, this will be quite familiar. These lovely shards of glass are placed on the tops of walls to deter thieves.
In the meantime, the non natives ( Len and Seth) are clearly restless. First they decided to pull out Ngaroiya's bow and arrows and his "knocker." They examined the barbs on the arrow and determined that they would indeed hurt if they impaled you. The second thing they found out was that the "bow" was somewhat flimsy and when shot, the arrows had little force or flight. Of course, these are not professionals. If Ngaroiya ever gets here in daylight, perhaps he will give them a lesson.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Sponsors... it really matters
Today was visiting day at St. Gabriel's school. Peter's daughter and nephew go there. It is a boarding school, so there are special days when family can come and visit them.
We started preparation very early this morning.
Miriam and Mama Chico prepared beef, chicken, rice, chapati, oranges, sodas and Len made Mandazi ( a bit like a doughnut)
This is Miriam. She is Mama Chico's sister and mother to Timothy.
Mama Chico is Charity , Harnox and Mephis' Mama. She is also Mama to the five girls now sponsored by dear friends and servants in the US.
In 2008, when we first came to Kenya, Lois and Grace were always at the clinic. They smiled and were inquisitive. We saw them again in 2009 and then again in 2010. We finally spent enough time there and teammates started to notice that these two young girls were not going to school. We started looking for them and figuring out their home situation. The mother is a widow. She is not able to send them to school. Several team members volunteered to help with their schooling as well as a dear friend of ours. Now Lois and Grace are not only in school, but in boarding school. They are happy and bright eyed and we are so thankful to God for allowing us to find them. There was another girl, Elizabeth, who was a bit more difficult to find because she was still living in an IDP camp. But we found her and now they are all in school. It's amazing to think what a difference this weill make in their lives. I can already see the difference in their faces.
Thank you to all of you who are helping to make a difference. I hope these pictures give you some indication of our commitment to them. We visit on parents' day. We make sure they have enough supplies. We take them snacks, Mama Chico and her family include them as their own. Bwana Asifewe...Praise God.
We started preparation very early this morning.
Miriam and Mama Chico prepared beef, chicken, rice, chapati, oranges, sodas and Len made Mandazi ( a bit like a doughnut)
Mama Chico is Charity , Harnox and Mephis' Mama. She is also Mama to the five girls now sponsored by dear friends and servants in the US.
Thank you to all of you who are helping to make a difference. I hope these pictures give you some indication of our commitment to them. We visit on parents' day. We make sure they have enough supplies. We take them snacks, Mama Chico and her family include them as their own. Bwana Asifewe...Praise God.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Ngorogiaoigio or something like that
We have an elderly Masai guard. He speaks no English and no Swahili. I can't remember if I have written about him before. I can't pronounce his name at all.
A couple of nights ago, I was in the house and it was dark and I wanted to take something to Mama Chico. I opened the door and walked right into him. He likes to look in the windows. I nearly wet my pants.
He's difficult to see because he is very dark.
Tonight, I was sitting at the computer and thought I could feel someone looking at me. Then I heard whistling which could have been a bird. And then I looked up and saw motion - it was his hand waving at me. He was just standing there looking at me and then I waved and he smiled.
Did I mention his eyes are crossed?
He does carry a bow and arrows. So far I have not been in danger. I suppose I should be grateful for his stealth.
A couple of nights ago, I was in the house and it was dark and I wanted to take something to Mama Chico. I opened the door and walked right into him. He likes to look in the windows. I nearly wet my pants.
He's difficult to see because he is very dark.
Tonight, I was sitting at the computer and thought I could feel someone looking at me. Then I heard whistling which could have been a bird. And then I looked up and saw motion - it was his hand waving at me. He was just standing there looking at me and then I waved and he smiled.
Did I mention his eyes are crossed?
He does carry a bow and arrows. So far I have not been in danger. I suppose I should be grateful for his stealth.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
George
In 2008 we made our first journey to Kenya. We helped with a medical camp that year. There were many Kenyan youths ( early to late 20's) who worked in the camp. They were interpreters and many other things. They were the people from whom I learned a great deal about Kenya and what little Swahili I know as well.
George was one of those youths. Each year he came and worked with us and we came to know him better and better. George's mother died when he was small. And he has called me Mama for a long time now.
George works as a picki driver - he drives a small motorbike all around town picking up and delivering people and things. He has been saving his money for many years to purchase his own bike.
Today, George purchased that bike. He saved a large amount and we provided a small micro-finance loan for the purchase. George is already talking about how he can help others with his profits.
George could barely speak ... it was a dream come true for him. Our dream is that this man of God will become a leader in his church. We thank God for him and are happy that he will be able to earn a living and share his wealth.
This is George. I did not actually RIDE the picki.... my health insurance won't cover an accident on one.
George was one of those youths. Each year he came and worked with us and we came to know him better and better. George's mother died when he was small. And he has called me Mama for a long time now.
George works as a picki driver - he drives a small motorbike all around town picking up and delivering people and things. He has been saving his money for many years to purchase his own bike.
Today, George purchased that bike. He saved a large amount and we provided a small micro-finance loan for the purchase. George is already talking about how he can help others with his profits.
George could barely speak ... it was a dream come true for him. Our dream is that this man of God will become a leader in his church. We thank God for him and are happy that he will be able to earn a living and share his wealth.
This is George. I did not actually RIDE the picki.... my health insurance won't cover an accident on one.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day in Kenya
We spent Memorial Day in Kenya at the funeral of a twelve year old. Here's what I remember in a sort free flow of thoughts....
Red ribbons are attached to the antenna of each vehicle in the funeral procession.
At the mortuary at the public hospital, concessions are sold by men walking around - just like at a baseball game.
The sign at the mortuary gave fees for fresh bodies and had a chart that went up in price as the deceased age increased.
This mortuary smelled. Not exactly sure what the smell was, but I don't want to smell it again.
I realized I had never seen a child in a casket the moment I went into the viewing spot and saw his precious face in the small window that is open for viewing.
The casket was so small it was barely longer than a regular sized coffee table. It sat on the coffee table in the middle of nowhere where the burial took place in the middle of a shamba ( farm.)
You have to walk a long way to find a private bush if you need to tinkle and sometimes you have to pass about 5 sheep on the way and hope they don't follow you.
I have never seen a grave being dug, nor had I seen the casket lowered in to the ground and covered before today.
I do not like to see my brother Peter upset. He's a tough guy and this was very tough on him. Couldn't help but think "what if this were one of my nieces or my nephew?"
I love holding children. Noxie sat in my lap the entire way home and slept. He's seven and precious. And after a pretty long day, it was so peaceful to hold him.
There will never be a time that we don't "stick out" anywhere we go. And I hope soon, we will be treated like normal people. People here are so incredibly kind to us and there is no way to say thank you. Some of them we will never see again.
A christian scientist African preacher puts a Baptist preacher to SHAME when it comes to funeral sermons. This one lasted at least 2 hours....
So much for hot dogs and a dip in the pool. Thanking all veterans out there for providing my freedom.
God Bless America.
Red ribbons are attached to the antenna of each vehicle in the funeral procession.
At the mortuary at the public hospital, concessions are sold by men walking around - just like at a baseball game.
The sign at the mortuary gave fees for fresh bodies and had a chart that went up in price as the deceased age increased.
This mortuary smelled. Not exactly sure what the smell was, but I don't want to smell it again.
I realized I had never seen a child in a casket the moment I went into the viewing spot and saw his precious face in the small window that is open for viewing.
The casket was so small it was barely longer than a regular sized coffee table. It sat on the coffee table in the middle of nowhere where the burial took place in the middle of a shamba ( farm.)
You have to walk a long way to find a private bush if you need to tinkle and sometimes you have to pass about 5 sheep on the way and hope they don't follow you.
I have never seen a grave being dug, nor had I seen the casket lowered in to the ground and covered before today.
I do not like to see my brother Peter upset. He's a tough guy and this was very tough on him. Couldn't help but think "what if this were one of my nieces or my nephew?"
I love holding children. Noxie sat in my lap the entire way home and slept. He's seven and precious. And after a pretty long day, it was so peaceful to hold him.
There will never be a time that we don't "stick out" anywhere we go. And I hope soon, we will be treated like normal people. People here are so incredibly kind to us and there is no way to say thank you. Some of them we will never see again.
A christian scientist African preacher puts a Baptist preacher to SHAME when it comes to funeral sermons. This one lasted at least 2 hours....
So much for hot dogs and a dip in the pool. Thanking all veterans out there for providing my freedom.
God Bless America.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Worship
In Kenya, you don't ask someone where they go to church, you ask them where they worship. Hmmmm... stop for one moment as you are all heading out to 11 AM services that will last exactly one hour.
What portion of your service is dedicated to worshipping God? How many songs of praise do you sing or for how long? When it comes time for prayer requests, do you have more to come before the Lord with than a test coming up or a promotion? When you are asked for joys, can you come up with more than a birthday or anniversary.
In Kenya, life is simple. You either have what you need or you don't. And if you don't, I mean you REALLY do not. You rely on the Lord and on your neighbors.
And even in that culture where many church members do not have enough to eat or enough to send their children to school, the first thing on a list of wishes for their church is a place of worship.
This place of worship would be a place that would be used not just on Sunday but every day of the week. I think of how many US UMC churches have been sold or are just sitting idly. These christians would be thrilled to have those places. And yet, they request just a place to worship.
Did you worship today or go to church?
What portion of your service is dedicated to worshipping God? How many songs of praise do you sing or for how long? When it comes time for prayer requests, do you have more to come before the Lord with than a test coming up or a promotion? When you are asked for joys, can you come up with more than a birthday or anniversary.
In Kenya, life is simple. You either have what you need or you don't. And if you don't, I mean you REALLY do not. You rely on the Lord and on your neighbors.
And even in that culture where many church members do not have enough to eat or enough to send their children to school, the first thing on a list of wishes for their church is a place of worship.
This place of worship would be a place that would be used not just on Sunday but every day of the week. I think of how many US UMC churches have been sold or are just sitting idly. These christians would be thrilled to have those places. And yet, they request just a place to worship.
Did you worship today or go to church?
Friday, May 25, 2012
Family
I miss my family. Before we departed, we spent a lot of time together as a family. Both with my immediate family and with my extended, very large family.
Peter's nephew passed away this week. He was only 12 years old. His parents are Christian Scientists and as such do not believe in doctors and hospitals. He was sick for two days and then died. It is terribly sad. The law in Kenya frowns upon this as it does in the US. The family has been going through quite a lot. That said, yesterday all of the family gathered together at Peter's sister's house. It got very late and two of his aunts and one cousin came to our house to have a place to sleep for the night.
What a treat. They spoke little English. We spoke little Swahili or Kikuyu ( their native tongue) But it was like having two of my aunts ( say Aunt Frances and Aunt Rosie) and one of my cousins ( Janet) at our house. Even though they had had a very tough day they were laughing and giggling like small children. And they smiled the entire time they were here. They told stories ( I don't know what they were, but you could tell they were great tales) and they laughed until very late.
Here are my aunts Consolata and Margaret and my cousin Veronica.
A smile and laughter are indeed universal as is the love in a close family.
Peter's nephew passed away this week. He was only 12 years old. His parents are Christian Scientists and as such do not believe in doctors and hospitals. He was sick for two days and then died. It is terribly sad. The law in Kenya frowns upon this as it does in the US. The family has been going through quite a lot. That said, yesterday all of the family gathered together at Peter's sister's house. It got very late and two of his aunts and one cousin came to our house to have a place to sleep for the night.
What a treat. They spoke little English. We spoke little Swahili or Kikuyu ( their native tongue) But it was like having two of my aunts ( say Aunt Frances and Aunt Rosie) and one of my cousins ( Janet) at our house. Even though they had had a very tough day they were laughing and giggling like small children. And they smiled the entire time they were here. They told stories ( I don't know what they were, but you could tell they were great tales) and they laughed until very late.
Here are my aunts Consolata and Margaret and my cousin Veronica.
A smile and laughter are indeed universal as is the love in a close family.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Life and death
In Kenya, there is a fine line between life and death for many. The water filters we are beginning to put into homes are really changing lives. Children are not getting sick from drinking unclean water. Water seems like such a small thing. But take just one day to recognize how much you drink. Don't even count what you use to bathe or for other purposes. Just think about how much you drink. And think about what would happen if that water was perpetually contaminated. When you get sick in the US say from the flu, the doctor will say drink plenty of water. Hydration is so important to us. What if your water came from something that looked like this.
Thousands of people all over the world are drinking water like this and it's making them sick and it's killing them. And yes, I know you have heard this before . I will however, keep saying it over and over and over until every single one of them has clean water.
Today we gave a demonstration to a potential partner for water filter distribution.
We are praying that this leads to many more households with clean water.
Thousands of people all over the world are drinking water like this and it's making them sick and it's killing them. And yes, I know you have heard this before . I will however, keep saying it over and over and over until every single one of them has clean water.
Today we gave a demonstration to a potential partner for water filter distribution.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Accountability
Since we arrived, I have been keeping a spreadsheet of all of our expenses and keeping a very tight accounting of where each dime is going. I want to be able to be sure that I do our budget correctly but more than that, I want to be able to give an accounting to the many supporters of God's work in Kenya through us there are. My prayers each day are mostly for discernment. There are so many needs, so many requests.
Today as we talked with friends, we got a little closer to having them understand that when Len and I come, we come not with our own money, but by the grace of God and through the work of his servants at home.
We come because young children chose to save money in piggy banks. We come because families chose to use some of their "extra" money to send to Kenya. We come because our family has toiled beside us with oyster roasts, barbecues, and making oyster stew. We are here as stewards of that money. And for each project or step that we take, we must first go to the Lord for help and then we ask for your prayers as well.
Pray that we are the best stewards possible for His glory only.
Today as we talked with friends, we got a little closer to having them understand that when Len and I come, we come not with our own money, but by the grace of God and through the work of his servants at home.
We come because young children chose to save money in piggy banks. We come because families chose to use some of their "extra" money to send to Kenya. We come because our family has toiled beside us with oyster roasts, barbecues, and making oyster stew. We are here as stewards of that money. And for each project or step that we take, we must first go to the Lord for help and then we ask for your prayers as well.
Pray that we are the best stewards possible for His glory only.
The Children
Nope... this time I will not be talking about those sweet Kenyan children. Today I am talking about the children ( well, actually they are young adults) who are living and working in Kenya. I call them children , because they could easily be my children. All are in their early twenties. All are working at orphanages and other projects. All are doing exactly what Len and I are doing. Only they are doing this at a very young age.
They are prayerful. They are joyful and they are a delight to be around.
Last night Pastor Kephas came to greet us. Many of the children were here last night. Amy and Seth are from Georgia and North Carolina. Len made fried chicken ( Kephas had loved it when he visited the US) You should have seen how excited the children were. That fried chicken was some of the best I have ever had. It was a great family dinner.
They are also very funny and are a definite inspiration to us. God bless them all.
They are prayerful. They are joyful and they are a delight to be around.
Last night Pastor Kephas came to greet us. Many of the children were here last night. Amy and Seth are from Georgia and North Carolina. Len made fried chicken ( Kephas had loved it when he visited the US) You should have seen how excited the children were. That fried chicken was some of the best I have ever had. It was a great family dinner.
They are also very funny and are a definite inspiration to us. God bless them all.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Cow.... again
Cute as a button. We picked her up near Lanet and delivered her to Gil Gil. She is 7 months old and was wet here. And yes... she's in the back of the van. Now, back to my love of cows. I still love them... close up. Absolutely not in my back yard. The back of this van smelled like... well, cow poop. And if we had one in the back yard, it too would smell like cow poop.
My desire to have a cow is over. I'll go pet Blessings at her new home.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Sam
Sam. I have been hearing about him for so long. We met him earlier this week. Sam was educated as a supplies manager and has managed schools and other thing. I would say Sam is the procurer of all things. He is bright, very smart and very kind. I say that alot. But the people God has given to us as friends are so wonderful.
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Sam took us today to IDP camps ( internally displaced persons) The government has given those who were in camps some land, a frame for a house and a roof. The rest must be contructed.
The have no latrines... not even a pit latrine. Their water comes from a river. Most people in the camp walk at least a mile if not more for this water which they drink, wash and do laundry with.
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Chief Francis Kariuki
Today we met Chief Francis. He is one of the chiefs of police in this area. He is also a pastor. I have attached an article from February about his use of Twitter to catch criminals. In this picture, Len has brought him a copy of an article about him that appeared in our local newspaper. If you Google him, many things will come up. He was interviewed and that interview appeared on CNN.
Today I met the man - Chief Francis. The man who loves Kenya and loves God. He loves all people. He is kind and inquisitive and very smart. We had great conversations and visited camps where both water and latrines are an issue. We look forward to working with him.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/15/kenya-twitter-crime_n_1278514.html
Friday, May 18, 2012
COWS
All my adult life I have wanted a cow. I think they're pretty. I think they are sweet.
Our neighbors across the street have cows. And they are some kind of zero graze, use every part of their excrament etc etc cows.
I clearly do not understand it all. But I do know that the cow pee is diverted into the street. So... in the afternoons and when it is hot it STINKS!!!! I mean really truly stinks.
I hate cows.
Our neighbors across the street have cows. And they are some kind of zero graze, use every part of their excrament etc etc cows.
I clearly do not understand it all. But I do know that the cow pee is diverted into the street. So... in the afternoons and when it is hot it STINKS!!!! I mean really truly stinks.
I hate cows.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The butchery
Many many times I have passed by the butcheries in Lanet or in Nakuru. The big slabs of animals hanging in the windows. I never got really close to them.
Today, we went into the butchery. Whoa... the smell.....
It was smoky and not well ventilated. And the flies were around EVERYWHERE. And then in a tub there were things I could identify as livers of some kind, and I saw what I thought was goat intestine. And then I saw this nasty black pile of something that was apparently cow intestine. CHAFU....
And for a minute, I had to walk outside. My stomach churned just a bit. My stomach does not churn when we see horrible burns at clinics or when we see a nasty sore... but the cow intestine . Whoa....
But I got myself together and we had delicious roasted pork and chips ( french fries) and I swatted flies... and guess what... I didn't die. I love every minute of it.
This picture is of the leftovers... and this part was yummy.
Today, we went into the butchery. Whoa... the smell.....
It was smoky and not well ventilated. And the flies were around EVERYWHERE. And then in a tub there were things I could identify as livers of some kind, and I saw what I thought was goat intestine. And then I saw this nasty black pile of something that was apparently cow intestine. CHAFU....
And for a minute, I had to walk outside. My stomach churned just a bit. My stomach does not churn when we see horrible burns at clinics or when we see a nasty sore... but the cow intestine . Whoa....
But I got myself together and we had delicious roasted pork and chips ( french fries) and I swatted flies... and guess what... I didn't die. I love every minute of it.
This picture is of the leftovers... and this part was yummy.
And now a lesson in Swahili - CHAFU
Chafu = nasty
Example: You wake from a lovely night's sleep to Rooster poop in your living room floor.
THAT IS CHAFU!!!!
Example: You wake from a lovely night's sleep to Rooster poop in your living room floor.
THAT IS CHAFU!!!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
And to dust you shall return
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Sunday, May 13, 2012
Being outside
In Virginia, I am a captive in my own home due to the types of pollen there. In Kenya, the dust can be tough but right now it rains often and is not so dusty. I have been sitting oustide all day. I had breakfast outside - chai twice. Once with my brother and then Len made his own to which Peter gave a big thumbs up. Unpacking most of the day today... settling in. This is indeed home.
There are chicks everywhere.... cutest little things ever. And there is a very small one which is either the youngest, or not well, or perhaps just the runt. And now I will be obsessed with that one.
From where I am sitting I see mangos on the tree almost ready to be eaten.... a beautiful garden and I can smell sweet fresh wonderful rain.
Did I mention I am also sipping my second Stoney.. I am trying to pace myself. Went to the new Nakumatt... but although you can get anything you want there... it's too american. We'll be getting as much as we can from street markets from now on.
Mother's Day... the very first holiday since we departed . I am indeed missing my mother. But she is half of what I am today and how I leanred to serve others. God Bless my mother and all mothers.
There are chicks everywhere.... cutest little things ever. And there is a very small one which is either the youngest, or not well, or perhaps just the runt. And now I will be obsessed with that one.
From where I am sitting I see mangos on the tree almost ready to be eaten.... a beautiful garden and I can smell sweet fresh wonderful rain.
Did I mention I am also sipping my second Stoney.. I am trying to pace myself. Went to the new Nakumatt... but although you can get anything you want there... it's too american. We'll be getting as much as we can from street markets from now on.
Mother's Day... the very first holiday since we departed . I am indeed missing my mother. But she is half of what I am today and how I leanred to serve others. God Bless my mother and all mothers.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
And now to learn about stupid tired....
You know the tired where you stand in the middle of a room and turn around in a circle. The kind of tired where when you speak you sound as if you have been on a long drunk. The kind where you are digging for your toothbrush with it in your hand.... well, that's stupid tired. But what a wonderful day. Easy trip to Nakuru. I don't believe I will ever get over how beautiful the Rift Valley is. And I know that my exhuberance is somewhat less than the first time I saw the baboons on the side of the road and the zebras on the side of the road... but it's still cool.
Plus, having the chance to hold little Mephis who is such a sweet baby makes everything good. We met new friends and were invited for chai at Mama Chico's sister's house. Her name is Susan. We saw Jane and met Susan and Benjamin for the first time. And then Charity and Brianna came to visit and we all went out for Chinese. It was one big happy family. Seth is a delightful young man who is here as well. Tomorrow he will be teaching Sunday school.
Rachel and her husband Corey are here as well. She is a doctor and we were able to have a wonderful talk about similar experiences we had in Sierra Leone.
The house and compound are beautiful. It is a house full of hospitality and love and it is a place where God dwells and for that I am truly happy.
Now... this stupid tired girl must sleep.... La La Salama
Plus, having the chance to hold little Mephis who is such a sweet baby makes everything good. We met new friends and were invited for chai at Mama Chico's sister's house. Her name is Susan. We saw Jane and met Susan and Benjamin for the first time. And then Charity and Brianna came to visit and we all went out for Chinese. It was one big happy family. Seth is a delightful young man who is here as well. Tomorrow he will be teaching Sunday school.
Rachel and her husband Corey are here as well. She is a doctor and we were able to have a wonderful talk about similar experiences we had in Sierra Leone.
The house and compound are beautiful. It is a house full of hospitality and love and it is a place where God dwells and for that I am truly happy.
Now... this stupid tired girl must sleep.... La La Salama
Friday, May 11, 2012
Occupation
As I was filling out the visa papers on the plane, I tripped through all the questions very quickly. And then I got to..... OCCUPATION.....
And I stared at it. Because I can't put missionary on that.... and so I put.... drum rolll please.... housewife.
I have never been a housewife.... wow.....
Life is different now....
And I stared at it. Because I can't put missionary on that.... and so I put.... drum rolll please.... housewife.
I have never been a housewife.... wow.....
Life is different now....
What Karibu really means
Len and I were blessed to have very little traveling issues. The line at Dulles to check in was excrutiatingly long but we had so many kind people to help. Flights were uneventful and we both slept very well. When we got to the visa desk, we were standing in line and a very nice young man asked us to come over to his line. He said, your passport is full of Kenya. And I said, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Usually, after you pay your money, they take your picture. But he said to me, we know who you are and have your picture many times.
On to baggage claim where we have enough bags for 6 people. We load up and head up to the counter to face the intimidating lady. She asked what the purpose of our trip was, and we told her to spend the summer with family. And we meant that. She asked if we bought gifts for our friends and we said yes. Then she asked what we brought and Len said peanut butter, a tent and I don't know what else . Then she looked at us very quizically and said " you have FAMILY in Kenya... and I said yes, I have a brother there.
After the usual interogation she smile and let us out.
And there they were.... Peter, Sarah and little Mephis with big happy smiles. They all took the luggage carts, I held sweet Mephis all the way to the car. What a beautiful baby.
The hugs with Sarah and Peter were filled with so much love and we were so happy.
We got into "the baby boy" ( start with one van) and I took my seat - next to the driver.
We settled in to make the drive... and then it happened. Peter popped open the cooler and there they were - STONEY TANGAWIZI . My brother is kind and generous and thoughtful. We popped the tops had a little toast and shared the "champagne." Karibu Kenya.
On to baggage claim where we have enough bags for 6 people. We load up and head up to the counter to face the intimidating lady. She asked what the purpose of our trip was, and we told her to spend the summer with family. And we meant that. She asked if we bought gifts for our friends and we said yes. Then she asked what we brought and Len said peanut butter, a tent and I don't know what else . Then she looked at us very quizically and said " you have FAMILY in Kenya... and I said yes, I have a brother there.
After the usual interogation she smile and let us out.
And there they were.... Peter, Sarah and little Mephis with big happy smiles. They all took the luggage carts, I held sweet Mephis all the way to the car. What a beautiful baby.
The hugs with Sarah and Peter were filled with so much love and we were so happy.
We got into "the baby boy" ( start with one van) and I took my seat - next to the driver.
We settled in to make the drive... and then it happened. Peter popped open the cooler and there they were - STONEY TANGAWIZI . My brother is kind and generous and thoughtful. We popped the tops had a little toast and shared the "champagne." Karibu Kenya.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sleep tight...
Don't let the bed bugs bite. That's how it goes. And I never knew what it meant until last year. They do indeed bite in triangular patterns - breakfast lunch and dinner. One of my favorite pictures clearly shows the marks on my face from where I was bitten. I have never carried anti bed bug "stuff." But today while I was shopping for a few other little things I found "sleep tite"... and it is indeed anti bed bug goo. And for all I know it's a placebo... but we'll give it a try. New sunscreen.... check. Getting a little closer every day.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Too few words... too many tears
Yesterday my TSW friends had a lovely lunch to celebrate my retirement. It was surreal. There was Lori, one of my nearest and dearest friends talking about me and my fun career at TSW. She's known me the entire time. She has been my mentor and friend. Much of what I learned ( and I still have tons to learn) about being a leader I learned from her. She is fair and even handed. She does not wear emotions on her sleeve but she is full of love and kindness. We've grown in our spiritual lives together. I saw her marry, have sweet Cierra and then become a grandmother. You are lucky in life to find a friend like this. But you are doubly blessed when that person is your co-worker. I told my colleagues that there are not enough words to describe how I feel about leaving TSW. There are not enough words to tell many of them, including Lori, how much I love them and will miss them dearly. And when I think of those words, I cannot say them because when I open my mouth all that come out are sobs. A couple of times one of "the girls" has walked in to my slowly emptying office and I see a sad face.And I have to find a silly way to combat the tears.Humor is my crutch. If I laugh things off, I don't have to face the reality. And the reality is that I am leaving a place I love and my life will never be the same.And today, I am sad. Too few words... too many tears.
s
s
Monday, April 16, 2012
Exit documents
Today heralds my last week at TS&W. There are no words to describe how I am feeling about this. These are some of my dearest friends. There are a fewI have known for the full 20 years. There are many who have been part of my life for 10 or more years. They were there when I was so excited because Rebecca, my first niece was being born. They were there when I called off not one but two or more engagements ( I always learn the hard way.) They were there when Len had his "little heart thing" and they have been there through all of my incessant talk about Africa.I have been to 20 or more picnics... at least 15 Christmas parties.... bowling parties... I have prepared food for every conceivable holiday buffet. I have seen some marry, some divorce, others have beautiful children. It has been my home.
Today, I accepted an invitation for Thursday to prepare my "exit documents." I hope they are waterproof.
Today, I accepted an invitation for Thursday to prepare my "exit documents." I hope they are waterproof.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
I guess I really do get how far away it is....
This weekend has been full of fun and sadness all bunched together. We went to the Aylett Country Day School oyster roast and saw lots of old friends. Then this morning we were able to share about our ministry and call with the wonderfully warm people of Asbury UMC. Whenever we have the chance to talk about our ministry, it gets me so excited and anxious to be back in Kenya. In fact, at one point I referred to going home and meant Kenya... not the United States. I am ready to be back . I am ready to see my Kenyan friends and to serve. It is time.
But then, there are things like a note from my sister today that said Maggie, her youngest, and she were out gardening and out of the blue Maggie said " "I don't wan't summer to come because then Woozie will leave". To that my sister added "I guess she does get how far away it is :0("
But then, there are things like a note from my sister today that said Maggie, her youngest, and she were out gardening and out of the blue Maggie said " "I don't wan't summer to come because then Woozie will leave". To that my sister added "I guess she does get how far away it is :0("
Africa is indeed a long way away. But Maggie and all of my nieces and nephew and everyone I love will be held tightly in my heart. And coming home to the US will be even sweeter than before. But that doesn't make it any easier to leave. This is Maggie and her Mama - my youngest sister PF.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Car Wash
After my four hour dental appointment..... I am now at the Car Pool. The new one in Short Pump. I am sitting outside in a very nice simulated leather outdoor chair- with footstool. Obviously, I am also connected to their free WIFI....We're washing my car that will be for sale very soon. All of a sudden I am very fond of it. All of a sudden, I realize that while I joke about wanting a chauffeur, I am about to be in a place where I CANNOT drive.Don't get me wrong, the pleasure of riding with my brother Peter on a regular basis makes all of that alright. But the Car Pool is just slapping me right in the head with how spoiled Americans really are.
My lifestyle changed dramatically after my first trip to Africa to Sierra Leone. I have not worn my diamond since that trip. I turn the faucet off while I brush my teeth. I shop far less than I used to and actually purchase most "stuff" on EBAY.
All that said... there's still alot that will change and that needs to change. I do , however, long for the simpler life I will have in Kenya. While daily living for me will be simpler, other parts of life will be much more difficult.
I know that EVERY day I will see something I can't do anything about. And I'll give that to God. I'll see some situation I can't fix... and I'll have to give it all to God.
Perhaps I should remind myself each day... to give it all to God.
S
My lifestyle changed dramatically after my first trip to Africa to Sierra Leone. I have not worn my diamond since that trip. I turn the faucet off while I brush my teeth. I shop far less than I used to and actually purchase most "stuff" on EBAY.
All that said... there's still alot that will change and that needs to change. I do , however, long for the simpler life I will have in Kenya. While daily living for me will be simpler, other parts of life will be much more difficult.
I know that EVERY day I will see something I can't do anything about. And I'll give that to God. I'll see some situation I can't fix... and I'll have to give it all to God.
Perhaps I should remind myself each day... to give it all to God.
S
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Dentist
Part of the prep for this trip includes seeing every doctor known to mankind just in case. We have had all of our parts examined ( except our heads, and that would be unwise.) It means making sure medications we take regularly are available there. It means making sure we have health insurance in place before we leave. It means facing many fears....
Ok so ..some people tell me that they would be afraid to go to Kenya. I say that doesn't scare me at all. But today, I have to go to the dentist. And THAT scares me.
And then I say to myself, really? afraid of the dentist? Remember all of those wonderfully beautiful smiles of the people who wait in medical camp lines for hours for just one opportunity to see a dentist. Remember how happy they are just to be able to get relief. They don't require massaging chairs, soothing music, sedatives.... Children come and have a tooth pulled then hop on the matatu and go back to school to take an exam.
So today, I will take my music with me... but I will close my eyes and see the faces of those grateful friends who come to the medical camps.... and I'll stop being a baby.
Ok so ..some people tell me that they would be afraid to go to Kenya. I say that doesn't scare me at all. But today, I have to go to the dentist. And THAT scares me.
And then I say to myself, really? afraid of the dentist? Remember all of those wonderfully beautiful smiles of the people who wait in medical camp lines for hours for just one opportunity to see a dentist. Remember how happy they are just to be able to get relief. They don't require massaging chairs, soothing music, sedatives.... Children come and have a tooth pulled then hop on the matatu and go back to school to take an exam.
So today, I will take my music with me... but I will close my eyes and see the faces of those grateful friends who come to the medical camps.... and I'll stop being a baby.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Introductions
On May 10th, Len and I will depart the US to head to Kenya to begin full time mission work with our dear friends Bill Coble and Chat Uken at Start With One International. In 2008, Bill, Len and I all traveled to Kenya for the first time on the same team. It was on that trip that all three felt God calling them to full time work in Kenya. Bill has been in Kenya now for a couple of years. Chat joined him a year or so ago. We are delighted to begin this holy adventure and hope to keep you updated often. Len ends his contract work with his landscaping clients at the end of April. Susan will leave TS&W on April 20th. Please pray for us as we make this exciting but at times scary leap of faith. Praise God for all that as happened to date and all that will be happening in His name. This picture was taken at my very first medical camp experience in Kenya. God had me from that time until now and will continue to have me for as long as He sees fit.
Blessings,
Susan
Blessings,
Susan
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