We have a community website with all of our pictures posted on Snapfish.com.
http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=139261246054528491/l=1042520023/g=919486023/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB Hopefully that link works! :)
We should have some facebook albums going soon as well.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Clarity
Many of you had told me before I left that this mission trip to Kenya would be life-changing. I could have never estimated the power of this experience. God worked through me in so many ways. I feel clarity from Him. I feel that I have been truly blessed and through these blessings, I need to use my abilities from God to continue His work. I feel strongly for the children in Kenya. I know there is suffering, pain and destitution all over the world. However, God has focused my heart on the children in the Kinyago Dandora slum. I plan to continue His work in this community through education of the cause and continued support in whatever form God sees necessary. I feel so strongly on this partnership that I have asked Ginger, the president and CEO of Kenya Children's Fund, to mentor me. She is an amazing Christian role model with a vision to perform God's will where many have turned their backs.
I feel it is no coincidence that God brought Cindy and I together at Heather Cox's baby shower and absolutely no coincidence but God smiling when I walked off the van upon arriving at our hotel in Nairobi and saw a fashionable blonde not afraid to express herself there to lead us on our trip. All I could think was, "I won't be to western looking! I can wear make-up! She has jewelry on, I can wear jewelry!" Obviously outward appearance has nothing to do with what is inside of a person, but it made me feel more comfortable in a new situation. I feel so incredibly blessed to be in a community of people that feel so strongly about the Lord and His work to be done!
God continued to speak to me through scripture upon my return from Kenya:
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27.
There is no way to turn back and forget what we saw in the eyes of the children and streets of Dandora. My life has been invaluably enriched from this experience, and I plan to use my knowledge and gifts to enrich those who so very much deserve it. For now, that means the children in my little piece of Heaven, Kinyago-Dandora, in Nairobi, Kenya.
"Blessed is he who is kind to the needy." Proverbs 14:21.
His,
Jen
I feel it is no coincidence that God brought Cindy and I together at Heather Cox's baby shower and absolutely no coincidence but God smiling when I walked off the van upon arriving at our hotel in Nairobi and saw a fashionable blonde not afraid to express herself there to lead us on our trip. All I could think was, "I won't be to western looking! I can wear make-up! She has jewelry on, I can wear jewelry!" Obviously outward appearance has nothing to do with what is inside of a person, but it made me feel more comfortable in a new situation. I feel so incredibly blessed to be in a community of people that feel so strongly about the Lord and His work to be done!
God continued to speak to me through scripture upon my return from Kenya:
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act." Proverbs 3:27.
There is no way to turn back and forget what we saw in the eyes of the children and streets of Dandora. My life has been invaluably enriched from this experience, and I plan to use my knowledge and gifts to enrich those who so very much deserve it. For now, that means the children in my little piece of Heaven, Kinyago-Dandora, in Nairobi, Kenya.
"Blessed is he who is kind to the needy." Proverbs 14:21.
His,
Jen
Celebration day/Good byes
Wednesday was our final day in Nairobi. It was very sad to leave our new friends in Kenya. There was a beautiful celebration at both schools in our honor. The celebrations included traditional dance, singing, nursery students reciting scripture (AH, can we take them home please???), rapping for the Lord, poetry and a myriad of other things to show their thankfulness to the visitors. We were all thoroughly moved at each school's performance. Don't assume this was a spectator sport though--we were up dancing quite a bit as well! We felt God's love as we celebrated a union with the children and staff of KDS and KDSS. It reaffirmed our wants to return the following year to continue to serve our Lord.
If you haven't guessed already... KENYA 2010
We have already started planning our trip for our return to Kenya next June. We are looking for more teachers to go next year. We are especially looking for science and math teachers in the middle and high school grades. This trip was absolutely life-changing. I cannot express that enough. Please don't let your fears prevent you from serving God's children in Kenya if you are called to do so.
Flexibility, creativity and the love of Christ are all you need! (OK and a couple of shots...)
Flexibility, creativity and the love of Christ are all you need! (OK and a couple of shots...)
Visit to the KDSS
On Monday afternoon, we visited the Kinyago Dandora Secondary School. This year marks a very special year for the KDS community. The first graduating class from KDS that began in Nursery is graduating secondary school! For years, the children of KDS would go off to other secondary schools around the country. This posed problems as it removed the children from their communities, prevented a lot of communication between students and the Kenya Children's Fund staff, and did not guarantee a Christian education. In 2006, the Kinyago Dandora Secondary School opened. This gave the students an opportunity to remain in their community while continuing their education to serve as an agent of change. The students are so incredibly motivated to succeed. Ask any student here--they will blow you away with their genuine answers about their future, success, Dandora, and working to create a place of hope and opportunity for the despondent and sheep that have not yet found their shepherd.
On Wednesday afternoon (celebration day), we were able to interact with the students as they prepared for the celebration in our honor. I was astonished with their aspirations. There is no selfish ambition here--every student I spoke to discussed a future goal with hopes to come back and serve the community in some way. Some even have started ministering in their own community. A group has started an art class for handicapped children. Their mission is to show the children that they are not lost to society and that people still care for them. Others are working with Wendy, the other teacher that was with us for part of the trip, on a photography and journaling project that shows the hardship and experience of life in Dandora as well as the hope that comes from more importantly Christ, and the value and power of education. These students are hard-working, motivated students that study very hard, take care of their families, and love Christ with all their hearts. Kenya needs leaders from within to educate, motivate and inspire change. KDSS is shaping young leaders to do this!
We also met with the KDSS teachers to discuss needs and to start planning for a trip in the future like ours at KDSS. It was very successful. We are excited to bring new ideas and help the teachers at KDSS as well.
On Wednesday afternoon (celebration day), we were able to interact with the students as they prepared for the celebration in our honor. I was astonished with their aspirations. There is no selfish ambition here--every student I spoke to discussed a future goal with hopes to come back and serve the community in some way. Some even have started ministering in their own community. A group has started an art class for handicapped children. Their mission is to show the children that they are not lost to society and that people still care for them. Others are working with Wendy, the other teacher that was with us for part of the trip, on a photography and journaling project that shows the hardship and experience of life in Dandora as well as the hope that comes from more importantly Christ, and the value and power of education. These students are hard-working, motivated students that study very hard, take care of their families, and love Christ with all their hearts. Kenya needs leaders from within to educate, motivate and inspire change. KDSS is shaping young leaders to do this!
We also met with the KDSS teachers to discuss needs and to start planning for a trip in the future like ours at KDSS. It was very successful. We are excited to bring new ideas and help the teachers at KDSS as well.
Final days teaching at KDS
We spent Monday morning and all of Tuesday working with the teachers and students at KDS. We all spent time in a variety of grade levels and subject areas throughout our teaching. We tried to incorporate teaching strategies that we use everyday into our lessons. Some of these strategies include cooperative grouping, educational games, environmental changes, art projects, alternate study materials, and hands-on experiments. We were amazed by how resourceful the teachers are at KDS. With so few materials and resources, the teachers are truly able to do so much.
We were inspired to work hard each night to collectively and individually plan for our lessons. We spent ample time researching on the internet and preparing for our lessons as there are some curriculum differences. We even joked that we spent more time lesson planning in Kenya than we do in the USA. (You'd be surprised on how much teacher homework you have without a teacher's edition!)
We all developed connections with the staff and students at KDS. It is remarkable to see how God is working in the lives of the people involved with the Kinyago Dandora School. The visionaries behind the school have truly put their hearts and heads into supporting God's vision at KDS. Pray that the benevolence of supporters continues to be able to do more in the community!
We were inspired to work hard each night to collectively and individually plan for our lessons. We spent ample time researching on the internet and preparing for our lessons as there are some curriculum differences. We even joked that we spent more time lesson planning in Kenya than we do in the USA. (You'd be surprised on how much teacher homework you have without a teacher's edition!)
We all developed connections with the staff and students at KDS. It is remarkable to see how God is working in the lives of the people involved with the Kinyago Dandora School. The visionaries behind the school have truly put their hearts and heads into supporting God's vision at KDS. Pray that the benevolence of supporters continues to be able to do more in the community!
Back from hiatus...
Hello to all of our wonderful supporters. Due to our busy schedule after safari, we were not able to update the blog... Here goes: Kenya part two.
Safari:
Safari was marvelous. I've heard many times that God reveals Himself to us in two ways--through scripture and through nature. It is incredibly evident to see the beauty in the African savannahs...untouched, with animals still roaming in their natural habitats. It's mind-blowing to realize that God has thoughtfully created every single aspect of our natural world-the beauty is just unsurmountable. The ride to safari (about 4.5 hours on some bumpy roads) was just as interesting. We saw many Maasai people with their cattle and herds along the way. Their red dress and elaborate jewelry and beading is a beautiful sight. We observed giraffes and zebras along the way, just roaming in the tall grasses. It was very cool to see!
Once we reached Maasai Mara, we checked into our hotel. It was a very nice change from Gracia. :) We stayed in tents--no, not the camping/sleeping bag tents. Instead, there was a nice, stone bathroom with wood laminate floors, with a canvas tent surrounding normal furniture. Upon blowing drying my hair on day two, I blew a fuse. God's way of telling me to not worry about my looks? :) The joke was that you had to make sure you zipped the tent down to the floor or else babboons would come into your tent. We did see babboons near the restaurant. Between meals on Saturday, two swooped in the open air restaurant and stole an orange and some rolls. Some teenage girls spotted this spectacle and began snapping photos. The babboons were not happy with the giggling, photo-snapping girls, so they proceeded to through the orange rind at the girls, followed by a dinner roll. Shortly after, a security guard picked up the roll and tossed it into the trees where it disappeared back into the hands (and bellies) of the babboons.
Over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we took 4 game drives to observe the animals of Maasai Mara. We saw some incredible animals in their natural habitats. We saw 3 of the "big 5" animals: elephants, buffalo, and lions. We did not see rhinosauruses or leopards, although we searched. The other animals that we observed include zebras, babboons, hippopotamuses, antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes, and many types of birds. We saw some of the circle of life as well--a lion was feasting on a buffalo that he killed (smelly!) and we observed some lions mating (cue Marvin Gaye music). Let's just say there was a lot of giggling happening in our van. Cindy videotaped the scene and had to stop because we could not control ourselves. Very mature, we know.
Safari gave us the opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and evaluate our personal goals as well as God's goals for this trip. It is important to see another side of Kenya--it's a disservice to God's world to only see the suffering. He created so much beauty and we were blessed to be able to take it all in. Safari also created a space to share and grow in relationship with one another. It was truly refreshing to be in a community of believers. It helps to grow your faith when you can explore, question and grow without having to constantly defend what you believe.
Safari:
Safari was marvelous. I've heard many times that God reveals Himself to us in two ways--through scripture and through nature. It is incredibly evident to see the beauty in the African savannahs...untouched, with animals still roaming in their natural habitats. It's mind-blowing to realize that God has thoughtfully created every single aspect of our natural world-the beauty is just unsurmountable. The ride to safari (about 4.5 hours on some bumpy roads) was just as interesting. We saw many Maasai people with their cattle and herds along the way. Their red dress and elaborate jewelry and beading is a beautiful sight. We observed giraffes and zebras along the way, just roaming in the tall grasses. It was very cool to see!
Once we reached Maasai Mara, we checked into our hotel. It was a very nice change from Gracia. :) We stayed in tents--no, not the camping/sleeping bag tents. Instead, there was a nice, stone bathroom with wood laminate floors, with a canvas tent surrounding normal furniture. Upon blowing drying my hair on day two, I blew a fuse. God's way of telling me to not worry about my looks? :) The joke was that you had to make sure you zipped the tent down to the floor or else babboons would come into your tent. We did see babboons near the restaurant. Between meals on Saturday, two swooped in the open air restaurant and stole an orange and some rolls. Some teenage girls spotted this spectacle and began snapping photos. The babboons were not happy with the giggling, photo-snapping girls, so they proceeded to through the orange rind at the girls, followed by a dinner roll. Shortly after, a security guard picked up the roll and tossed it into the trees where it disappeared back into the hands (and bellies) of the babboons.
Over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we took 4 game drives to observe the animals of Maasai Mara. We saw some incredible animals in their natural habitats. We saw 3 of the "big 5" animals: elephants, buffalo, and lions. We did not see rhinosauruses or leopards, although we searched. The other animals that we observed include zebras, babboons, hippopotamuses, antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes, and many types of birds. We saw some of the circle of life as well--a lion was feasting on a buffalo that he killed (smelly!) and we observed some lions mating (cue Marvin Gaye music). Let's just say there was a lot of giggling happening in our van. Cindy videotaped the scene and had to stop because we could not control ourselves. Very mature, we know.
Safari gave us the opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and evaluate our personal goals as well as God's goals for this trip. It is important to see another side of Kenya--it's a disservice to God's world to only see the suffering. He created so much beauty and we were blessed to be able to take it all in. Safari also created a space to share and grow in relationship with one another. It was truly refreshing to be in a community of believers. It helps to grow your faith when you can explore, question and grow without having to constantly defend what you believe.
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