Hi All
Saturday, we held VBS at Pastor J.'s church. It was so much fun but because of the rains only about 70 children made it. We sang songs, did skits, colored and had candy and snacks. Thank you Pastor J. for allowing this time!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday Worship - Bwana Asafiri Mungu
And worship we did!!! Learned a new song - in KiSwahili praising God. Many of our painting 'buddies' were there --- we hugged each other like lost friends.
Loved the way they are doing the Bible Studies; called Discovery Bible Study. They take a section of scripture, read it, and then ask each person how they understand it and how to apply it 'TODAY'. What insight can be gained!
Songs, prayers, caring for one another, and hearing God's Word are all part of the experience. Their Worship Team was lead by Pastor A's. wife - T. and lifted everyone's spirit. E., who helped Gil with the computers, and is a computer student, was also the worship leader. The worship leader plays a keyboard and runs the sound board and sings.
Pastor A. is loved by his congregation and his message was a segway into Kathy's message ' Into All the Nations'. We all were able to give our testimony which spoke to the heart of many. I am not used to wearing a long skirt and almost tripped over it on my way onto stage.
Songs, prayers, caring for one another, and hearing God's Word are all part of the experience. Their Worship Team was lead by Pastor A's. wife - T. and lifted everyone's spirit. E., who helped Gil with the computers, and is a computer student, was also the worship leader. The worship leader plays a keyboard and runs the sound board and sings.
Pastor A. is loved by his congregation and his message was a segway into Kathy's message ' Into All the Nations'. We all were able to give our testimony which spoke to the heart of many. I am not used to wearing a long skirt and almost tripped over it on my way onto stage.
We are the same around the world with struggling in our everyday lives and looking to God for direction.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Update: Washing the Feet of the Saints! Empowering the Women of Ngomongo
Hi All,
Ngomongo village was very fruitful. We met women who invested in micro enterprise efforts though selling pigs, growing bananas, a grocery, salon, selling used clothing and coal. Will explain the process of how and why they set the micro loans with "table money" through LifeWay Int'l. rather than a bank leading to a huge accountability factor! : ) We met a young lady who is able to go to college because of her mom's grocery; part of being accepted into the group is learning how to save. They are able to provide food for the family, plus invest in their future and other women. Amazing that some groups are now helping to support church planters to unreached people groups.
"Ngomongo" means, place of many rocks and for many women it is also a place of "hard knocks" as life is very difficult for them because many of them have been abandoned by their husbands and left with many mouths to feed.
We went to a different section of the village than I was at in 2009 and met new women investing in micro enterprise efforts. I'll post the photos later and tell you their stories of why and how they became empowered to care for themselves through LifeWay International and many other organizations.
Praise God that women are finding their voice in society. Alcoholism and drug addiction is rampant among the men.
Lee started a new micro-enterprise effort showing community members how to give manicures and pedicures. The Women's Empowerment group will also use the knowledge Lee imparted to go into the community twice per month to just love on the women by giving them these manicures and pedicures. These women will experience the power of love and service! To wash the feet of these women is uncommon and not something no one would even dare to consider doing, so this is truly an act of love and a true washing the feet of the saints!
Love, Kathy
Ngomongo village was very fruitful. We met women who invested in micro enterprise efforts though selling pigs, growing bananas, a grocery, salon, selling used clothing and coal. Will explain the process of how and why they set the micro loans with "table money" through LifeWay Int'l. rather than a bank leading to a huge accountability factor! : ) We met a young lady who is able to go to college because of her mom's grocery; part of being accepted into the group is learning how to save. They are able to provide food for the family, plus invest in their future and other women. Amazing that some groups are now helping to support church planters to unreached people groups.
"Ngomongo" means, place of many rocks and for many women it is also a place of "hard knocks" as life is very difficult for them because many of them have been abandoned by their husbands and left with many mouths to feed.
To the Cloud
Gil & E. worked yesterday to get the systems on the internet ---- and networked. Because of the limitation of available electrical outlets, they were not able to get all 6 up and going at the same time --- but SUCCESS -- Thank You, Lord. E. was able to call support to get the last bit of information needed. Not only did they get the new systems up - they were able to get A.'s and N.'s computers hooked into the internet. Today - it is off to Vacation Bible School and 150 kids...pray for us and it's raining!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Paint & Computers win the Day!
Good morning from Kenya! Our tummies are full, and we are prepared for another full day of seeing God's work. Last night - we watched a high school group provide entertainment at dinner; wish I could move the same way they can...lots of laughs - amazed at their dancing - couldn't understand all they were saying but what fun anyway.
Today will be our first day outside Nairobi after 3 days of painting. We couldn't do it all ourselves - so they graciously helped us....12' high ceilings...hmmm, I'm 5'2", so I had a 7' pole with a roller on the end to paint the ceiling...I got paint everywhere! But we all had laughs about our speckles. Some of our helpers had never painted before so they learned a new skill. There is joy in working together - some of the time we sang praise songs that echoed down the hall. Oh yes, at the end of the hall was an open door on the second floor with no porch/railing...just straight down; no one fell out! 
Gil started on the computers --- we actually had electricity yesterday, it was out the day before. What excitement when we saw the 'Google' home page come up on the screen. The big challenge today is to get the wireless network going so the other computers can also get onto the internet. Gil is working with different internet supplier, hardware, and software than what we have in the U.S. --- he is having a great time learning all this new stuff.
Last night, I tried goat meat --- a little too greasy for me. Ever tried banana in tomato sauce? Interesting...but they have 'tea' as most of you know keeps me going! The smashed peas with sweet potatoes was a good flavor - but I passed on the gizzards.
Oh yes, we saw a huge bird flying above us --- all white along the bottom of the body and the wings - we found out this is an Eagle that eats the 'running chickens' (free-range). We were advised not to order the 'running chicken' from the menu because they are very tough - we followed their advice. Yea!
As we head out to evaluate micro-enterprises in a new section of a village. Lee will propose her new micro-enterprise idea - T. is very excited about this. We will also be visiting their school. You should see Lee with the children - they love her. She engages them in dodge ball, or catch, or just talking/hugging.
Oh yes, Kathy is a true leader --- keeps us out of trouble. She has been visiting with J. & A. - and is always present to help us. Most of all she encourages us when we are tired. All the snacks we brought have come in handy. M&M's were not a known candy to some of the helpers - including Pastor J...they loved them. The grocery store here carries them as well.
Love you all - we pray you are all safe.
Oh yes, we saw a huge bird flying above us --- all white along the bottom of the body and the wings - we found out this is an Eagle that eats the 'running chickens' (free-range). We were advised not to order the 'running chicken' from the menu because they are very tough - we followed their advice. Yea!
Oh yes, Kathy is a true leader --- keeps us out of trouble. She has been visiting with J. & A. - and is always present to help us. Most of all she encourages us when we are tired. All the snacks we brought have come in handy. M&M's were not a known candy to some of the helpers - including Pastor J...they loved them. The grocery store here carries them as well.
Love you all - we pray you are all safe.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Painting ceilings was not in the contract....
Up early for breakfast and devotions. Our hotel is very peaceful. We are rested up and ready to go to the training center. We discussed with Aila, the logistics for the next two weeks.
Gil spent time mapping a network plan for the computers while Sylvia, Lee and I spent time with the teacher and children at the "By-pass Nursery" on site. We had so much fun with them, teaching them English and a game called, dodgeball! Though the weather is 'cool' we learned not to underestimate the underlying heat of the equatorial sun and humidity!
We showed Aila the felt scripture banners loving made by Stacie Gamez, Kim Windsor, Kathy Robertson and Barbara Callahan and two vinyl banners made by Angie Pease! Aila and his wife Turu are so impressed! The banners will make a lovely addition.
We then joined Gill in the equipping center to begin painting the 5 rooms prepped for us on the 2nd floor.We painted the ceilings and walls and will apply a second coat next. We plan to concentrate on the computer room so Gil can unpack and set up the computers and add wireless.
We worked from noon to 5 and came away all speckled in paint! It was good, hard work but does anyone like painting ceilings? I am reminded of Colossians 3:23..."Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.
Love Gil, Sylvia, Lee and Kathy
Gil spent time mapping a network plan for the computers while Sylvia, Lee and I spent time with the teacher and children at the "By-pass Nursery" on site. We had so much fun with them, teaching them English and a game called, dodgeball! Though the weather is 'cool' we learned not to underestimate the underlying heat of the equatorial sun and humidity!
We showed Aila the felt scripture banners loving made by Stacie Gamez, Kim Windsor, Kathy Robertson and Barbara Callahan and two vinyl banners made by Angie Pease! Aila and his wife Turu are so impressed! The banners will make a lovely addition.
We then joined Gill in the equipping center to begin painting the 5 rooms prepped for us on the 2nd floor.We painted the ceilings and walls and will apply a second coat next. We plan to concentrate on the computer room so Gil can unpack and set up the computers and add wireless.
We worked from noon to 5 and came away all speckled in paint! It was good, hard work but does anyone like painting ceilings? I am reminded of Colossians 3:23..."Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.
Love Gil, Sylvia, Lee and Kathy
Monday, March 14, 2011
We're in Kenya!
Dear Friends and Family,
This is the first chance we have had to blog since arrival on Monday! If you haven't already, please check Facebook for our mini updates. Facebook is becoming the easiest and quickest mode of communication these days, while on the field.
Thanks to your prayers, we had very smooth and uneventful flights from SFO to Dubai to Kenya.We really enjoyed our overnight stay in Dubai at the Millineum Hotel. We took a 10PM tour of the city and made a few stops along the way to admire the opulence that oil built. I personally don't know anyone that can afford US$35,000 for one night at a hotel.
The best part was that along the way, we met a teacher from Houston on her way to visit a lonely friend who's husband is stationed in Malaysia, a couple returning to live in Tunisia who had left 3 months earlier because of the presidential conflict and a tour group from Malaysia who insisted on snapping our photos with them. Though we didn't make disciples of them, I am reminded of what we have been commissioned to do: Matt 28:19 ...Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them...
We finally arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta airport. All of our luggage arrived and the boxes, though a little battered, were practically unscathed, thanks to Gil and Sylvia doing such a great job of packing them. We had a little hiccup at customs and ended up paying some taxes. I would've had Aila make the argument to waive the fees but, alas, I didn't see him until it was too late! Oh well, I guess that's what we have contingency funds for, right? Finally, we spotted Aila greeting us with his big beautiful smile!
We went straight to the hotel Aila arranged for us and freshened up and had dinner. I'm sure some of you have read my mosquito story on Facebook! Some direclect mosquito made mincemeat out of my arm despite bug repel and netting! All, including Malaria meds, are in effect! Mosquitos beware!
Love to you all fromn Gil, Sylvia, Lee and Kathy
This is the first chance we have had to blog since arrival on Monday! If you haven't already, please check Facebook for our mini updates. Facebook is becoming the easiest and quickest mode of communication these days, while on the field.
Thanks to your prayers, we had very smooth and uneventful flights from SFO to Dubai to Kenya.We really enjoyed our overnight stay in Dubai at the Millineum Hotel. We took a 10PM tour of the city and made a few stops along the way to admire the opulence that oil built. I personally don't know anyone that can afford US$35,000 for one night at a hotel.
The best part was that along the way, we met a teacher from Houston on her way to visit a lonely friend who's husband is stationed in Malaysia, a couple returning to live in Tunisia who had left 3 months earlier because of the presidential conflict and a tour group from Malaysia who insisted on snapping our photos with them. Though we didn't make disciples of them, I am reminded of what we have been commissioned to do: Matt 28:19 ...Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them...
We finally arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta airport. All of our luggage arrived and the boxes, though a little battered, were practically unscathed, thanks to Gil and Sylvia doing such a great job of packing them. We had a little hiccup at customs and ended up paying some taxes. I would've had Aila make the argument to waive the fees but, alas, I didn't see him until it was too late! Oh well, I guess that's what we have contingency funds for, right? Finally, we spotted Aila greeting us with his big beautiful smile!
We went straight to the hotel Aila arranged for us and freshened up and had dinner. I'm sure some of you have read my mosquito story on Facebook! Some direclect mosquito made mincemeat out of my arm despite bug repel and netting! All, including Malaria meds, are in effect! Mosquitos beware!
Love to you all fromn Gil, Sylvia, Lee and Kathy
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Welcome to Team Kenya's Blog! Departure Day is Here!!!!
Dear Friends and Family:
The Big Day has arrived!! Wooo whooooo!!! Thank you all for your prayers! Sylvia is right, we felt your prayers as we prepared to leave and recovered from illness! We are on our way to the airport and Pastor Kyle is driving!
Please continue to pray for Japan, family and friends affected by the tragedy.
Please also continue to pray for us. For a smooth flight and especially check-in and later customs clearance for the 5 boxes of computers donated to the equipping center in Nairobi! As you know, we will also be following-up on the 5 water cisterns donated by CC-MH to villages along the Maasai Mara.
We will blog as often as we can and/or leave updates and photos on Facebook --whichever is easiest to get to at a given moment.
God bless you all --please leave comments for us, we enjoy hearing from you!
Love to all,
Kathy, Lee, Sylvia and Gil
The Big Day has arrived!! Wooo whooooo!!! Thank you all for your prayers! Sylvia is right, we felt your prayers as we prepared to leave and recovered from illness! We are on our way to the airport and Pastor Kyle is driving!
Please continue to pray for Japan, family and friends affected by the tragedy.
Please also continue to pray for us. For a smooth flight and especially check-in and later customs clearance for the 5 boxes of computers donated to the equipping center in Nairobi! As you know, we will also be following-up on the 5 water cisterns donated by CC-MH to villages along the Maasai Mara.
We will blog as often as we can and/or leave updates and photos on Facebook --whichever is easiest to get to at a given moment.
God bless you all --please leave comments for us, we enjoy hearing from you!
Love to all,
Kathy, Lee, Sylvia and Gil
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Welcome to Team Kenya's Blog!!
Hi Friends and Family --Welcome to our blog. We hope you will visit us here often and leave messages of encouragement for us. We are looking forward to spending time with our partners and friends and bringing back a full report on the water cisterns!
--Kathy, Sylvia, Gil, and Lee
--Kathy, Sylvia, Gil, and Lee
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