Today was our final full day here in Kitui. We drove with many people from St. Paul's Chapel, where we have been working, to a large hill where they erected a cross in 1994 to commemorate the 150 years since Christianity came to the area. Apparently the witch doctors in the area have taken it down a couple times because they think its presence weakens their powers. The church decided to take the opportunity of our visit to put the cross back up and hold a crusade at the bottom of the hill in the market of the village there. Afterward we walked up the hill and consecrated the cross which had been put back up in cement earlier in the day. It was a pretty intense climb but we all made it up and then safely back down. It was exciting to hear the preaching and think about the little village that is sitting under the cross, what power that cross can have for them.
We walked down the hill to the little church which looked like a shed in the backyard and we sat in the yard in front of it where they fed us lunch. We were able to provide for the entire church body and the members of st. Paul's which came with us. After a week in Kitui, today was the first day that I really wished for american food. I just wasn't that excited for another day of rice, beans, steamed cabbage, goat or chicken. While it has been better than I think any of us expected I was missing my usual today.
While we all donned our tennis shoes and hiking boots for the days climb the people of africa just climbed in their usual flip flop sandles, many women in nice dresses, some with shoes with a little heel and carrying their purses. I think one thing I was struck by today is that while this feels like camping to me, this is regular life to them. Their feet are always dusty, they always have somewhere to walk or hike and the women just grab their purse for the activity of the day like I do to go to the mall.
Yesterday was a crusade at St. Paul's Chapel. In the afternoon we had the opportunity to break into smaller groups and go visit some of the poorer families in the area bringing them some food and inviting them to the crusade. Rachel and I went together with Isabelle. One of the homes we visited was a very elderly couple. The man was over 100 years old and the woman in her 90's, it was the only time we were invited into the home as they stayed in their chairs. I don't know if I could properly describe it but I will always remember seeing this elderly couple sitting in their very old and worn chairs in this tiny, tiny room (most people in the US have larger bathrooms), with baby chicks running around between the man's feet. There were two other small rooms although I am not sure what they functioned as, maybe a bedroom and a kitchen area. Although some in the area have electricity and running water, they did not.
I am finding it hard while being here to really comprehend and put to words what we are experiencing. I can tell you these stories but it is so hard to really communicate what it feels like, what we are really seeing. It is easy to tell lots of stories of poverty such as this old couple has and feel like it is a sad and difficult life that everyone has. The thing is that while we see that life is hard, we experience so much joy and contentment among the people. They are so appreciative of what we are doing and how we are helping the community and it makes you want to stay and help more, send more money, return to make sure these children we are meeting are able to go to school and succeed, help transform the lives of the men and women and change a community. It is hard to come and see what is happening and be part of helping bring hope to a community and then leave it knowing that possibly we will never know what happens to some of the children that we have gotten to know and that realistically we may never return. In the end I guess the answer is that we need to remember we are leaving this village and these people in God's hands. He is working here, it is so evident, and he will use the seeds we have planted and the people of Kitui that live here to change lives and change Kenya. Praise the Lord. Please pray for the people of Kitui and the amazing work God is doing here.
Tomorrow we return to nairobi. what are we doing there? I don't know. Mwende will tell us when we get there. ha ha. I believe we are visiting an orphanage, I know Sunday we are slated to visit several different churches and I think we were going to try to return to the slum and do our little creation puppet show for the children there. So much to do, so little time. We are trusting God to keep us healthy (so far so good) and energetic so that we can do His work during this short time we are here.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
HELLO! from Kitui!!!!
One week later, here we are! "sasa!" (or "hey!" to which you would respond "fit!" or "hey!") so, hello! this is Maddy! hi to all, and if i don't know you, im Maddy Dickinson! its nice to meet you! :D (<- that is a smiley face for all you non-techie people out there... :D)
so it is wednesday! we have been here one week so far! though, we do so much in a day, that it feels like we've been here for a month! today we had our last kids program. it was a blast. we sang many songs, that we will teach you when we get back, such as "I Have a Father Who Will Never, Never Fail Me" and an all time favorite"Jesus is a Winner". Our time also consisted of two great skits, "David and Goliath" and "Feeding the 5,000". The kids especially loved "Goliath" who happened to be Tim standing on a chair with a huge "robe" on with shoes under the "robe, making it seem that Tim was much taller than he is. We also made and gave Playdo to the kids, and we were all very creative in our playdo sculptures. Christian made a fake nose, to represent Penochio, but the little kids seemed scared. :D
After our wonderful time with the kids, we were shown around the neighborhood. We got to see how building bricks were made, and made some of our own. We were shown the orchards, and many strange and wonderful plants. We were also introduced to a new fruit, called "Mal----" (I forgot the name... :D), but it was very sweet, yellow, and delicious. We were shown hemp purses and jewlrey made by the local women. They were very wel made, and there were all kinds of beaded stuff, including belts and ties. They were very unique and certainly awesome.
During my time in Kitui, I have made so many friends, we all have! Everywhere we go, we have new people stop and stare at us, and the really brave ones come and as our names, and they quickly become our friends. When we went to the churches and high schools, especially , we made friends. Like when I first walked in to the high school, one girl walked streight up to me, to my hand and said, "Come!", and we just walked into her class and I met about twenty new friends!
The friends I have met here, are unique, perhaps even to Kitui. They are such nice and welcoming people. They are internally and externally happy and are always excited to greet us. They are so friendly, and unforgetable (and alot of them have Facebook! so I can keep in contact with them!). The people I have met, they treat me as their very best friend, even though, i had only talked to the from twenty minutes! It seems that every person I talk to, tells me or asks me about goals for the future. They have such hope and faith. It takes much courage to dream from the poverty of their situation, yet they dream.
Well, I think it's time for me to sign off. So, until next time, and Maddy, and i'll see ya soon! :D
so it is wednesday! we have been here one week so far! though, we do so much in a day, that it feels like we've been here for a month! today we had our last kids program. it was a blast. we sang many songs, that we will teach you when we get back, such as "I Have a Father Who Will Never, Never Fail Me" and an all time favorite"Jesus is a Winner". Our time also consisted of two great skits, "David and Goliath" and "Feeding the 5,000". The kids especially loved "Goliath" who happened to be Tim standing on a chair with a huge "robe" on with shoes under the "robe, making it seem that Tim was much taller than he is. We also made and gave Playdo to the kids, and we were all very creative in our playdo sculptures. Christian made a fake nose, to represent Penochio, but the little kids seemed scared. :D
After our wonderful time with the kids, we were shown around the neighborhood. We got to see how building bricks were made, and made some of our own. We were shown the orchards, and many strange and wonderful plants. We were also introduced to a new fruit, called "Mal----" (I forgot the name... :D), but it was very sweet, yellow, and delicious. We were shown hemp purses and jewlrey made by the local women. They were very wel made, and there were all kinds of beaded stuff, including belts and ties. They were very unique and certainly awesome.
During my time in Kitui, I have made so many friends, we all have! Everywhere we go, we have new people stop and stare at us, and the really brave ones come and as our names, and they quickly become our friends. When we went to the churches and high schools, especially , we made friends. Like when I first walked in to the high school, one girl walked streight up to me, to my hand and said, "Come!", and we just walked into her class and I met about twenty new friends!
The friends I have met here, are unique, perhaps even to Kitui. They are such nice and welcoming people. They are internally and externally happy and are always excited to greet us. They are so friendly, and unforgetable (and alot of them have Facebook! so I can keep in contact with them!). The people I have met, they treat me as their very best friend, even though, i had only talked to the from twenty minutes! It seems that every person I talk to, tells me or asks me about goals for the future. They have such hope and faith. It takes much courage to dream from the poverty of their situation, yet they dream.
Well, I think it's time for me to sign off. So, until next time, and Maddy, and i'll see ya soon! :D
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Kitui part 1--Melanie Hardacker
Is it Tuesday? I have lost all track of time here in Kenya. We are adopting the Kenya way and just living for the moment and enjoying the events we are part of. Our days are so packed full it is hard to process each night everything we are doing.
Yesterday we started by delivering the 13 computers we brought to the Arch Bishop Nzimbi Secondary School. They were so excited to receive them and learn "Information Technology". Although school is on vacation this month the students came in for the presentation and to thank us. We were asked to introduce ourselves to this group of high school students. When it was Jake's turn he said he was in "form 2", which is their 10th grade equivalent, and they started laughing. Jake thought he must have said it wrong but we learned afterward that they all thought he was so big he must be older and was just joking with them.
It was facinating to meet these kids afterward and talk with them. They are very knowledgable of the world to the point I feel I might have to study up when I get home. The Arch Bishop encourages them to work hard, do well and have big dreams. Many want to go on to University, some to America. I think we all are wondering how to help make their dreams come true.
Afterward we did a little tourist action when we visited a big rock. Nzambani National rock, see if you can find it on the internet. The area legend is that if you walk around the rock 7 times you will change gender. Well I imaged a big rock I could walk around but in fact it is more like a very, very, very large rock on top of a very large hill. After a short hike we got to a staircase they have constructed on the side of this hill to get to the top. It is about 10 flights of terror walking up these metal stairs. I was not the only one afraid of heights but we all conqured our fear and made it to the top. I truly never would have even put a foot on the first step in the US but somehow I felt I needed to experience everything and forced my legs to keep moving as I hyperventelated all the way up. My brave husband carried isabelle in the backpack all the way up the stairs with the two of them admiring the view as they went. Once we got there the view was amazing and it was definately worth they climb. we got a great photograph of our team up there but you will have to wait til we get back for photos because they seem to be tricky to upload with our connection.
As we learn to live like Kenyans we went to bed last night with only buckets of water but no running water and woke up with no water or electricity. Apparently the electricity will just randomly be turned off throughout the whole region some days from about 6am to 6pm.
Today we spent ministering at the church. In the morning the men went and to help work on laying bricks for a building they are working on. They had just gotten a couple courses of bricks before we came. We had sent the money ahead and they were able to get supplies and make up bricks (they make their own bricks, they don't run out and buy them. they didn't understand that we don't make our own bricks.) The building will hold offices for the church as well as a storage area where they can store food for times of need.
While the men were busy working the women were getting a portable generator going so we could watch a dvd we brought with the women. It was the story of Jesus told from the point of view of Mary Magdelon (I know I am spelling that wrong). Although the women knew the story they have never seen it in that way and they found it to be very powerful.
After the dvd the children arrived for their lunch and we went next door to the Nzimbi residence for our lunch (did I mention the church is next door to the Arch Bishop? Great commute. Apparently it had originally been their family home and then his father built the new home and turned this into a chapel. something like that.)
Today was our first official childrens program day although we met them on sunday afternoon and managed to make up some stuff on the fly. Finally today we had a plan. We brought a bunch of puppets and did the story of creation. The kids LOVED it. Apparently they had never seen anything like that. We explained and then passed out the salvation bracelets made by the kids at our church and then did some crafts. We also brought balls which they played with outside. One of the kids commented that she wished the sun would never go down today. While we felt like we were doing something so simple the leaders have told us they are inspired by how excited the kids are by what we are doing. We are leaving the puppets and balls we brought and they are excited to be able to use them in the future.
I believe we are doing basically the same thing tomorrow only in reverse with children first and laying brick in the afternoon for the men. I believe the women are either doing some door to door ministry or going to visit a motorcycle ministry in the area or both. It will be a surprise for all of us (maybe if I am going to write this I should pay better attention when they tell us at dinner.)
So far everything is going great. We are learning so much about Kenya from our wonderful drivers. Nobody has gotten sick. We are enjoying the food (except Isabelle but she doesn't like what we make at home either so it is really no different for her). Their are very few bugs and while it is warm the humidity is low and so it is comfortable.
7 days down, 10 more to go. And loving every minute of it.
Yesterday we started by delivering the 13 computers we brought to the Arch Bishop Nzimbi Secondary School. They were so excited to receive them and learn "Information Technology". Although school is on vacation this month the students came in for the presentation and to thank us. We were asked to introduce ourselves to this group of high school students. When it was Jake's turn he said he was in "form 2", which is their 10th grade equivalent, and they started laughing. Jake thought he must have said it wrong but we learned afterward that they all thought he was so big he must be older and was just joking with them.
It was facinating to meet these kids afterward and talk with them. They are very knowledgable of the world to the point I feel I might have to study up when I get home. The Arch Bishop encourages them to work hard, do well and have big dreams. Many want to go on to University, some to America. I think we all are wondering how to help make their dreams come true.
Afterward we did a little tourist action when we visited a big rock. Nzambani National rock, see if you can find it on the internet. The area legend is that if you walk around the rock 7 times you will change gender. Well I imaged a big rock I could walk around but in fact it is more like a very, very, very large rock on top of a very large hill. After a short hike we got to a staircase they have constructed on the side of this hill to get to the top. It is about 10 flights of terror walking up these metal stairs. I was not the only one afraid of heights but we all conqured our fear and made it to the top. I truly never would have even put a foot on the first step in the US but somehow I felt I needed to experience everything and forced my legs to keep moving as I hyperventelated all the way up. My brave husband carried isabelle in the backpack all the way up the stairs with the two of them admiring the view as they went. Once we got there the view was amazing and it was definately worth they climb. we got a great photograph of our team up there but you will have to wait til we get back for photos because they seem to be tricky to upload with our connection.
As we learn to live like Kenyans we went to bed last night with only buckets of water but no running water and woke up with no water or electricity. Apparently the electricity will just randomly be turned off throughout the whole region some days from about 6am to 6pm.
Today we spent ministering at the church. In the morning the men went and to help work on laying bricks for a building they are working on. They had just gotten a couple courses of bricks before we came. We had sent the money ahead and they were able to get supplies and make up bricks (they make their own bricks, they don't run out and buy them. they didn't understand that we don't make our own bricks.) The building will hold offices for the church as well as a storage area where they can store food for times of need.
While the men were busy working the women were getting a portable generator going so we could watch a dvd we brought with the women. It was the story of Jesus told from the point of view of Mary Magdelon (I know I am spelling that wrong). Although the women knew the story they have never seen it in that way and they found it to be very powerful.
After the dvd the children arrived for their lunch and we went next door to the Nzimbi residence for our lunch (did I mention the church is next door to the Arch Bishop? Great commute. Apparently it had originally been their family home and then his father built the new home and turned this into a chapel. something like that.)
Today was our first official childrens program day although we met them on sunday afternoon and managed to make up some stuff on the fly. Finally today we had a plan. We brought a bunch of puppets and did the story of creation. The kids LOVED it. Apparently they had never seen anything like that. We explained and then passed out the salvation bracelets made by the kids at our church and then did some crafts. We also brought balls which they played with outside. One of the kids commented that she wished the sun would never go down today. While we felt like we were doing something so simple the leaders have told us they are inspired by how excited the kids are by what we are doing. We are leaving the puppets and balls we brought and they are excited to be able to use them in the future.
I believe we are doing basically the same thing tomorrow only in reverse with children first and laying brick in the afternoon for the men. I believe the women are either doing some door to door ministry or going to visit a motorcycle ministry in the area or both. It will be a surprise for all of us (maybe if I am going to write this I should pay better attention when they tell us at dinner.)
So far everything is going great. We are learning so much about Kenya from our wonderful drivers. Nobody has gotten sick. We are enjoying the food (except Isabelle but she doesn't like what we make at home either so it is really no different for her). Their are very few bugs and while it is warm the humidity is low and so it is comfortable.
7 days down, 10 more to go. And loving every minute of it.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Our first days--Melanie Hardacker
I can't believe we left home 5 days ago. In some ways it seems like ages ago and in some ways I still feel like we just got here.
We spent the first day in Nairobi visiting the Kibera slum. It is the largest slum in Africa and possibly the world. We have heard varying numbers but somewhere between 1 and 2 million people live there. It was a fascinating and slightly frightening experience but one filled with hope as we visited a church there that has created programs to help women learn to sew, created a library and homework help time for the children and other programs I am forgetting. The problems are big but our God is bigger and there are godly people there doing his work.
To fully contrast the experience we left the slum and drove to a mall not far away where we ate burgers at the food court (they have waiters in the food court here) and bought supplies at a store similar to a super target but on a much smaller scale. We also changed our money. There is a 74 schillings to 1 dollar exchange rate so we are all feeling quite rich walking around with 1000 bills in our pockets. ha ha.
Yesterday we drove out to Kitui. We are staying in a very nice guest house with beautiful grounds run by a forestry research something or other. You can imagine how much more beautiful it would be with a little rain. We are experiencing first hand the consequences of the drought and realizing how much we use water and take it for granted. Although we are supposed to have water each night they turned it off last night before we went to bed and we didn't get it back on this morning. We did have a barrel which allowed us to flush our toilets but otherwise it was a water free morning for us as we got ready for church. Tonight we do have water and are all trying to get in a shower in case we don't get it again tomorrow.
Today we worshipped at 2 different churches, Christian preached and we shared a song and greetings. At the first church Isabelle tried to go to the Sunday school but was a little overwhelmed. As we stood outside afterward about 30 or more children surrounded us all looking at her and wanting to touch her or hold her. She held tight and we smiled and shook hands (they all want to greet and shake hands). Eventually the teachers shooed them all away and they started to walk home. Isabelle got down and wanted to follow them. She was overwhelmed by so much attention but wanted to play and interact with them. She did make one friend at an event we went to on Saturday after we arrived named Grace. We saw Grace again today at the second church and Isabelle had Grace following her around. Grace is excited to introduce Isabelle to all her friends and taught her how to greet everyone with a handshake.
We also have enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Mwende's family as they have opened their home to us and fed us all our meals while we have been here and will continue to be here. We have met so many nice people from the Anglican church. I had an interesting conversation about the Anglican church, Kenya, America and democracy.
Mwende has our week filled to the brim and while I can't even remember all we are doing over the next few days I know we are all falling soundly to sleep each night. I think the jet lag is just about worn off and it is hard to believe that as I write this before bed you all are just eating lunch. I believe tomorrow we will be meeting people from the Village to Village initiative that the Arch Bishop got started in this area, and doing something with women's ministry, Tuesday we begin the building project and the children's ministry. I know Friday is a walk up a huge hill to put up a cross that has been taken down by people who think its presence will weaken their witchcraft and follow that with an evangelistic crusade. We are all just living in God's presence and taking in each new experience excited to see what the Lord is doing here in Kenya.
We spent the first day in Nairobi visiting the Kibera slum. It is the largest slum in Africa and possibly the world. We have heard varying numbers but somewhere between 1 and 2 million people live there. It was a fascinating and slightly frightening experience but one filled with hope as we visited a church there that has created programs to help women learn to sew, created a library and homework help time for the children and other programs I am forgetting. The problems are big but our God is bigger and there are godly people there doing his work.
To fully contrast the experience we left the slum and drove to a mall not far away where we ate burgers at the food court (they have waiters in the food court here) and bought supplies at a store similar to a super target but on a much smaller scale. We also changed our money. There is a 74 schillings to 1 dollar exchange rate so we are all feeling quite rich walking around with 1000 bills in our pockets. ha ha.
Yesterday we drove out to Kitui. We are staying in a very nice guest house with beautiful grounds run by a forestry research something or other. You can imagine how much more beautiful it would be with a little rain. We are experiencing first hand the consequences of the drought and realizing how much we use water and take it for granted. Although we are supposed to have water each night they turned it off last night before we went to bed and we didn't get it back on this morning. We did have a barrel which allowed us to flush our toilets but otherwise it was a water free morning for us as we got ready for church. Tonight we do have water and are all trying to get in a shower in case we don't get it again tomorrow.
Today we worshipped at 2 different churches, Christian preached and we shared a song and greetings. At the first church Isabelle tried to go to the Sunday school but was a little overwhelmed. As we stood outside afterward about 30 or more children surrounded us all looking at her and wanting to touch her or hold her. She held tight and we smiled and shook hands (they all want to greet and shake hands). Eventually the teachers shooed them all away and they started to walk home. Isabelle got down and wanted to follow them. She was overwhelmed by so much attention but wanted to play and interact with them. She did make one friend at an event we went to on Saturday after we arrived named Grace. We saw Grace again today at the second church and Isabelle had Grace following her around. Grace is excited to introduce Isabelle to all her friends and taught her how to greet everyone with a handshake.
We also have enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Mwende's family as they have opened their home to us and fed us all our meals while we have been here and will continue to be here. We have met so many nice people from the Anglican church. I had an interesting conversation about the Anglican church, Kenya, America and democracy.
Mwende has our week filled to the brim and while I can't even remember all we are doing over the next few days I know we are all falling soundly to sleep each night. I think the jet lag is just about worn off and it is hard to believe that as I write this before bed you all are just eating lunch. I believe tomorrow we will be meeting people from the Village to Village initiative that the Arch Bishop got started in this area, and doing something with women's ministry, Tuesday we begin the building project and the children's ministry. I know Friday is a walk up a huge hill to put up a cross that has been taken down by people who think its presence will weaken their witchcraft and follow that with an evangelistic crusade. We are all just living in God's presence and taking in each new experience excited to see what the Lord is doing here in Kenya.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Arrived Safely.... - Dan Fine
We've arrived and spent one full day now in Nairobi! I have to apologize - we had an entire post written complete with pictures and comments from team members but my computer had a technical problem/user error that made us lose it! We will try to reconstruct it tomorrow (Sat 8/8), when we head to the rural area of Kitui at 9am Kenya time but know that we've all arrived safely, still a little jet lagged, but doing great. God did not let a single moment pass without showing His presence with us. Will share more about that when we get a full post up!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Looking Straight Ahead--Melanie Hardacker
Today is the day! I barely slept last night and am feeling sick this morning. Trying to relax and trust God to take care of me and heal me in these last hours before we leave.
My morning prayer time with God brought me this message that I am taking to Africa:
Proverbs 4:25, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you."
As this day has come closer I have already begun to wonder what will be for me when we get back. And I know while I am there I will think about that and might begin to worry about our finances, I am already worried something will happen while we are there that we can't get back for, and I am sure there will be things happening there that will distract me as well. Yet God is asking me to simply "look straight ahead". To look at what I am doing, what HE is doing, right in front of me and be part of that. No looking back home at what is happening. No worrying about the future and what is to come. I will fix my gaze directly before me as I step forward on this path he has laid out.
My morning prayer time with God brought me this message that I am taking to Africa:
Proverbs 4:25, "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you."
As this day has come closer I have already begun to wonder what will be for me when we get back. And I know while I am there I will think about that and might begin to worry about our finances, I am already worried something will happen while we are there that we can't get back for, and I am sure there will be things happening there that will distract me as well. Yet God is asking me to simply "look straight ahead". To look at what I am doing, what HE is doing, right in front of me and be part of that. No looking back home at what is happening. No worrying about the future and what is to come. I will fix my gaze directly before me as I step forward on this path he has laid out.
Transitioning - Dan Fine
I woke at 6:30 this morning with jumbled thoughts..."remember to pack the malaria medication", "I forgot to send an email at work yesterday," "don't forget to turn the thermostat down," "make extra copies explaining the gospel bead bracelets we're bringing," "let the body shop know I'll be unreachable by phone".....
Pray that we'll be able to transition well. That we won't get bogged down by the time difference, shock of a culture with a different language, food and smells, things lingering back home....pray that we will be able to make ourselves fully available for God to work through us.
Pray that we'll be able to transition well. That we won't get bogged down by the time difference, shock of a culture with a different language, food and smells, things lingering back home....pray that we will be able to make ourselves fully available for God to work through us.
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