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.
35 comments:
The children in the picture are so adorable (all of the children, including the big ones with familiar faces). I am so moved to see you all in this picture and can only imagine how you might have impacted the lives of these sweet little angels. I can't wait to hear stories. We have our prayer meeting this morning after church and we will pray for your health and day of rest.
Love to all!
I miss you Cody and love you very much!
Good to see and hear from y'all. I hope all are feeling much better soon.
What an impact your team is having there and at home! Lots of prayers for your group for health, safety. We have been out of town, and have been able to follow your trip on a very slow PDA.
Chris-we miss you. Can't wait to hear all your stories...
Seeing those precious faces makes me long for heaven - what a fun party that's going to be!
As much as I miss you Maddie - I'm awfully glad you're there!
Thanks for writing Craig! You're very wise taking a day off tomorrow and your note came just in time for us to lift you up as a group at our parent prayer meeting.
Love to All!
Hi Lo,
Great to see you in the picture, I know you were in your glory getting to work with these little ones! I can only imagine how hard it was to put them down. We hope you are taking lots of pictures and writing in your journal. The Masai in 2 days, Yeah! We are praying for all of you and hope you are all feeling well again soon.
We miss and love you,
Mom and Dad
Hi Amanda & Team!
We were SO SAD we missed your call at the meeting on Sunday! Amanda, I was working in the nursery and Dad was meeting with Jessica Shapiro about her Thialand trip. She is leaving for a year and is looking for supporters. We hope you are doing well and we are praying through every step of your journey. We are trusting that God is taking perfect care of all of you and that you have all taken some leaps of faith and endured some challenges that are shaping you and touching those around you. God Bless, Hugs & Kisses Amanda, Loving you always! Mom, Dad, Aaron & Dayna
Boy were we all OVERJOYED to hear your voices today! We were so bummed when we thought we had missed hearing from you guys! Oh and heads up Lauren's parents were at the prayer meeting but they missed out on the phone call. We have been really enjoying our prayer meetings!
MISS you and LOVE ya Mad, you odd child you! :o) One of my baggers wears pinstriped mocasins (sp?) and I instantly thought of you! :o) And Ben for that matter. :o) And I saw an ewak on a skateboard. :oD
Can't wait to hear all the exciting stories! It is so exciting all the responses we have had and you are not even home yet! All the girls at the library have been reading the blog.
AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME!
WOW! What a blessing it was talking to you guys & hearing your voices this morning! (Thank you!!!)
We had just finished praying for all of you...when my phone went off ... I almost didn't answer it!! When I heard Craigs' voice & all your voices in the backgound I put it right on speaker phone - boy were we excited to hear from you!! And then for each of us to be able to hear from their own child - :)incredible.
Griff - We can't even express how great it was to hear your voice - We love you honey. Stay well, keep smiling, and your heart light in the LORD - I know He's protecting and keeping you, in the loving shadow of His protective wing.
Craig, it was such an incredible blessing to hear your smiling voice and hearing the laughter of the team. Thanks for sharing how things are going and how we can specifically pray.
You're all in our thoughts and prayers!
Hugs!!
Annette, Randy & Lauren
I will be praying for a good time of rest on Monday. It has been amazing to read about all you are doing.It has also been so great to read all of the posts of the parents and grandparents. I feel like I am getting to know the families in a special way. Thanks for calling me on my birthday, Craig. Love you, Mom
Uh Oh, now we are getting spam on the blog...
Nice to hear your voice Mavis. Who would guess you would have such thick bark. Maybe it is because you are not eating the food?
◄€:◊)
How do you like my clown nose, wig and hat?
Hi Mrs. Astor!
This is Maddie's mom.
You must be so proud of your son and you have every right to be - he's joined the ranks of Superman as one of my hero's. Good job Mom!
Us parents also connect via e-mail, if you want to be a part of that contact the church with your e-mail address and we'll include you. Also we're planning a reuion barbeque probably Aug. 18 or 19th.
I'm not sure where you live, but I thought I'd include that.
Bye for now.
What a beautiful group of children! We're so glad you had the opportunity to spend time with them. We know God will continue to use you, even when some of you aren't feeling well. Get some rest and really enjoy your time with the Masai and the safari! Becca, we miss you and love you tons!!!
Thanks, Gretchen. I will contact the church and get on the email list and we will find out more about the barbecue and plan to come!
Hey Ben, Hi Skater Boy. Whenever I miss you (uh, just about every minute!)and whenever I think of you (yeah, just about all the time!), I pray for you and the team. It's been so fun to tag along with you all around Kenya. Every morning I race to my computer. "What will efccinkenya say today I wonder! I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online and my breath catches in my throat as I hear three little words...You've Got Mail!....)" But the best thing I've heard in 10 days was the sound of your voice today. Hey Ben, be good to Craig! Remember, he's got your airline ticket home! Love you, miss you yer best mom
O the deep, deep love of Jesus! Spread His praise from shore to shore;
how He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore;
how he watches o'er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
how for them He intercedeth, watcheth o'er them from His throne.
Your voice was just what the doctor ordered Maddie - I slept all the way through the night and Dad and Meg were about to BUST with excitement.
That was a three point shot at the buzzer Craig - THANKS!
I'll send out a new mass e-mail saying we heard from you and add the new pic.
Good job Josie for being so computer savy - I'm sure Ben will be impressed that you got on without his assistance.
I'll look forward to getting your e-mail address Cindy.
MADDIE I LOVE YOU MORE THAN A LADYBUG LOVES APHIDS - that's a lot of love!
Hey Jakee, just go back from mead, was not the same without you. Jon had no one to tow. Chad and Louie spent more time in the water than on top :)
I can't imagine how you were all affected by Kiberia and the Kiberia people. We can't wait to hear your stories. Sorry to hear some of you are not feeling well...get some rest.
Don't get too excited, but I'm meeting with your counselor at EHS on Thursday, signing you up for school. I'll pick some good classes for you :) "There’s no seats dude!"
We miss you and love you, be safe and you all are in our prayers.
God Bless.
Chad said...don't get eaten by a Lion in Kilaguni and bring home a Giraffe and a Zebra for Mom so she gets her horse. "Shake and Bake"...go team GAF! Tell Geronimo "HI" PS: Schrek is missing his donkey PSS:why can't I find any money in your room?
Hi Team, What a great photo of most of you with the kids, they are all so cute! Amanda, sorry you and Haley, Craig and Sue's smiling faces weren't in it, maybe in the next one. Hope those of you who are ill are doing much better, we are sorry if you had to miss any of the group activities as well. We are praying for you all! Amanda, don't forget about those antibiotics if you need them!
We love and miss you TONS!
Mom, Dad, Dayna & Aaron, Buster & Bosley!
Hello Maddie,
Why are you going to that place? I want you to come back to my school. I want you to see Ms. Gretchen and I want my mommy take a picture of you and your mommy together. I want to tell you that I'm a vegetarian. Maddie, your mom misses you. Why do you want to go on a trip? I want you to come back home to your mom. I had bad nightmares last night. Your mom will hug you when you come back home. When you get home your cats will purr on your head.
See you later. I'll call you tonight.
Love,
Kaden (4 1/2 years old, student of Ms. Gretchen's)
We just finished lunch, and Cody, I thought of you throughout the preparation because I knew it was a meal you could drool for: southern fried steak with cream gravy, baked potato with sour cream
and butter, asparagus seasoned with tarragon and butter, fresh sliced tomatoes from
Rozanne's garden and crispy cornbread. Of course, I am just giving you a hard time because I know you could survive forever without the asparagus and tomatoes---but, ITS GOOD FOR YOU.
Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn and the
Ironman, Cal Ripkin Jr. had a big day yesterday. We saved that section of the paper so you can read about all the Hall of Fame festivities, statistics, etc.
Bonds was denied that last home run to tie Aaron's record, and God forgive us for our selfishness, but we are grateful the Hall of Famers did not have to share their day in the sun. Bonds will have another chance and his spotlight will burn much brighter if he doesn't have to compete with Gwynn & Ripkin.
The little ones in the latest photo are just adorable. Makes me want to reach out and hug them. I know they are so appreciative of every small gesture on your part.
Cody, a bear hug to you, and our prayers, thoughts and love are constant and ever-present.
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
l Peter 4:8
Love, Nana & Papa
Hi Ben Boy, Today is Aaron's birthday. We called Gretchen and he sang Happy Birthday to himself! He's been asking about you all day. Hope you're all on the mend and feeling much better. Have fun on your safari tomorrow!! Did you take your malaria pill today??? Love you, mom
It's good to hear you are helping so many unfortunate people. Becca, I continue to pray for your safety and the safety of your whole group. I love and miss you lots!
Chris
Helloooooo Jake - just thinking of you and all the other kids that are on your trip. We pray that everyone will be well and that you will gain so muchy from this trip.
Love
Hi Gang!
The two things I want to put in this e-mail have to do with food - first, Nana and Papa your last entry totally made me hungry! YUM! What time is lunch today?
The second is a bit more serious - but nothing to panic about, just be aware. Since I registered Maddie through the embassy they send messages about current warnings. They advise that you don't eat red meat, and if you do that it is cooked thoroughly. They also advise that you wash your hands thoroughly after touching all animals.
God is going to continue to protect you, but He also wants you to use the "little gray cells" that He's given you by making safe choices.
Mother / Teacher speech completed.
I'm sure your time with the Masai today was INCREDIBLE and tomorrows safari - - - leaves me speechless. (Not something that happens to me often.)
Love to All!
The phone call during church on Sunday was enlightening and encouraging. All of you are doing a great job, continued prayers are being lifted up all of the time. Get some rest and take some nice quiet time to consider how God is working.
Todd
Hi Becca,
Your mom just told me about the blog. Really enjoyed reading the story and looking at the pictures.
How exciting for all of you. Can't wait to hear all about it from you. Safe trip home!
God Bless All of You
Aunt Deb
Hi there Jake --- we're praying for you and your friends and all the good works you are doing. We love you----
Hi Sweeties!
I can't wait for a new entry to read all about the exciting things you've done over the last couple days.
The one week countdown has begun...
Maddie I love you more than cheese my dear... sing that Boynton song to Ben.
Hey kiddos!
A fella came into work wearing an Invisible Children shirt. So I was asking him about it and he was telling me he is a teacher so he shows it to his students. When I told him I had not yet seen it he said he would gladly loan it to me. Sooo if anyone hasn't seen it or would like to see it again, I can loan it from him when you guys get home. :o)
On a more ridiculous note... a fella at work said the way I wore my hair made me look like Posh from Spice Girls. What more is there to say...
hey griff,
i know you must be having an amazing time right now... experiencing a new place and culture. it's a joy to see the way the Lord has been growing you into more and more of a man of God. all of you are in my prayers. continue to keep your eyes on Jesus...His light shines through each of you :)
much love,
lauren
Hey everyone, I am praying for you everyday. My the lord continue to protect you and bless the remainder of your trip. Thanks for the bday call craig. Your are the best roommate and co-worker of all time. Hello to all the parents as this is my first post. it is awesome to see how God uses even a blog to bring fellowship and comminuty. :)
phil
Hi Parents!
Only one more week to go! I don't know about the rest of you, but the time is just not passing quickly enough. We are so anxious to hear all of the exciting details of the trip and to see just what God had planned for them all. When is that next blog photo coming??????? Keep us in mind for a team BBQ sometime in August!
Hi Cody!
You are officially registered as a Senior. I met Mrs. Laguna today and she asked about you. She thinks it is great that you were able to go on this trip. Her daughter was in church on Sunday when you all called, so she shared that with me today.
I can't to hear about what you have been doing over the past few days and am looking forward to hearing about your exciting safari.
I love you and miss you! Mom
Jeramy: Hopefully your trip went smoothly and you were able to enjoy the safari.
Hey Lo!
We have all been thinking of you. Hope you are having an amazing experience. Don't worry, nothing exciting is happening in old Escondido. We miss you. Hope you are feeling well and staying strong. I will be praying for you!
Love, Liz
Hi Jakers,
Wow, sounds like you are having an incredible time. We can't wait to here all about it. We sure missed you at the Lake and the Hacienda security are still looking for ya (kidding!!!)
We will keep you in our prayers and look forward to seeing you when you get back. BE SAFE and know we love you.
Love you!
-Aunt Steff and gang
p.s. Eddie missed you terrorizing him at the lake.
hey jake! sounds like your going to have alot of interesting stories for us when you get home! im glad your safe and that your all doing well. have a good last few days and hopefully ill see you soon after you come home:] miss you and love you!
X0X0
-jordan:]
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