Before leaving for Kenya, our team met monthly. We practiced songs and our testimonies, learned some Swahili, and spent some time in the Bible. We also ate dinner together and played guitar hero!
We really enjoyed getting to know everyone. There were 14 of us total (not pictured: Chris, Meredith, Christina).
God was the one who allowed us to go. We were so blessed.
Shortly after our trip dates were decided and people began signing up, the nation of Kenya erupted into violence. As in Kenya and around the world, we prayed fervently for protection for the ministry, that the violence would die down quickly, and that some how God would make a way for us to go. And then, as suddenly as it had erupted, it died down upon the announcement of a power-sharing agreement in government. With the trip being up-in-the-air for so long, we weren't sure we'd be able to raise the funds needed. We prayed and we scrambled to get our letters out.
On the day that the deposit had to be put down, one trip member was far short of the funds needed. She wasn't sure she would be able to go so she started laying out her items to be pawned--she was that committed to going. She then noticed an envelope on her stack of mail. It was a letter from a friend that she hadn't seen in years. In response to her email request, he mailed her $1000. What an awesome blessing.
Once again we partnered with Africa Inland Church of Huruma, or A.I.C. Huruma. This congregation was planted by Stanlas and Judy Musyoki. It is located in a slum and made up of Kenyans from all different tribes.
We first partnered with AIC Huruma in 2004. We visited as a team for 2 weeks. After, Lindsay stayed for two months and helped them start their AIDS ministry, which is now Fahari Ministries.
When Lindsay satyed with Stanlas and Judy in 2004, they had two daughters. Since then Stanlas and Judy adopted their neice, Nora. In 2005 they welcomed baby Lindsay into the world! She is now three years old. On our trip this summer, we met the latest addition, brand new baby, Jessica! Here is Baby Lindsay watching Baby Jessica take medicine. Baby Jessica was less than two weeks old. She had a difficult birth and both Judy and baby Jessica were in the hospital for several days. The older girls have a lot of fun playing with and taking care of the younger girls. In this photo baby Lindsay looks on as baby Jessica receives medicine.
Here is Lindsay holding a sleeping baby Lindsay. Probably the only time she was quiet the whole trip!
She was the darling of the team and she knew it. It was fun having her around.
Our trip this ye
ar included children's ministry, open-air church, construction of the church building, working in clinics, AIDS ministry, and door-t0-door visiting.
As always children's ministry was fun and tiring. We made crafts with the kids, played games, sung, and talked about Jesus. They are always so sweet. And so intrigued by our skin and hair!
On this trip we also brought a long some medical personnel. We had two nurses, a medical tech, a dental hygienist and a student nurse. We visited Makina Development Clinic in Kibera (Part of MACODEP). Kibera, the largest slum in east Africa, saw a lot of the post-election violence this winter. Dr. Otieno's small, grassroots clinic, seen here, served hundreds of victims of the violence who could not make it to a hospital. During that time they also had their centrifuge and microscope stolen. Generous donors were able to replace them, but the clinic still lacks resources and space.
Praising with the AIDS ministry.
Throughout the week we had open-air church. We would sing, dance, and talk about Jesus and our faith. Here Haven and Tori sing while Jon beat boxes. The kids loved this.
Every time we've visited we help the church with construction. There are plenty of skilled workers at the church who are unemployed so rather than build the church ourselves we buy the supplies and then pay the Kenyans to do it themselves. The paid positions are so highly sought after that they had to make a rule that everyone who wanted to work could. If you look closely you'll see one of our Kenyan friends in the church rafters. Special thanks to Stan who provided construction expertise.
On the last day we visited a refugee camp.
On the day that the violence broke out, many targeted groups ran to the police stations for safety. Police grounds became de facto refugee camps. By the time we got to Nairobi all of the refugee camps had been officially closed. But, because people did not have homes to return to, many just stayed put. We brought this refugee camp laundry and body soap at the request of teh camp members. There were a few hundred people living, here, mostly women and children. This camp is right in the middle of the city.
Eric teaches Stanlas wiffle ball.
We went on a short safari to debrief, enjoy the country, and prepare ourselves for the transition home. These lovely crocs were right behind our hotel.
Jonas gets down.
Eric and Jospeh discussing the day's business.
Stanlas and Eric greet one another in the slum.
Eric dedicated 35 children to Christ in one church service!
A small water hole in the slum. I'm not sure where the water came from but it was very dirty. Kids were playing in it. Then a mom came over and drew some water to take home as drinking water. It was so sad to watch.
Lindsay and Eric relaxing at a safari hippo overlook.
Eric celebrated his 29th birthday!
Elephant rear ends on safari
Masai villagers birthing a cow
Meredith enjoys a Wendy's frosty at the airport in D.C. on the way home.
Melissa holding baby Jessica
Safari Van
Goods at the Masai Market
Stan losing a jumping ceremony to the Masai
Lovely ladies in the van
