Yesterday was hard.
It was our last day at the BCC. The kids were taking their mid-term exams, so it didn't make too much sense to linger the entire day when we couldn't spend it with them and make the goodbyes that much harder. So we went with the band-aid mentality: Rip it off fast so it doesn't hurt too bad. But it still hurt. A lot.
We started off at the kitchen, as the staff requested. We went in to say hey and let them know we were around. "D" got teary-eyed, and we all started getting weepy, so we promised to come back around and take tea with them before we left. We said goodbye to the Buckner/BCC staff and gave them small gifts, stopped into our respective classrooms to tell the kids goodbye and how very much they are loved and prayed for, then went by the medical clinic. The woman that runs it has absolutely fallen in love with Kenda (she is headed to pharmacy school, so worked there on Thursdays). She is about to have a baby at any moment now and has told us that she is trying to come up with a name with all of our initials in it because if it is a girl she wants to name her after us - Whaaaaaat?!?! Crazy! I truly think God only knows the outcome of our stay - He has worked in so many big ways, quiet ways, and unknown ways.
At this point in our day, we are miserable. Our hearts are breaking and we do not want to leave. We went to say goodbye to the T.E.C. girls. This goodbye and the goodbye to the kitchen staff were the ones we anticipated to be the hardest. But - again, the T.E.C. girls surprised us. As soon as we walked in, they greeted us with smiles, hugs, and pure excitement. They had finished our skirts. They had worked all last week on making us each a skirt from some of the fabric we brought them. We tried them on and had a mini fashion show for them. They were delighted that we LOVED them and ensured them that every time we wore them, we would remember them and pray for them. We spent some time taking photos with all of the girls and the instructors and hearing so much laughter and seeing beautiful smiles on these young women we have come to love so. We left, saying goodbye, but with much lighter hearts.
That classroom is where God had intended us to be - it was obvious. We love those girls; they love us. Each one told us that they are praying that we will be able to return - God willing. A few of them seemed certain of the fact that God has a place for us in Kenya. And it's pretty hard for me to argue with them.
We trekked back up to the kitchen to spend some time with the staff there. When we walked in, it was the quietest I had ever heard that kitchen. There was no singing, no dancing or laughing. It was somber; quite unlike them. The air was heavy with the acknowledgment that we were leaving. "D", in true form, made us plates of omelets, ugali, and cabbage. And of course, he made us tea. We gave our gifts to the staff, took photos, and said pretty tearful goodbyes. The sweet "Mom" of the kitchen, let us know that she will miss us everyday, "A" hugged us so hard and told me that he wants to come to the U.S. more than ever now, and "D" just wiped the tears off my face and laughed - even though he had tears of his own.
I do hope that I will be able to return some day. Buckner's work in this country is amazing, and makes me desire even more to partner with them in ministering to these beautiful, beloved people. God willing.
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Last night, to try to cheer us up, we had an exotic dinner at Carnivore - a restaurant in Nairobi. We ate camel, ostrich, and crocodile! oh my.
Today, our in-country Buckner contact took us to visit other ministries Buckner supports in Nairobi - we visited a school in the Korogocho slum and the New Life Home Trust - a baby rescue home that particularly serves abandoned babies that are HIV positive.
The New Life Home Trust was amazing. It was heartwrenching to hear the statistics surrounding the children they receive, but at the same time, encouraging. It was incredible to see the Lord's hand in this ministry. 90% of the babies they receive that test HIV positive at birth, become HIV negative before their second birthday as a result of the incredible care given to them. We saw pictures of babies that were severely malnourished when they arrived, then looking happy and healthy just weeks after being at New Life. A vast majority of the babies that come through New Life are eventually adopted! Yay adoption! I asked about the number of babies adopted domestically vs. internationally. The staff member told me that historically it ran about 20% for Kenyan families that adopted and 80% foreign families. She told me that the Kenyan peoples' hearts are started to be stirred toward their own country's needs and this past year is was 50-50! She told me she prays that in the years to come that 80% of the adoptions would be in-country.
After touring the facilities, we were allowed to feed the babies/play with them for a while. I was assigned to the crawlers/toddlers. What precious, precious children! When I entered the playroom, I had a little one attach himself to my leg! Oh, my heart! We ended up getting to take them outside for play time and we had so much fun loving on these babies. I am happy to say that there were many volunteers at the Home and the babies were very much cared for and content. I have a feeling that one of these precious children belong to my family in the years to come. =)
It has been an emotional ending to our stay here in Kenya, but a satisfying one. To God be the glory for anything accomplished while we were here.
The next two days will be strictly fun - a blessing from Buckner before we leave. We are going on a safari! Whoop! We leave tomorrow and will return on Thursday. I will try to blog about it on Friday. Then, Friday night we start the journey back home!
So please pray for us as we travel, come home, then make the adjustments of returning.
God willing, I will return to Kenya. A piece of my heart will be here forever.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Kissing Giraffes and Kazuri
A more light-hearted post today!
Today was our day of rest, or as it has been rechristened by Melody - our "day of adventure"! Our driver had tried to so hard to make it possible to take us somewhere to ride a camel, but that hasn't happened. Instead, we did something WAYYYY cooler!
We kissed giraffes =)
This morning, we drove to a smaller town just outside of Nairobi called Karen. It is named after Karen Blixen (the author of Out of Africa), as it is where she resided and because of the great impact she had on the Kenyan people. In fact, her estate remains and has been converted into a museum.
Anyway, we went to the Giraffe Center (www.giraffecenter.org). The Giraffe Center was a sanctuary established to save the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. I loved it because it wasn't like a zoo - the giraffes have over 100 acres to roam and live. They have a building that sits on the edge of the sanctuary where you can stand and feed the giraffes pellets - they are so friendly and love you if you have treats in your hand. Apparently, it is the thing here to "kiss" a giraffe - hold a pellet between your lips and let the giraffe grab it. Haha - we had way too much fun taking photos and treating the animals. A man from the Giraffe Center gave us pellets and was great about letting us have all the time we wanted with the gorgeous creatures; he even suggested photo-ops and took one of our group for us. Soooo much fun!
After the Giraffe Center, we visited the Kazuri bead factory and shop. I had heard of Kazuri before coming to Kenya and saw the sign on our way to the Giraffe Center, so we went on a whim.
It was incredible!! You can see some of the beautiful work on their website and read about their story: www.kazuri.com
Some info about Kazuri:
Kazuri is a Swahili word meaning "small and beautiful".
Mission:
The mission of Kazuri is to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society.
In order to achieve this we must produce top quality hand-made and hand-painted ceramic jewelery and pottery. This will ensure that we are well equipped to compete in both the international and local market place. The Kazuri workshop in Karen employs over 340 women, mostly single mothers.
It is equipped with a clinic, providing free medical care for the employees and their immediate families. Kazuri also absorbs 80% of medical bills for treatment received outside the factory clinic.
In the developing world of today’s Africa, the greatest contribution we can make is to create employment, especially for the disadvantaged and this remains our guiding philosophy. The result is reflected in the strength of the Kazuri Family and the beauty of our products.
The updated number is that Kazuri employs over 400 women, mostly single mothers. We were touched by their story and their mission to not only create livelihoods for these women, but also provide them with health care. We were able to tour the factory and speak with some of the women as they made the beads and pottery. Their handiwork is beautiful and they seem very proud of the product that they make. They were so kind to allow us to take pictures as we saw each step of the process. This company's story and membership with the World Fair Trade Organization made me eager to support them. (Kazuri also is a big supporter of a local Children's Home.) Each bead they create is stunning not only because it is one-of-a-kind, but also because of the mission behind them.
It was a great, relaxing day - but now we are ready to spend the rest of the evening preparing for VBS at the BCC tomorrow. (Our last Saturday.) I think the kids will love it - our focus is on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and we will be making friendship bracelets for the kids to have.
Please continue to pray for:
Today was our day of rest, or as it has been rechristened by Melody - our "day of adventure"! Our driver had tried to so hard to make it possible to take us somewhere to ride a camel, but that hasn't happened. Instead, we did something WAYYYY cooler!
We kissed giraffes =)
This morning, we drove to a smaller town just outside of Nairobi called Karen. It is named after Karen Blixen (the author of Out of Africa), as it is where she resided and because of the great impact she had on the Kenyan people. In fact, her estate remains and has been converted into a museum.
Anyway, we went to the Giraffe Center (www.giraffecenter.org). The Giraffe Center was a sanctuary established to save the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. I loved it because it wasn't like a zoo - the giraffes have over 100 acres to roam and live. They have a building that sits on the edge of the sanctuary where you can stand and feed the giraffes pellets - they are so friendly and love you if you have treats in your hand. Apparently, it is the thing here to "kiss" a giraffe - hold a pellet between your lips and let the giraffe grab it. Haha - we had way too much fun taking photos and treating the animals. A man from the Giraffe Center gave us pellets and was great about letting us have all the time we wanted with the gorgeous creatures; he even suggested photo-ops and took one of our group for us. Soooo much fun!
After the Giraffe Center, we visited the Kazuri bead factory and shop. I had heard of Kazuri before coming to Kenya and saw the sign on our way to the Giraffe Center, so we went on a whim.
It was incredible!! You can see some of the beautiful work on their website and read about their story: www.kazuri.com
Some info about Kazuri:
Kazuri is a Swahili word meaning "small and beautiful".
Mission:
The mission of Kazuri is to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society.
In order to achieve this we must produce top quality hand-made and hand-painted ceramic jewelery and pottery. This will ensure that we are well equipped to compete in both the international and local market place. The Kazuri workshop in Karen employs over 340 women, mostly single mothers.
It is equipped with a clinic, providing free medical care for the employees and their immediate families. Kazuri also absorbs 80% of medical bills for treatment received outside the factory clinic.
In the developing world of today’s Africa, the greatest contribution we can make is to create employment, especially for the disadvantaged and this remains our guiding philosophy. The result is reflected in the strength of the Kazuri Family and the beauty of our products.
The updated number is that Kazuri employs over 400 women, mostly single mothers. We were touched by their story and their mission to not only create livelihoods for these women, but also provide them with health care. We were able to tour the factory and speak with some of the women as they made the beads and pottery. Their handiwork is beautiful and they seem very proud of the product that they make. They were so kind to allow us to take pictures as we saw each step of the process. This company's story and membership with the World Fair Trade Organization made me eager to support them. (Kazuri also is a big supporter of a local Children's Home.) Each bead they create is stunning not only because it is one-of-a-kind, but also because of the mission behind them.
It was a great, relaxing day - but now we are ready to spend the rest of the evening preparing for VBS at the BCC tomorrow. (Our last Saturday.) I think the kids will love it - our focus is on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and we will be making friendship bracelets for the kids to have.
Please continue to pray for:
- The logistics of possibly setting up a scholarship fund for the T.E.C. center
- Our team - health, spiritual strength
- Relationships that have been built
- VBS tomorrow
- Church on Sunday
- Monday - our "goodbye" day at the BCC. This is going to be a hard, hard day.
- The country/government of Kenya - there are some difficult struggles in trying to create their constitution
- Our families - I know they miss us, and us them! Pray especially for our Dads - Father's day is Sunday. Being here reminds me over and over again how blessed I am to have a father that is faithful in showing me my Heavenly Father. So many of these kids don't have that. Daddy - I love you. Thank you for being the very best father to me and loving me enough to show me Christ. And for loving Christ more than me, and supporting where He leads me.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Proverbs 31:13
Who knew a few meters of fabric could mean so much?
On our day off on Friday, we went back to the Maasai market with the intent of buying fabric to take to the girls in the T.E.C. program. We found some beautiful fabrics for very good prices and as a team bought 24 4-meter bundles of fabric. On Monday, we took the fabric to the instructor at the T.E.C. center. When we started pulling fabric out of our bags, she looked shocked. A few of the girls had immediately asked if they could make us skirts, so we each picked out the fabric we would like and they measured us. We visited with them a while, then went on to our respective assignments for the day. Melody and Kenda would go back to the T.E.C. center on Tuesday, then Delaney and I on Wednesday.
Tuesday afternoon, Kenda and Melody came into the kitchen where I was working with tears in their eyes. Kenda told me how the instructor had told her over and over how grateful they were for our gift. She told Kenda that we brought enough fabric for each girl to make a dress, and that she was going to use the scraps left over from making our skirts to make herself a skirt. It didn't matter to her that all of our fabrics were wildly different and did not match. She said that every time we wore it, she would remember us and praise God for us. I teared up just hearing Kenda's account of their conversation.
Then today...Oh, today.
On Wednesdays, the girls in the program spend the afternoon in Bible study. Last week, the instructor asked Delaney and I to lead it, and we led it again today. We were able to spend all morning with the girls just talking and watching them sew. Then, after lunch, we led them in the Bible study.
We talked about counting the cost of following Christ, and discussed how we can give to Him our talents and skills, time, resources. When we were finished worshipping, discussing, and praying, every single girl stood up and addressed Delaney and me. They told us how they had prayed for someone to come and spend time with them and they had prayed for fabric. They thanked us for coming, for being their friends, giving them such a gift, and sharing the Word with them. They prayed blessings over us, our families, and our country. They told us they desired that God would enlarge our territory for Him and continue to bless everything we place our hands on. They spoke of their deep love for our families, even though they have never met them, because they allowed us to come to them. They promised to pray for us often, and asked that we would pray for them.
The instructor told us that even the morning we brought her the fabric, she had prayed for fabric. That she hated that the girls had to sew paper bags - she wanted more for them and couldn't afford to supply it herself. She said that when she went home that evening and spread out all the fabric, she wept and thanked God for us - that He had sent us as a blessing. She told us we had changed their lives, not just by purchasing fabric, but showing them friendship and making them feel worthy of being loved. She encouraged us to ask God why He sent us to their classroom. She said she knew it was just a small step - that our Lord has big things for each of us. That she loved us and would never forget our faces.
I didn't just tear up. I didn't just cry. I bawled. These women have been such a blessing to me.
Their encouraging words, simple faith, and complete adoration of our Lord is staggering. Oh, God - that I would be content with little. That I would rejoice in You always and acknowledge every good thing in my life as a direct gift from You - because it is!
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
I am so honored to call these women my sisters in Christ. I love my Kenyan family and know I will leave a large chunk of my heart here with them.
Please pray for:
On our day off on Friday, we went back to the Maasai market with the intent of buying fabric to take to the girls in the T.E.C. program. We found some beautiful fabrics for very good prices and as a team bought 24 4-meter bundles of fabric. On Monday, we took the fabric to the instructor at the T.E.C. center. When we started pulling fabric out of our bags, she looked shocked. A few of the girls had immediately asked if they could make us skirts, so we each picked out the fabric we would like and they measured us. We visited with them a while, then went on to our respective assignments for the day. Melody and Kenda would go back to the T.E.C. center on Tuesday, then Delaney and I on Wednesday.
Tuesday afternoon, Kenda and Melody came into the kitchen where I was working with tears in their eyes. Kenda told me how the instructor had told her over and over how grateful they were for our gift. She told Kenda that we brought enough fabric for each girl to make a dress, and that she was going to use the scraps left over from making our skirts to make herself a skirt. It didn't matter to her that all of our fabrics were wildly different and did not match. She said that every time we wore it, she would remember us and praise God for us. I teared up just hearing Kenda's account of their conversation.
Then today...Oh, today.
On Wednesdays, the girls in the program spend the afternoon in Bible study. Last week, the instructor asked Delaney and I to lead it, and we led it again today. We were able to spend all morning with the girls just talking and watching them sew. Then, after lunch, we led them in the Bible study.
We talked about counting the cost of following Christ, and discussed how we can give to Him our talents and skills, time, resources. When we were finished worshipping, discussing, and praying, every single girl stood up and addressed Delaney and me. They told us how they had prayed for someone to come and spend time with them and they had prayed for fabric. They thanked us for coming, for being their friends, giving them such a gift, and sharing the Word with them. They prayed blessings over us, our families, and our country. They told us they desired that God would enlarge our territory for Him and continue to bless everything we place our hands on. They spoke of their deep love for our families, even though they have never met them, because they allowed us to come to them. They promised to pray for us often, and asked that we would pray for them.
The instructor told us that even the morning we brought her the fabric, she had prayed for fabric. That she hated that the girls had to sew paper bags - she wanted more for them and couldn't afford to supply it herself. She said that when she went home that evening and spread out all the fabric, she wept and thanked God for us - that He had sent us as a blessing. She told us we had changed their lives, not just by purchasing fabric, but showing them friendship and making them feel worthy of being loved. She encouraged us to ask God why He sent us to their classroom. She said she knew it was just a small step - that our Lord has big things for each of us. That she loved us and would never forget our faces.
I didn't just tear up. I didn't just cry. I bawled. These women have been such a blessing to me.
Their encouraging words, simple faith, and complete adoration of our Lord is staggering. Oh, God - that I would be content with little. That I would rejoice in You always and acknowledge every good thing in my life as a direct gift from You - because it is!
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
I am so honored to call these women my sisters in Christ. I love my Kenyan family and know I will leave a large chunk of my heart here with them.
Please pray for:
- More donations to the T.E.C. center for fabric and scholarships for the girls that cannot afford to come, or continue to come
- The Buckner staff
- The kitchen crew =) We love them so much. They have been so good to us and I think are already dreading us leaving - they have made us a "special treat" every day this week!
- the kids living at the BCC
- the other children going to the school that live in the slums. The only time they hear the Word of God may very likely be at the BCC school.
- More financial support to the BCC - they need books, and materials for the classrooms
- Our team's continued health and strength. I felt pretty crummy for the first time this morning, but praise God, it hasn't lasted.
- That the words coming from our mouths would be God-breathed and truth. That they would land on receptive hearts.
- Rest - we've been especially tired this week.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Prepare for War
"Father God, you have warned me above all other pieces of armor to take up the shield of faith, with which I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16)
The above is a prayer based on Eph.6:16 given to me by my sweet friend, K, before I left for Africa. Just a coincidence that I read it yesterday morning? I think not.
If any of you woke up on Saturday morning about 6:30am....yep. That was my fault.
Our Saturday didn't quite go the way we had planned, but ended up being really great. We found out that Noah (our van, if you haven't caught on from my previous posts) had to go in for some repairs that morning. Our driver came and picked it up and told us it shouldn't be but about an hour before he would return and take us to the BCC. The hour came and went, then was followed by several more. He finally made it back about 2 pm because some other necessary repairs came up. We debated for a bit whether or not we should go out to the BCC because we normally have to leave about 3:15 to return and it take nearly an hour to get there. After getting Tom's opinion and blessing to stay a little longer, we decided to go.
All of a sudden, as soon as we climbed into Noah, I had a sudden hesitation about going. My apprehension grew the further we traveled. The uneasiness was so strong that my chest tightened and my stomach was in knots - for no apparent reason. My team and I talked about it, because a similar feeling was lingering in the van. I had no reason not to want to go to the BCC - I LOVE Saturdays with the kids! It's our VBS day and we really get to play with them. But, I couldn't shake the feeling. We decided we should continue on. I battled in my head what I was feeling - was it the Spirit telling me to go back to the apartment? Was is a silly uneasiness because our routine had been disrupted? Or was it Satan attacking my mind and emotions to keep us from doing what the Lord desired us to do? I honestly didn't know.
So I prayed.
I prayed for understanding. I prayed that if my thoughts were an attack, that God would give me peace...that if it was the Spirit, He would go so far as to make me physically ill so we could turn back. It was 6:30am in the States, so I prayed the Spirit would awaken believers to pray for me and our team. I prayed the entire ride to the BCC, but didn't feel calm until we were inside the compound and out of the car.
Once we started the VBS program, I finally felt calm and, of course, was so glad we came. VBS went well, and I hadn't heard such sweet laughter as when we had our Silly String fight.
The day was rough, however, it served a great purpose. It reminded me that I am in the middle of a battlefield - a warring land. Not warring in the sense of military action, but a spiritual war. A war for souls and a war for freedom. You see it in the slums when there are young men lying in the gutters completely drunk at 11 o'clock in the morning, and when you see a woman in threadbare clothing with a joyous smile, rejoicing in the Lord's favor. You see it in this country that has not long known freedom, as they strive to piece together their very first constitution. And you see it in the deep desperation in the eyes of the elderly man that sits on the street corner.
I am here for fun. I am here for games. I am here to bring smiles and laughter to these sweet children. And I'm even here to peel potatoes! But most of all, I am here to proclaim the name of Jesus - the only one who can set captives free and give hope and lasting peace.
"Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10
Thank you for your prayers - especially yesterday. God's purpose will prevail.
Love, T
The above is a prayer based on Eph.6:16 given to me by my sweet friend, K, before I left for Africa. Just a coincidence that I read it yesterday morning? I think not.
If any of you woke up on Saturday morning about 6:30am....yep. That was my fault.
Our Saturday didn't quite go the way we had planned, but ended up being really great. We found out that Noah (our van, if you haven't caught on from my previous posts) had to go in for some repairs that morning. Our driver came and picked it up and told us it shouldn't be but about an hour before he would return and take us to the BCC. The hour came and went, then was followed by several more. He finally made it back about 2 pm because some other necessary repairs came up. We debated for a bit whether or not we should go out to the BCC because we normally have to leave about 3:15 to return and it take nearly an hour to get there. After getting Tom's opinion and blessing to stay a little longer, we decided to go.
All of a sudden, as soon as we climbed into Noah, I had a sudden hesitation about going. My apprehension grew the further we traveled. The uneasiness was so strong that my chest tightened and my stomach was in knots - for no apparent reason. My team and I talked about it, because a similar feeling was lingering in the van. I had no reason not to want to go to the BCC - I LOVE Saturdays with the kids! It's our VBS day and we really get to play with them. But, I couldn't shake the feeling. We decided we should continue on. I battled in my head what I was feeling - was it the Spirit telling me to go back to the apartment? Was is a silly uneasiness because our routine had been disrupted? Or was it Satan attacking my mind and emotions to keep us from doing what the Lord desired us to do? I honestly didn't know.
So I prayed.
I prayed for understanding. I prayed that if my thoughts were an attack, that God would give me peace...that if it was the Spirit, He would go so far as to make me physically ill so we could turn back. It was 6:30am in the States, so I prayed the Spirit would awaken believers to pray for me and our team. I prayed the entire ride to the BCC, but didn't feel calm until we were inside the compound and out of the car.
Once we started the VBS program, I finally felt calm and, of course, was so glad we came. VBS went well, and I hadn't heard such sweet laughter as when we had our Silly String fight.
The day was rough, however, it served a great purpose. It reminded me that I am in the middle of a battlefield - a warring land. Not warring in the sense of military action, but a spiritual war. A war for souls and a war for freedom. You see it in the slums when there are young men lying in the gutters completely drunk at 11 o'clock in the morning, and when you see a woman in threadbare clothing with a joyous smile, rejoicing in the Lord's favor. You see it in this country that has not long known freedom, as they strive to piece together their very first constitution. And you see it in the deep desperation in the eyes of the elderly man that sits on the street corner.
I am here for fun. I am here for games. I am here to bring smiles and laughter to these sweet children. And I'm even here to peel potatoes! But most of all, I am here to proclaim the name of Jesus - the only one who can set captives free and give hope and lasting peace.
"Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10
Thank you for your prayers - especially yesterday. God's purpose will prevail.
Love, T
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Old Has Gone...And the New Has Come
Wow, so much as happened since I updated last time. A few things:
Yesterday was my first time to visit the T.E.C. program. It is a class at the BCC for girls/young women that struggled in school or even didn't finish their education. They learn to sew, make patterns, set up their own business, etc. so they will have a profession and be able to contribute to their families.
I am so very glad we decided to go, because one of the girls told us that although groups had come through the BCC before, no one had ever come to their class or spent time with them. They thought they didn't like them! How awful. We were a little apprehensive about going because we didn't think we had anything to offer them...silly us. Just because we can't help them with their sewing/projects, doesn't mean we can't form relationships with the girls and talk to them about the Lord!
They were so excited to see Delaney and I when we walked through the door - they hurried to greet us, shake our hands, and immediately pull us over to share with us their projects. They can't afford to use fabric until they are proficient at the craft, so they practice on paper bags. The things they make with paper bags are beautiful!! Our team has decided to try to find a fabric store in the city, so we can go buy some fabric to take to the girls next time we visit.
In the course of the morning, I visited with most of the girls, but talked mostly to three of the girls: one who is the niece of a Buckner staff member, one who is the youngest in the class at age 14, and a woman who is married with a three-year-old. They shared with me their stories and I with them. Each of them know the Lord and were so genuine with their words and praised the Lord for the change He has brought to their lives and the peace He has given their hearts. They asked about my family and I showed them the picture of L&C Dub I carry in my Bible, and they went on and on about how beautiful my sister is. They just stared at the picture in almost reverence; they said they were very excited because although they have never met her, they were excited that she is their sister in Christ as well!
The teacher invited Delaney and I back after lunch to join them in their Bible Study. Little did we know, that we were supposed to lead it - nothing like flying by the seat of your pants! But, it definitely made the time Spirit-led. Before the lesson, we spent some time worshipping - praying and singing. I was so incredibly touched by their worship. They sang loudly and without any sort of self-consciousness. The Lord's daughters praised their King! They cried out to Him and fervently sought His face. It was beautiful to me - I can't imagine how much it was pleasing to the Lord.
Delaney and I taught from the curriculum they had been using, adding additional verses we found to be applicable and brought to our hearts by the Spirit. The lesson was about "Expect to Change" as a believer. We focused on 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come." and Ephesians 4:22-24 - putting off the old self and putting on the new self.
When we were finished, the teacher encouraged and affirmed us and our presence at the BCC with scripture. The girls even spent time praying for us. They were so sweetly laying their hearts before the Father that it was an incredible blessing to me. I hope that we served as some amount of encouragement to them as well.
My team and I are encouraged, because we feel that we have found a specific purpose for us at the T.E.C. program in loving on these girls.
Please continue to pray for:
Love, T
- I saw "S" at church again on Sunday. She was really glad to see me and we were able to visit and even get a picture together before we left.
- Last week on our day off, we went to the Maasai Market - beautiful hand-crafted African art/pottery/jewlery, etc. So fun! We flexed our bargaining muscles, and improved a lot!
- Doing laundry in the bathtub.
- We have officially won over the kitchen staff's hearts! ;-) We have introduced them to the wonderful world of Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, and Shane and Shane. "D" (the head of the kitchen staff) figured out we don't like milk tea, so he makes special tea just for us every day - black tea with ginger and rosemary. We have had a lot of good conversations over that tea, and it is nice and calming to our stomachs when we have to eat things like...
- Matumbo - cow intestines. Yes. I cooked and ate matumbo. Not an experience I'd like to try again.
- Someone stole Noah's (our van) side mirror. Ooops.
- We still hear, "Msungu!" (White person) when we drive the streets of Nairobi.
- One of the Buckner staff members gave me a Kiswahili name, "Atisa", because apparently my name is too difficult.
- I'm getting tired of french fries - or chips, as they call them here. They are one of the British influences still held on to by the Kenyans. They love them and serve them with everything. I'm ready for a salad. ha.
- I got to call home! It was sooooo good to hear my parents' voices and put to rest the bit of homesickness I was struggling with.
- We are apparently regulars at Java House - a restaurant we frequent. We have "our" table and usually have the same waiter. He always laughs when we walk up....usually for the 3rd or 4th time for the week.
Yesterday was my first time to visit the T.E.C. program. It is a class at the BCC for girls/young women that struggled in school or even didn't finish their education. They learn to sew, make patterns, set up their own business, etc. so they will have a profession and be able to contribute to their families.
I am so very glad we decided to go, because one of the girls told us that although groups had come through the BCC before, no one had ever come to their class or spent time with them. They thought they didn't like them! How awful. We were a little apprehensive about going because we didn't think we had anything to offer them...silly us. Just because we can't help them with their sewing/projects, doesn't mean we can't form relationships with the girls and talk to them about the Lord!
They were so excited to see Delaney and I when we walked through the door - they hurried to greet us, shake our hands, and immediately pull us over to share with us their projects. They can't afford to use fabric until they are proficient at the craft, so they practice on paper bags. The things they make with paper bags are beautiful!! Our team has decided to try to find a fabric store in the city, so we can go buy some fabric to take to the girls next time we visit.
In the course of the morning, I visited with most of the girls, but talked mostly to three of the girls: one who is the niece of a Buckner staff member, one who is the youngest in the class at age 14, and a woman who is married with a three-year-old. They shared with me their stories and I with them. Each of them know the Lord and were so genuine with their words and praised the Lord for the change He has brought to their lives and the peace He has given their hearts. They asked about my family and I showed them the picture of L&C Dub I carry in my Bible, and they went on and on about how beautiful my sister is. They just stared at the picture in almost reverence; they said they were very excited because although they have never met her, they were excited that she is their sister in Christ as well!
The teacher invited Delaney and I back after lunch to join them in their Bible Study. Little did we know, that we were supposed to lead it - nothing like flying by the seat of your pants! But, it definitely made the time Spirit-led. Before the lesson, we spent some time worshipping - praying and singing. I was so incredibly touched by their worship. They sang loudly and without any sort of self-consciousness. The Lord's daughters praised their King! They cried out to Him and fervently sought His face. It was beautiful to me - I can't imagine how much it was pleasing to the Lord.
Delaney and I taught from the curriculum they had been using, adding additional verses we found to be applicable and brought to our hearts by the Spirit. The lesson was about "Expect to Change" as a believer. We focused on 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come." and Ephesians 4:22-24 - putting off the old self and putting on the new self.
When we were finished, the teacher encouraged and affirmed us and our presence at the BCC with scripture. The girls even spent time praying for us. They were so sweetly laying their hearts before the Father that it was an incredible blessing to me. I hope that we served as some amount of encouragement to them as well.
My team and I are encouraged, because we feel that we have found a specific purpose for us at the T.E.C. program in loving on these girls.
Please continue to pray for:
- Relationships with the T.E.C. girls
- Relationships with the kids and Buckner staff
- Our driver - he is so servant-hearted and takes very good care of us!
- Our team - health and rest. Our day off is tomorrow; that we would be renewed for the week ahead.
- We are halfway through our time here! That the Lord would use our remaining time for His glory.
- The government of Kenya - if you haven't, check out the news. They are in the process of creating their first ever Constitution. This could be a huge point of change for the country.
Love, T
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Check out the Intern Blog!
Hello friends!
It was my turn to update the intern blog, so you can read my post here: http://blog.itsyourmission.com/
Some prayer requests:
*Contined rest
*Continued team cohesiveness
*Battling a little bit of homesickness - really wish I could call home.
*Developing relationships with BCC staff - in the kitchen and the teachers in the classroom
*Our day off tomorrow - rest and revitalization
*Sports Camp/Hygiene clinic at the BCC on Saturday
*Health - some of our team is having problems adjusting to the food, etc.
Thank you! Each of you is such a blessing!
Love, T
It was my turn to update the intern blog, so you can read my post here: http://blog.itsyourmission.com/
Some prayer requests:
*Contined rest
*Continued team cohesiveness
*Battling a little bit of homesickness - really wish I could call home.
*Developing relationships with BCC staff - in the kitchen and the teachers in the classroom
*Our day off tomorrow - rest and revitalization
*Sports Camp/Hygiene clinic at the BCC on Saturday
*Health - some of our team is having problems adjusting to the food, etc.
Thank you! Each of you is such a blessing!
Love, T
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