Sunday
Dec072008
Christmas in Kenya 2008 - Post I
Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 04:00PM
Well, we made it. Our trip over was amazingly trouble free: no lost lugguge, no missed connection in London (despite departing late from Dallas), nothing unusual, really. One trip participant suffered a pretty ugly bout of airsickness but bounced back like a trooper.
The flight didn't seem as painfully long, either. It was 8.5 hours (or so) from Dallas to London, a quick layover in the London airport, and another 8.5 hours to Nairobi. We left Dallas in the late afternoon on Wednesday, arrived in London very early in the morning Thursday, and finished up in Nairobi late that evening. All in all, British Airways did a good job getting our group over to Africa.
Here is a quick sketch of our trip so far:
We spent Friday at the Seed of Hope children's center conducting VBS for the children...about 115 of them. (I will write about the children later, as time is limited and internet is painfully slow.) We had a great time doing Bible Story, Memory Verse, Crafts and Recreation. Carson, Hilary and I ended up on the same team (Green Team!) which proved to be a lot of fun. Our kids ranged in age from 7 to 10 years, and were absolutely, amazingly precious. We all fell in love immediately.
Saturday, we returned to Seed of Hope for our second day of VBS. Again, our kids were great. They are so kind and polite, smart and respectful. At time, a little chaotic, but always fun. We played some great games of Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, and others...all with a delightful Kenyan twist. By the end of this day the kids were really warming up to us, relationships were forming, and opportunities to really enter into the childrens' lives were becoming available. Again, I'll talk in more detail about the kids later.
Sunday was our last day at the Seed of Hope. We made our way to the center, met the kids and walked to church with them, about 1/4 mile. The service was truly fascinating and amazing. I will post some video at a later day (low quality...taken with my cell phone.) Afterwards, we toured the school the children attend and then made our way back to the center for games and lunch. Finally, we were able to pass out presents to the kids. They absolutely loved getting their gifts! It was very touching (and sobering) to watch the kids with their new toys and games and stickers and candy. It is very obvious that for children who don't have anything, it doesn't take much to make an impact.
The hardest part so far, of course, was saying goodbye. After gifts and a short, final time of hanging out, we climbed into our vans and left the Seed of Hope. It is so very hard to leave after such a short time, but we are all thankful for our time with the children, and I personally believe our time there was a positive thing in their lives. Please pray for the children of the Seed of Hope Children's Center.
Our team is doing well, for the most part. One participant is somewhat sick and may have to return, and we are all tired, but for the most part hanging in their. Carson, Hilary and myself are all doing wonderfully. Continue to pray for the group, if you would.
Well, that's it for now. I will try to provide another update soon.
The flight didn't seem as painfully long, either. It was 8.5 hours (or so) from Dallas to London, a quick layover in the London airport, and another 8.5 hours to Nairobi. We left Dallas in the late afternoon on Wednesday, arrived in London very early in the morning Thursday, and finished up in Nairobi late that evening. All in all, British Airways did a good job getting our group over to Africa.
Here is a quick sketch of our trip so far:
We spent Friday at the Seed of Hope children's center conducting VBS for the children...about 115 of them. (I will write about the children later, as time is limited and internet is painfully slow.) We had a great time doing Bible Story, Memory Verse, Crafts and Recreation. Carson, Hilary and I ended up on the same team (Green Team!) which proved to be a lot of fun. Our kids ranged in age from 7 to 10 years, and were absolutely, amazingly precious. We all fell in love immediately.
Saturday, we returned to Seed of Hope for our second day of VBS. Again, our kids were great. They are so kind and polite, smart and respectful. At time, a little chaotic, but always fun. We played some great games of Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Rover, and others...all with a delightful Kenyan twist. By the end of this day the kids were really warming up to us, relationships were forming, and opportunities to really enter into the childrens' lives were becoming available. Again, I'll talk in more detail about the kids later.
Sunday was our last day at the Seed of Hope. We made our way to the center, met the kids and walked to church with them, about 1/4 mile. The service was truly fascinating and amazing. I will post some video at a later day (low quality...taken with my cell phone.) Afterwards, we toured the school the children attend and then made our way back to the center for games and lunch. Finally, we were able to pass out presents to the kids. They absolutely loved getting their gifts! It was very touching (and sobering) to watch the kids with their new toys and games and stickers and candy. It is very obvious that for children who don't have anything, it doesn't take much to make an impact.
The hardest part so far, of course, was saying goodbye. After gifts and a short, final time of hanging out, we climbed into our vans and left the Seed of Hope. It is so very hard to leave after such a short time, but we are all thankful for our time with the children, and I personally believe our time there was a positive thing in their lives. Please pray for the children of the Seed of Hope Children's Center.
Our team is doing well, for the most part. One participant is somewhat sick and may have to return, and we are all tired, but for the most part hanging in their. Carson, Hilary and myself are all doing wonderfully. Continue to pray for the group, if you would.
Well, that's it for now. I will try to provide another update soon.
tagged Africa, Seed of Hope, orphans, travel in Africa
Africa, Seed of Hope, orphans, travel in Africa
Reader Comments (4)
That's awesome Dave - we are pumped that you are there and doing well. You're in our prayers.
Erik
Super - So glad to hear that things are going well & that you were able to find internet access! We are praying for all of you!
So glad the travelling went well and you are connecting well with the children. We look forward to hearing more. Our prayers are with you all.
Super,
Glad all is going well. Praying for you, the kids, the one member who is sick.