I went to Bomani to take pictures of all the staff. I also talked with Abraham for a while. He told me that when many of the children first enroll in the class they have bloated stomachs due to lack of nutrition. The rest of their body is skinny, but their stomachs are large. This happens because of a lack of protein. The children generally will only have one meal a day. The meal might consist of ugali (corn) and coconut. That is not much to live on. Children cry from hunger pains. However, the children that are enrolled at this center are fed a well balanced meal. They are able to transform their physical condition due to the nutrience provided by the breakfast and lunch they receive.
In addition to the physical nutrition they receive, the children also develop good behavioral skills. Many times when a child is enrolled at New Life school, their behavior is poor. After spending time learning about God and how to live, their performance in behavior drastically changes for the good. Parents many times end up surprised at the additional chores the child will do around the house and the increase in respect they are getting from their child.
One child named Vero started to attend New Life school. Her English was greatly improved. This impressed her dad and her neighbors. They were all very surprised at how well she could speak English. Now she recites memory verses for her parents and helps out with chores around the house willingly.
Another child named Cosmas enrolled at New Life school about 2 years ago. When Cosmas started he did not know how to read or write and had very bad behavior. Now, he is within the top 3 of his class. His behavior has been changed from bad to good.
As I think of Cosmas and Vero, I also think of the other 200 plus children at the school. All of their lives have been changed for the better. I know that this school will be a great stepping stone for these children to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and hopefully for their families and community. They are able to learn, develop and grow in ways that would not be possible without the opportunity to attend here.
Poverty is a cycle that can be changed in areas where outreach is prevalent. There are enough people in this world that care and would like to help. However, the thought of it being too big of a task is a stumbling block. One life at a time is where it all starts… Without starting small, something big cannot happen. What seems small to one person means the world to another.
Changing lives is simple. We complicate it by over thinking it.
Words of wisdom from George: Most of us stop thinking about God and start thinking of ourselves. When we do that we lose focus. We rely on ourselves and others instead of God to care for our needs. However, if we think of God, we can know that he will be thinking of us and caring for our needs. He thinks of us far more than we think of ourselves and intends to provide for those with faith.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Day 75
I went to Bomani’s church service today to see the children sing the songs we learned during Super Saturday. They performed very well. It was so cute watching them sing the songs! They were happy to do it. When the children finished they came outside for a group picture. Then we all went back in for the rest of the service.
I really enjoyed the service. A new speaker came in to preach today. His topic was worry. God teaches us to not worry about what we will wear or eat and so on because life is more important than food and clothing. He will provide for our needs. He used an analogy of driving in a matatu. He said when you get into a matatu, you don’t worry, you just rest and enjoy the ride. If you trust a matatu driver, then why don’t you trust God? We should enjoy our lives and rest in Him knowing that he will provide for us and care for us. When we worry about those things, our attention gets put on them instead of where it should be which is on a friendship with God.
After service some of the children and I went to Emily’s house. Emily lives in the staffing houses that Fox River Church provided for some of the teachers. We went in her house and sat down. We played games, talked, goofed around and watched TV. In the mean time, Emily cooked food for me and popcorn for the children.
After some time of hanging out, we decided to go for a walk in the village. Mbeyu wanted to purchase some potatoes for her and her friends. It was fun walking around with them.
Today has been one of my favorite days. Just hanging out with the kids is so much fun. I am especially fond of Mbeyu. She is the sweetest girl!
I really enjoyed the service. A new speaker came in to preach today. His topic was worry. God teaches us to not worry about what we will wear or eat and so on because life is more important than food and clothing. He will provide for our needs. He used an analogy of driving in a matatu. He said when you get into a matatu, you don’t worry, you just rest and enjoy the ride. If you trust a matatu driver, then why don’t you trust God? We should enjoy our lives and rest in Him knowing that he will provide for us and care for us. When we worry about those things, our attention gets put on them instead of where it should be which is on a friendship with God.
After service some of the children and I went to Emily’s house. Emily lives in the staffing houses that Fox River Church provided for some of the teachers. We went in her house and sat down. We played games, talked, goofed around and watched TV. In the mean time, Emily cooked food for me and popcorn for the children.
After some time of hanging out, we decided to go for a walk in the village. Mbeyu wanted to purchase some potatoes for her and her friends. It was fun walking around with them.
Today has been one of my favorite days. Just hanging out with the kids is so much fun. I am especially fond of Mbeyu. She is the sweetest girl!
Day 74 SUPER Saturday in Bomani!
We had another successful, well run Super Saturday. There were approximately 200 children present. They were all the students at the New Life center. Each class had two team leaders that took them from station to station. There was a craft station where they colored bookmarks. There was a lesson station where they learned a lesson about being selfish verses being generous and drew pictures while listening to the songs they have been learning. There was a game station where Simone led the children in lots of fun games! There was a parachute station led by two gentlemen from Crossroads Nyali. The parachute station is a favorite for the children. There was also a snack station. The children had biscuits and juice while practicing their songs.
Before and after the events started at each station, we taught the children a song titled Just Like Jesus and He Made the Heavens. The learned hand motions to go along with the songs so they can perform it for the church on Sunday. One of the days earlier in the week I had them practice the song so they could know it before today. When I arrived today all the kids knew the songs completely by heart already! The teachers had been teaching them throughout the week. I was just amazed when Simone and I went to review the songs with them, they knew every word and hand motion. Imagine… 200 kids singing songs in harmony! Such a beautiful sound.
We had a lot of volunteers! Some came from Nyali Crossrads church, others came from Injili and the rest were from the Bomani Center. There were well over 20 volunteers. Each volunteer had a specific assignment to do that day. They all seemed so happy by the end of the day because of the joy they brought to the children’s lives! All the kids were laughing and enjoying their time thoroughly.
At the end of the day I was talking with Cecilia. She is one of the ladies that helped in snack and leading music. She said, “Ann recruited me to come next week, too!” She expressed how much fun she had today and that she is looking forward to next week’s Super Saturday at Injili. The other ladies that were working with Cecilia agreed with what she said and will also join next week.
Before and after the events started at each station, we taught the children a song titled Just Like Jesus and He Made the Heavens. The learned hand motions to go along with the songs so they can perform it for the church on Sunday. One of the days earlier in the week I had them practice the song so they could know it before today. When I arrived today all the kids knew the songs completely by heart already! The teachers had been teaching them throughout the week. I was just amazed when Simone and I went to review the songs with them, they knew every word and hand motion. Imagine… 200 kids singing songs in harmony! Such a beautiful sound.
We had a lot of volunteers! Some came from Nyali Crossrads church, others came from Injili and the rest were from the Bomani Center. There were well over 20 volunteers. Each volunteer had a specific assignment to do that day. They all seemed so happy by the end of the day because of the joy they brought to the children’s lives! All the kids were laughing and enjoying their time thoroughly.
At the end of the day I was talking with Cecilia. She is one of the ladies that helped in snack and leading music. She said, “Ann recruited me to come next week, too!” She expressed how much fun she had today and that she is looking forward to next week’s Super Saturday at Injili. The other ladies that were working with Cecilia agreed with what she said and will also join next week.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Day 73 Sweet boy
Today I went to Coast General Children’s hospital with Michelle and Simone. It was great to see the kids again. One of the boys I saw last time is now in ICU. He was brought to the hospital a bit too late. We think he won’t make it because of that. If he was brought sooner he would have had a better chance to survive. Some of the parents don’t have money to bring their children to the hospital, so they take them when their child is doing really badly and then it’s too late to save the child.
Day 72 Juice store
I woke up early this morning, got myself prepared for the day and went off to Mtwapa to purchase juice for the upcoming Super Saturday. The store that is in Mtwapa sells the juice for a really good price. Paul met me at a gestation and then took me to the store. We had to wait for about 30-40 minutes for the soda to be delivered. A man riding a bicycle had about 240 juices strapped to his bike. He dropped them off by us. Then he went to get the rest of the juice. There should be enough juice now for this Saturday in Bomani and the following in Ingili.
After purchasing the juice I dropped Paul off and headed to Bomani. Allen met me at Bomani and got all the teachers together. We gathered to discuss the details of Super Saturday. I let them know how the day would run on Saturday. They seem happy to volunteer for the Super Saturday event!
When we were done discussing the details all the teachers gathered their students in the church so we could practice the songs they will be learning on Saturday. However, one small detail was missing. There’s no CD player. So, I pulled up the car. The kids came outside. Then I opened the car doors, put the CD in and cranked up the music. We practiced the songs a couple times. The children are such fast learners. The teachers were eager to learn the songs as well, so they can continue teaching it to the children before Saturday. One of the teachers had me play the song while she recorded it on her cell phone. Before I left Ann fed me a wonderful meal of ugali and peas. She made sure that the cooks made a special plate just for me.
I headed off to Ingili. Allen followed behind to meet me there. When I arrived one of the teachers welcomed me warmly. We went into the school office and waited for all the teachers to gather. Six of the teachers at Ingili are coming to help in Bomani this weekend. We reviewed all the details of Saturday. Similar to the response in Bomani, the teachers seemed ambitious to volunteer for this event.
On my way home I picked up some biscuits and paper at Nakumatt for the event. When I arrived home I grabbed the ink cartridge to buy black ink since the printer is low. However, the piece broke off on top of the ink cartridge. I went to the store to buy the ink and see if the printer would work. It does not. Then I took the printer into the shop that I bought the ink from. He sent me to a place nearby that can fix the printer. I took the printer into the shop. A man told me that his son fixes the printers and he is not in at the moment. Now I am waiting to see what happens.
As I was a bit discouraged about the printer today, George offered me some good advice. He said, “Kristen, don’t worry about the computer, worry about me. The computer is replaceable, I’m not.” As I thought about his words I understood what he was trying to say. It was a good reminder to not be overly concerned with things. When I am too concerned about ‘things’ (whatever that may be), I get worried or frustrated and in turn it is easy treat others around me with a little less attention because my focus is on the ‘thing.’ However, no matter what is happening around me the way I treat people is very important because I cannot replace a moment with a person; however, I can easily replace a thing.
After purchasing the juice I dropped Paul off and headed to Bomani. Allen met me at Bomani and got all the teachers together. We gathered to discuss the details of Super Saturday. I let them know how the day would run on Saturday. They seem happy to volunteer for the Super Saturday event!
When we were done discussing the details all the teachers gathered their students in the church so we could practice the songs they will be learning on Saturday. However, one small detail was missing. There’s no CD player. So, I pulled up the car. The kids came outside. Then I opened the car doors, put the CD in and cranked up the music. We practiced the songs a couple times. The children are such fast learners. The teachers were eager to learn the songs as well, so they can continue teaching it to the children before Saturday. One of the teachers had me play the song while she recorded it on her cell phone. Before I left Ann fed me a wonderful meal of ugali and peas. She made sure that the cooks made a special plate just for me.
I headed off to Ingili. Allen followed behind to meet me there. When I arrived one of the teachers welcomed me warmly. We went into the school office and waited for all the teachers to gather. Six of the teachers at Ingili are coming to help in Bomani this weekend. We reviewed all the details of Saturday. Similar to the response in Bomani, the teachers seemed ambitious to volunteer for this event.
On my way home I picked up some biscuits and paper at Nakumatt for the event. When I arrived home I grabbed the ink cartridge to buy black ink since the printer is low. However, the piece broke off on top of the ink cartridge. I went to the store to buy the ink and see if the printer would work. It does not. Then I took the printer into the shop that I bought the ink from. He sent me to a place nearby that can fix the printer. I took the printer into the shop. A man told me that his son fixes the printers and he is not in at the moment. Now I am waiting to see what happens.
As I was a bit discouraged about the printer today, George offered me some good advice. He said, “Kristen, don’t worry about the computer, worry about me. The computer is replaceable, I’m not.” As I thought about his words I understood what he was trying to say. It was a good reminder to not be overly concerned with things. When I am too concerned about ‘things’ (whatever that may be), I get worried or frustrated and in turn it is easy treat others around me with a little less attention because my focus is on the ‘thing.’ However, no matter what is happening around me the way I treat people is very important because I cannot replace a moment with a person; however, I can easily replace a thing.
Day 71
Today I spent time getting things ready for the next Super Saturday and went to get a massage done. The massage really helped my back. I also went for a swim in the ocean.
Before bible study I went to briefly visit the kids at Tumaini. When I arrived a little girl named Hope was walking in the hallway. She was really excited, ran to me and we hugged. When I walked in the room I gave and received more hugs from the kids. One of little boys came up to me and started singing a song that he was taught during Sunday school, inviting me to sing it with him. Moments like that today are absolutely priceless. I would not trade them for anything.
Before bible study I went to briefly visit the kids at Tumaini. When I arrived a little girl named Hope was walking in the hallway. She was really excited, ran to me and we hugged. When I walked in the room I gave and received more hugs from the kids. One of little boys came up to me and started singing a song that he was taught during Sunday school, inviting me to sing it with him. Moments like that today are absolutely priceless. I would not trade them for anything.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 68 Change of plans...
Recently I have been having some back issues. It’s been maybe a week or longer. I think it’s a muscle. This morning when I woke up it was hard to move. I think I over did it by picking up those sweet girls a couple times and walking with my backpack. My back issue got worse and I realize that is self inflicted.
Chris and Lesley offered to carry my backpack on our walk, but of course… I did not take the offer because I don’t want to make them do extra work and because ‘I can handle it.’ Hmm… sounds like a pride problem. Ha ha… and I could not help but pick up those sweet little girls when one of them was getting tired trying to make it up so many stairs, I told her to hop on my back for a piggy back ride. Then as they left, I picked one of them up off the ground as I was hugging her… I mean really… I couldn’t help it… she was just so sweet and cute!
Well, today I am paying for all that. It is hard to walk or make any movements without feeling the pain. We had plans to go hiking and visit neighbors. All of that was put on halt. I decided to go home today instead of tomorrow.
The bus ride back was pretty bumpy. Ouch! When I came home I thought it would be good to get in the pool and swim a bit because last time I swam in the ocean it really helped my back. However, the swim was of little help this time. Not sure why. Time to rest and let this thing heal!
Tomorrow I will try to stay in bed most of the day. I am an ‘on the go’ type of person… staying in one spot is quite the task for me. This will be interesting! Ha ha…
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