Day 3
Today has been another amazing day in Bomani. Kristi and I spent our time teaching the youngest class to brush their teeth with the new toothbrushes we gave them. Many of the children have teeth that are rotting because they do not have the means to keep their teeth clean.
We also played with play-do, markers and a dry erase board, dolls, bubbles and a large parachute. They were completely intrigued by all the cool things we did. This is out of the norm for them. Their eyes and smiles were full of exhilaration. They could have played with the bubbles all day and been completely happy with just that. They are not used to having so many ways to be creative and express themselves the way the children do in America. These little children appreciated everything we did with them from the bottom of their hearts. They were bursting with joy and eagerness.
I think Jesus wants us to feel the same way about him as those children living in poverty feel about the small gifts we give them. You see, these children have nothing. So when they are given something, even if it’s small, to them it’s huge and it means the world to them. We believers are similar. Our hearts are in poverty before Christ gives us the gift of eternal life. However, when we accept Christ into our hearts, we have everything we need to live an abundant life, regardless of possessions. Our entire eternity is secured. Our life on earth can be lived with peace and joy regardless of circumstance as long as our hearts and minds stay willingly obedient to his will. After seeing these children today, I ask myself…why am I not more grateful for what I have in Him? My heart can continually be filled with thankfulness because my life before Christ was a heart of poverty. I had nothing of true value. Now, my heart is full of Him. What a joy! 1Thessalonians 5:16-17 gives clear instructions, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for those of you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Since these are instructions to carry out, I know that it is a choice to be joyful, and thankful. The Bible would not give instructions on something impossible. If our life is lived in Him, anything is possible. Luke 1:37, “For nothing is impossible with God.”
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Day 2
Today I went with the Fox River group to the Crossroads center in Vipingo. As we walked off the bus the children were there to greet us with a special song, similar to what we experienced in Bomani. We were then seated in the church area. The children, teachers, staff, pastor, missionaries and Fox River group sang songs together. I was having so much fun when the children taught us their song and the expressive motions to the song. Each one of us in the group mimicked the movements of the children and sang in unity. American adults, children and missionaries sang together with African teachers, staff and children. Thereafter, the children proceeded to sing songs to us. Their performances were beautifully harmonious and inspiring. I enjoy no sound better than the sound of these African children singing together in this way.
After the performances, the children went in their classrooms. There is KG-1, KG-2, KG-3, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. Each person from the Fox River group was assigned a classroom to work with for the day. During this time the children were able to work on art projects, play with a large parachute, and receive a toothbrush and lessons on how to use it. Donna taught an amazing message to the children on encouraging their family and neighbors. The teachers will continue this lesson when we leave. It is so important for them to learn good things like that to spread in their community and to live by.
At 12:00 sharp lunch is served for the students, teachers and staff. We all served the children lunch. While I was passing dishes, Unice invited me into the kitchen to help her put food in the dishes for the children. There was a huge pot of cooked rice and green peas. She placed the rice in the bowl and I placed the cooked peas on top of the rice. As we were working I realized in my heart how many children were being fed. While placing the food in the bowls I thought, “each one of these full plates is helping a child that would otherwise be starving get to eat.” The thought was overwhelming. Even though I knew there were about 200 kids there, it did not touch me fully until I was serving them. 200 is just a number. However, 200 lives changed for the better, 200 stomachs that will be full instead of empty when they leave school, 200 precious children with potential that may go unnoticed otherwise, being fed in this amazing school is way more than just a number. The impact of that thought is hard to grasp because it is such a huge blessing in these children’s lives to receive this goodness and they are so thankful. I started a short conversation with Unice while serving the children. She is a very hard worker. She told me that she loves us and is so thankful to work there at the center. It has changed her live in such a positive way.
When lunch was complete we played with the kids a little more, then went out into the nearby communities. We had fliers inviting everyone to our community outreach day on Saturday. We walked through the nature of Kenya, it was a beautiful sight. We were looking at the green trees and plantation under the sunlight on a dirt road walking toward the community. As people walked by we gave them fliers and welcomed them to the celebration. Everyone was very friendly. They seemed to enjoy being invited. Soon children started to come by us to see what was happening. As our journey continued children followed us. The community had many hut houses. The grounds were mostly grass with dirt pathways leading through the small community. By the time we were done walking through, we had about 30 children following us, holding our hands and simply enjoying our company, despite the language barrier.
As the day came to an end we packed up the suitcases we brought along and said goodbye to our friends. The Fox River group loaded in the bus opened the windows to wave at the children. They sang a cute goodbye song; we all said our goodbyes in unity. To my recollection, I did not see one face that was not smiling between the group of children and our group as we departed. What an amazing day.
Today I went with the Fox River group to the Crossroads center in Vipingo. As we walked off the bus the children were there to greet us with a special song, similar to what we experienced in Bomani. We were then seated in the church area. The children, teachers, staff, pastor, missionaries and Fox River group sang songs together. I was having so much fun when the children taught us their song and the expressive motions to the song. Each one of us in the group mimicked the movements of the children and sang in unity. American adults, children and missionaries sang together with African teachers, staff and children. Thereafter, the children proceeded to sing songs to us. Their performances were beautifully harmonious and inspiring. I enjoy no sound better than the sound of these African children singing together in this way.
After the performances, the children went in their classrooms. There is KG-1, KG-2, KG-3, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. Each person from the Fox River group was assigned a classroom to work with for the day. During this time the children were able to work on art projects, play with a large parachute, and receive a toothbrush and lessons on how to use it. Donna taught an amazing message to the children on encouraging their family and neighbors. The teachers will continue this lesson when we leave. It is so important for them to learn good things like that to spread in their community and to live by.
At 12:00 sharp lunch is served for the students, teachers and staff. We all served the children lunch. While I was passing dishes, Unice invited me into the kitchen to help her put food in the dishes for the children. There was a huge pot of cooked rice and green peas. She placed the rice in the bowl and I placed the cooked peas on top of the rice. As we were working I realized in my heart how many children were being fed. While placing the food in the bowls I thought, “each one of these full plates is helping a child that would otherwise be starving get to eat.” The thought was overwhelming. Even though I knew there were about 200 kids there, it did not touch me fully until I was serving them. 200 is just a number. However, 200 lives changed for the better, 200 stomachs that will be full instead of empty when they leave school, 200 precious children with potential that may go unnoticed otherwise, being fed in this amazing school is way more than just a number. The impact of that thought is hard to grasp because it is such a huge blessing in these children’s lives to receive this goodness and they are so thankful. I started a short conversation with Unice while serving the children. She is a very hard worker. She told me that she loves us and is so thankful to work there at the center. It has changed her live in such a positive way.
When lunch was complete we played with the kids a little more, then went out into the nearby communities. We had fliers inviting everyone to our community outreach day on Saturday. We walked through the nature of Kenya, it was a beautiful sight. We were looking at the green trees and plantation under the sunlight on a dirt road walking toward the community. As people walked by we gave them fliers and welcomed them to the celebration. Everyone was very friendly. They seemed to enjoy being invited. Soon children started to come by us to see what was happening. As our journey continued children followed us. The community had many hut houses. The grounds were mostly grass with dirt pathways leading through the small community. By the time we were done walking through, we had about 30 children following us, holding our hands and simply enjoying our company, despite the language barrier.
As the day came to an end we packed up the suitcases we brought along and said goodbye to our friends. The Fox River group loaded in the bus opened the windows to wave at the children. They sang a cute goodbye song; we all said our goodbyes in unity. To my recollection, I did not see one face that was not smiling between the group of children and our group as we departed. What an amazing day.
Day 1
Today the Fox River group and I went to visit the New Life Center in Bomani. We had a very warm welcome. As we loaded off the bus a large group children were in their uniforms standing with their teachers. They were all singing a song for us to welcome us. The group and I took some pictures to capture our first moments spent with them.
The children perform many songs, verses and plays for us. They prepare these songs long before we come. They are so happy to see us and show their appreciation through these amazing performances. To be welcomed in such a special way was a humbling experience. We are here to help them and here they are giving us a special performance. The sounds of their vibrant harmonious voices fill my heart with joy. The innocence of their faith increases mine.
Today the Fox River group and I went to visit the New Life Center in Bomani. We had a very warm welcome. As we loaded off the bus a large group children were in their uniforms standing with their teachers. They were all singing a song for us to welcome us. The group and I took some pictures to capture our first moments spent with them.
The children perform many songs, verses and plays for us. They prepare these songs long before we come. They are so happy to see us and show their appreciation through these amazing performances. To be welcomed in such a special way was a humbling experience. We are here to help them and here they are giving us a special performance. The sounds of their vibrant harmonious voices fill my heart with joy. The innocence of their faith increases mine.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Children in Bomani
Here is a picture of a few children in the Bomani village. As you can see, their clothes are worn out and likely one of their only outfits. Showering is not part of their culture due to a lack of water. Many girls shave their heads because it is hard to maintain long hair in their living conditions.
They sure are precious!! Aren’t they?! They seem grateful for the very little they have.
More to come....
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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