I am on the eve of my last full day in Kenya! I can't believe this journey is about to end! End in the physical realm, but not in the mental realm. I was asked today what my favorite experience has been and it took me several minutes to express my thoughts. My thoughts are all over the place, from seeing all of the children lined up as we enter the school, to the worship services at Maasai Corner, to the lush landscapes at south beach...to the smiling faces of the children as you hug them! I truly think I will have to have several days to decompress before I can make a rational response. Second question; why should someone go on a mission trip....duh! A mission trip will forever change a life, but that sounds so altruistic...all mushy but it is true. I saw things I have never seen before as well as experienced emotions I have never felt! I live in a country were we have three or four of everything and we are still not satisfied me included! In Kenya daily survival is a constant concern for many people. How can we as a "Christian" nation spend so much time and money on stuff we don't need.
My experiences here have forever changed me, yet I'm not sure how....I know that sounds crazy but I must have time to process it all. Once again I am reminded that if much is given much is expected! God has richly blessed ,me and I have all I need and then some. Still don't know where all this will lead, but I know God will reveal when the time is right.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Spent all day at MBEWAU Academy meeting with the head teacher, Joseph as well as several other teachers introducing them to Read Alouds. Giving them theory based reasons why they should incorporate in the classroom! Went into classrooms to finalize the needs assessment of the school. my observations focused on next years concentration, I found that with this being my first time here and not having a clear picture I could only leave them with two focus points. These points are Read Alouds and Word Walls. This will enable MBEWAU to meet their goal of 80% of students reading at grade level.
I wanted to start repeated oral reading with Reading A to Z, a website based reading supplement which would allow teachers to print books for student to have a hard copy. These could be taken home to practice every night...with a repeated oral readings in class their reading fluency and comprehension would be increased, however I feel this would just be overwhelming for now as well as a cost of $89 per year. Next year!?
Prayerfully next year I can focus on reading, writing, science and math....staying at least 4 weeks! I'm thinking about taking a group of teachers with me next time....anyone interested lets talk!
I wanted to start repeated oral reading with Reading A to Z, a website based reading supplement which would allow teachers to print books for student to have a hard copy. These could be taken home to practice every night...with a repeated oral readings in class their reading fluency and comprehension would be increased, however I feel this would just be overwhelming for now as well as a cost of $89 per year. Next year!?
Prayerfully next year I can focus on reading, writing, science and math....staying at least 4 weeks! I'm thinking about taking a group of teachers with me next time....anyone interested lets talk!
Today is already the June18 and I am leaving next week!! Where did the time go? To say this was a trip of a life time would be an understatement, however I am still seeking what God will have me do with this experience.
Saturday found me in the bush! Most of you will remember Chris Moore telling us about having church under a mango tree in what is called Maasai Corner. I stood under that same tree...yet now there is a church, a clinic, and several other structures. God did some amazing things to this ministry since we first heard about it in Oct 2011.
After helping set up the clinic I went with several Kenyans who acted as translators for myself and another American from Hallmark Baptist Church in San Antonio. We visited with an elderly man who was handicapped yet still using a crank sewing machine mending whatever people bring him. He gave us permission to speak to his "tribe". Karen the girl from Hallmark was able to lead a younger gentleman to the Lord. We invited him and his family to attend church the next day as well as encouraging him to visit the clinic if anyone needed medical attention. We then traveled (by foot) to the next village where we again asked permission from the village elder if we could present the gospel. We learned that in this village there was a preacher and all were believers, praise Jesus! We were welcomed and offered seats around the center of the village. Meeting an assistant chief and several other members gave us opportunity to praise God through prayer. Our adventures took us up several rolling hills which meant we had to return the same way, rolling hills. As we walked along the dirt road you could see in the distance the Indian Ocean and just a view that takes your breath away. The beauty experienced here in the landscape almost makes you forget the debilitating poverty that plagues Kenya and its people! We returned to Maasia Corner were fed beans and rice and chapatas (spelling?)...I may not be able to spell the word but oh boy can I eat them! They are my new favorite food! Then is was time for clinic work...amazing the number of people that needed to see the doctor. Dental examines and extractions were also being done by a dentist with the Hallmark group.
The next day we arrived for Church....we had church in the new building! Amazing! Their song service was captivating. Their hearts were freely worshiping the God of the Universe. Their spirits were joyfully singing praise to the One True God...Their bodies joined with their hearts, and spirits to worship as Americans can only hope to do in heaven! Today I saw a freedom in worship that I envy. I can't say enough about the Kenyans and their gentle, sweet spirits who welcomed the mzungu to their church! It will be a worship service I will always remember! Close to 30 believers were baptised in the first every baptism service at Maasia Corner!!
Then on to the second round of clinic time! This time the clinic was for the community and did they ever turn out! Between the hours of 1-3 there were at least 50 people seen of all ages...a 6 week old baby to a 70 year old woman with syphilis in her throat. A man who had a surgical procedure done in Feb. and still had a bladder bag attached with massive infection as well as his flesh around the wound being septic. He will die if he didn't get to a hospital...and then he probably will still die! Many ailments were caused by lack of hygiene...just not knowing what dirty water can do!
How can one be the same after such an experience? I can't! I'm not! Continue to pray for the Moores and their ministry. Their protection as they ministry to this people group. Pray that I will be discerning as to what God has me to do.
Saturday found me in the bush! Most of you will remember Chris Moore telling us about having church under a mango tree in what is called Maasai Corner. I stood under that same tree...yet now there is a church, a clinic, and several other structures. God did some amazing things to this ministry since we first heard about it in Oct 2011.
After helping set up the clinic I went with several Kenyans who acted as translators for myself and another American from Hallmark Baptist Church in San Antonio. We visited with an elderly man who was handicapped yet still using a crank sewing machine mending whatever people bring him. He gave us permission to speak to his "tribe". Karen the girl from Hallmark was able to lead a younger gentleman to the Lord. We invited him and his family to attend church the next day as well as encouraging him to visit the clinic if anyone needed medical attention. We then traveled (by foot) to the next village where we again asked permission from the village elder if we could present the gospel. We learned that in this village there was a preacher and all were believers, praise Jesus! We were welcomed and offered seats around the center of the village. Meeting an assistant chief and several other members gave us opportunity to praise God through prayer. Our adventures took us up several rolling hills which meant we had to return the same way, rolling hills. As we walked along the dirt road you could see in the distance the Indian Ocean and just a view that takes your breath away. The beauty experienced here in the landscape almost makes you forget the debilitating poverty that plagues Kenya and its people! We returned to Maasia Corner were fed beans and rice and chapatas (spelling?)...I may not be able to spell the word but oh boy can I eat them! They are my new favorite food! Then is was time for clinic work...amazing the number of people that needed to see the doctor. Dental examines and extractions were also being done by a dentist with the Hallmark group.
The next day we arrived for Church....we had church in the new building! Amazing! Their song service was captivating. Their hearts were freely worshiping the God of the Universe. Their spirits were joyfully singing praise to the One True God...Their bodies joined with their hearts, and spirits to worship as Americans can only hope to do in heaven! Today I saw a freedom in worship that I envy. I can't say enough about the Kenyans and their gentle, sweet spirits who welcomed the mzungu to their church! It will be a worship service I will always remember! Close to 30 believers were baptised in the first every baptism service at Maasia Corner!!
Then on to the second round of clinic time! This time the clinic was for the community and did they ever turn out! Between the hours of 1-3 there were at least 50 people seen of all ages...a 6 week old baby to a 70 year old woman with syphilis in her throat. A man who had a surgical procedure done in Feb. and still had a bladder bag attached with massive infection as well as his flesh around the wound being septic. He will die if he didn't get to a hospital...and then he probably will still die! Many ailments were caused by lack of hygiene...just not knowing what dirty water can do!
How can one be the same after such an experience? I can't! I'm not! Continue to pray for the Moores and their ministry. Their protection as they ministry to this people group. Pray that I will be discerning as to what God has me to do.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Today was a tremendous day! I was able to meet with each teacher one on one to learn about their needs, achievements, and goals. This enabled me to have a clearer picture of what I can give to them to facilitate instruction within their classroom.
A reoccurring concern is students whose parents aren't able to pay school fees by the 5th of the month are not allowed to attend school...this present a huge challenge when the student returns...the teacher must close the gap in that child's learning. Fees for the school are $6 a month, this also includes lunch! I have eaten these lunches and they are filling and provide a full stomach to maximize learning. These fees allow parents to have ownership in their child's education... The struggle is how to convince the parents that their child needs to be in school. That this fee is an investment in their child and in their future!
Imagine with me creme of wheat cooked so that it can be sliced and is not sweet! That's what I had today...umgolly (spelling??) and can truly say it wasn't yummy! Umgolly was not oh golly how delicious!
Another team is due to arrive tomorrow, please pray for their safe travel, and continue to pray that I will discern God's plan for me...how can I best help my fellow teachers here in Mombasa.
A reoccurring concern is students whose parents aren't able to pay school fees by the 5th of the month are not allowed to attend school...this present a huge challenge when the student returns...the teacher must close the gap in that child's learning. Fees for the school are $6 a month, this also includes lunch! I have eaten these lunches and they are filling and provide a full stomach to maximize learning. These fees allow parents to have ownership in their child's education... The struggle is how to convince the parents that their child needs to be in school. That this fee is an investment in their child and in their future!
Imagine with me creme of wheat cooked so that it can be sliced and is not sweet! That's what I had today...umgolly (spelling??) and can truly say it wasn't yummy! Umgolly was not oh golly how delicious!
Another team is due to arrive tomorrow, please pray for their safe travel, and continue to pray that I will discern God's plan for me...how can I best help my fellow teachers here in Mombasa.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
June 12, 2012
Today was my first experience with the Kenyans markets! We left early and got to market as they were unloading their wares for the day, How can I say this delicately....the selection was interesting. Carrots, pineapples, tomatoes, and an assortment of other vegetables all resembling the fruit or vegetables we eat in the US...but so far from it! We throw food away if it looked like the fruits and vegetables the Kenyans bought everyday! I haven't figured out how to post pictures here...so check out my facebook page for photos. I tasted a tree tomato for the first time....the proprietor offered us one to taste(do I refuse and possibly offend or do I chance getting sick) well I tasted it and it was not good...
Was told later these tree tomatoes were very sweet and they make juice out of them...will try that at a later time!
Then headed to a Bible study at another missionaries house here in Mombasa. They were just completing a 5 month study of Esther. I was struck by the realization, "here I am in Africa and within this body of believers and were Americans, or should I say Texans. British, as well as Kenyans all studying and worshiping the same Bible the same God! This might not be signification to you but it sure was to me! It doesn't matter what our skin color or nationality we are we will all one day be citizens of heaven! That is huge! Our world would be a different place if more believers grasp on to this truth!
Tomorrow we return to MBEWAU Academy! Meeting with teachers tomorrow...please pray that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading as to what is the greatest need these precious teachers have and how I can begin to fill this need! Continue to pray for wisdom and direction for me...my blog is named Starting at the Jordan...enable me Lord Jesus to know what to do now that I have stepped into the Jordan!
There is another team arriving on Friday, please pray for their travel safety and a quick adjustment to the climate as well as all things Africa!
Today was my first experience with the Kenyans markets! We left early and got to market as they were unloading their wares for the day, How can I say this delicately....the selection was interesting. Carrots, pineapples, tomatoes, and an assortment of other vegetables all resembling the fruit or vegetables we eat in the US...but so far from it! We throw food away if it looked like the fruits and vegetables the Kenyans bought everyday! I haven't figured out how to post pictures here...so check out my facebook page for photos. I tasted a tree tomato for the first time....the proprietor offered us one to taste(do I refuse and possibly offend or do I chance getting sick) well I tasted it and it was not good...
Was told later these tree tomatoes were very sweet and they make juice out of them...will try that at a later time!
Then headed to a Bible study at another missionaries house here in Mombasa. They were just completing a 5 month study of Esther. I was struck by the realization, "here I am in Africa and within this body of believers and were Americans, or should I say Texans. British, as well as Kenyans all studying and worshiping the same Bible the same God! This might not be signification to you but it sure was to me! It doesn't matter what our skin color or nationality we are we will all one day be citizens of heaven! That is huge! Our world would be a different place if more believers grasp on to this truth!
Tomorrow we return to MBEWAU Academy! Meeting with teachers tomorrow...please pray that I will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading as to what is the greatest need these precious teachers have and how I can begin to fill this need! Continue to pray for wisdom and direction for me...my blog is named Starting at the Jordan...enable me Lord Jesus to know what to do now that I have stepped into the Jordan!
There is another team arriving on Friday, please pray for their travel safety and a quick adjustment to the climate as well as all things Africa!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Happy birthday Michelle! I love you baby girl and can't wait to see you next month!
Can't believe I will not hear her voice on her birthday!
Today we went to the school for the first time! Mid-term exams were going on so was not able to see a typical classroom in action. Kids a delight, with all their curiosity about some American coming to their school! Every classroom has a teacher and an aid, with 36-28 students in each class.
Wednesday when I go back I will be able to meet with the teachers and ask questions about what they feel is their greatest need, greatest challenge, their short term goals, as well as long term. Pray with me that God gives me discernment to see what I can do to enable them to be more effective in their teaching. Pray that I hear clearly what they are communicating and the I will listen to God's leading.
Tomorrow early morning market then a ladies Bible study (misssionary wives). I will be able to present my testimony please pray that my simple words touch a life excetly where they are! Not sure what the afternoon looks like but I know it will be filled with new adventures!
Blessings
PS next week safari!
Can't believe I will not hear her voice on her birthday!
Today we went to the school for the first time! Mid-term exams were going on so was not able to see a typical classroom in action. Kids a delight, with all their curiosity about some American coming to their school! Every classroom has a teacher and an aid, with 36-28 students in each class.
Wednesday when I go back I will be able to meet with the teachers and ask questions about what they feel is their greatest need, greatest challenge, their short term goals, as well as long term. Pray with me that God gives me discernment to see what I can do to enable them to be more effective in their teaching. Pray that I hear clearly what they are communicating and the I will listen to God's leading.
Tomorrow early morning market then a ladies Bible study (misssionary wives). I will be able to present my testimony please pray that my simple words touch a life excetly where they are! Not sure what the afternoon looks like but I know it will be filled with new adventures!
Blessings
PS next week safari!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Second full day drawing to a close. Listening to the call to worship by muezzin....why is it that Christians aren't as vocal to call unbelievers to Christ? The Truth.
Church was an open air building with a front and back walls with no sides. A gentle breeze kept the heat bearable. It was truly a call to worship with songs that were familiar. The sermon focused in on Malachi and his call for the people of God to give their all. Whether time, talent, tithe. Are you giving God what's right or what is left....my point to ponder! Blessings
Church was an open air building with a front and back walls with no sides. A gentle breeze kept the heat bearable. It was truly a call to worship with songs that were familiar. The sermon focused in on Malachi and his call for the people of God to give their all. Whether time, talent, tithe. Are you giving God what's right or what is left....my point to ponder! Blessings
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Good morning world! Already an adventure...Lisa told me I would experience rolling blackouts! Guess what I did, in the shower no less! :) So imagine with me a new shower and darkness....how clean would you be? Exactly!
On our way to the city church. Looking forward to worshiping our Lord and Savior in Africa!
On our way to the city church. Looking forward to worshiping our Lord and Savior in Africa!
June 9, 2012
Have spent most of the day getting aquainted with the Moores and their mission here in Mombasa. Took a quick trip to the store. Most everything I have seen reminds me of Mexico and it's poverty. Will continue to take in what is typical Kenya. Tomorrow church in town and a group from College Station will be eating lunch with us. Will have pictures tomorrow!
Have spent most of the day getting aquainted with the Moores and their mission here in Mombasa. Took a quick trip to the store. Most everything I have seen reminds me of Mexico and it's poverty. Will continue to take in what is typical Kenya. Tomorrow church in town and a group from College Station will be eating lunch with us. Will have pictures tomorrow!
I made it!! What a way to travel, 26 hours on a plane...one even a propeller job. Each leg of the journey was amazingly smooth with no unusual hick-ups. For that I am thankful. Today is June 9, Saturday and I am just chilling here in Mombas trying to get my "sea legs". Weather reminds me of Houston hot and humid with a change to sweat..LOL
My journey started with just making it through security and my flight boarding for Frankfurt. This flight lasted throughout the night arriving 830AM local time. Second leg was to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a stop in Khartoum...this flight seemed to be longer than the first leg...probably due to an uncommunicative gentleman. Culture shock ensued as I stepped off the flight into the African continent. Addis Ababa was hot...no air conditioning and people walking around the airport smoking! Waiting in a small room for my next leg...small room many people, no where to get something to drink or go to the restroom....third leg start quickly!
Third leg...20 minute bus ride to the other side of the airport where they keep the prop planes...yes propeller! So loud and during take off and landing it felt like it was breaking apart! With a stop in Kilimanjaro then on to Mombasa. Arriving at 230 AM. Only 3 people deboarding with no one in customs then out of nowhere I see a customs agent. He doesn't even ask me for my yellow fever shot record! There literally was no one in the airport....so I began to comprise a plan....after a slight panic! I am ushered out into the night...morning darkness where several cab drivers were seeking my business when all of a sudden my knight in shining armor holding up a sign that read "Karibu Sabine" meaning Welcome! I have felt welcome in this my adventure of a life time from my first step on the continent!
Helping with dinner for tomorrow, fixed my Mexican rice...:)
My journey started with just making it through security and my flight boarding for Frankfurt. This flight lasted throughout the night arriving 830AM local time. Second leg was to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a stop in Khartoum...this flight seemed to be longer than the first leg...probably due to an uncommunicative gentleman. Culture shock ensued as I stepped off the flight into the African continent. Addis Ababa was hot...no air conditioning and people walking around the airport smoking! Waiting in a small room for my next leg...small room many people, no where to get something to drink or go to the restroom....third leg start quickly!
Third leg...20 minute bus ride to the other side of the airport where they keep the prop planes...yes propeller! So loud and during take off and landing it felt like it was breaking apart! With a stop in Kilimanjaro then on to Mombasa. Arriving at 230 AM. Only 3 people deboarding with no one in customs then out of nowhere I see a customs agent. He doesn't even ask me for my yellow fever shot record! There literally was no one in the airport....so I began to comprise a plan....after a slight panic! I am ushered out into the night...morning darkness where several cab drivers were seeking my business when all of a sudden my knight in shining armor holding up a sign that read "Karibu Sabine" meaning Welcome! I have felt welcome in this my adventure of a life time from my first step on the continent!
Helping with dinner for tomorrow, fixed my Mexican rice...:)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
June 4, 2012
Today starts the week of my departure for Africa. To say I am excited and nervous would be an understatement! Here I hope to keep record of what God will do in my life and through me. My prayer is I would bless the Moores as well as the teachers in Mombasa.
Once again I am faced with the reality...I can do nothing on my own. However with Christ all things are possible.
So my prayers is, Jesus guide me, direct me cause me to hear Your voice and obey. Give me wisdom and discernment to accomplish Your goal. This trip is not me going on a "Mission" trip but God's amazing power to accomplish His will. Jesus thank you for this opportunity.
I'm scared, what if I can't handle the heat...what if I am a burden not a blessing...What if I embarrass You, Lord. Let this not be the case! God I am Yours...this trip is Yours-therefore I ask You now for protection as I travel (26 hours on the planes)...let time go quickly...and let me be able to sleep!
Surround the Moores, protect them as they are busy completing the task You have set before them.
Today starts the week of my departure for Africa. To say I am excited and nervous would be an understatement! Here I hope to keep record of what God will do in my life and through me. My prayer is I would bless the Moores as well as the teachers in Mombasa.
Once again I am faced with the reality...I can do nothing on my own. However with Christ all things are possible.
So my prayers is, Jesus guide me, direct me cause me to hear Your voice and obey. Give me wisdom and discernment to accomplish Your goal. This trip is not me going on a "Mission" trip but God's amazing power to accomplish His will. Jesus thank you for this opportunity.
I'm scared, what if I can't handle the heat...what if I am a burden not a blessing...What if I embarrass You, Lord. Let this not be the case! God I am Yours...this trip is Yours-therefore I ask You now for protection as I travel (26 hours on the planes)...let time go quickly...and let me be able to sleep!
Surround the Moores, protect them as they are busy completing the task You have set before them.
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