Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Life Keeps Goin n Goin n Goin...
Last term went well. I learned a lot in class and out.
Classes: Power encounter, Christian Relations with Muslims, Islam in Africa, Biblical Theology of Mission, African Traditional Religion and Church History. (Hope to write a few separate blogs on some of these, maybe?!?)
I also sung in the praise team at my Nairobi Chapel and got "plugged in." I am finally feeling like I know people here and am part of something... praise God!
After the term was over, I was able to do a bit of traveling. I first went to Kali to visit S
uvia Children's Home again. Loved it! The children truely have been a blessing to me. I love playing and talking with them. And seeing their resilience and perserverance even when life has thrown them some curve balls.
My friend and sister, Nidah, traveled there with me and together we interviewed the girls (in English, Kiswahili and Kikamba- thanks Nidah!). Prayfully, these interviews will help to get the girls sponsors. We are
currently looking for people who are willing to help the girls with food, clothing, school fees, etc. (If you, or anyone you know, are interested in doing so, please contact me!)
After, Suvia, I traveled with a bunch of friends to Naivasha. We camped and climped Mt. Longonot! It was really fun bonding with friends and seeing the beauty of God's creation.
Then I went with a different group of friends to Isebania, which is at teh border of Kenya and Tanzania. We stayed with Tom's sister's (Christine) family the first night. After which, we traveled out to the village! This was my first experience of a village that looked like the picture of an African village I have always had in my head. They lived in huts made of a special kind of mud/clay. The huts were situated in a circle with a stick fence closing in the gaps. This way, the animals could come in at night and be protected. The family was huge and really warm and generous. The father and his three wives and inumerable children all lived in the compound. The family gr
ows and dries tobacco. It was here that I ate the best ugali ever made of cassava and had the coolest shower ever- sorrounded by bright green palm branches, the shower was only tall enough to cover up to my shoulders, so I was able to see the entire 'country side' while splashin myself with warm water!
We traveled back to Christine's house the next day and stayed for two days (one day longer than had planned bc Nidah got sick, pole sana Nidah). Then we came back to campus. The next day, I was blessed with the opportunity to go with my plug-in group and some other members of Nairobi Chapel to do some ministry in Kiberia (huge 'slum'). We did some home visits of parents whose children go a program that we eventaully helped out with. We brought them some flour, soap, tea leaves, etc and talked to them about Christ. We prayed with the parents. Three people gave their lives to Christ! Thank you Jesus! Then we went and helped with the children's program! It was an amazing, life changing experience.
Now, school has started again. I have my first classes tomorrow. Most of you already know that I changed programs from MA Missions to MDiv General. This means different classes with different people and different professors and also an extra year of studying! It also means that this term is going to be quite light! I have four courses: African Church History, Folk Religion, Bible and Moral Issues and Intro to Missiology (even though I have taken like 8 missions courses...). Because its light this term, i hope and pray I will be able to be more involved with the community and church!
Classes: Power encounter, Christian Relations with Muslims, Islam in Africa, Biblical Theology of Mission, African Traditional Religion and Church History. (Hope to write a few separate blogs on some of these, maybe?!?)
I also sung in the praise team at my Nairobi Chapel and got "plugged in." I am finally feeling like I know people here and am part of something... praise God!
After the term was over, I was able to do a bit of traveling. I first went to Kali to visit S
uvia Children's Home again. Loved it! The children truely have been a blessing to me. I love playing and talking with them. And seeing their resilience and perserverance even when life has thrown them some curve balls.My friend and sister, Nidah, traveled there with me and together we interviewed the girls (in English, Kiswahili and Kikamba- thanks Nidah!). Prayfully, these interviews will help to get the girls sponsors. We are
currently looking for people who are willing to help the girls with food, clothing, school fees, etc. (If you, or anyone you know, are interested in doing so, please contact me!)After, Suvia, I traveled with a bunch of friends to Naivasha. We camped and climped Mt. Longonot! It was really fun bonding with friends and seeing the beauty of God's creation.
Then I went with a different group of friends to Isebania, which is at teh border of Kenya and Tanzania. We stayed with Tom's sister's (Christine) family the first night. After which, we traveled out to the village! This was my first experience of a village that looked like the picture of an African village I have always had in my head. They lived in huts made of a special kind of mud/clay. The huts were situated in a circle with a stick fence closing in the gaps. This way, the animals could come in at night and be protected. The family was huge and really warm and generous. The father and his three wives and inumerable children all lived in the compound. The family gr
ows and dries tobacco. It was here that I ate the best ugali ever made of cassava and had the coolest shower ever- sorrounded by bright green palm branches, the shower was only tall enough to cover up to my shoulders, so I was able to see the entire 'country side' while splashin myself with warm water! We traveled back to Christine's house the next day and stayed for two days (one day longer than had planned bc Nidah got sick, pole sana Nidah). Then we came back to campus. The next day, I was blessed with the opportunity to go with my plug-in group and some other members of Nairobi Chapel to do some ministry in Kiberia (huge 'slum'). We did some home visits of parents whose children go a program that we eventaully helped out with. We brought them some flour, soap, tea leaves, etc and talked to them about Christ. We prayed with the parents. Three people gave their lives to Christ! Thank you Jesus! Then we went and helped with the children's program! It was an amazing, life changing experience.
Now, school has started again. I have my first classes tomorrow. Most of you already know that I changed programs from MA Missions to MDiv General. This means different classes with different people and different professors and also an extra year of studying! It also means that this term is going to be quite light! I have four courses: African Church History, Folk Religion, Bible and Moral Issues and Intro to Missiology (even though I have taken like 8 missions courses...). Because its light this term, i hope and pray I will be able to be more involved with the community and church!
Friday, January 1, 2010
No class... now what?
We had the entire month of December off to "rest." Where did the time go anyways? I have two more days before class begins again! What did I even do?
First, I went to a children's home in Dagoretti. We did a lesson about sharing and colored and sung songs and made clothe pin angels. It was great!
Well, then I was pretty sick- what's new. After, I traveled to Mombasa with my friend from Church. While there we went to the beach. I learned to wind surf. We stayed with her aunt and uncle who were awesome! We went to see some animals. We also went to this sweet cultural village thingy! You walk through the woods and see different examples of homes of 7 of the 42 tribes in Kenya. They also speak in thier language, dance, sing, grind millet and corn... it was really informational and exciting! We also visited a friend in Milindi which was great as well!
Then came home and planned, shopped for, baked for and then executed
an amazing Christmas dinner/program with friends and fam on compus! David and I baked for hours- cookies, banana bread, chicken, green bean cassarole and deviled eggs and then on the day of Christmas the american food and traditions were met with food and traditions from Kenya, Zambia, Lyberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Denmark and Congo. It was an international extravaganza!
Then I was sick again... what the heck!?? Then I traveled to Machakos and Kali. Had an amazing time there with the
Kisuas! Went to Suvia Children's Home. This is the orphanage that GSLC helped build last year. When we left much was unfinished and there were no children. Now there are 26 wonderfu, vibrant, smart and gifted girls there! They sung, danced, gave poems for us. They also introduced themselves and told us what they wanted to be when they grew up. One wanted to be the president of Kenya! I believe she can with support and opportunities... so please pray for all of the girls and please search your heart if you would like to sponser one of the children this year!
Also while in Kali, I was able to attend a youth rally which was soo packed! that was encouraging and exciting! I ministered with two songs (sing and guitar) that I pray blessed the youth's lifes: Trading My Sorrows and Light the Fire. The youth were so amzing though with their songs and dance and an original wonderful song by Bahola.... wow!
I returned to NEGST in time for New Years! Which was probably the best one yet! I ate dinner with the fam and freinds- chapo, katchumbari, cabbage, pilau, stew, chai.... We then ushered in the new year with songs and dance, prayer and a Word from papa! Then we headed out to TSO (Totally Sold Out)! SO awesome! We danced all night to Kenyan Gospel artists! Wow!
In the middle of all these things, i was able to hang out with some pretty awesome people. I learned a new game called Settlers, which I am addicted to. I read a book. Watched the entire first season of Criminal Minds... love it! And just enjoyed myself. At the same time, have been in reflection and prayer... about service, forgiveness, and newness. Please pray with and for me!
First, I went to a children's home in Dagoretti. We did a lesson about sharing and colored and sung songs and made clothe pin angels. It was great!
Well, then I was pretty sick- what's new. After, I traveled to Mombasa with my friend from Church. While there we went to the beach. I learned to wind surf. We stayed with her aunt and uncle who were awesome! We went to see some animals. We also went to this sweet cultural village thingy! You walk through the woods and see different examples of homes of 7 of the 42 tribes in Kenya. They also speak in thier language, dance, sing, grind millet and corn... it was really informational and exciting! We also visited a friend in Milindi which was great as well!
Then came home and planned, shopped for, baked for and then executed
an amazing Christmas dinner/program with friends and fam on compus! David and I baked for hours- cookies, banana bread, chicken, green bean cassarole and deviled eggs and then on the day of Christmas the american food and traditions were met with food and traditions from Kenya, Zambia, Lyberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Denmark and Congo. It was an international extravaganza!Then I was sick again... what the heck!?? Then I traveled to Machakos and Kali. Had an amazing time there with the
Kisuas! Went to Suvia Children's Home. This is the orphanage that GSLC helped build last year. When we left much was unfinished and there were no children. Now there are 26 wonderfu, vibrant, smart and gifted girls there! They sung, danced, gave poems for us. They also introduced themselves and told us what they wanted to be when they grew up. One wanted to be the president of Kenya! I believe she can with support and opportunities... so please pray for all of the girls and please search your heart if you would like to sponser one of the children this year!Also while in Kali, I was able to attend a youth rally which was soo packed! that was encouraging and exciting! I ministered with two songs (sing and guitar) that I pray blessed the youth's lifes: Trading My Sorrows and Light the Fire. The youth were so amzing though with their songs and dance and an original wonderful song by Bahola.... wow!
I returned to NEGST in time for New Years! Which was probably the best one yet! I ate dinner with the fam and freinds- chapo, katchumbari, cabbage, pilau, stew, chai.... We then ushered in the new year with songs and dance, prayer and a Word from papa! Then we headed out to TSO (Totally Sold Out)! SO awesome! We danced all night to Kenyan Gospel artists! Wow!
In the middle of all these things, i was able to hang out with some pretty awesome people. I learned a new game called Settlers, which I am addicted to. I read a book. Watched the entire first season of Criminal Minds... love it! And just enjoyed myself. At the same time, have been in reflection and prayer... about service, forgiveness, and newness. Please pray with and for me!
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