"It's okay, we'll worry about it later."

Daniel Jumma is an inspiration!  He has 7 children of his own and cares for 20 foster kids at his home.  We spent an afternoon at his home playing with the kids.  They were all so entertained just to run in circles with us, or jump up and down, or play hand slapping games.  Looking around his home, we noticed that the ceiling in the sitting room was falling apart.  Juma mentioned that he was expecting some funds to be wired to him in order to build a new ceiling.  Yesterday, Seth and I joined with Sean, Mark and Derek from TI, met Juma and his son in town at the hardware store to pick up some supplies.  

When we got back to Juma’s house we began tearing down the old ceiling.  I can’t even begin to describe how much dust and dirt rained down on us.  With the old ceiling down we were able to begin hanging the new one in it’s place.  Because we didn’t have anything to cut the ceiling panels with we had to leave two of the edges of the room unfinished.  The room is far from anything that we would see in America, but it brought a huge smile to Juma’s face!  Even the kids were smiling as they came home from school and saw their new ceiling.  

Anytime anything went wrong during the day – even when we had to tell Juma that we couldn’t finish the two edges – he would respond in the same way.  He would smile and say, “it’s okay, we’ll worry about it later”.  Juma is a man who currently has no electricity, no running water and no governmental assistance in caring for these foster kids.  Juma is a man who is filled with love and compassion.  He doesn’t focus on what he doesn’t have.  Instead, he focuses on God the Father who continues to provide for him.  .  

-Ray Smith-

Update from Eileen

Tuesday in Kitale our team split up to experience several different experiences. Revee' and I had the opportunity to join Daniel and Anne on some TI work. We walked into town where we met our first challenge - crossing a rather deep water pipe ditch on a 2 x 4. Fortunately Daniel was there to lend a hand across otherwise I'm sure I would have fallen in the ditch. We headed across the street to the hospital where we met up with Sopora, the Hope Bright Future Home manager. She was there with Martin and Stella who were receiving care for chicken pox and malaria. From there we met Anne and some Kenyan government officials at the Children's Welfare Department. Hopping into the back of a truck we headed fro the market to pick up rice and beans for the widow's project we were going to visit. I went with Anne to pick up the beans. She grabbed my hand as we wove our way through the crowded market place with Kenyan men calling out mzungu (white) behind me. We darted down an alleyway where on either side vendors were selling beans and maize. Mission accomplished we met up with Revee' and Daniel who had gone off to purchase a super sized bag of rice to go with the beans. Soon we were off on our primary mission which was to assess a widow's project which claimed to be taking care of 20 or more orphans. Daniel explained that thorough assessment is necessary because often times these claims are a scam. A few minutes into our trip the truck broke down but it wasn't too long before the problem was fixed and we were on our way toward turkana. When we reached our final destination we were welcomed by twenty or more women dancing singing and making some strange African sounds. As Revee' and I stepped out of the truck we were engulfed by the women giving double side hugs to each one before being led up to the porch where we would then shake hands with all the men. Soon we all sat down to hear the story of their need for support from the Children's Welfare Department. It didn't take too long to determine that the story didn't seem quite legitimate. One of the first signs of something off was when a rather well fed Kenyan woman got up to speak prompting us to wonder if there really was an issue with feeding the kids. Then the woman who they claimed was the teacher led the children in song, but the children didn't seem to really know the song or seem to have a connection to the teacher. Afterward we inspected the dwelling which again did not seem like it was really being lived in - very suspicious. Before leaving we spent some time interacting with the children who were supposed to be the primary focus of the meeting with this group. Daniel asked several of them if they lived with these women to which most replied that they lived down the road. It was pretty clear that they had rounded up some children to pose as their orphans. Daniel also pointed out that the children would have appeared more malnourished and shown signs of ring worm on their  scalp. Daniel's gut feeling was that what we saw was a scam which was hard to accept because we were hoping that there would be a legitimate need. All in all it was a fascinating experience to learn how Ti goes about investigating potential projects. Daniel and Anne's commitment to helping widows and orphans requires sound judgement and a discerning spirit. Kenyan children and people pull at your heart strings but today I learned that effective ministry means having a firm commitment to your mission. We can trust God with his decision to trust us as he leads us to those who truly are the neediest.

Shika Baba

In Swahili, "shika baba" means "hold onto the Father".  We have been learning what that really means.  Saturday was an incredible emotional day for the team, learning to extend love, comfort, hope, and peace to a group of 29 orphans and staff who were mourning the loss of precious Veronica.  We loaded up the matatu with the team and kids and headed to the burial.  The children sang then entire way...songs about how their lives our changed by God and they will be together again one day.  I wept.  Our team was large enough, along with the TI staff, to make sure that each one of the children had someone to sit and comfort them through the service.  All of these children have already experienced the loss of both parents, so this was painful for them too.  We were glad to be there to comfort them.  We were happy to end the day playing and offering them much joy.  Soccer, bike rides, hand games, hop-scotch, etc.  It was a great way to end our time with them.

Sunday was a day of rest.  Some of the group went to church, while others stayed behind to read.  Then we all met up in town for lunch together.  Some people experienced their first "boda-boda" (back of a bicycle with a kenyan driver) and "piki-piki" (back of motorbike with a kenyan driver) rides.  Some of the ladies and gents learned that you should NOT hold onto the kenyan driving you around.  That is too forward.  There are little handles under the seat and behind the seats that you should hold onto.  Meredith was racing around on her bike to get the attention of our group to tell them to let go!  It was comical.

We came home and began working on dinner.  Four of the team members had the opportunity to kill the “kuku” (chickens) for our stew.  It was an entertaining experience for all watching!  The laughter could be heard for miles as they learned to kill, pluck, and roast the bird.  Jeriah says she is now ready to survive in the wilderness.

We headed over to hang out in the home of Daniel Juma, a man who has taken 20 street kids into his home for him and his wife to care for.  He shared how the children are rejected by society.  Neighborhoods don’t want the kids near their houses and churches are also unwilling to accept them.  It is so sad.  After hearing their stories the team went outside to play, play, play!  

We came home, spent hours making chicken stew and chapatis for dinner.  Laughed over memories and food, prayed together, went over the plans for the day, and headed to bed.

Today (monday), the girls are heading out to spend the day with the 6 girls at the neema project.  We are hoping relationships are built quickly.  The boys will be building a chicken coop for the neema home.  

We are excited about a new week.  We are hoping that we can serve well, stay rested and refreshed and stay present with any individual we encounter.  Pray that the team stays unified.  we are around eachother 24 hours a day, which can be a challenge.  The Lord uses all those things to stretch you and scrape away many things.  We need grace to continue serving well together.

Thanks again for praying for us.  We are having a great time!!!!  What a privilege it is to serve here!

Faith

Update from Seth

Today, Saturday, was by far the most emotionally draining day that our team has experienced and will experience. If you read below on the last few blogs, you would see that we were attending a funeral for Veronica, the little girl who had been HIV positive and then recently came down with chicken pox. Ultimately, her immune system could not fight the chicken pox, and sadly she passed away. However, as death is always a surprise and full of pain, Veronica is rejoicing with our Lord and Savior. How sweet it must be.

Apparently, I am the “funny guy” of this trip. That really isn’t that hard when there are only two guys matched up with 9 girls. If you ever wondered what the lyrics “try to catch me riding dirty” would look like, picture 40 adults and children piling into a van(matatu).....max seating is 14. The shocks were reduced to nothing and every little bump we hit, our bodies were screaming. Not to mention, the van is hardly street legal with the driver flying down the road( if that’s what you want to call it ), with really no regard to anyone else. Truly an experience. Words don’t do it justice.

Our team was not really sure what to expect today. We arrived at the Hope Bright Future home around 9:30 a.m. and immediately the kids were swarming around us. As comfortable as the children were with us, it seemed as though the kids knew us their entire lives. They truly were just waiting to be embraced and wanting to feel a some sense of love. Something that this trip has definitely made me realize, is that I have taken for granted my entire life is parents who unconditionally love me, and wouldn’t give up on me when their lives got to hard.

We were able to play a few games with the kids including hide and go seek, which is not as easy as you would think since we were the only ones who really understood each other. After that, we then played red light green light. That was much easier and all the kids had a blast. Then we were off to the funeral.

                       

Entering the funeral was probably a spectacle in itself. 15 Americans entering a very secluded village that took about 5 minutes of driving, to get to. They were very hospitable though once we arrived. They had seats ready for us and the kids that were in the shade. Not all the villagers even had shade. The funeral service lasted over three hours. But this was definitely not a typical service. Veronica was an orphan, yet there were easily over 20 members of her family. At devotions tonight with the team, Meredith(TI Staff) said that in over 2 years, not one member of Veronicas family came to the home to see her. Yet, each member of the family; aunts, uncles, grandfather, brothers, sisters, and cousins all had something to say about little Veronica. Doesn’t really add up to me. But then again, the entire Kenya culture has thrown me for a loop since being here.

 

After the service our team was invited into the uncles house for a rice, cabbage, beans and potatoes. It was really goood, and I’m not just saying that. I even ate the cabbage. That says a lot!

Man, this post seems like its taking forever. Maybe Andreas wasn’t that long after all.

After lunch, we took the kids back to the HBF. This was the most fun I had this entire trip. We played 20 v. 20 soccer in the yard. The kids were nasty at soccer. Seriously. Kenya soccer is legit.

Okay, this “update” is turning into a minute by minute detail and I am beat. We ate grilled cheese and raman noodles for dinner. A touch of heaven…if your not lactose intolerant. I think Gatorade would have made it just a little bit better. A great thirst quencher. 

Overall, this trip I think has really just begun. This bubble that I have lived in for my entire life has just been popped and now the process of digesting what we(I) have seen and experienced has just begun. We are all very excited to see how God uses this trip to impact our lives in the near and distant future.

 -Mr.Windle-

Images from Kenya

Jeriah and Asha, one of the newest orphans to join Hope Bright Future Homr

Three little friends working hard to keep Seth out of trouble

Sarah and Miss Lina (a precious walking miracle)

Megan with two little men at the Hope Bright Future Children's Home

Stephanie and some of the Children at Hope and Bright Future School in the Soweto Slums

The team with the children at Hope Bright Future House

Today was a long day.  Thanks for praying God's grace was upon all of us and we learned to love in a way different than any of us ever experienced before.  I am weary and heading to bed.  Enjoy some photos.

Faith

Update from the Team Leader...

Greetings from Kenya!

I realize that Andrea just posted a huge update.......READ IT!

I will spare you all the details since she did a great job, but I wanted to share a few things about the team.  For anyone of you who know anyone of the team members, I want you to know that you would be SO PROUD of them!!!  I was nervous about bringing people to Kenya, because I love my kenyan family so much and wanted everyone to have that experience.  I was a bit nervous about taking the team from the airport, after 2 days of travel, to breakfast and then to 2 different slums.  

We arrived at 5:30 am and by 10am, this team was in the Soweto Slum visiting a school.  Andrea shared with you what they saw and experienced but I was to share with you the highlight of my day.  When the kids at the school were dismissed to play, I told the team they could go outside to join them.  I went to greet one of the leaders and my team had disappeared out the door that quickly.  After about 10 minutes, I realized I better go make sure everyone was okay.  When I got to the doorway I could barely get through, so I stopped and looked around me, I was AMAZED.

• SETH was on my left, on the ground surrounded by children.....laughing and giggling and taking photos with them.  there was no way he was getting up off the ground with out a fight.
• Right in front of him....EILEEN was pinned up against the fan with a group surrounding her.  She was showing them her book reader...this computer type thing that holds books.  Her face was radiating as she stood there sharing part of her world with them.
• Directly in front of me, MEGAN was swinging kids up and down off the ground.....giggles just kept flowing from the mouths of the children.
• Off to my right, RAY was just standing there, holding a child in his arms.  Such kindness and compassion in his eyes.
• STEPHANIE....seeing her was for sure one of the greatest moments of my day.  I looked down, and she was also so close to the ground with these precious faces surrounding her.  I saw such JOY and DELIGHT in her eyes.....it seemed as though they were twinkling.  I felt like her heart was getting bigger and bigger the longer I watched her.  It seemed as though I was watching a miracle unfold before my eyes.
• SARAH and REVEE had their cameras out capturing every moment.  They were having so much fun photographing the children and playing games with them.  Having been in Africa before they are naturals.
• ANDREA, LESLIE and JERIAH.....were all doing the same...playing, smiling......such joy.  

I will continue to share some personal stories of what I see.  I am so proud of this team.  In their weariness they have not only demonstrated a positive attitude, but have lavished people with love.  They are ministering to one another and to the kenyan people.

Many of them had tears in their eyes throughout the day.  It is a shocking experience.  PRAY for us, we have felt your prayers.  Tomorrow will be a funeral for a child, something we never thought we would be a part of, but we are prepared to go and LAVISH the hurting with the love of Jesus.  If ever there was a moment that we desired to have the purest and deepest love of Christ shining through us, it would be tomorrow, as we hold children who have lost their parents and have now lost a sibling.  These kids have experienced more loss than most of us will ever really understand.

Well, its 1am here so I really need to get to bed.  Thanks for loving us and sending us.  Your love and care for us is so encouraging.  Feel free to post comments.  I read them to the team each day and they encourage our hearts so much.

LOOK BACK FOR PHOTOS TOMORROW!!! 

I don't know how to blog...

This is Andrea for the team.

And the reason I don't know how to blog....is because it's feeling impossible to pinpoint how I feel...because I am trying to allow my mind and heart to digest what it is I (we) have experienced over the last 48 hours. 

I didn't even read what Sarah wrote - so I'm not sure where she left off...I think it was when we were still in the Accra (Ghana) airport. So, first things first - We have MANY praises: Our luggage all arrived safely. Everyone is safe and healthy. Our transportation has gone smoothly....and by smoothly I actually mean VERY bumpy and so unreal to any kind of American driving experience that I don't even get nervous looking at oncoming traffic because it feels completely unreal and out of body. Not only do they drive on the opposite side of the car and road than us...but the painted lines don't really matter...and, to me, the laws on the road is that there are no roads. Except, of course, that pedestrians must yield to traffic or you'll get hit.  

Now, if the driving experience here in Kenya is hard for me to explain...I'm beginning to get nervous about trying to search for words and adjectives to describe what we did yesterday (whatever day yesterday was....I don't even know what day it is today!?!)

We spent the day yesterday going to two slums. Both are in Nairobi (where we stayed in the hotel overnight). The Soweto Slums was the first slum where we drove in and visited with the Hope Bright Future School. My every sense was radically shocked as we bounced around the dirt roads and arrived at the school. We were greeted by 200 children who TI works with and funds. They sung, danced, and recited their memory verses for us. We were given a brief history of the slums, the school, etc. Toward the end of our time there, we were able to play in this open area with the children...we were tackled by them as they swarmed for us to chase them and take their picture just so we could turn our digital screens back to show them their photos! They were beyond thrilled. 

As we piled back into the Matatu (a crazy, crowded van of sorts...that would never reach any sort of inspection in the states)...we drove towards the Kibera slums and I asked Faith how Kibera could possibly be any worse than the circumstances we just observed. And she answered with a brief, "Oh, you'll see."

We pulled up to the Kibera Slums - the second largest slum in the ENTIRE WORLD...and had to take a ten minute walk into the depths of the slum to reach the Desert Streams School where we were going to meet the students/teachers there and see how that project was going.  ....and here is the part where I feel my heart growing heavy and words seem absent...there is no photo I could show you that could fully capture these slums. There are no words I could share with you because, as Americans, we have no frame of reference for such a place. Any bubble that I had been living in popped as I stared at my feet trying to avoid walking in the raw sewage with my flip flops on. In the first thirty seconds, I had a marriage proposal. I think I walked out with three. As I continued to walk, I tasted everything I was smelling - sewage, exhaust, rotting who knows what, etc. I realized after about 10 minutes of walking that I had hardly lifted my head up because I didn't want to make eye contact with anyone....out of guilt, of brokenness, out of extreme awkwardness, out of nervousness. There we were, a mass of white people walking into a place where white people don't walk...and children ran up to us screaming, "Hi, how are you?! Hi, How are you!?" because that was one of the only things they could say in English. They touched our hands and white skin. They, so innocently and excitedly, waved and we waved back...it felt as if we were some sort of American celebrities...but it was an absolutely awful feeling. As I met eye contact with the adults, I wonder what their thoughts were behind their straight, cold faces...some smiled...but others, I just felt, thought "Who are these white people coming in to observe our lives as if we're some exhibit to feel sorry for and then leave?" It was such a helpless feeling.

I went numb. I couldn't even recognize any emotion within me because my mind was so far from myself...until one of our teammates asked us when we finally arrived at the school and were seated if I was okay...and then the tears came. No. I was definitely not okay. After a couple minutes of trying to hide my tears, they managed to momentarily dry up. The starters of this school/ministry, Lois (I think her name is) and her husband Tobias, offered us tea. They made us their chai tea and opened up two bags of white bread and evenly distributed it among us. They had nothing and yet so warmly offered us the little that was available. The children were just ridiculously adorable, so well-behaved, such BEAUTIFUL and huge teethy-white grins that stretched from ear-to-ear. We were, again, sung and danced for by each individual age group/grade. We played with the children, getting covered in dirt and whatever was covering them covered us. (For one of our teammates, even ringworm.) But it doesn't stop us from touching them and loving them. 

I saw Jesus in the least of those children and people. I witnessed a people who were so absolutely poor in the eyes of the world, but yet, in spirit, they were SO RICH. Yet we, as Americans, are so often so rich in the eyes of the world and still so very empty inside in our spirits. In the midst of the darkness of those slums were great beacons of light and immense testimony of God's love and restoration! 

Tobias ministered to me and told me that there is great blessing on my feet - and that as I step forward seas will part and God's work will be done..... and the Holy Spirit just filled me up with the great joy and strength to love and serve and rest knowing that God is big enough for this...that He is more than enough for these people....and that He is more than enough for us. 

I left the slums, ignoring the marriage proposals and harassment, avoiding the sewage, and engaging with each person silently as I passed by. My eyes had been refocused while in that school from the great despair and poverty back to the Sovereign God that I serve...and I looked from Jesus straight into the eyes of every person I passed, offering a smile and blessing them and their land as we walked out.

My life has been changed. I wish each of you could experience this. 

So....we are fighting jet lag, we are blowing blackened boogers out of our noses, we are putting ointment on each other's rashes, we are learning what it means not to shower for days......but we are learning what it means to be truly rich in Spirit by God's love and life, we are learning to worship Him in all things....

And, tomorrow, (Saturday!! I finally realized what day it is...oh and remember we're 7 hours ahead of you)....is a day we really need to be covered in prayer. Please intercede.... because tomorrow we will be learning what it means to comfort those who mourn. Because of Jesus, we will be a presence that offers hope in the midst of hopelessness and life in the midst of death. Tomorrow we will be spending our first day out of Nairobi and here in Kitale - where we have been scheduled for quite some time to spend with the orphans....but it so happened that one of the orphan girls, Veronica, died a few days ago from HIV & a chicken pox outbreak. She was 5 or 6 years old, an orphan with two siblings. So on our scheduled day with the orphans, we will be attending a funeral with them for this dear child who is now fully restored and with the Lord. Pray for us as we give of ourselves and empty out Hope and Life and Love into such a tragic time for a children who are missing their friend and sister. God knew we would be needed there to intercede and love these children and it is not by mistake the timing of this. How wild it is that on our very first day in Kitale we will be attending a funeral. Wow.

Of course I wide awake because it's 4pm your time...but it's 11pm our time...so I better go to sleep.

THANK YOU for your prayers....and for reading this long post....hopefully your eyes aren't burning to badly from staring at your computer screen....whatever the words are I just shared really are a scratch on the surface for all that we've seen and experienced. We love you and miss you - thank you for battling on our behalf! We need you :)

Be blessed- (BECAUSE YOU ARE!)