Day 11

It’s Saturday! I woke up with the refreshing sight of the breathtaking ocean. My bedroom window has a wonderful ocean view. The sunrise was gorgeous. After eating breakfast, I went to Cross Roads church to help out with Vacation Bible Study School. The kids had a good time and learned valuable lessons.

When VBS was over, I took some refreshing and needed down time. I went for a swim in the pool, played with the dog (Victor), memorized some verses and went out for pizza with Bobby and Lisa. Bobby and Lisa are missionaries here in Kenya that run the New Life Center in Bomani. They have two adopted boys, Ethan and Conner. I adore those boys! It was great hanging out with the family.

As I was sitting in Bobby and Lisa’s living room, I thought to myself how neat it was to be sitting there with them. If I were back in the US that is a moment I would have never experienced. At times I get home sick; however, moments like those and just the thought of time spent with the precious children at the centers make this a continually joyful and worthwhile experience even when I miss my family and friends.

Jim and Susie have been wonderful to me. Susie is one of a kind, she is sooo genuinely sweet and kind. Jim puts his heart into everything he does 110% all the time! I wonder how he does it so well. They are amazing missionaries. I am so grateful to spend time with them and learn from them.

Day 10

Today I went out with a group that is on a mission trip from Texas. First we went to Vipingo. I was SO happy to see the teachers. They are extremely friendly and passionate in their work. I ran up to Rose and Nicole with a huge smile to give them hugs when we arrived! I’m looking forward to our growing friendship.

The group and I played games with the kids. This was another joyful time with these precious children. I treasure the moments spent with them. After Vipingo, we went to the Texas groups established school. I am always so delighted to see the needy children being helped by churches. The Texas group did a great job entertaining the children. The children were so thankful to spend the day with them ~ I can see why, the Texans are wonderful people! I’m grateful for the time I spent with them.

Day 9 KENYA TEAM ~ Saying bye ~

Today the Fox River group left. I said goodbye to everyone. Every moment with the group was awesome. I loved spending time with the team these past 9 days. I will miss them dearly. I do hope their trip home is good and safe. Everyone in the group left me with something that I can use during my three month stay. A few of them graciously gave me monetary gifts as well. The generosity of the group touched my heart. I’m SO GRATEFUL to all of them for that.

Thank you Fox River 2009 Kenya Group!! Asante Sana, Sana, Sana, Sana!!!!! I can’t wait to hear from you all. I’d love to learn how God is working in your lives as time goes on after this amazing trip we shared together. You made this trip so special. You are very dear to my heart. The generosity of what you gave to me and shared with me is deeply appreciated. MISSING YOU!

Mr. Happy, Keep on smiling! And wear that bright Kenya shirt with joy!

Carmen, teach everyone the song! Jambo, Jambo Sana...

I Love you guys!!

UOPX Safari Hat!!!!

Thanks University of Phoenix team! The hat was just what I needed on the safari!!I miss you guys a bunch and think of you often. The notes have been exciting to open every day. Sharon, I read yours yesterday! Great quote!! Many times the note I open matches one of my experiences that day.

P.S. HAVE FUN AT THE PICNIC TODAY!! I'd love to hear all about it! :)

Day 7 and 8

We went on a safari! There were giraffes, zebras, elephants and many other beautiful African animals. The lodge was a magnificent and peaceful place. We slept in tents with nice beds, lanterns, and a bathroom. All the accommodations were very nice. The atmosphere was so calming. With low lit lanterns, a campfire nearby and starts above.

We watched animals outside the tent in their natural element. Elephants were in plain sight drinking water at the pond. Monkeys ran around looking for food to eat. My dear friend Rodger had his keys stolen by a monkey. As he took a nap he started to hear his keys jingling. Then he realized the keys were outside the tent in easy access for the monkeys to grab. He went outside to see the monkey waving his keys at him. One of the employees went on the roof to chase the monkey. Eventually he got the key back. VERY FUNNY! J I did not see a lion on the safari; however, I was awakened by the roar of a lion. The entire safari was an amazing experience.

Day 6

Today we went to the school in Tiwi. This school showed a vision of what the future will look like in Vipingo and Bomani because they have classes that go up to eighth grade and soon will enter high school. Listening to the dreams these teens have is amazing. One of the girls Lillyanne told me that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. She has a lot of schooling ahead of her. In order for her to have that dream she needed the help to get a good education. Without help in getting a good education she may have never been able to consider pursuing that dream because of the poor education that is offered elsewhere.

After visiting Tiwi we went to a shop were disabled women make beautiful items to sell. These women are so kind and tenderhearted. They made very colorful handmade quality bags, coin holders, wallets and more. I’m so thankful we stopped there. Supporting their hard work is a pleasure.

Shortly after a bit more shopping we went to visit an orphanage. There were heartbreaking stories of the children’s lives. One baby was 6 weeks old. She was found on the side of a street abandoned. Another child around 12 years old was sold to men by her Aunt. She was abused and extremely mistreated. Those are just a couple of stories of the thirty five children in this orphanage. The woman running the orphanage loves each child dearly. Her tenderness and care for them is very apparent. All of their lives have been blessed to become part of hers.

Day 5

This morning we went to Cross Roads church. The attendance was so high that many of the Fox River group gave up their seats to accommodate the other visitors. I was able to hang out with teen girls from Tiwi that I had met last year. Lillian was one of the girls. She introduced me to some of her other friends that I will see tomorrow in Tiwi. These girls sang in front of the church and amazed all of us with the beauty of their harmonious voices.

After church we went to the hotel for food. Then off to Bomani’s celebration day. We had such a warm welcome. When the children saw our bus arriving, they ran towards it quickly with much anticipation. One girl was standing on the side of the bus, when she saw us looking at her she clapped her hands, giggled and smiled so brightly. It was so sweet to see her genuine happiness to see us come. I am so amazed at how much they appreciate us. The gratitude in their hearts is unlike any I have seen in my existence. This touches my heart in a deep way.
I spent the day playing with familiar faces and new ones. The children played with my hair because it’s an interesting sight for them. We sang songs, goofed around, played volleyball and enjoyed each other’s company so much.

There is this one girl in particular that I just adore. She is so special. Her personality shines. She stuck by me all day. At the end of the day when it was time to go I was trying to get her attention and she just sat there looking sad. I took her and hugged her as she was crying. There was a crowd of children around us. I took her into a room and closed the door to make it easier for her. I tried asking her what was wrong and she would not tell me. Soon a teacher came and she told the teacher that her head hurt. I want so badly to take away her sadness. I look forward to seeing her again. She is my special girl. Her name is Mbeyu.

Day 4

Today we had the community outreach day in Vapingo. WOW! We were sooo crowded. We had an approximation of 2000 to 2500 people were there. People in the surrounding communities came to be fed, play games and listen to a message from our pastor. For most of these people this is the best meal they will eat all year. Watching the kids lunge for the food with such vigor was saddening. However, seeing how much they enjoyed the day was absolutely fantastic. There were soccer games, volley ball games, face paintings, choir competitions and more activities to enjoy. In America I am so used to fun events like this one. This is something so different for them.

They welcome us with such warmth. They treat us like Hollywood stars. We give them hope they would otherwise go without. Any gift given is appreciated by them so much. We handed out a bracelet that says faith, hope and love in swhaili and a small Bible with only three books in it. They mobbed us while handing them out. To think that something so little means so much in their world is disheartening. I wish they had more for this life. Hope, education and nutrition is the best things we can give them.

6 Week's old in Orphanage

Michelle was found on the side of the road, abandoned. Now, she is in a loving orphanage.

Before and After

This child was very sickly when she arrived at the orphanage. The picture on the left describes it all. The picture on the right is what she looks like now. She's an amazing miracle.