Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Unbelievable
"You wouldn't believe it, so I am not going to tell you...." That's what LeRoy suggested we write for our time on Safari. Truly unbelievable.
Suffice it to say - a little bit of culture shock when arrived at a 5 Star resort - complete with our own safari drivers, wait staff and morning wake up call with our choice of hot beverage. Amazing sounds, hippos in and out of the river along the resort and the visit of the Hyracks - all night long. Sunrise on the morning game drive, sunset on the evening game drive and over 30 different animals. Seeing the Big 5 (and I don't means sporting goods store). We have outstanding pictures and new friends from the Mara.
We arrived in Nairobi after a long drive from the Mara. We seem to want to stick close together as we will begin to part ways this evening. We stayed again at Gracia House - and talked over breakfast this morning how much we'd experienced in the last 2+ weeks since we had breakfast here together last. Today we will get some shopping done, re-pack our bags and say goodbye this evening to Paula and LeRoy (who leave tomorrow for Rwanda) and Jeff and Christine who will stay here a few more days and bring their son Chris and a friend home from RVA for the mid semester break.
Timing is good today - Chris has a soccer (football) game in Nairobi today. Jeff and Christine will be able to go while we grab dinner. They'll come pick us up and take us to the airport. We leave for Amsterdam tonight and about 24 hours later will be back in Portland - we're headed home baby, we're headed home. Mixed emotions right now.....sad to say goodbye for now (little teary) and also love the idea of seeing our families again and sharing our stories and hearing theirs.
Until then - Asante Sana for reading along (thank you very much).
LaLa Salama (sleep peacefully..... Wednesday night.......)
Love and kisses, Nancy
Suffice it to say - a little bit of culture shock when arrived at a 5 Star resort - complete with our own safari drivers, wait staff and morning wake up call with our choice of hot beverage. Amazing sounds, hippos in and out of the river along the resort and the visit of the Hyracks - all night long. Sunrise on the morning game drive, sunset on the evening game drive and over 30 different animals. Seeing the Big 5 (and I don't means sporting goods store). We have outstanding pictures and new friends from the Mara.
We arrived in Nairobi after a long drive from the Mara. We seem to want to stick close together as we will begin to part ways this evening. We stayed again at Gracia House - and talked over breakfast this morning how much we'd experienced in the last 2+ weeks since we had breakfast here together last. Today we will get some shopping done, re-pack our bags and say goodbye this evening to Paula and LeRoy (who leave tomorrow for Rwanda) and Jeff and Christine who will stay here a few more days and bring their son Chris and a friend home from RVA for the mid semester break.
Timing is good today - Chris has a soccer (football) game in Nairobi today. Jeff and Christine will be able to go while we grab dinner. They'll come pick us up and take us to the airport. We leave for Amsterdam tonight and about 24 hours later will be back in Portland - we're headed home baby, we're headed home. Mixed emotions right now.....sad to say goodbye for now (little teary) and also love the idea of seeing our families again and sharing our stories and hearing theirs.
Until then - Asante Sana for reading along (thank you very much).
LaLa Salama (sleep peacefully..... Wednesday night.......)
Love and kisses, Nancy
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Our last full day in Chebunge
Friday - we spent finishing up projects around the church. All was completed - in terms of the benches. They would like them varnished - but the wood needs to cure a little. We did some painting, knitting with the women.... OK, so I use the word knitting "loosely." Truth is, I was able to roll the yarn so it was doubled - well, Ireally tried to roll it. I am not a patient person when it comes to knots - just ask Paul about the Christmas lights.
In the afternoon we walked to a school in Chengaina. (Chep-nina) It's a school of about 450 students from K-8th grade. They were interested in us coming, a lot of questions about how education is different in the United States. Many would like to come to the US. We sang, share stories and were the "dog and pony show." It was most interesting to speak to the student teachers - all in their early 20's who asked many questions. In African culture, students are trained to respond as a group - and not stand out. This makes getting them to ask questions a challenge.
As we were out on their lawn for the visit - the much needed rain began. Truly it was more of an Oregon rain shower - light - but with lots of thunder and lightening. Our evening was spent resting up and sharing a great meal and fellowship as we prepare to leave for home. A lot of processing going on in all of us right now. What do we do with the information and knowledge we've picked up over the last 2 weeks.
Today we went to a goat roast - as a celebration of work done. It's a traditional and very special event. Many church members came - as well as people from the community. It was fun to be a part of a real cultural experience. And - the goat was pretty good. (first protein in a few days...) I can now say I have tried liver, goat liver, here in Kenya - and I am not a fan. But at least I tried.
We received gifts from the people in the church - very official, very special and something I will never forget. The Assistant pastor has sent along a gift for our Pastor, Paul. He'll receive it in a special "ceremony" we will have at West Chehalem on October 18th - you are all invited to attend. (10:45am)
Our celebration was interrupted by a massive downpour that lasted for about 30 minutes or so. Think Texas flash flood times 3. It was much needed rain. We had to stop for that time since no one could hear with the rain beating on the roof of the church. After the rain subsided a little - we has more singing, gifts and blessings, including a special one from our pastor Paul to the church at Chebunge.
Tonight - packing as we leave on Safari tomorrow. I am not sure of the internet connection on Safari - so this might be the last post before Nairobi on Tuesday. Until the next post, thanks for praying - we are all feeling MUCH better! Continue to pray for our safety, God's provision for the people of Kenya and our eyes to be WIDE OPEN!
God is faithful - always - with love, Nancy
In the afternoon we walked to a school in Chengaina. (Chep-nina) It's a school of about 450 students from K-8th grade. They were interested in us coming, a lot of questions about how education is different in the United States. Many would like to come to the US. We sang, share stories and were the "dog and pony show." It was most interesting to speak to the student teachers - all in their early 20's who asked many questions. In African culture, students are trained to respond as a group - and not stand out. This makes getting them to ask questions a challenge.
As we were out on their lawn for the visit - the much needed rain began. Truly it was more of an Oregon rain shower - light - but with lots of thunder and lightening. Our evening was spent resting up and sharing a great meal and fellowship as we prepare to leave for home. A lot of processing going on in all of us right now. What do we do with the information and knowledge we've picked up over the last 2 weeks.
Today we went to a goat roast - as a celebration of work done. It's a traditional and very special event. Many church members came - as well as people from the community. It was fun to be a part of a real cultural experience. And - the goat was pretty good. (first protein in a few days...) I can now say I have tried liver, goat liver, here in Kenya - and I am not a fan. But at least I tried.
We received gifts from the people in the church - very official, very special and something I will never forget. The Assistant pastor has sent along a gift for our Pastor, Paul. He'll receive it in a special "ceremony" we will have at West Chehalem on October 18th - you are all invited to attend. (10:45am)
Our celebration was interrupted by a massive downpour that lasted for about 30 minutes or so. Think Texas flash flood times 3. It was much needed rain. We had to stop for that time since no one could hear with the rain beating on the roof of the church. After the rain subsided a little - we has more singing, gifts and blessings, including a special one from our pastor Paul to the church at Chebunge.
Tonight - packing as we leave on Safari tomorrow. I am not sure of the internet connection on Safari - so this might be the last post before Nairobi on Tuesday. Until the next post, thanks for praying - we are all feeling MUCH better! Continue to pray for our safety, God's provision for the people of Kenya and our eyes to be WIDE OPEN!
God is faithful - always - with love, Nancy
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
What do you have?
When Jeff and Christine told us about the church in Chebunge, one of their visions is to see the church pull together their own resources to help one another. How easy it is to say, "I don't have a liter of milk to give today" for each of them. However, with a lack of refrigeration, everyone with a cow can spare 1 cup of milk. If everyone were to give one cup of milk, they would have more than a liter. So it is with you and I. I may not have a liter of milk, I may get overwhelmed with the need. That's not the point. The point is: with what you have, no matter the amount - give that.
Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. It's an incredible story of a woman who was asked simply - what do you have in the house. I am personally challenged by that same question - what do I have. It's really that simple. The widow in this story didn't think she had much - but when asked, said she had oil. God filled all the vessels they could find that day. For me the key points - she used what she had, the blessing filled the vessels she and her sons could bring forward - and no more - and it was plenty to pay her debts and for she and her sons to live on.
So I ask again, what do you have?
I am so thankful today for health - it's often the small things that matter so much. Tonight, all were at the dinner table - it was a blessing indeed. The meal was terrific - while I wanted to have the grilled steak from the barbie - I decided since I'd only eaten toast for the last 3 days, that might be a little too soon. I was touched this afternoon to learn how concerned the nationals were that some of us were sick. They even served chai without milk, thinking that might have been the cause.
The knitted dolls have been a big hit - today Paula taught two of the women how to make their own. They look great - now just trying to find a sustainable source of "stuffing" locally is the next step. This has the potential for being a small business - primarily for the tourists in the area - which could provide a much needed additional income.
We walked away from the job site today with 25 benches completed. I think the fundi's were going to try and complete the other 3 before we return tomorrow. It looks like we will complete the project tomorrow as hoped. Tomorrow afternoon we are to visit a school of over 400 students. It's a bit odd being in the minority - ALL of the time except when we are at the Stanfield's home.
Saturday we will celebrate with Chebunge - our time together and the work completed. I hear we are in for a treat - roasted goat. Sunday we head out from Tenwek to our Safari. We will be on Safari 2 nights and then to Nairobi for one night to re-pack before we head home. Continue to pray for our safety, health and strength.
Much love - on behalf of the team,
Nancy
Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. It's an incredible story of a woman who was asked simply - what do you have in the house. I am personally challenged by that same question - what do I have. It's really that simple. The widow in this story didn't think she had much - but when asked, said she had oil. God filled all the vessels they could find that day. For me the key points - she used what she had, the blessing filled the vessels she and her sons could bring forward - and no more - and it was plenty to pay her debts and for she and her sons to live on.
So I ask again, what do you have?
I am so thankful today for health - it's often the small things that matter so much. Tonight, all were at the dinner table - it was a blessing indeed. The meal was terrific - while I wanted to have the grilled steak from the barbie - I decided since I'd only eaten toast for the last 3 days, that might be a little too soon. I was touched this afternoon to learn how concerned the nationals were that some of us were sick. They even served chai without milk, thinking that might have been the cause.
The knitted dolls have been a big hit - today Paula taught two of the women how to make their own. They look great - now just trying to find a sustainable source of "stuffing" locally is the next step. This has the potential for being a small business - primarily for the tourists in the area - which could provide a much needed additional income.
We walked away from the job site today with 25 benches completed. I think the fundi's were going to try and complete the other 3 before we return tomorrow. It looks like we will complete the project tomorrow as hoped. Tomorrow afternoon we are to visit a school of over 400 students. It's a bit odd being in the minority - ALL of the time except when we are at the Stanfield's home.
Saturday we will celebrate with Chebunge - our time together and the work completed. I hear we are in for a treat - roasted goat. Sunday we head out from Tenwek to our Safari. We will be on Safari 2 nights and then to Nairobi for one night to re-pack before we head home. Continue to pray for our safety, health and strength.
Much love - on behalf of the team,
Nancy
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tenwek for the Day
Today was planned to hang around Tenwek and work on projects at the hospital with a little more time to rest in the afternoon. Amanda, Paula and LeRoy painted the Tenwek logo on hospital linens. It was a messy job - painting with sticks - but they got it done. The towels were from all over the world - I would suppose donated from a variety of places. They also marked the surgery drapes with "OR" not "TH." Charma and Corky folded gauze for bandages. They finally figured out they weren't the only ones who spoke english. They were able to fold 1,000 pieces with their team. One of the women they were working with has been working at the hospital since she was 10 years old. She is now 35.
While the team was out, Regina stayed at home and make special corn chips - out of Ugali. I guess they were yummy - I am sticking with toast for now. This afternoon - Amanda got her hair done. Her hair braided looks a little different than the nationals - I think it's because she is so much lighter - maybe. She says it feels like a giant spider on her head.
Paula was able to find some yarn in the village - much thinner than was used on the dolls she brought. Regina would like to learn how to make them, so Paula is now sitting by the fire rolling yarn.
Corky is feeling better and able to keep down lunch and dinner today. LeRoy is still weak but eating. I have been running a fever, but know this too shall pass. I can now identify the footsteps walking up the stairs and I am learning the different calls from the pigeon's out my window.
Tomorrow the plan is to go back to Chebunge to work on benches. We will see who is up to it. We are so grateful for your prayers on our journey - in only a week, we will be home. I look forward to seeing my sweetheart and our boys very much.
Blessed to be alive,
Nancy
ps - Charma sends out special love to Todd, Jayme, Dagny and Camryn, Anita, Ron and Sue, Rhonda and Stacey - Perry's gone hunting...
Special Shout out to my neices and nephew - Dallas, Elodee, Sophia and Ghent - I'm still your auntie!!!
We love to read your comments - they are a great word from home and we are all encouraged by reading them - so if you're reading - let us know!
While the team was out, Regina stayed at home and make special corn chips - out of Ugali. I guess they were yummy - I am sticking with toast for now. This afternoon - Amanda got her hair done. Her hair braided looks a little different than the nationals - I think it's because she is so much lighter - maybe. She says it feels like a giant spider on her head.
Paula was able to find some yarn in the village - much thinner than was used on the dolls she brought. Regina would like to learn how to make them, so Paula is now sitting by the fire rolling yarn.
Corky is feeling better and able to keep down lunch and dinner today. LeRoy is still weak but eating. I have been running a fever, but know this too shall pass. I can now identify the footsteps walking up the stairs and I am learning the different calls from the pigeon's out my window.
Tomorrow the plan is to go back to Chebunge to work on benches. We will see who is up to it. We are so grateful for your prayers on our journey - in only a week, we will be home. I look forward to seeing my sweetheart and our boys very much.
Blessed to be alive,
Nancy
ps - Charma sends out special love to Todd, Jayme, Dagny and Camryn, Anita, Ron and Sue, Rhonda and Stacey - Perry's gone hunting...
Special Shout out to my neices and nephew - Dallas, Elodee, Sophia and Ghent - I'm still your auntie!!!
We love to read your comments - they are a great word from home and we are all encouraged by reading them - so if you're reading - let us know!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Flexibility
So - yesterday, I missed my post, mainly because I was in bed all day. Three of us were down for the count. Corky and I stayed home all day - LeRoy came home part way through the day. However, I am pleased to report, the women made our team proud (that is the women minus me) and complete 5 more benches. Way to go ladies!!
It looks like the church will be running out of wood - unless they are able to get some more trees today or tomorrow. We'd really like to see the project completed. We will go back to the church Thursday to get back to the project.
Today (Wednesday) the team is working at the hospital - rolling gauze and other projects. Corky and LeRoy are giving it a go...I am home again today. There is benefit to having a nurse as your host - she's pushing the liquids like a Mom would, and keeping an eye on us when she's home for lunch or after work.
Please pray we would all be healthy - and that we wouldn't encounter any other illness. I would really like to gain my strength back.
Blessings and Joy,
Nancy
It looks like the church will be running out of wood - unless they are able to get some more trees today or tomorrow. We'd really like to see the project completed. We will go back to the church Thursday to get back to the project.
Today (Wednesday) the team is working at the hospital - rolling gauze and other projects. Corky and LeRoy are giving it a go...I am home again today. There is benefit to having a nurse as your host - she's pushing the liquids like a Mom would, and keeping an eye on us when she's home for lunch or after work.
Please pray we would all be healthy - and that we wouldn't encounter any other illness. I would really like to gain my strength back.
Blessings and Joy,
Nancy
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