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!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
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!
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.
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!
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| Me and Adan (Thurs) |
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| Me and Adan (Thurs) |
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| Me and Loise before take-off to Marsabit (Tues) |
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| Me and Umuro in Torbi- inside Umuro's home (Wed) |
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| Umuro (Finally a smiling picture! He was a bit shy this meeting!) |
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| Umuro's school. In the bottom left is the FH staff member who works in Torbi. His name is Joseph. |
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| Water catchment system on side of a mountain |
Monday, April 18, 2011
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.
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!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
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.
Gonna get off now, so I have some battery power for later updates. Hope this post goes through.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
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.
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.
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