Kenya Mission Trip | Northwood Church

leaving on a jet plane . . . don't know when we'll be back again . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:17:00 +0000

The team is getting ready to leave this beautiful country. We thought we would share a photo gallery containing photos from our last day in Kenya. Thank you everyone for your support!
Daisy the Giraffe

Sarah & Daisy

Sarah dropping gifts off for her sponsored child at the Compassion International office

Jason kissing Daisy... he really misses his wife.

Roadside scene - Mark bought three of the large pots to bring home... okay... not really.

A photo of the annular eclipse that occurred yesterday

Missi with Chipo at New Life Home

Missi with Daphne at New Life Home

A morning visitor during breakfast

Mark fighting for a deal at the Masai Market

Goats in Nairobi

Cyndi reading in Kiswahili to three Kenyan boys.
Lorna, a Kenyan I-Teams missionary working with refugee women.

Hope & Heartache

noreply@blogger.com (Luke Trouten) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:09:00 +0000

As the team spent their time in different locations yet again we were reminded of many of the challenges that are faced by the people we came to serve. We were also reminded of the presence of hope in the sometimes dark circumstances.

Cyndi is bubbling over with joy at the completion of her three days of literacy training which is her passion. Her enthusiasm was contagious and those she was teaching have really grasped the teaching method and are running with it and she could not be more pleased and she feels about it.

By contrast, the most distinct reminder of hopelessness was Sarah’s opportunity to counsel a young woman today who is having thoughts of suicide. Amidst the young woman’s despair there was a wonderful time of Christian fellowship as Sarah led the women’s Bible study and delved into Ephesians 2:8-10.

Luke had a chance to visit 3 of the schools where I-Teams provides scholarships for students. He was struck by the contrast as slums were separated from suburbs by little more than a hedge. It was a long day with miles and miles of walking and half a dozen matatu rides (caravans crammed with people) but ultimately his favorite part was reconnecting with many of the youth and adults he had befriended at the refugee retreat. Seeing them in their home communities was a reminder of the great hardships they face but their giant and genuine smiles were an even greater reminder of the hope that Christ brings.

Mark, Jason & Missi went to the orphanage today that is run through Mathare Community Outreach. Each of them chose a class to work with today. Mark was with the 7-9 year olds, class 3, Jason was with the 10-12 year olds, class 6 and Missi was with the 5-6 year olds, pre-class. The school has a choir that won the National award last year and we had the honor of listening to them sing 5 songs for us today. It. Was. Amazing. Their voices were absolutely beautiful, stunning and surprising. We took video that we can’t wait to share with you. It was a highlight for all three today.

Mark had the opportunity to teach the kids about the environment, asking them questions and writing on the chalk board. Jason and Missi graded homework. It was a great day.

Thank you for your continued prayers, they have been especially needed recently as we are winding up the trip and all the emotions that go along with that. Below are our specific prayer requests.

*Please pray for the young woman Sarah spoke with today, for healing in her heart and mind.

*Please continue to pray for the food shipment, that all the hurdles will be cleared and it can arrive soon to Mathare Valley.

*Please pray for our last 2 days in Kenya as we continue to process all that we’ve seen, heard and experienced.

We appreciate you and thank you for your comments, prayers and support. Until tomorrow…..

Wednesday in Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:07:00 +0000

Jambo!
It's been another busy day and we're delighted to share it with all of you! We again were traveling different paths this morning as we left our "home away from home" at Brackenhurst and headed into Nairobi.

First stop, we dropped Luke off at a bus stop to be picked up by a member of the I-Teams Nairobi Youth Ministry Team where he spent the day encouraging and being encouraged. As he puts it, "No matter where you go in the world, youth workers are some of the craziest, coolest and most encouraging people around." He returned energized and laughing at being singled out as the "muzungu" all day long.

Sarah had a wonderful day with her missionary peers in what she tells us is a pretty typical day on the field. First, fixing a problem with a computer; then a team meeting to discuss last weekend's retreat: highs, lows, and recommendations for nex time. Then off to lunch, a ride on a matatu, and an afternoon training one of the local team in Excel. She, too, returned energized, happy and feeling blessed by her day.

(editor's note: this is not literacy training but a good picture of Luke and Cyndi none-the-less)

Cyndi continued with the literacy project and is encouraged by how well all is progressing. She believes she is leaving it in the very capable hands of the I-Teams missionary she has been working with and God will accomplish His will in and through this work.

Jason and Mark spent the day at the Mathare Orphanage which is home to 114 children ages 3-18 who are HIV/AIDS orphans and another 300+ who attend the orphanage school. The school runs pre-K to 8th grade. We had an amazing time hearing from all the classes - songs and memory verses. We were led around by headmaster Dorris who is a remarkable woman of God who the kids all have utter respect for. We had lunch with the kids and then visited with Bishop Ogutu who leads all of the ministries and programs along with 15 church plants of Mathare's Outreach Community Center. We heard wonderful dreams and ideas that the Bishop and his team have to help these ministries become self-sufficient. He also expressed his deepest appreciation to all of you who have helped pack and send the container full of food for the kids. By the way, it is making progress and should be released from the port in Mombassa very soon. Pray.

Missi spent the day recovering from being sick but is feeling much better now thankyouverymuch, and should be ready to join us at the orphanage tomorrow!

The I-Teams Missionary Team sends it's deep appreciation for the gift of "Safari" day. It was all of your support which allowed for us to treat them to this special day. They told us that they had a wonderful time and were completley refreshed by our day in the park. It was our joy to spend it with them.

Eyes to See...Ears to Hear

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:07:00 +0000

Today we diverged to participate in various ministries.

Jason, Missi and Mark visited Mathare Valley and found it overwhelming. There are no words to describe all that they saw. The poverty and living conditions they saw are hard to express with words or even pictures. They are still processing and hope to better be able to share with you in a few days or upon their return from Kenya. In the midst of the darkness Mathare Community Outreach is a bright shining light. Please pray that this light will continue to shine and grow. www.matharevalley.org Please keep praying for the Mathare food shipment which waits in Mombassa for exemption paperwork.

Sarah led a Bible study with several East African refugee women. They read and talked about Mary and the example she set in trusting God in the midst of confusing circumstances with potential dangerous repercussions. These women meet with Sarah's Kenyan I-Teams missionary colleague for weekly discipleship and to work on various sewing projects in order to earn a livelihood. "Today I hugged a woman who has been beaten and stabbed for her faith," says Sarah. "I am burdened to continue praying for these women regularly." Please pray for these women whose faith puts their lives in danger on a regular basis.

Cyndi has the following to share: I am excited, hopeful and feeling blessed beyond measure. Today began the first of three days of teaching a local, East-African missionary the reading approach which I have found so helpful in teaching adult non-readers in my work at home. Much was accomplished. It became clear that today was the beginning of answer to prayers on both sides of the world...from those who have known of my heart's desire to see this accomplished...and from those who have known of the missionary's heart's desire to meet the reading needs of the refugee women she teaches. God is good. Pray that all continues smoothly.

Luke had a chance to spend the day in downtown Nairobi with the I-Teams missionary who leads the Nairobi team's refugee youth ministry. It was a great conversation and it's exciting to see this budding youth group rapidly developing into a mature ministry. They are already starting to make a positive impact on their East African refugee community. Aside from the encouraging conversation, Luke had a chance to see yet another part of Kenya from the mosque to the meat market. It was an experience few tourists have.

Safari Day

noreply@blogger.com (Luke Trouten) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Today we learned that baboons are aggressive. We took a trip to Nakuru for a Safari with the I-Teams. We got out of the vehicles to view the valley where we had been driving and watched a baboon enter three different vehicles, including ours, looking for snacks. We took a picture of him licking the inside of one of Missi's nature valley granola bar wrappers.

We saw lots of animals, but listing them is boring, so we made a game for you to play, with your kids if you're so inclined. So without further adieu, we bring to you, “Guess That Bakre Mwisho!”

Can you name the animal that goes with each bakre mwisho?

1)

4)

5)

How'd you do? (The answers are below)

Safari is the swahili word for journey, and a great journey it has been so far. At one point yesterday we were learning Swedish from an Australian while sitting near a Norwegian family and German couple as we all served refugees in Kenya. A wonderful journey indeed.

Please continue to pray for the food shipment as the final details and paperwork are worked out. It sound like they are getting closer to releasing it from the dock and sending it towards Mathare Valley. Mark, Missi, and Jason will be in Mathare tomorrow visiting the school.

You could also pray for our team this next week as we will be splitting us up a bit more. Luke, Sarah, and Cyndi will all be on their own doing ministry in specific areas over the next few days. Cyndi with teaching, Sarah with regufee women, and Luke with youth ministry.

Thanks for the comments (keep 'em coming) and for the prayers and thoughts as we being the second half of our time here. They are truly encouraging! Love you all!

Answers from the Quiz:

1) Water Buffalo

2) Gazelle

3) Warthog

4) Tortoise

5) Rhino

6) Impala

7) Zebra

8) Worshipus Pastorus

Bonus: bakre mwisho means "rear end" in Swahili

Family Retreat - Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Please pray for safe travel home for all of the retreat participants and volunteers. Also, pray for wisdom for the I-Teams Nairobi refugee ministry team as they continue in future ministry to this fellowship of refugee believers.

Refugee Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:15:00 +0000

Praise the LORD
Praise God in His sanctuary,
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him for His acts of power,
Praise Him for His surpassing greatness.
Psalm 150:1-3

The past four days have been a joyful expression of God's love, peace, and provision for those of us gathered together as brothers and sisters in Christ. The languages were different, but never a barrier. The presence of the Spirit was tangible as we talked, listened, learned, cried, played, worshipped, supported, cared and loved.

Children's Ministry Memories:
Missi loved holding babies and being peed on, bouncing on the trampoline and playing on the playground with the toddlers
Sarah loved having some of the same students as last year and seeing how all of them have been growing and learning more english
She noticed that some of the 12-year olds had really deep questions for their ages
One of the kids even gave Sarah a spontaneous haircut
The kids loved the craft times: they made a heart with a bible verse in pocket of the heart - showing how we hide God's word in our hearts
They made sandles to remind them of John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus
They painted their hands on a piece of paper and wrote their name on the palm, reminding them that their names are written on the palm of God's hands

Youth Ministry Memories:
Luke noticed that youth are pretty much the same all over the world
They had really deep conversations about the Trinity and how Jesus could be both God and man
They kept asking questions because they wanted to be able to share Jesus with their friends from other religions
They loved the games, especially the football/soccer game called "kick the ball at the white guys" with Jason and Luke in goal
Luke shared with them how it's seems so hard to be a Christian here, but easy for us back home
The refugee youth group sent a video message to the Northwood youth group saying "don't waste the opportunity you have to live out and share your faith"

Adult Ministry Memories:
Our topic was "Jesus, more than a prophet" and our theme verses were Colossians 1:15-20
Mark, Jason and Cyndi all felt it was an important but huge topic with truths that are often hard to grasp - the truth that Jesus was God in flesh
Mark and Jason both felt at times unworthy to be speaking in this setting, but sensed God's support and inspiration throughout the five teaching sessions
There was so much to cover, but our times included deep and meaningful discussions, especially in the men's and women's small groups
Cyndi observed the women really learning to listen to each other and crying tears together about what Jesus has done in their lives
We all sensed their struggle to overcome the fear of witnessing to their neighbors
We all loved worship times as the refugees sang songs in their native tongue and style
We really caught a glimpse of the depth and beauty of God's kingdom and what it will be like to be in heaven together with every tribe, every tongue worhipping at the feet of Jesus

The whole retreat was exhausting but energizing at the same time. One of the men thanked us for being "oxygen for them, and a breath of fresh air for their fellowship." We can honestly say we felt the same way about what they gave to us.We all are feeling satisfaction in a job well done. Thanks for all your prayers. God has answered them all.

Family Retreat - Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Please pray for Missi, Sarah and Luke as they work with the children and youth. Pray that the young lives that they work with will be impacted and that they will remember and practice what they learn. Also, pray for safety during recreation/game time.

Family Retreat - Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Please pray for Mark and Jason as they teach the adult sessions. Also pray for Cyndi along with Mark and Jason as they facilitate small group discussions that follow each teaching session.

Family Retreat - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Please pray for safe travel for all of the families God wants to attend this retreat and for final onsite preparations.

Kuandaa (to prepare)

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Well, another day has passed here in Kenya. The team was very busy with final preparations for the retreat that starts on Thursday.

Before we get into those details, we want to update you on something we asked you to pray about. The matatu strike ended today which means all of the participants should be able to attend the retreat scheduled for the next four days! Had the strike continued into tomorrow, nearly half of the participants would not have been able to attend. Thank you God for answering this prayer!

We left Brackenhurst at 9 AM to head to the I-Teams office in Nairobi to make final preparations for the refugee family retreat. The retreat is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday. We met the I-Team Nairobi refugee ministry team and got to work on preparing for the retreat. We had a lot of fun working with and getting to know them. Mark commented that it felt like it was just last week that he was sitting with the team at their office; even though a year had passed.

We took a break from our furious retreat preparations to go enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby Ethiopian restaurant... the highlight of Mark's day. We hope to go back for one more meal before we head back to Minnesota.We all took naps when we returned to the I-Teams office. Okay... not really. We still had some final prep work to finish before we could head back to Brackenhurst. Once this was finished, we all piled into Dotun's van and headed "home".

We will leave for the retreat at 9AM tomorrow (Thursday). So, this will be our last blog post until Sunday evening. The blog will automagically update each day with prayer prompts for the retreat.

Please continue to pray for the Mathare Valley food shipment. We are still awaiting confirmation of docking in Mombassa and it will need to clear inspection, get a non-profit exemption for duties and then be transported to Nairobi.

Thank you all for your prayer and support and keep the blog-post comments coming! We read them every day.

Two Truths and a Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Luke Trouten) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:54:00 +0000

There is a game that we played today called Two Truths and a Lie. The object is simple, you share 3 “facts” about yourself and the rest of the group tries to decide which of those is true, and which one is a lie. We thought it'd be fun to play with all of you fabulous people who are following along on our trip.

Fact #1

Today was filled with a lot of preparation for the retreat. Mark & Jason have been working feverishly on their talks around the theme of the retreat, “Jesus: More than a Prophet.” Cyndi and Sarah worked with them today to make sure it will translate well culturally, and that everyone is on the same page for the correlating Bible Studies. Luke went with Dotun into town and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Nairobi for the first time. Not to mention some great mango juice at Java House. He noticed that, for all the differences there are, there is something universally true about people living their lives. Missi slept.

Fact #2

Throughout the past few days we have learned lots about each other and it has helped to draw our team closer together. Jason has an arch nemesis in the form of a water beetle that keeps returning to the same location. Cyndi repeatedly locks Missi out of their room and she gains access through scaling the window several times a day. The boys have dominated at Catch Phrase winning 8 straight games. The closest the girls came to winning was in the Sports & Games category. Even though the girls have gone down every round, Sarah's blood pressure has likely gone up. Luke apparently sleeps close enough to his fan that it could double as a beard trimmer. When eating samosa's Mark is happy to share, after he's had five of his own. Missi slept.

Fact #3

Mark awoke to 3 baboons in his room, trying on his clothes. They seemed to prefer polo shirts. Jason tried to chase them off, but his insect arch-nemesis climbed his pant leg. He immediately began the mysterious “Dance of the Get-This-Thing-Off-Of-Me” and ran screaming toward the valley. We haven't seen him since, though we do her feminine shrieks from time to time echoing through the hills. Cyndi wrestled a water buffalo to the ground and gave it a wet-willy. This dissuaded the other buffalo from messing with us. Sarah took to the main lawn to deal with the flamingos. After standing on one leg for 17 hours, she was apparently welcomed into the flock. In fact, we think they made her Queen of the Flamingos. Luke tried to chase the monkeys out of Mark's room with an umbrella. They disarmed him, and mercilessly beat him in the shins. Missi slept.

So it is up to you to determine which of the above are true, and which are a lie. Good luck!

In other news:

The matatus (taxi drivers) are on strike. Please pray that the strike ends today so that all of the people trying to get to the retreat are able to make it.

We received word today that the food shipment from the Maple Grove Food Packing Event in August should arrive at the port in Mombasa tonight. There is still some paperwork, and a few logistical hurdles, but we are excited that the food may arrive at the Mathare Valley school and orphanage while we are here. Please pray that the paperwork clears easily so the food can get to the kids.

Tomorrow is our last day of preparation before leaving for the retreat for four days. Please pray everything falls into place that needs to.

Thanks also for all of your comments and kind words, they mean a lot to the team as we continue our work here.

Day 1 and jet lag

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Jambo from Kenya! We have arrived and are delighted to be here! We were greeted by the sights, sounds and smells of Africa, but what was most noticiable was how WARM it is here!!After a restful night's sleep, we've spent a day of team building, orientation with Dotun to the East African culture, and sharing of our hopes for this trip. It was also a blessing for all of us to have a bit of quiet time to refresh and renew. We're preparing for the refugee retreat which begins on Thursday. We also did some forward planning regarding our individual projects for the following week. It was inspiring to talk with each other, sharing the different ways that God is uniquely working in each of our lives and how He has worked to bring each of us here. We are looking forward to all that God is going to do in the next two weeks and will love sharing all of it with you. Thank you again for all that each of you have done to help us to make this journey. Pray for us.

poised for departure

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:04:00 +0000

This year's Kenya team is packing in preparation for our departure tomorrow afternoon from Minneapolis. We're excited and grateful for the privilege of serving refugees and orphans in Kenya.

During the first week we will assist with teaching and recreation at a family retreat for refugee believers from East Africa.

During the second week, three of us (Luke, Cyndi & Sarah) will serve the East African refugee fellowship through youth leadership training, literacy training and small group Bible studies. The other three (Mark, Missi & Jason) will serve with Mathare Community Outreach, a ministry of a Kenyan church that provides schooling and food for children in Mathare Valley slum and also runs an HIV/AIDS orphanage.

Would you please pray:

That the Holy Spirit would open refugee believers' hearts to the truth and reality of Jesus' deity;
For good communication through translators whether the language is English, East African or Kiswahili;
For wisdom and guidance for those of us who will be teaching or leading Bible studies & discussions;
That we would be the hands and feet of Jesus to all we meet;
For good teamwork and unity among ourselves, with the Nairobi missionary team and with Mathare Community Outreach;
That hearts be drawn to Jesus and transformed;
For safety and good health.

Thanks. We look forward to greeting you from Kenya!

2010 Team in Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Luke Trouten) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:41:00 +0000

The 2010 Kenya team from Northwood Church in Maple Grove, MN is preparing for it's January trip. We will have more information in the near future, so stay tuned!

Last Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Our Last Day

Well it's been an incredible 2 weeks here in Nairobi. Today, on our last day, we attended Nairobi Chapel (see pics) and went out for a final lunch with the IT Team. Then we had a good debrief and prayer time together with Dotun and Ami and now we are packing and headed for home. We are excited to bring home so many stories of what God is doing here. And we are excited about Northwood's continuing involvement. Please pray for safe and healthy travels back home. Grant is feeling much better today. Thanks for your love and prayers all the way along.

Tutaonana,
The Kenya Dig-it 6

Toddlers, Fellowship and Banana Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Today started with pouring rain as we travelled to New Life Orphanage to spend time with the beautiful children there. We spent 2 delightful hours holding, playing, feeding, tickling, and helping with potty training. New Life is a wonderful ministry for rescuing Kenyan orphans.

Then we dashed through rain and puddles to the SIM compound for a last refugee fellowship gathering. Cyndi taught the kids while the rest of us attended worship - except for Grant who wasn't feeling well. Pray for him. This was our final opportunity to say good by to our new friends from the fellowship retreat.

Then it was off to Ami and Dotun's home for banana bread and tea and a great conversation about NEXT YEAR'S TEAM! Something for all of you to be thinking about... =)

The Kenya Dig-Its!

Yummy Food & Bartering

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Jambo!

Today we went our separate ways. Cyndi spent the day with Lorna, one of the Nairobi missionaries we've been working with. They went to Lorna's home, went shopping in her neighborhood, and fixed lunch which they shared with neighbors. Along with great fun they discussed Lorna's ministry with refugees and her outreach to her neighbors.

The rest of the Kenya Dig-its spent the day with Dotun, the Nairobi team leader. First we enjoyed all kinds of exotic grilled meats at a restaurant called Carnivore. Most agreed that the ostrich meat was their favorite - tender and tasty! While there we met some old friends of the Colliers who have been working in Nairobi the past 5 years with World Vision and also with Opportunity, a micro-enterprise organization.

Then it was on to the Masai Market, where we all had the opportunity to participate in the bartering system of buying handmade Masai products. Some of us did better than others. :)

Extremes

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:56:00 +0000

A Day of Extremes
Today we explored other ministry opportunities here in Nairobi. It was a day of extremes. First Amani Ya Juu - "peace from above." Amani is a training project in sewing and marketing for African women who have been affected by wars and ethnic conflicc. Amani began in 1996 with 3 women and has grown to over 60 women from 18 different ethnic groups. Amani is a wonderful model of a faith-based, self-sustaining project that empowers women both physically and spiritually. For more info check out http://www.amaniafrica.org/

Then the extreme. We went to visit a ministry in the Mathare Valley slum called Outreach Community Center (OCC). The situation in Mathare is beyond description. These pictures cannot even begin to describe the poverty and challenges facing the people 600,000+ people who live here. Our team was totally speechless for some time after. The one bright hope here is OCC who have a church, a school for over 1,300 children, and an orphanage for children affected by HIV AIDS. There are so many needs and opportunities for ministry here. Please begin now to pray for OCC, Bishop Dan Ogutu and his staff, and the whole Mathare Valley.
The Kenya Dig-it 6

Kenya Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:58:00 +0000

The majority of the day we spent with the IT staff at their office in Lavington. This was our first chance to regroup and debrief for the first time since the retreat. It was a time for us to reflect and share our thoughts on how the retreat impacted us. We learned a little bit more about the difficulties that refugees face and how that impacts their culture. IT is truly on the front lines of helping refugees build their faith and it is informative and encouraging.

After our meeting we joined the IT staff for lunch at a popular Ethiopian restaurant. We won't lie, it was pretty tasty! It was a good time laughing and deepening our friendships.

A majority of the afternoon was spent with one the refugee elders who has impacted many lives. He shared his wisdom and encouraged us in how my be able to better serve refugees in our own community.

-The Kenya Dig It 6

Ministry Day in Sunny Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Jambo!

The first thing we did this morning was meet with the women's sewing project where we were reunited with friends we had made at the retreat. Cyndi led the Bible study. After lunch we visited another sewing project conducted by ITeam missionaries. Then it was on to a tour of Eastleigh, a neighborhood in Nairobi where many refugees live. Finally, we met with SIM missionaries to hear about current projects that involve refugee ministry in the Horn of Africa. We are starting to process how Northwood can be more involved with refugees in Nairobi and Minneapolis. Even though it seems like an overwhelming task, we are encouraged by what is happening here and excited and hopeful about what could be accomplished in the Twin Cities. We do serve a big God.

The Kenya Dig-Its 6

Safari Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Today was our first day off since we arrived and what a day it was. We went on a safari - our gang and the whole IT team. From Kathy's view, it was a day she thought she'd never see. For Cyndi, sensory overload! Sarah was overwhelmed and couldn't stop snapping pictures on her camera. For all of us, it was a magical experience. God must have had such a great time creating all those amazing animals. We started at the great Rift Valley - that's exactly what it looks like. Then on to Lake Naivasha to take a safari boat ride to see the hippos, giraffes, so many different kinds of birds... Then we had the most delicious lunch under the acacia trees, surrounded by flowers, and birds. It felt like being in a movie with Brad Pitt (Kathy's comment...) After 4 intense days leading the retreat, it was so nice just to relax and soak it all in. Then we went on to Hell's Gate where we drove through the savannah and rock formations and saw more giraffes, zebras, baboons, warthogs, guinea fowls, gazelles, water buffalo, impalas, ostriches, antelope...we could go on. It was a day of worship for us as we took it all in.

Thanks for your prayers. Some of us are a little under the weather, but nothing serious, so keep praying. We have a full day tomorrow. Ladies will be leading a bible study with the refugee women. We will also be visiting other locations where refugees have been resettled, observe ministry that is happening there and learn about needs and how we can be involved. We will also visit the SIM offices and meeting with the folks there.

Tutaonana,

The Kenya dig-it 6

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Jambo!

We just returned from 4 days at the Refugee Fellowship Retreat in Karen. Here are high/lows from each team member...

Mark:
High - During our fourth teaching session together we talked together about forgiving others who have wronged us. People opened up for the first time and started sharing their stories of suffering and pain. I was overwhelmed and amazed at what God began to do right there in that room and the healing steps that were beginning.
Low - The first night of the retreat we were so tired and had a late meeting to coordinate the next day's activities. Then we were in dorms with other families and the happy noise of children lasted well into the night. I was reminded that we're here to serve and not for my own comfort.

Cyndi:
High - Our worship time last night...singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" in African.
Low - Today at lunch...just before our departures...realizing the hardships that our new friends are returning to...

Kathy:
Low - The first day with our new friends, trying to communicate with and get to know each other. Language and culture barrriers were obstacles.
High - Getting to know the teen group, and hanging out with them. Telling them that the teens in the USA are praying for them, and having them respond "Well, bring them here!"

Grant:
High - Seeing the kids proudly display their medal given to them on the last night that reminds them to press on toward their prize in heaven as spoken in Phillipians 3:14.
Low - Hearing stories of people suffering from real pain and not knowing yet what you can do to help other than to listen.

Sarah:
High - Seeing the refugee women of the group living out the freedom they have because of their faith in Christ.
Low - Being very tired at the end of the first day and discovering I still had a meeting to attend before I could go to bed and sleep.

Andy:
High - Seeing the joy and excitment on the kids faces when they were given disposible cameras and watching them take pictures all day!
Low - Saying goodbye to new friends and not knowing the situations that they were going back to later that afternoon.

Day Two in Nariobi

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Habari!
Here we are - our second full day in Nairobi. Did you know we are 9 hours ahead of you back in the Twin Cities? Right now we are tired and ready for bed and you are just having lunch. Today we spent most of our time at the I-Teams office in Nairobi meeting with the team, getting to know one another, and preparing for the refugee believers retreat that begins tomorrow and goes through Sunday. We got a chance to hear Jack's and Lorna's stories.

Jack primarily works with refugee children in his ministry role. He comes from a family of 12 children and accepted Christ when he was healed of a chronic back pain that the doctors couldn't solve. He graduated from Nairobi Unversity with a degree in math and chemistry but felt a call to full-time missions with International Teams.

Lorna grew up in a Christian home with 4 siblings and has made a courageous decision to live among refugees who live in the slums of Nairobi. This means she's faced with uncertainties and extreme poverty every day. She works with refugee women in various sewing projects and leading Bible studies for them. Both Jack's and Lorna's stories have impacted us deeply and challenge us in our own walk.

Dotun and his wife, Ami, are the leaders of the Nariobi Team. They have been ministering together among refugees in Nairobi for 5 years and have great vision for the ministry here. They are wonderful hosts. We appreciate Dotun's knowledge, humor, strength and leadership. He is affectionately referred to by his team as "boss" a title that we now over-use in addressing him. Ami also works among refugee women in the sewing projects and leading Bible studies. She lends wonderful administrative support and encouragement to all.

Tomorrow we leave for the retreat for 4 days. Please pray for us as we lead children's ministries, games and activities, teach, and make new friends. Our next post will be Sunday night. We'll let you know how it went.

Tutaonana! (see you soon)

The Kenya Dig-it 6

We've Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Jambo from beautiful Kenya. We arrived safely, late Monday evening. The Nairobi team leader Dotun picked us up from the airport and drove us through the Kenyan night, safely to our lodging at Brackenhurst Conference Center. We rested well and spent the day overcoming jet lag, practicing Swahili, team building, and orientation with Dotun. We are eagerly anticipating the refugee believer's retreat that we are helping with which will take place Wed. through Sun., and we will spend the day tomorrow preparing for that. Please pray for this retreat, for the team's continued health, and that Dotun and Ami will be able to put up with us for a full 2 weeks.
All our love,
The Kenya dig-it 6

Leaving MSP

Amsterdam

Brackenhurst Conference Center

The Kenya dig-its closeup

Hakuna Matata