Kibera

Today, we finished our second day in the Kibera slum, one of the largest in Africa, with a population of 800,000 people. There was a certain stench to the place, with trash all over the ground along with the smell of something burning all the time as well. The homes are all packed together, some with mud sidings and others with tin, all of them having metal roofs.

On Saturday we got to see a center for teaching occupational skills, like sewing and tailoring, to girls in the slums, to give them an alternative to prostitution. After that we went to a type of sunday school for children, where we sang them a few songs and got to help pass out some food to them.

Today we went ot a service in a church that was about the size as most of our living rooms. We got to witness part of the service, experiencing the passion with which they worship and preach. We then had the chance to preach a little sermon, do our drama, and share a few songs with them. Overall it was a crazy experience, one that none of us will soon forget.

Some of us have been feeling a little sick lately, though nothing very serious, so we are taking tomorrow (Monday) off and relaxing a little bit. On Tuesday we head out to do some ministry to the Masai tribes, and then we will be in Kilaguni for a Safari on wednesday morning.

Nakuru

After a three hour ride on some bumpy roads, we arrived in Nakuru. We had an amazing time going to the schools and meeting and hanging out with the other students. We sang songs (one in English and one in Swahili), gave our testimonies, performed our drama and shared the gospel. The African students were so excited to see us and were very receptive to us being there. Our team also was deeply impacted it was always hard when we had to leave the schools.

We stayed at the Kunste Hotel along with a few other Mzungus (white people) who were there for safari. The team enjoyed it more as it was a bit nicer and had some better options for food. This morning (7-26) we left Nakuru and now are back in Nairobi.

Tomorrow we wake up early (very early) and drive to a home for street kids to be with them and walk with them to school. In the afternoon we will be going to visit a small orphanage where we will get to love on and spend time with kids who are infected with HIV. Please pray for our time there. I hope you enjoy the new picture of us with Lake Nakuru in the Background.

Leaving for Nakuru

Tomorrow (7-23) we leave for the town of Nakuru which is in the Great Rift Valley. We will spend three days there and will be going to high schools to do sports ministry, present dramas, and share our testimonies. Pray for a safe journey (it is a 3 hour drive) and for us to communicate effectively.

I'm not sure if we can get to internet there so I may not be able to communicate with anyone until we get back. I'm excited that the picture was able to upload but it took a long time so there may only be time for a few.
-Craig

We Made It!

We officially landed safe and sound in Nairobi yesterday (7-20) and the team finally got to meet Solomom! After checking into the YMCA, we went to a market and got to try our hand in bargaining for souvenirs. Lunch was good, and dinner at the hostel had some interesting meat, but everyone is still healthy and feeling well!

Today (7-21) we went to a giraffe reserve and got feed and pet giraffes! It was an amazing experience and some of us fed the giraffes with our mouths, resulting in some big slobbery kisses. After that we drove 40km outside the city to help out the Ng'undu community plant Acacia trees in an more rural area where they are building a new hospital. It was a great honor and privilidge to meet these people and partner with them. They were very happy to have us come and it gave us a cool perspective to really see that Jesus is alive and working in other parts of the world!

Thanks for the prayer and for the comments! We're having a great time and we love and miss all you guys!

-craig

London!

Hello from London! After a long day and night in which we lost 8 hours and in which some slept and some didn't, we arrived safely at Heathrow Intl Airport in London. After passing through customs we were able to venture around the town. We saw Big Ben and the Parliament building, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, Picadilly Circus and the West End, and finally Buckingham Palace. Now we are waiting to board our flight to Nairobi! Everybody is doing fine, taking our pills, and trying to figure what time it is. When we are able to, I will let you guys know how we are doing in Nairobi.
-Craig

Parents Meeting

Hello everyone! Just saying hi from Hume Lake. Everything is going well and it's been a great week so far. I can't believe we leave in less than a week! I just wanted to get a first post out there and remind you about the parent meeting on Monday night from 6-9pm at the Packers' home. If you need directions or have any ohter questions just give me an email at castor@efcc.org.
-Craig