The 14 days here in Kenya have quickly passed. Full and rich...ministry, laughs, new friends and experiencing Kenya in a real way. Now as we begin the journey home, we will take time to reflect and thank God for everything He has done here for and with us. The prayers of sooo many were felt in a deep way. Thank you for being a vital part of us with your love, prayers and encouragement. Thank you for following along on this blog. I pray you were able to catch a small glimpse of what we experienced. We are all truly blessed in America. My heart is forever changed in new ways ~ I pray He keeps it close to my heart everyday and I continue to grow in ways never imagined. Thank you..dear Sabina for your love and amazing care to us while we stayed with you. You are a true servant for Him. I pray..for great blessings, deep love and high favor over you my dada. To my precious team mates, Julie and Luz....you are incredible friends ! I love you so much ~
As we shared, laughed over and over, cried, cooked and ministered together....I will always cherish these days. God handpicked us to serve one another and to reach out to serve those who needed love and Him. (I never saw women who would fight over serving each other...ha ! )
Glory to Your Name, O God ! "
I will praise you, my God and King....I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord ! He is most worthy of praise ! His greatness is beyond discovery ! Let each generation tell it`s children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles....The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to to get angry, full of unfailing love....The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads. All eyes look to you for help ; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing....The Lord is close to all.......to all who call on Him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love Him. I will praise the Lord, and everyone on earth will bless His holy name forever and forever.
Psalm 145: 1-5, 14-16, 19-21
This is not the end, just the beginning !
debi
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Day 14...last day
Tuesday...our last day in Kenya. Many emotions as we start the day knowing we are leaving our precious friends but anxious to return to our loving families who have greatly missed us. Bittersweet for sure.
As a special treat to celebrate our time together, what do girls like to do ?? Go for some pampering..indeed ! We headed to downtown Nairobi for some mani-pedi treatments. Sabina knew exactly where to take us. The shop was called "Tops Top." A side for the med to get hair cut, shaved or trimmed along with a shave. The girl`s side was buzzing with ladies. It was fun to see them braid, add extensions and do African hair. It would have been a hoot to see them style our hair...but we were not that brave !!! All 4 of us had a special lady or two attending to our nails. The girl I had was sweet and happy to serve me. She began work at 6 and labored all day until 7 p.m. Then had to ride a long 3 hours home ! Think about that daily schedule, only to begin all over the next early morning. We complain about our commutes but do we have 3 long hour ones ?
I soaked my feet in a basin of water. Cold water was first and they added hot steaming water from a tall thermos to mix. Yes...it was plenty hot ! In fact, my team mate, Luz looked over at me at one point and mentioned all that was needed was the seasonings as our feet were "cooking." When my feet were worked on for each step, one foot at a time was laid upon her lap. Amazing massage was given ! I selected a fun color and she painted each nail carefully. When finished, she took my sandals and went to clean them also. This incredible service cost me a mere $5.00 !!!! The girls that got both a manicure and pedicure only paid $10.00. When we told them what we pay in America they quickly converted the cost to shillings and could not believe the cost ! Facials, full body massages were very inexpensive also. I am sure those treatments would be incredible too. We assured the girls there we would surely return on the next trip back !
Lunch was next and we had worked up an appetite. We returned for the last time to one of our places that became a favorite for sure... Artcaffe. A special time of fellowship with a young friend and her dear baby made our time complete while eating a delicious lunch. A grilled chicken sandwich with rocket leaves, roasted peppers and fresh parmesan cheese. Sooooo good ! Of course, coffee had to finish off the meal for me. Artcaffe roasts their own coffee beans so a bag HAD to go home with me.
While in the "organized chaos" traffic as I chose to call it everyday, vendors would walk 3 lanes of traffic selling their wares. On this last day I was determined to try and buy this way. Hmmm...don`t need bananas, maps or sunglasses. Puppies were enticing to Julie but I told her to "be strong."...Ha ! The little white one was fluffy and would have been easy to take right in our car window to take home to Sabina. However, her dog, Tommy might not have enjoyed a new playmate. Okay...keep looking ~ The white and red roses definitely called my name. Beautiful in every way ! For a mere $3.00 I bought a bouquet of 16 red lovely roses to give my dear Dada (sister) Sabina as a treat on this our last day. As my confidence grew in buying from the car window, I was on a roll ! Next came the skirts. What a pretty one to take home with me. How much ?? $4.00 ?!?! Sold ! Wow..no need to stop at the store on the way home as you can get what you need right in traffic...ha ! This is a fun memory for me.
Sabina has a gift shop where we also shopped plenty. Found all sorts of jewelry, purses, scarves and even a cross for my "cross wall" at home. Happy to be able to support her business and bring back home treasures full of special memories.
Got back to Sabina`s house in order to pack our suitcases and have a quick bite to eat before leaving for the airport. We each had an extra suitcase to fill with items, due to taking over ministry gifts for the many places we visited. It did not take long to refill those with our gifts we had gotten. The 3 of us had so much luggage it did not all fit in Sabina`s car to head to the airport. When we had arrived it was only Julie and I. Luz had left before us with a stop in Uganda to visit family before joining us in Nairobi. Now as we tried to squeeze it all in..not working ! We needed to tie down the trunk but no rope. Sabina grabbed an outlet extension with a long cord and cut it with a knife. Hooray ! One of the gate guards tied it securely. We had to also place one of the smaller suitcases in the back seat with us. Sabina`s son, Kennedy drove so we had 5 of us in the small car and loads of luggage. We were stopped at the airport by security to take a quick search of the car. Kennedy got back in the car laughing as the guard told him we were plenty overloaded. I would imagine he was wondering just how many people were leaving with ALL that was in that car ! Dropping us off at the curb had to be quick. It was emotional to say good-bye but such a rich feeling of love between all of us shared, knowing we would return again to our friends. Now...on to the very long flights ahead of us but our loving families waiting for us on the other end !
"I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. " Psalm 138:2
Happy,
debi
As a special treat to celebrate our time together, what do girls like to do ?? Go for some pampering..indeed ! We headed to downtown Nairobi for some mani-pedi treatments. Sabina knew exactly where to take us. The shop was called "Tops Top." A side for the med to get hair cut, shaved or trimmed along with a shave. The girl`s side was buzzing with ladies. It was fun to see them braid, add extensions and do African hair. It would have been a hoot to see them style our hair...but we were not that brave !!! All 4 of us had a special lady or two attending to our nails. The girl I had was sweet and happy to serve me. She began work at 6 and labored all day until 7 p.m. Then had to ride a long 3 hours home ! Think about that daily schedule, only to begin all over the next early morning. We complain about our commutes but do we have 3 long hour ones ?
I soaked my feet in a basin of water. Cold water was first and they added hot steaming water from a tall thermos to mix. Yes...it was plenty hot ! In fact, my team mate, Luz looked over at me at one point and mentioned all that was needed was the seasonings as our feet were "cooking." When my feet were worked on for each step, one foot at a time was laid upon her lap. Amazing massage was given ! I selected a fun color and she painted each nail carefully. When finished, she took my sandals and went to clean them also. This incredible service cost me a mere $5.00 !!!! The girls that got both a manicure and pedicure only paid $10.00. When we told them what we pay in America they quickly converted the cost to shillings and could not believe the cost ! Facials, full body massages were very inexpensive also. I am sure those treatments would be incredible too. We assured the girls there we would surely return on the next trip back !
Lunch was next and we had worked up an appetite. We returned for the last time to one of our places that became a favorite for sure... Artcaffe. A special time of fellowship with a young friend and her dear baby made our time complete while eating a delicious lunch. A grilled chicken sandwich with rocket leaves, roasted peppers and fresh parmesan cheese. Sooooo good ! Of course, coffee had to finish off the meal for me. Artcaffe roasts their own coffee beans so a bag HAD to go home with me.
While in the "organized chaos" traffic as I chose to call it everyday, vendors would walk 3 lanes of traffic selling their wares. On this last day I was determined to try and buy this way. Hmmm...don`t need bananas, maps or sunglasses. Puppies were enticing to Julie but I told her to "be strong."...Ha ! The little white one was fluffy and would have been easy to take right in our car window to take home to Sabina. However, her dog, Tommy might not have enjoyed a new playmate. Okay...keep looking ~ The white and red roses definitely called my name. Beautiful in every way ! For a mere $3.00 I bought a bouquet of 16 red lovely roses to give my dear Dada (sister) Sabina as a treat on this our last day. As my confidence grew in buying from the car window, I was on a roll ! Next came the skirts. What a pretty one to take home with me. How much ?? $4.00 ?!?! Sold ! Wow..no need to stop at the store on the way home as you can get what you need right in traffic...ha ! This is a fun memory for me.
Sabina has a gift shop where we also shopped plenty. Found all sorts of jewelry, purses, scarves and even a cross for my "cross wall" at home. Happy to be able to support her business and bring back home treasures full of special memories.
Got back to Sabina`s house in order to pack our suitcases and have a quick bite to eat before leaving for the airport. We each had an extra suitcase to fill with items, due to taking over ministry gifts for the many places we visited. It did not take long to refill those with our gifts we had gotten. The 3 of us had so much luggage it did not all fit in Sabina`s car to head to the airport. When we had arrived it was only Julie and I. Luz had left before us with a stop in Uganda to visit family before joining us in Nairobi. Now as we tried to squeeze it all in..not working ! We needed to tie down the trunk but no rope. Sabina grabbed an outlet extension with a long cord and cut it with a knife. Hooray ! One of the gate guards tied it securely. We had to also place one of the smaller suitcases in the back seat with us. Sabina`s son, Kennedy drove so we had 5 of us in the small car and loads of luggage. We were stopped at the airport by security to take a quick search of the car. Kennedy got back in the car laughing as the guard told him we were plenty overloaded. I would imagine he was wondering just how many people were leaving with ALL that was in that car ! Dropping us off at the curb had to be quick. It was emotional to say good-bye but such a rich feeling of love between all of us shared, knowing we would return again to our friends. Now...on to the very long flights ahead of us but our loving families waiting for us on the other end !
"I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. " Psalm 138:2
Happy,
debi
Monday, October 3, 2011
Day 13....
Monday morning showed up early. Especially after a short night of rest. Luz is always happy to sit up with me while I write on the blog. I have made her my personal assistant for this task. It is usually late when I am writing and I was sooooo very close to the end when .....swoooooosh....the entire blog entry disappeared !! The late night then turned into lots of sharing and before we knew it, the time was after 2 a.m. All your amazing prayers have kept me fully energized.
We were looking forward to a time of fellowship with 2 precious friends we met and ministered with while here. Lunch at the Java House...and you know what that means...coffee !! Wahhhhhhooooo! What a yummy meal and a time of sharing with 5 others who dearly love God and are all about serving. We joined hands together while in the warm sun, thanking God for the awesome things He is doing in each of our lives. It is exciting to see what God has in store !
The rest of the afternoon we shopped for some last items to take home with us. So many laughs and a few tears as we know our time is soon to end for this trip. A good day .....thankful ~ Off for my last sleep night here. Tomorrow night we begin the very long journey back home to our families who are awaiting our return with great anticipation. My heart is full ~
Good night from Kenya,
debi
We were looking forward to a time of fellowship with 2 precious friends we met and ministered with while here. Lunch at the Java House...and you know what that means...coffee !! Wahhhhhhooooo! What a yummy meal and a time of sharing with 5 others who dearly love God and are all about serving. We joined hands together while in the warm sun, thanking God for the awesome things He is doing in each of our lives. It is exciting to see what God has in store !
The rest of the afternoon we shopped for some last items to take home with us. So many laughs and a few tears as we know our time is soon to end for this trip. A good day .....thankful ~ Off for my last sleep night here. Tomorrow night we begin the very long journey back home to our families who are awaiting our return with great anticipation. My heart is full ~
Good night from Kenya,
debi
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sunday...day 12
Hard to believe we are at day 12 and will be heading back home soon. This morning we attended a different church than we did last Sunday. This church is called Jubilee. Several thousand attend. Praise and worship had already begun when we walked in. The mass sound of singing was amazing ! I do believe we were the only white faces in this sea of black people. We looked like beaming flashlights ! The worship pastor and team led the body into His presence as we sang and worshiped. Clapping and dancing with great joy was evident and powerful. The praise team was dressed in bright green shirts with black pants for the men and a skirt or slacks for the women. The Bishop`s wife spoke on unity. She spoke with a mighty anointing. She also had a great sense of humor I enjoyed. Special music was a lady from the Congo. At the close of the service, an altar call was given and 5 people came forward. We ended by joining hands and praying for one another for some time. The sound was deafening as the people called out loudly to Him. No fear in opening their mouths and calling out His name ! After the service, tea was served in the huge lobby. Imagine the vast amount of preparation for several thousand people. Popcorn was served to the kids. What a rich morning ~
Lunch was downtown at the ArtCaffe. Very trendy and seems American. We had a delicious lunch and a vanilla latte topped off the meal. Returned back for some rest and relaxation.....ahhhhh ~
Praying your Sunday was blessed ~
debi
Lunch was downtown at the ArtCaffe. Very trendy and seems American. We had a delicious lunch and a vanilla latte topped off the meal. Returned back for some rest and relaxation.....ahhhhh ~
Praying your Sunday was blessed ~
debi
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Day 11....
Saturday ~
This morning we left the hotel and began our travel back to the city. It was a 4 hour drive but we had a ladies meeting scheduled at a small church in a village called Kabaa. The country side was simply beautiful. Fields of tea and coffee ! I had a small taste of heaven for sure ~ I just loved the sight of these lush green fields with women working with large woven baskets on their backs. Steep mountain slopes all green with growing plants.
White people just don`t come through this place. We actually were the first white missionaries ever to come to this town ! It was an honor to come and serve. The pastor told us they would be talking about this for a year.
The meeting was to begin at 11....but African time is much different and due to us arriving late...we started a few minutes past 1. As we began to get out of the van, the sound of women singing filled the air. What a joyful sound! The pastor greeted us outside and was so full of the HS. He was a refreshing spirit. Since we had such a long drive, we had to use the washroom. Welllllll...here we are on the side of a steep slope with the outhouse waiting for us ! We were brave ~ When it was my turn and I went in the door..let`s just say I swallowed hard..hehehehe. There was a small hole in the floor and the rest is history. The view from the door was wonderful..that is the positive ~
We had an incredible time of praise and worship. The ladies sang loudly to the music of 2 drums covered in animal skin. I didn`t want it to end. Julie spoke a short encouraging message and when we had prayer at the end, I believe everyone came up front. The HS showed up in a mighty way ! The people were not afraid to loudly call out to God. What a refreshing time together ~ As we prayed for these precious people God`s spirit swept through. This time went on for awhile as we all knelt down and continued calling out to Him. They are in no rush and desire all they can get from God. The floor was covered with saw dust on top of the dirt and felt soft. More singing....joy..joy..joy ~ The pastor shared with us they are saving in order to buy this plot of land they are renting. The cost is $5,000.00 American dollars. They have 1,000. thus far. The goal is by December 11. 2011. It touched us in a big way and we desire to help partner with them in any way we can. We were served soda and "white bread" which was actually a cookie but not sweet.
The church building was made up of metal. Wooden benches and plastic chairs for us. Up front was a small platform with a generator running for the sound system. Lovely blue printed material hung as decoration on the sides of the platform on the walls. No ceiling...just rafters and we could feel the heat from the metal roof. Windows had white sheer coverings that blew in the breeze.Dirt floor covered in saw dust due to the mud that is easily brought in from being on the side of a slope.
Sabina translated whenever we spoke up front. We gave our African names and they loved that !
The pastor`s one daughter has the same nickname that comes from my name...chico.
Here are a few things I noticed during our travel time today ....
....men fishing in the river with spears
....the words "to rent"...in Kenya it is "to let "
....cars passing each other and coming straight for YOU
....stopped along the road to buy produce at a local market. People literally ran to our van and held up their bunches of bananas, tomatoes, avocados, etc. All at the same time. A bit overwhelming. Our produce cost only 1.00 for each. Big bags and excellent quality.
....Del Monte pineapple fields...miles and miles
....Women gathered together at a local water hole washing clothes and laying them out on the dirt to dry
.....A shop with the sign "Late Night Chemist"
Arrived back to Sabina`s ready to crash for the evening. Dinner was tuna sandwiches and fruit. The sound of rain falling is making us sleepy so I will close until tomorrow. Excited to attend a different church from last Sunday. Looking forward to the Holy Spirit falling again. Enjoy your Sunday too ~
Love,
Wanjiku (debi)
This morning we left the hotel and began our travel back to the city. It was a 4 hour drive but we had a ladies meeting scheduled at a small church in a village called Kabaa. The country side was simply beautiful. Fields of tea and coffee ! I had a small taste of heaven for sure ~ I just loved the sight of these lush green fields with women working with large woven baskets on their backs. Steep mountain slopes all green with growing plants.
White people just don`t come through this place. We actually were the first white missionaries ever to come to this town ! It was an honor to come and serve. The pastor told us they would be talking about this for a year.
The meeting was to begin at 11....but African time is much different and due to us arriving late...we started a few minutes past 1. As we began to get out of the van, the sound of women singing filled the air. What a joyful sound! The pastor greeted us outside and was so full of the HS. He was a refreshing spirit. Since we had such a long drive, we had to use the washroom. Welllllll...here we are on the side of a steep slope with the outhouse waiting for us ! We were brave ~ When it was my turn and I went in the door..let`s just say I swallowed hard..hehehehe. There was a small hole in the floor and the rest is history. The view from the door was wonderful..that is the positive ~
We had an incredible time of praise and worship. The ladies sang loudly to the music of 2 drums covered in animal skin. I didn`t want it to end. Julie spoke a short encouraging message and when we had prayer at the end, I believe everyone came up front. The HS showed up in a mighty way ! The people were not afraid to loudly call out to God. What a refreshing time together ~ As we prayed for these precious people God`s spirit swept through. This time went on for awhile as we all knelt down and continued calling out to Him. They are in no rush and desire all they can get from God. The floor was covered with saw dust on top of the dirt and felt soft. More singing....joy..joy..joy ~ The pastor shared with us they are saving in order to buy this plot of land they are renting. The cost is $5,000.00 American dollars. They have 1,000. thus far. The goal is by December 11. 2011. It touched us in a big way and we desire to help partner with them in any way we can. We were served soda and "white bread" which was actually a cookie but not sweet.
The church building was made up of metal. Wooden benches and plastic chairs for us. Up front was a small platform with a generator running for the sound system. Lovely blue printed material hung as decoration on the sides of the platform on the walls. No ceiling...just rafters and we could feel the heat from the metal roof. Windows had white sheer coverings that blew in the breeze.Dirt floor covered in saw dust due to the mud that is easily brought in from being on the side of a slope.
Sabina translated whenever we spoke up front. We gave our African names and they loved that !
The pastor`s one daughter has the same nickname that comes from my name...chico.
Here are a few things I noticed during our travel time today ....
....men fishing in the river with spears
....the words "to rent"...in Kenya it is "to let "
....cars passing each other and coming straight for YOU
....stopped along the road to buy produce at a local market. People literally ran to our van and held up their bunches of bananas, tomatoes, avocados, etc. All at the same time. A bit overwhelming. Our produce cost only 1.00 for each. Big bags and excellent quality.
....Del Monte pineapple fields...miles and miles
....Women gathered together at a local water hole washing clothes and laying them out on the dirt to dry
.....A shop with the sign "Late Night Chemist"
Arrived back to Sabina`s ready to crash for the evening. Dinner was tuna sandwiches and fruit. The sound of rain falling is making us sleepy so I will close until tomorrow. Excited to attend a different church from last Sunday. Looking forward to the Holy Spirit falling again. Enjoy your Sunday too ~
Love,
Wanjiku (debi)
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