Christmas in Kenya - Recap 1

I'm back, of course.  I was unable to post while on the Safari, then spent a couple of days traveling back home, a day wandering around the office with jet lag, a day sick in bed...it's all good now, though.  Let's write!

I think I'll approach the trip logically: since there were four distinct "stages" of the trip (excluding travel...who wants to read about that?), I'll follow suit with my recaps, chronologically.  I'll write about each of our stops and, when warranted, include some photos.

If you just want to see photos, jump to the "Photos" page for a sampling, using the link at the top of the page, or go to my SmugMug site for the entire complement of Seed of Hope photos.

I'll start with the first part of the trip, our visit to the Seed of Hope orphanage in Kitale (pronounced "ki-TALL-ee). To help paint the picture, here are a few gee-whiz facts:

• Kitale is a medium sized town in the western part of the country, not far from the Ugandan border (in sight of Mt. Elgon).  We flew from Nairobi to Eldoret (45 minutes), then drove the rest of the way (1 hour). Here is a link to a decent map that clearly shows Nairobi, Eldoret and Kitale.


• Although Kitale appeared pretty peaceful while we were there, the town did experience considerable violence after last year's presidential elections. In addition, there was a violent attack on an elderly missionary couple last summer.


• There are many, many orphans in this part of the country. It is a rural area, tradition bound, and AIDS is rampant. You can google thousands of articles about the causes and effects of AIDS in Africa...here is a link to just one short article (the town mentioned in the article, Busia, is not too far from Kitale).


• Buckner just recently joined with the Seed of Hope orphanage; the kids have had only a few groups come visit.  Here is a blurb on the Buckner website.


• The orphanage sits on the edge of town, as best I could tell, and the roads leading to the compound were quite...interesting.


• The orphanage houses around 80 or so orphans on site (rough guess), and has another 35 or so in foster care.


• This was my first time to visit any other group of orphans besides the BCC kids.

My initial impression upon arriving was one of pleasant surprise.  To reach the orphanage, we were forced to take a bit of a detour over a decidedly tortuous road (the usual route was blocked by an overturned truck).  Along the way we passed through several sections of huts/houses, constantly accompanied by small children running after our vans shouting "howareyou!", "howareyou!", the standard child greeting shouted at Muzungu (white people) tourists all over Kenya, if not the entire continent of Africa.  Once we arrived at the actual orphanage, I was struck by how orderly and peaceful it was.  Although not nearly as spacious, in terms of available land, as the BCC in Nairobi, it all appeared neat as a pin.  The grounds were somewhat landscaped, and there was real grass growing where the kids could play.  There was a slide, a shade tree, a small clearing for the kids to play soccer, and quite a few buildings scattered about.  All in all, the facility really reflected the pride the staff obviously felt.  Below is a photo of a small corner of the SOH.

The kids were great.  I won't belabor the point, as I wrote somewhat about the kids in a previous post, but...they were great.  Almost all of them were so eager to visit, to hold your hand, to just sit and goof around.  They loved to laugh and talk Swahili, knowing we had no clue what they were saying.  They liked to feel the hair on our arms, sing for us, teach us how to say things in Swahili (Habari Gani? = "what's the news?", kind of a "how are you?"), anything, really.  It was obvious early on these kids enjoyed our company, and thought it quite the treat we had come to visit.

During our VBS activities, the kids would sit very quiet, paying close attention to everything going on.  When we did crafts, they would pour themselves into the activity, whether it was making caterpillars or Christmas bags or Christmas cards.  They really liked to create and use markers and draw and write Bible verses (of which they knew many)!  It was so enjoyable to watch them at work.

Throughout the first and second day, we played games ("Red Rover, Red Rover, send the fat Muzungu over"...that would be me), did VBS activities, ate lunch and visited.  It was a very, very good time.  I got to know some of the kids better than others, and, as always, was so touched by their spirit of kindness and gentleness.  These kids have a "soft" way about them.  They don't scream and yell too much, and rarely seem to get angry or have conflict...some, but not very often.  They like to sit and talk, maybe sing.  They're pretty content, oftentimes, to just watch others play, and laugh.  Truly, the way they play together, hang out, visit amongst themselves, it's all something to see.  They aren't perfect, and I saw some things on occasion that clearly indicated these kids are missing a parent's influence in their lives, but overall, they really are amazing children to be around.

On our last day, Sunday, we went to church with the kids in the morning.  It's almost impossible to explain what it's like to attend a Kenyan church, but suffice to say there is lots of music, lots of children dancing and singing, lots of movement...very Kenyan!  The sermon was very good, but just being in the church, worshiping and singing with the kids, that was what it was all about for me.

After church, we walked back to the SOH to distribute Christmas gifts before we left.  Our group leader, Jessica (bless her heart), brought a Santa suit for someone (guess who) to wear.  So, properly suited up, with white beard and rosy cheeks and everything else, I made my grand entrance to the excited sounds of...gasps of fear?  Seems the kids had never really seen Santa, or Father Christmas as they call him, in real life before and it was, perhaps, maybe a bit much for some of them.  Luckily we calmed everyone down and proceeded to hand out gift bags full of goodies: toys, stickers, candy, sunglasses ("goggles"), and the like.  The kids also received clothes, paid for by donations made to the SOH (by some of you, perhaps!).  All in all, it was a wonderful time observing the kids with their gifts.  For some, it was the first time they had ever received any sort of gift at Christmas...what a blessing to be a part!  As it was for most of our time at the SOH, the kids were fun and laughing and happy and really having a good time.

Sometimes, though, during all of this fun, it was necessary to pause and remind myself with whom it was I was spending time.  It was tempting to allow the laughter and joy and fun to somehow ameliorate the sorrow and misery and pain most of these kids have experienced.  It wouldn't have been right, or fair, to forget they are there, at the SOH, because one or both (probably both) of their parents have died of AIDS.  To forget they are there because they have little or no family.  That they are there because they have no other place to be.  There were plenty of reminders; several of the kids bore pretty frightening scars, from what cause I never found out.  Some had AIDS themselves.  If I spent the time and looked hard, past the fun and games, the real tragedy of what's happened, and is continuing to happen, in Kenya, in Africa, would come sharply into focus.  It's a tough thing to ponder.

I don't know what will become of these kids.  I think this thought, more than any other, is what affects me the most, what discomfits me so intensely.  Where will they go when they get too old to stay at the orphanage?  What will happen to them if they aren't able to complete their education?  What will happen to them even if they DO finish High School?  How will they make money?  How will they buy food?  A house?  Live?  There are a hundred roads these Kenyan orphans can travel, I suppose, and I get the feeling almost all of them are dead ends.  Is it hoping against hope for them to find joy and meaning and purpose in their lives?  I honestly don't know...I don't have a real grasp yet on what the opportunities will be for them down the road.  It's a terrible mystery to me, and it angers, saddens and frustrates me.

That being said, however, I can't ignore the good things.  Undeniably, through the blessings of God, these kids have found themselves in a loving environment, surrounded by talented, caring, Godly caregivers and social workers.  They are fed, clothed and cared for physical and emotionally.  They attend school.  They learn the Bible, and of God's love.  They sing and play.  Additionally, Buckner seems to do a very good job in terms of organizing support systems for the kids, establishing educational opportunities, obtaining necessary funding, coordinating staffing and supervision...all the myriad of things which must occur for the kids to live and eat and grow and learn.  Undoubtedly more can be done, and living in a center is certainly not ideal, but to think about where these kids could be versus where they are now...well, they are in about as good of hands as possible, given the circumstance.  In the end, I guess, I just move along in faith that God's plans will be realized, and that He has plans for each and every one of the kids.

Next post: BCC Kids

Christmas in Kenya 2008 - Post 2

Jambo! Our trip is has continued to be a spectacular experience for our entire group, with the exception of one young traveler who has really been struck sick. We hope she can recover, but has so far missed much of the time with the BCC kids at Brackenhurst. We prayed over her this morning (Tuesday) to ask for God's will be done in regards to her health. Her name is Zoe, she's only 18, and this is her first trip away from home. Needless to say, it hasn't been a very positive experience for her thus far.

For the rest of us, however, the trip has been almost exactly what you would hope for. As I related in my last post, we left the children of the Seed of Hope Center in Kitale on Sunday. It was very hard to leave (as it always is) , primarily due to the fact you have just begun to form relationships with some of the kids when they are cut short. My impression of the kids at SOH was they have had less exposure to groups like ours (compared to the BCC kids) and were therefore very eager to spend time around us, finding out what we were all about. As we were only the third or fourth group to visit (so I've heard), the kids still had a fascination with us white people (muzungus), playing with our hair, laughing as we lathered on sunscreen, hearing us try to pronounce Swahili words, etc. It was, in all respects, a joyous time, at least for me.

Communication at SOH was not too bad. Most of them understood English to some extent, but speaking it was another story in many cases. Regardless, and with the help of the SOH caregivers/social workers, we made due just fine.

Our VBS program was successful, I would say. We had a lot of fun doing crafts, learning memory verse, playing games, and listening to the Christmas story (way to go, Carson!) Carson, Hilary and I had about 30 kids, ages 7-12, and really, really enjoyed ourselves.

The children at the SOH were very well behaved, polite, respectful, curious, kind...not at all like American kids. According to Peter, our translator, almost all of the children are true orphans; that is, they have lost both parents, the vast majority to AIDS. A few of the children have "tested positive" (as the Kenyan's seem to phrase it), and I spent time with a few of them. Certainly you could tell their health was compromised, but, according to Peter, they are much better off since arriving at SOH where medicine can be obtained. It really breaks my heart to see these children who have the triple-whammy of tragedy: poverty, orphan and AIDS. I can't imagine live being any more difficult.

Once I return home I will post some photos of the SOH kids, and provide some more information. As of now, I am at Brackenhurst, a retreat/conference center in the countryside near a town called Limuru, outside of Nairobi. We have finished our second day of VBS with the kids and are having a great time. As my internet time is almost out, I will have to leave the BCC update to a later time. Please consider the following prayer requests:

- Zoe and her health

- The children of the SOH center

- A special prayer for those at SOH who are afflicted with AIDS. They are truly innocent victims.

- The caregivers at SOH. They work so very hard for "the least of these," and give much of their life to the care of the children.

Christmas in Kenya 2008 - Post I

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.

Countdown: "10...9..."

Continuing on with my countdown to Africa, I'd like to introduce you to some special people.

Tony Wenani is an amazing person.  As the on-site director of the BCC (the Baptist Children's Center in Nairobi), Tony wears a lot of hats: Preacher, supervisor, manager, tour guide, host, father figure, and more.  Furthermore, in addition to managing the BCC and all the staff and children, Tony has his own family to worry over, Lydia his wife and Serita his daughter.

One of the highlights of traveling to Africa is spending time with and around Tony Wenani.  His love for God, his pure servant's heart, his patience, kindness, gentleness and charity never fail to move and inspire me.  He is also my favorite preacher (I've heard him preach twice.)  He is truly one of my heroes.

[Tony]


Please pray for Tony, his beautiful wife Lydia and their young child Serita.  Pray for Tony's continued commitment to the boys and girls of the BCC.  Pray for Tony as he brings his message of hope and joy to the surrounding  slum community.


Another special friend of mine is Tom Okore.  Tom is one of the most joyful, playful, funny, witty, flat-out greatest people I've ever met.  He is a 100% joy to be around.  I can't imagine anyone meeting Tom and not feeling the same way.  Tom works as in-country staff for Buckner, serving as the missions coordinator.  I'm not sure I'll get to see Tom this trip as he has just gotten married.  From what little I know, traditional marriage is a big deal in Kenya, requiring the groom to pay a dowry, usually in the form of money (I think) and/or livestock, usually cows (I know).  Fortunately I was able to help (along with many others) provide some funds to Tom in order to purchase the necessary cows!  Tom has a very tough job as he coordinates and travels with the many groups visiting the BCC.  Essentially, he is run ragged throughout the year dealing with us clueless Muzungos (white people.)

[Tom]


Pray for Tom and his new life as a husband.  Pray for him to have stamina and patience as he balances the demands of married life with the demands of ushering mission group after mission group through the mazes of Kenya.  Pray for Tom to never lose his boyish enthusiasm!

The man with the plan is Dickson Masindano.  The story of how Dickson came to the position he's in as Buckner's Kenyan National Director is one of those stories that moves even marginal believers to proclaim, "Surely God did this."  I won't go into his story, since I'm sure I wouldn't do it justice, but believe me, it's one of those that leaves you shaking your head in wonder.    A capable, inspiring leader with gentle, yet strong, mannerisms, Dickson is the kind of person you respect almost as soon as you meet him.  Dickson is also a man who knows how to get things done.  You get the idea Dickson is hardly ever discouraged or doubtful of the outcome.  He's passionate and completely committed to what he sees as his heavenly mission here on earth - making life better for Kenyan orphans.

[Dickson]


Pray for Dickson as he continues what must, at times, seem like a never-ending uphill battle.  Pray for Dickson as he takes on more and more responsibilities, as he becomes more and more integral in the struggle to reach the orphans of Kenya.  Pray for Dickson to continue to find talented, capable helpers.

Along with Tom and Tony and Dickson are a large number of other Kenyan staff who make the BCC what it is.  There are BCC watchmen, cooks, handymen, teachers and, of course, care givers.  I have met many of these people, and find them all simply amazing.  Here are some of the caregivers I've met over the years:







Please pray for these Godly, wonderful people.  The love they show and the skill they demonstrate as they act as mothers and fathers and friends for these orphans blows me away.  Ask the Lord to grant them strength and patience as they perform a very difficult, time-consuming task.  Pray for them to have discernment in dealing with the children.  Pray for their continued encouragement in serving "the least of these."

These are just some of the people serving the BCC children in Kenya.  I have yet to meet the staff who work at the Seeds of Hope in Kitale, but undoubtedly they are just as wonderful and could use our prayers just as much.  Pray for them as well.

Countdown: "10..."

I will arrive in Africa in 10 days. The word "excitement" is hardly done justice in this case. As I have sat and pondered on my return to Africa...to the children and friends I've come to know...to the sights, smells and chaos of Nairobi...to the overall experience of such a far off place...a marvelous sense of anticipation has almost consumed me.

There are certainly things about the trip which cause nervousness.  Most obvious, Africa is a long way off.  Traveling there is not always easy as the flights are long (8.5 hours to London, 8.5 hours to Nairobi), people get sick, planes get delayed, luggage gets lost...you get the idea.



(click for a larger view)

Once there, other issues raise their head: Don't drink the water (or you will pay, believe me);  try your best not to be an "ugly American" (something I seem to do at least once per trip);  try to quickly grasp some basics of the Swahili language ("Jambo!" = hello, "Karibu" = welcome, "Asante Sana" = thank you very much, "Hakuna Matata" = it's all good, there are no worries); try to avoid offending the Kenyans with clumsy social faux pas; figure out how many Kenyan shillings per U.S dollar.



Finally, there is no way around the fact that traveling to Africa is not like traveling to Paris or London or Munich or any other European locale.  Africa has a troubled existence, and is very different than most of your western destinations.  Traveling in Africa, even in the relatively peaceful country of Kenya, can be disconcerting.  There are undercurrents of political unrest and tribal allegiances which make no sense to us Americans.  As evidenced by the latest round of Kenyan elections, violence born of frustration simmers just below the surface.  AIDS and poverty dominate the social landscape.  It really is a different world, a different culture, and can be overwhelming to senses and sensibilities.

All that being said, I can't imagine another place I'd rather be.  So here's the point of this post (and the next few to follow):

Pray.

I will lay out over the next several days, up to the point I leave, things for which you can pray, if you so desire.  As with this post, I will present an issue(s) to guide your prayers.  Today's requests are based on the things above:

Pray for the group as we travel to, from and within Africa.  We leave on December 3rd and return on December 13th.  In between we will take a few shorter in-country flights, drive many miles, and have several very short nights of rest.  Pray no one loses their passport!

Pray we can be effective and positive ambassadors for our country (acting as effective ambassadors for our faith comes later...I didn't forget!)

Pray we can be sensitive to the Kenyan culture, that we can be respectful of the Kenyans we meet and show deference to their ways of life.

Pray for our health.  Undoubtedly, Buckner will do a good job of caring for anyone who falls ill, but I don't think getting sick in Africa would be much fun.

Well, that's all for now.  As I said, I will post more about our trip, and the issues for which you can pray, over the next few days.

(In case you're interested, here are the names of the folks going on the trip: Melissa Moore, Brooke Moore, Zoe Spoon, Jackie Agers, myself, Jana Peterson, Mike McDougal, Dawn Terpstra, Susan Switch, Carson Schultz, Kim Puckett, Hilary Schultz, and Jessica Garcia, our fearless leader.)