It's 5 AM and cold....It must be Amsterdam

After enduring a baggage hassle at Nairobi Airport and 9 hours on KLM flight we are now sitting in a quiet and empty Amsterdam Airport.  We were looking forward to their lounge with soft seats and a place to stretch out and ....Guess What?... It's being remodeled.   We were able to find a couple padded seats so we could catch up on our e-mails.

I keep reflecting on our time and especially with the kids and teachers in Huruma.  I keep thinking about more that I wanted to do and just spend more time playing with the kids.  I am pleased that things seem to be going better than last year. 

The Baby Class is smaller with only 20 kids.  There's a little guy in the class that is being assessed and may need special education.  We don't know how blessed we are to have so many opportunities within our school system for special needs children.  Here in Kenya school for special needs are few and far between and then there's the cost and transporting the kids which usually makes it impossible for families.  Teach Rachel always has a smile on her face and deals with the challenges of 20 three and four year olds.  I remember giving them the blocks for the first time and just the delight of playing with them.  When I went into the class on Friday, Rachel was doing a little game with the little foam pieces we left last year.  They find use of every little thing.

Teacher Everlyn's class was so quiet when I slipped in and when they saw me I had to apologize to her for disrupting her class.  She just had a big smile and seemed to welcome the disruption, but wanted me to wait till they handed in their classwork.  Then we got down to business of more pictures and playing with the cars and dolls.  To see the little girls gently wrap their baby dolls in the little fleece blankets just melted my heart.  They were so gentle and so loving and did all the things a loving mom does with her new baby.  I thought of how they all so loved by Jesus and how He cares for them like a mom for her baby.  I am still humbled by those little faces.

Teacher Grace is always so upbeat and does a great job with the Pre-Unit class.  It's terribly overcrowded.  She has the smallest classroom and the most kids (27).  They literally have to walk on the tables to get from one side of the room to the other.  Still she keeps her class engaged with her positive spirit.

Cook Lemi hasn't quit smiling since she got the new stove that was installed last Sept.  She instantly put the baby stove to use.  She no longer has to work in a dark little tin cube with smoke choking her for hours each day.  Her little Michele continues to dance all over the school and wanders into the classes.  She's only 2-1/2 but you know she's picking up everything in the classes and still loves to dance.

Nyambeki works hard to keep things in order and has a heavy load.  She has 4 children in school that she has to support.  Her youngest is Amos who is in Grace's class.  To pay fees for 3 children on approx. $150 a month is a heavy burden.  Her desire is to raise her kids to love the Lord and get an education.  She has done wonders upgrading the school.  One thing was bringing in Salome Jordano to assess the kids.  It has enlighten us to the kids needs and has gone a long way to help us know where the needs are for the families.

Our wonderful Hellen works hard to keep everything running smoothly between the school and Albany, Oregon.  Without her we could not accomplish any of this ministry.  Her dedication to the Lord and these kids is the Heart of this school.  Right now her desire is to start a Children's Home for some of these kids that have no one to care for them.  We have two little guys (now in Cheleta) that have lost their mom and the father is not caring for them.  She is trying to find a place right now so that she can take them and care for them as a Mom.  There are about 4 others that need immediate placement.  Again, Kenya does not have a foster care system and these kids just get lost.  Pray for Hellen as she tries to get the paper work done and find a suitable place for these kids and her own family.  Oh, and she is caring for her mother who has cancer.

Peter Wakori, who grew up in Huruma, is always a tremendous encouragement and takes off work to help me and teams when we come.  Right now he has a burden for the Youth and has asked that we consider sending a team to minister to that age group.  There is such need, but I am often reminded that we have to start with ONE and allow God to multiply His Work.  Peter is one of those "ONES" and he is making a difference in children's lives by his constant care and concern for them.

My time is about to run out, but want to thank each and every one of you who has been praying.  God is making a difference in the lives of these children and their families.  I know there is so much more to do and know that God has His plan to accomplish it.


When I first met Peter 10 years ago at this very spot he was substitute teaching the Pre-Unit Class and tutoring on the side.  Her has a magic way with kids.  He's just a natural and they love him.

These wonderful are the women keep the school a place to love kids and give them the opportunity to become the men and women that God loves and has a plan in place for each of their lives.
Hellen, Cook Lemi, Teachers Grace, Rachel and Everlyn



Just one more hug.  Little Tabitha would grab my legs everytime I walked in the class.  Love her!!

Rachel with Baby Class

Nyambeki giving a little farewell to the children before they run off for home

 You have to love that smile




 

Kwaherini - Good bye!

Hard to say Kwaheri - Hugs and tears

It's hard to believe that we are in the midst of packing (late Friday) and will be leaving around 8:00 am from our last host home.  One the way to the airport we will make some stops and see a few animals. 

We spent this morning doing our "Good-byes".  Sally and Grace went down into Huruma to say their final "good-byes" to Grace's relatives.  I spent the time at the Nursery School giving student pictures to the teachers.  I decided to totally disrupt the classes and get out some of the toys and just play with the kids before I had to leave.  It was hard because they just did not want me to leave and kept asking when are you coming back.  I think I've had too much fun spoiling them.  Not "spoil", just loving on them.

The African Animals are very important to the Kenyan people.  They are taught very young that they are part of their land and they do all they can do to preserve them.  They learn their names in English and even at this young age know each one.

 

Little Boys and Cars

 

Every little boy knows how to make car sounds and likes to see what makes them work.

The Fun Part - Girls and Dolls - I have way too many pictures of these girls with the dolls.  The smiles and hugging never stopped.

 

OK, now that I'm about to cry and want to go back and hug each one and play dolls I better close.

  

Be praying for Sally, Grace and I as we travel home.  Right now I have a terrible head cold and cough along with little sleep the entire 2 weeks.  It's a long, long ride sitting upright in a crowded airplane, but looking forward to seeing PDX and family.

 

Kwaheri from Kenya - See you all soon

 

 

High School & Other Facts

On the Move Again

We packed up for the third time since we've arrived.  We are now back on Rosslyn Academy Campus, but staying at another Teacher's cottage.  One thing I am learning about Missionaries is that they have the gift of hospitality.  The family is already hosting another teacher who is on medical leave.  Their high school age son has given up his room so the three of us can squeeze into the bunk beds and cot while he sleeps on a air mattress in the living room.  And they do it all with a smile on their face.

One Hour Drive to School

Hellen's daughter Ann attends a Boarding High School about one hour outside of Nairobi.  Talk about one crazy ride.  You start out on paved roads and then on to rubble roads and then to dirt roads with large holes and then up a winding hill only to turn off on road that is supposed to be accessed by a motorcycle.  Thank goodness for 4 wheel drive.

Today was Ann's 14th birthday.  We wanted to bring her cupcakes, but she's not allowed food gifts.  In fact, she is only allowed visits from her mother on Wednesdays from 1:20 to 2:00 pm which is the lunch time.  We snuck in a box of chocolates and a package from Bath & Body with a pkg. of candy buried inside.  Well, it's her birthday and they wouldn't let us sing to her!

The school is an all girl's school with 800 students.  A few facts:
1.  Everyone wears the same uniform and responsible to wash their own clothes
2.  NO cell phones allowed - You will be suspended if caught with a phone.
3.  NO laptops or computers.  All work is done by hand and copied from blackboard
4.  50-60 Girls in a classroom
5.  You stay in the same class room ALL day.  The teachers come to you for your subjects.
6.  Class is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  After dinner from 4:30-5:30 you study
7.  Rooms are 8 girls to a "cube" which consists of 4 bunk beds and each girl has a small locker under the bed for her personal belongings.  No dresser.
8.  Extra classes on Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00 pm.  After 1:00 pm is free time but you can NOT leave the school grounds.
9.  Sunday there are two church services.
10.  Cost:  $285 per term (3 terms per school year)
11. Most Kenyan kids do not get to go on to High School after Standard 8 because they just can't afford it and most of the high schools are private.

Teacher's Hours:  In talking to Ann's teacher we thought you would enjoy his schedule.
   1.  Leave home at 6:00 am to arrive at school at 7:30 am (1-1/2 hr. commute)
   2.  School day is 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  School duties till 5:30 pm.  Arrive home at 7:00 pm
   3.  Repeat Monday through Friday and work every other Saturday.





Birthday hug for Ann from Mom - only get to see each other for 40 min.

 

Girls on the march to get lunch

Each girl carries her own plate and then washes it after she finishes

Talking and enjoying short lunch break.  It must have been 90 degrees standing in the sun

Dormitory.  Notice the lines of laundry in foreground.  Sometimes underwear gets stolen

Ann's Form 2 Classroom (Sophomore) - 60 girls in her classroom

 

For all you parents with High School students.  Please share this page with them the next time they complain about how hard they have it in school.

 

Fun Petrol Fact      

The government regulates the price of petrol.  They change the prices on the 14th of the month.  Prior to Jan. 14. the price was ksh 1.22 a liter.  On Feb. 14. it dropped ksh 30 to ksh 92 a liter that equals $4.08.  That's down from about $6.00 a gal. when we were here last year.  Pretty Good!  One thing is that it's the same price at every gas station so no hunting for the best price.

 

 





It's all about Relationships

Liberty Visions

Before going to meet with the teachers I went to see the progress on Liberty Visions as they are building their school by the incoming road.  Chipo Makaya has been to NACC and Santiam Christian and it's amazing to see the progress they are making in just 3 months to expand the school 5 classrooms.  A big "thank you" go Santiam Christian for one of the containers that now houses 3 classrooms.

Container made into 3 classrooms with porch

Makaya Family - Prince, Chipo and Carmel

Inside the Standard 1 (Grade 1) Classroom

 

Peter and John

Peter (23 yrs) and John(25 yrs) are brothers and they have 3 more brothers and 3 sisters.  John went to Huruma Nursery School.  These two young men have quite a testimony of struggles, but their faith in God has been what has brought them through.  Peter had a sponsor that got him through school and he is now an intern and will get his license to be a Doctor next year.  John hopes to return to school after his brother gets his degree as he gave up his opportunity for his younger brother.  God is amazing.

John, Suzan and Peter - little Tabitha is waiting for me to hold her

 

I took the Huruma Staff for Lunch at the little Chicken place next to Nakumatt.  They said that they had never been able to eat there, only able to walk by.  They deserve all the treats they can get

Grace-Rachel-Nyambeki-Everlyn-Lemi and Hellen

 

Lemi learning to use the ATM machine.  We were all laughing, but it's the first time for everyone

 

 

 

 

Tears - Crowns - Bubbles & Rice Krispies

8:00 AM 

When I arrived at the school at 8:00 am today the children were being lined up before class.  They start with singing their National Anthem.  They don't do the pledge because it's too difficult - the opposite of us :-)  Then they sang several songs starting with "We are Free and Wonderfully Made" then "He Will Lift You Up".  I laughed when they sang "Deep and Wide" like we taught them in Sept.  They continued with "If You're Happy and You Know it" and "Jesus Loves Me".  They prayed and marched into their classrooms.

8:30 - 9:00 - 9:30 or until everyone arrives!

This morning was my meeting with the moms of the kids.  About 22 women came.  The rest are casual workers and work when they can so they could not come. I was surprised to see 3 fathers come.  The meeting was for me to share and encourage the women.  I wanted them to know that women share the same hurts, frustrations and feeling of being alone and needing help.  My testimony includes a childhood that mirrors some of these children's lives of fear and not knowing what is going to happen to them.  I encouraged the mom's the cry out to God as he is their Hope.  He promises never to leave us or turn His back on us.  He promises to be our Helper and we are not to give up.  I encouraged them to start meeting together and sharing their hearts with one another and pray one for another.  Some of the women came up afterwards and shared their testimonies and told how difficult life has been, but through their relationship with the Lord He has given them Joy in all things.  Hellen gave an invitation to anyone that might want to ask Jesus into their lives.  No one came forward but there were lots of tears as we ended with praise songs.



 

Jerusala leading the women in praise songs

 

I took pictures of all the ladies that were there and gave them a prayer bookmark with a woman from NACC.  They were overwhelmed to know that someone here in the US is willing to pray for them.  I told them just because their prayer partner does know them personally God knows them and their needs and He will intercede.

Salome Jordano came during mid morning to start assessing the Baby Class.  She was supposed to come Tuesday, but changed it to Monday....to my surprise.  Let's just say, it was a wild and crazy morning.  As Salome talked with each Baby student I took turns in each class reading to the students.  I spend more time with the Baby class as they were mesmerized.

 Teacher Grace reading to the Pre-Unit Class

Suzan trying to get the Baby Class attention.  They kept scooting closer & closer

 

Crowns - Bubbles - Rice Krispies

We were supposed to have a Un-Birthday party for the kids.  I realized that you just can't plan too much with these kids without it breaking into chaos.  So I simplified, simplified, simplified.

Peter Wakori and another friend Trish showed up to help along with Sally, Grace and Esther.  Could have used about a dozen more people :-)  I got smart and decided we would alternate blowing bubbles outside while the other groups did crowns and had Rice Krispie Treats.  It was a good plan.  Peter, Esther and Grace got Bubble Blowing Duty! 

 

 Good Ole' Burger King Crowns

She looks so happy with her newly decorated crown. 

 Who's enjoying it more - the kids or Peter?

 Our little King and Queen LOVE Rice Krispie Squares

Pre-Unit Class - the Posers

 

I have a lot more pictures, but you will have to wait till I get back to enjoy.

 

 

On the Road Again!

It was a sight to see the three of us climb into a small Toyota with all our bags and backpacks so that we could move onto our next lodging.  We had Marla's small trunk and our laps full. We are now in an apartment about 15 minutes away, but that's at night with no traffic and who knows how long it takes with "normal" traffic.  Marla is another of Sally's friends that is generously giving us free room and board. We'll be there till Wed.  The big problem is that Marla does not have Wi-Fi so it's going to be hard to get out posts daily as I have been doing.  Right now I'm sitting in a little restaurant. 

It's the end of Saturday and not much going on since school is closed so now I'm trying to catch up after a very, very hectic last 4 days.  Here's a few pics.

Our wonderful Hellen, Cook Lemi, Teacher Grace, Teacher Rachel and Teacher Everlyn.  Notice that Lemi, and the teachers have brown checked dress and aprons.  It was fabric for uniforms, but now they are changing the uniforms to blue and yellow.

9 cute little 3-4 year old girls showing off their blue dresses.  Little girl in the middle will get her blue dress on Monday.

This playground would not pass inspection in the US.  One little girl fell from the top on Friday and scared me to death.  The kids must be made of rubber.

 

Kings of the Mountain.  I was inside the Baby Class and these boys insisted they were going to get my attention no matter what.

Pre-Unit Class hard at work.  Looks like one is taking nap.

Yum!  Favorite part of the Day - Lunch in the Nursery Class.  I can't believe they can eat that whole plate of beans and rice.

 

Lala Salama from Kenya

It's late and I'm going to bed

 

 

 

T.G.I.F

It's hard to believe that we're almost half way through out time here.  It's been a busy, busy time since we landed in Huruma on Wednesday.  Today was one meeting after another.  I got to sneak out every chance I could to play with the kids.  The new baby class is just too much fun and Teacher Rachel always has a huge smile on her face.

The new Baby Class has just 20 kids this year - down from 34 last year.  This class has the new uniforms that the whole school will have in 3 years as each new class joins.  5 of the kids could not afford the new ones soooooo you know what I had to do.  They will ALL them by Monday :-) 


Can you find Sally?

You can't sit down and the kids swarm you.  They love to sit on your lap and just be hugged

It's time to go home.  It's hard to believe that these little ones just take off for home on their own

Meet Baby Eunice.  She is 4 months old and up for adoption. We met her Foster Mom at a restaurant this evening.  The sadness is that she cannot be adopted by any international family unless an adoption is in the middle of the process.  She can only be adopted by a Kenyan family and it's just not cultural for Kenyan's to adopt unless it's a relative. Prior to this latest development if families were residents for 1 year they could adopt.  It was hard to let her go.