Kakamega 2010 Trip Blog

Today was more than just another day. Today was our last day at the Mukumu Children’s home. It was our last day to finish off the construction of the kitchen; our last day to finish the gardens; our last day to paint the bedrooms in Grace’s house; and our last day to have our hearts changed by 32 wonderful children. Today was more than just another day.

As we arrived at the home, all the kids (being off from school) greeted us with songs. Their beautiful voices filled the air with singing praise to our Father. As we moved on to our respective jobs, I was reminded of why I came – to impact these kids through our acts of love and service, and in turn have our lives impacted just as much.

Some of our team began by cleaning up Grace’s house, playing with the kids, and distributing toys and goodies.

Others finished up the painting by adding beautiful flower murals to the bedroom walls.

Some of the guys went down to the gardens to plant the seeds and seedlings in the eight newly-dug beds.

And still others put the finishing touches on the roof for the new kitchen.

So much has changed around here in the last two weeks – even the last few days – including my heart.

With so much of this trip looking and feeling familiar to me (due to my trip here last September), I had been finding myself almost impartial for the first week or so. But God has opened my eyes and heart this week. As I’ve worked and played over the last number of days, I’ve realized a bunch of things and been touched by what I’ve seen.

As I’ve worked in the garden, I’ve seen that the new techniques they are using will produce a sustainable system of food that will last for years. These young men work hard because they want to have a positive future. But this is also their reality. Most of them can’t just go to the grocery store for their food each week; they have to work hard to produce and pinch pennies to provide for their families.

As I’ve played with the kids, I’ve been encouraged and lifted up by seeing the joy and fun they have just being kids. This afternoon I got to hand out toys and play soccer with them. It was such a great time for all of us – these kids just have an energy and life about them that is infectious. But more than just being touched by the joy of the children, it was one little boy’s pain that really grabbed my heart.

Ben is around 5-years-old. He is HIV Positive. And not that long ago he injured his foot, ripping some of his toenails right off. Because of the lack of proper footwear, dirt and (likely) bacteria has been getting into the open sores. After we heard and saw him lying on the ground crying, a couple of our team members treated the sores and bandaged him up. We figured that without proper care he was only going to get worse, so Jenn, Chantal and I took him out on the bumpy ride to town to shop for new shoes. As I picked Ben up, he clung to me, arms wrapped tightly around my neck. My heart broke for him as we drove around to find him some suitable footwear. He was so innocent and sweet, yet the pain from his injured foot was radiated over his face. He continued to cling to me as if I was the only one in the whole world, and my heart broke again. He could just as easily have been my little boy. If he were in Canada, he would be healed up in no time…but here in Kenya, you just never know. Thankfully, Ben is in a good home and will get the proper treatment, but it reminded me to be so appreciative and not take for granted the blessings we have at home. I will never forget holding this precious child.

Today was more than just another day. Today was a day I will remember forever.

~Written by Jeremy (on Saturday, July 31)

“You are the love of my life. Happy 28th anniversary.

Love you, Ted.”

Whoever would have thought I’d be cold in Africa. But I am. Mornings and evenings are chilly, with very hot afternoons. Top that with only two hot showers since leaving home to wash away the extreme filth. We all feel much the same…a bit worn-out. At least we can wash away the filth from out bodies – but our minds…that’s another story.

After spending the last number of days at the orphanage, seeing the lack of everything we take for granted to even survive, our hearts are broken. What is normal for these children and the people of this region is appalling! Just a pair of shoes for most is foreign.

Yesterday I heard a little boy quietly crying, so I went to investigate. To my shock, other children were helping to hold apart the boy’s toes, so another young boy could dig out the jiggers (bugs) that were buried deep within his skin. Using only a safety pin, it seemed to take forever. When they were finally finished, he walked away barefoot through the dirt, rotting debris and feces. This is their reality. We retreated to our hotel – a resort in comparison – for lunch. I wrestled with guilt at the extreme opposites of where we stay and how they live.

When returning to the orphanage I sought out this young boy to put Polysporin between his toes, hoping at least it may keep him from infection. Unfortunately he is one of many!!

Today the team split up with the guys trying to complete their projects of the garden and the kitchen. Us girls went shopping for items that would make life at the orphanage a little better. We purchased plastic cups and bowls for the children to eat out of, pots for the “house mom” who does all the cooking, food, soap, washing supplies and many items to help.

This afternoon was our “tooth brushing” lessons. Some of us found the shade of a tree and gathered the children for their first lesson ever. Some had never brushed their teeth. The craziest part by far was the rather large manure pile right beside us. No one cared! After strategically handing out personalized plastic containers holding a toothbrush and toothpaste, we began pushing through the language barrier and brushing our teeth. It was fun seeing their faces at their first taste of toothpaste, hearing some gagging and quickly rinsing with water.

After the lessons we had the girls and boys make two lines and Julie handed out goodie bags that her sister and her children made that were filled with cars, bracelets, crayons, balloons, paper and stickers. What joy we all shared seeing the contentment and satisfaction on the children’s faces at finally being treated special for once in their short lives.

To top off the day we gave the “house mom” a special gift just for her. By her reaction, this may have been her first gift ever. What a wonderful feeling to bring her such happiness. She works so hard for all the children. Everyone at this orphanage has touched us deeply.

As we look forward to our return home in just a couple of days, we all seem to have mixed feelings. As homesick as we are (and we are!) we will always know that a piece of our hearts will remain broken by what we’ve experienced.

Love to you all; missing you terribly; your messages sustain us.

Lorri – Mama G homeslice (See you soon family!)

Yesterday we had learned “double digging,” a technique that is used in gardening to make the soil more fertile for crops. What is done is that you mark rows 150cm wide and 6 meters long, then dig one foot down and loosen the next foot down after that, and then finish with replacing the topsoil. Yesterday we finished 3 ½ rows and today we did 4 ½. Most of us diggers have multiple blisters on our hands and sore backs. There was a local 18-year-old young man who showed us how to do this process and then proceeded to quietly show us up over the last 2 days with his work output compared to us.

The whole time I couldn’t help but hear in my head Jesus saying, “clothe the needy and feed the hungry.” That’s what we are doing, but more than giving them food [handouts], now we are giving them sustainable food; with some maintenance these gardens will be good for five years before needing to be re-dug.

On an aside, a moment that will be memorable for me is that on my walk down to the garden, all the kids were out playing in the yard. I greeted them by saying “Jambo” (hello in Swahili), which the kids responded with the same “Jambo.” We said it back and forth, each time with them getting louder, and all I could do was smile. It’s in those moments that muscles don’t ache and blisters don’t hurt.

~Written by Marcus [on Thursday, July 29]

Today our team was split up into a few different teams. We had a few of the guys still working on the building that will be the kitchen; there was some electrical work done and finishing off the top of the walls in preparation for the roof. The rest of the guys started on the garden, digging beds in a three-part process, and were able to get three and half dug by the end of the day. The mild temperatures we’ve been having came in quite handy for the guys today. We’re expecting to have some sore team members in the morning.

The women of the team continued working on the painting of the house. We finally got the boys’ room done, which is quite a feat due to the bunkbeds in a small room that we all had to work around. Some finishing touches were added around the house and now, most likely, only the girls’ bedroom will be the last to paint. I think we will all be fine if we do not see another paintbrush/roller for a while!

After a much needed lunch break, we went back to distribute the clothes and shoes we brought with us to give to Grace and the kids. We all weren’t sure how this was going to happen and even assumed we would just give the clothes to Grace to hand out at her discretion. We were pleasantly surprised when we actually got to dress the children. Obviously a lot of us women were quite excited by this!! We had them trying on outfits using all the appropriate “ooohs” and “ahhhs.” I think they quite liked being fussed over. Just to see their smiling faces while they each got individual attention was priceless! For quite a few of us this was a moment that will be high on our “will never forget” list.

For Kristie and myself, we were almost brought to tears when we went to go out by the children and two of them each brought an egg to say thank you to us. Not sure what we should do with those eggs, we gave them to Grace after explaining to her what her children did and how sweet they were. We are quickly learning how gracious these people are; people who would give the shirt off their back (or their only egg) to bless another person. It’s quite amazing!

So once again the big black clouds rolled in and we had to say goodbye to Grace and the children.  As we drove away and headed back to our African home, the rain started to pour and we were left with the images of those beautiful children and their smiling faces…whom we’re all excited to return to in the morning.

~Written by Chantal

Overwhelmed.
Humbled.
Blessed.
Unbelievable.
Mind-boggling.
Surprised.
Difficult.
Rewarding.
Amazed.
Heart-breaking.
Inspiring.
Sobering.
Hope.

Our afternoon today was completely different than anything we’ve experienced so far. It was full of emotion—many feelings that often contradicted each other. One team member, Lorri, described it as “getting off the main roads and into the heart of Africa.”  As she journeyed with her Kenyan hosts, she thought, “ohhh … i have to walk down this?!” The paths were muddy from all the rain last night, as well as a mixture of garbage and other waste. The smell was ripe. And she was suddenly made very aware that this is really how they live—this is home for them. Other team members shared the same sentiment. “They’re always here; we get to walk away, but that’s their life—everyday.”

After sharing another wonderful time with those from Gospel Power Centre here in Kisumu, we had the opportunity to have some of the ladies show us where they lived. Just down from the church, off the street, is a maze of pathways and allies that lead to innumerable clusters of small, mud structures called homes. As we walked we were in disbelief that these finely dressed people would come from such conditions. Around every corner, there were children chanting English words like a song: “Hi! How are you? I am fine.”

The women were overjoyed for us to visit their neighborhoods and their homes. In our groups we spent time talking with them, learning about their lives, and praying for their families. We had no idea that doing this simple thing would mean the world to them.

Julie and Ryan were privileged to visit with two ladies and see both of their homes. After they prayed, one of the ladies presented Julie with a beautiful necklace. At first, Julie didn’t believe that this woman was actually giving it to her. But when the truth quickly sank in, she caught a glimpse of how valuable it was for her to be there in that moment. Even though this lady was very poor, she gave of what she had to bless her international visitors. And although the women told us that we were a blessing to them, it felt as though it was really the other way around: they were a blessing and encouragement to us.

But the over-riding theme of not only this afternoon, but of the trip so far, is the hope that we have seen in the Kenyan people. The believers here have a deep understanding of God as their hope, and that without God, life would be meaningless. They trust for God to provide and they experience His provision in ways we can’t even imagine.

When it rains in Kenya, it pours! Tonight we stood on the front steps of our accommodations in the dark, watching buckets of water falling from the sky! And then … there were large flashes of lightening, and as always, booming thunder! We were under cover, but that didn’t stop us from getting sprayed by the rain, and the cool breeze was certainly a treat. The storm lasted more than a half hour and was an amazing display of power; we were all in awe. Truly a great reminder of God’s majesty and might! But we couldn’t believe the change in weather in just a few short hours.

Earlier today, we were all melting inside the tin structure of Gospel Power Centre here in Kisumu. It was a small building but by no means were the people small in enthusiasm or exuberance. For most of us, it was our first time experiencing an African service; there was lots of singing and dancing, shouts of praise and Amens! Our time there was a beautiful exchange of blessing. The  Shekinah band had the opportunity to sing and play some different (normal for us) worship music, and the entire church erupted with a loud scream when we announced we were giving them some of the instruments that we brought with us! We couldn’t help but smile at their response. We were glad to be able to give something to them that would not only bless them, but that would be used to advance God’s kingdom!

These instruments were also with us last night as the Shekinah band played and sang for a crowd of over 2,000. A dusty lot on the side of a busy street seemed to be the perfect spot for an evangelistic event that that lasted over four hours. We stood in the red dirt listening to the preaching of a vivacious and expressive pastor and even heard our own Pastor Dave preach to all that had gathered.

It has been a busy and packed weekend, full of the unknown and changed plans but also fill of blessing, praise and rejoicing! God is at work in us—changing our hearts—and He is at work through us as we have been obedient to what He has called us to do, often moment by moment!

Thanks for all your continued prayers as we journey on! After tomorrow’s morning of ministry at other church here in town, we have some rest and down-time scheduled. Please pray that we would be rejuvenated for the remainder of our time in Kakamega with Grace and the kids at Mukumu Children’s Home.

We can’t thank you enough for all of the love and encouragement you have posted to us from home—we are truly blessed! We all send our love back to you and miss you all dearly. A few of us wanted to express our love and affection.

To Terry, Brandon, Rae and Ryley and all my friends and family,
Wow—this past week has been quite a ride … I didn’t know that I could function on such little sleep. I can’t wait to be home with all of you again and tell you everything. All is well. Love and hugs to you all and Ryley—I love you to the moon and back 50 gazillion times. xxoo.
Mom/Lorri

To Nate, Mom, Dad, Diane, Kev and Anne,
LOVE YOU!!! Kenya is great; wish I could bring you with me. Thanks for the prayers. See you soon!
Love, Kristie

To Jim, Jeff and Brad,
Having a great time. Africa is amazing—way more than I expected. Hope you’re all doing well. Feed the dog!!
Love you all.
Heather

Crystal,
What—Jacob spoke his first five words!!! Thanks and I miss you and Jacob. Love both of you lots.
Marcus

Hi to Mom, Jackie, Tanya, Ian, Michael, Tyrel, Melissa and my aunty baby. Miss you like crazy!
Love Always, Sarah

Hi kids. We miss you. Hope you are having fun at home. We are having fun and working hard in Africa. We can’t wait to give you sweeties big hugs at the airport. Thanks for posting us a note. It made us smile. Steph—we hope you are holding up ok.
Geoff and Julie (aka Dad and Mom)

Hi Andrew and all,
Thanks for your greetings, love and prayers. Does Aunt D. have the blog? I’m doing well. Nice people, vegetation and sites! Hiked to a big, tall rock. Doing painting. Love you too,
Love Marla

My dearest family, friends and supporters,
Thanks for following the blog and for the encouraging comments! Loving every minute of living this dream!
Corrina

Please continue to pray for us as we have a weekend full of traveling to Kisumu and ministering there. We will hit the ground running early with some church ministry and then evangelistic events both Saturday and Sunday evening with more church ministry on Monday. Pray for strength and wisdom. Pray for God to work in and through us. Pray for safety—both physically and spiritually. Thank you!

On a Kenyan afternoon in July, which is typically a little warmer and sunnier than the cool morning, Anna found herself hanging wet clothes on a fence. She was helping her fellow team members who had been tasked with doing laundry Kenyan-style. For her the experience was bittersweet: she was glad that she could help out at Mukumu Children’s Home but saddened by what she saw. Here’s an excerpt from her journal that she wrote later that day.

“After lunch we washed clothing the old-fashioned way—in basins. And then hung them on fences to dry. It was heartbreaking to hang up clothing that was so ruined. Pants with holes in the crotch; dresses with paint stains on them and shirts with no buttons and holes in the sleeves. … After we played with the children, I realized why I’m here. Absolutely adorable dark faces with almost perfect white teeth. Big brown eyes that are slightly sad until you smile at them …. and although some may not smile … their eyes do. They are just like our Canadian kids in the way of their laughing, running around and giggling. But at the same time they are completely different. So satisfied with sitting beside you and making you feel like they could sit there forever. Priceless faces with lasting smiles. Innocent souls with corrupted bodies.”

Another team member, Heather, also found herself impacted by the same experience. With her hands in the soapy water, she found most of the clothes ripped and thought, “back home these are what we would use as rags.” Seeing the children in photos, wearing their clothes, she didn’t anticipate just how worn-out they really were. But as she scrubbed them, she saw them up close and was overwhelmed. Hand-washing outside in pales of rain water is an experience that has changed her perspective about life—and laundry.