6/17/2011
We began our last day as each day with chapel. Others moved onto painting the exterior of the medical ward while Sheryl, Doug, and Marie put up our replica of Acton UMC stained glass. Returning teams are provided space on the walls of the palliative care are to commemorate their visits. The names of members from both 2009 & 2011 were added.
We had tea with Jerri Savuto, Stanley Gittari, and the CEO of MMH, and Reegan who manages Hope Companions. We were also pleased to meet and visit Emma who is a young lady that has started her own business thanks to the guidance and assistance of Hope Companions. Caitlin, who is on our team, had been involved in a skype session with Emma through her church or youth conference previously.
We decided to use the crosses which church members had donated during a Nurse's day celebration. Jerri invited us to join them briefly after their lunch. They started a traditional dance and we were able to join in. They greatly appreciated the love and support they felt by receiving the crosses. Additional crosses will be utilized for an auxiliary staff appreciation day. Hospital administration strives to honor their staff in various ways throughout the year.
Next we were on our way to prepare for VBS. One of the nearby schools apparently had some programs scheduled so we estimated approximately 150 children attended. After singing some songs, the children were divided into groups and visited each of 4 stations. Two groups played games, while one group had story time, and the other group was able to make salvation bracelets. At the end of our time the children were able to take home a salvation bracelet with further explanations and also crayons and a small coloring book. We have been assured that the children will share what they learned and experienced with other children and their parents.
We had our last dinner at the hotel and was joined by our new friend Ben Travis who is a dynamic Texas A & M student who came ahead of his home church Clear Lake UMC, Clear Lake, Texas. After his team comes and departs he will move on to Ghana for 6 more weeks of volunteer work. He has been helping Hope Companions conduct some interviews with the participants. The hotel staff honored us with cake for desert and gave a painting to Sheryl.
6/18/2011
Out early today and on another journey to Nakuru, a rural village which is home to the Kingdom Builders Childrens Centre, a project of another Houston area church Windsor Village UMC. This ministry is led by Ledosia & Daniel Kibe. She is a Houston native and associate pastor and Daniel, a native Kenyan owns the transporation company that the teams use while in Kenya and on safari. There is continual construction planned at the orphanage until up to 100 children may be housed and provided with educational opportunities. Currently there are 16 children. To get to Nakuru we crossed the Equator at least 3 times which tells you there are many twists and turns through the Kenyan Countryside.
One of the previous teams drew a mural on all four walls of a large common area and left paint supplies. So Sheryl, Candy, Laverne, Marie, Stephen, and Cher began the pain project while Kendall, Caitlin, Janet, Doug, Bev, and myself began an impromptu VBS. The children also got to make salvation bracelets, we taught them some songs, and sang some they were familiar with then had story time.
After dinner some of us had additional time to visit with Ledosia & Daniel while others resumed painting and were able to sign the wall as a team participating in this project.
6/19/2011
We finished our tour of the grounds around the Children's Centre, then Pastor John from the Independent African church, came and escorted us on the 5 minute walk to services. When he led us in, the first 3 pews had been saved for us, the congregation stood, siging praise in Swahili, clapping, drumming, and dancing. Another priest spoke in Swahili and he and Pastor John took turns interpreting the others statements so all were given the opporutnity to hear the word of the Lord.
At the conclusion of the service, Daniel, Ledosia, and children hands in ours, escorted us to an additional parcel of land that has been purchased for crops and grazing cattle. This overlooks the Rift Valley and is a beautiful location.
We then departed for Nairobi, dropping the team, minus myself at Wilson Airport to head to safari. After a week of work, this provides an excellent opporutnity to further enjoy the wonders of Africa and process and reflect upon what has been done. I had a safe trip and am actually adding this blog from home. The team will complete the safari Tuesday and return to Nairobi in preparation for their trip home, so look for further messages if the opporutnity is found.
I apologize for the length of this blog, but there is much GOOD NEWS to share.
When I talked with Jerri about the magnitude of the needs in kenya, especially Maua, she reminded me of the reason that she, Bill, the hospital staff, and others continue to serve. It is for God. I had to admit with my American perception I was looking at the "big picture" and wanted a quick result. Again I was reminded that we serve and make changes one life at a time.
Thanks for following this amazing journey and for the Prayer team and our partners. We all know you have been with us in spirit.
By His Grace
Craig & Team
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