18 and Counting

Sunday was Ellen's 18th birthday. Of course I could say things like, "My, hasn't the time past quickly" and "I can hardly believe she is that old". But I choose to say, "I am proud of you" and "You go girl!" and "Keep your head up" and, most of all "I love you very much". The teenage years have been full of struggling, bonding, and letting go. Ellen is becoming a lovely lady that makes me very proud. She has dealt with issues and challenges that would cause most people to stumble but she keeps moving forward. I know she is becoming the woman God wants her to be. The best is yet to come, so, I say again, "You go girl, take hold of the future with your arms open wide. With God's guidance, you can't go wrong."

Thoughts on Kenya

Processing my trip to Kenya is still a daily experience. So many memories to consider, so many thoughts to organize, so many faces to remember. Our visits to the schools, HIV+ orphanage, and The Nest have surfaced as my most cherished memories. Our VBS sessions, the morning in Tigoni visiting with people, and our worship time at the Banana Hill Baptist Church are priceless treasures. Getting to know Charles, Grace, Cristabel, Bosco, David, Jamima, Mary and others was a great privilege. Then there are the kids: Edith, Cherry, Lilian, GeGe, Elizabeth, Nathan, Michelle, Felix, Eddie, and hundreds of other children whose names I may never know but whose faces will stay with me forever. Our spots on the earth are far apart but we are all together. We are all living, breathing, loving people. Our lives are separate but we share together in friendship and faith. Part of my heart will remain in Kenya. I will never forget.

Long Journey Home

After five flights and two days, we are home!!! Flat, open space has never looked so good!! We were able to spend the night in London on the way home so that helped breakup the trip. I took this picture from the plane. If you look carefully you can see Buckingham Palace.

Help for the Helpless

Experiencing the Nyumbani Institute was heartwarming. It is the first Hospice for HIV Positive Orphans in Kenya. It was founded in 1992 with three HIV+ orphans and presently has 101 kids. The youngest we held is six months and the oldest I visited with is 17. Her name is Elizabeth and she has lived at Nyumbani for ten years. Her body is very petite but occupies a realistic spirit. Ellen and I plan to write to her. It is obvious she is struggling with full blown AIDS.
The young boys rushed to Colman as an invite to play soccer. They even had a dog that was pretty good at the game!
We did another short VBS with school children this afternoon. Once again I learned all children are the same they just come in different packaging. I've made many friends that I will never forget. How fortunate to have spent time with kids!

Potholes

What an adventure!! Our safari was quite eventful. Even though we did not see as many different animals as we would have liked, we did see unbelievable sights. Our roads trips were very exciting. Plainview has no potholes like Kenya!!!
We are on the countdown to return home. Two more full days and we will start the trek to Texas.
Tomorrow we will visit another school, visit an AIDS orphanage, and mix with the students here. So much to learn!!

Worship and Avocados

Sunday was a very restful day. We attended Banana Hill Baptist Church. The service lasted two hours and then we were served tea and cake. Experiencing worship together was exciting and heartwarming.
Now for some trivia. There is a large avocado tree in our backyard. While exploring the many plants and flowers in the huge yard I discovered it. DH has told me it was here. What a surprise to get under a tree with hundreds of avocados!!! I felt like a kid exploring a new world.
Today we attended chapel and then moved to the construction site. The work is at a point we would be more in the way than helpful if we tried to do anything. We did write a message including the name First Baptist Church with the scripture, II Corinthians 9:12-15. The cornerstone we wrote on will be below ground level by Wednesday. The workers that were near were curious about what we were doing so Stan told them the purpose for our writing the message. Two of the guys wrote the scripture down. How fortunate we are to be here at this time! The building is progressing quickly.
Tomorrow morning we leave for the safari. I am charging batteries!!

Beads, Animals, and Contrasts

Today we took a trip that involved KUZURI BEAD FACTORY. It is a place where single mothers from the slums can come and make a living. They make jewelry out of pottery beads as well as other pottery. The tour of the factory was fascinating.
We visited an elephant orphanage and a giraffe shelter. Feeding a giraffe was a new experience for me! Riding through Nairobi and through the countryside is very unbelievable sight. So many people-everywhere. The weather today was perfect. The sunshine was a very welcome change.
The grounds around us are so beautiful. Kenya is a country of great contrast. We’ve had a very busy schedule so having a free afternoon tomorrow will be a welcome change. To post pictures I have to have Stan’s computer- maybe tomorrow.
I still can’t believe I’m here.

Children and more Children

Today we visited The Nest which is a sheltered place for children whose moms are in prison. We were loved and hugged by many sweet children. The Nest is an amazing place. Ellen held one little girl for a long time. The little girl not only wrapped her arms around Ellen but her legs as well. The need for attention is very great; however, the workers are wonderful. We experienced amazing singing and dancing.
The afternoon was spend visiting a public school. One classroom had 79 second graders. There were no lights. The children (all 600) were happy to add the five soccerballs to their collection of ONE.
So many needs. My pictures will tell the story much better than I can.
By the way, our two suitcases are being held by customs because of the soccerballs that were in them. We will go to Nairobi tomorrow and try to explain. Soccerballs are so treasured here that customs thinks we are planning to sell them.
We are tired but in awe of the experiences we have witnessed.

Ground Level

Tuesday- What a day! We spent several hours "helping" at the construction site. It is amazing to see men doing such hard work by hand. Every stone has to be hand cut and finished. We saw men mix concrete, pound rocks into various sizes, bend steel rods into various shapes, and measure with crude instruments. You could sense the seriousness of their efforts. The men either walk or ride a bicycle to work. The location of the dining hall is beautiful.
We had the opportunity to met the architect, Professor Bernard Otoki Moironao (in the middle) and the contractor, Mr. Kubai Maingi (on the right). All team members "helped" and spent time with the workers.
The weather is perfect and the grounds are lush and covered with flowers. The temperature is cool.
I already know why I am here. To see, to learn, to experience, and to love.
By the way, we have all but two of our suitcases. Those two are in Nairobi and should be delivered by tomorrow.

We've arrived!

After thirty-six hours, we arrived!! (Our luggage-all our luggage did not.) The trip was very tiring but we arrived safely. Brackenhurst Conference Center is beautiful. It is very cool here and we will be glad to get our jackets (and underwear). Stan and Charles will go back into Nairobi this evening to hopefully collect it. The word is, it is on the "next" flight.
The people are very gracious and seem excited to have us here. We have a schedule made for us by Grace, Charles' wife. Tomorrow we will start the day at the construction site. I am eager to start taking pictures. Please continue to pray for us. We have not felt scared, just wide-eyed.

Count down is to one!

Saturday, July 14, at 11:00am we will gather and leave for the airport. What an adventure! We will fly to Dallas then on to London Gatwick. From Gatwick we will trek to Heathrow in London and catch a flight to Amsterdam. From Amsterdam we will fly to Nairobi arriving at 8am Monday morning (Actually, that will be around 10:00 Sunday evening here.) There is an eight hour difference in the time. Others who have traveled there tell me to forget the watch and relax. That's asking too much right now!
I am packed, Ellen is not. We will get that done today. One suitcase is full of soccerballs, pipecleaners, tape, puppets, art supplies, etc. We will get to help with contruction so I have also included gloves!
These details let you know, as best as I can, I am ready. Am I really ready? Probably not but I am trying. I want God to work through me. I want courage and confidence. I want an open heart along with my open eyes.
I will try to post Monday evening. Please pray for us.

Sister Susan

Susan is my "baby" sister. Since she is just fourteen months younger than me, we not only shared a bedroom for eighteen years but many life experiences. The family story is that I HAD to start walking after she came because mom was too busy to hold me (I think that qualifies me as type B personality). This picture is important for several reasons. Mainly it reflects our mother's careful attention to us including the handmade dresses that matched, the clean white socks and the perfectly combed ponytail and hair. We were greatly loved and cared for. The bicycle represents hours and hours of exploring our little world and escaping the confines of indoors.
Susan and I are soulmates. We laugh in such unison that, if sound had a mirror, you would see a perfect reflection. Our relationship is full of bright colors, twists and turns, and unending love.
Now to the chicken. Susan loves this bright spot in my laundry room. She challenged me to post it and so I have. See, I still like to please you!!

Up in Smoke

No one has a better brother than I do. Since Jim is alittle older than me, I have never known life without him. Of course there are many stories to tell but, every year, around the fourth of July, I remember the summer Jim (accidentally) burned down the fireworks stand at Happy. He was helping sell fireworks with the boy who ran the stand. He shot a bottle rocket from the counter that backfired. My dad was very calm but told Jim he would have to pay half the cost. Being a young kid, money earned was treasured. It took Jim quite awhile to pay his part but he did so without question. Jim is a very honest, hardworking, intelligent man. I know he would do anything for me. Stories of sister, Susan, will come later.

My Father's Shirt

You are probably asking yourself why in the world would I post this picture. Sixteen years ago this fall my father fought a very quick battle with cancer and lost. From diagnosis to death was six weeks. Since he appeared to be the healthiest one of our four parents the news was a great, grevious shock. It might seem odd to you but my pain was eased by walking. After he died, I kept several of his shirts. One of which I still walk in to this day. During the initial days of personal struggle and grief I wrote this:

Clothed in grace,

wearing my Father's shirt.

Walking daily, fully covered

moving toward eternal health.

I am wearing the shirt in this picture. Aged shirts are very soft but the comfort comes through memories. My dad was not perfect but he loved me and he taught me many great life lessons through example. There continue to be struggles that require walking.

Close up

I have no clue why I am so fascinated by flowers "close up". My family makes fun but it doesn't shame me into stopping. Hollyhocks seem to do interesting things as they age on the stalk. There is more to see if the flower has aged. I find that interesting. I can't say that this picture is pretty but I do think it is interesting. What do you think?

God's Love Changes Everything!!

This is the week for VBS (Vacation Bible School). The western theme is clever and fitting for a west Texas church. Wearing bandanas and cowboy hats adds to the fun. I stand amazed at the joy I receive working with kids and getting to know their eager hearts. "God's love changes everything" is part of our theme for the week. Today we talked about the word "lavish". John 3:1 says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God". Lotion and chocolate illustrations helped define what lavish means. God lavishes his love on us!
Chris, Maria, and Jordan are my very able helpers. We are having a great time together. Hopefully I can post a picture later in the week.

Storm Chaser

You that know me well understand what a surprise it is that I was out taking pictures of this tornado. Miss Scaredy Cat has gotten courageous with age. (It also helps to have a basement available and kids that can take care of themselves.) Small town west Texas excitement comes in weird ways!

GRINS !!!!

This squirrel is one of my son's toys that has kept a special place in my home office. We all wear rubber smiles at times; however, they still spread joy.

First entry

Practice hopefully will make me near perfect at posting. This is my first entry and I am determined to make this work. This is a busy week at school working on schedules for next year. Scheduling is like a huge puzzle. I really enjoy the challenge and I am grateful to have Ted to help me.