Merry Christmas
As we approach Christmas I am thinking about the chaos of Christmas,,,,(you might call me Eb or you might call me Scrooge) but here comes the chaos anyway,,,,,the debt we get into,,, the over eating,,,,the over drinking,,,, the presents we give and receive that do not glorify God,,,,,, the stress that it creates,,,,,,the thought that we just want Christmas to be over with,,,,,, if this is our focus our attention at Christmas then we are worshipping idols and we have a jealous God. Matt 4:10 Chaos doesn’t come from God but from Satan and at this time of year Satan is rubbing his hands with glee as we are distracted from the true purpose of Christmas,,,,,worshipping God
Here in Kenya there are people who are too poor to get into further debt but there are many who will sell a cow, a goat a chicken to pay for Christmas,
This is the worst time to sell a cow and you will receive only half of its value after you have taken care of it for maybe one or two years, at this point you enter into debt,,,,,, then you buys food and presents that have an inflated price and you go deeper into debt.
After Christmas ,,,the food is gone and you are left with a present that you don’t really want or need ,,,,,you realize that you have school fees to find for the new year,,,,,so if you have a cow or a goat or a chicken you go to the market and sell them once again for less than half its value and you slide even further into debt and chaos,,,,,,God doesn’t want this for us he wants us to have peace and order that only comes from him 2Chron 14:1-7
How true this is for people all over the world.
We listened to a teaching recently about the traditions of Christmas as opposed to the purpose of Christmas and picked up this little snippet.
Instead of a Christmas tree place a rock in your home this year,,,,,in the Bible there is no mention of a Christmas tree but listen to what it says about a rock (stone)
“And on this rock I will build my church” matt 16;18
“see I lay in Zion a stone (Jesus) that causes men to stumble and a rock(Jesus) that makes them fall and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame”,,,,,,,,”Rom 9:33
“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone” Luke20:17,,,,,,,,and there are more
So when people come into your home and say what a lovely tree you have ,,,,,there’s nothing more to say,,,,,,,,but when people come into your home and say,,,,why the rock????,,,,you have a wonderful opportunity to tell about Jesus and what he means to you ,
People won’t remember your tree but they will remember your rock
Merry Christmas
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Home Sweet Home by John
HOME SWEET HOME by John
We arrived back home from Nairobi at about 10pm after an excruciating 12 hrs on a bus (which normally takes 6 hrs) this after many detours dropping people off and a slow driver,,,,, I think the driver had night blindness as he would slow to a crawling pace when we had oncoming vehicles approaching,,,,, but we made it anyway so God still has us on the payroll
The next day we wake up to find that our electricity and water has been cutoff and that next door had stuck a piece of wire across the fuse until we got back as they have an office out the back.
It is too painful and still so new for me to describe the first week back which was spent trying to reconnect services,,,,, so I will just hit the high spots
Our next door neighbours are a school for medicine and our landlords , he was approached by the water board saying that if he would slip them 10,000 shillings they would forget about the outside faucet that was unmetered, when refused they dug up the faucet and cut the supply
So we went to the water board who came up with a 65,000 shilling fine ($866),,,,,to which I replied,,,,are you kidding me?????,,,,,we then go to see the internal auditor,,, who reduces the fine to 14,000 shillings and gives me a form to sign confessing to stealing water ,,,,to which I replied,,,you guessed it ,,,,,,,well after a bit of haggling he crosses through the “confession” and we leave after paying the 14k which will be passed on to the owners of the house.
Now we tackle the Electricity board, to cut this story short they have been taking our money and crediting Tom, Dick and Harry’s account and so we entered a paper chase to discover and put right, hopefully once and for all,,,,,,,, can you imagine
But now picture this pastoral scene,,,,,,,,the sun is shining and the skies are blue,,,,,there’s just a hint of a breeze and Connie is hanging out some laundry,,,,,,,a smile mischievously plays upon her lips as innocent thoughts glide in and out of her mind,,,,,,,,,,but then a man comes from nowhere and makes his way to our electricity meter,,,,, and after reading the meter he approaches Connie with the words that no one wants to hear,,,,you are owing 12000 shillings and we are cutting off your supply,,,,,,,A SCREAM SHATTERES the scene as Connie explodes into a million pieces and rushes in doors crying JOHN JOHN,,,,,theyre going to cut us off
Well we get out our receipts and explain what had been going on and he went away reluctantly saying he would check this out but would be back if not satisfied as I write to, you we still have the benefit of power(as a footnote most of this story is true)
Before we left for Tanzania we kept ringing the school where Steven is attending asking when was the last day of term and they kept saying they would let us know,,,,,,I told them we were leaving the country and told them when we would return,,,,,,how hard is this???? So as we were on the road between Tanzania and Nairobi I get this call saying the school is closing and where are you???? At this point I just have to sigh,,,,,,I told them there was nothing I could do,,,,,,,,so part of last week also included taking Steven to an orphanage for the holidays.
Then if you remember Maurice with TB and osteomyelitis,,,,,last week he was ready for discharge and so we took care of that or at least that’s what we thought,,,,,,,they called me into the office and presented me with a bill for three and a half thousand dollars and we only had one
So I called Jared and he helped me make a settlement,,,,, a down payment of the 1k and agree dates for the rest to be paid,,,,,,on the day of his admission I emphasized to them that I wasn’t an NGO or a rich white man and to use generic drugs etc etc etc “whatsamansupposedtodo”?
HOME SWEET HOME
We arrived back home from Nairobi at about 10pm after an excruciating 12 hrs on a bus (which normally takes 6 hrs) this after many detours dropping people off and a slow driver,,,,, I think the driver had night blindness as he would slow to a crawling pace when we had oncoming vehicles approaching,,,,, but we made it anyway so God still has us on the payroll
The next day we wake up to find that our electricity and water has been cutoff and that next door had stuck a piece of wire across the fuse until we got back as they have an office out the back.
It is too painful and still so new for me to describe the first week back which was spent trying to reconnect services,,,,, so I will just hit the high spots
Our next door neighbours are a school for medicine and our landlords , he was approached by the water board saying that if he would slip them 10,000 shillings they would forget about the outside faucet that was unmetered, when refused they dug up the faucet and cut the supply
So we went to the water board who came up with a 65,000 shilling fine ($866),,,,,to which I replied,,,,are you kidding me?????,,,,,we then go to see the internal auditor,,, who reduces the fine to 14,000 shillings and gives me a form to sign confessing to stealing water ,,,,to which I replied,,,you guessed it ,,,,,,,well after a bit of haggling he crosses through the “confession” and we leave after paying the 14k which will be passed on to the owners of the house.
Now we tackle the Electricity board, to cut this story short they have been taking our money and crediting Tom, Dick and Harry’s account and so we entered a paper chase to discover and put right, hopefully once and for all,,,,,,,, can you imagine
But now picture this pastoral scene,,,,,,,,the sun is shining and the skies are blue,,,,,there’s just a hint of a breeze and Connie is hanging out some laundry,,,,,,,a smile mischievously plays upon her lips as innocent thoughts glide in and out of her mind,,,,,,,,,,but then a man comes from nowhere and makes his way to our electricity meter,,,,, and after reading the meter he approaches Connie with the words that no one wants to hear,,,,you are owing 12000 shillings and we are cutting off your supply,,,,,,,A SCREAM SHATTERES the scene as Connie explodes into a million pieces and rushes in doors crying JOHN JOHN,,,,,theyre going to cut us off
Well we get out our receipts and explain what had been going on and he went away reluctantly saying he would check this out but would be back if not satisfied as I write to, you we still have the benefit of power(as a footnote most of this story is true)
Before we left for Tanzania we kept ringing the school where Steven is attending asking when was the last day of term and they kept saying they would let us know,,,,,,I told them we were leaving the country and told them when we would return,,,,,,how hard is this???? So as we were on the road between Tanzania and Nairobi I get this call saying the school is closing and where are you???? At this point I just have to sigh,,,,,,I told them there was nothing I could do,,,,,,,,so part of last week also included taking Steven to an orphanage for the holidays.
Then if you remember Maurice with TB and osteomyelitis,,,,,last week he was ready for discharge and so we took care of that or at least that’s what we thought,,,,,,,they called me into the office and presented me with a bill for three and a half thousand dollars and we only had one
So I called Jared and he helped me make a settlement,,,,, a down payment of the 1k and agree dates for the rest to be paid,,,,,,on the day of his admission I emphasized to them that I wasn’t an NGO or a rich white man and to use generic drugs etc etc etc “whatsamansupposedtodo”?
HOME SWEET HOME
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tanzania the story continues
Tanzania Revisited
Having spent many hours in front of a tv watching nature programs of every description on Africa I could not believe we were there right in the middle of it all,,,,,you could walk just five minutes out of camp and there you were right in the middle of nowhere,,,,,when you see all around you the most amazing things it gets you thinking about our God of creation. He who gave so much to detail and variety and providing all the evidence of creation to those who do not believe in Him, and leaving it up to them to make up their mind( not even to mention Jesus Christ)
There were times when I would go out by myself and sit and wait for the landscape to come alive and invariably it did ,,,,,,,when you are still then other things start to move, all kinds of creatures great and small. Way in the distance you will see a splotch of purple and as it nears it turns into a Maasai.
The Maasai have a god called engai and that he is a god just for the Maasai and then again not for all of the Maasai but an individuals clan within the tribe. Apparently the Maasai do not see themselves as a nation just clans and this maybe why they only have fives seats out of four hundred in parliament,,,,,,why would they vote for any one outside of their clan and why would anyone outside of their clan vote for them?????,,,,and yet they are the largest tribe in Tanzania. We went to two other villages to meet relatives of the Maasai who were working in Kenya,,,,,,they would sing and dance a welcome in the middle of the compound. The compounds are similar to each other but vary in condition of repair some are “house proud and some are not At one Maasai kraal we received gifts,,,,,bracelets and necklaces and Connie received a pair of beaded shoes no one had any idea what made Connie so special( except me)
There is a lot of romance surrounding the Maasai and there is a danger as a missionary or aid worker to fall for the romance when in reality they are ordinary people going about their own ordinary business
As is the case in all of Africa much of our time was spent sitting around waiting for someone to come before we could go onto the next thing,
When the day arrived for our safari we waited two and half hours for the official guide to come, they were bringing extra vehicles so that the whole team could go together eventually we decided to make a move and that one group would go ahead that day and the other would go the next day,,,,,,after we had been driving for sometime time three vehicles were coming towards us to pick us all up. That would make it three and half hours late by the time they reach camp and then four hours by the time we waited for them to catch us
Eventually we get to the crater and as we descend from the rim there in front of us, laid out in all its glory, an extinct volcano of massive proportions .The sky is filled with just enough cloud to give us perfect temperatures and shade from the sun and gradually different animals come into view,,,,,,the pictures speak for themselves, and so I won’t.
We leave the crater on a very scary mountain road which probably ages a vehicle by ten years as it labours up an incredible incline,,,,,,,, you look back over where you have come and pinch yourself and ask yourself,,,,, were you really there ?
Almost everywhere we traveled the roads were unbelievably bad and the thing that always surprised me was how few cars were broken down on the side of the road and those that were mainly had flats. One day we got stuck in the mud,,,,, what a fiasco,,,,, no amount of grunting would get, the thing to move even with help from the Maasai,,,,,, so we had to walk home,,, about 2 1/2 miles . As we did so the light was failing we had to cross two running rivers one we managed before dark the other after dark,,,,,,you are not supposed to roam after dark because of the wild animals eeeeeeeeeek! But we made home anyway,,,,,,, the next day there was evidence of elephants in the area namely a mountain of elephant poo and broken trees ,,,,this really is Africa
There were trucks wrecked and on their sides and these were due to overloading and drivers falling asleep,,,,,,,and other than that we left and arrived safely,,,,,thank you God
Two of our Americans were robbed in Tanzania, one as we were coming into Arusha and the other as we were leaving, a video camera and over a thousand dollars was taken in the two attacks and this always leaves a bad taste in your mouth
The mission was long and tiring and taught us all more about ourselves and each other than we ever expected. On our last night together in Nairobi ( a Maasai word meaning, a cold place) we had a kind of debriefing where some strong words and gentle words were used to express some very intimate thoughts and feelings about people and events throughout the trip
Connie and I were ready to be at home,,,,,,,(home Kisumu),,,,,,,,funny how home becomes a home don’t you think?:)
Connie adds:
Thanks for all the prayers we felt them as we traveled. John has covered our trip so well I will not add more.
Having spent many hours in front of a tv watching nature programs of every description on Africa I could not believe we were there right in the middle of it all,,,,,you could walk just five minutes out of camp and there you were right in the middle of nowhere,,,,,when you see all around you the most amazing things it gets you thinking about our God of creation. He who gave so much to detail and variety and providing all the evidence of creation to those who do not believe in Him, and leaving it up to them to make up their mind( not even to mention Jesus Christ)
There were times when I would go out by myself and sit and wait for the landscape to come alive and invariably it did ,,,,,,,when you are still then other things start to move, all kinds of creatures great and small. Way in the distance you will see a splotch of purple and as it nears it turns into a Maasai.
The Maasai have a god called engai and that he is a god just for the Maasai and then again not for all of the Maasai but an individuals clan within the tribe. Apparently the Maasai do not see themselves as a nation just clans and this maybe why they only have fives seats out of four hundred in parliament,,,,,,why would they vote for any one outside of their clan and why would anyone outside of their clan vote for them?????,,,,and yet they are the largest tribe in Tanzania. We went to two other villages to meet relatives of the Maasai who were working in Kenya,,,,,,they would sing and dance a welcome in the middle of the compound. The compounds are similar to each other but vary in condition of repair some are “house proud and some are not At one Maasai kraal we received gifts,,,,,bracelets and necklaces and Connie received a pair of beaded shoes no one had any idea what made Connie so special( except me)
There is a lot of romance surrounding the Maasai and there is a danger as a missionary or aid worker to fall for the romance when in reality they are ordinary people going about their own ordinary business
As is the case in all of Africa much of our time was spent sitting around waiting for someone to come before we could go onto the next thing,
When the day arrived for our safari we waited two and half hours for the official guide to come, they were bringing extra vehicles so that the whole team could go together eventually we decided to make a move and that one group would go ahead that day and the other would go the next day,,,,,,after we had been driving for sometime time three vehicles were coming towards us to pick us all up. That would make it three and half hours late by the time they reach camp and then four hours by the time we waited for them to catch us
Eventually we get to the crater and as we descend from the rim there in front of us, laid out in all its glory, an extinct volcano of massive proportions .The sky is filled with just enough cloud to give us perfect temperatures and shade from the sun and gradually different animals come into view,,,,,,the pictures speak for themselves, and so I won’t.
We leave the crater on a very scary mountain road which probably ages a vehicle by ten years as it labours up an incredible incline,,,,,,,, you look back over where you have come and pinch yourself and ask yourself,,,,, were you really there ?
Almost everywhere we traveled the roads were unbelievably bad and the thing that always surprised me was how few cars were broken down on the side of the road and those that were mainly had flats. One day we got stuck in the mud,,,,, what a fiasco,,,,, no amount of grunting would get, the thing to move even with help from the Maasai,,,,,, so we had to walk home,,, about 2 1/2 miles . As we did so the light was failing we had to cross two running rivers one we managed before dark the other after dark,,,,,,you are not supposed to roam after dark because of the wild animals eeeeeeeeeek! But we made home anyway,,,,,,, the next day there was evidence of elephants in the area namely a mountain of elephant poo and broken trees ,,,,this really is Africa
There were trucks wrecked and on their sides and these were due to overloading and drivers falling asleep,,,,,,,and other than that we left and arrived safely,,,,,thank you God
Two of our Americans were robbed in Tanzania, one as we were coming into Arusha and the other as we were leaving, a video camera and over a thousand dollars was taken in the two attacks and this always leaves a bad taste in your mouth
The mission was long and tiring and taught us all more about ourselves and each other than we ever expected. On our last night together in Nairobi ( a Maasai word meaning, a cold place) we had a kind of debriefing where some strong words and gentle words were used to express some very intimate thoughts and feelings about people and events throughout the trip
Connie and I were ready to be at home,,,,,,,(home Kisumu),,,,,,,,funny how home becomes a home don’t you think?:)
Connie adds:
Thanks for all the prayers we felt them as we traveled. John has covered our trip so well I will not add more.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sunday Morning gathering for Clinic so we had a worship service first. Our group sang a few songs and then the Maasai started singing. John taught about Jesus and it was interpreted in Swahili and then to Maasai. We ended in prayer and song and then the work of the clinic began. Many came as far as 30 miles and were there before daybreak each morning. 
First installment from John on Tanzania
To Tanzania and back again
The trip to Tanzania was a medical mission specifically to the Maasai in the Ngorongoro game reserve and we tagged along to add the word of God. The mission was organized by Myrna Shelley an American from Kalamazoo, who is a retired nurse and who also has a non profit here in Kenya
The Ngorongoro is a three day journey along roads that are extremely hard upon your bum, we travel from Kisumu to Nairobi to Arusha and onto a village called Eseri and there we set up camp.
The mission was dogged by stumbling blocks of various sizes of frustrations to the individual and the group at almost every stage of the trip, but the mission went ahead in spite of everything that came our way.
The frustrations ranged from sabotage from disaffected individuals in Kenya to the incessancy of beaurocracy in Kenya and Tanzania. There were problems with logistics and supplies both food and medicines and free passage in and out of the reserve.
The medical team treated 420 patients in the time they were there and by far the majority suffered from some sort of urinary infection. This is not a surprise when you consider that female genital mutilation is alive and well and combined with polygamy the infection is riding on a merry go round. There were three patients who we saw needed immediate hospitalization and so we would transport them there.
The days of the clinic started at about 8 am and we closed the doors at about 3;30 as it sometimes took a couple of hours for the back log to clear as after the patients saw the clinical officer they would go to the lab and from there to the pharmacy,
Many more people turned up than we could ever see but we believe each day we attended to the most unwell The people started arriving at 6 am having walked many miles from their villages, the word got out pretty quick that the clinic would be free, other medical help available has a charge
Connie worked the pharmacy some and also directing patients to their next stage. I got to be the doorman most of the time as well as talking in waiting groups about God.
The Catholics have moved into the game reserve and have a hospital there along with a number of churches scattered throughout and by far the majority of Maasai describe themselves as catholic.
When I was talking to the Maasai I spoke through two translators, which made conversation very interesting,,,,, one time when I was talking to the chiefs and elders the chief asked what was my denomination and when I said none but God he called me a pagan,,,, and as I walked away after saying goodbye, he called out to me and through the two translators he said,” go find a denomination!” how funny is that?
The trip to Tanzania was a medical mission specifically to the Maasai in the Ngorongoro game reserve and we tagged along to add the word of God. The mission was organized by Myrna Shelley an American from Kalamazoo, who is a retired nurse and who also has a non profit here in Kenya
The Ngorongoro is a three day journey along roads that are extremely hard upon your bum, we travel from Kisumu to Nairobi to Arusha and onto a village called Eseri and there we set up camp.
The mission was dogged by stumbling blocks of various sizes of frustrations to the individual and the group at almost every stage of the trip, but the mission went ahead in spite of everything that came our way.
The frustrations ranged from sabotage from disaffected individuals in Kenya to the incessancy of beaurocracy in Kenya and Tanzania. There were problems with logistics and supplies both food and medicines and free passage in and out of the reserve.
The medical team treated 420 patients in the time they were there and by far the majority suffered from some sort of urinary infection. This is not a surprise when you consider that female genital mutilation is alive and well and combined with polygamy the infection is riding on a merry go round. There were three patients who we saw needed immediate hospitalization and so we would transport them there.
The days of the clinic started at about 8 am and we closed the doors at about 3;30 as it sometimes took a couple of hours for the back log to clear as after the patients saw the clinical officer they would go to the lab and from there to the pharmacy,
Many more people turned up than we could ever see but we believe each day we attended to the most unwell The people started arriving at 6 am having walked many miles from their villages, the word got out pretty quick that the clinic would be free, other medical help available has a charge
Connie worked the pharmacy some and also directing patients to their next stage. I got to be the doorman most of the time as well as talking in waiting groups about God.
The Catholics have moved into the game reserve and have a hospital there along with a number of churches scattered throughout and by far the majority of Maasai describe themselves as catholic.
When I was talking to the Maasai I spoke through two translators, which made conversation very interesting,,,,, one time when I was talking to the chiefs and elders the chief asked what was my denomination and when I said none but God he called me a pagan,,,, and as I walked away after saying goodbye, he called out to me and through the two translators he said,” go find a denomination!” how funny is that?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A little from Connie
While John is off having his wild adventures I am living a bit calmer life. I haven't waded through water or seen riots.
In October the Ring Road Ladies study met again and we studied Nehemiah. We had a great time together. We had a good group of ladies and talked about an upcoming meeting at the end of November so we will not meet at Ring Road this month while I am in Tanzania.
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Below New Uniforms
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New Shoes Lakeside
In October the Ring Road Ladies study met again and we studied Nehemiah. We had a great time together. We had a good group of ladies and talked about an upcoming meeting at the end of November so we will not meet at Ring Road this month while I am in Tanzania.
Ring Road Church
October also saw new shoes at Ring Road for about 50.
New uniforms at Alara for the school children.
New shoes for the Lakeside Kids and uniforms.
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New Backpacks as well at Lakeside
Below New Uniforms
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New Shoes Lakeside
Alara and new uniforms
NOVEMBER 5, 2009
WRITINGS FROM JOHN
Riots.
Last Thursday saw us taking Vct and the medical unit to a village called Obumba,,,,,about an hour drive ,,,as we were going through certain neighbour hoods we were noticing debris and smouldering tyres and the like but didn’t give it much thought,,,,,then a police car over took us with lights flashing and that never happens,,,,as we were leaving town and heading to a place called Kibos we caught up with the police car and a truck carrying police in riot gear,,,,,then just ahead of them we saw the road blocked by a crowd of men and in the distance smoke billowing from the village,,,,,,the police car and truck charged the men and they dispersed and and at this point we decided to find another route to avoid any trouble,,,,,when we returned after our days work we traveled through the trouble spots to find a number of burned out homes and many people gathered in animated groups
The violence occurred between two different border border bases ( rival bicycle transport groups),,,,resulting in some people losing their homes,,,what a waste
The Reed People
There is a group of people living in the middle of papyrus reeds ,,,it’s a community that keeps itself to its self so when I got to hear of it I knew I had to visit and take the word of God,,,,,,,so we hired a boat to take us there,,,,the boat dropped us near to shore and then we got out to walk,,,,,if that’s the word,,,we sank into mud that came up to our knees ,,,we were in a mangrove swamp and mangroves drop needles that do your feet no good,,,,,,,it took us about 45 mins to walk 45 feet before we realized that there had to be a better way,,,,,we retraced our steps back to the boat and tried another route,,,,we called out and these children appeared and directed us us where we needed to go and so we entered the swamp once again,,,,,,eventually we got to this really poor village and the only ones there were a few children and two women so we introduced ourselves and asked if they wanted to hear the word of God and they said yes ,,,so off we went
Heres the funny bit,,,,,when we said we would like to come back and they agreed , they suggested we took the foot path from Dunga Beach to avoid the swamp,,,,,,after that I fired the guide
Today Julius was discharged from hospital with a pin in his femur, the surgery was free but his hospital stay was ksh20000 ($260),,,,,,it was good to get him back home we just hope and pray that his family will take care of him
Have I told you about Maurice
Maurice is a 28yr old with chronic TB with a chronic infection in his leg and arm,,,,,,,I had no idea how dangerous TB is and can affect any part of the body,,,,Maurice has acute osteomyelitis,,,,I have never seen so much pus oozing from a body,,,,when we discovered him in his home I just wanted to gag we had to take him to a private hospital because if we had taken him to a government hospital he would have died from a secondary infection from the bed he would lie upon.
he is stabilized and waiting for extensive surgery followed by three weeks of recuperation I had no idea what we were getting into
On his admission he needed blood and so I called his brother who turns out to be hiv pos,,,,so I end up giving him blood,,,,,so here I am once again simply reporting events
I go to the lab in this so called private hospital , the lab person comes to test my blood and touches the needle with her bare hand,,,,I say I hope you are not going to use that needle and she smiles at me sheepishly,,,,,she goes away and comes back with a lab coat gloves and a fresh needle and I’m a happy camper.
I get this outrageous bill from the administrator and so I go to every dept seeking an explanation for each shilling spent ,,,,,I end up in the ceo office asking him to find a way to make the costs more reasonable,,,,,he agrees to trim the costs but you can never get a straight answer to what the real cost is going to be .
Then I wait all morning to see the surgeon…..and then I give up and go home and as soon as I get home he calls me to say he is here and where are you?????aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh
I go back to the hosp a 25 min drive and thank goodness he’s still there,,,,,,he tells me how complicated this procedure is,,,etc etc etc and I tell him that we need to find a way to reduce the costs,,,,,he tells me he will take KSH5000 off of the cost,,,,but he couldn’t tell me what the end cost would beAAAAAAAAAGH
As I wait for the surgeon I am sitting with Maurice who is a quiet gentle person with much patience and courage,,,,,he never complains he only speaks luo and I only speak English and the only way that we can communicate is through the bible,,,,,how perfect is that??? Thaaaaank you GOD,,,,,,I read and he follows me and sometimes he reads and I follow him,,,,,,we point to a verse and some how we know ,,,,,we just knowit is so beautiful,,,,,nothing else matters not the treatment ,,,not the cost ,,,,absolutely nothing,,,,,,,at times like this I know why we are here,,,,and finding the money is just a step out in faith,,,,I can’t find the words to describe what is going on inside of me at these times I only know that I have never felt closer to God
Kevil and Panaa
It’s a Monday,,,,,,,so where are you going to find me /us???at the kiboko of course,,,,,,,,the last three Mondays when we have been there some one has bought our meal for us,,,,the first time a gracious young man from Jackson Mississippi here on business ,,,his name was John Schmitt,,,,,we talked and talked and got on so well,,,,thank you John,,,,,then the next week Hezron bought our meal as we joined him ,the two Jims, Barak and Jared ,,,,thank you Hezron,,,,,and then the third week there was Kevil and panaa,,,,,,,,
So here I was in the loo minding my own business when this Indian strikes up a conversation with me,,,,,,,usually I don’t talk to complete strangers in the loo.
But he’s a persistent fella and insists on me joining him and his “friend”,,,Panaa,,,,(connie didn’t come because we had no money and that she had too much to do,,,,,where as I didn’t????),,,I was there to compile our blog,,,,,are you telling me this isn’t work?,,,,anyway kevil tells me that I am a true Indian because I refused three invitations before I joined them
Kevil is from Bombay and has spent the last 40 yrs in America and panaa( is also Indian), is from Kisumu and left when she was 6yrs and moved to England,,,,,through a mutual relation they were introduced and now they are on safari for the next 6 weeks traveling overland to south Africa,,,,can you believe this???
Anyway we had such a blast together at the Kiboko that I invited them to have dinner with us ,,,,,they were staying at the “Imperial” Kisumu and they came to us for beans and rice,,,,,,yes they were crazy,,,,,we had an incredible evening together that we will never forget,,,,we talked all evening sharing our histories,,, we spoke of Jesus and prayed for their relationship and hope that we now are lifelong friends,,,,,,,,,footnote to kevil and panaa if you are reading this blog,,,,,,,,,WE LOVE YOU
Steven,,,,,,,,is settled in his school and home and doing well,,,we call each week just to check on him,,,,,,,Kenneth has agreed to take Steven in the holidays and so this is a perfect arrangement,,,,,Kenneth is the person who is trying to raise funds for Raela the little girl with face cancer that we emailed out to everyone,,,,,,he still needs much help,,,,,,$2000 was sent from a couple in dallas who we thank from the bottom of our heart. Kenneth has an orphanage in the middle of nowhere and is looking for volunteer help,,,,,,so if there is someone out there looking for an adventure,,,,,,,we have the spot
Another car story
At this point I should apologise for the delay in this blog,,,,,,I composed an epic drama which I lost last week,,,,,,I then cried for the following week over the loss,,,,,I know you feel my pain.
We are about to embark upon a foray into Tanzania,,,,,,we are tagging onto a medical mission and taking the word of God ,,,,,,its what we do,,,,,,we will be incommunicado for about two weeks so please pray for us and especially for connie under canvass.
To all of you who support us ,,,,,,we love you and need you and we wouldn’t be here without you,,,,,,,we thank our ROCK for the way that He has entered your life to the point where He is directing you,,,,we constantly look to Him and His will for where we need to be ,,,,and the relationship with Him that over rides all
Until we next speak,,,,,,,,,,yours in Jesus Christ,,,,,,,c&j
Riots.
Last Thursday saw us taking Vct and the medical unit to a village called Obumba,,,,,about an hour drive ,,,as we were going through certain neighbour hoods we were noticing debris and smouldering tyres and the like but didn’t give it much thought,,,,,then a police car over took us with lights flashing and that never happens,,,,as we were leaving town and heading to a place called Kibos we caught up with the police car and a truck carrying police in riot gear,,,,,then just ahead of them we saw the road blocked by a crowd of men and in the distance smoke billowing from the village,,,,,,the police car and truck charged the men and they dispersed and and at this point we decided to find another route to avoid any trouble,,,,,when we returned after our days work we traveled through the trouble spots to find a number of burned out homes and many people gathered in animated groups
The violence occurred between two different border border bases ( rival bicycle transport groups),,,,resulting in some people losing their homes,,,what a waste
The Reed People
There is a group of people living in the middle of papyrus reeds ,,,it’s a community that keeps itself to its self so when I got to hear of it I knew I had to visit and take the word of God,,,,,,,so we hired a boat to take us there,,,,the boat dropped us near to shore and then we got out to walk,,,,,if that’s the word,,,we sank into mud that came up to our knees ,,,we were in a mangrove swamp and mangroves drop needles that do your feet no good,,,,,,,it took us about 45 mins to walk 45 feet before we realized that there had to be a better way,,,,,we retraced our steps back to the boat and tried another route,,,,we called out and these children appeared and directed us us where we needed to go and so we entered the swamp once again,,,,,,eventually we got to this really poor village and the only ones there were a few children and two women so we introduced ourselves and asked if they wanted to hear the word of God and they said yes ,,,so off we went
Heres the funny bit,,,,,when we said we would like to come back and they agreed , they suggested we took the foot path from Dunga Beach to avoid the swamp,,,,,,after that I fired the guide
Today Julius was discharged from hospital with a pin in his femur, the surgery was free but his hospital stay was ksh20000 ($260),,,,,,it was good to get him back home we just hope and pray that his family will take care of him
Have I told you about Maurice
Maurice is a 28yr old with chronic TB with a chronic infection in his leg and arm,,,,,,,I had no idea how dangerous TB is and can affect any part of the body,,,,Maurice has acute osteomyelitis,,,,I have never seen so much pus oozing from a body,,,,when we discovered him in his home I just wanted to gag we had to take him to a private hospital because if we had taken him to a government hospital he would have died from a secondary infection from the bed he would lie upon.
he is stabilized and waiting for extensive surgery followed by three weeks of recuperation I had no idea what we were getting into
On his admission he needed blood and so I called his brother who turns out to be hiv pos,,,,so I end up giving him blood,,,,,so here I am once again simply reporting events
I go to the lab in this so called private hospital , the lab person comes to test my blood and touches the needle with her bare hand,,,,I say I hope you are not going to use that needle and she smiles at me sheepishly,,,,,she goes away and comes back with a lab coat gloves and a fresh needle and I’m a happy camper.
I get this outrageous bill from the administrator and so I go to every dept seeking an explanation for each shilling spent ,,,,,I end up in the ceo office asking him to find a way to make the costs more reasonable,,,,,he agrees to trim the costs but you can never get a straight answer to what the real cost is going to be .
Then I wait all morning to see the surgeon…..and then I give up and go home and as soon as I get home he calls me to say he is here and where are you?????aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh
I go back to the hosp a 25 min drive and thank goodness he’s still there,,,,,,he tells me how complicated this procedure is,,,etc etc etc and I tell him that we need to find a way to reduce the costs,,,,,he tells me he will take KSH5000 off of the cost,,,,but he couldn’t tell me what the end cost would beAAAAAAAAAGH
As I wait for the surgeon I am sitting with Maurice who is a quiet gentle person with much patience and courage,,,,,he never complains he only speaks luo and I only speak English and the only way that we can communicate is through the bible,,,,,how perfect is that??? Thaaaaank you GOD,,,,,,I read and he follows me and sometimes he reads and I follow him,,,,,,we point to a verse and some how we know ,,,,,we just knowit is so beautiful,,,,,nothing else matters not the treatment ,,,not the cost ,,,,absolutely nothing,,,,,,,at times like this I know why we are here,,,,and finding the money is just a step out in faith,,,,I can’t find the words to describe what is going on inside of me at these times I only know that I have never felt closer to God
Kevil and Panaa
It’s a Monday,,,,,,,so where are you going to find me /us???at the kiboko of course,,,,,,,,the last three Mondays when we have been there some one has bought our meal for us,,,,the first time a gracious young man from Jackson Mississippi here on business ,,,his name was John Schmitt,,,,,we talked and talked and got on so well,,,,thank you John,,,,,then the next week Hezron bought our meal as we joined him ,the two Jims, Barak and Jared ,,,,thank you Hezron,,,,,and then the third week there was Kevil and panaa,,,,,,,,
So here I was in the loo minding my own business when this Indian strikes up a conversation with me,,,,,,,usually I don’t talk to complete strangers in the loo.
But he’s a persistent fella and insists on me joining him and his “friend”,,,Panaa,,,,(connie didn’t come because we had no money and that she had too much to do,,,,,where as I didn’t????),,,I was there to compile our blog,,,,,are you telling me this isn’t work?,,,,anyway kevil tells me that I am a true Indian because I refused three invitations before I joined them
Kevil is from Bombay and has spent the last 40 yrs in America and panaa( is also Indian), is from Kisumu and left when she was 6yrs and moved to England,,,,,through a mutual relation they were introduced and now they are on safari for the next 6 weeks traveling overland to south Africa,,,,can you believe this???
Anyway we had such a blast together at the Kiboko that I invited them to have dinner with us ,,,,,they were staying at the “Imperial” Kisumu and they came to us for beans and rice,,,,,,yes they were crazy,,,,,we had an incredible evening together that we will never forget,,,,we talked all evening sharing our histories,,, we spoke of Jesus and prayed for their relationship and hope that we now are lifelong friends,,,,,,,,,footnote to kevil and panaa if you are reading this blog,,,,,,,,,WE LOVE YOU
Steven,,,,,,,,is settled in his school and home and doing well,,,we call each week just to check on him,,,,,,,Kenneth has agreed to take Steven in the holidays and so this is a perfect arrangement,,,,,Kenneth is the person who is trying to raise funds for Raela the little girl with face cancer that we emailed out to everyone,,,,,,he still needs much help,,,,,,$2000 was sent from a couple in dallas who we thank from the bottom of our heart. Kenneth has an orphanage in the middle of nowhere and is looking for volunteer help,,,,,,so if there is someone out there looking for an adventure,,,,,,,we have the spot
Another car story
Do you remember me telling you about backing into a tree with a church onlooking and no one saying a word,,,,,well get this,,,,,I am leaving Nakumatt(walmart),and a guard who patrols the parking lot sees me reversing so he waves me on,he’s saying come on come on right into another carAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgh;;;;;;;so now I have damage upon damage and luckily the car I hit had so many dents that you couldn’t identify anything fresh,,,,,,I think these guys must be smoking something,
At this point I should apologise for the delay in this blog,,,,,,I composed an epic drama which I lost last week,,,,,,I then cried for the following week over the loss,,,,,I know you feel my pain.
We are about to embark upon a foray into Tanzania,,,,,,we are tagging onto a medical mission and taking the word of God ,,,,,,its what we do,,,,,,we will be incommunicado for about two weeks so please pray for us and especially for connie under canvass.
To all of you who support us ,,,,,,we love you and need you and we wouldn’t be here without you,,,,,,,we thank our ROCK for the way that He has entered your life to the point where He is directing you,,,,we constantly look to Him and His will for where we need to be ,,,,and the relationship with Him that over rides all
Until we next speak,,,,,,,,,,yours in Jesus Christ,,,,,,,c&j
Monday, October 12, 2009
SNIPPETS from John
The other day as we were driving the Nairobi road to Alara with Jared we came upon an 18 wheeler on its side having jackknifed across the road stopping traffic both ways,,,,,there were people everywhere and we were looking for casualties,,,well silly us the lorry carrying beer was being looted and people were going crazy taking crates and bottles and drinking on the spot not even bothering to run,,,or maybe they couldn’t
The lorry was still in the same spot when we returned an hour and a half later only this time the police were on the scene attempting crowd control but by this time the drinkers were well sloshed and running around with tv cameras in pusuit trying to make a story out of it,,,,,,,people
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You may remember me mentioning a young man named Jolie a 20yr old who broke his femur a year ago,,,a cast was used for the repair,,later the cast was removed but his bone had failed to mend,,,,,Jolie came to our attention and we visited with him on several occasions and attempting to get him medical help,,,,,,,,now as you read picture our lord at work.
Myrna is a lady who we met the first time we came to Kenya,,,,,she comes for about two months every year and is in the process of setting up libraries,,,she’s also a nurse.
After reading about Jolie Myrna emailed to say that she would like to see the boy.
Well Myrna is here now and she has seen the Jolie and we took him to a private hospital for an examination and xray,,,,you wouldn’t believe the break,,,,,the leading edge of each broken piece was now overlapping and rubbing by about an 11/2,,,,,but here’s the best bit as Myrna was talking to the surgeon that she had used previously for another boy , through a grant the surgery and the plates for Jolie will be FREE,,,,,,YEEEEEEAH!
THANK YOU GOD,
I am growing my hair due to popular demand , namely ,,,,,,my wife so I probably wont pull that stunt for awhile,,,,,what I failed to mention when I told you about shaving my head was that I also shaved my eye brows,,,,,,with no hair on my head it made my eyebrows pop out so I tried to tone things down a bit by losing the brows,,,,but when my brows disappeared ,,,,,,,,so did my face,,AAAAAAAAh
Don’t ask for pictures,,,,there are none
Connie and I were talking about Amarillo South the other day saying how lucky we were to have such a great church and the way you continue to support us in practical ways and spiritual ways
In particular you need to know how Milton has come alongside us as we have encountered difficulties over here.
Milton has written the most loving encouragements together with practical advice on how to deal with issues we faced . To Milton and Barbie we say a heart felt thank you
The lorry was still in the same spot when we returned an hour and a half later only this time the police were on the scene attempting crowd control but by this time the drinkers were well sloshed and running around with tv cameras in pusuit trying to make a story out of it,,,,,,,people
Myrna is a lady who we met the first time we came to Kenya,,,,,she comes for about two months every year and is in the process of setting up libraries,,,she’s also a nurse.
After reading about Jolie Myrna emailed to say that she would like to see the boy.
Well Myrna is here now and she has seen the Jolie and we took him to a private hospital for an examination and xray,,,,you wouldn’t believe the break,,,,,the leading edge of each broken piece was now overlapping and rubbing by about an 11/2,,,,,but here’s the best bit as Myrna was talking to the surgeon that she had used previously for another boy , through a grant the surgery and the plates for Jolie will be FREE,,,,,,YEEEEEEAH!
THANK YOU GOD,
I am growing my hair due to popular demand , namely ,,,,,,my wife so I probably wont pull that stunt for awhile,,,,,what I failed to mention when I told you about shaving my head was that I also shaved my eye brows,,,,,,with no hair on my head it made my eyebrows pop out so I tried to tone things down a bit by losing the brows,,,,but when my brows disappeared ,,,,,,,,so did my face,,AAAAAAAAh
Don’t ask for pictures,,,,there are none
Connie and I were talking about Amarillo South the other day saying how lucky we were to have such a great church and the way you continue to support us in practical ways and spiritual ways
In particular you need to know how Milton has come alongside us as we have encountered difficulties over here.
Milton has written the most loving encouragements together with practical advice on how to deal with issues we faced . To Milton and Barbie we say a heart felt thank you
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Steven
Where Steven lived.
top of Steven's head![]()
Please pray for a home for Steven.We have an appointment with possibilities on Wednesday.He is a gentle boy who needs love and attention and kindness. The evaluations say he operates on the level of a 2-3 year old. This means he needs constant care and supervision. John with Steven at our compound after he was cleaned up.
He has had a haircut now and we hope to have a new picture soon.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Reaching out to the least of the least
Weeks in October 2009
It has been awhile since we have had time to blog. Today seems to be the day. I need to express to all who make it possible for us to be here Praise God for you! We have met so many missionaries who are always praying for finances and we feel so blessed by you who support us and our wonderful church Amarillo South Church. There will always be needs for more money but as we have seen this week when there is a need God provides in a mighty way and just in time.
God is teaching us so many things but I think I needed it more. The past six years my husband John has been a constant support to the singles ministry at the church and always there to lend a hand. In fact I think most thought he worked there as well. Lol! Now God is teaching me to be behind the scenes and at first I think I was a bit rebellious but now today it has come to me that John is out there being the feet and hands of Jesus in amazing ways and he needs me as his helper. If you know me you know I really want to be in charge and here in Kenya I am in charge of nothing not even my kitchen! Thank you God for your amazing ways of teaching your hard headed follower I am learning slowly but surely. This is a prayer request in case you that are reading this didn’t catch on. Thanks!
This week as in every week but more this than ever I saw John be the feet and hands and my heart is still so touched I can’t even write without crying.
The Casting Crowns song about ignoring people right under your steeple comes to mind. If you don’t know find it and listen to it.
John spotted a boy 12-14 years old living in the gutter basically he was at the gate of a school and church. John walked up to him and saw he was in rags and exposed and covered in flies. He had a pile of rotten food beside him and that was his food. John took him food for a couple of days and people gathered to watch each time.
Monday John left to take him milk and when he returned he had this boy with him and said I couldn’t leave him. Two other young men came in as well.
They introduced me to him and called him Steven. Steven is mentally handicapped. He probably operates on the level of 2-3 year old.
These 2 young men and John bathed Steven and put some clean clothes on him. He seemed so happy to be clean.
The biggest treat for Steven is riding in the car. He repeats everything John says. They get in the car and start the journey of finding a place for Steven to live and learn. No good news happened on Monday. So Steven spent the night in our servant’s house out back of our house. Our night watchman sat by his door and watched after him. Let me back up and say this is because as the Maasai were in the house talking with us Steven escaped into the next compound. Oh my! The commotion was wild. They were chasing him and he was making noises like ET. John was over the fence and so were the Maasai. It was quite an adventure and Steven was scared to death but they got him back in the compound and all the neighbors had something to say and advice to give as you can imagine. He hasn’t tried that again.
John has devoted his week to searching out places and taking Steven to be evaluated and nothing as of yet! We think we are getting closer but please pray for this. One of the young men John met has come everyday to help us with him. He sits with him and goes with John to all these appointments. We pay him each day and he is always here when we need him because Stephen needs constant watching.
Wednesday we purchased a mattress for him and sheets and he seems pleased. He tries to help me clear the table and will do whatever he is asked.
He communicates best with John the helper. But he will follow John Okill anytime. Sometimes he says mama but mostly muzungo to me. He seems to be more content to stay here everyday and hasn’t tried to escape again.
John reads the Bible to him and sings to him. We play music for him.
Today, Saturday I am home and they are outside sitting under a tree. John has had to go to a funeral and deliver some ladies from the church. I was scheduled to go but we would have had to lock the boys out of the house for the day and John felt it was best I stay and he went. I think God wanted me to tell you this story because John Okill would not have given himself any credit and now you can know the real story from my eyes.
In the middle of all this we were able to get the builder started on Jim’s house that was washed away in the rains. I posted a picture of John with the boys from Ring Road helping to clear the area so we could save money. So we hope Jim will be sleeping safe and dry soon.
There are so many stories to share and what we hope is that through our eyes you will see the great need and pray for us continually and maybe come and experience life with us. Anyone is welcome and we have space and hopefully soon we will have beds in the rooms. If you come we will have a bed for you.
Wednesday Night:
We had the staff at Ring Road here for dinner. 40 people in all and a few extras. Jackson did all the cooking and everyone was satisfied as they would say. We sang songs together and prayed and they went home. It was a sweet time for us to be able to open our home to our co-workers and friends. God has given us this wonderful home and we want it used for ministry.
I could write forever but I will post this and some pictures.
Please pray for the Lord’s direction in all we do
For a location that is safe and loving for Steven
Blessings Connie
It has been awhile since we have had time to blog. Today seems to be the day. I need to express to all who make it possible for us to be here Praise God for you! We have met so many missionaries who are always praying for finances and we feel so blessed by you who support us and our wonderful church Amarillo South Church. There will always be needs for more money but as we have seen this week when there is a need God provides in a mighty way and just in time.
God is teaching us so many things but I think I needed it more. The past six years my husband John has been a constant support to the singles ministry at the church and always there to lend a hand. In fact I think most thought he worked there as well. Lol! Now God is teaching me to be behind the scenes and at first I think I was a bit rebellious but now today it has come to me that John is out there being the feet and hands of Jesus in amazing ways and he needs me as his helper. If you know me you know I really want to be in charge and here in Kenya I am in charge of nothing not even my kitchen! Thank you God for your amazing ways of teaching your hard headed follower I am learning slowly but surely. This is a prayer request in case you that are reading this didn’t catch on. Thanks!
This week as in every week but more this than ever I saw John be the feet and hands and my heart is still so touched I can’t even write without crying.
The Casting Crowns song about ignoring people right under your steeple comes to mind. If you don’t know find it and listen to it.
John spotted a boy 12-14 years old living in the gutter basically he was at the gate of a school and church. John walked up to him and saw he was in rags and exposed and covered in flies. He had a pile of rotten food beside him and that was his food. John took him food for a couple of days and people gathered to watch each time.
Monday John left to take him milk and when he returned he had this boy with him and said I couldn’t leave him. Two other young men came in as well.
They introduced me to him and called him Steven. Steven is mentally handicapped. He probably operates on the level of 2-3 year old.
These 2 young men and John bathed Steven and put some clean clothes on him. He seemed so happy to be clean.
The biggest treat for Steven is riding in the car. He repeats everything John says. They get in the car and start the journey of finding a place for Steven to live and learn. No good news happened on Monday. So Steven spent the night in our servant’s house out back of our house. Our night watchman sat by his door and watched after him. Let me back up and say this is because as the Maasai were in the house talking with us Steven escaped into the next compound. Oh my! The commotion was wild. They were chasing him and he was making noises like ET. John was over the fence and so were the Maasai. It was quite an adventure and Steven was scared to death but they got him back in the compound and all the neighbors had something to say and advice to give as you can imagine. He hasn’t tried that again.
John has devoted his week to searching out places and taking Steven to be evaluated and nothing as of yet! We think we are getting closer but please pray for this. One of the young men John met has come everyday to help us with him. He sits with him and goes with John to all these appointments. We pay him each day and he is always here when we need him because Stephen needs constant watching.
Wednesday we purchased a mattress for him and sheets and he seems pleased. He tries to help me clear the table and will do whatever he is asked.
He communicates best with John the helper. But he will follow John Okill anytime. Sometimes he says mama but mostly muzungo to me. He seems to be more content to stay here everyday and hasn’t tried to escape again.
John reads the Bible to him and sings to him. We play music for him.
Today, Saturday I am home and they are outside sitting under a tree. John has had to go to a funeral and deliver some ladies from the church. I was scheduled to go but we would have had to lock the boys out of the house for the day and John felt it was best I stay and he went. I think God wanted me to tell you this story because John Okill would not have given himself any credit and now you can know the real story from my eyes.
In the middle of all this we were able to get the builder started on Jim’s house that was washed away in the rains. I posted a picture of John with the boys from Ring Road helping to clear the area so we could save money. So we hope Jim will be sleeping safe and dry soon.
There are so many stories to share and what we hope is that through our eyes you will see the great need and pray for us continually and maybe come and experience life with us. Anyone is welcome and we have space and hopefully soon we will have beds in the rooms. If you come we will have a bed for you.
Wednesday Night:
We had the staff at Ring Road here for dinner. 40 people in all and a few extras. Jackson did all the cooking and everyone was satisfied as they would say. We sang songs together and prayed and they went home. It was a sweet time for us to be able to open our home to our co-workers and friends. God has given us this wonderful home and we want it used for ministry.
I could write forever but I will post this and some pictures.
Please pray for the Lord’s direction in all we do
For a location that is safe and loving for Steven
Blessings Connie
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Mob by John
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“ I’ve got some catching up to do”,,,,,,,,,,but I’m going to work backwards
I know that Connie has sent out about Tuesday,but that only went up to lunchtime,,,,,before I tell you what happened next you must understand that when connie and I write about the day, it is simply reporting events and not to build ourselves up,OK?,,,so let me begin.
Well I was driving down ringroad the road that divides the richest part of town from the poorest part of town when I saw a crowd of about 75 to 100 people gathered on the road. I started to slow thinking it was an accident but as the crowd parted to let me through I saw two men beating a man on the ground with heavy sticks,,,,,I jumped out of my car and pushed my way to them and asked them what was going and to stop the beating as the mob was urging them on,,,,,,they stopped when they saw me, I guess they were surprised to see a mazungu in the middle of all this,,,,,they said the man on the ground was a thief and I said he had been punished enough,,,,his head was reduced to a pulp and blood was everywhere, he looked as if one of his arms were broken maybe both because he no longer tried to shield himself from the blows,,,,,,it was unbelievable. As I was talking to one of the beaters the other cracked his stick on the mans head and the sound was sickening,,,,,,,I said that he was a thief but they would be murderers if this went any further,,,,,a women in the crowd shouted at me to leave and mind my own business in her mother tongue,or at least that is the closest translation haha,,,,,,I went to the man on the ground and helped him up and walked him to my car and two other men came to my aid . I said that I was taking him to the police and no one barred my way,,,,,,I couldn’t believe itThen someone pointed out a man to me who was on his cell phone,,,,,he came over to say that it was his house that the man with two others had tried to break into ,,,the others had got away,,,,,he was calling the police to come but the police said they wouldn’t so he got into my car with the alleged thief and the two men who helped me and we started to drive to the police station. Then a police car happened to come by and slowed down when they saw the crowd,,,,,they took the man from us and we followed on , when we got to the station I dropped my people off and then I left.
.I was on my way to the hospital when this broke loose and so I carried on and as I drove and as I got nearer to my destination I was wondering if this had really happened:)
Let me go back to last Thursday,,,,,,the beginning of the rains,,,,,,We were on our way to Ognadi up in the foothills,,,,,,connie and george and I were taking a bible study into the hills which is an adventure in itself,,,,,,As we arrive there are two young ladies who want to be baptized so a crowd of fifteen to twenty go hiking down to the river,,,,,,I am dressed in a brightly coloured wrap a tee shirt and my inevitable flipflops(see the pictures) The river is very fast flowing which on the one hand is tricky but at least there are no crocs,,,,,Im baptizing these girls but they hold themselves rigid as the water is a little chilly and it is almost impossible to submerge them and keep my balance,,,,,,I don’t think John thrr Baptist had this much trouble
Then we get back to the house and we get to bless two beautiful babies,,,,well I’m sure they were beautiful if you could ever get to see them,,,,,the mothers cover them up in a ton of blankets
Everybody squeezes into this house which is filling up with smoke from someone cooking in the back and I launch into the book of Jonah and asking the question, When Gods asks us to do something , do we run away like Jonah or do we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty?????,,,,,,,and then the rains hit!!!!!!its coming down in buckets and as it hits the metal roof the noise is deafening,,,,,,,I scream out my message and George screams out the translation our throats are burning and our eyes are running and every one is looking on as if this is normal. You cannot believe this rain it goes on harder and longer than anything I have experienced. Our study lasts for at least an hour and only as we come to an end does the rain come to an end
At the end of this we are offered Mandazi which just like a doughnut and chia and we cannot leave these things alone so we excuse ourselves before we start looking like one
We jump in our car and head for home and as is usual some one wants a ride so we have this extra man We are coming down the hills and you can imagine the mud,,,,we are slipping and sliding until we come upon a tractor and trailor that has jackknifed across the track blocking our way,,,,,,the kids are everywhere taking sugar cane from the trailor with a wild man with a stick chasing them and cursing them.. Another tractor has come to the rescue only to end up stuck as well and then another tractor comes,,,,,but it is a three wheeler and not much use to man or beast,,,,,,,we have sat here an hour hoping that at some point we would get by and then some one comes by saying there is another way home to which the man in the back chirps up that he knows the way,,,,,,whats the matter with these people,,,,,,,,they never offer information
So now I am reversing back up the track until there is a place to turn and when we find a place its steep sticky with a ditch,,,,we get across and turn the car around and as we try to get back on the track the ground gives way with all the rain and my offside front goes down the into the ditch and my nearside rear is off the ground by 12 inches ,,this is unbelievable and our camera has just lost its power,,,,,so no pictures, sorry, but here is the best bit three men lift up our car and put it on secure ground and nobody breaks a sweat,,,,says me in the driving seat
There a moral to this story,,,,,,,as we were planning to come to Kenya I was thinking we would be running around in a Landcruiser no less and to be honest I was a little disappointed to find that all we could afford was a Toyota rav4,,,are you kidding me but now I am here to tell you that we love ourRAV4,,,,I cannot believe what this thing is capable of and when it gets stuck you can just lift it out,,,,,,,you couldn’t do that with a Landcruiser!!!!!!!
Sept 22, 2009
September 22, 2009 Tuesday
Life is full of many surprises some good some sad. Each week we have plans for our work but each week plans change as life and death change. It would be the same in the USA but seems here it happens so frequently. We are made aware of how precious each day is and to live it for the kingdom.
As we walked to work today ready to start a new week we passed one of the teacher’s compounds on our way. Eunice was there and not at work. We knew immediately that something was wrong. Her brother had died. He leaves 2 young children and a wife.
Eunice just lost her sister several weeks ago and her father a few months before that.
Eunice is the provider for this family that all depend on her. She is a single mom herself.
Please pray for her at this time because her heart is grieved and her resources are low.
We went inside to pray with the family and left heavy hearted for her.
As we arrived at school we learn of a 3 month old baby that died last night. They need to bury the child and want us to go with George and Daniel. This young father is there seeking someone to come and help with a service. The young father has been attending the church at Ring Road.
We walk to his house and see the mother and the tiny little body lying in the floor on blankets covered up. The shock on the young couples faces and grief is overwhelming.
John prays and reads scripture. We sing a hymn and then they uncover this beautiful baby for us to see. John reaches down and touches the baby and just sits and prays.
The father then walks us to his family compound and shows us the place to bury the child. Everyone begins to dig and then when the grave is deep enough we walk back to the house. A little wooden box is there and they place blankets in it and pick up the baby and place her in it. Every one begins to cry as the box is hammered shut. I know it must be more than the mother can bear as she calls out her child’s name as we walk back to the graveside. The baby hasn’t even been dead 24 hours and now she must bury it. There is no money for a funeral. John and George read scripture and pray again at the grave and then the little box is lowered and buried.
We go to the father’s mother’s home and pray again. They bring us soft drinks as appreciation so we must stay and drink them. The little mother just sits and cries quietly.
We plan to go and check on them again. Please pray for David and Violet as they learn to live without this baby girl their firstborn.
Each day brings blessings from God as we look where He wants to place us. The appreciation for the lives we have been given and the opportunity to give back.
Today is Emily’s birthday and she is 27 and all morning with that family I could not help but think how blessed I am to have raised my children to be adults and still get to enjoy them. They are truly gifts from God.
Sept. 20-21, 2009
September 20 and 21, 2009
Sunday George has us on the road again to visit another church. This one is called Yala.
This was their last Sunday in their place of worship because the government needs the whole building now. So we took a picture and they will begin their search for a new place to meet.
John preached as they usually want the guests to speak and he is getting good at going for an hour or more. He said only one person went to sleep and I said that was your wife. We had a good laugh on that one. People will sit as long as you will talk. Then they serve you lunch as appreciation and asked if there was more teaching. We said no more today.
We arrive home around 4:00 pm. Sundays are long days when we travel. It seems of late we are on the road more than we are here in Kisumu. This week we will go out about two and a half hour drive.
Prayer for rain is working here. We have had some amazing rains. The predictions are that October will be even wetter. When it rains hard the electricity and water go out.
It can be very exciting and dark!!!
Monday night we had a storm like we haven’t seen here before and it uprooted a huge tree in our compound. Missed our power lines by a few feet we couldn’t believe it because the rain and wind were so loud we didn’t even know it had fallen until morning.
We have leaks in our roof and when it rains we get out the buckets. But as we got our buckets in place we couldn’t help but think of all that have houses falling down and holes in their roofs. We are so fortunate.
Weather in Kenya is changing just like we talk about in the states. People say this weather is not the usual for this time of year so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Sunday George has us on the road again to visit another church. This one is called Yala.
This was their last Sunday in their place of worship because the government needs the whole building now. So we took a picture and they will begin their search for a new place to meet.
John preached as they usually want the guests to speak and he is getting good at going for an hour or more. He said only one person went to sleep and I said that was your wife. We had a good laugh on that one. People will sit as long as you will talk. Then they serve you lunch as appreciation and asked if there was more teaching. We said no more today.
We arrive home around 4:00 pm. Sundays are long days when we travel. It seems of late we are on the road more than we are here in Kisumu. This week we will go out about two and a half hour drive.
Prayer for rain is working here. We have had some amazing rains. The predictions are that October will be even wetter. When it rains hard the electricity and water go out.
It can be very exciting and dark!!!
Monday night we had a storm like we haven’t seen here before and it uprooted a huge tree in our compound. Missed our power lines by a few feet we couldn’t believe it because the rain and wind were so loud we didn’t even know it had fallen until morning.
We have leaks in our roof and when it rains we get out the buckets. But as we got our buckets in place we couldn’t help but think of all that have houses falling down and holes in their roofs. We are so fortunate.
Weather in Kenya is changing just like we talk about in the states. People say this weather is not the usual for this time of year so it will be interesting to see what happens.
MORE ON SEPTEMBER 19
Also very important day at Ring Road School was Grades 1-4 got new sports day uniforms. I mean brand new clothes!!! Very exciting for the children as you can see by there faces.
AND A FEW VERY LUCKY ONES GOT “NEW” SHOES AND SOCKS
GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT Ring Road as you can see. Thanks to all who sponsor children and who sponsor us here in Kenya. As you can see the needs are great and we serve a God who is the provider of all we need.
September 19, 2009
Kitchen staff and those who helped with tea and lunch for the ladies and TEA TIME.
September 19, 2009
The second monthly Ladies Bible Study at Ring Road. We are growing and very excited.
Last month the focus was on married women and this month on single and widows.
The main point always being live for Christ and be an example in all you do.
In 2010 we will move the Ladies Bible Study to surrounding communities so that all can come and experience it and share in the preparations. Grace, Grace, Mary and Steven have to prepare the food for the school as well as the ladies and sometimes it would be nice for them to be the visitors.
We had more than 50 women this time which we feel very blessed to have such a good attendance.
Sept 11-13, 2009
LE WEEKEND,,,,,,,,that’s French for the weekend
Friday took us to Dunga Beach,,,we try to spend every Friday morning there and people are getting to know that a bible study will happen connie with the women and me with the men and assisted by our good friends who interpret for us when needed
Dunga is a fishing village on the lake and just for your information there is no beach that’s too bad.
We choose a book from the bible and apply it to our peoples lives,,,,,,some people sit there and drink in every word while others fall asleep,,,,we try to get participation going and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t
A girl named Evelyn came to speak to us about her brother Jolyon,,,,,,he’s 19 yrs old and bed ridden,,,,,,,,a year ago he broke his leg and was admitted to hospital,,,a cast was applied to his leg and later removed when it was thought ready,,,,,,apparently his break had not healed and there is no money for further treatment
So he lays there all day every day,,,,his leg is swollen and he is in pain sometimes he get to eat and at other times he doesn’t
An old lady we had visited some weeks ago had died the night before ,,,,,her house was “around the corner”, and literally was around the corner,,,,,,usually when people tell you this the house is miles away
The lady was in Dunga support group and she had HIVAids,,,,,,,we went to commiserate with her family to find the lady was on the floor with a sheet pulled over her and a young girl was keeping watch,,,,,but didn’t know anything of the arrangements,,,,,,,,after praying we started to leave and bumped into her grandaughter,,,,,,,when asked about the arrangements she told us there was no money or land that belonged to the lady where she could be buried,,,,,,,,,to be ctd
Today is Saturday and the afternoon finds us at the district hospital, we were supposed to be visiting someone from ring road church but he wasn’t to be found,,,,,,,so while we were there we thought we would stay and pray,,,,,,,,,,
This is where we begin to cry,,,,,,,,,its always crowded but today instead of two sharing a bed there were patients on the floor,,,,,,one man was more dead than alive he was covered in vomit and faeces with flies all over him,,,,,,he was in a coma and his eyes were protruding from their sockets,,,,his lips were pulled back from his teeth and I could get no reaction from him,,,,,,,his body was emaciated and contorted and all that I could do was pray that he would die,,,,,,I lay my hands upon him and prayed to our merciful God to release him from his suffering
He was a prisoner and it seems that prisoners are not treated and so it begs the question why a hospital admission other than they are not wanted in the prison system,,,,,,there was another man beside him on the floor handcuffed to a bed leg also unconscious and there were ten other prisoners besides,
There are two wards full of men two to a bed all suffering,,,,some were hot to the touch and others cold and clammy,,,,,,some were alert but many were out of it ,,,by far the majority were young men with wives who could do nothing for their men,,,,,we started praying at one end of the wards and worked our way around until everyone had a received a prayer,,,,,,,,and everyone was so gratefull,,,,,,,it broke our hearts to see so much pain and anguish and yet we were able to leave,,,,,,,, and they couldn’t
We came home and fixed something to eat and they couldn’t, we could get on with our lives,,,,,,,, and they couldn't
Highlights of the week Purple Heart awarded to missionary wounded in action
On Wednesday we were on visitation,,,,,that is visiting the sick in the slums,,,,,,some houses in the slums are squeezed on top of each other and building codes are only vague concepts, of the past,,,,,as you walk through the neighbor hoods the children are forever calling out mazunga,mazunga,,,,,how are you??? At this Connie turned around to wave and call back and as she turned back to go the way she was heading she ran into the corner of a metal roof, BANG!!!!! The crash was enormous and reverberated throughout the district, everyone was frozen still even the bird’s stopped singing, the sudden silence was uncanny.
Connie was already feeling unwell and this just about took her out,,,, she now has a circular scar on her forhead,,,,, luckily her bangs cover up the worst of it,,,,,,,,
As part of johns immersion into the culture as well as his yearning to become anonymous,,,,,,he shaved his head,,,,,, connie just laughed,,,,,,, she said I had longer hairs growing out of my ears than were on my head, it was a bit of a shock but now many days later I think I like it,,,,,,,Grace who works in the kitchen at ring road says I look younger, she is currently my favorite at the moment
Water conservation,,,,,,,,we can have a full body shower standing in a regular bowl and not overflow it in the process then we take the bowl of water and use it to flush the toilet and we can get two wee’s for the one bowl,,,,how good is that?:)
We still have water issues so it makes you very careful
We are gradually furnishing the house and all of it is wicker,,,,,totally sustainable and locally made,,,,,,one chair = 500 ksh = $6,,,,,,,,perfect!
We have a mattress of memory foam,,,,,,,you lay in it over night and it leaves a hole that stays all the next day and is still there when you go back to bed,,,,,,,,great
Its nearly 8; 30 so its time to go to bed, God bless you all
With much love,,,,,,,connie and john
LE WEEKEND,,,,,,,,that’s French for the weekend
Friday took us to Dunga Beach,,,we try to spend every Friday morning there and people are getting to know that a bible study will happen connie with the women and me with the men and assisted by our good friends who interpret for us when needed
Dunga is a fishing village on the lake and just for your information there is no beach that’s too bad.
We choose a book from the bible and apply it to our peoples lives,,,,,,some people sit there and drink in every word while others fall asleep,,,,we try to get participation going and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t
A girl named Evelyn came to speak to us about her brother Jolyon,,,,,,he’s 19 yrs old and bed ridden,,,,,,,,a year ago he broke his leg and was admitted to hospital,,,a cast was applied to his leg and later removed when it was thought ready,,,,,,apparently his break had not healed and there is no money for further treatment
So he lays there all day every day,,,,his leg is swollen and he is in pain sometimes he get to eat and at other times he doesn’t
An old lady we had visited some weeks ago had died the night before ,,,,,her house was “around the corner”, and literally was around the corner,,,,,,usually when people tell you this the house is miles away
The lady was in Dunga support group and she had HIVAids,,,,,,,we went to commiserate with her family to find the lady was on the floor with a sheet pulled over her and a young girl was keeping watch,,,,,but didn’t know anything of the arrangements,,,,,,,,after praying we started to leave and bumped into her grandaughter,,,,,,,when asked about the arrangements she told us there was no money or land that belonged to the lady where she could be buried,,,,,,,,,to be ctd
Today is Saturday and the afternoon finds us at the district hospital, we were supposed to be visiting someone from ring road church but he wasn’t to be found,,,,,,,so while we were there we thought we would stay and pray,,,,,,,,,,
This is where we begin to cry,,,,,,,,,its always crowded but today instead of two sharing a bed there were patients on the floor,,,,,,one man was more dead than alive he was covered in vomit and faeces with flies all over him,,,,,,he was in a coma and his eyes were protruding from their sockets,,,,his lips were pulled back from his teeth and I could get no reaction from him,,,,,,,his body was emaciated and contorted and all that I could do was pray that he would die,,,,,,I lay my hands upon him and prayed to our merciful God to release him from his suffering
He was a prisoner and it seems that prisoners are not treated and so it begs the question why a hospital admission other than they are not wanted in the prison system,,,,,,there was another man beside him on the floor handcuffed to a bed leg also unconscious and there were ten other prisoners besides,
There are two wards full of men two to a bed all suffering,,,,some were hot to the touch and others cold and clammy,,,,,,some were alert but many were out of it ,,,by far the majority were young men with wives who could do nothing for their men,,,,,we started praying at one end of the wards and worked our way around until everyone had a received a prayer,,,,,,,,and everyone was so gratefull,,,,,,,it broke our hearts to see so much pain and anguish and yet we were able to leave,,,,,,,, and they couldn’t
We came home and fixed something to eat and they couldn’t, we could get on with our lives,,,,,,,, and they couldn't
Highlights of the week Purple Heart awarded to missionary wounded in action
On Wednesday we were on visitation,,,,,that is visiting the sick in the slums,,,,,,some houses in the slums are squeezed on top of each other and building codes are only vague concepts, of the past,,,,,as you walk through the neighbor hoods the children are forever calling out mazunga,mazunga,,,,,how are you??? At this Connie turned around to wave and call back and as she turned back to go the way she was heading she ran into the corner of a metal roof, BANG!!!!! The crash was enormous and reverberated throughout the district, everyone was frozen still even the bird’s stopped singing, the sudden silence was uncanny.
Connie was already feeling unwell and this just about took her out,,,, she now has a circular scar on her forhead,,,,, luckily her bangs cover up the worst of it,,,,,,,,
As part of johns immersion into the culture as well as his yearning to become anonymous,,,,,,he shaved his head,,,,,, connie just laughed,,,,,,, she said I had longer hairs growing out of my ears than were on my head, it was a bit of a shock but now many days later I think I like it,,,,,,,Grace who works in the kitchen at ring road says I look younger, she is currently my favorite at the moment
Water conservation,,,,,,,,we can have a full body shower standing in a regular bowl and not overflow it in the process then we take the bowl of water and use it to flush the toilet and we can get two wee’s for the one bowl,,,,how good is that?:)
We still have water issues so it makes you very careful
We are gradually furnishing the house and all of it is wicker,,,,,totally sustainable and locally made,,,,,,one chair = 500 ksh = $6,,,,,,,,perfect!
We have a mattress of memory foam,,,,,,,you lay in it over night and it leaves a hole that stays all the next day and is still there when you go back to bed,,,,,,,,great
Its nearly 8; 30 so its time to go to bed, God bless you all
With much love,,,,,,,connie and john
Weekend at Alara August 14-16, 2009
Weekend at Alara August 14-16, 2009
Friday August 14 was arrival day at the Alara Conference. We did not go this day as it was for checking in and registration.
Alara is Jared’s home village and it is about a 30-45 minute drive from Kisumu. At Alara is the Alara Church of Christ. The building also used for school. The first time we visited Alara the second building for school was still just framed. Today the mud walls are completed. The church is where the women slept and the other building is where the men slept. The youth slept in tents provided by the boy scouts. Temporary showers were set up with the reed mats as walls. A new water tank has been set up by Mama Florence’s house. A second clean water tank was brought in for the weekend. It will be moved to the location of Jared’s new house.
Tent tops were set up for the general meetings and the men met outside. The ladies met inside the church. We filled it up.
Saturday morning we got up early to make our way to the conference when we discovered our front tire was loosing its tread. We mad a call to Jared to let him know we were running late because we needed to replace a tire. So the adventure starts we got directions from a security guard at Nakumatt to a place to purchase a tire. We start out and John did know the area. Then Jared called back and said stay where you are I am sending someone to you. We pulled over and immediately about 6-8 Africans surrounded the car all pointing to our tire. We were motioning to them we knew and were waiting of course all of them wanted to fix it. We sat there with the car off and the windows up waiting for a familiar face. Two young men arrived and came to the car window that looked like they knew us.
We let the window down asking who sent them and when they said Jared we let them in the car. They showed us a tire place which was just about a block away and the new tire was purchased. We think this could be a regular activity given the roads we are on. God always supplies what we need. SO OFF WE GO TO ALARA
.
When we arrive they are waiting for us. No one is too bothered by the late arrival.
The ladies study starts and Tom interprets for me. The theme of the weekend is being a faithful Christian. I use the book of James and also the parable if the talents. It took two hours and not too many fell asleep. I am still getting use to the interpreter teaching time.
The ladies responded with a bit of prompting and so it was a good time. God is always faithful to lead the studies.
John hit the men hard with issues on women and how to treat them. I will let him write his own version of that.
After teaching times lunch was served and we thought so many were there that we might make an escape from lunch, but oh no they had prepared a special lunch just for us chicken (kuku) and greens. Not only that they expected us to eat in the house. John said he couldn’t do it after all he had taught but Eunice insisted. So we went in to eat and several joined us inside. The ugali was brown and they said sweet. It wasn’t sweet I can tell you that. Eunice insisted I taste it. I did.
The chicken was as usual.
After lunch the next set of teachings started. John had questions and answers in his group. I got to sit and listen as Grace and Rose taught. These ladies are officers in the Women’s group from all the churches.
We took pictures that Jared requested and then drove home.
Sunday: August 16
We are off early again but not too early we have been told breakfast was at 8:30 and services begin at 9. So we want to arrive at 9 or after. George called and they needed communion cups so we had to meet up with his children to get the cups. (Anyone that visits us please bring communion cups with you they reuse them far longer than they should) This is Africa and when we arrive after 9 they are taking breakfast bread and peanuts with tea. We are able to say we have eaten. The men are in a meeting and the ladies and just sitting. It was after 10 before it all started and then they gave each speaker a time limit. John stayed in his very well. We think I will start putting on sunglasses to let him know when to stop.
The Conference seemed to be a success for those attending and they felt recharged. There were about 150 people there. Rice and beans were served for lunch and everyone went home. At least 50 people requested we take them home. In the end Dino had us take 3 youth home from Ring road and the girls were thrilled to be in the car. I asked them, “How did you get chosen to ride in the car?” They said they didn’t know. They ask us if they were the first students to ride in our car. I said yes and they beamed with delight.
We now have an idea what a conference will be like in Kenya. The people love to go to these events. We have decided it is a break from the monotony of life. Next year they are planning a nation wide conference in June for women at Ring Road!
Pray for this event that funding will be provided and mattresses for the ladies to sleep on in the classrooms when they arrive. Pray for the speakers to be prepared with truth.
Pray also that those we teach learn to apply the word not just believe the word.
Pray we are able to communicate this message in all our teaching.
Friday August 14 was arrival day at the Alara Conference. We did not go this day as it was for checking in and registration.
Alara is Jared’s home village and it is about a 30-45 minute drive from Kisumu. At Alara is the Alara Church of Christ. The building also used for school. The first time we visited Alara the second building for school was still just framed. Today the mud walls are completed. The church is where the women slept and the other building is where the men slept. The youth slept in tents provided by the boy scouts. Temporary showers were set up with the reed mats as walls. A new water tank has been set up by Mama Florence’s house. A second clean water tank was brought in for the weekend. It will be moved to the location of Jared’s new house.
Tent tops were set up for the general meetings and the men met outside. The ladies met inside the church. We filled it up.
Saturday morning we got up early to make our way to the conference when we discovered our front tire was loosing its tread. We mad a call to Jared to let him know we were running late because we needed to replace a tire. So the adventure starts we got directions from a security guard at Nakumatt to a place to purchase a tire. We start out and John did know the area. Then Jared called back and said stay where you are I am sending someone to you. We pulled over and immediately about 6-8 Africans surrounded the car all pointing to our tire. We were motioning to them we knew and were waiting of course all of them wanted to fix it. We sat there with the car off and the windows up waiting for a familiar face. Two young men arrived and came to the car window that looked like they knew us.
We let the window down asking who sent them and when they said Jared we let them in the car. They showed us a tire place which was just about a block away and the new tire was purchased. We think this could be a regular activity given the roads we are on. God always supplies what we need. SO OFF WE GO TO ALARA
.
When we arrive they are waiting for us. No one is too bothered by the late arrival.
The ladies study starts and Tom interprets for me. The theme of the weekend is being a faithful Christian. I use the book of James and also the parable if the talents. It took two hours and not too many fell asleep. I am still getting use to the interpreter teaching time.
The ladies responded with a bit of prompting and so it was a good time. God is always faithful to lead the studies.
John hit the men hard with issues on women and how to treat them. I will let him write his own version of that.
After teaching times lunch was served and we thought so many were there that we might make an escape from lunch, but oh no they had prepared a special lunch just for us chicken (kuku) and greens. Not only that they expected us to eat in the house. John said he couldn’t do it after all he had taught but Eunice insisted. So we went in to eat and several joined us inside. The ugali was brown and they said sweet. It wasn’t sweet I can tell you that. Eunice insisted I taste it. I did.
The chicken was as usual.
After lunch the next set of teachings started. John had questions and answers in his group. I got to sit and listen as Grace and Rose taught. These ladies are officers in the Women’s group from all the churches.
We took pictures that Jared requested and then drove home.
Sunday: August 16
We are off early again but not too early we have been told breakfast was at 8:30 and services begin at 9. So we want to arrive at 9 or after. George called and they needed communion cups so we had to meet up with his children to get the cups. (Anyone that visits us please bring communion cups with you they reuse them far longer than they should) This is Africa and when we arrive after 9 they are taking breakfast bread and peanuts with tea. We are able to say we have eaten. The men are in a meeting and the ladies and just sitting. It was after 10 before it all started and then they gave each speaker a time limit. John stayed in his very well. We think I will start putting on sunglasses to let him know when to stop.
The Conference seemed to be a success for those attending and they felt recharged. There were about 150 people there. Rice and beans were served for lunch and everyone went home. At least 50 people requested we take them home. In the end Dino had us take 3 youth home from Ring road and the girls were thrilled to be in the car. I asked them, “How did you get chosen to ride in the car?” They said they didn’t know. They ask us if they were the first students to ride in our car. I said yes and they beamed with delight.
We now have an idea what a conference will be like in Kenya. The people love to go to these events. We have decided it is a break from the monotony of life. Next year they are planning a nation wide conference in June for women at Ring Road!
Pray for this event that funding will be provided and mattresses for the ladies to sleep on in the classrooms when they arrive. Pray for the speakers to be prepared with truth.
Pray also that those we teach learn to apply the word not just believe the word.
Pray we are able to communicate this message in all our teaching.
SAFARI
SAFARI
Safari being on a trip,,,,, that is to Eldoret,,,,,, I wonder if that is Swahili for Eldorado,,,,,, this is our first road trip alone, we leave at dawn,,,,, approx 6; 30 and things are looking good,,,,, we travel without incident and arrive safely,,,,, Francis the leader at Eldoret is having a leaders conference for men and women,,,, after prayer and worship we get down to business,,,,, connie takes the women and I the men.
The theme for Connie was raising women up in the church, but no one wanted to take on the translation for Connie so she struggled to convey to the group the message intended, but God maybe had already taken care of that
I used Titus for the men (thanks milt) and spoke of what it meant to be “blameless” etc, after lunch we brought the men and women together and this worked well
We spoke of how many people tried to incorporate their culture, their myths their witchcraft into Christianity and arrive at their own version and preach it as if it came from the Bible.
Kenya is described as 76% Christian and maybe 42 versions as there are tribes
We have to leave at 3;30 to get back before its dark and already its starting to rain and we are going back on the old road ,,,,,,,so every one comes out to wave us goodbye and every one stands by without a word and without a gesture as I reverse our car into a tree,,,,,,,so I have pushed the spare wheel which is mounted on the back door and crumpled the rear door and broken the hard spare wheel cover,,,,,,,what can I say,,,,,,,,
The rain gets heavier as we drive into the Nandi Hills,,,,,,,the roads are full of pot holes so we drive on the shoulder which by now is a very soft shoulder(the pictures don’t do the conditions justice),,,,,,so here we are driving on mud in and out of big puddles and here comes another one ,,,,,the hood of our car disappears under water and a wave sweeps up our windshield and over our roof,,,,,for a second our heart sinks along with our car,,,,,,,but it pushes on as if nothing has happened,,,,,,,unbelievable,,,,THANK YOU GOD
We get home all in one piece if a little bit shabby and before its dark,,,,,
We’ve moved into our new house and we love it,,,,,,,its on a huge lot and you think you are on a farm,,,,,,well at a stretch,,,,the house has a few problems,,,,,,the water suppliy has three breaks and the pressure is way down to a dribble so we get some plumbers who fix the leaks and the pressure increases from a dribble to a trickle,,,,,,,,none of the house is getting water except the kitchen,,,,,,so we gather around and parle and come up with the idea that we need a pump to increase the pressure,,,,so the pump is installed but by another plumber as the first two who worked for water dept were making money on the side when they should have been at work,,,,,they were discovered when I went in to pay an outstanding bill and the manager said that you have been disconnected and insisted on coming to the property and finding his employers on the job,,,,,,a few red faces followed
The pump is installed and we switch on with bated breath,,,,,,yes its running and pumping water,,,,,,,,,,and then it stops,,,,,,the pump has sucked our supply dry,,,,,,,so we gather around and parle once more and come up with the idea that the supply should first fill up a holding tank and the pump then carries water to the tank in the roof space,,,,,,,,and hallelujah it works,,,,,,,,through out this process we were dogged by power outages and so the whole performance took a week,,,,,,,now here comes the moral to this story,,,
We are in mega city,,,,,,,,(its really a walmart I don’t care what anybody says),,, and we get talking to these muzunga,,,they are missionaries who have been here for the last 15 yrs,,,,,so we introduce ourselves saying that we have been here just 2mths and what a hard we week we had trying to sort out our electricity and water and they listened to all we had to say about the subject and when we had exhausted ourselves they quietly told us that they have never had electricity and they hand pump their water,,,,they told this without a hint of sarcasm simply to say that’s how it is,,,,,,,,you can imagine how we felt,,,,,,,,,,,he’s south African and she’s American from Tennessee,,,,,,we liked them so we exchanged info,, they live about 1500 shillings from us and we said we would visit but,,,,, that’s another safari as they say in Africa,,,,,,,oriti,,,,,,bye
Safari being on a trip,,,,, that is to Eldoret,,,,,, I wonder if that is Swahili for Eldorado,,,,,, this is our first road trip alone, we leave at dawn,,,,, approx 6; 30 and things are looking good,,,,, we travel without incident and arrive safely,,,,, Francis the leader at Eldoret is having a leaders conference for men and women,,,, after prayer and worship we get down to business,,,,, connie takes the women and I the men.
The theme for Connie was raising women up in the church, but no one wanted to take on the translation for Connie so she struggled to convey to the group the message intended, but God maybe had already taken care of that
I used Titus for the men (thanks milt) and spoke of what it meant to be “blameless” etc, after lunch we brought the men and women together and this worked well
We spoke of how many people tried to incorporate their culture, their myths their witchcraft into Christianity and arrive at their own version and preach it as if it came from the Bible.
Kenya is described as 76% Christian and maybe 42 versions as there are tribes
We have to leave at 3;30 to get back before its dark and already its starting to rain and we are going back on the old road ,,,,,,,so every one comes out to wave us goodbye and every one stands by without a word and without a gesture as I reverse our car into a tree,,,,,,,so I have pushed the spare wheel which is mounted on the back door and crumpled the rear door and broken the hard spare wheel cover,,,,,,,what can I say,,,,,,,,
The rain gets heavier as we drive into the Nandi Hills,,,,,,,the roads are full of pot holes so we drive on the shoulder which by now is a very soft shoulder(the pictures don’t do the conditions justice),,,,,,so here we are driving on mud in and out of big puddles and here comes another one ,,,,,the hood of our car disappears under water and a wave sweeps up our windshield and over our roof,,,,,for a second our heart sinks along with our car,,,,,,,but it pushes on as if nothing has happened,,,,,,,unbelievable,,,,THANK YOU GOD
We get home all in one piece if a little bit shabby and before its dark,,,,,
We’ve moved into our new house and we love it,,,,,,,its on a huge lot and you think you are on a farm,,,,,,well at a stretch,,,,the house has a few problems,,,,,,the water suppliy has three breaks and the pressure is way down to a dribble so we get some plumbers who fix the leaks and the pressure increases from a dribble to a trickle,,,,,,,,none of the house is getting water except the kitchen,,,,,,so we gather around and parle and come up with the idea that we need a pump to increase the pressure,,,,so the pump is installed but by another plumber as the first two who worked for water dept were making money on the side when they should have been at work,,,,,they were discovered when I went in to pay an outstanding bill and the manager said that you have been disconnected and insisted on coming to the property and finding his employers on the job,,,,,,a few red faces followed
The pump is installed and we switch on with bated breath,,,,,,yes its running and pumping water,,,,,,,,,,and then it stops,,,,,,the pump has sucked our supply dry,,,,,,,so we gather around and parle once more and come up with the idea that the supply should first fill up a holding tank and the pump then carries water to the tank in the roof space,,,,,,,,and hallelujah it works,,,,,,,,through out this process we were dogged by power outages and so the whole performance took a week,,,,,,,now here comes the moral to this story,,,
We are in mega city,,,,,,,,(its really a walmart I don’t care what anybody says),,, and we get talking to these muzunga,,,they are missionaries who have been here for the last 15 yrs,,,,,so we introduce ourselves saying that we have been here just 2mths and what a hard we week we had trying to sort out our electricity and water and they listened to all we had to say about the subject and when we had exhausted ourselves they quietly told us that they have never had electricity and they hand pump their water,,,,they told this without a hint of sarcasm simply to say that’s how it is,,,,,,,,you can imagine how we felt,,,,,,,,,,,he’s south African and she’s American from Tennessee,,,,,,we liked them so we exchanged info,, they live about 1500 shillings from us and we said we would visit but,,,,, that’s another safari as they say in Africa,,,,,,,oriti,,,,,,bye
WE FOUND A HOUSE
August 29, 2009
WE FOUND A HOUSE!! We should move on Sept 1. We hope if the water and electric are all on. Of course this weekend the water was turned off here because the renter hasn’t paid in several months. We paid our portion of the bill and they are just thinking we will break down and pay theirs. Well we are moving and so we can make it. Jackson saved water just in case and we will be fine. Living in Kenya!
So I have now come up with a new use for those loops sewed on your skirts to hang on hangers. They hook nicely on your bra to hold up your skirt. I should have purchased smaller clothes because all those fat clothes I left in well they are a bit big. Eunice knows a good seamstress for me. I priced machines but they are expensive here no Wal-Mart!!
Eldoret:
We had a great time in Eldoret. Great to see our friends! The road is always a challenge but we made it safely. We also made it home long before dark which is always good.
John had a strong men’s message. He had a great interpreter. I didn’t have anyone to interpret except a willing lady and we struggled through. We had much laughter as we tried to understand each other. When they shared at the end of the session they seemed to get the point. In the afternoon we joined the men for John’s closing word. He even made the men and women mix up. They usually sit women one side men the other. When we get the chance we sit together. I think people think we are crazy and radical. Just so they think we are radical for Jesus.
It was a great day and we look forward to our next time there.
Continue to pray for change in the churches here that people know how to follow Christ and live like the word. Traditions and cultures are tough things to change, but many times they have nothing to do with being a Christ follower. They must learn to throw off the past and press forward to new life in Christ. Thanks for all your encouraging emails and prayers!!
Connie and John
WE FOUND A HOUSE!! We should move on Sept 1. We hope if the water and electric are all on. Of course this weekend the water was turned off here because the renter hasn’t paid in several months. We paid our portion of the bill and they are just thinking we will break down and pay theirs. Well we are moving and so we can make it. Jackson saved water just in case and we will be fine. Living in Kenya!
So I have now come up with a new use for those loops sewed on your skirts to hang on hangers. They hook nicely on your bra to hold up your skirt. I should have purchased smaller clothes because all those fat clothes I left in well they are a bit big. Eunice knows a good seamstress for me. I priced machines but they are expensive here no Wal-Mart!!
Eldoret:
We had a great time in Eldoret. Great to see our friends! The road is always a challenge but we made it safely. We also made it home long before dark which is always good.
John had a strong men’s message. He had a great interpreter. I didn’t have anyone to interpret except a willing lady and we struggled through. We had much laughter as we tried to understand each other. When they shared at the end of the session they seemed to get the point. In the afternoon we joined the men for John’s closing word. He even made the men and women mix up. They usually sit women one side men the other. When we get the chance we sit together. I think people think we are crazy and radical. Just so they think we are radical for Jesus.
It was a great day and we look forward to our next time there.
Continue to pray for change in the churches here that people know how to follow Christ and live like the word. Traditions and cultures are tough things to change, but many times they have nothing to do with being a Christ follower. They must learn to throw off the past and press forward to new life in Christ. Thanks for all your encouraging emails and prayers!!
Connie and John
The road to Rongo
The road to Rongo
Its Thursday morning and we are taking the medical team plus VCT and the word of God to Rongo
Here in Kenya a journey is not measured in time or distance but in “shillings”,,,,,,,it is the cost of the journey in peoples minds and nothing else.
The plan is to leave by 7;00am and we get away at 8;00am,,,,,,,there are 7 people and we take 2cars,,,,,this is our first road trip and we are excited.just like kids
Rongo is on the the way to Tanzania a reasonable small town set in the “hill country” and took us 21/2 hours to get there or many shillings if you prefer,,,,,,
The outward journey is without event although the whole route was lush with banana trees and pineapple trees and beautifull views.
We get to Rongo and we stop for the inevitable soda,,,,,,before we move on to the real venue which is a few miles outside of Rongo a little village called Winyo,,,,,,,,
Winyo is a pretty little village and cleanest village we seen so far,,,,,,just about the whole population apart from a few children are with HIV.
We had great plans for our time at Winyo and as soon as we arrived what ever we thought we knew wasn’t going to happen.
Winyo is a farming community and had no rain for a month,,,,,,that is until the night before our arrival,,,,,,,everyone was in the fields taking care of business and so we had little to do without people to minister to
Eventually we get going with our talk on HIV and the need to avoid continuous re infection and then we incorporate Gods word into their everyday life the theme being TEMPTATION,,,,,,ARV’s ( the medication for HIV),,,,,,,apparently the women report that the drugs stimulate their desire for sex and this is a real struggle for them whether it is real or not.,,,,,as if they didn’t already have enough to deal with.
Only 2 men attended and this is the other problem,,,,,,,,,,One of the men was an elder and the the other man walked out.,,,,,,,men are either not interested or into denial or both.
The difference between men and women in the villages are very pronounced and the women are nothing more than chattels .The men call themselves Christians but don’t want to hear the word of God and don’t go to church,,,,,,they use sex as a tool to govern women , where wives can never say no and where the majority of men are having sex with the widows who also cannot say no for fear of a curse being placed upon them .
This information came from one enlightened man and all of the women who attended,,,,the man who we will call Charles,,,,,,because this is his name,,, started the support group in the village and here is his story,,,,,,,,
Charles was once the man that we have just described,,,,,,,he was married and having sex with other women married and widowed never asking what the husband may have died of ,,,,he thought he might have HIV but didn’t get tested,,,,,then his wife died and he chose not to know what she may have died of,,,,,he later remarried and passed on HIV to this wife his second,,,,,then one day after his wife had told him that she now had HIV,,,,,,he became convicted by what he always knew he had done ,,,,,,,he had killed his first wife and was killing his second.
He was telling me this ,,his story as we were walking from one small holding to another trying to gather men together to talk about HIV and GOD,,,,,,Charles is now passionate about men and their issues and recognizes what he is up against,
We came upon an older man and and I asked him in my best Lua,,,,their mother tongue to come and hear the word of God and get tested,,,,,,,he just burst out laughing at my attempt which is always a good way to start a difficult conversation,,,,,,He said that he was gathering feed for his goats and couldn’t come,,,I said to him all the goats that I have seen could feed themselves,,,,,to which he burst out laughing again,,,,,,,I suggested to him that as an older man he was a role model for the younger and by getting tested he would be a big man in the eyes of God,,,,,,,,,to no avail but who knows for the future,
We spoke to other men who promised they would come but didn’t
Connie spoke to the women and told how the bible described them as the last thing created (Genesis),,,,,,meaning they were the crown of creation and as such they should hold themselves in high esteem and receiving their assurance from God and not man. It is good to see connie in action,,,,,,she has a winning way about herself which she does’t necessarily recognize in herself,,,,,,,,Helen and Leah and the other women that Connie works with just love her.
Thomas said that these words were of great encouragement to the women of Winyo.,,,,,,,who inspite of everything were in good spirits.
We had a small medical unit with us that treats a variety of things mainly malaria and other chilhood things . There was one little toddler who had a severe scalding burn on her bottom fro,m hot porridge and then there was a boy called Kennedy who had cerebral palsy,,,,,he was ten but extremely small for his age,,,,,,we said a little prayer .over him and we discovered he was very ticklish,
Just as we were packing up to leave we were told that food had been prepared for us ,we were supposed to leave at 3pm and it was now 5pm,,,,,,even if we left immediately we wouldn’t get back before dark and everyone said that the myzunga( white people) had no business driving after dark
We had also said that we would go by Millicent house before we left Rongo,,,,,,,she had assured us that it was just 10 mins away,,,,,,,we should have known better,,,,,,,we started driving down these dirt tracks,,,,,going deeper into the country when Millicent(a nurse) pipes up that we are on the wrong road,,,,,,,we are thinking,,,,,,,Great,,,,,,,we will never get home,,,,,,we turn back and eventually we find her home ,,,,,,we asked if she didn’t get home much,,,,,not finding her way home ,,,,,,we get to her place and all the kids in the neighborhood turn out and her mother wants to feed us and its now gone 6pm and it looks like rain,,,,,,
We manage to escape without upsetting her Mum too much,,,,, and now the rain and we are on dirt roads,,,,,,but God is good it doesn’t come down in torrents until we are on a hard surface ,,,,,never mind the holes
We drive for another 2000 shillings and get home safely with much talk and laughter with the girls in the back, oh I forgot to mention Mildred,,,,, she’s a counselor, she’s riding with us they are so much fun,,,,,,THANK YOU GOD FOR A GREAT DAY
Its Thursday morning and we are taking the medical team plus VCT and the word of God to Rongo
Here in Kenya a journey is not measured in time or distance but in “shillings”,,,,,,,it is the cost of the journey in peoples minds and nothing else.
The plan is to leave by 7;00am and we get away at 8;00am,,,,,,,there are 7 people and we take 2cars,,,,,this is our first road trip and we are excited.just like kids
Rongo is on the the way to Tanzania a reasonable small town set in the “hill country” and took us 21/2 hours to get there or many shillings if you prefer,,,,,,
The outward journey is without event although the whole route was lush with banana trees and pineapple trees and beautifull views.
We get to Rongo and we stop for the inevitable soda,,,,,,before we move on to the real venue which is a few miles outside of Rongo a little village called Winyo,,,,,,,,
Winyo is a pretty little village and cleanest village we seen so far,,,,,,just about the whole population apart from a few children are with HIV.
We had great plans for our time at Winyo and as soon as we arrived what ever we thought we knew wasn’t going to happen.
Winyo is a farming community and had no rain for a month,,,,,,that is until the night before our arrival,,,,,,,everyone was in the fields taking care of business and so we had little to do without people to minister to
Eventually we get going with our talk on HIV and the need to avoid continuous re infection and then we incorporate Gods word into their everyday life the theme being TEMPTATION,,,,,,ARV’s ( the medication for HIV),,,,,,,apparently the women report that the drugs stimulate their desire for sex and this is a real struggle for them whether it is real or not.,,,,,as if they didn’t already have enough to deal with.
Only 2 men attended and this is the other problem,,,,,,,,,,One of the men was an elder and the the other man walked out.,,,,,,,men are either not interested or into denial or both.
The difference between men and women in the villages are very pronounced and the women are nothing more than chattels .The men call themselves Christians but don’t want to hear the word of God and don’t go to church,,,,,,they use sex as a tool to govern women , where wives can never say no and where the majority of men are having sex with the widows who also cannot say no for fear of a curse being placed upon them .
This information came from one enlightened man and all of the women who attended,,,,the man who we will call Charles,,,,,,because this is his name,,, started the support group in the village and here is his story,,,,,,,,
Charles was once the man that we have just described,,,,,,,he was married and having sex with other women married and widowed never asking what the husband may have died of ,,,,he thought he might have HIV but didn’t get tested,,,,,then his wife died and he chose not to know what she may have died of,,,,,he later remarried and passed on HIV to this wife his second,,,,,then one day after his wife had told him that she now had HIV,,,,,,he became convicted by what he always knew he had done ,,,,,,,he had killed his first wife and was killing his second.
He was telling me this ,,his story as we were walking from one small holding to another trying to gather men together to talk about HIV and GOD,,,,,,Charles is now passionate about men and their issues and recognizes what he is up against,
We came upon an older man and and I asked him in my best Lua,,,,their mother tongue to come and hear the word of God and get tested,,,,,,,he just burst out laughing at my attempt which is always a good way to start a difficult conversation,,,,,,He said that he was gathering feed for his goats and couldn’t come,,,I said to him all the goats that I have seen could feed themselves,,,,,to which he burst out laughing again,,,,,,,I suggested to him that as an older man he was a role model for the younger and by getting tested he would be a big man in the eyes of God,,,,,,,,,to no avail but who knows for the future,
We spoke to other men who promised they would come but didn’t
Connie spoke to the women and told how the bible described them as the last thing created (Genesis),,,,,,meaning they were the crown of creation and as such they should hold themselves in high esteem and receiving their assurance from God and not man. It is good to see connie in action,,,,,,she has a winning way about herself which she does’t necessarily recognize in herself,,,,,,,,Helen and Leah and the other women that Connie works with just love her.
Thomas said that these words were of great encouragement to the women of Winyo.,,,,,,,who inspite of everything were in good spirits.
We had a small medical unit with us that treats a variety of things mainly malaria and other chilhood things . There was one little toddler who had a severe scalding burn on her bottom fro,m hot porridge and then there was a boy called Kennedy who had cerebral palsy,,,,,he was ten but extremely small for his age,,,,,,we said a little prayer .over him and we discovered he was very ticklish,
Just as we were packing up to leave we were told that food had been prepared for us ,we were supposed to leave at 3pm and it was now 5pm,,,,,,even if we left immediately we wouldn’t get back before dark and everyone said that the myzunga( white people) had no business driving after dark
We had also said that we would go by Millicent house before we left Rongo,,,,,,,she had assured us that it was just 10 mins away,,,,,,,we should have known better,,,,,,,we started driving down these dirt tracks,,,,,going deeper into the country when Millicent(a nurse) pipes up that we are on the wrong road,,,,,,,we are thinking,,,,,,,Great,,,,,,,we will never get home,,,,,,we turn back and eventually we find her home ,,,,,,we asked if she didn’t get home much,,,,,not finding her way home ,,,,,,we get to her place and all the kids in the neighborhood turn out and her mother wants to feed us and its now gone 6pm and it looks like rain,,,,,,
We manage to escape without upsetting her Mum too much,,,,, and now the rain and we are on dirt roads,,,,,,but God is good it doesn’t come down in torrents until we are on a hard surface ,,,,,never mind the holes
We drive for another 2000 shillings and get home safely with much talk and laughter with the girls in the back, oh I forgot to mention Mildred,,,,, she’s a counselor, she’s riding with us they are so much fun,,,,,,THANK YOU GOD FOR A GREAT DAY
Thoughts n’ feelings from John
Thoughts n’ feelings from John
We’ve been here 7 weeks now and this last week has been a hard week for us,,,,we both have homesickness for all things familiar,,,,,we tell you this not to draw sympathy but just to say how things are,,,,,,we miss Ben and all of our children,,,,our family our friends our church our home everything,,,,,,I don’t know who caught it from who but with all sicknesses with couples the very least you can do is take turns,,,,,anyway that’s enough about that.
The next thing is that the budget we were led to believe and on which we based our costs bear no relation to the cost of living over here and so the plans we had established in our minds are completely redundant,,,,,,,,oh well,,,who did we think we were anyway
We are also living the curse of the rich and people who you think may be your friends for who you are , are sadly rare,,,,,,,,,all kinds of adjustments need to be made without becoming cynical ,,,,,,,,,we will get there, it just takes a little time.
So here I am speaking in a little church 2 hours from Kisumu,,,,,,in the middle of nowhere,,,,,it’s a small church but packed,,,,,it has a metal roof , dirt walls and floor and you think you are in a sauna,,,,,,,Im talking about equality between men and women when this little boy of about 2yrs gets up , drops his shorts and pees in the aisle,,,,,,the people behind the boy just smile at me and I smile back and continue as if nothing happened.:)
There are so many contradictory messages coming from these churches. they appear to be a community and yet a boy called James with a significant learning disability is hobbling around with Jika,,,,,a major foot infection caused by a certain flea that buries it self into your foot and lays eggs that then eat away the flesh causing permanent damage.
So we drive to the nearest town for medication which costs a dollar to treat this problem and when we get back we wash James feet with the whole village watching and soak his feet in the medicine,,,,,we then discover that his siblings are infected,,,,,,,their mother is dead and the father is oblivious to the needs as it womens work.We gave the medicine to the father with instructions and said we would be back at the end of September,,,,,who knows what to expect.
We share our house with Maasai and a man called Jackson and many geckos,,,,,,they seem to pop up from anywhere,,,,,,,,,we believe they eat mosquitos and because of this they are very welcome,,,,,talking of mosquitos,,,,,,they are not as bad as we imagined they would be,,,,,,but Im not saying we are “BUDS”,,,,,but when God cursed the earth with mosquitos He gave us respite,,,,during the day we are rarely bitten,,,,,,we know that as dark falls that is their time not ours so we go in,,,,,,,,,and at around 12ish the female come out and she is the one that carries malaria,,,,,,,and at 12 you probably have no business being out anyway,,,,,,God is Good I read that people used to think that it was the smell of the swamps where the mosquitos breed that made you ill hence the word, malaria ( mal=bad aria=air),,,,,,,,,interesting huh?????
We are extending our ministry into hospitals and prisons,,,,,,,,we were at this hospital last week in the children’s ward,,,,,we went in with a bag of fruit and a trusty prayer,,,,,and were blown away with 2 or 3 children sharing a bed ,,,,,,,,they had pneumonia, typhoid, meningitis and I don’t know what else, mothers were doing the caring as was the occasional father,,,,,,the heat was suffocating and the dirt unbelievable,,,,,,its enough to make you cry,,,,,,we went out for 2 more bags of fruit and then prayed over every child,,,,you had to be there
We’ve been here 7 weeks now and this last week has been a hard week for us,,,,we both have homesickness for all things familiar,,,,,we tell you this not to draw sympathy but just to say how things are,,,,,,we miss Ben and all of our children,,,,our family our friends our church our home everything,,,,,,I don’t know who caught it from who but with all sicknesses with couples the very least you can do is take turns,,,,,anyway that’s enough about that.
The next thing is that the budget we were led to believe and on which we based our costs bear no relation to the cost of living over here and so the plans we had established in our minds are completely redundant,,,,,,,,oh well,,,who did we think we were anyway
We are also living the curse of the rich and people who you think may be your friends for who you are , are sadly rare,,,,,,,,,all kinds of adjustments need to be made without becoming cynical ,,,,,,,,,we will get there, it just takes a little time.
So here I am speaking in a little church 2 hours from Kisumu,,,,,,in the middle of nowhere,,,,,it’s a small church but packed,,,,,it has a metal roof , dirt walls and floor and you think you are in a sauna,,,,,,,Im talking about equality between men and women when this little boy of about 2yrs gets up , drops his shorts and pees in the aisle,,,,,,the people behind the boy just smile at me and I smile back and continue as if nothing happened.:)
There are so many contradictory messages coming from these churches. they appear to be a community and yet a boy called James with a significant learning disability is hobbling around with Jika,,,,,a major foot infection caused by a certain flea that buries it self into your foot and lays eggs that then eat away the flesh causing permanent damage.
So we drive to the nearest town for medication which costs a dollar to treat this problem and when we get back we wash James feet with the whole village watching and soak his feet in the medicine,,,,,we then discover that his siblings are infected,,,,,,,their mother is dead and the father is oblivious to the needs as it womens work.We gave the medicine to the father with instructions and said we would be back at the end of September,,,,,who knows what to expect.
We share our house with Maasai and a man called Jackson and many geckos,,,,,,they seem to pop up from anywhere,,,,,,,,,we believe they eat mosquitos and because of this they are very welcome,,,,,talking of mosquitos,,,,,,they are not as bad as we imagined they would be,,,,,,but Im not saying we are “BUDS”,,,,,but when God cursed the earth with mosquitos He gave us respite,,,,during the day we are rarely bitten,,,,,,we know that as dark falls that is their time not ours so we go in,,,,,,,,,and at around 12ish the female come out and she is the one that carries malaria,,,,,,,and at 12 you probably have no business being out anyway,,,,,,God is Good I read that people used to think that it was the smell of the swamps where the mosquitos breed that made you ill hence the word, malaria ( mal=bad aria=air),,,,,,,,,interesting huh?????
We are extending our ministry into hospitals and prisons,,,,,,,,we were at this hospital last week in the children’s ward,,,,,we went in with a bag of fruit and a trusty prayer,,,,,and were blown away with 2 or 3 children sharing a bed ,,,,,,,,they had pneumonia, typhoid, meningitis and I don’t know what else, mothers were doing the caring as was the occasional father,,,,,,the heat was suffocating and the dirt unbelievable,,,,,,its enough to make you cry,,,,,,we went out for 2 more bags of fruit and then prayed over every child,,,,you had to be there
Writings from the week of August 15-22, 2009
Writings from the week of August 15-22, 2009
Jambo from Kisumu Kenya. It has been raining in the evenings so it cools off a bit and we are enjoying it. Please continue to pray for rain for us because it has been so dry.
Thank you for all being so kind to look at the pictures which fill up your email box. We will continue to take pictures but maybe you will not have to endure so many at a time. People here love to have their picture made and they want you to print it and give it to them.
This week many things happened but the most costly was car insurance. So we have taken the advice of an insurance man and we hope if needed it will pay. He was nice and Jared uses him so we trust all is well there. Even on the mission field life goes on in ordinary fashion about some things. We are still researching medical insurance that possibly will work here and stateside. The same doctor that found our car is researching this. We are in process to get our work permits which seems a bit more complicated that first thought but we are confident that it will all go well.
Our house you know is a sub-lease so this weekend we had the cousin of the man who the house is rented to sitting in our living room watching TV. We were a bit surprised as you can imagine. We find out he is staying and is outside in the guest house. The woman never really speaks and we aren’t too sure what is going on. Jackson isn’t sure either but walks in the kitchen and does a few things. John and I just watched we aren’t too sure what is up. Jackson is off on the weekend so no one to ask. Later they leave but return. Now they have left as far as we know. So you never know who might show up when you sub-lent a house in Kenya.
This week on Thursday we were in the field with VCT and had a chance to do Bible teachings while people wait. The turn out was great and they tested 44 people. John and I had the opportunity to go to a lady’s home nearby and pray with her and her friend.
It was a long distance and a walk but worth it because of the response to testing. Many young men came and this is also encouraging.
Friday we were back at Dunga Beach. This sounds much more lovely than it is. It is a fishing place mainly where boats come in with the catch and there are ladies waiting to bargain and sale fish. The best way to reach these ladies is to walk up and teach the Bible as they clean and scale their fish. This is about the fourth time we have been there for this work and I think they are starting to trust that we will come again. Now they welcome us back each time. John goes out finding men or boys and sits wherever they are and teaches. This week one of the men from the day before that was tested came to find John since they had talked long after he had learned of his status on Thursday. John had invited him for study and he came to Dunga.
Saturday was our first monthly Bible Study for the ladies at Ring Road. We told them 9 AM to 2 PM. So in typical African fashion they arrived about 10:30. Let me give credit to the 6 that came around 9. We had chai and bread. Everyone loved that.
John felt it was important to teach the ladies what he has been teaching to the men so they would know what the men are hearing. He did a great job and left the ladies feeling important in God’s eyes. Then I taught on prayer and how to have your heart clean before God before the prayers would be heard for the others. I stressed prayer for their husbands and to let God do the work. Please keep these ladies in prayer as they try to change to live for the Lord and raise children to live Biblical principles. Many had things to share at the end of what the words meant and how the changes they needed to make.
After sharing and singing they had kuku (chicken) ugali, and greens. They left with full hearts and full stomachs. We will meet again September 19. They are excited to have a plan to come together monthly. Your funding supports this event for women to grow in their walk with the Lord.
Blessings, Connie
PS: Since everyone seemed to enjoy the melting toe nail polish story so much I had a couple of funny things about life in Kenya.
In Kenya dairy is just not what you think it will be.
Cream has curds and cottage cheese is one big curd.
Yogurt you drink from a carton just like milk.
Milk comes in packets.
Last weekend we were eating breakfast and I reached for the cream and after pouring realized I had just poured vanilla yogurt in my coffee. Now what to do? Well maybe it would be good so I just drank it and pretended I was at Starbucks ordering a vanilla latte.
But this week we discovered laughing cow cheese and it TASTE THE SAME!!! You have no idea how exciting this discovery is. God is good to give us a small taste of home.
The House:
Our house is a big house built when the British were here. It is almost like being back in the Hudspeth. Well not quite you see there is no hot water. The rental agency told us we could just pick up a kettle for 1000ksh ($13) and boil all the water we needed. Did he think we didn’t know how to boil water? It is so hot here most days the cold shower seems just fine.
The upside is we have water!!! We can’t drink it but we can flush it. The pipe out front is broken and Jackson tied something (plastic bags) around it and it is still holding. We are waiting to see if the agency will send someone to repair it.
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of our life here.
Jambo from Kisumu Kenya. It has been raining in the evenings so it cools off a bit and we are enjoying it. Please continue to pray for rain for us because it has been so dry.
Thank you for all being so kind to look at the pictures which fill up your email box. We will continue to take pictures but maybe you will not have to endure so many at a time. People here love to have their picture made and they want you to print it and give it to them.
This week many things happened but the most costly was car insurance. So we have taken the advice of an insurance man and we hope if needed it will pay. He was nice and Jared uses him so we trust all is well there. Even on the mission field life goes on in ordinary fashion about some things. We are still researching medical insurance that possibly will work here and stateside. The same doctor that found our car is researching this. We are in process to get our work permits which seems a bit more complicated that first thought but we are confident that it will all go well.
Our house you know is a sub-lease so this weekend we had the cousin of the man who the house is rented to sitting in our living room watching TV. We were a bit surprised as you can imagine. We find out he is staying and is outside in the guest house. The woman never really speaks and we aren’t too sure what is going on. Jackson isn’t sure either but walks in the kitchen and does a few things. John and I just watched we aren’t too sure what is up. Jackson is off on the weekend so no one to ask. Later they leave but return. Now they have left as far as we know. So you never know who might show up when you sub-lent a house in Kenya.
This week on Thursday we were in the field with VCT and had a chance to do Bible teachings while people wait. The turn out was great and they tested 44 people. John and I had the opportunity to go to a lady’s home nearby and pray with her and her friend.
It was a long distance and a walk but worth it because of the response to testing. Many young men came and this is also encouraging.
Friday we were back at Dunga Beach. This sounds much more lovely than it is. It is a fishing place mainly where boats come in with the catch and there are ladies waiting to bargain and sale fish. The best way to reach these ladies is to walk up and teach the Bible as they clean and scale their fish. This is about the fourth time we have been there for this work and I think they are starting to trust that we will come again. Now they welcome us back each time. John goes out finding men or boys and sits wherever they are and teaches. This week one of the men from the day before that was tested came to find John since they had talked long after he had learned of his status on Thursday. John had invited him for study and he came to Dunga.
Saturday was our first monthly Bible Study for the ladies at Ring Road. We told them 9 AM to 2 PM. So in typical African fashion they arrived about 10:30. Let me give credit to the 6 that came around 9. We had chai and bread. Everyone loved that.
John felt it was important to teach the ladies what he has been teaching to the men so they would know what the men are hearing. He did a great job and left the ladies feeling important in God’s eyes. Then I taught on prayer and how to have your heart clean before God before the prayers would be heard for the others. I stressed prayer for their husbands and to let God do the work. Please keep these ladies in prayer as they try to change to live for the Lord and raise children to live Biblical principles. Many had things to share at the end of what the words meant and how the changes they needed to make.
After sharing and singing they had kuku (chicken) ugali, and greens. They left with full hearts and full stomachs. We will meet again September 19. They are excited to have a plan to come together monthly. Your funding supports this event for women to grow in their walk with the Lord.
Blessings, Connie
PS: Since everyone seemed to enjoy the melting toe nail polish story so much I had a couple of funny things about life in Kenya.
In Kenya dairy is just not what you think it will be.
Cream has curds and cottage cheese is one big curd.
Yogurt you drink from a carton just like milk.
Milk comes in packets.
Last weekend we were eating breakfast and I reached for the cream and after pouring realized I had just poured vanilla yogurt in my coffee. Now what to do? Well maybe it would be good so I just drank it and pretended I was at Starbucks ordering a vanilla latte.
But this week we discovered laughing cow cheese and it TASTE THE SAME!!! You have no idea how exciting this discovery is. God is good to give us a small taste of home.
The House:
Our house is a big house built when the British were here. It is almost like being back in the Hudspeth. Well not quite you see there is no hot water. The rental agency told us we could just pick up a kettle for 1000ksh ($13) and boil all the water we needed. Did he think we didn’t know how to boil water? It is so hot here most days the cold shower seems just fine.
The upside is we have water!!! We can’t drink it but we can flush it. The pipe out front is broken and Jackson tied something (plastic bags) around it and it is still holding. We are waiting to see if the agency will send someone to repair it.
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of our life here.
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