Please read and respond!

I posted thus to facebook already, but figured I could put it here as well.

2 weeks ago, I got a call that I had been accepted to a mission trip called The World Race. “The World Race is a Christian mission trip that travels to 11 countries in 11 months. Participants live out of a backpack, survive on a limited budget, and find themselves in situations where faith is the only reality to choose from. In partnering with existing missionaries and ministries, World Racers develop relationships with the “least of these”, and through acts of service see communities and nations transformed all over the world.” The route I am looking at starts in January and the countries would be Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It would start in January. I would be required to raise $14,000 in support. It would probably be the hardest thing I have ever done, but an incredible time to grow as a person and stretch my faith.

Meanwhile, I have had successful interviews with a private Christian preschool in Arlington, Virginia (10 minutes from Washington DC). They have basically offered me a job teaching 4 and 5 year olds there. “At MOECA Prep, we believe that all children deserve a safe, fun, loving, nurturing, academically progressive learning environment in which to develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of learning.” This would also be difficult, as I would have to pick up my life and move to a new area where I don’t know anyone. But this would also be an opportunity to reinvent myself and serve God as a teacher.

When I got the call from the World Race, I had given myself 2 weeks to decide and then I planned to start support raising. Well my “deadline” is today and I have not made a final decision. I want to go visit Virginia first to see the school and area, which probably cannot happen for another week or so, before deciding if I will take the job offer.

I can think of a million reasons to be terrified or excited about either option. And everyone tells me options are good, but I hate making decisions!!! I am terrified of choosing the “wrong” thing and then not being able to turn back.

Missions I believe have always been on my heart, and since traveling to Kenya even more so. Lately I feel like Kenya is all I want to talk or think or feel excited about. When writing essays for the teaching job, I wrote a halfhearted paragraph about my teaching philosophies, and 2 pages about my volunteer experience. Half of me just wants to sell all of my possessions and go build a school/orphanage in Kenya. But then I see friends who have traveled to other places, and wonder if it is just Kenya I am called to, and to what extent, or if I could fall in love with another culture and go be a teacher there. That is why the World Race had initially appealed to me, it would give me a taste of what it is like to do missions and see other countries and cultures. It won’t be safe, and it won’t be easy. All of the testimonies from previous race participants speak of being challenged, stretched, broken, changed. But it is also a rite of passage, a time to put my trust and faith in God to the test.

In terms of the teaching world, the position in Virginia is ideal. It is a Christian school with great values. The staff seems very supportive and would love to have me join them as a teacher. I would have a small class size, with an aid, and be working with an age group I enjoy. There is flexibility within the curriculum for my input and creativity. The facility is brand-new, and the students and parents would hopefully be supportive of the school’s mission. I would have decent pay, great benefits, and time off. During college, I had such a passion for early childhood education and wanted nothing more than to become a teacher. After two years in U-46, this feeling is a vague memory for me, but I wonder if a positive environment could restore my love for teaching and if it is not still what I am called to do. I have after all bought hundreds of children’s books in the past 3 years! Moving to Virginia would give me the opportunity to meet new people, see new places, try new things.

Either way, it will be hard to leave. I have hated Elgin at times, and at times wanted nothing more than to get out! But when it comes down to it, my family is here, and I love being able to be at my parents house in 10 minutes and spend tons of time with my nieces and nephews whenever I want. If I am gone, I will miss the occasions, birthdays, and all the little moments of being an aunt, a sister, a daughter, a friend. My church is here, we have been going there 10 years now, and I love it and am fairly plugged in. I have an awesome “host family” and love living at the Patrick’s! I will miss all of this, my room, the people, my roots. It is hard to be here at times, as a lot of my friends have gone to different ends of the world and I miss the community of college.

I worry about fitting in either way. In the mission field, I already feel unqualified. I have not been fasting or praying about this decision. God and I have been on a rocky path for what seems like forever. In Virginia, I will be in a very upper class area and wonder what that will be like. Half of me wants to be in the dirt in Kenya holding a snotty kid. The other half wants the American Dream- house, kids, cat, white picket fence, silly kitchen appliances, the whole nine yards. I feel like either option I choose, I will be ruined for the other. If I spend a year in missions, I think I will forever be disgusted by consumerism and never want to spend money again. If I go to Virginia, I might lose my love for the poor and vulnerable. Either way, I wonder if I will put roots down or is it just something to do for another year and then will I still be wondering what my purpose in life is? I feel like I have been asking for 10 years what I am meant for and that I don’t fit in anywhere. If I go on the mission trip, I might decide to do missions full-time, which will mean further time away from my family. If I go to Virginia, I might form relationships there with people who love the area and want to stay.

One final personal note- on the World Race, you are not allowed to date. This means I am committed to being 26 at the end of 2011 and single. And this is honestly hard for me, though it would probably be a good thing. Every relational decision I have made over the last 18 months has been in light of my biggest codependent fear of being alone, and I have done some pretty stupid things. But if I am in Virginia, I could meet some handsome man who is educated and rich, which in the world’s eyes is great but what if my calling is still missions?

Again, there is a fear of choosing wrong. Of course, it is great to just do something and my life has lacked structure for the past 2 months and been depressing. But what if I choose teaching and realize that I am just not cut out for it? Or what if I go to the other side of the world and am miserable and homesick? Kenya was the best time of my life, but it was so challenging and there I had it comparatively easy with what I will be doing on the World Race.

So there it is. My heart and my dilemma, my thoughts. They are hard for me to articulate and honestly, I have spent the past 2 weeks trying not to think about it! So, as my family, friends, or facebook friends, or blog readers, or whatever you are, I am asking for advice. For the past 6 months I have heard from some of you “you are young, you are single, you can do anything, go be crazy and have an adventure” or “you cannot leave, I will miss you!” I am asking you:

1. What would you choose if you were me?
2. Based on your knowledge of who I am, what do you think I am called to?
3. Pray. Obviously only God knows, and He and I don’t talk much anymore, so maybe He will talk to you.

I need Africa more than Africa needs me

I wrote yesterday about the overwhelming heartache and joy of spending time in Kenya, and the resolutions I made not to forget the lessons I learned there.

I have not forgotten Kenya. Lately I think about it everyday (hence the blog) and love finding others who get it. I have not forgotten the names, the faces, the places.

But in the time following both of my returns to life in America, I found it was so easy to slip back into the norms of our culture. Consumerism, complaining, laziness, self-reliance, entitlement, taking things for granted.

Our culture doesn't think we need God, and it is easy to see why. We have everything we think we could ever possibly need right at our fingertips. Turn on the TV, 500 channels (and there is nothing on but garbage)! Walk into the store, there are 50 breakfast cereals, 10 brands of Ketchup, aisle after aisle of stuff. We can't seem to go 10 minutes without taking out our cell phones. And don't get me started on our churches, which we design largely to meet our own needs. We are taught to be independent, not need anyone. We believe we are entitles to the best of everything without having to strive or suffer. We have constant access to the ability to meet all of our human needs. And yet, we have so much depression, and so many medications to fix all of our perceived ailments. Why is that?

But I am getting on a tangent here. I am trying to say that over time, I stopped marveling that hot water came out of my sink and to be grateful for everything I had. I started complaining again, wallowing is needless self-pity, filling the void in my hear with junk.

And I slipped away from God. Our culture is also so busy, always running here and there, full of stress, worry, anxiety. A visiting preacher at our church today had us pray silently for 3 minutes. 3 minutes! And it was uncomfortable, difficult, distracting! I stopped spending time with God. I no longer had to pray for my protection and safety, so I didn't pray at all. When I tried to read the Bible, it seemed dry. And church felt disconnected.

There were times I tried to get back on track, but overall I missed the closeness God and I had in Kenya.

There is an awesome movement called Mocha Club that started the saying "I need Africa more than Africa needs me." Why? "Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart." This rings true for me, as well as the fact that I love the person I am in Africa, sitting filthy in the red dirt with a child in my lap. I feel fulfilled there, I cannot question God there. Here I am backsliding and feel useless. 

She came home on a mountain

Both of my times in Kenya were challenging experiences. I endured power outages, having no power at all, cold showers, having no showers at all, seeing extreme poverty contrasted with wealth and wordless, homesickness, physical sickness (thankfully never very bad), being heckled, fear of the unknown, having circumstances be out of my control, meeting tons of new people, having no alone time (I am an introvert!), packing and repacking my suitcase, mzungu drama, Kenyan time (1 hour late is the norm!), slow Internet, no Internet, slums, the middle of nowhere, new food, new faces, new places, feeling helpless, matatus, traffic, bartering, walking for miles on end, teaching with no materials or prep time, and putting my life in the hands of complete strangers.
I wanted to go home at tines. I wanted to cry a lot. At times I was frustrated. But looking back, I always say this was the best time of my life. I got to hold lots of adorable babies/children, hold a day-old goat, kiss a giraffe, touch an elephant, pet a cheetah, see a child's face light up when you give him/her a pencil, feed over 100 children, sort 500 donated books, tickle Dylan and make him laugh hysterically, answer many questions about life in America, make new friends, grade papers, impress teachers, teach kids worship songs, read the Bible in a public school, stand on the equator, hike Mount Kenya, scuba dive in the Indian ocean, comfort crying children, hear the stories of orphans, take an African safari, touch a hot spring, ride a camel, learn how to make chapati, stir ugali, be adopted by a wonderful host family, go to many Kenyan churches, and see God's hand all over the people in Kenya and in my life as well.

When you are alone in a strange land with no conveniences and comforts of home and little control over your situation, I figured my choices were to completely freak out or choose to trust God. Despite occasional moments of freaking out, overall this was such a sweet time between me and God. We were tight. I was clinging to Him for dear life. I learned to let go, and not worry (hakuna matata!) because things work out, and even when they don't that's ok too. I learned that possessions and circumstances have nothing to do with having joy of faith. I saw people with nothing offer me tea with hospitality and graciousness. I saw people with unfair lives never complain but love Jesus with all their hearts.

I swore to not forget the things I learned. I wanted to stay close to God even after I left. I promised to not take anything for granted, from a drop of hot water or the fact that our water comes out of a sink 24/7 and is potable. I was filled with joy.

And step by step You lead me

July 23, 2009

It was my last day in Kenya. I had been trying to get a hold of Wanja, the girl who stayed at the house with me in 2007 and who I had become friends with. I kept calling her number, and getting no answer and finally I figured I would not be able to see her. Then the day before, I tried one last time, and she answered! She spent the entire conversation saying, “Oh my God!” And she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to meet me because the new family she worked for was very strict on her. But, she was able to sneak out and we met at Nakumatt for smoothies and got to catch up. 

Then I met with Julia and some other volunteers from International Teams. We walked around the shops (it’s like a little mall there) then drove to this place called Amani Ya Ju. Women from Kenya and Somalia go there to live, and make and sew things to earn a living. They had so many nice things there; I could have spent a fortune! I bought some pretty placemats. 

We had lunch in the city. Then I went back to Grace’s, got ready, and finished packing. Then someone drove me to the airport and it was time to say goodbye to Kenya again. It felt sad and surreal.

“I have a feeling I will be back…”

And if we follow our dear Son to where the stars are not familiar...

July 22, 2009

I walked to Nakumatt and Eugene picked me up from there to go visit my old school one last time. I talked with Salome, the secretary, and had some mandazi and chai. Then I spent time with baby class (3 year olds). I brought them some clay and they were using it. I ate lunch, and this little boy Victor was following me around. Then I talked with Eugene and Shosho (his mom), and also with the class 7 and 8 girls. The school had an assembly and I donated some books for their library. Then we left, and Eugene took me out for yomachoma. I went home and started to pack. Then we had dinner, watched TV, and played cards. It was my last night in Kenya…

 Find the mzungu!

Under African skies

July 21, 2009

I walked with some other volunteers to a school called Olympic, which is in Kibera estates (the “nice” part of Kibera, one of the largest slums in the world). They put me in nursery class with another teacher named Rachel. The kids were really cute. During break, I played with some of the kids, ate some food, and took a tour of the school. I read the book David Goes to School to nursery class. Then I had lunch with them. A boy hurt his finger playing soccer, so I cleaned it and gave him a band-aid. Many of the building at the school were donated by volunteers (they even had a library and a computer lab). One of the ladies donated most of the buildings came to visit. She said her son came to Kenya in 1996 and the school had 1 classroom for 96 students, with nothing but a chalkboard and 1 piece of chalk! She is a teacher at a Christian school, so after her son told her about it she raised money to get more buildings. She then came to Kenya for the first time in 2007. I told her how I was overwhelmed by all the needs in Kenya and she said you just have to start making a change. We walked home, and Taylor took us through part of Kibera. We went home, ate some pineapple we had bought (yum!), had dinner, watched The Office, played Uno, played with Roy.

 a tiny part of Kibera- 

it is estimated that 2 million people live in Kibera

It's possible to be bored in Kenya too

July 20, 2009

I slept in and walked to Nakumatt. I got some tiramisu flavored ice cream- yum! I had some down time, and talked to my mom on the phone. I had a lazy, unproductive day. I was hoping to meet up with a bunch of people during my last few days but was having a hard time getting a hold of anyone.

He lives in you, He lives in me

July 19, 2009

I took a shower and packed up my stuff. Then we went to Pastor John’s church. The kids from Maddison house (the 1st orphanage my Dad and I stayed at) were there, and they were happy to see me. We introduced ourselves in front of church and sang a few songs. Pastor Randy (originally from Georgia, now living in Kenya) preached. 

Then we went to Maddison house and I gave everyone a tour. We had a nice lunch at Pastor John’s, and chatted with Pastor Randy a bit there too. I got to hang out with the kids and give them pencils before I had to say goodbye again. Then I went back to get my stuff and say goodbye to team 2. It was emotional; we had bonded a lot in a short time, especially the girls.

I went back to Grace’s to stay for my last several days because I wanted to be closer to the city to hopefully meet up with a few people before leaving. 

I have been changed to bring change, to bring change

July 18, 2009

We went to Kiberia (no, not Kibera, Kiberia is a much smaller slum but a slum nonetheless) to do a feeding program. There were about 120 kids there. They did some songs for us and did introductions. Then we played games with them. We served them hot porridge for breakfast and rice and beans for lunch- serving this many hot plates of food alone was an adventure! We sang some songs with them after lunch, and gave them bubbles.

We went to Nakumatt and then had dinner at James’ house. They served us a good dinner and ice cream. Then we took a party matatu home and had devotions. Shana began sharing the needs of the orphanage, and as she was naming them off, we realized how many of them God had already provided for- donation money for new beds and mattresses for the kids. It was amazing!


“I am happiest when I forget myself and put Him (God) and others first.”

Though the world moves like mad , You alone are faithful

July 17, 2009

At the orphanage, we spent the day playing with the kids. I held a baby named Faith who was 2 months old. I played basketball and soccer with some of the older boys. Then I was holding this girl Beth, and she fell asleep on me for awhile. While she was asleep, a boy named Mina (not sure how you spell it) was crying really hard and limping. So I picked him up and we took him into the office. His foot was bleeding really badly. I held him and another volunteer Lindsey cleaned off his toe and put ointment and a band aid on it. He was screaming the whole time, I felt so helpless but we tried to comfort him and gave him a granola bar. This seemed to help.

The rice and beans they get there are often mixed with small stones, and sticks, so it is customary to sort through it before cooking. This is the most tedious process in the world! I did this for a little while, but do not have the patience for it!

I chatted with Moses, and then David brought his guitar and we sang some worship songs with the kids. I think this was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip and wish I could have done it every day!

I was leaving the next day to stay with Grace, so I gave the kids some bubbles, jump ropes, soccer balls, and stickers. They went nuts. It was hard to say goodbye, and the kids kept saying, “see you tomorrow!” I tried to explain, and then they looked all sad and confused.

We had a yummy dinner, with fresh fruit!

“I have to leave Kenya a week from yesterday. :( I will be home a week from today. :) And that is exactly how I feel…America = stress/anxiety” 

 Kyle Degwa (the 2 year old son of our host family) eating dirt

Brian and Ann Wangeshi

I love this picture!

Where the journey may lead you

June 16, 2007

I managed to make it onto both of my flights, through customs and back home! I took a long shower and saw my family. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel well the next few days, but this bought me a few days before I had to return to work.

“God is good- all the time”

I feel like there was so much more that went on in me during this first trip that I have yet to write about. Thank you to everyone who supported me financially and with prayers, it made a huge difference. Thank you to my family for letting me go to Africa by myself! Thank you to my wonderful host family for worrying over me, feeding me, and taking me places:

Thanks to my roommate Ashley for all the late-night talks. Thank you to the Fadhili guys for being around when I needed you. Thank you to everyone who I met in Kenya who showed hospitality. And most of all thank you God for bringing me to Kenya, teaching me so much there, and providing for me every step of the way.

July 16, 2009

We went to the orphanage and I played and hung out with the kids. I held a baby named Mary for awhile, and another girl Beth who was not feeling well, and also chatted with Ponena, one of the older girls.

“It’s the little things here that matter and make me feel like I am doing something good.”

At our host family’s, I showered, and we ate dinner, then we did devotions together. We sang one of my favorite songs, and I opened up to the group during discussion. This time, especially with team 2, was short but such a godsend as I had struggled and felt frustrating while serving alongside and living with non-Christian volunteers. They just had such a different worldview, I couldn’t understand. And here I was with a group of Christians who wanted to worship together and serve orphans in Kenya, actually walk out God’s calling. Amazing.

Once I'm gone I cannot look back

July 15, 2007

It was my last night in Kenya. Our neighbors decided to have a marriage celebration at 2am! They were playing drums, dancing, and singing, all very loudly! I managed to get some sleep.

I went to Nairobi Chapel, and met up with some missionaries from my home church there! We sang “Our God is an Awesome God,” which I had taught to the kids at school.

After church we went to Nakumatt junction and I ate the most delicious banana walnut pancakes and chatted with some ladies there.

We shopped a little bit there, and then I went home and finished packing. I ate dinner and said goodbye to everyone, then drove to the airport. It was hard to say goodbye.\

I had come to Kenya frightened, unsure, and left full of joy and faith. 

“It is so amazing how and where God calls people… God has been awesome this whole time in Kenya and it has been such a wonderful experience. Emotional and challenging, I will never forget it.”

July 15, 2009

In the middle of our bus ride home, some sand lorry drivers went on strike in the middle of the road because they wanted to be paid more. Hundreds of cars were stuck, including our bus, for 2-3 hours! I slept during most of this time (it was around 2am!). We were supposed to get into Nairobi at 6am, and we finally made it at 10am. 

I went back to the orphanage to meet team 2 of Shana’s group. We went to Nakumatt Junction and I ate focaccia bread at a nice Italian restaurant there. We went to the orphanage to say hi to the kids and hang out with them. Then we had dinner. My first time in Kenya, I was ready to be home at this point, but this time around I felt there was more still for me to do and was glad I had more time.

“In Kenya I am learning to be assertive and spontaneous, to complain/worry less. I am also remembering how much I love kids.”

Proverbs 6:4 (New International Version)

Allow no sleep to your eyes,

no slumber to your eyelids.

(chew on that one, Bill Gothard!)

I know that the night must end, and that the sun will rise

July 14, 2007

We watched the sunrise over the Maasai Mara during our morning game drive. 

Then we drove back, and I went to my host family’s to rest, and pack.

“Everything I own is dirty.”

July 14, 2009

We woke up, got ready, and drove to 40 Thieves while it was still dark to watch the sunrise over the ocean. It was gorgeous. 

I went with another volunteer to a school for orphans with about 30 kids ages 4-6 in one classroom. He has been doing some gardening there, which was neat to see because it is a good example of sustainable development. This other group camp Kenya was there too. I helped make a ton of chapatti! 

Then we went to the beach one last time and I got to ride a camel! 

I took the night bus with another volunteer, and had good Indian food in downtown Mombasa.

This whole land is calling out for You

July 13, 2007

I woke up in the middle of the night with a fever. I didn’t have a thermometer so I am not sure how high it was but I was having massive chills, body aches, the whole bit. I was terrified so I called my mom, took some Tylenol, and went back to sleep. Thankfully in the morning I felt a bit better because we did a game drive all day!

We saw tons of animals once again- giraffes, a male lion, hippos, warthogs, hyena and rhino. That night we took a tour of the Maasai village. They did dances for us and showed us their homes. I got to wear a hat they made out of a real lion mane! 

July 13, 2009

I went with another volunteer to a school with kids who are orphans but live mostly with family members. It was a small school, with only preschool, kindergarten and a 1st/2nd grade combined class. They have 1 teacher for both preschool and Kindergarten, which are 2 small classes connected. I taught “baby class” (preschool) for the morning. I played with all of them during break.

I carried two 5 liter jugs of water, and helped make chapatti. Then we ate with the kids and did the dishes.

We went to 40 thieves and I swam in the ocean. The water was shallow and warm, it was really nice. Then we walked down the beach, checked our email, and took a matatu home. 

We took our host families out to dinner at this place called African Pot. The food took forever to come but it was good. 

I was thinking a lot today about my purpose, and accomplishing some good in Kenya that would be sustainable.

The sky was bright and clear

July 12, 2007

I woke up early and after some delay, drove with some other girls the Maasai Mara! We did our first game drive and saw elephants, lions, zebra, gazelle, impala, wildebeest, and ostriches. It was amazing!!! Then we had dinner and sat around a campfire. There were so many stars!!!

July 12, 2009

I went with a host family in Mombasa to church. After church, we went to Fort Jesus and Old Town. I rode a tuk tuk!

A guide took us around, and we had lunch and went in a neat store.

“It is not possible to capture all of the things you experience during daily life in Kenya…”

She swore to not forget

July 11, 2007

It was my last day teaching at the school. I handed out stickers, pencils and crayons. They had an assembly to say goodbye to me. I thanked all of the teachers, and said goodbye to the kids, which was bittersweet.

the 3 classes I taught all together

July 11, 2009

I met up with some other volunteers, and we drove to Shimoni beach. From there we took 2 boat rides into the ocean. On the one boat, they served us tea and biscuits, and sang us some songs! They showed us how to snorkel and also scuba dive. We put on wetsuits and snorkeled for almost an hour. It was amazing. We saw tons of coral, anemones, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. Of course there were tons of fish of all different kinds, and some in big schools. Some we got really close to! It was so peaceful and beautiful. Then we got ready to scuba, which was more difficulty but incredible. We went 8 meters down to the ocean floor (the sand at the bottom felt dry!). We saw sting rays, clams, and more fish, coral, etc. Then we went to Wasini Island for a delicious meal of crab legs, chapatti, and rice with curry coconut sauce. They served me a whole tilapia fish that had its head, eyes, fins abs everything still on it! Then we took the boat back and toured the slave caves. 

 We saw dolphins off the boat!

Ready to dive!

where we ate

“I really have nothing to complain about after being reminded of the poverty here. God uses everything for His good”

still I judge success by how I'm dressing

July 10, 2007

I spent the morning at school, and had the kids draw pictures of me. I also helped out the teachers. Then we had lunch with Pastor Rasndy, who came from the US and has been living in Kenya for the past 10 years or so. He is really cool, and we talked. He has a mix of a southern accent (he’s from Gerogia) and a Kenyan one, haha. Then we went to use the internet, and I set up an email for Wanja, who is my age and had never used a computer before! We also went to the market.

This is the outside of the school I had been volunteering at

July 10, 2009

We left early in the morning while it was still dark, and boarded a bus for Mombasa! The bus was like a charter bus. They played horrible R & B music through the speakers above our heads and some creepy Kenyan guy was staring at us during the whole ride. It started getting hot when we got near Mombasa but this lady who was all wrapped in scarves like she was cold yelled at us when we opened the window. It was a long ride! Luckily I slept some, and listened to music. 

We took a ferry to the place where we were staying (Ukunda) which was outside the city of Mombasa. We were staying with some host families there. I asked to take a shower, and they gave me an ice cold bucket of water! We had dinner and then went to this place called 40 thieves, which is a restaurant/bar. We got there, and I was happy and surprised to find it was right on the Indian Ocean! There were tables outside and couches right in the sand, and warm waves rolling in. We walked out on the beach (it was nighttime by now), and there were all these sand crabs crawling around! It was so cool!

I'm blessed as the poor

July 9, 2007

I took a picture with each of the classes at school. I had brought a stuffed cat to keep me company on the trip, so I showed it to the kids. Most of them do not have toys or stuffed animals, so they loved it. They were hugging and kissing it. 

In the afternoon, I visited the homes of some of the kids who are orphans. It was crazy. Luckily they all have extended family members to live with, but all of their family members are also poor and have their own kids to look after and support. In one house, 4 kids and 2 adults lived in 1 tiny room that had 1 bed. In another, 15 kids were living with a 100 year old grandmother. All the families were so hospitable and thanking me for coming.

July 9, 2009

We slept in and had fresh mandazi (donuts) for breakfast! Then we went to this really nice place to use the internet (there are a lot of “internet cafes” around Kenya where you can use the internet for 1 shilling, which is a between 1 and 2 cents, a minute). Then we went to Nakumatt Junction for lunch. We stopped at the market and monkey park. 

We got to the orphanage at night to have a “party.” Some of team 1 was leaving for safari so it was their last day. The kids sang songs and did dances, and talked about what an impact the volunteers and Jump for Joel have made. The kids have had such hard lives, yet they have so much joy and faith. We had dinner with them and passed out some donations we had brought (clothes, shoes, stuffed animals, candy). We got home really late!

and faith my eyes

June 8, 2007

We went to church.

After church, we went to City Park. This is one of my favorite places! It is right on the outskirts of the bustling city of Nairobi. Then you get to the park, and there are all these beautiful trees, flowers, and plants! And there are monkeys running around everywhere! There are no walls or fences or anything. If you feed them peanuts, they will climb and sit on you! 

June 8, 2009

I was staying in a town called Kikuyu, and then we drove to the orphanage Shana has been helping which is in Gathiga. I got to tour the orphanage and nursery school there, and meet the kids. 

Then we walked to the Primary school where the older children go. 

Then we came back to the orphanage. They had donated 474 books for the kids and built a bookcase to store them in. I helped organize them which was great, and the kids were so happy. 

We had dinner back at our host family’s and did devotions. 

“There is so much need…Everywhere in Kenya it is the same story…I want to help but it is overwhelming..”