A very rich dinner

Tears fill my eyes as I write today.  There is no way that I can convey all that I have already seen. So much poverty! The rain has washed away many of the little shantys (that word is too great to describe them) and people line the streets. They are a beautiful people, but so many stare hopelessly into their futures.

I had dinner with a man from the Maasai tribe tonight.  He is going to start working with the students who have graduated from KDS schools and are waiting to start college.  (Even after you are accepted, it can take 1-2 years to start.)  He will track them and make sure that they proceed successfully into college or into their communities to give back.  He will also let sponsors know what has happened to a student they may have supported for up to 12 years.

He told me all about the Maasai tribe.  They are known for their high jumping, their big gaged earlobes and the red plaid garments that they wear. They own much of the land of Kenya.  They raise cattle and believe that all of the cattle in the world belong to them. (I asked him if my father-in-law, who has around 60 head of cattle, should send them over. ; ) He said that the boys are required to kill a lion to prove their manhood.  They are also nomads, following the grasses to feed their cattle.  He also explained many of the tribal traditions.  One is that when they get married, they kill a cow.  Then they give certain organs to the elders, certain organs to the bride’s parents to show that they will care for their daughter, and a certain organ is given to the bride and the groom. They are very specific about which ones go to which person. (Sampson was dressed in normal clothes.  I will visit his Maasai village in January.)

Sampson went to college and now has returned to his Maasai village and is helping them to abolish unhealthy practices, such as female genital mutilation and underage marriage, while trying to maintain the good parts of this culture. They a community supported rescue center for girls. I have so much more to share about this night. I know that God has brought me here and I am witness to the work He is doing.   

Rain, Rain and More Rain

I had to force myself out of the fog when the alarm went off this morning.  The sound of pouring rain came in through the window and I snuggled further into my blankets.  As we prepared to get ready to go to the school, I could tell that Ginger was getting more discouraged.  Today was an important day, but the roads would be bad and we weren’t sure we could get through. 

Finally, we decided to try, but stopped to buy gum boots, so we could slog through the mud and water (and raw sewage) should our vehicle get stuck. Any of you who have traveled to third world countries, know what the driving is like on a good day: two-lane roads with five lanes of traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals weaving their way through in a chaotic ballet. Add to that, potholes that could swallow our van and huge mud puddles. I now understood Ginger’s concern.

We piled our crumpled bodies out of the van, grabbed a quick picture of our styling new boots and headed inside.

Today, all of the teachers from the primary and secondary schools came for an all day seminar on teaching skills.  Sandi, a professor at Northwestern College, led the seminar on setting goals and putting together their lesson plans for the year.  They are on their summer break and the first day of school is January 7^th. (At one point, the squalling outside got so loud that we couldn’t hear Sandi.) By the day’s end, they each were awarded a certificate of completion.  I loved how proud they were to come up and receive it. 

This is Ginger and Jane, the managing director here in Kenya.

And so it begins

Well, after 20 hours of travel and a long customs line, we are safely here in Nairobi.  My friend, Ginger, comes 3-4 times a year, so everyone is happy to see "Mumbi," a name for the mother of all the Kikuyus.  They meet us with hugs and smiles, as bright as the sun.  This lovely room will be our home for the next month. We were greeted with fresh roses and a bowl of fruit and chocolates. 

The first task was to unpack all of our things and figure out where to put them. No easy task for a month-long stay.  As I started to pull my clothes out, I started to notice little bits of love tucked among the folds. My sweet kids had hidden little silly things throughout all three suitcases.

Included in that was two very special notes cheering me on!  And so, fall into bed, exhausted, but ready  to see what the Lord has in store for me.

Will it all fit?

Thursday night, we met as a team to sort out all the things that we'll be taking to Kenya.  Fifty Bibles for the graduating class of 2013, two boxes of Feed My Starving Children meals, soccer uniforms, presents from sponsors and a computer.  The shoes are some that I am donating.   I am wondering if I'll have room for my own clothes.

It was exciting to hear all the stories of previous visits.  It made months of dreaming about this trip become a reality. As I was leaving, I saw a beautiful picture in Ginger's office.  His name is Francis and he is one of the sweet little children that I will get to meet when I'm there. My prayers are filled with tears, as I ask God to break my heart with what breaks His. I have the feeling, I'm about to meet close to a thousand of those precious heartbreaks very soon.

Dreaming of future days

Soon, I will be boarding a plane, headed for Kenya.  I have a number of people who wanted to get updates on my experiences there, so this blog was created.  I know that I am going as a servant of my Lord, but have no idea how this will change my life and my perspective. I have been a youth worker for most of my adult life, so my focus in Nairobi will be to work with the children at the Kinyago-Dandora School (KDS). Beyond that, I go, open to whatever I am called to do.  (http://kenyachildrensfund.org/)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9