Here is a typical Sunday service at the AIC (African Inland Church) where Pauline and Gideon are members. I probably shouldn’t say “typical” because we got stuck going into the church gate. It had rained the night before so the roads were really muddy, but also a “rollie” (a big dump truck) dug a huge hole in front of the gate in order to get their equipment into the church. So we pull into the church and the front goes into this hole! Chuck and Gideon made a make-shift bridge out of large stones in order for us to get out of the car then some helpful young guys came to push the car out. When they stepped into the hole they went up to their knees in mud and water – so the car was stuck. But with about 6 guys pushing they had no problems getting the car out. Then it was off to church service.

They have a 9am Sunday school for the kids and English service for the secondary school (high school) students that lasts until about 10am. We leave from home around 10 because the Akamba service starts around 10:30. Once we get unstuck the youth choir singing and dancing greets us at the gate – it’s a great way to enter church listening and watching these young people praising God!

After talking with a few people a church elder rings the bell to let everyone know that service will be beginning soon. We take out seats and service begins around 10:30 with the choir singing. They sing for about 15 minutes and then Pastor Samuel Mutie (he is the youth pastor and has been doing the service for the past couple of weeks in the absence of their head pastor, he’s also does the English service and has been fitting in some English so we can follow along with the message!) gives the opening prayer. Then more singing: we have a congregational song in Akamba, a few members of the choir sing a song, and then the youth choir sings a song (theirs includes dancing too!). Around 11:05 the first reading is read by a member of the congregation (John 4:1-27). Then another song by the choir (our very own Ruth from Nice View is a lead singer and she has a very powerful and wonderful voice – you can see her love for Christ shine through when she sings). Then around 11:15 the youth and young adult choir sing a song. Their leader is great because they will start a song and if he isn’t satisfied with it he’ll stop right then and make them start over! He is really good with them and you can see his love for what he is doing. 11:25 is the second reading Hebrews 13:7-17 – this reading is always read together by the congregation and cards are handed out beforehand so everyone can read together. After this reading a couple came in front to sing a song in English (The King is Exalted on High) then around 11:35 the choir sings another song. A church member then says a prayer – this is usually a long prayer and I wish I knew what they were saying but it’s all in Kikamba. After he is finished with his prayer we all recite the Our Father, although they recite it in Kikamba. Then another congregational song and afterwards they recite the Apostles Creed in Kikamba. Approximately 11:50 Josephus (a church elder) makes announcements and after is the offering while the choir sings. After the normal offering they have another offering (this one is every 3rd Sunday) for the “church development” which helps pay for the water bill and the woman who works at the church. The first offering a basket is passed around, the second offering if a basket at the front of the church and they have a hierarchy of who goes first, 1) the church elders, 2) the men, 3) the women, 4) young adults and finally 5) the youth. Then at 12:15 Pastor Mutie introduces students from Scott Theological College who are being hosted by the church this week for crusades and evangelizing. He also reminds everyone who pledged money or supplies for the students to pay today and that his pre-wedding fundraiser is next weekend and everyone is invited. 12:20 a Scott student leads us in praise and worship for about 5 minutes and then Pastor Mutie welcomes the Scott students, tells us a little bit about their program for the week and confirms some previous announcements (I only know this because Pauline translated for me!). Then the students are asked to say a word or two and the group leader explains more about what they will be doing this week. At 12:45 Pastor Mutie says a few words about the choir (but I have no idea what he said) and then a couple of church elders auction off the items brought in for offering (when someone cannot afford a cash offering they bring in something from their shamba to be auctioned off and the proceeds go to the church). Pauline got four huge avocados for 60 ksh (about $1). Finally at 12:50 Pastor Mutie introduces a Scott student to give us the message. He talked about the Samaritan woman in John 4 and how Christ wants a personal relationship with us and that personal worship will entice corporate worship. Personal worship comes from the love and grace of God. He mentioned John 7:7-9 and how Jesus is seeking the true worshipper in Spirit, not just a Sunday worshipper or a churchgoer. God is always seeking. Then he mentioned Isaiah 29:13 and how people are coming to church but not experiencing anything. You should feel God’s presence in His house. I’m sure he said a lot more but this is what he said in English so that’s the message I got! Then at 1:30 Pastor Mutie says a few words in closing and the choir sings while the congregation exits the church.

This service was a bit longer than usual because of the Scott students, but only by about 15-20 minutes. Even though I don’t understand much of what is being said you can see the love of God in the faces of the people speaking and singing and that uplifts my spirit and praises God. Oh by the way, did I mention we got stuck on the way out of church?! This one wasn’t as bad; it only took three people to push us out!

Sunday evening we had our neighbor from home come by and ask Gideon to go into town for some milk. Chuck and Gideon went in and got them a box of milk and some eggs and we took them over to her along with some clothes we had bought the children. Living at the compound is grandmother, grandfather, daughter-in-law and five children. The mother had three children from a previous marriage; two of them are staying with another set of grandparents and go to Nice View. She has four children living with her and three of them go to Nice View. I wasn’t able to get any pictures because we went at night and the flash would have blinded everyone. But I did ask if I could come back another day and take some pictures and they were happy to have me return. We handed out candy first because that always makes the kids happy! Then we gave each child two t-shirts and two pairs of shorts. Mom and grandmother were so happy and thankful I can’t describe the expressions of joy they had on their faces. Before leaving grandmother told us that since she didn’t have anything to give us in thanksgiving (this is a tradition in Akamba that when someone brings you something you give them something in return) that she could only lift us up to the Lord in prayer. So she prayed for us and even though we didn’t understand the language you could hear her heartfelt gratitude to God for His providence and goodwill towards her and her family.

Now for a funny story – I have to make fun of myself! Remember it is pitch black at night without any electricity at the home we were visiting. We have two torches with us and they have one very small oil candle on the table. We are talking with the family and I see something fly up off the table but don’t have any idea what it is! So I’m a little freaked out about sitting in the dark wondering what is flying around above me, then as I’m sitting there a huge grasshopper lands on the table poised to jump my way. When I say huge I mean HUGE! This thing is about three inches long, nothing like the tiny little grasshoppers we had in Michigan. I freak out and hide behind Chuck waiting for this monster to jump on me! Pauline then picks it up and asks me to look at it—while I’m thinking I’m going to have a heart attack! She hands it to one of the kids who then proceed to drop it and they are all scrambling around to try to find it and they are laughing at my cowardice behavior and me! I’m sure it was the story of the night! On Monday Chuck told Ruth and Catherine about it and they had a very good laugh! So no wild animals yet, just the monster insects!

I thought I had a picture of us being stuck but I couldn't find it, maybe tomorrow! But here's a miscellaneous picture of some of the kids after school.

Back online!

Sorry for no post but we haven’t had electricity since Wednesday night! The school had electricity on Wednesday and for a bit on Thursday then it went out until Thursday night, but God’s timing is perfect. We bought a generator for the school on Wednesday afternoon and got it running on Friday (thanks Dad)! So now the school will have electricity when it’s out, which happens every Thursday like clockwork around here.

I’m learning more about these kids and you can never prepare yourself for what they live with and through every day. Some live with grandparents while their mom and dad are in Nairobi working. Some parents come home on the weekends; some at the end of the month and some are lucky enough to come home every day. Others live with grandparents (usually only the grandmother) because their parents have died. One girl, Annastacia, told us that if her grandmother isn’t able to borrow food from a neighbor that day then they don’t eat that night. I’m so thankful that God is providing through your donations two good meals for these kids. They are substantial meals that fill them up and keep them from being hungry soon afterward. So they are getting some food before going home for the evening, but it still breaks my heart to hear these stories. Here is a picture of the younger kids in line for the porridge they get around 11am. And here are the kids eating lunch around the compound.

Before leaving for the day on Thursday I joined in with the girls in their singing and dancing. They all thought it was very funny that I didn’t know what to do, but you can pick out the girls who will be leaders one day because they guided and helped me! The women in Kenya are very “take control” people, they believe in doing it themselves, whatever it is that needs to be done. And the girls in school are following along with that attitude. Please keep all the students in your prayers for a healthy relationship with our Savior that will guide them and teach them the way to live, now and into the future.

On Friday I helped Ruth prepare lunch. Now that may sound easy but we started at 9:30am and ate at 2pm! First we had to go to the market and get tomatoes, parsley, green peppers, onions, and kerosene for her stove (which is a one burner camp stove; luckily she had two of these). Then we had to go to the butcher for the meat. They hadn’t butchered by the time we went by so we got the rest of our stuff first then back to the butchers. Around 10 they had butchered so we were able to get what Ruth wanted, cow intestines. Ok it was my first trip to a butcher and it isn’t pretty! Liver, stomach, and intestines all laying on the counter and you pick out what you want – and believe me there is no USDA stamp on this meat, it’s straight from the cow!

That goes along with the OSHA here are a couple of examples of it: the first is the fundi (craftsman) working on the nursery room window – see his flip-flops? The second is Chuck working on the plug for the generator using a Maasai knife! The third is the junction box for the electricity – no circuit breakers, just wires at 220v!

Here’s a picture of the nursery room with their new windows. This room was very dark with only one window and one door and the walls are all stone so no paint to reflect any sun coming in. Now the room has these two new windows and it is very light in the room now. Just one of the upgrades that are happening around the school thanks to God moving in your hearts to help.

Since you are reading this that means we have electricity at home. You would not believe how dark it is here at night without any lights, it’s scary dark! Thanks for your prayers for my back, it is doing quite well and I thank God for His healing.

Easter Sunday! He is raised from the dead and He is Lord! “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.” Psalms 35:28 Spent the morning in church and the youth pastor spoke today. He is very kind and does some English so we can keep involved. It was great to see all the youth recite their memory verses and hear the choir sing on this glorious Easter morning. After church we went shopping for a birthday cake for Ruth (today was her 38th birthday) and a special meal for the kids. We took the cake, milk, goat meat and flour for chapattis (it’s like a tortilla) to the school and while Ann and Faith were preparing the meal the kids danced and sang for us using a jug for a drum! I loved this kid’s creativity with making a hat out of leaves and sticks!

Before heading to Nairobi on Monday morning I visited Mr. Muindi, a neighbor at the school and the one making our new gate. He’s almost finished with it but here it is in progress. Then in Nairobi we found a coffee house so I was excited, but the main thing was finding more items that were needed at the school. Tala is much smaller than Nairobi so we can’t always find the items we need in Tala. But though Nairobi is bigger you have to know where to find the items you need. So we were lucky in finding a mall with a “circuit city/home depot” type store to get some tools, hair cutting set and possibly a generator (it was getting late so we’ll check around Tala for one and if we can’t find one we’ll pick this one up next time we’re in Nairobi). On the way home from Nairobi it was around 7:30pm and dark. We saw children, about 8 years old, walking along the side of the road by themselves. It was very sad to see.

Update – on Tuesday Chuck and Gideon found a generator in Tala. They ordered it and will have the electrician set it up. We told Ruth about it and she said that would be great because whenever the electricity goes out they have to feel around to find anything – they don’t have any torches (flashlights) or candles to use. I can testify to how dark it gets around here in a blackout. We came home one night to a blackout and parked the car about 20 feet from our door. When the lights went off in the car you couldn’t see the house! So with the kids in the dorm area, which is shaped like a rectangle with a courtyard in the middle of it, it gets very dark with no light and the walls around the courtyard.

A few updates for you on the van: 1) the van is jumping out of reverse now and the driver has to hold the gear shift in place to go backwards 2) the seat next to the sliding door is almost off its bracket – you have to balance yourself on it 3) the sliding door can’t be opened from the outside – you have to reach in through the window and while you are using the handle you have to bang on the other end of the door to get it to move. So keep those donations coming in for the van – remember they are being matched for another week.

I thought this picture was great! My back was aching just watching these women pick through the avocados!

Here are grass-thatched houses that squatters are living in still today. Pauline grew up in this type of house.

I was interviewing the nursery students today and that is like pulling teeth! We had the teacher in with us but still they don’t want to talk! But they are cute!!

What a day! (Thursday the 20th) I woke up this morning fine but when I got up from my reading my back went out! Anyone who has had back issues understands that this was not a fun situation. We’ll see how the day progresses!

We got to school and I pretty much walked around very slowly or was sitting in a very straight chair all day. The kids were so concerned they were wondering if we had an accident. The ones who can speak English asked me what was wrong; they asked “does it hurt when you walk?” I told them “a little bit.” “Oh pole” (pronounced poh-lay, meaning sorry) and one little guy told me to keep exercising because he said that would help me get better. They were all so sweet and the nursery and pre-unit students held my hand and walked around the school with me during their lunch break. While I was walking around one little boy came running up to me and with a sore back I tensed everything up anticipating a collision! But he stopped in front of me, gave me a big hug and ran off! When Catherine (our head mistress who I have been spelling her name wrong) saw me and asked what was wrong the first thing she said was “the devil is a liar!” She said that the devil hates what’s happening at the Academy and is trying to tear down the workers. First Ruth got Malaria, then Catherine gets Pneumonia, then my back goes out. Ruth, Catherine and I were thanking God for being our strength and provider of all things! He heals and comforts us all and we thank Him for that!

Today we welcomed a new student, Tate (pronounced Tah-tee) to Nice View. (this is the best picture I could get of him so far.) He was going to a public school but was unable to pay the fees, so he was relying on the good intentions of his teachers who were helping him out with fees. He is a very bright student and scores very highly on the official tests given. His mother visited us at the Academy very desperate to get Tate sponsored since she cannot afford the fees and his teachers from the public school are not a reliable source of continued support. His mother works for a family and she stays with them and can only visit Tate when she has a day off. His older brother has just been registered at a school where he will board, so Tate is home alone (he is in class 8 which means he is between 12-14 years old). So he is now enrolled at Nice View and we are going to visit his home and look into getting him as a boarder so he will not have to stay at home by himself. He told us the night before he was trying to cook his evening meal when his shirt caught on fire. Thank God he wasn’t hurt but he was upset that his shirt was burned, some of his brothers and mother’s clothes were burned and his mother’s bible. We outfitted him with a yellow t-shirt, a set of clothes, a bible, a toothbrush and toothpaste and a backpack to carry it all in. He was very shy but I’m hoping that is only because he’s in a new school. Please pray for continued support for Nice View so that children like Tate can be brought into the school for food, shelter, clothing, education and most of all the love of God shown to them.

After church on Good Friday we went to the school and handed out suckers. Those kids were so excited and happy. It's such a blessing to see their smiling faces everytime we go to the school. Thank you God for such a wonderful experience.

Here’s a picture of our existing gate. By next week we will have a much stronger, better looking gate but I wanted you to see what is there now!

By the way, is this OSHA certified?

Catching you all up - again!

Yesterday we went into Nairobi again to get text books, inner wear (underwear), PE shorts and some miscellaneous items. While Chuck, Gideon and Kathryn were getting those supplies gathered Pauline and I went into the Maasai Market. It’s a huge flea market type gathering every Tuesday in Nairobi. The Maasai started it but now all the tribes bring their wares to sell. I got stuff from the Maasai, Akamba, Lua, and Kukuyu tribes. Then it was off to lunch at the Pizza Inn! Pauline loves pizza now so whenever we head into Nairobi she plans on pizza for lunch! Kathryn took the tomato sauce and salt packets with her so she could show the kids. Most of them have never seen it in packages like that so she said it would be a treat and excitement for the kids. When we pulled into the school we had a mob surround us to help carry the packages. They all know that there is something in there for them and they were hoping to get a glimpse of what was inside! But it was all packaged up and I told Chuck we should wait a couple of days to let the excitement build! When they brought the packages into the store they all looked around at the books and were talking excitedly among themselves – they can’t wait to get at the books!
After lunch Chuck and I walked around the school property and went onto the first floor that they poured Monday. This is going to be a great building and I thank God for allowing us to see it go up. It will be a fantastic classroom facility and be able to house many more children.
While I was interviewing kids today I had a couple of heart wrenching stories (although every one of these children has one). One boy came in and Ruth took a small insect off his collar and I noticed she held it in her hand until the boy left. She showed it to me and asked if I knew what it was. It looked like a tic but she said it was a bed bug, which means that the area where this child sleeps is very dirty. She said that they are like tics in that they will attach themselves to the person and suck the blood. So if you have several you can get very weak from loss of blood. The other child (a girl) is a border here and her brother is in school here but unable to be a border because of lack of space and lack of funds for additional food. These are the reasons funding is needed for all areas of the Academy – bringing in additional children in need to give them an education, food, clothing and hope that others care about them and most importantly that God loves them. One child, when asked why he likes to learn English, he said because when he learns English he will someday be somebody. I told him he is already somebody because God loves him!
Today local actors came and put on small skits for the kids. I taped some of it but didn’t understand any of it since they were speaking in Kiswahili. So I didn’t laugh where I was supposed to, but the kids enjoyed it. I asked Ruth what it was all about and she said the first skit was about AIDS, the second was about being obedient to your parents and the third was jokes to lighten up the mood! When they finished one of the actors explained some of the words and actions because they used some tough Kiswahili words for the kids. Then with the help of Ruth and a teacher we handed out candy to everyone for being good listeners during the performance.

Here's a picture of the construction from the first floor! What an amazing sight! Love to all and thanks for all the prayers and support.

Lots of information and pictures

I forgot to tell you that yesterday I was invited into the “Fanaka” group! For those of you who don’t know Kiswahili that’s Blessed group. Pauline meets once a month with a group of ten women who read scripture, pray for one another, talk and encourage each other. I didn’t stay for this meeting since they were all speaking Kiswahili. But when I returned I took a picture of everyone (with the tripod to include Pauline!) and printed a copy off for each one before they left. They were like little kids getting a present! Gideon said they don’t see that type of technology and are used to waiting days for a picture. It’s fun to watch the kids and the adults alike. When we went to Machakos the other day, Michael drove us there since Gideon’s car isn’t trustworthy enough to get us there and back, and over lunch Chuck was explaining how bar coding worked in the United States. I told Chuck later that Michael was so enthralled with that technology, it’s like you are introducing a brand new concept to people. It’s very exciting with the children to see their minds expand and watch them wonder how these things can be done. That’s why the library is so important and getting these kids better educated with better materials for the teachers. God has given these children a unique opportunity to understand poverty yet know that they have hope beyond what this world can offer. We are encouraging them that they can become the next generation of leaders in Kenya and make a difference in another child’s life.

While Pauline was having her Fanaka meeting I went with Chuck and Gideon to meet the owner of the bore hole where we get water from for the school. He is a great man, Simon, and he is in the progress of increasing the production of water to better facility the expanding school and into the future of the school. It’s been wonderful to see these kids going to the faucet, turn it on and get a fresh cup of water to drink. Bwana asifiwe (Praise God)!

Now for some events I’ve talked about before but with pictures! The first one is when we handed out t-shirts. It was fun watching the little ones trying to get their shirts on! The next two pictures are visiting day. This happens every Saturday, parents, guardians, grandparents or whoever is responsible for the child comes to the Academy to visit the children who stay at the school. Not everyone gets a visitor, but each family that comes with food and treats never hesitates to involve another child who has no one. The next two pictures are when we handed out the Bibles. I love the student on the right already reading it! And the other one is of the teachers with their Bibles. Then we have Chuck’s attempt to hand out candy on his own! He got mobbed and you can see the little ones getting squished and the older kids got more than one piece! But Teacher Jane who came and created order out of the riot saved him! From now on he will get a teacher, Ruth or Gideon to control the mob before handing out anything!
I’ve begun my day at the school in a blessed way! I had to deliver some cooking oil to the kitchen and the nursery student’s classroom is next to the kitchen. When I walked by I had to peek my head in and say “Sasa”, that’s hi, how’s it going? etc. to the younger generation and they replied “fete” meaning we are fine, things are good, etc. Then I got to give out many hugs and kisses to them! What a great way to start a school day! Here’s the Nursery class getting their toothbrushes. As a matter of fact, when I visited the classroom the two who were absent wanted their toothbrushes! So they came back to the office with me (along with some tag-alongs to see what was happening) and received their toothbrush!

The construction for the first floor is in full force. I’m not going to put any pictures of that part because you really need to see it on video. The men will fill buckets with stone and sand, run to the cement mixer, throw it in and then run back to fill up again. The when it is mixed they pour it out where two more men fill two buckets (pretty large ones) and hook it to a winch that takes it to the first floor. It is amazing compared to the construction in the States. After seeing this video I don’t think many construction people will have much to complain about!!

Just about every day someone comes to the school to talk to Gideon about their grandchild, child or a child they are taking care of. They want them to come to the school and many of them cannot pay the fees, so they are asking for assistance. The Academy is full right now but people are seeing the new building and assuming we can fit the children in. We’ve also had many parents come in seeking employment. Again they assume that since the building is going up we need people. We are telling them that after the building is done then we will need people to work, but they will have to wait until that time. It’s heartbreaking because many of the parents and guardians really want to contribute something to their child’s education and by working and helping at the school they are doing that. Many of them see the importance of an education to raise the standard of living, that’s why they want the children to be brought into the school, with or without fees available for them to pay. I told Chuck that I would rather see the children here and in school than running the streets and getting into trouble, but that requires money – that’s where all of you come in! I’m getting all the pictures of the children individually so we can let you know who needs a sponsor for fees, clothing, etc.

Here’s another difference for you. I went with Ruth to the doctors for her second injection out of three for Malaria. While we were there the doctor told her that one of our teachers tested positive for pneumonia and gave Ruth the pills to give to the teacher! Apparently no HIPPA here!

Again I ask for everyones prayers for the continuing safety of the construction crew, staff and students of Nice View Academy.

Lesson learned in Kenya

Today I had a funny thing happen to me in church (how many times do you get to say that?) We were watching the youth choir singing and a little girl came up to me and smiled, so I picked her up and she sat on my lap. She kept looking back at me and smiling and we were having a nice time. Then she fell asleep, it was so cute because she had her little hands folded on her lap and she was leaning against me sleeping. Well, she must have felt pretty comfortable because then she wet herself – all over me and her! She didn’t even wake up! And wouldn’t you know it I wore a white skirt to church! Pauline took me and the little girl outside where I let my skirt dry before going back into church. I found out later that the little girl was there with her big brother and they stay at the church all day long until someone sends them home. Ruth said sometimes they are clean and sometimes not. The little one wasn’t clean today especially after wetting herself. I saw her later in the day and she was wearing the same dirty dress, but she has the cutest smile! That brings me to another funny story. Babies here wear “napkins” which we call diapers. Gideon said that most of the kids that are starting to walk don’t wear them so those accidents happen all the time.
So onto another funny story about “napkins”, Chuck asked Josephine (she is Pauline’s niece, lives with them and helps with cooking and cleaning) for a napkin to wipe his hands and she gave him the funniest look! She couldn’t figure out why he would want a “diaper” to wipe his hands on! So we found out they are called soviets (pretty much pronounced like Soviet Union!) Now we ask for a soviet instead of a napkin!
Ruth is feeling a little better today, but feeling quite exhausted. She did sing at church today but later in the afternoon she wanted to go home and sleep. She’s to go to the doctors tomorrow for another injection, so please continue to pray for her recovery.
I didn’t take any pictures today, so here are a couple of pictures from previous days. The first two are the van – you can see why we need to get a new one! The next two are before and after pictures of the new store. You can see how much shelf space we now have and it’s wonderful. Kathryn and Ruth are very excited about it because now they can see what’s needed and what is running low. A simple thing like organizing supplies can create such joy! The last photo is a nursery student – isn’t she the cutest?!
Remember that all donations for the next two weeks will be matched up to $10,000! Tell all your friends, relatives and co-workers about it! Thank you for opening your hearts to these children. Ruth has talked to many parents and they are asking why this is happening to their children. She is telling them that God wants these children to know that they are not worthless and have a future and a hope in this world. Pray for the Academy that God’s will and plans will be fulfilled.

See the pictures!!!

GO BACK AND READ OLD POSTS - WE HAVE PICTURES!!!!!

It was a busy day today! While in Tala with Pauline (she was getting her hair done) I almost got run over by an ox cart! I’m not used to watching out for those so luckily Pauline pulled me out of the way before the cart ran over my foot! When we were in town Chuck and Gideon went to the Academy to check the progress of the construction. The workers got all the forms ready to pour concrete on Monday for the first floor. After spending the day in Tala we went to the Academy for lunch and to fix the store (storage room)/temporary library. Tarrin will be very happy because we got the dictionary put on the shelf! We already had one student ask about the library and is very excited to check out a book. He will have to wait though until Ruth gets a system in place. Speaking of Ruth, she was feeling sick the past few days and this morning was feeling very bad. So she went to the doctors and was diagnosed with malaria. It is pretty common around here and hopefully the malaria pills we are taking will keep us from getting it. After she got a couple of injections she said she was feeling better already. So please keep Ruth in your prayers for quick healing. The boy who cut his foot is doing much better too. The doctor wants to see him in a couple of days to change the bandages and check when the sutures can come out.
We were talking with Christopher (Mr. Mawinde who stays and works at the Academy) about how much has happened to the school in a short period of time. He is very happy and tells us that many parents and guardians have expressed their joy over the happenings at the school. We have received many gifts from parents, from the chicken to mangoes to bananas. We are very thankful for each and every one of them because they are given out of love and appreciation for what God is doing in all our lives.

Here are a few miscellaneous pictures just because I can!!! The first is mwaitu (mum) Gideons mum. The next two are just hanging around school!

We didn’t visit Sister Pauline today because we had some business to attend to in Tala before school. The afternoon was quite busy because the construction crew is getting ready to pour the slab for the first floor. It was pretty neat watching them get the planks ready – they cut a tree down from the property, trim the bark off it with a chain saw and then cut individual planks. They are pretty accurate with the cuts, but watching them actually making the planks is amazing! They plan on pouring the cement tomorrow and get it formed for the first floor. It’s going to be exciting to see it go up! Thanks to all of you for making this possible! God is working here in Tala and not only us, but everyone around can see it!
Then just before we were about to leave it started raining. And when it rains here you don’t do anything! So we sat in the office working on computers, talking and reading. There’s no rush around here to get anywhere or do anything! I want to go over to the dorms and see how they look now after a rain. Before we got the stone poured in the courtyard it got very muddy and messy for the borders, but now we have stone down so it will stay a little neater. Please keep the students, staff and workers in your prayers for safety and good studies (although I don’t think that is good grammer!)

Here’s a picture of the dorm area with the new stone after the rain. The teachers who stay here loved it because it wasn’t messy with mud and the kids weren’t slipping around. So we’ve started putting stone in the school yard area too so that will be less muddy during the rains.

Another hot day today so no visiting, but Pauline had school business in Machakos so we went with her there. The land there is beautiful and it’s kind of like Phoenix, in a valley. But their mountains are very green compared to Phoenix. They also have a spot as you progress down into the valley that when you stop there and pour water on the ground it will run uphill not down! We tried it and it’s true! We also left the car in neutral and watched as it rolled uphill! It was crazy! When we got back to the Academy we didn’t have any computers plus the electricity was down so I took a nap! So it was a very lazy afternoon. Before we left a group of girls were marching and singing. The leader is a student and very good at organizing the girls. She got them all together for this picture! I had to shoo the boys away because it’s a “girls only” club! Then just as we were leaving a child cut his foot on a latrine door so we had to take him to the doctors. Nothing to serious, thank God and thankfully we were still at the Academy with a vehicle to take him to the doctors! It’s those little miracles that we sometimes forget to see, but I thank God for them.
Tonight for dinner we had fresh Talipia from the market. My stand on food here is don’t ask, don’t tell! We are being very careful with the water though and Pauline is a big help in that area because she doesn’t drink the water either! We picked the fish up before dinner already prepared but it had its head and tail on! Grace (Pauline and Gideon’s daughter) and I couldn’t look at it so they had Evelyn cut the heads off. After that it was quite tasty! But Pauline thought it was funny that I didn’t like the head on the fish. I had a laugh with her though because she couldn’t believe that I eat crab! I told her when she comes to the states she’ll have to try it since I’m trying so many African dishes! Then we received a call from the doctor who said he’d have to take the boy into the hospital because he had torn his tendon in his heel. He’ll be ok but it was a little more than just a bad scrape. Keep him in your prayers for quick healing and no infection.
Tomorrow we are visiting Sister Pauline at the Holy Rosary College just down the road from the Academy. The campus was broken into a few nights ago so we are going to offer our regrets for the situation. Thankfully no one was hurt but it gave us some conversation because the two night watchmen there ran away when the intruders came in! So we asked how our night watchmen would react and Gideon said they would stay and protect the children. We have some wonderful, God-fearing people working here. Please keep the staff and students of Nice View in your prayers. Tuonane kesho! (see you tomorrow!)

I am still trying to get used to “African time”! There seems to be no planning, just wake up, decide what you are going to do that day and then figure out how you will do it. Even the timing throughout the day is not scheduled. Just whenever you get around to doing something it will begin to get done (not finished!) We were having tea when a student (Kaffa, who is the son of the head mistress Kathryn) came into the office to introduce us to a new student, Jimmy. Kaffa was very proud to be brave enough to come and introduce Jimmy to the “white visitors”! Chuck told Jimmy that we would get him a t-shirt since he wasn’t here when they were handed out and Kaffa quietly asked, “A bible too?” We told him of course! Word is spreading quickly that God is doing something at Nice View and to see the hope and excitement in the children is a blessing that only God could have created.
No visiting today because it was very hot. The day started out misty but very quickly became hot and humid. So it was a slow, African afternoon! I did get some stuff done on the computer – but no internet. We are trying out Pauline’s internet to see if that works faster than 9.6 kbs! If so I may try to put some pictures on the site. If you see a picture you might want to go back and re-read the entries because I’ll try to put past pictures on to bring you up to date. And by the way, my chicken tasted delicious! I said I probably wouldn’t have been able to eat it if I’d watched it get slaughtered! The women all thought that was pretty funny.
Even though we were frustrated tonight with communication issues we thank God for the little bit we had! That’s one thing I’m learning here, God is providing everything in His perfect timing and what little we receive is a blessing. That is the opinion of everyone at the Academy – God’s providence is perfect! We are seeing God’s love through the many people we meet. They have a heart for these children and I thank God for the opportunity to be here with them.

Bibles and chickens!

What a blessed day today! We handed out the bibles today and the kids were really excited. When Chuck was getting them ready some of the kids came to the window and asked if they’d be receiving anything today. So we made sure that all the bibles were handed out. Even the teachers and the adults around the compound received a bible. Everyone was very happy and thankful for the gift. Because of your help these children and adults will be able to read the word of God! We even had the youth pastor of the AIC church come by and say that he would be willing to teach a bible class to each grade once a week. Bwana asifiwe (praise God!) for others reaching out to these children and showing them the love of Christ in action.
Now on a lighter note, I received my chicken today! I have a picture but you won’t be able to see it until I get back! ! Pola (sorry!) My kids know how much I love birds (that’s sarcasm!) and I was holding the chicken in the picture. I was smiling but it was a very nervous smile. And no I didn’t slaughter it! I left that to Ruth because she is more adept at it and has done it several times before. It will be our lunch tomorrow so I will let you know how he tasted! We were also brought some mangoes from a mother of a student who is very thankful that we are here to help the children. I thanked God for them and their thoughtfulness in giving us such a significant gift – food from their table of what little they have.
We got some background on Ruth today, she told us her story and she is a very strong woman of faith for what she has gone through. Her husband was murdered several years ago and her children were taken from her to stay with her husband’s family – that is the custom of her husband’s tribe. She was actually supposed to be “inherited” by her brother-in-law but since she is a Christian, she refused. His family was ok with that as long as she left the children. She did say that they are taking very good care of them and she is able to speak with them often. So please pray for her continued strength as she “mother’s” all the children at the Academy.
Tomorrow we plan on visiting some more families. I love going out to meet them and see where they live because they are such genuine people. Your prayers are felt here as God continues to bless each and every day. Thank you Lord for your providence in every aspect of our lives.

You are now up to date!

Wimuseo? (How are you?) Today we decided to go into Nairobi. I’m not thrilled with going in since it is such a busy city and a lot of pollution. They definitely do not have emissions testing, or an EPA! But before we left I met a mother and a grandmother of three students (Gideon, Rosemary and Kelvin). They were the students that we went to visit their homes and they wanted to come and thank us for helping their children. I told them that God has brought us here and we are thankful for the opportunity. Gideon’s mother is bringing me a chicken tomorrow as a thank you. I had to ask the stupid question though – will it be live or ready to eat? Of course it will be live and then I had to ask who was going to slaughter it? The answer was a resounding, Tammy! I begged off on that very quickly and said I would watch but I don’t think I could actually slaughter it. We’ll see what happens tomorrow!
So in Nairobi we were able to get some school supplies for the kids. Like pencils, pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, chalk, rulers, compasses, protractors, notebooks for writing homework problems, and a set of books for the teachers to help them teach what tests will be given to the students when they move from class 8 to form one (8th grade to 9th grade). Those will be very helpful to increase the standard at the academy. Thank you all for your prayers and your patience as we struggle to get internet! Pauline and Gideon don’t see the rush to get information to you because we are now on African time! I have it down during the day, but when I want to get on the internet and update you it gets very frustrating!
Tomorrow I will be taking more pictures and information from the kids. As soon as that is finished I want to go around and film the classes in progress, so I need to get to that because they are on break the month of April. Please continue to pray for God’s will to be done here in Tala and His providence will continue to bless those being helped.

Worship services in Tala, Kenya!

We left for church around 9:45 and got to the AIC (African Inland Church) in Tala with enough time to meet a few people. We seem to be the local celebrities which enables us to meet a lot of people in town! Here at the AIC they have a service in English for the secondary students at 9 am along with Sunday school for the younger children (Grace and Eric attend that class) then at around 10 the second service begins and that is in the Akamba language. They have about an hour of worship, with singing by the choir, the youth and young adults. They are quite animated in their singing and I can’t wait to show you some video. But with our slow internet that is impossible here. That will have to wait until we are back in the States! During the offering the people who couldn’t afford the tithe would bring in produce from their shamba (farm) and after the offering was taken they would auction off the produce and the cash would go to the church. That was a little strange because I felt like I was at an auction! But it was neat to see the people get involved. They introduced us to the church and the pastor is very excited to have us working with Gideon, the Academy, and the local destitute children. I’ve noticed that everyone I meet is willing to give me everything they have. Pauline said that what little they have they get much joy from giving it to those in need. We went to a fundraiser after church for a local pastor and his family to raise money for the tuition of his children’s education. (It is said that schooling is free in Kenya, but there are annual fees that need to be paid, so it is far from free.) People were happy to give 10, 50, 100 schillings of what little they have in order to help someone else. Pauline said they do this quite often for other needs of members of their church. This helps everyone to feel as if they are in a community and helping one another. She said the pastor is changing things up a bit in the church and requiring everyone to have a task at the church. That way if someone is doing two things, they will now only have to do one because everyone will have a job or responsibility at the church. It’s their way of involving people and making them feel responsible for their church. It was such a blessing to see everyone giving to a cause they felt called to give to. Another way they helped raise money was by selling boiled eggs! You can purchase an egg at the market for about 7 schillings, but they were starting the sale at 100 schillings each! After we purchased our eggs we sat down to eat them while others were still purchasing. Then they started to reduce the price until finally they left it up to the individual as to how much they could afford! It was a great way to raise some money and Pauline said sometimes they will bake a cake and do the same thing with tiny pieces. When we left the pastors wife gave us a pumpkin as a thank you for what we had contributed. These people are very concerned for the education of their children and it was a good thing to see in the midst of true poverty. Please pray that these adults will continue to make education a priority and with your help we can achieve the level of excellence that is needed for this country at the Academy. Mungu is good! (God is good). Here is a picture of the van we had to tie the door shut on!

To Komarock Shrine

We slept in a little today, getting up around 7 and having breakfast around 8. Then we headed out to Komarock Shrine. It was very beautiful and serene. We were able to meet Father Thomas who is in charge here and saw the beautiful, rustic church! It’s very different than any attraction in the States – for instance, no fences/guardrails/blockades around the top of the shrine. You can climb on the shrine and believe it or not no graffiti! So we spent the morning there then over to the opposite side of the hill (the hill is divided, one side is catholic, the other is Protestant!) to the Kangundo Bible College. They have 33 students and when they finish their four year term they are dispersed into the neighboring villages to preach at the churches. They were very nice and were very happy to pose for a picture! And don’t cry Tarrin but here is the college’s library!
We took a quick tour of Pauline’s school where she works, Father Heeron’s Secondary School, which is like high school. Still very rustic but bigger than our Academy.
Then for lunch we had Ugali, which is maize flour mixed with water and looks like a cake! When Pauline asked me what it was I told her it looked like a cake so now that’s the joke when we have Ugali, we are having corn cake! And we have that with spinach and eat it with your hands, that’s the African way!
Now we are working on getting internet. Sorry for having all this to read but I’ve been writing daily in Microsoft Word until we are able to get this all on the blog! Hope you have enjoyed the reading! God has truly blessed us with this opportunity and I pray that you will be touched by what you have read here and the pictures you see of the children at the Academy and at their homes. These children and the people caring for them are giving everything they have to us and I pray that I can take what they’ve given me and show you their love and thanks for all that’s happened, through God, here at the Academy. Kwa heri – goodbye. May God bless you and keep you in His embrace.