Not my pics...

     So this update is gonna be different. My brother Mark has become quite the photographer.  All the photos below were taken by him and I friend on a camping trip.  I'm using his pictures to explain how I'm doing, because I am a terrible photographer and don't take many pictures.  If you think that's a problem you are welcome to tag along and take pictures for me, otherwise I probably will only take pictures the few times each year I actually have a camera with me and the motivation to make some memories.  Sorry for those of you who are really artsy and have the gift of snapping memorable moments.  Maybe I'll get better at that some day.

     Anyway I've been reminded that God's mercies are new every morning.  The longer I'm alive much less in Clarkston, GA I learn more and more how much I need that mercy.  It's funny how verses in the Scriptures don't come alive sometimes until they prove their worth to you or prove God's worth to you.  Some days I still wake up not knowing what in the world will happen in the afternoon. No schedule.  No plans.  A "to do" list that needs to be done at some point (writing this update is one of them!).  Some days when things are scheduled they don't turn out like I thought they would.  Other times they do.  Such is life.  "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."
     You know when life just comes at you in waves or floods. Reminds me of a water fall.  Challenges in ministry in Clarkston are no more difficult than other places in life, but the are still challenges: language barriers that don't away in three months, spiritual warfare that continues and sometimes is worse that before, relationships with imperfect people, "failed" attempts at ministry (as think it should go), laziness, not being in control, and the list could go on.  But the joys come in floods too: group of Burmese people coming to worship with us, chances to share the teaching of Jesus with those who've never heard, brotherhood with friends and co-workers in the Gospel here, the peace and rest in God through Christ in times of challenge and ordinary daily activities, the enjoyment of coaching a kids' basketball team.  So in general I'm thankful for the floods of life, the ups and downs that bring us to a place of humility and dependence that you can't get to by yourself.  God's grace just ordains these circumstances to renew us "in knowledge in the image of [our] Creator"

     The future is only in God's hands.  When I think about what will happen next year or even next month, it reminds me of this picture.  I'm on a path and can see the path right ahead of me, but I can't see the rest of it.  But if you look in the distance you see a beautiful view with details you can't make out yet.  It's like you know and believe that the big picture is awe-inspiring, yet you don't know exactly how hard or enjoyable it will be to climb the path on the way there.  You see and know and trust what's right in front of you.  Do what you know to do now.  Obey God in the things you know He wants you to do.  Be holy because He is holy.  Trust in Him.  Is this all talk?  Will the rubber stay on the road when it gets dangerous and difficult?  Will you trust what you can't see?  Will you do the work of God and believe as Jesus teaches?  God be merciful in our journey.  Give us grace to arrive at the end of the road safe and without falling. Then may we look back and see the ground we covered and know that you are good and trust with the psalmist, "How great is the goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you."  Ps. 31:19.

"I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Is 41:10b

     

Clark-istan

Clark-istan a nickname we came up with for the crazy square mile we live in!  Sometimes I find myself laughing because I feel like I'm not in America sometimes.  I'm sure there are people laughing at me too!  To communicate with the diverse people in Clarkston, I find myself speaking in shorter sentences, sometimes cutting off words and using bad English grammar.  Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get the point across!  Once you're here for while, the "Clark-istani" language sometimes seeps into conversations with English speakers.  Makes for good comedy at times!


Here's some more pictures of life here.  Please let me know if you have questions about life or would like to here more about certain aspects of life in Clarkston.  Love to hear how you are doing as well!

The American part of Clark-istan.  I'm so grateful for friends nearby that labor in the Lord  with me.  We have meals together sometimes and gain so much encouragement from our fellowship.

The sunset from the top of Stone Mountain.  This is a great place to go for exercise (1 mile hike to top) and quiet time.  This is our Mt of Olives when we need to get away.

The crew we took to Cici's as a reward for attending tutoring on Mondays and Wednesdays.  We had a great time hanging out and eating together. Five nations are represented in this picture (Burma, Iraq, Sudan, Liberia, US)

The latest addition to the team here in Kristopher Woods.  Ben follows Jesus and wants to make disciples.  He got here soon after I did in the summer.  Please keep praying for us and the people of Clarkston.

"I love rice!"

   As we sat by the fire passing out rice and chili, Toya exclaimed, "I love rice!"  We all enjoyed our Nepali rice together and thanked God for our food together in Nepali and English at the same time!  This was the scene on Mount Yonah in Helen, GA last weekend. We took 4 of our Nepali friends on a hiking/camping trip planned by another group.  We just tagged along hoping to spend some more time with our Nepali friends. As we sat by the fire another Nepali friend asked how to "overcome" the obstacles he and others face as newcomers to the US. This was a great chance for me to mention a few things about American culture and share that in any culture looking to God and reading the Bible will help anyone find a "good way" in life.  We hope for more conversations and meals together with friends such as these.  Below are a few pics from our trip!

Rice is a staple food for Nepali and other Asian peoples.  Nepalis eat rice and other foods with their hands.  I have heard they eat rice 3 times a day!  They cooked a full pot on the campfire this night for us to share.

Our Nepali friends seemed to have no cares about the fact that nothing was under them!  Nepal, their home country is situated in the Himalayan Mountains in Asia.  Nepal has 8 of the 10 highest peaks in the world!

Troopers

     I have had a busy couple of weeks recently.  Each time I sit down and try to describe quickly what is happening in Clarkston, I have a hard time getting my point across.  Not sure what to say sometimes, so I think a few stories/blurbs will be good this time.  As I said before your generosity and prayers are enabling me to be here and experience these things.  I thank God when I think of your care and giving hearts toward me!

THANK YOU!!!

•    The Lord has really met me in my times with Him since I've been here.  Spiritual battles and discouragement can be hard to fight and I'm so grateful for God's faithfulness to provide friendships and accountability here among other believers.  Thought I'd share a quote from my journal on 8/25/11:

 "Job 23:8-10- I very much felt like v. 8-9 for a while about 4 years ago, yet now [I am] confident that the Lord knows the way I take [v. 10].  I am able to see Him and rejoice in His work.  I see more clearly what He's doing in and around me.  I am coming forth and will come out as gold.  I am being refined in faith, patience, and trust in Him.  But I know He sees my way and knows me." 

• I wear contacts in my eyes so I can see, but they get clouded with film and debris after a couple of weeks.  They begin to irritate my eyes and I have to either change to a new pair or use my glasses for a little while.  Paul writes of another set of eyes to the Ephesian church, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened" (Eph 1:18).  This weekend we had a two-day long prayer focus with our MTW team and a few other Christian neighbors.  For all involved it was so refreshing!  We spent hours in prayer together and alone.  The best way I know how to describe the time for me is in terms of my spiritual eyes, as Paul talks of in his letter. It's like my real vision, which gets blurred, and my contacts with junk on them.  In life, I get scattered-brained, things become blurry, and my heart feels irritated.  I doubt I'm the only one who's had this experience.  After our times in prayer each day, my spiritual eyes saw more clearly, just like I was changing my contacts or resting my eyes of irritation. During seasons like this the spiritual "junk" over my spiritual senses is cleaned off.  It was so peaceful and comforting to pour out thoughts, desires, cares, and anxieties to Him, trusting He cares for me.  I welcome more chances to pray as we did this weekend.

• We have started tutoring high school students every Monday and Wednesday since school started.  This has been a great opportunity for my friend Michael to spend time with a ethnic group from Burma (Myanmar) called the Karenni. Several Karenni students and others have come for tutoring.  Several Americans have pitched in to give individual help for the students.  We hope to be able to visit the families of our students soon to get to know them better.  Please pray for chances to share with these families and our Nepali friends.

• My birthday was a few weeks ago and some friends threw a fun party for me. Some neighborhood kids and a couple of refugee friends stopped by to say hello.  Not a big b-day guy, but definitely felt the love that night for sure!

Crazy people!

The Grind

     Have noticed lately that God is really teaching me to trust Him (lesson we seem to all need over and over).  The last few weeks have been really challenging.  I came here two months ago hoping to proclaim the Gospel, that my feet would be beautiful, as Paul points out in Romans 10.  In a few moments I have shared Scripture, parts of my personal salvation, or explained what baptism is, but there is no glamour and "missionary" exhilaration in every moment (the kind many have experienced on a 7-10 day "mission trip").  I knew in my mind that would be true.  I have read enough stories and heard enough Christian workers speak to know that life is still hard and laborious sometimes when you are seeking to share the Gospel full-time.  But until you get there you don't really know what everyone means.  And each situation is different too.  Here, my schedule is changing 4 of the 7 days in a week.  A few things are stable in their neat little American time slots, but I'm adjusting to an almost "freestyle" ministry here. That has been different for me.  I feel it fits my personality at times, but is not what I've been used to for much of my life in America's suburbs.
     This is not necessarily bad always, just different. I do miss the predictability of a school schedule and look forward to the teens and children here settling into a routine as well.  Have been able to meet and play basketball with several teenage boys and hope to start tutoring them soon.  That should add a little more regularity to my schedule.  I'm reminded often here that God is not always predictable, so schedules don't always dictate the need of the moment with Him.  Boasting about what I'm going to accomplish tomorrow is not wise as Prov 27:1 reminds us.  I'm learning the wisdom of that firsthand now.  Living by faith involves trusting Him in the routine activities of life and the spontaneous moments.  Both are needed and present in seasons of life.
     Internal spiritual battles can be so much more weighty and draining when you are not busy all day, but spend more time in prayer and Scripture study as I have at times.  The evil one tries to tell me that I'm being unproductive by reading a book about Clarkston's refugee resettlement history, by spending a few more minutes chatting with a friend, or by insisting on a longer time for Bible study some days.  But God has sustained me and sheltered me.  He has been my refuge as He says so often through David's psalms.  My glory and honor depend on Him.

Future Stars

A friend of ours in Clarkston, Anna Bryant, taught piano to four girls this summer.  She made this video as an introduction for the girls' first ever piano recital.  The recital was held in the lobby of the leasing office in our apartment complex, complete with refreshments, programs, and about 40 audience members.  There were 7 different countries represented in the audience, half of whom did not even know the girls, but have relationships with Anna, Brian or myself. It was a great time to strengthen friendships and see these girls' mother have a reason to be proud of her daughters!  The girls all received a flower, high fives, hugs, and got first dibs on the cookie cake when the recital was over!  Enjoy!

New Friends

    Long time no write guys, so sorry!  My computer has been under the weather, but I think I got the bugs out now.  In the past month, I've settled in to life here in Clarkston by making some new friends.  I have also been tested in my prayer life, since new places bring new challenges and need for dependence on the Father.  Several Americans live close by and we became buds almost instantly the first night I got here.  I've met several guys from Eritrea that live nearby.  My friend Natnael and I have been preparing for him to take the GED test in the next few months.  It has been great to get to know him better over the past two weeks.  I met Natnael in the parking lot of my apartments and we spend a few hours together each week. Last weekend, my parents and sister came down and got to eat with me in his home.  So great for me to see my family and share a new friend with them!  Thank you so much for all of you that pray for me and have supported me.  I am experiencing relationships with people from all over the world, in our own backyard.

Me and Natnael

Inside the apartment of some Nepali friends

     As a team, all the workers with MTW meet once a week to pray together and some of us have had more spontaneous times of prayer as well.  I am getting a better feel for the work here.  My church congregation meets about 5 minutes away, but not in Clarkston.  We use the building of another church in a town called Tucker.  So far, most of my time has been spent "doing life" (see last blog post) with people in Clarkston.  Each Sunday we worship with about 30 Americans and usually a few international neighbors.

     All the workers with MTW (now 13 I think) meet once a week to pray together and some of us have had more spontaneous meetings for prayer as well.  My church congregation meets about 5 minutes away, from Clarkston in a town called Tucker.  So far, most of my time has been spent "doing life" (see last blog post) with people in Clarkston.  Each Sunday we worship with about 30 Americans and usually a few international neighbors.

Brian, Anna, Amy, Natnael, and me on top of Stone Moutain
(popular park and recreation area near Clarkston)

     Many people are in HUGE transitions from their old lives!  It takes a massive team effort to even begin to help clear up confusion, language barriers, and just befriend people and be kind neighbors.  I have found it difficult at times since I myself am new to Clarkston.  I am making the adjustment from a school-day schedule to a fairly flexible and open lifestyle.  I sometimes teach an English class on Thursday morning as well as just conversationally helping folks with English.  I have also been helping a refugee resettlement agency, World Relief, set up apartments for incoming refugees.  That has added some consistency to my schedule, but some of my favorite times have been spontaneous meals with neighbors, pickup basketball games at the courts in my apartments, and worship and fellowship with my American friends.  Slowly we have had the chance to share the Good News and speak about Jesus.  We have some teens from a local church come each Tuesday night to play ball and hang out with kids in the apartments.  That was set up before I got here and has been a great time to connect with Clarkston teens in a relaxed setting.

English class scavenger hunt- Can you guess what English word, we're teaching here?

    It is hard to summarize what life is like here.  It is just such a unique place.  There is a lot that's familiar, but also a lot that is not.  It's like living in a large international airport or a place like NY City, except many of the people here have in a way "fled" here instead of volunteering to come.  I heard someone say today that Clarkston is the most diverse square mile in the US.  The struggles that people have as refugees here go deeper than just language difficulties.  Imagine how you would feel if you were basically forced to leave your home country to stay safe, but would rather be home if it was safe to stay.  That is what many feel here as they change to a whole new way of living while somewhat wishing to be home again.
     Others spent most of their childhood and adolescent years in a refugee camp somewhere away from their home country.  These people don't really know what it is like to live in a free society outside a fence, some with paper-thin walls that prevent privacy almost completely in the refugee camps.  I am confident that Jesus came for these people: the foreigner, the stranger, the afflicted, broken, confused, and oppressed.  Please pray for needed strength to serve and love them as Jesus did, despite my own sin and struggles at times.

     In the difficulties and the joys of living here, I am reminded that the man who delights in God's law will be "like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither."(Ps 1:2-3)  Also John records from Jesus that if we abide in Him we will bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be His disciples to the glory of God.  There is life in Jesus and fruit from my time here will only be produced through my connection with Him.  May that be my highest delight and desire!

More on Clarkston

A book called Outcasts United, by Warren St. John, that tells a lot about how Clarkston became home to international refugees.  The book is mainly about a soccer league formed several years ago, but seems like a great summary of Clarkston's history too.  I just got it at the library and have started reading it.  Very well-written.  Thought I would recommend it if you're curious about how or when our new neighbors came to Atlanta.

http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341bfae553ef01156f3bf6cf970c-pi. Accessed 7/9/11.

Also, many of the folks that move into Clarkston come from refugee camps such as the one in the video link below.  My friend showed me this video of a camp in Ethiopia called Shimelba Camp. He lived there for 5 years before he moved to Clarkston about a year ago.

Click the link below to see a short video about Shimelba Refugee Camp 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3N9RDbiHu0

Pictures from Shimelba Camp

30 Things to do in Clarkston…

     I made a list of things I have done since arriving last weekend in Clarkston. Thought this might give you a taste of what I've been up to and what you might experience if you were here.  I will send some pictures and put some on the blog soon, so keep checking up!  Thank you so much for praying for me and making it possible for me to be here! 

30 Things to do in Clarkston…

1. Help in ESL classes

2. Visit Somali, Eritrean, Congolese, and Nepali homes

3. Play soccer or basketball on an asphalt field

4. Listen to, follow the example of other believers living here

5. Praying for your task to be clear here

6. Set up your apartment

7. Pronounce foreign names

8. Eating with your hands in a Nepali home

9. Be trained in working with other cultures- learning to
“sense that we have entered into what they would consider reality”

10. Watch and listen to neighbors

11. Learn to be flexible

12. Get to know your heavenly Father better

13. Get used to your roommate

14. Feel alone in an unfamiliar place, but also feel at home enjoying the newness of the whole thing

15. Get tired from starting new relationships

16. Love it when you walk out of your apartment and see at least 20 people in 30 seconds

17. Ride a bike to Stone Mountain and back

18. Feel protected and carried along in your weakness by a loving Father

19. Be encouraged by the cooperation, love, generosity, sharing of possessions, selflessness, patience, and acceptance by Body of the Christ

20. Learn to ride a bike in an urban/suburban environment

21. Practice greetings in Nepali, Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, and French

22. Fend off LOTS of roaches in almost every room in your apartment
23. Lock yourself out of your apartment

24. Take your shoes off when you enter homes

25. Feel clueless sometimes

26. Watch a Bhutanese soccer game

27. Sweat a lot by just talking outside for 20 minutes

28. Eat mango

29. Pray a lot

30. Worship with your new church on Sunday nights

New way to travel

My new wheels

Thought I would show you a new toy that I hope will be very useful in Clarkston.  I'm trying to save some money by not driving when I can help it.  As far as I know, most of the places I'll need to go are within a few miles of my apartment.  I may find out differently as time goes on, but I'm gonna try to make this bike my main mode of transportation for the next year.  Working right now on buying some accessories (rack on the back for carrying things, water bottle holders, etc.).  Hopefully it will keep me in good shape too! 

What a great story of how I got this bike.  I went to two nice bike shops in Greenville.  At both places I learned what types of bikes are available at nice places.  I asked enough questions to narrow down what type of bike is good for city/suburban riding.  I also wanted to be able to take the bike on a dirt or gravel trail every once in a while.  Anyway, I found several really nice bikes that I liked, but the cheapest one was $390.  I test drove a Giant Roam 2 (Giant is a name brand bike as I learned in the last few days) bike that I really liked, but would have to shell out $500 for it.  As for other name brands in case you're interested: Cannondale, Trek, Scott. 

Left those places thinking about whether it was worth it to pay that much when I wasn't buying it to become the next Lance Armstrong.  I'm just trying to get a reliable, decently comfortable bike that won't fall apart if I beat on it a little bit!  As a last stop I went by Play It Again Sports, a second hand store.  I figured I would take a shot and see if someone had brought in a used bike that was decent.  I came at just the right time!  I found a used Giant bike with smooth gear shifting, a good frame, and pretty good parts.  Gonna get some new tires, but will still pay about half as much for the bike, tires, and accessories as I would have for a new bike by itself at the other stores.  I paid $115 for a good bike which was even a discount from the Play It Again price.  Praise God for His timing in the little things.  If I had not stopped by to see what they had and insisted on getting a new "fancy" bike I would have never found it.  God doesn't require fancy all the time, just useful.  What a blessing! 

Ok, so what am I doing paying so money for two wheels when I just quit my job and have the funds to use my car, which I'll have in Clarkston?  Well, for one I'm trying to save money once I get there.  For another, a very generous friend gave me several hundred dollars to support the work in Clarkston.  He gave it to me with the intention of me using it how I needed to.  I feel like this purchase really gives me a cheap but reliable way to get around in Clarkston.  I also hope it will help me relate to people who might not have a car and rely on other ways of transport in the city.  So a gift has turned into what could be a great ministry tool and good exercise.  I am again so thankful for how God supplies my needs and even this small want.  I truly believe He is supplying this for His kingdom work!

Was humming a song this morning I thought I would share with you.  "Take My Life and Let it Be" is an old hymn Chris Tomlin remade recently.  It was my prayer this morning for me and others.

Take My Life and Let it Be

Frances R. Havergal, 1874

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as You choose.

Take my will and make it Thine
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is Thine own
it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord I pour
at Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee.

Counting down...

Should be moving to Clarkston during the first two weeks of June.  I'm starting to get excited about it.  Jesus "descended" from His home into our world when He was born on Earth.  Through His poverty we were made rich (2 Cor 8:9).  By leaving home and joining in someone else's situation, I am being like Jesus.  That makes me happy!

Not quite sure how to get the word out about this blog.  It's not at pervasive and attached to everything as Facebook.  Hmmm...?  We'll cross that bridge in due time.

Clarkston Gathering- May 20

I want to thank those of you who have expressed interest in supporting the ministry I'll be involved in starting in June in Clarkston, GA.  In order to share more details about my upcoming venture, I will be hosting a gathering at my house (where I rent) on Friday evening May 20.  Here are the details:

 

When: Friday, May 20

 

What time: 7:00 pm

 

Where: My address is

609 Mint Ct.

Greer, SC 29651

 

Directions from I-85 are below.  If you need directions from anywhere else please let me know (email and phone # below)

 

From I-85 heading north:

 

Take Exit 56- Hwy 14

Turn right onto Hwy 14

Left at 1st light onto Westmoreland Dr. (at Village Hospital)

1st left onto Abner Creek Rd.

1st right onto Howell Rd (go about 1 mile around several curves)

At stop sign take left onto Brockman McClimon Rd.

Take 1st left onto Faye Ct

Take 2nd right onto Mint Ct

 

For what: Fellowship with you all, share how you can pray for me in the coming months, and explain more about how God led me to this opportunity in Clarkston.

 

Coffee and desserts will be served so bring a small appetite!  If any of the things above interest you please come be a part of our fellowship that night.  You don't have to bring anything but yourself.  Please let me know if you plan on coming to the gathering so I can have an idea of how much coffee and food to have! 

 

Thank you for being a part of God's kingdom with me!  My contact information is below.  Also, if you want to invite anyone who you think would like to support the ministry please bring them along. 

 

Phone:864-909-2954

Email: smithjb_rhs@yahoo.com

Back home now...

Hey guys!  I am back in the US now.  All my flights went as planned and some actually arrived early.  God truly was faithful on this trip in all ways possible.  I truly did enjoy my time there, but I'm glad to be back to start a bit of a routine again.  Soon though I'll be off to Atlanta to start a new routine!  Wanted to share some final thoughts about my trip to Kenya.  It is hard to capture all my thoughts, emotions, and God stories in a few paragraphs.  I would love to sit down and talk with anyone who would like to hear more stories, details, and see pictures from the trip.

First, I truly feel this wasn't a "mission trip" as we like to call them.  This is the first short trip across an ocean I've been one alone, the first one just to visit someone one instead of "minister" to them (I'll clarify that in a bit), but not the first one I've learned from.

I'll try to summarize a couple lessons and reflections below:

1)  Kenya is full of Christian influence.  I knew there were churches in Kenya and other parts of Africa, especially below the Sahara desert.  But what I didn't realize was how similar the Church is in Kenya to the Church in America at times.  It seemed many Kenyans have heard the Gospel and responded to it.  Seems that at least one or two generations of Christ followers have come and gone in Kenya.  That is awesome!  But I was a bit surprised to learn that not every Christian in Kenya is vibrantly living out their faith.  I heard a sermon from a Kenyan pastor that I assumed would be a great picture of all churches all over Kenya.  But it seems there are a lot of people, just like in the US, who are Christian in name, but may not walk with God daily.  I don't mean to upset any Americans or Kenyans by the statement, but think it is true.  I did not spend a lot of time there, but it seemed that the American church and the Kenyan church have things in common that I did not expect.

The folks I met with Food for the Hungry (shout out to Loise, Nancy, Jackie and others!) are living out their faith by helping the needy, caring for orphans, and those afflicted by drought, conflicts, and poverty. They are part of churches that seek to work through real life that can be messy and sinful, yet is being in redeemed and sanctified by God.  In America, Kenya, and throughout the world churches are made up of people who seek God wholeheartedly, people who dabble in following Christ, and those who "act" the part, but seem to lack a heart that follows God.  Believers' lives everywhere are messy, full of sin struggles, and in need of God's Holy Spirit to revive/forgive them and guide their growth in faith and life.  In short, my perception that most of Africa is a place of struggle and poverty was misheld (mostly by the time I spent in nicer areas Nairobi with folks that are not in poverty.  That perception of poverty led me to believe that the believers there truly lived in a place of extreme physical dependence daily, leading to stronger (because of more constant dependence) churches than we have in the US, where many are physically comfortable and wealthy relative to the rest of the world.  The reality is that Christians in any country who are materially comfortable can easily slip into a "comfortable" faith that seems less desperate for God to move and sustain and revive hearts.  So may God continue to revive and sanctify churches and believers all over the world in His ways.

2)  Second, it was so refreshing to go on a "visit trip" not a "mission trip."  What I mean is that I made a visit to a family and spent time with a few Kenyans as friends, instead of accomplishing an agenda of ministry activities.  Not that those trips to build a school or physically help with something in areas of poverty are wrong, I just really enjoyed the relational aspect, "sharing my life and the gospel" not just fixing poverty.  Loise made an important point as we talked one night. She reminded me that the reason NGOs (non-governmental organizations = non-profits, such as Food for the Hungry) exist is because the church has not been obedience to care for widows, orphans, and the needy.  NGOs are there helping the poor because local church bodies are not.  May God revive us in the local church to look outside our windows and in our neighborhoods to see those in need and lend a hand as the Good Samaritan did.

Overall I saw my visit as an act of love that is just as much ministry as building a school or a well would be.  I really enjoyed sitting in Umuro's home and chatting with he and his family.  God is present in relationships not just tasks that you do for people.  Jesus cared for people and it was good to just have a relationship with Umuro and his family.  I ate with them, had tea, and shared stories of my family with them.  They are in need of daily food (his family has no livestock = no way to sell them to make money) and are in poverty, yet are just as much people to sit and talk with as anyone else.  Giving is one way to show love and listening and encouraging is another.   I was privileged to be a part of all that throughout during this visit.   

If you would like to talk more let me know.  It is a privilege to share my thoughts.  This entry was a bit serious but there were some light moments on the trip too.  Maybe I'll share a few of those and some journal entries soon.  If anyone would like to see pictures from the trip, I'll be putting a few on Facebook soon so you can look through.  I'll see you all later!

The main thing...

Hey guys.  I am staying at a place now called Hampton House in Nairobi.  My flight leaves at 10:50 tonight, so I've had a extra day to relax!  The Father has really blessed me in the last two days.  I have had two free days since we did not stay in Torbi for another day on Thursday.  I've had the chance to relax, sleep in and hang out with Loise and a few of her friends.  Been really cool to experience some daily life here rather than have some rushed agenda to get through.  I have several thoughts to share from my journal this week, but I think I'll select some to share at a later date when my time online is not limited. 

Will share a quick story and then post a few pictures though.  On Thursday, God ordained an appointment I really did not expect.  Loise and I came in from Torbi to Marsabit (larger city with airstrip) on Wed night because MAF does not fly on Good Friday, so they had to fly us back to Nairobi in Thursday.  Basically we came back a day earlier than expected.  But God had a plan for the early departure. 

We walked up to the FH office Thursday morning (the day we would have been traveling back from Torbi)in Marsabit and found a young man sitting in the office waiting by himself.  Turns out he was waiting for me!  It was Adan, the first young man I sponsored!  He is 17 now! My sponsorship ended 3 years ago, but his community had been phased out of FH's service and someone at FH got in touch with him about my arrival.  I had spoken to the FH staff in the Nairobi office about possibly seeing him, but it was up in the air as to whether it was possible.  But he had walked 20 km (over 12 mi) starting at 7am to come see me.  I don't even know how he found out which day to come to town.  He lives in a smaller town outside of Marsabit, but somehow he got word of me being there.  We got to talk and took some pictures (see below).  What an unexpected blessing! 


Me and Adan (Thurs)





Me and Adan (Thurs)



Me and Loise before take-off to Marsabit (Tues)

The next few pictures are of Umuro and I.  I'm not sure what I expected to feel when I came his home, but I ended up just feeling so grateful they would let me in their home.  His mother cooked for us and we talked for a while about our families.  I showed him the pictures I had brought for him of my family back home.  Sorry Mama and Maria, somehow in my rush to get things together at the last minute (anyone surprised!)  I left out pictures of you two! I need to take some, because Umuro actually asked about that!  I told him I would send him some later.  I found out more about Umuro's family and met his siblings.  His father evidently did not die in a massacre, like I thought, but two years after that, not sure how though.  The meeting was actually more awkward than I thought it would be.  Of course language was an issue, except for the English Umuro understood because of school.  He was quiet though, very shy.  Loise told me that might happen though.  I can understand.... meeting some stranger for the first time, not knowing how to act.  There were definitely visitors watching the first meeting as well.  Several children and mothers were in the house with us while we met for the first time.  It was just humbling and very down-to-earthy to just meet and talk.  We did not spend to long together, but his mother and aunt gave me jewelry as a gift for coming to see them.  My time online is about to run out so I'll post this and see you soon hopefully.  Below are pictures of Umuro and our trip to Marsabit by plane.   


Me and Umuro in Torbi- inside Umuro's home (Wed)



Umuro (Finally a smiling picture! He was a bit shy this meeting!)

Umuro's school.  In the bottom left is the FH staff member who works in Torbi.  His name is Joseph.

Water catchment system on side of a mountain

Next three days...

We leave tomorrow for a town called Marsabit, then to Torbi, the smaller town where Umuro stays.  I will be on a plane again, this time a smaller one flown by a Christian group, MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship).  Got some Kenyan shillings today, so buying things is easier. I have prayed today that my words today in conversation with Loise were not arrogantly American.  I tried to find out about Kenya and her and what FH does here.  She is my age or maybe a little older and we had a good time today shopping and talking about things.  I fly out at 9 am tomorrow, so won't be able to write again. until maybe Friday or in an airport on the way home.  Spiritually it was really hard yesterday when I got here.  I felt very alone and really prayed a lot, not for protection, but for companionship.  God allowed me to read Ps 68:10 though on the way here, "God makes a home for the lonely."   I am thankful for the little ways God reminds us of his presence. 

Today as I was getting a little anxious about not having talked with Loise yet, I really couldn't do anything: no money, no water (that I could trust to drink) and no phone or Internet, and of course no "friends" yet.  I decided that before I try to run around in a city I don't know and get lost I should go to my room and be quiet, pray, and read the word.  One of my memory verses today was Ps. 131:1 "O Lord, my heart is not proud, my eyes are not haughty, I do not concern myself with great matters or things to wonderful to me [like how to function in a foreign place] but I have stilled and quieted my soul."  I just had this peace as I stood up to leave the room a few minutes later. 

As soon as I walked out the door a hotel worker asked me if I needed anything and I told him I had nothing to drink and had not exchanged my money yet so I could get some.  He got me two waters!  Man God provided fast!  I got to use the phone at the hotel, which got the ball rolling on all my issues.  But if I had never gone to the room to spend time with the Lord before I got more stressed about things, I might not have seen the worker in the hall.  Also, it really helps that most people here speak English!  What a blessing!

The hotel I'm in for one more night is fine, but the neighborhood around it isn't the greatest.  So, going out alone is not on the top of my list. I really have no need to anyway.  Been good to sit and share this with you guys in the restaurant downstairs in the hotel.  Finally found a place where the wireless works here. 

Lastly, found out about the village we'll visit tomorrow.  In short, about seven years ago, there was a massacre there and I think Umuro's father was killed.  He lives with his mother and 6 siblings. He is 12 and he is the oldest.  Wow!  Supposedly, I am the first sponsor to come to this particular village to see a child.  Also, Loise is going actually into the village for the first time too.  She is excited as well.  Conditions should be basic, no showers, no bathroom (maybe a latrine), and dry climate.  I may get to eat some goat while I'm there and will get to spend almost day with Umuro and his family.  Bring on the bug spray and mosquito net, here we come!  Love you guys!  Please continue to pray that God will show me His kingdom here.  Also, pray for an opportunity to plant or water Seeds in the village.  There is a group of believers there, so also pray I can be an encouragement to them.  

Nairobi

Arrived safely in Nairobi and man, it was good to see my name on a piece of paper held by a young man named James.  He directed me to a cab and I eventually got some decent sleep last night.  I am writing this from the FH office in Nairobi.  I met Loise, the young woman who will travel with me tomorrow and help me get some supplies and exchange money today. Look forward to learning more about Torbi (town where Umuro, my child is from).  Also I may be able to visit the town where my first sponsor child lived called Mwangaza.  We'll see.  Don't know if I'll see him or not, but we'll try.  God has richly blessed even in the small things, like the hotel worker giving me free water before I had a chance to buy some.  Don't know if I'll get a chance to write again, unless I get my computer stuff figured out.  Please pray for God to keep showing me what He is doing in this part of the world.  Love you guys!

2 down, 1 to go...

Arrived in Dubai about an hour ago and found a wireless hot spot in the airport, which is really nice. Just letting everyone know I got here safe and sound.  First time in the Middle East ... Dubai (a city in the United Arab Emirates) is on the same peninsula as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Qatar, and

Gonna get off now, so I have some battery power for later updates. Hope this post goes through.

Blessings...

My first post on my first blog ever!  Expect more to come.  I am in Clarkston, GA right now.  Will be flying out of ATL tomorrow for Houston, then Dubai, then Nairobi, Kenya.  The prep work for these six days in Kenya began to stress me out a few days ago.  I have everything I need though and am thankful for God's grace in getting me through the last week of school before Spring Break with peace, energy, and patience for the most part.  I'm so thankful for friends to pray with and talk to about things. Spent time with Steve and Becca last night on their back porch imagining what the Kenyan mountains looked like compared to the hazy Blue Ridge hills.  Couple of small blessings to report on this crazy day.  I expected to leave by 5 pm today, but as always it was two hours later when I finally hit the road, but here is the way God works...

1) In foreign countries, such as Kenya, that take US dollars, they want you to give them crisp new bills, something we Americans don't always have readily available.  Well, I meant to go to the bank before Wal-Mart today, but my arms turned the car into Wal-Mart first and I didn't think about the crisp 20s until the bank was already closed.  Just one more detail that I now had to navigate.  I prayed as I left the Wal-Mart parking lot that God would provide the pretty money I needed.  I knew my only option now was for the ATM to be friendly and pop out some new money.  God gave me peace and I pulled up waited for a couple of cars, put my card in, pressed the amount and waited just hoping.... and out came some brand spankin' new money just right for Kenyan visa officers!  So in all my hectic running around and forgetting things I needed in the car about 2-3 times, God is faithful and good, even in the little things. 

2) The Father also gave me an idea from nowhere to make a small photo album for Umuro, the friend I'm going to visit.  So I was able to print out some pictures for about $4.  I did some shopping for a few minutes while I waited for the Wal-Mart guy to fix my order which had gone bad... the little receipt wouldn't register so I could get my pics.  As I looked for a 3 oz bottle (small enough to get through TSA checkpoints in the airport) of bug spray with deet, I very nice employee there went through the trouble of going all the way to the sporting goods section to find 4 samples of bug spray for me to look at.  She didn't have to do all that but it was just one more act of love from God who is somehow calm in our busyness.  Need to sleep now, so I'll try to update once I get in Nairobi.  Maybe I'll have some pics up pretty soon.