Chris Goes to Kenya

Her name is Sieda

2010-08-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

I spend a lot of my time thinking about what God wants me to do. I think and I think and a lot of the time I get discouraged when I just don't get an answer. This summer I am finding that God is always trying to show me things, if only I will just ask him and wait. It seems like such a simple lesson, but I find myself having to relearn it weekly.

A few days ago Steve and I were walking through one of the slum areas here in town called Kipsongo. It was a usual walkthrough, the terrible smells, the screaming drunks, and the children begging for attention. It is a place that no Kenyans dare to go unless that is where they live. I have walked through Kipsongo many times, and seen a ton of crummy things that make me feel helpless, but this time God was about to show me exactly what he wanted me to do.

That day I had been praying that the LORD would show me my role in the day, and that he would present himself. As I rounded a corner I saw a very young girl with tears streaming down her face, sitting in the mud, begin to gag. My heart sank as she then vomited in the mud in front of her. I have seen some really sick kids here, but for some reason it was so clear to me the God was pointing me to this one.

I grabbed this little girl, whose name turned out to be Sieda, spoke with the local pastor and her father and threw her in the car. It hurts so bad when you see a small child who is so obviously in agony, but knowing that Sister Freda's hospital is only a short distance a way is a huge comfort.

These past couple days have been full of tests and observation, as the doctors tried to discover what is wrong with Sieda. Today we got the news that she has tuberculosis. TB is pretty common in Kenya, and it is something that the government is trying hard to fight. When a person is diagnosed with TB the government supplies the medicine, which is a huge help considering that the treatment is one pill a day for six months. While the Medicine is supplied by the government the care of the hospitals is not. Usually a patient would return home where they are expected to diligently take their medicine each day, and eat a healthy diet. The issue here is that Sieda lives in the slums with a father who is unable to support her, and with no mother to speak of.

Because of this I have resolved to keep her in Sr. Freda's as she heals, regains strength and is able to continue living a healthy life. I don't know what God has in store for Sieda and I but I do know that she has become a huge part of this summers story for me, and that the LORD is good.

Sieda is 4 years old and is 3 foot 2 and 22 pounds.

Not cut out for this...

2010-07-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

well it has been a while since I blogged, and I have simply realized that I am just not cut out for this blogging thing. there is so much going on from day to day that when the night finally comes and I get a chance to write it out I just can't even think of where to start. Sorry that this is the case but today was no different, there is no way that I can accurately describe everything that I felt, or even did today, but I know there are people who care so let me once again attempt.

Sammy and I spent the day in a place called Endbese, which is around 15 KM outside of town. Last year Sammy, Torie, Delia, Matt and I went out to visit a mother of a student at Purpose Driven named Protenciana (spelling?).

Margaret, the principal at purpose driven academy and dear friend, had introduced us to protenciana and her family last year, and in fact Sammy and her family support three of her cousins through school. Today was the first time in a year that Protenciana had gone home from school to visit her mother, and that absolutely breaks my heart.

Protenciana's mother is HIV positive, and so when she comes down with malaria or typhoid things get very rough. Living in a one room mud house, Protenciana's mother and two sisters raise three children, not to mention the four others who had lived there before Sammy and Margaret took them to school. We had heard that Prote's (short for Protenciana) mother had been sick for some time and since we were in town we thought it would be good for us to go visit her. It never becomes easy to see the situation that many families must survive in, and the evils of poverty are mostly shocking.

The story of the day wasn't so much reuniting Prote and her mother, or even getting her to the nearby hospital, it turned out to be Prote's 2 year old cousin Marvelous. There is just something so terrible about the look of a child who hasn't eaten. It is more then the way they look physically, it is their entire being that is crying out. Marvelous could not smile, could barely walk and just didn't look like she had any drive to carry on. As we at lunch we ordered her a huge bowl of cooked bananas and beef stew. I have never seen a child eat so much, in fact I don't know if I have ever eaten so much. It was awesome to watch Sammy take so much joy in feeding this little girl, even if she knew that was all she could do for her. Margret said something that shocked us, "this little girl has no idea where her next meal is coming from, so her body has told her to not stop eating."

I have not once worried about food, and i can not even imagine being 2 years old and knowing that my next meal may not come. Some things never stop shocking you.

For me the best part here is watching Sammy love these people, and becoming a giant advocate for Protenciana and her family. Sammy, you rock.

First Day of the Teams Journey...

2010-06-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of the teams experience here in Kitale. We headed out to Oasis in the morning for what is always a great first experience. I was so proud of the way that the team just jumped into service, and how thier love for these children, that I love is already so evident. After a short (long) talk about what Oasis of hope is, and the general state of children on the streets and in the slums, the team broke off into groups of twos and went to teach in each class. I was so impressed with their willingness to dive in head first.

After Oasis we all headed over to Gilgal to spend some time with my favorite high school students in Kitale. Again I was so impressed with the conversations that I heard between the team and the students.

It is so great to love something so much and get a chance to show others how awesome it is. I love this place and these people, and it is an indescribable feeling when others fall in love with it also.

Mercy Mercy Mercy, and me...

2010-06-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the radio silence, I have been super busy with everyone getting here, and getting them all situated.

It has been a fantastic weekend filled with laughs, great fellowship and awesome prayer. I am so happy with the team this summer. I could not have asked for a better group of students. It is already so evident how much these students want to serve and grow here in Kitale.

This morning the whole team headed over to Deliverance church here in town to fellowship with some of our greatest friends in Kitale.

Recently a pastor from deliverance suddenly passed away, leaving a wife and two children behind. It was a great loss to the church, and to the community. This was a great opportunity for our team to show how much we appreciated Simon, and his family; and also a great chance to walk a cow into the church. As a team we delivered some relief supplies and the cow, which is a great commodity here. I love when Steve gets a chance to give things away because he spares nothing.

This was only reinforced when the mercy kids came over this afternoon to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and dance to "Party in the USA." I love those kids so much, everything that they do makes me smile, and to be honest how much they love Steve inspires me.

I am pretty much done for this evening with this post, but I promise I will get back to speed this week, and hopefully get some pictures up as well.

Let me tell you EVERYTHING

2010-06-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today is my favorite day, God made a special way. (That only makes sense to those of you who have been here, so sorry for those who are left out.)

Steve’s first day was a typical Steve’s first day. Knowing exactly what he wanted to do, I sent Kris and Pat with him off to Khetia’s while Sammy, Ashley and I headed over to Oasis of Hope. I really enjoy introducing people to Kitale. It is so great when I think about how surreal everything was on my first day. I love to explain every little thing; I guess I just assume that everyone is as excited about Kitale as I am.

I also ran into Vincent in town today, and honestly, I wish I hadn’t. Vincent and I had talked about him not hanging out on the street while he was recovering, but like I said in the previous post he is an adult, and I can’t control what he does. We talked a little about how he was, and about what his next step was.

Honestly I don’t know what to do about him. I am just praying that God would guide me daily and that I would be able to act in faith and wisdom.

On a lighter note, the first ever African FIFA world cup opened today. My friend Manu and I watched the opening match between South Africa and Mexico at the Kitale club. I love the energy and the Passion that Africans have for their continent. There is such pride in everything that Africans do, even out of their immediate countries. I will definitely be cheering for all African teams this world cup, after the US that is.

Vincent Goes Home

2010-06-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

I should have posted this yesterday but I never got around to it. Yesterday Vincent left Sister Freda’s.

Vincent is a 17 year-old boy that we found in the streets about a week and a half ago with a broken jaw, you can read the story here. He has been resting at Sister Freda’s for a week and is feeling much better. He still has to keep the wires in his mouth for another five weeks but the pain and the swelling have gone.

Vincent was restless at the hospital, and I have to be honest, a hospital isn’t a place I would want to hang out when I am feeling well either. Since he was feeling well, and really wanting to leave, I asked Freda what we should do. He lives on the street during the day, and stays in a part of town called Kipsongo at night. So it isn’t exactly the easiest place for him to get the types of food that he needs, seeing as he can’t chew anything.

Vincent assured me that he had relatives in town that could help him out a bit while his Jaw healed. It was hard to say yes, seeing as I can’t know for sure if he is telling the truth, but I figured that he is old enough to make those types of decisions, so I let him go. We took him into town where I bought him a good supply of foods that way the burden of feeding him would not be completely on his relatives. We also made a deal that he would come to Oasis every Monday morning so that I could talk with him and make sure that everything was going well with his recovery.

All I can do now is pray, and ask God to continue to guide me. It is tough making decisions like that, but I think it was the best for Vincent.

It has for sure been a wild ride, and I feel like the LORD has more in-store for us. This is definitely not the last that I, or you for that matter, will hear of Vincent.

Also, you should check out Pat and Kirs' blog. you can find it here.

Visitors and Bug bites

2010-06-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Pat and Kris Larkin arrived in town today, and let me say that having some friends around the house is very nice. We walked into town and did some shopping for provisions and then headed over to the coffee shop for lunch.

It is very nice having Kris around because not only is she very kind and excited about serving here in Kitale, but she is a cook. Anyone who knows me know that the best things I eat mostly come in red and white bags with yellow arches. (I miss those big macs...)

And Pat is has already showed such a heart to learn and to experience this place, which makes me so excited about serving with him here in Kitale.

Steve gets in tomorrow which is always interesting, and somewhat of a game changer. I love the positive energy that he brings to the house, and his wisdom is unmatched.

Now to my personal problems. I have over 20 bug-bites on my body at this moment. I honestly have no idea where they are getting me from. I searched my clothes, my bed sheets, even my clothes that are still packed away in my bags. I know that I am a magnet for these guys, but I am honestly getting eaten alive here!

Please keep praying that God will show us his will, and that we will be obedient to his guidance.

Monday muddy Monday

2010-06-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Please excuse that terribly cheese title.

Today was a pretty standard day, which is actually nice once and a while. I woke up and went down to Shimo primary school to talk to the students at their flag ceremony, which I think is something that each of our schools should do each week. I love how excited kids here get when you just come to say a couple words. I usually think to myself, "I am not really that important, and yet you can hardly contain yourself."

After some work around the house I headed over to Kitale Family school, and Discover to recover. These are two of my favorite places. Considering both of the directors are in the US for the time being, I got to say hello to all the children instead of talking business.

I was so excited to see all the children at discover, and I know they were happy to see me. I rolled up on the back of a motor cycle in the pouring rain, and as soon as the first student saw me he screamed, "CRIIIIIIIS!" and they all bum rushed me.

Allison, you will be happy to know that they all say hello, and Benja says he loves you, and misses you so much, and also Mercy didn't even care that I was there, she just wanted you.

After Discover I went down to Shimo secondary to play some football with the boys. It had been raining heavily for a while and anything that was dirt was turned to the thickest mud you can imagine, but it was awesome playing for a little, even if my skills are still lacking.

I love this place, and these people.

Lonely

2010-06-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

I know that this is my third consecutive post, but I have been meaning to crank this one out for some time.

To be honest, I thought that being here alone for a couple of weeks would be nice. I thought that I would be able to get a lot done, and that I would enjoy being free of being responsible for others. While I'm getting a lot done, I'm pretty lonely. Of course the days are filled with meetings, and hanging out with street kids, but it's when I settle in for the night that I really feel it.

Let me be honest, it is tough here, you have to have a thick skin a lot of the time. Now mix the stuff that goes on here day to day, with not having someone to process it with, and you have a perfect recipe for loneliness. That being said we're only a Couple days away from the first wave of the team arriving and I am so excited.

I am mainly excited for the return of three people who have spent time with me here before and who I love very much.

Of course there is Pastor Steve. I am his biggest fan, whilst being one of his bitter enemies, but hey that is the way good friendships work sometimes. Without Steve none of us would have ever come to Kitale, and I know that we all deeply thank him for it

Then there's Sammy (Sebby). One of the most neutral people I've ever met. When tempers are high you can count on her to bring them back down, and when people are down, you can count on her to bring them up. Just don't count on her to ever care about you calling her something other then her name.

And last, and least, Matt. Nothing says pure genius like a Matt Gillen pun. I know few people who think about the people of Kenya as much as this guy, not to mention he is one of my best friends even when were not taking toast in Kenya together.

Of course there are so many people that I would love to have here, but I know that sometime in the future I will get everyone I love over to this place that has changed my life.

Pokot Sunday

2010-06-06T05:45:00.001-07:00

A couple of days ago a bishop friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go with him to a church of his in a remote area of West Pokot.

This part of Pokot is an awesome place that is nestled up in the hills of Kenya and is absolutely beautiful. It takes about an hour and a half to get to the church from our house, and about 45 minutes of that are on some untraveled donkey paths. I really enjoy going to the bush (that's what they call remote here) and seeing the work that our friends are doing to spread the gospel of Christ.

every five minutes of the drive up the mountain Simon, my bishop friend, kept reminding me not to worry about all the people staring, he said it was just because they had never seen a white man in this place before. He didn't need to worry, I am pretty used to that by now, in fact it is a great way to start a conversation.

"Hey, you have never seen a white guy around here? Well I am a white guy, how's it going?"

Although it is a little more formal then that, that is basically my tactic. When we arrived at the church I was blown away at what I saw. Since I don't have a camera I snapped a shot with my phone, and it really can't do this place justice.

Sitting atop these hills is this tiny mud structure where people gather each day to worship the creator and savior of the entire universe. I mean, this place just screams of God's majesty. As far as you can see down into the valleys and up along the hills is green, with scattered homes and fields of maize. I thought to myself, "this is where I want to worship God, even if it is just a mud house with a couple benches."

Not only was the view and scenery amazing the people there love God so much, and they are learning and walking with him daily. Simon told me that the Gospel has only been in this area for a bout ten years. Ten years! That is so amazing to me, and the way that people have responded speaks volumes to how God is using Simon and his ministry to advance his kingdom.

I praise God that people to this day are still being reached by the gospel, and that the LORD continues to transform lives

End of the Week Recap

2010-06-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a full couple of days. I checked up on Vincent at Sister Freda’s the other day, and he seemed to be recovering Nicely. He still doesn’t enjoy having a mouth full of metal, but I promised him that if he gave it a couple of days it would feel normal (I hope that’s true).

Thursday was an amazing day. Steve and I have set a goal that we will visit every house in Shimo La Tewa this summer. Shimo is a neighborhood down the street from us that many of the children from Oasis come from, and that is considered in some areas to be a slum. One of the churches that we have been working with is locate there, and the congregation has a huge heart for the community. Thursday marked the start of my house visits to Shimo, and we must have visited 15 houses talking with the mommas, and encouraging them in Jesus. The greatest part about these visits is praying for the women, and for their homes. I love the people of Shimo so much, and to become more a part of the community is something that I deeply desire. Soon I will do a blog solely on one of those prayer walks, God has really used them to change my life. I would encourage you to pray for Shimo as well, there is so much need there.

Friday was the kick off of “The Day of the African Child” Which recognizes our duty to the children of Africa. It was an awesome event here in Kitale. The celebration was kicked off by at least 200 children marching through town with a marching band and a motorcade of what seemed to be some very important people ( I wish I had pictures, and to be honest I forgot my camera at home, that can happen when you have 3,000 pictures of a place). Then I sat and watched some performances from local children’s organizations. I really am not portraying what a big deal this was in town, this was actually the national event that was held here in Kitale. Sometimes these types of things are lost on us foreigners.

Saturday was also an interesting day. I had decided early in the Morning that I would get some laundry done but at about nine I got a phone call from a pastor in town asking me if I would like to go plant a tree with him. Of course I said yes, just because it was such an odd request, and also because planting trees is a super important and symbolic experience here. Well as it turns out we were headed down to Shimo secondary school, which is a brand new high school down the road, and I was to plant a tree in honor of Steve Rutenbar. I must say I have never been to a function where I was representing someone, and I think when you get to the point of sending other people in your place, you are really someone, so congrats Steve, you are really someone. It was great, we planted some trees and listened to some speeches, and like most things in Kenya, it lasted hours.

Those are the happenings from East Africa, sorry for the delay and brevity, I’ll try harder next time.

Vincent

2010-06-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I am not a good enough storyteller, nor a skilled enough author to accurately give account of my last two days. But seeing as this is a place to vent and let you in on what is going on here I will attempt.

I was in an area of town fondly known as “the ghetto” yesterday, visiting some friends who live on the street, when I found a pretty disturbing scene.

Now the ghetto is not exactly somewhere you want to find yourself alone and unwelcome. In fact a more apt name would be the trash heap, because for all intensive purposes, that is exactly what it is. Although this is true, it has also somehow become a place where many street boys, street men, and even street girls hang out. These are the “for lifers”, the ones who have mostly accepted the fact that this is their hand in life, and usually if you hang out here your involved in something less then saintly.

Anyways, as I walked up I could see that there was unrest. I was immediately mobbed with people who were for the most part the worse for the ware. Even more then usual there seemed to be a large number of injuries. After some confusing chatter, I discovered that there had been a raid on the ghetto the night before.

A raid is in essence a way of dealing with the street dweller problem. Basically, as the sun sets a group of police officers role up on a given area, without notice and begin to arrest those who are Illegally squatting in private areas.

From what I gather, and usually what I gather is a little hazy, the police stormed the ghetto and everyone scattered. Now it isn’t exactly a well-lit area of town, and the ground is usually covered in various things that hurt to fall on. That being said, as the residents fled they were falling and being stabbed by glass and metal, not to mention the usually unfriendly exchange once caught by the pursuing police.

As they finished the story, they told me that there was one boy who I needed to see. I am usually a little hesitant at people telling me that they need help, because to be honest, there are a lot of people who need help here, but I was interested in the fact that it was the street boys who were telling me to forgo helping them to help someone who really needed it. What I found was a boy who had been completely devastated, his name was Vincent

Again, from what I gather, Vincent decided to escape the pursuing police by means of hopping onto a roof and running from rooftop to rooftop. As he was running the roof either collapsed under his feet, or he simply miss-stepped falling three stories, directly onto this chin.

When I first saw him he looked like he was falling in and out of consciousness, and the swelling was so bad it looked like he was storing an orange in either side of his mouth. There wasn’t a doubt, we had to do something.

We called for a cab and took him immediately to the hospital. It was about five at this time, so the x-ray was closed, so we were forced to check him into the hospital (I could spend a whole other blog entry just talking about the hospital, but this is already too long winded).

So now we come to this morning. We headed over to the hospital at eight to begin one of the longest days of my life, not wanting to make you relive it, nor wanting to myself, I will just tell you the outcome. It turns out that Vincent has a fractured lower jaw. I will upload the x-ray soon, but there is literally a half-inch gap between one side of his lower jaw and the other. So we had a dental surgeon wire his lower Jaw to his upper jaw so that there is no movement, and it can heal. Honestly, what can you do with a fractured Jaw? Surprisingly the Hospital discharged him today, but there was no way that we could drop him off in town and tell him to get along, so he is now under the watchful eye of the doctors and nurses at sister Freda’s.

Honestly, after spending almost a year’s time here between all of my trips, this has by far been the most draining. Physically I am just worn out, and emotionally I am destroyed. I think that most of my exhaustion comes from the fact that this kind of act goes against a lot of what we do here. I know that sounds strange but it is very true.

The big picture is what you must aim for here. There is so much need that to fight every individual battle is a way to sure destruction. The fact is you can’t give to every person who asks, but you can strategically plan so that each person has an opportunity to get what he or she needs in a way that helps more, with less.

And what I have done with Vincent goes against that model; it is going at one individual issue. That being said, we couldn’t stand by and not do something, it is that exception, that curveball that God throws at you and says “here you go, this is my job for you right now.”

I don’t know if anyone will read this, or if anyone even cares, but I had to put it out there. I am exhausted, and if you got this far I love you, and hope that you will pray for Vincent.

All Quiet On the East African Front

2010-05-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

All is well here. My luggage came today, which has been actually kind of strange. I was so used to waking up and putting on the same shirt, and the same pants that having to choose what I was going to wear seemed somewhat foreign.

It has been pretty slow around here. Yesterday I got to speak at a church in Shimo la tewa, a community down the road. I love visiting small home churches, they remind me of the church in Acts chapter 1 and 2.

Today I was feeling a little under the weather, and so I just did some small errands, and then worked on things at the house. I didn't realize how lonely it can be when you're alone. I now look back and realize how social I am, and how being alone effects me. I have heard it said that solitude is the furnace of change, we'll see about that.

But for now I am going to get back to watching Stargate, and hopefully falling asleep to the sweet sounds of Russell Crow parading a group of bumbling idiots around a far off planet.

Batta

2010-05-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have a friend here in town, his name is Sndip (spelling?), and he owns a shoe store. It is an official Batta retailer (those of you who have been here will know what I am talking about, and probably find that somewhat amusing). Sndip is just an everyday shop owner here in Kitale; An Indian imigrant, who uprooted his whole family to move here and run a shoe store, pretty typical story around these parts. What is amazing is the friendship that we've developed.

Everyday I walk past his shop on my way into town, he always calls my name, and has me come greet him. Once and a while I will sit in his shop and "talk" with him. Mostly I sit there, and ask him questions that he barley understands and he nods yes. He typically buys me a soda and shows me pictures of his family on his phone.

Today I saw a Chelsea hat, and said that they were my team. He laughed and handed me the hat. I told him I couldn't take it but he insisted.

Here I am holding the hat, Attempting to look as Kenyan as possible.

and here I am again wearing the hat, again, attempting to look as Kenyan as possible. (you may have noticed looking Kenyan for me basically means not smiling.)

All of this to say, the LORD has really blessed me here. I realized today that it is rarely obvious who God will put in your path . Sndip needs Jesus too, and it is crazy that the LORD has brought me all the way to Kenya to minister to a shoe salesman.

Bugs In My Pants...

2010-05-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

In town today one of the boys who lives there came to me asking for money. Nothing special really, if that isn't happening to you while your in town, well then your not in town. Anyways, I told him "Sorry but if I give you money I have to give it to everyone," a standard answer really; but then he said something that caught my attention.

"But the Bugs, they are eating me, they are eating me alive."

I took a breath and turned around and asked him to repeat what he had said. "The Bugs they are eating me alive," he said.

I asked him what he meant and he then showed me the inside of his waist band, and there I saw one of the most disturbing things I will likely see. Covering the inside of his pants were small white eggs, thousands. He then Preceded to pick up another bug from his thigh crushing it in between his fingers, squirting blood under his nails.

Easy decision really. "Ok Kid, lets go buy you some soap." 20 shillings (30 cents) later a bar of soap and a bug free set of pants.

Just another day on the streets I guess.

It's Like I Never Left...

2010-05-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have been known to watch movie trailers, and get so excited for upcoming movies that when the movie actually comes out I am disappointed because of how much I have hyped it up in my mind. That is just the way I do things, I get excited about something and let it consume me until I get sick of it. Thankfully that isn’t the case with my return to Kitale.

As the title suggests it is like I never left. I have so easily slipped back into life here that it is obvious that only God could have orchestrated it. As you will have deduced from me blogging, I have made it to Kitale, and could not be happier to be here. Thanks for your prayers and your thoughts.

P.S. I wrote this blog the first day I was here, and am only now able to post it seeing as I have only now gotten my internet working.

because of popular demand...

2009-07-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

I must say this has been a very different trip for me. I have literally take zero pictures, posted three blogs, and really not talked with many people from home. I wish I could say why this is, but I really can't put my finger on it. It may be because I am busier then before, or maybe just a shift in roles.

Being here as a team leader is a huge adjustment for me. Last trip I just sort of tagged along, and now I am leading a bunch of College kids. I often ask myself how I got to be in charge, and the answer never comes. All I know is that I love this place, I love these people, I feel God moving in my life, I know he put me here this summer and I whatever he has in store for me is something worth looking forward to.

Thanks to everyone who supports and loves me. I will try to post a couple blogs in the following days, sorry ahead of time if that doesn't transpire.

Back again

2009-05-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hello. Well after some of the longest, and most miserable flights, I am safe, and very happy to be back. The guest house in Nairobi has wireless high speed internet, which is amazing, it would seem that a few things have changed since I have been gone. Ok well there is a new blog that everyone on the trip will be posting on, the address is Kitaleleadershipinstitute.blogspot.com. Check it out regularly to see what is going on with our team.

God bless,

Chris

My other blog

2008-12-21T16:43:00.000-08:00

It feels odd, almost unatural, but from now on I will be posting on my regular blog. I love this blog, and it feels very sad to shut it down for a while. Hopefully I can keep up the writing on my other blog.

I must say that there will be a lack of interesting stories to tell now that I am back home, but I will try my hardest to make it worth spending any time on.

You can get to my personal blog by clicking here. ENJOY

Home

2008-12-19T13:02:00.000-08:00

I am sorry that this is my first post in two weeks. This will probably be my last post on this blog for a while, considering that I am done with my time in Kenya for a while. I am mostly posting this to tell you all that I am home safe, and very happy. Thank you so much for reading my blog, and having an interest in my journey in Kenya.

If you see me around I would love to talk to you about my trip. I hope to see all of you soon, so that I can thank you in person

Peace in Christ,

Chris

Saying goodbye

2008-12-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

It is always hard to say goodbye. It has been especially hard for me to think about saying goodbye to Kenya for a while. I know that it is going to be so difficult to say goodbye to the kids and amazing friends that I have met here. Although that is true, I think that the hardest thing to say goodbye to is this chapter in my life. When I left for Kenya in July I ended that chapter of my life, in fact I feel like I ended a volume of my life, and once I got here I began the first chapter on the next volume. I know that this “volume” of my life is going to be very different then the rest of my life, and closing the first chapter to move onto the next, very uncertain one, is scary. All my life I have hated change, and for me to move here was hard enough, but now having to get ready to pack up and move on again leaves a pit in my stomach. I know that all I can do is prayerfully move on, and have faith in the LORD.

Tonight we went over to the Oasis girl’s house, the last time for me, so that we could enjoy a nice dinner with the girls and their “mama”. I know I have already expressed my love for these girls, but I could never tell you enough how happy, and refreshed these girls make me. Every one of them has a smile that lights up the room, and makes me want to make them laugh for eternity. There is nothing in my life that brings me more joy then laughter, and that is so true when I am with these girls. This was Andrews first time at an Oasis house for dinner, and as always he dove right in, and made an immediate connection with the girls. I am so excited for Andrew to make his life here in Kitale for a while; he is going to do so much good for the children and people of this town.

This is what I look like after a day in Kitale.

Teach me...

2008-12-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Considering that I am leaving my life here in Kenya soon I have been thinking a lot about the future. Now to say that I have been thinking about the future is the broadest statement that I could possibly make, so to narrow it down for you, I have mostly been thinking about my future in Kenya. I know that this will not be the last time that I am in Kenya, in fact I have been asking God whether or not he wants me to spend more time here, and I am getting a firm…well to be honest I am not sure. If I had my choice I know that I will be back, and I am almost positive that the LORD will direct me back here, but I really don’t know. I realize that some people who are reading this are so appalled thinking that I may never come back, but I can almost assure you that my life in Kenya is not over, all I am saying is that I don’t really know how things will pan out.

Today at Oasis I was teaching a little math to the kids. I am not exactly a math wiz by any standard, but I can handle a little conversion of fractions into decimals, especially when their denominator is 100 (see what I did there). As my lesson went on I realized why teachers do what they do, even If they get stiffed financially. There is a joy in having a child understand something that he didn’t before, a joy that you can’t really get from doing anything else in life. I am not some amazing teacher, in fact I think most of the time I may misinform the children, but today one of the students really understood something that he hadn’t before, all because of my explanation. So now I understand why teachers put up with bratty students, absurd parents, overbearing administration, terrible wages and sometimes ridicules standards. So I dedicate this blog post to anyone who has ever tried to teach a child something that they didn’t understand before (like that dedication actually means anything, but hey).

Visitor...

2008-12-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

There is something about having a visitor come and stay with you for a while that makes everything new and refreshing. This morning at three I picked Andrew up at the bus station in town. In Reality I went there at three, and the bus didn’t get in until 5, so I sat on a curb in the cold, dark African night waiting for my friend to arrive. Anyways, having him here makes everything so new because I get to share in all of his feelings as he experiences life in Kenya for the first time. I want to just tell him everything that I have learned and observed over the past four months but I know that I just have to let him experience it, just like I did.

In my life I have been learning that it is important to be renewed in everything that I do on a daily basis. As I have stated before, my mind is an ever-constant thought heap, which makes things become dull quicker then they should. Sometimes (more like most of the time) I take for granted the opportunity that God has given me here, and watching Andrew experience all of it makes me remember that this was a call from God, and not just a whim decision.

Today we went to Oasis like usual on Tuesdays, and, like usual, I had a great time. I love these kids so much, and I have felt for the first time, that they do generally care about me as well, which feels good.

Time is winding down for me here in Kenya, and the more I think about the more my emotions spiral out of control. I can’t wait to see everyone I love back home and move on to the next chapter of God’s plan for me, but I can’t help but think about how much Kitale has become my home. I was in my room today and I thought to myself, “I am moving soon.” Now it may not sound like much, but at that moment the difference between the words leaving and moving really struck me. I am not just “leaving” Kenya I am actually “moving” away from my life that God has created here.

For know I pray that God would give me a new perspective everyday, and renew me in everything that I do. I pray that the Lord would continue to guide me and that he would reveal himself to me in everyone that I meet. But most of all I pray that God would have his hand over the suffering, giving the peace and revealing his love to them.

Suffering

2008-11-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

As I continue my life here in Kenya I keep running into the same question, what should the effect of suffering be? I am not talking about suffering in my own life, but visualizing and experiencing someone else’s suffering. On any given day here I am made aware of more suffering in the lives of others then I could have imagined. So my question is what do I do with that?

I can think of a couple options:
-I can feel pity and leave it at that.
-I can go home being more grateful
-I can take action
-I can love the individual with all that I am

Of course none of these are mutually exclusive, and combining them all is probably the most effective action step, but which of these do I cling to? The question keeps coming to me like this, “OK I see all of this struggle, I see all of this pain, I love these people, I care about their lives, but what do I do next?” There are so many needs, that when you fill one hole, the others become even larger.

I have this burning in me, as I am sure many people do, to start the ultimate orphanage, or water program, or community center that will just close the door on suffering, while at the same time I know that at no point in time will that “fix-all” organization exist. However the burning for this type of program, as well as the conflict of knowing its impossibility becomes a sort of blow to ones ego. It is almost as if your shattered heart that causes you to want to do everything for these people, also pushes you to stumble.

I feel like we are so engrained by everything around us to bee the ONE, to make THE thing, that our conception of how God works through us becomes misconstrued. That may be the reason why there are so many churches, and those churches continue to splinter into other churches. This desire to have the ONE idea causes us to split from others who also have ideas, even if their ideas are fighting for the same purposes.

I don’t pretend to have any of the answers, actually I am admitting that I don’t have one, but for now all that seems to be evident is my need to love. I have to be able to push away my desire to solve the world’s problems, and just be content with the “I love you” of a child living with little love in their life.

It is so cliché, but, like usual, the times that I go out into the world and get involved in peoples lives expecting to teach them how to have better lives and how to grow closer to God, they teach me more then I could ever teach them.

For now I look at this face,

and pray; “what do I do next?”

Some happenings

2008-11-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

I know that my post as of late have had little or nothing to do with the ministry that is going on here in Kitale, so I thought I would share some of the stuff that has been going on in the past couple days.

A lot of stuff has been going on at Oasis, and honestly there has just been to much information, and the girls have once again done a better job of documenting what has been going on so go to their blogs to read more about some really life altering things. If you can click on the links on the right you can get there very fast.

Our recently purchased Sheep had a baby, and this time I didn’t have to go through the rollercoaster fo emotions, it lived and is very healthy.

Sister Freda had a clinic on Thursday in Kipsongo for the children and the families.

I love when they do these clinics because I always go saying that I am going to work, but every time I show up there is nothing for me to do, so I just end up playing with the kids the whole time. The children in Kipsongo are incredibly loving for reasons that I have yet been able to discover. Freda and her team do so much for these children, and only because of their love of Christ and these children.

Last night we had a great thanksgiving dinner, and Geoffrey, Olivia and their baby Charlotte came over to join us. I love that baby, and I like to think that she loves me too.

I went into into this blog thinking that there was so much more to talk about, but there really isn’t, well there is but scince there is so much going o there is no way for me to even know where to begin.

Oh and by, as of November 27, 2008, there is 19 days left of me being here in Kenya. I keep asking myself, “how the heck can I be leaving that soon?”

This paper chain ends on the day that I leave; too small if you ask me.

better late then never

2008-11-28T04:35:00.000-08:00

thanksgiving |ˌθa ng ksˈgivi ng |
noun
1 the expression of gratitude, esp. to God : he offered prayers in thanksgiving for his safe arrival | he described the service as a thanksgiving.
2 ( Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day) (in North America) an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the U.S. on the fourth Thursday in November. A similar holiday is held in Canada, usually on the second Monday in October

For my whole life I have pronounced this day as Thanksgivingday, almost as if it were one word. I feel like this thinking has really diminished the importance and the meaning of this day for me. Sure today doesn’t mark the birth or death of Christ, but it is such an important reminder of something that we sometimes forget to do. In no way is today about pilgrim Indian relations, or the turkey, or wearing top hats with belts around them. Today is a day set aside to remind us of all that the LORD has sacrificed for us, and that we should turn our eyes upwards and give thanks to our God for his unshakable love.

From now on I will make sure that whenever this day roles around my eyes will face upwards, and I will remember that every day should be a day of thanks-giving.

What Have I Learned?

2008-11-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

As the weeks wind down, and the days become short, I can’t help but ask myself; “What have I learned here?” And right now all I can think to say to such a question is; “I don’t know.”

Coming here I had so many expectations of how God would change me. I kept telling myself how different I would be when I got back. I kept reassuring myself that I would be some solid wall for Christ, an unmovable force solely guided by the Holy Spirit. I mean after all, that is what is supposed to happen you when you go on “missions trips,” right? I regret all of those thoughts, and all of those words, and all of those expectations that I built for myself. I was so foolish to think that that is how God works in our lives. If anything, I have become more aware of my downfalls, and my tiny conception of how the Lord works on this planet. I guess that that is the first step to change, realization, but if step one is not followed by step two, the goal is never reached.

Of course there are moments here when I close my eyes and say, “I see God, that is what you were showing me.” I have seen, and heard more then I ever thought that I would in my whole life, and the knowledge I have gained concerning this country is immeasurably important to my understanding of how this corner of the world works, and how God works in it. Even though, after spending all of this time here, trying my best to serve, and be with the LORD, I have more questions then answers. As I write this I also wonder, “Is that what God wants me to learn?”

For know the only things that are certain to me are Christ’s death and resurrection, and the power of our God.

Faith

2008-11-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

As my journey through life has progressed, Faith has been the thing I struggle with most. My mind is a racing, unpredictable and never ceasing mess. I always need to see results right away, I need the answers as the question is asked, and if doesn’t happen my brain is on to the next thing. Everyday I wonder, “what am I learning, what am I supposed to be doing, what should I be feeling?” My prayers are consumed by my desperate need for answers. It has been four months, and I still have no idea why the Lord has called me here. I know that my life has changed, and I can feel the spirit moving in me, but I still can’t pinpoint what it is the LORD is trying to ultimately teach me. This fact frustrates me everyday, but I know I must persists, and prayerfully walk in the light. All of that nonsense to say, I had a big revelation this week about faith and waiting on the LORD.

Emanuel is a baby who is currently living at sister Freda’s. Emanuel’s mother died when he was born, and his grandmother was forced to take care of him. Unfortunately his grandmother was unable to take care of him so she didn’t feed him, and soon dropped him at sister Freda’s hospital knowing that he would have a good life there. This is a picture of him when he was dropped off.

In this picture he is 6 months old, and severely malnourished. His eyes were empty, and he never smiled. Here is a picture of him today:

He is probably one of the fattest, happiest babies that I have ever known. Now you ask what has Emanuel taught me about faith? Actually he has taught me more then anything has in my short life. Through faith over the years Freda has been able to run this hospital with her husband Richard. Every month is a struggle to pay the doctors and nurses, as well as care for the various orphans that have been left there. Through faith, and hard work they have been able to save countless lives, and help heal so many broken lives. Now what I have realized through Emanuel is that sometimes faith produces fruits that you never even imagined, at unpredictable times. Through years of Faith and hard work the Robinsons have saved this child’s life, even if they had no knowledge of it when they gave everything to God. It is hard for me to put it into words, but I now realize that sometimes our faith doesn’t produce immediate fruits, or even the fruits that we expected it to produce. Sometimes the answers don’t come when you think they should, but when they do be prepared to be a fat happy child, with a new lease on life. (Cheesy, but there is nothing I can imagine being a better metaphor for the power of faith then this child.)

For now I pray that I never stop seeking wisdom and truth.

"Send forth Your light and truth, let them guide me." Psalms 43:3

Kakuma round 2

2008-11-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

Matt and I did it; we took the plunge, and the 12-hour bus ride both ways to be with the people of Northern Kenya. There is no way to describe our experience in Kakuma, other then by saying it was immeasurably life changing. The hurt, the sorrow, the happiness and the all around spectrum of emotions that was experienced on our trip was nothing that could ever, or will ever, be put onto paper. The best way for you to understand our trip is through pictures, and even then, it is hard to portray our feelings, and prayers to you. I promise then when I get home I will tell you everything that I can, because talking it is much easier then writing it.

For now, look at the pictures, and know that we are safe.

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

2008-11-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Well It has been a couple days, and a couple things have happened. I have really enjoyed having Matt here, it has been so great being able to share this unexplainable experience with my bud.

So far we have laughed at jokes, laughed at African teenage fashion, laughed at boda bodas and slammed some Redbulls. We are looking forward to even more fun.

I promise that once my friend leaves and my life gets back to normal here that I will be posting on a regular basis again.

A Birthday Wish and an Apology

2008-11-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

First things first, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD. So what is it 30? Man you sure are looking good for your age. Thank you very much for everything that you have done, are doing and will do for me. You are an amazing man of God, and your faith inspires me.

Second of all, I want to apologize for not writing on here in some time. As you may or may not know, my friend Matt is here in Kitale with me. We are having such a great time, and it is amazing to be able to share this experience with a person that I care so much about.

These last couple of days have been amazing, and I am sure that Allison and Daina have been posting everything on their blogs so go over there and check it out for more details. I probably wont be posting everyday, but if something great happens, I will share it for sure

God Bless,
Chris

Thank God...

2008-11-07T07:26:00.001-08:00

Today I was hanging out with some children in their class and they were asking me questions through their teacher. One of the children raised his hand and said,

"What did you do last Friday?"

To which I replied "I went to the show."

Then they asked "Who did you go with?"

"I went with a bunch of street kids." I said.

At that, their eyes got really big and they said " Chris. Why do you spend time with street boys and orphans like us?"

I didn't hesitate and I said "Because Jesus Loves me, and he loves you. So I love you."

The look on the childrens faces said it all. At that moment, no one could deny the divinity of Jesus Christ.

What's more, that answer didn't come from my own wisdom, in fact it kind of just spilled from my lips, I was actually surprised at myself after I said it.

Our God is an Unbelievable God, who can create the entire universe, and still have love for each and everyone person.

Even orphans, like us.

Misconception pt. 3

2008-11-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

In the last couple of posts I have tried, that being the key word, to describe the reasons that a child here in Kenya would end up on the streets. I already described two ways, 1.) The child is a true orphan, and has absolutely no family to take care of them. The second reason that I talked about was economic and family situations that cause children to venture out onto the streets during the day. The third reason is the one that I think makes the least sense to me. It isn’t that I don’t understand why the kids do it; it is just that the way that I grew up, and was socialized. I have tried my best to put a name to this reason, and here it is: the third reason that a child lives on the streets is the, “this life sucks I’m out of here.” Reason.

I know, I know, that name is childish, and a little insensitive but those couple words really sum up why some children live on the street. It is a sad truth that many Americans know little about the actual continent of Africa. In fact before I came to Kenya, I didn’t even know where Kenya was on a map, or what the political and economic situation was, maybe that was just me, but I feel like it is a general truth. That being said, when I came here I didn’t know what to expect from the climate, or even what the different climate regions of the country experienced on the weather side of things. Here in the Rift Valley region of Kenya it rains, a lot. The area that we are in now is considered the breadbasket of the nation. A majority of the open land in this region is allocated for the growing of crops, mostly corn. For the first couple weeks that I was here I can remember thinking, “man this climate is nice, not to hot, not to cold, just a little wet.” I was right, it was nice, but what I didn’t know was that this was a small part of the country, and that it was, by a long shot, the area with the nicest climate. I

In the north of Kenya, bordering Sudan, there is a region that is known as Turkana. Turkana is a desolate desert, sharing many of the same attributes with the California desert. Although there is little in the way of water and other resources, Turkana is still home to many small towns, and many people. Most of the people in this region are nomadic sheep and goat herders, who travel from place to place looking for anything that their goats can feed on. Turkana is where you can find towns like Lodwar, or Kakuma. These towns are not huge towns, but they aren’t tiny either, meaning that large populations of people live in or around the areas where these cities have sprung up. Lodwar is actually the capital of the Turkana district, and just so happens to be the place where many of the children that you find on the street in Kitale come from.

Now that you have a small picture of Turkana and Lodwar, let me describe to you why I call it the “this life sucks, I’m out of here” reason. Life in these desert towns is exponentially harder then life in other places of the nation. Food and water are scarce, and the sun is always beating down on your back. Not only is the climate terrible, but the tribal life is also very difficult. Everything that is in the tiny shops has to be shipped from the rift valley, which may take a day or two, causing the prices to soar for common goods, and the economic situation of most of these nomadic herders is not favorable, so this obviously causes a huge problem. This hard life, mixed with an already tough tribal approach to life causes many children to look for a better option. The children from these towns will often hear about Kitale, and decided that that is a better option for them. I imagine that it is in some way like when people were talking about the US at the turn of the century, and making all of those absurd claims about how would life would have no troubles. Whatever these children hear they decide to jump onto an empty truck and hitch a ride back to Kitale, having no idea what they will find there.

Now this is where my understanding in life differs. I can not imagine how bad things would have to be in my home that I would risk it all and travel to a place that I know little about. It just breaks my heart to think of a child having to make that decision, and then to go through with it only to find themselves living on the streets. When I first found out about this I thought about how sad it was that these kids didn’t find the dream life that they were looking for, but then something occurred to me. This life on the streets must be better then the life back in their homes, otherwise they would have just gone home when things didn’t pan out in Kitale.

So in short, many of the children that live on the streets in Kitale had such a hard life where they were living, that they decided to risk it all, and live on the streets of Kitale.

The length of this post is terrible, I know, and I apologize. Hopefully I didn’t write all this in vain, and that someone has a better understanding of the situation of street children. Now let me give a warning, these are, obviously, not all the reasons that a child would end up on the streets, and in fact many times these reasons mesh together. This is just a broad picture of what I have learned while being here.

I thank God everyday for allowing me to better understand the world that he created, and teaching me what life is really supposed to be about. Thank you for reading my sporadic, and unemotional writing, I pray that your heart breaks for these children as much as mine does.

Misconception (cont.)

2008-11-06T09:22:00.000-08:00

Last post on this subject I talked about the first reason that I have observed that children end up on the street. I thought that I would continue on this post talking about the second way that children end up on the street.

Children are born into situations, and we all know that those situations shape a child's life drastically. The second way that children end up on the streets is a very complicated one; it has a lot to do with the economic situation that many families are caught up in. Unlike in the US schooling here in Kenya is not 100% free. Recently the government declared that education for every child was free, but the reality of the situation is that it just isn't. There is little money that is allocated from the government to the public schooling system causing many teachers, as well as supplies to go unpaid for. For this reason schools are forced to try and raise money to pay for their expenses by telling children to bring money, or school fees as they are called, from their parents. Many families just don't have any funds to allocate to school fees. It sounds absurd but when the choice is feed your family or send them to school, the choice becomes obvious. Years of this, as well as tribal attitudes have caused many families to put the need for education in the back seat. The problem that occurs from these attitudes is that as the towns become more industrialized, these poorer families are forced to live on the outskirts of towns, in areas that are so kindly named, slums. These slum areas usually consist of tin sheeting, or mud houses, packed very close, with dirt roads and no sewage system to speak of. I guess in the U.S. we would probably call them ghettos, which isn't any better of a name, but there is really no way to put a kind name on these makeshift towns. As the children grow up in these slums, and their families have no resources to buy them uniforms, or pay school fees, a child has two choices: 1.) stay around their slums, and work or just do nothing OR 2.) go to the streets where they can be free to beg for money, sniff glue, and do whatever they want. The pull of the streets an unbelievable force, that I may never understand, but many children choose this life. The children wake up in the morning, go out onto the streets, and then return home at night to sleep.

Many of the children from these slum areas are victims of not only poverty, but abuse from parents, and mostly step parents. Many of the households are forced to make a local brew, causing alcoholism to run rampant in the slums. This search for a better life is a huge factor as to why children often spend their days and nights on the streets. I could not imagine thinking "I want a better life, I know, I will go to the streets." That is just something that I could never understand, and it is for that reason that my heart breaks for these children.

I have tried my best to explain this situation in words, I know that it is scatter brained, and poorly written, but I hope you can see a bit of the picture.

In Christ,
Chris

Obama Who?

2008-11-05T02:46:00.000-08:00

Everyone back home has their eyes fixed on the tv, watching as Obama becomes the first African American president. But I say the heck with it all, I don't care who the president is, or how many hundreds of millions he spent to get there, as long as I am hanging with this guy as he does art, I am just fine...

Misconception

2008-11-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

When I see a child, on the street alone, dirty, begging for money and holding a bottle of glue to his face, my initial thought as to where he has come from is, “Oh I guess his parents died.” I have come to realize that is a misconception.

After doing a lot of interviews with children who live either in group homes, or are in boarding school through an organization, I have come to learn where most of these children really come from. It is true that some of them are “true” orphans, and that they really have no family to turn to, but that is definitely the minority.

Something that just doesn’t register for most of us, who come from a loving, western, home, is the idea of a parent having no regard for their child. The idea that a parent would care so little resources that knowing your child is on the street begging for money and sniffing glue, is an alright option for them, is impossible to imagine.

After the short time that I have been here I have discovered that a lot of these children do in fact have homes, or that somewhere their family does exist. That being said, the situation begs the question, what is it that is so bad where they came from, that a life on the streets is the better option? I may never know the answer to that question, due to the fact that I will probably never experience the suffering and Heartbreak that these children face. So, what are the scenarios that cause these children end up on the street? I have thought about it for some time and come up with a broad explanation of the ones that I run into most, and I think you will be surprised at some of them.

The first reason that a child would live on the street is the standard, no brainier one. A child who has NO family, at all, is forced to live a life on the streets. In a country where even educated adults have an extremely hard time finding a job, an uneducated child is pigeon holed into the street life. The HIV/ AIDS epidemic, economic stresses, as well as intertribal clashing have caused the mortality rate in this country to soar. I don’t know of one child that I have met here that has not experienced some death in their immediate family. There are children who have no one to turn to, either their whole family has passed-away, or they are not in contact with any part of them, making them “true” orphans. This scenario is very much the minority, in fact, out of the many children that I have talked to about the issue; I can barley think of three who would fall under this category. Needless to say this is one of the most heartbreaking scenarios for any child, to be completely alone in the world. I have hope for these children though, Because it is not an isolated problem to this country, it occurs all over the world, I am confident that other nations who have been more successful in solving the issue of orphaned children can pull together and inform nations who are struggling with the issue, on effective ways to deal with orphaned children.

I know that this post is long so I am deciding to explain the next scenario in my next post. I am not sure if anyone really has a desire to know this, but it has been on my mind lately and I have really wanted to document it, and I thought this a good outlet for that.

Peace in Christ

How..

2008-11-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

How can you have a child and not love it?
How can you sit back as your child spends his days on the streets sniffing glue?
How can you love one child and not the other?
How does a nation allow the sale of toxic glues to children, when they have a non toxic option?
How do you teach a child to love, who has never been loved?

How does God want to use me?

show me the show

2008-11-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

So as promised, I will do my best to describe my experience at the “show”. Every year at the end of October the agricultural show comes to Kitale town. There is a show ground that is dedicated to the show, sort of like the fair grounds in Orange County. The show is probably the biggest thing that happens every year, and people come from all around Kenya to go. It is so big, that most schools give one day off during the week so that the students can go, and “learn”. In reality the show is just a place for a bunch of people to get together, eat some sweets, look at some things, and interact with other people.

For me, it sucks. Now I know that is being insensitive, and just rude, but hear me out. There is nothing worse for me then standing in the sun all day and looking at the best cows, corn and grass in town. The only redeeming part of the show is watching the kids enjoy it so much. Really I can’t see what the big deal is, but the fact that the children find so much joy out of walking around the show, is reason enough for me to spend three hours there, dying of thirst.

Every time that the show come to town, Oasis gathers all of their kids from the center, houses, and even students that they have enrolled at boarding school, so that they can spend a day at the show. There is really no way to tell you how exciting this is for a kid who has spent the last 5 years sleeping on the street, I don’t think anyone could understand it, unless they went through it.

So although the show is nothing to me, the idea of having a day free from focusing on the hardships, desperation and heartbreak that these kids lives involve, is worth the world.

African Halloween

2008-10-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well, to be honest, it doesn't exist. There is not even a mention of the event. Not to worry though, we celebrated it anyway. I am too tired to explain now, but I promise a full explanation will be given tomorrow.

For now, enjoy YOUR Halloween, and be safe.

these kids..

2008-10-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

I have always known that children, especially ones who have suffered or are suffering, have a special place in my life. There is nothing more heartbreaking then a child who is suffering due to circumstances that have nothing to do with them.

For the past couple of days I have been working with some kids who have been through more tragedy and heartbreak then anyone that I know. I have been collecting their stories, and histories as well as their ambitions in order to create a book of their profiles, for use in sponsorship, and records. It is impossible to express the suffering that these children have experienced without hearing it from them, and watching as their eyes begin to tear up. Steve has planned for each of them to have a profile with their picture on it, as well as a short video of them all, in order to document their story.

Surprisingly it hasn't been their stories that have moved me most. I hear similar stories almost everyday, not to say that that in anyway degrades their story, But it is their faith, and love of the LORD, that moves me. Through all that these children have been through, the betrayal, the tragedy, the abuse and the all around suffering, they have unwavering trust in the LORD. I want that faith, I want to be able to look to God through anything and thank him, to just be happy with being loved by him.

Here are a couple of the kids:

This morning I went to hang out with the Oasis kids for a couple hours. My friend Kamao (spelling?) decided that he just wanted to hang out in my lap all day; and that was fine with me.

Dr. with the Robinsons

2008-10-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Every morning I wake up, and I have some idea of what the day will hold. I usually know the general "skeleton" of everyday. Most of the time things are going on that I don't know about, and that is where "mom" (Allison) comes in, she knows about everything. Today was a great example of this.

I woke up knowing that on Tuesdays we go to Oasis in the Morning and then I go to Purpose driven Academy. What I didn't know was that we were having dinner with Sister Freda and Richard. I was so excited when I got home and found out that Daina, the house cook, was making Lasagna. I love to eat food that isn't rice and beans, so this was like the ultimate meal.

We ate, laughed, and had a great time. I love the Robinsons, that is their surname, because they bring so much life, and peace to any situation. There are some great pictures from the night, and they can be found here, on Daina's blog.

I love you all, and hope God is doing amazing things in your life, he sure is doing them here.

FOOTBALLERS

2008-10-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a typical Monday. In the Morning we went to Oasis, where we talked a bunch about some issues that are going on. I love hanging out with those kids, they make me so happy.

Later in the day the boys from house one and two and the Oasis center street boys teamed up to take the boys from the Showground Primary school. We had a great time hanging out with the other boys as well as watching the team play with all their hearts. They are a great team on the train tracks, but a large field is a bit of a struggle for them. They played well, but lost 2-0. We are going to practice and take them on in a couple weeks, I am confident that we have them next time.

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY

2008-10-26T10:14:00.001-07:00

Today it hit me, I live in the future. All of you back in the States are Ten hours behind me, that is awesome. That means I get to experience EVERYTHING before you.

Then I realized that that is not true. All it means is that the sun rises and sets first here. Whatever, for those few brief moment that I believed I had somehow traveled in time, I felt so powerful, it was worth it.

Sundays are some of the most predictable days that we have here in Kitale. Every morning we go to church, then we go to the coffee shop, and I hang with the kids (and distract them) as Allison helps them with math (or maths as they call it over here).

Today was a little different though. As I was hanging out at the Coffee shop with the kids, James (my Kenyan friend who is coming to the states for school soon) called me up and told me that he was going to watch the Chelsea game in town. Being a fan of the Blues I was so excited to go watch them play against Liverpool at home.

The game was great, although Chelsea lost, ending their 86 game winning streak at the bridge, but the place that we went to watch it was even better. The place was called "Line Moja" which means, Line One. It is just a mud hut, with a tv connected to satellite, and benches where around 100 dudes sat watching the game. It was the most hilarious clash of technology, and simplicity. This place was just another example of why I love Kenya.

Purpose: Adventure

2008-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Allison! Today, as you may have guessed was Allisons birthday. we had such an amazing day, there is no way for me to describe it except through pictures.

Allow me to set the scene: We went to a place called Captain Davis', it is a sort of tiny safari farm, and resort. They have some animals, and ssome great things to do which we did. My favorite part about the day was when I signed the guest book and under purpose of visit I wrote, "Adventure", because that is what we were looking for. Here is what happened:

Talked to this guy

Saw a rhino

Saw some zebra

Saw a treehouse

Drank a Coke

Saw a nest

Saw a Giraffe

Saw an Ostrich

rode an ostrich

Alice rode an Ostrich (So did Daina but I was to scared for her life to get good pictures)

Some great times were had by all, and all in all it was an absurd day. I hope that Allison had a great birthday, I know I had fun. Happy birthday my friend, you are an amazing person.

Dog-gonnit

2008-10-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Oh today was great. Daina and I went to sister Freda's to hang out with the kids, and paint a little bit, while Allison went into town and made some copies for here math tutoring that she is doing. It was a nice, typical day here in Kitale, but when I got home that is when the real good news arrived. WE GOT TWO DOGS! I was so excited to have two new friends to hang out with. They are little Rottweiler puppies, and they are so great. They don't have names yet, we are going to wait and let Steve name them. All in all they are probably the best news that I could have gotten today.

Simple things

2008-10-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have noticed a pattern in the things that make me happy these days. I have been really holding on to the simple things that life has to offer, it sounds so cliche, but those small things are making me so happy. Today I read on the Internet about my sister scoring a goal in their match against Fullerton, and I started to tear up. I was so proud of her, all of the work that she had put in over the years, and all of the commitment made me so proud to be her older brother. Of course we have our differences, but I am so proud of the accomplishments she is making on the field, or should I say the pitch? Congrats Alana, on being an accomplished college athlete, and being my little sister (lets face it, being my sister is something to brag about in itself.)

As I was walking into the house today from getting my laundry another simple, but great, thing made me so happy. I heard some kids chattering, and I looked to see if it was our neighbors so that I could say hello, but then I saw 5 kids scurrying around one of the trees on the other side of the compound. Usually we don't let kids on the compound just because if we let one, there would be no end. I recognized the kids as some that go to Oasis. When I walked up they screamed my name, and then showed me some fruits in their hands. When I looked up in the tree I noticed they were gathering all the guavas from our guava tree. They were up in the trees, jumping all around it, hitting it with sticks, doing everything they could to get them down. I don't know why but seeing these kids gathering these fruits made me so happy, they were so excited to grab one off the tree and bite into it. Personally i don't enjoy these guavas, and these kids aren't exactly well off, so I was more then happy to let them have as many as they wanted. (plus their not really ours anyways.)

I can feel God softening my spirit, and I thank him for every ounce of joy that I experience in the small things that occur in life.

Also, I now have proof that Dinosaurs live in Kitale:

Ladies and gentlemen I give you Pterodactyl

Ohh Hell naw ALIEN...

2008-10-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today I became an Alien. I am now a Legal ALIEN in Kenya. I think that this is the closest I will get to actually traveling to space, and It is good enough for me.

Today the girls and I went to Eldoret, the fourth largest city in Kenya, to renew our visas. It is about a 90 minute drive, but we had a great time. There is a restaurant there called the Eldo Grill that has delicious PIZZA. It was great to eat something so familiar, although I think I will have garlic breath for the next week. The best part about the day though was that we got passport pictures taken for our visas, and they are amazing. We have the negatives as well so we are going to blow them up, and let me tell you, there was no smiling being done in that office, all business. Renewing my visa today means that I have been here for three months. Thinking back, it is hard to believe that three months ago I was just figuring out what it meant to be here, and now I feel like this is my home.

The countdown to Matts Gillens getting here is now at 16 days. In 16 days I will be hanging out with one of my best friends, in one of the best places I have ever been. There are no words to describe my level of excitement.

Today is...

2008-10-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

There is this song that the children at Discover to Recover Center sing, and it goes like this:

“Today is my favorite day.
God made it a special way,
I love tomorrow and yesterday,
But today is my favorite day.”

After hearing and singing the song I don’t think that there is any way that I can hear it without smiling. There is just something about the song that makes me so happy, and especially when the kids sing it to us.

Sunday was a great day. The girls and I went to church together at lighthouse where we have become official members, and then we headed our separate ways. Allison and Daina went to the coffe shop to tutor the Oasis boys in Math and English. I on the other hand had some work to do. I did a bunch of laundry (by hand), and then did some reading. I must admit that I did watch a little Alias as well.

I just realized that this post is a string of very random thoughts, but that has been this day, a string of random events, all coming together to create a great day.

DTRC

2008-10-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Friday, so naturally Allison and I went to Discover to Recover. I now know what it feels like to be famous now. As we were rolling up in our taxi all of the children started screaming and clapping their hands, then they broke out sining something about welcoming us. They are all such amazing kids. I had brought my computer to do some work there, and naturally as soon as the kids discovered there was a camera in my computer, it went all downhill.

I think the kids had a fun time looking at their distorted faces, I know I sure did.

Thursday.

2008-10-16T00:10:00.000-07:00

As you know from reading my blogs, I enjoy Thursdays. I love the fact that we can hang out at the house until around 11, and then we get to go swimming with a bunch of kids. Today is the first time that I will be swimming so I am excited to see how it goes. I think that the best par tis that we get to eat fries for lunch. That is like me dream, eating only french fries and drinking soda for lunch.

Day 2

2008-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Yes this was the second, and last, day of sitting around and doing nothing. I watched some ALIAS, read some Harry Potter, Thought some thoughts, had some laughs and overall enjoyed myself. Tomorrow we begin the hectic schedule again, and I could not be more excited to do so.

I was thinking about the trip to Kakuma and Lodwar, and I thought that I wanted to let you know more about it right now, but then I remembered how impatient I was when it came to this internet here, so I once again refer you to Daina's and Allison's blogs. They do a great job with uploading pictures, and telling the stories. I sometimes feel bad for pirating their blog, but when i think about it, I don't feel that bad. Thanks girls! (just click on their names and it will take you to their blogs.)

I pray all of you are doing well, and that God is doing great things in your lives. I love all of you.

Chris

HOME, SWEET HOME.

2008-10-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Well I have been gone for a week, and I am sure that all of you are wondering where I was, and what I was doing. Well the girls and I, along with a pastor from town, headed to Northern Kenya, to a place called Lodwar and Kakuma. There is no way that I will ever be able to describe the trip to you on this blog, so I am going to sum up a weeks worth of stories and experiences with this picture:

Yes, all is good with American relations in North Kenya. Thanks to me.

I also wanted to post this picture so that you could see how nasty sweaty I got; as well as how sweet my new hat is.

Lazy Su..um Saturday.

2008-10-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

The rain never stopped, it just kept coming down like it was hell bent on drowning all the inhabitants of Kitale town. I can't complain though, I got to stay in most of the day and do some reading, writing and thinking. I also got some time to go into town today by myself. I love going into town and just observing. Today however I saw something that really hit me hard.

I was standing around talking to a couple street boys, and I noticed one that I had not seen before. Something wasn't right though, standing there staring I couldn't understand why my heart was hurting more then ever for this one. Then I noticed it, she was a girl, the first one I had seen. A street girl, it even sounds terrible to say; not that street boy isn't horrible. I don't know what it was about her that just made me want to cry out to God and ask him; why? She was sniffing glue, not unusual, but for some reason I could not stand to see her inhale the toxic fumes. Her eyes were empty, and I cringed to think about what terrible things they had seen and experienced. She just stared at me as I tried to talk to her, but my terrible Swahili was only matched with her worse English, my heart wept for her. I know her name is Josephine, and that she is 14, but other then that one can only guess where she comes from or where she is going. Even know, every part of me that hates what happens in the world is screaming for justice, and my heart aches. I have cried a lot while living here, but for some reason this idea of her and the rest of the boys in the rain tonight kills me.

This brings me to my next question: what the hell do I do? It is a thing that is always on my mind, and constantly in my prayers. What can I do? I am confident that the Lord has put me here for some reason, and I may not fully understand why for some time, but for now all I can do is try my best to follow His lead.

T.G.I.F

2008-10-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

No, not the terrible restaurant, but the real thing; Thank God it is Friday! I love Fridays because I get to hang out with this guy:

His name is Churchill, and he is an awesome dude who lives at a place called discover to recover. This place is an amazing place where children form the surrounding area can come and get food and an education. The area is a slum of sorts, where the children come from very poor homes. Most parents in the area are uneducated, so the need for education is not important to them; that and the money to pay for uniforms and school fees just isn't available. Churchill is actually an orphan, he was brought in by his brother who was his guardian at the age of 7. Churchill is HIV positive, and that is the reason that he lives at the center. The center is also a place for children who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS to come and get counseling. Patricia Sowa and her husband Francis run the center. God has blessed them with unbelievable opportunities to travel the world and speak on HIV/AIDS; and considering that Patricia has been Infected with HIV for around 10 years, it makes her an incredible source of wisdom on the subject.

Then we went to the Oasis girls house and had the most amazing dinner. All of the girls are so great, and the food was probably the best that I have eaten in here in Kenya. I ate so much that I think that I was gong to throw up all over the floor. But it was a great time.

With Great Power Comes...

2008-10-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

So, for the past couple days I have been reading the 6th installment of the Harry Potter series. I know what you are thinking, I am a complete nerd, a 21 year old dude who loves reading about teenage wizards and warlocks. If you think that I don't think myself a dork, you are sorely mistaken, I am quite enlightened to this fact. That is beside the point that I am trying to make however. If you have been keeping up with Allison's blog you would know that the other night we watched around 45 minutes of episode two of Star Wars, and you will also know that we watched Indiana Jones (all three). this recent overload of awesome has once again thrown me into a funk about being merely human. I want so badly to be able to wield a light saber and use the force. Or even cast a few spells on people, just for fun of course. Maybe I could find a few ancient artifacts, all while fooling the Nazis. But then I remember, I am just a dude, a dude who can't do any of those great things. And that is the way I was feeling for the past couple days, simply human.

That all changed today though. I was reading my bible in Acts, and I stumbled upon a simple human who did some really awesome things. His name is Paul, and his power? The holy spirit. So today I decided to shape up, get out of my funk and do something awesome. It feels good to be empowered.

(Editors note: This blog was purely for entertainment value. Nothing that was said by the author was meant to be takes seriously, except the part about Paul being awesome)

On a more "Kenyan" note, tonight we went to dinner at a dear friends house after a long day at the pool with the kids. Onesmus is actually Geoffry's brother as well as the Caretaker of Lydia's compound. He has a great little boy named David who is seven, so naturally our humor is the same. All in all it was a nice day, like i said last week, I love Thursdays.

I told him to make a face that made him look terribly awkward. I succeeded, he just got angry.

Crane Swinging

2008-10-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays are the longest days of all. In the morning we went to Oasis for a couple hours and do the usual stuff (the girls work and I play). Then in the afternoon the girls and I met with Ben and Christine who run the high school Gilgal. We had to talk to Ben because we are going to Lodwar and Kakuma (spelling questionable) to work with the Sudanese refugees. Then after lunch we headed to Gilgal so that we could do the usual Wednesday things. Daina taught a great class about rocks, then we answered questions and then I taught some P.E., which basically means I ref. a soccer game. Just an average Wednesday, but our Thursdays are a perfect compliment to our Wednesdays, so everything is great.

Oh and a little something else, we found an amazingly fun thing to do in town. There is a crane by the train tracks that goes unused, that is until we found it. We now use it as a great wing, one of the funnest things to do. So here are some pictures to prove it:

To shave a-the beard, to cut a-the hair

2008-09-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, today I cut my hair. I wish that I had a beard to shave, but that is just wishful thinking I guess. But yes today One of the Ukrainian girls who lives at the other house on the compound told me the other day that I should cut my hair, and then offered to do it. Naturally, I said what the heck, and then told her to do what she wanted with my hair, I mean we are in Africa, so what the heck. I am so excited because she cut my hair like a sweet 50's cut. Anyway I am excited that my hair is nice and clean cut. Here are some pictures to get you excited:

The beginning

Bowl cut anyone?

And the finished product!

Another week

2008-09-28T02:50:00.001-07:00

Today is Sunday, which means that another week has just flown by. I find myself overwhelmed by our schedule here sometimes, making it difficult for me to post on this blog as often as I want. Also, the internet is not what you would call, fast; making it more difficult to post often. Friday the girls and I went to Oasis house three for dinner, and enjoyed another night of ridiculous fun with the boys. There are so many pictures, so instead of picking them myself, and then taking the time to post them, I will once again direct you to Daina and Allison's blogs.

Yesterday the Girls and I went to play a little soccer and other outdoor activities.

The reason for the one sentence and then the break is that the mood of this post has drastically changed in the middle of writing it. As I was writing I looked out my window and saw Ayub and Andrew (grounds keepers on the compound) hunched over something. I knew right way what had happened.

Earlier this morning I witnessed a really amazing thing, the birth of a cow. Ayub had told me the that our cow was going to give birth soon, and I informed him that I would love to see that. This morning he came and got me and told me that it was going to happen. I saw the WHOLE thing. At the time I was so happy, a new cow means a lot to people here in Kenya especially if it is a female, like this one. But after only a few short hours, it died. Ayub said that the cow was not properly fed by the last farmer (we have had it less then two months) and that that is probably caused the calf to die. Andrew tried everything to keep it alive, he even spoon fed it milk, and water, but their efforts were futile. I really am bummed out about that little calf. Standing over it's lifeless body wasn't something that I wanted to do today.

The mama and calf.

Andrew milking the cow.

Spoon feeding the calf trying to give it strength.

The Final Fontier

2008-09-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

Ahh the Joys of sleeping in and not having anything to do in the morning. It is officially Saturday, so that means that the girls and I have NOTHING to do this morning, nothing but hang out that is. We had a great day yesterday, and at around two today we are going to go play a little soccer with the Oasis kids, which is something that I look forward to every week. Last night was another ridiculous night of African photo shoots, chapati and the robot. More to come on that, but as for now, just know that the African sun is beating down, and there is no other place that I would rather be. Except maybe space, because that would mean that I am an astronaut, and one of the most bad ass people in the whole world.

Copy that Houston

OH Richard

2008-09-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

I am falling in love with Thursdays. It is now a routine for the girls to take all of the orphans from Sr. Freda's clinic to the Kitale club pool. I love the kids to death but I skip out on the swimming and instead opt to hang out with Richard. Richard is Sr. Freda's Husband, and also one of the greatest guys that I have ever met. He is British but has been living in Africa his whole life, and in Kitale since the 60's. Today we dropped the girls and all the babies at the Kitale club to go swimming and then headed to town to run some errands. We hit the bank, the hardware store, the clinic and then the feed shop. While there I saw this painted on a truck:

Yes it says "For inducing detectable signs of heat in dairy cow."

This is Richard and myself looking awkward.

Then we headed back to the Kitale club where I played with the kids a little and then came home.

We were playing Marco Polo, that is why my eyes are closed

Tonight we are eating beans and corn, or as they say in Africa Githeri. I am most excited to eat this because we found bugs in the beans, but we were assured that they would do us no harm if we ate them. So I say heck, they were boiled, right?

Justice

2008-09-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today Oasis of hope brought Justice to school, but we need your help to keep him there. Before I go any further let me just tell you a quick story about who Justice is, and why we decided that out of the many street children who attend Oasis, we decided to send him to school.

Justice is a 14-year-old boy who has been attending Oasis of hope since August. Like many boys he just sort of popped up out of nowhere. Justice has a similar story to many of the street children that can be found in Kitale. His mother and father died some time ago, and he had been living with relatives in the northern part of Kenya. Where Justice had been living is full of hardships, and finding the necessary things to live was a everyday -struggle. This part of Kenya is so difficult to live in that boys often just pack up what few things they have and leave their homes in pursuit of a better life. Justice had heard about Kitale from friends who had left before him, and so he decided that he would back up his life and head to the city. Now Justice was not just some rebel kid looking for an easier time, he was actually first in his grade 7 class, and two years away from secondary school. When his relatives could not find any more money to pay school fees that was the last straw, Justice decided that he had to find somewhere better, somewhere where he had a chance at an education. So like many street boys, he hitchhiked from his home on the back of trucks, and other vehicles until he made it to Kitale.

Now when the boys get here they usually try and find a relative who also lives in the town so maybe they could receive some help from them. Justice discovered that he had a friend that was living in Kitale and was a big part of Oasis of hope. Johnston is actually one of the boys who lives in house two, funded by Oasis, and he happens to know Justice. So when Justice discovered Johnston, his first step in finding help was heading to Oasis. When he got there, we discovered that he was a very smart boy, and his report card that he had brought along proved that he was first in his class. Knowing that Oasis school catered only up to grade five or six, it was decided that something had to be done about the schooling of Justice very quickly.

It has been over a month now that the teachers at Oasis have been working with him, and it is very easy to see that he is willing to work hard, and really will succeed in school. After coming every day for over a month I really think that Justice has proven that he is willing to do more with his life then live on the streets. The decision to fast track him into school was an easy one, for him to sit in the back of the class and learn about simple multiplication, when he is far into advanced algebra and geometry, was a complete waste of a mind. I personally have been praying every night that God would give Oasis a direction to take him in, and fast.

So today we decided to just go for it. It is the middle of the term here in Kitale, but luckily Oasis has a good relationship with the local schools, and they agreed to take him for the rest of the term. With that confirmation, I went out bought him a uniform, shoes, paper and other school supplies, and some soap so he can wash his uniform. I also paid for the school fees so that he could eat lunch there everyday, as well as the new pupil fee. All in all it cost me 6,000 shillings or around $85 to get him started and into school. So today was a great day for not only Justice but also Oasis and myself. I don’t think that I have ever seen the boy so happy in the month that I have known him.

First day of school.

This is where you come in. It is one thing to get a boy into school, but to make sure that he is prepared for it everyday is a completely different thing. In order for him to be prepared he must have a warm place every night for him to sleep, and food in his stomach. Here in Kitale the best way to deal with a child who needs to be in school and has nowhere safe to stay is to put them in a school to board. Most of the schools in Kenya have either a day scholar option or a boarding option, and as of right now putting him in a school here in town as a boarder is the best option. We have worked out an expenditure sheet for a child that is in boarding school, so we would be happy to send it to you. I’m not a pro at this whole “writing a letter that will move people to action.” But I am trusting in the Lord, I know that He will provide for Justice, just as he has provided for me in times of desperation.

If you are at all interested, please email me at chriswohlers@yahoo.com; I will give you every piece of information that you want. Thank you for your prayers, I can feel them working everyday.

Me and Justice, on his first day.

2008-09-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

So today was a great day. We went to Oasis and did some work, and then headed over to a school called Kitale family, which is also run by the same people who run the church that we have been attending. All in all it was a good day of ministry.

Now we are watching Indiana Jones and the ark of the covenant. I love this movie and have been thinking a lot about it. Thoughts on that later. for now I will eat this baked potato, and enjoy some extreme archeology.

A small side note, sometimes small things can tell you a lot about yourself. For example, while typing this blog I discovered that my inability to spell some things, in comparison with my ability to spell other things really tells me where my priorities are at. This is where i discovered it, I was unable to spell potato, but very capable of spelling archeology. Just a thought.

Over and out.

Recap of the last couple of days

2008-09-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

So I know that I have been vacant from this blog thing for a couple days, so I thought that I would Let you know how the weekend went:

Friday Morning the girls took some kids from sister Freda's to the pool. I just hung out with Richard who is Freda's Husband and talked politics, so if you want to know how the pool went check out Daina's and Allison's blog.

Friday afternoon I headed over to discover to recover by myself. I hung out with all of the Preschool kids and they sang me all the songs that they knew. Then I tried to read them a story but all that they wanted to do was sing, so I taught them Bohemian rhapsody, no I am kidding I taught them twinkle twinkle.

Benja wanted to try on my hat, so I let him that started a Frenzy...

Yes you too.

And finally!

Then on Friday night we went over to the boys House 1 of Oasis and had dinner with the boys. This is Nim, he is the house dad, which means he gets to live in a house with 6 teenage boys, fun!.

Before dinner Paul and I did a photo shoot.

Someone wanted to see my Casi0, so I showed them.

Here I am just hanging out waiting to be passed some food.

Yesterday the Oasis house boys played a game of soccer against the Street boys who attend Oasis school, I played for the house boys this time, but next time I will be sporting the blue. Happy to say we won off of a brilliant free kick.

Here I am going for the ball.

Here I am getting kicked going for a head.

And Today is Sunday, so the girls and I went to church and are now back relaxing waiting for another amazing week to come our way. Hope all is well, and thanks for reading my blog, I don't think you really know what it means to me.

CHRIS.

The big game

2008-09-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of using over used phrases like "The big game." So when the opportunity comes up of course I am going to use it to its fullest extent. Today the house boys and I are going to play a soccer game against the street boys of Oasis. We have full uniforms, with jerseys, shorts and even socks. I am so excited to play, although I am not sure how well I will do. With that being said i must go lace up my "boots" and through on my uniform, wish me luck.

P.S. more to come about last night, which may be classified as the most absurd night of the trip thus far. For more insight on the absurdity visit Allison's blog, as well as Daina's.

Happy birthday!

2008-09-18T05:33:00.002-07:00

Before I say anything I just wanted to wish a happy birthday to my mother. It was 21 years ago that I was born, and if it were not for her that would have never happened. Mom, I want to let you know that I love you and that I pray you have an awesome birthday, as well as a fantastic year. Thank you for everything that you have done, and continue to do for me. I love you.

Secondly I would just like to say that today was a great day. We spent a lot of time at Oasis, teaching and doing some clerical work. Everyday that I spend there I feel more and more at home. There is a boy named Justice there who has a long and complicated story, so I won't tell you it all; but basically he was in grade 7 back at home and was forced from his home and family, and ended up in Kitale. He has been coming to Oasis for some time, and is a promising student. There have been a couple hiccups in his story, and we have had to do some digging, but never the less he is a good boy. I have been watching the last couple weeks as he sits through classes that he is far ahead of, so today we purchased a Grade 7 test book so that I could tutor him on subjects that are more challenging to him. I mean, that is what Oasis is all about right? Not letting the minds of the youth go into the depths of the uneducated, that and to give them a great place to spend their time. So I am very excited to begin with him on Monday. Hopefully he will work hard, and strive to learn.

Also I wanted to share this picture. I was looking through my pictures the other day and I ran into this one. I am not sure who took it but i sure remember it. This is a little girl from Oasis, holding her baby brother or sister and giving her some water. I was so moved by this picture because it really is a baby taking care of a baby. it is really all to common here, and it gets me pretty bad every time that I see is. Just a little picture that I wanted to share with you.

Just Some Dudes

2008-09-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Joy of being a father is something that I have yet to experience. Part of growing up is experiencing that moment when you say to yourself, OHH now I get what my parents were talking about. We all have that pivotal second where we realize, and start to appreciate what our parents did and still do for us. The past year has been a realization of that, giving me a whole new outlook on what it means to be an adult. Today was probably the closest that I have ever felt to being a “proud father.” The three boys that I have been with on the street became official Oasis boys today. Yes I am proud to announce that Kevin, Michael, and Joseph are now happy members of the Oasis family. This was their second full day, so seeing that they were willing to come back at least once meant an interview, a picture, a new shirt and a haircut. I know, I know, I have only known these kids for like a week on a first name basis, but I am so proud of them. It isn’t really understandable to us, but it is very difficult for most street boys to leave the streets for a structured environment. I am confident however that after today, these boys have found a home at Oasis. I feel like these guys are “my” boys, and this marks the first kids that I have seen a positive impact on. I have been so inspired by all of the stories of the other Oasis boys, especially the house boys, but this is the first time that I have experienced the before and after. Obviously there would be a lot less hope for these kids if it weren’t for the amazing program at Oasis. Today I really experienced the impact that that place has on the children who are in dire need of some hope. I love the motto at that place, “bringing hope to the hopeless.” I am so inspired by that because I really feel that that is exactly what Jesus has done in my life. I thank God so much for giving me the opportunity to take time out of my meaningless life back home, and come and learn about what life really means here in Kitale. If I ever thought that helping these kids would make me feel any better about myself, it hasn’t. For the most part, it has opened an even bigger need inside of me. A need that can only be filled by the active response to Jesus words “love your neighbor as yourself.” I am so happy that these boys will be in a safe place everyday, with people who care about them and with another chance at hope.

Lydia, I know you read this and I just wanted to thank you. I wanted to thank you for listening to the call of the Lord, and in turn allowing a kid from the richest part of the world to come to a place where he would be challenged and grow. So Lydia, thank you again and I pray that God will continue to provide for this amazing place.

Here are the boys, right after their haircut. From left to right we have Michael, Kevin, and then Joseph. My prayer is that they will realize what a blessing Oasis is, and continue to come back everyday.

Courtesy of 1993

2008-09-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

More then anything living here has really made me happier. You would think that the reason for my new found happiness would be the realization of how much I actually have, but that plays a small part in it all. I am really convinced that what has really upped my joy is the children. I am not sure what it is about kids that causes this, maybe the ability to let loose and act like a child. Or maybe it is the excitement that children show when something interesting happens. I think most of all it is the faith that they exhibit even when things are, what I would consider, sucky. It is unexplainable, there are no clever quips that I can string together to give you a great idea of what I mean, and it just has to happen to you.

A couple of boys, brothers to be exact, that I have been hanging out with on the streets for the past couple of days, have started coming to Oasis. They are new to the streets in Kitale, and had heard of Oasis but had never been there. I have been telling them to go everyday, and the other day they finally said “take me there.” Of course I did, that was kind of the greatest thing that they could have said to me, so needless to say it made my day. Today was the second day straight that they have been coming, which may seem small, but when you are coming off the streets I consider it an accomplishment. One of the boys, Joseph, was playing soccer today and someone stole his shoes (they play barefoot). I watched him as he feverishly looked for his shoes, tears welling up in his eyes. When you live on the streets the clothes on your back are some of your only possessions. I pulled him aside and told him, “since you have been coming to Oasis, and being a good kid, I will get you some new shoes today.” I Left Oasis at about 12:00 and headed into town. From town I went to Purpose Driven School, where I taught a science class and then headed back to town. I knew that I would find Joseph there and I was anxious to get him some shoes. When I got in front of the usual supermarket that I meet them at everyday, I saw his brother sleeping on the ground, and then asked the other boys where Joseph was. At that moment he cam strolling up, and the first thing he said was, “shoes?” I then went into the store, got him a pair, and made my day. I felt guilty that I only bought him some considering that most of the kids need new ones, but them I got them around and said, “hey, you go to Oasis, you treat people right, and you just might get some shoes.” I feel like it was a good way to lure kids to go somewhere safe, and maybe get a little food in them. I will never forget what Joseph said to me “I am going to school everyday!” Now will he keep his promise? I have no idea, but just the fact that he might, is enough to keep me happy.

On a more serious note, a couple days ago I made a purchase that I have been meaning to write about. I was so sick and tired of not knowing what time it was, and had heard that you could get a very cheap watch in town, so I set out to buy one for myself. Now I am pleased to say that I have purchased the finest watch that Kitale has to offer, courtesy of 1993. This silver Casio is a shining example of human ingenuity and craftsman ship. I have taken a picture so that you may all enjoy the beauty of this amazing piece of technology. I give you…CASIO!

Yes it is true, it can display time in either 12 hour or 24-hour format. Has a button that says light, although there is none. It displays the date as well as the day, all in brilliant analog. And have no fear; it says it is water resistant, although I am hesitant to test the claim. So what did a beauty like this cost, around 3 dollars. And the best part of this once in a lifetime price is that it was bartered down from six dollars, and the man doing the bartering? A street boy named P.I.G. If there were a MasterCard commercial about this watch it would most likely go something like this:
“ 1993 Casio wrist watch, three dollars. Being able to know the time, not quite priceless, but worth it.”

Street Boys

2008-09-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

I think about them a lot. In fact, I see them a lot, so they are very hard not to think about. Today I spent some serious time with some, just hanging out on, well, the street. I wish I could say that I had some incredible breakthrough, or that I was able to give them some life changing advice, but no, all we did was hang. I did have one realization, if all I had to do for the rest of my life is sit on a step outside of a grocery store hanging out with street boys, I would be content. You always think about how you can help these kids and then you realize, that everything that you have to say to them is weak in comparison with what they have to say to you. When you look into the eyes of a street boy as he sits and tells you about some soccer game he saw while passing by a TV on the street, I also think you see a little bit of Jesus. I have needed a reminder of why I am here, and today I got it. Sitting, talking and just all around hanging out with some kids.

Shot three! YOUR CURED!

2008-09-13T05:34:00.001-07:00

Pardon the terrible baseball pun, well actually don't pardon it, give it the laugh that it deserves. In all seriousness I got my third shot today which should have killed the little malaria bugs inside my blood. I am a little nervous though because as I was about to get my shot I saw a poster for the injection that I was getting. The Poster was an ad that happily boasted "newest and fastest malaria cure." Then I thought to myself, hmm do I feel safe taking a drug that doesn't have long term patients yet? What if there is some absurd side effect, like I grow wings, or I become a life sized mosquito, or I just become the mother ship for all the malaria parasites in the world. Then before I could question the nurse, I was done with three days of injections. As I walked away I thought, hey worst thing that happens, I become some crazy science experiment, or I die. Never the less I am feeling much better (although it feels as though I have been repeatedly been punched in the bum) and I plan to be 100% by tomorrow. Thank you all for your concern, it really helped when I felt like wallowing in my self pity.

Also, if you aren't reading Allison's blog, you should be. It usually has a lot more information about what is going on here, as well as pictures that mine does not. I accredit her diligence to her age, and plus she has an English degree. So go there and check it out by clicking on the link in the top right of my blog.

it is OFFICIAL

2008-09-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

I have MALARIA. I personally think that this has made me an official traveler to Kenya. Whats more, I think that I have captured the little fool in mid infectious bite in this photo.

It really isn't that big of a deal, I went to the clinic today where I got a nice big shot in my bum. I have two more to go, which will kill the little thing. I don't understand why it isn't called Mala-ria (split the syllables). The reason that I think that it should be called this is because of the "ria" that it causes (when i say ria I mean diarrhea). Anyways other then feeling crudy, all is well. And a small side note, Megan and Carol left today, making it much quieter, and a little sadder here at the house.

Just another cultural difference?

2008-09-08T03:16:00.000-07:00

Obviously there are going to be a few things that are different in a land half way across the world form your home. Today I discovered one of those differences as I was teaching math. I personally see it as a huge deal, but you judge for yourself.

In The US students are taught about the order of operations in math by using the acronym PEMDAS.

Parenthesis
Exponents
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction

Now today I discovered that there is a difference between our way of memorizing the order of operations and that of Kenya's. They use BOMDAS.

Brackets
Off
Multiplication
Division
Addition
Subtraction

Now Brackets is parenthesis and Off is exponents, which seems easy, but as a student who struggled with math all through school, this discovery is terrifying. If we let this get out the effects will devastate the students of the US already struggling with the hardest subject in school (and no that isn't Subjective). So I am here to propose a very harsh punishment for anyone who lets this information leak any farther into our schools. A petition to be drafted soon.

Mushy Mushy.

2008-09-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

What happens when a couple kids from the richest part of the world go half way around the world to do nothing but love the people who live there? Well some awesome things. I have been more of an observer on this trip and cannot help but comment on how amazing it is seeing people follow the will of the Lord, and watching him bless them because of it. The last couple days have been a blur, all I know is that tonight the girls are gone and I am here alone enjoying the time alone. Not having them here does remind me how much I appreciate them. They are an amazing group of people who, in the past couple weeks, have taught me so much about life. I know that I am going to catch a lot of crap for writing this mush fest, but it is something that I have not said yet, and need to. So to Allison, Daina, Megan and Carol thanks for not being to harsh on me, and teaching me all I need to know about living with four girls for a month and a half. Oh and sorry if I spelled your name wrong.

BFF.

Yep.

Flattering.

UH huh.

I tried to steal this kid.

I did some digging.

We were not singing worship songs.

where I spend my nights

2008-09-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

I was trying to think of something else that I could write about besides the "what I did today", yet still clue you in on a small part of my life here in Kitale. After some time of thinking I have decided that I would give you a virtual tour of our compound. I tried to portray my surroundings to the best of my ability, so hence the following. Enjoy!

Some nice avocado and mango trees out front my house.

These are our cows.

our neighbors say hello! I think that he is saluting.

The hens.

And their cock. (I could not help myself.)

This is the view from the gate, be warned the rocks are used as a deterrent for anyone with bare feet to come onto the compound.

This is the back of the girls house.

This is some grass, looks nice.

This is the front of the girls house. Yes I have a home to myself while they have to share a tiny house with six girls. God is good.

I call this my death defying stunt. In short, I climb to the last rung of the ladder on the top of the water tower and hang by one hand screaming for help. So far everyone I show has fallen for this trick.

This is a first person view of the stunt.

This proves how dangerous it is.

This here is the front of my house. I live in the room on the top floor, I personally like to call it the bell tower, and not because I look like Quazi Moto (spelling questionable.)

This is the back of my house, please note the color change.

This here is a giant bamboo Cathedral that is nice for sitting, the weaverbirds love to roust here.

This is the entry way to the bamboo cathedral. I do not enjoy to go in here becaus e of the high probability of being pooped on.

Andrew does a lot of the gardening.

This is where Ayub lives.

On being vacant from the internet.

2008-09-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

I apologize from the two day absence of the world wide web. No, I have not forgotten how to type, and no, the internet still exists in Kenya. Time has been working against me, and the mere fact that the day has only 24 hours has been working against me. Take me at my word, there will be an interesting stream of letters that create an interesting stream of sentences that tell an interesting story about what is happening in my life here in Kitale. In the mean time twiddle your thumbs in eager anticipation of what will happen next.

over and out,
Chris.

Chaparty

2008-08-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

Large get-togethers are always things that I enjoy back home, a lot of people getting together, talking and enjoying some great food and great music. There is nothing more exciting than spending time with people that you care about. There is really no difference here in Kenya, good food, music great people, and a ton of fun. I guess the only difference would be the timing. Now we all understand the concept of being fashionably late, but 2 and a half hours? Every one here pegs their tardiness on “Africa time”, and that somehow explains it. Hey what can I say? That is just part of the culture that I have to get used to I guess. All of this to say that Lydia threw a great party yesterday to celebrate a number of things, and we all had a great time. The boys and girls of Oasis were amazing as always, and there is nothing better then giving your camera to an African child to take pictures with, they always seem to be a half mile away from the subject.

Today was a typical Sunday, church in the morning and a dinner engagement at night. We went to Oasis church this week, and had a great time fellowshipping with a smaller more intimate church. After the service the preacher came to me and invited me to speak next week, I gladly accepted. Now let me be honest, I am mortified; I have no credentials at all, but I feel like it will be good for me to get out there and just do it. It makes me smile when I think about how God stretches us and forces us to grow at times, and how sometimes he is quite and we have to move in faith. Everyday I am confirmed on being here, and I know that as for now this is where I am supposed to be, and there is no better feeling in the entire world.

David.

Humphrey.

David, Humphrey and I.

Just hanging out.

The pastor and I.

2008-08-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

I have always wondered where the deformed barnyard animals of the world are put, like the sheep with three legs, or the cow with four horns. Interestingly enough, yesterday I found out the answer to my pressing question, they come to the Kitale Nature conservancy. The girls and I had the pleasure of escorting the Oasis houseboys who had improved on their school marks the past term on a tour to the conservancy. I have been thinking for around 12 hours how in the world I can explain this place, other then just using the word awesome. It is basically a place where a bunch of nature freaks made a giant science project describing the effects of global warming, with very minimal supplies I might add. There was an excess of plaster that was used to make many of the structures, oh and brightly colored paint. After a short tour of the plaster caves and science project, the tour guide takes you on the “nature” walk, which is basically an aimless hike through some local jungle. Now prepare yourself for the best part of the tour, the field of dreams. There is around five acres filled with barnyard animals that are deformed. Yes the sheep without a leg, and the cow that is gender confused, oh and my personal favorite the cow with three eyes four horns and a very large under bite. All in all it was the most amazing and absurd place that I have been to thus far. I was really excited to be able to be with the boys all day, and have them share this great place with me.

Today the girls and I headed out to the discover to recover center to spend some time with the kids who live there full time. There are around 20 boys and girls who are orphans, most infected with HIV, who live there and have no family to go to during school breaks. As soon as we got there we took them all down to the Kinyozi, which is where they get their heads shaved. It was so fun to take them all down and watch them get their haircut. All of the kids are so kind hearted, and very smart, most are in the top ten of their classes. After they got their haircut we headed back to the center for a tour of their housing, and a lot of playing. We shared lunch with them and then headed home. I really have come to appreciate everything about Kenya, and I know that until God calls me away, I will be working here in some way.

Tonight we were invited to dinner with a family that lives here in town. They are an amazing family, who has a heart for the people of Kenya. They run a non-profit that is called circle of light. The sole purpose of circle of light is to provide electricity in the form of large re-chargeable batteries, to rural villages. The program is community based and is a great way for people to improve their quality of life. I thought that it was worth noting that their son is also the national ping-pong champion in Kenya. They are so nice and loving, I hope that we will be able to work with them more.

This sheep sums up the place.

My personal favorite.

This was a model to explain the effects of global warming.

They are United in grief morning due to destruction of wetlands.

IT is serious business at the nature conservancy.

I thought there was a black mamba behind me.

Just hanging out. (the window)

David is amazing.

I told him to look tough, and this is what I got.

Getting a hair cut

Looking smart.

He Shoots he scores!

2008-08-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have always been critical of the amount of money that professional athletes make these days; I mean it really is absurd. Few people from our neck of the woods know that the international soccer stars are the ones who really move the absurd money. Players are being bought and sold for 80 million EUROS everywhere you look. Today was the first time that I really appreciated who those sports stars are to boys and girl who look up to them.

It was the final day of the abstinence bible study today, so Lydia had all of the boys and myself over to her house for some fun and the promise ring ceremony. I got there around 10 only to find an amazing game of soccer being played in the front lawn of Lydia’s compound. I watched as 20 or so former streets boys played soccer on a half dirt half grass field. It didn’t matter to them that they didn’t have shoes or uniforms, or even that they had never even had formal training. It didn’t matter to them that they had never been on a real team; all that mattered was that they were playing at that moment, and that they were among friends. I am positive that they could have been at any field in the world at that moment, and still had as much fun as they were having playing with sticks as goals.

I must note that today was the day that they all made a vow to be abstinent until marriage. I know that the Lord has amazing things in store for these boys, and they now understand why being abstinent is so important for a man of God.

These guys are my friends.

Go ahead and test me.

2008-08-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today was the day, the day that we found out that all of the boys in the oasis houses are negative for HIV. I thought that it would be more dramatic to write the results at the end of this blog, but then I decided that I am no author, so I should just let you know straight out of the gate. Yes, thank God, that even through all of the hardships these children have been through living on the streets, they all tested negative for HIV. I must say that I was bracing for the worst, while trusting that God had a plan for everything, but the Lord is an amazing God and all is well. I was tested as well, and as expected I came out negative, but it was mostly for support of the boys. I really feel like these past couple days have helped me to grow closer to these boys and I really do look at them like little brothers. It was amazing to hear some of the stories from the boys regarding their sexual pasts when they were on the streets. All day my stomach was in a knot as each boy was tested. The Negatives just kept coming, and although that was amazing it made it harder to think that there might be that one boy that would test positive. The end of the day was one giant exhale as all the boys gave hugs to one another, and just praised the Lord for being alive. Lydia Monroe is one of the strongest people I have ever met. I could not imagine having all of the boys that I consider my children being tested on the same day for HIV. I didn’t have words to comfort her as she sat in the testing room with each boy, but she trusted the Lord, which makes all the difference. I love these boys with every ounce of my being, they teach me more and more everyday on what it means to be a good person in a bad world, and I praise God for all that he has done, is doing and will do in my life.

We were all negative.

these boys wear skirts becasue they were just circumcised.

Just hanging.

This baby is 5 months old.

Me and gangster freda.
OHH richard.

2008-08-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

HIV. We all have some understanding of what it is, or at least we think we do. I have never really paid attention to it, nor have I been to exposed to it. Even being here in Africa I have not really thought about it much. Sure I have heard it exponentially more here then I ever did back home, but I still must say that it is something that lingers in the back of my mind, that is until today.

All of the boys in the Oasis bible studied rose their hand the first week when asked if they had been sexually active, and in a place like Africa, especially on the street, that is not a very safe thing. Amazed at the idea of all of the boys having been sexually active, Lydia thought that the only logical thing to do would to get them all tested. Today was supposed to be that day. We all know the stigmas, and myths that have been tagged with HIV, and even with that being said, I personally feel like there is little being done to eradicate these myths in the youth culture. I spent all day at Oasis today with the boys who live in house one two and three, waiting for them to be tested. Sr. Freda was unable to do it so we decide that we would have Patricia from discover to recover come and do a little session on what HIV actually is. Patricia runs discover to recover, an HIV, Aids center for orphaned children, and she personally has had HIV for ten years. Patricia travels all around the world speaking on HIV, and just recently got back from a trip to Mexico City with Kay Warren. Patricia knows how devastating the stigmas of HIV are to an infected person and it is her life mission to free the world of them. There are few times that you will witness a person so skilled in their trade as Patricia. The Lord has blessed her so much in being able to talk about her disease in a place where it is something that no one wants to talk about. The boys sat for two hours listening intently and even interacting. Granted everything she said was in Swahili, so I ad no idea what was going on, but at the end of the talk when she revealed that she herself was HIV positive to the boys, they laughed and said that she was lying to them because she looked so healthy. There is nothing greater then someone seeing what God has planned for them, and going through 100%, even if it means living with a terrible disease. Patricia should be an example to us all.

Tomorrow is the day that all the boys are going to be tested. These boys are so amazing, and they need lots of prayer. I have grown to love them over the past weeks as if they were brothers, and I know Lydia thinks of them all as sons. God is awesome, and I know that he has amazing plans for each of these boys. Tomorrow is a scary day for them all, as well as Lydia and even I, but I know that the Lord is with us through everything, and that is what makes it all worthwhile.

I don't

2008-08-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

I can most likely count the number of weddings that I have been to in the states on one hand. That being said I have lived in Kenya for about a month and have already been to two weddings. Now hear me when I say weddings here in Kitale have no resemblance to weddings in the U.S. First of all I was supposed to have been picked up at 9:30 in the morning, so I waited, and waited. Finally I thought that I had been forgotten so I decided to change out of my wedding clothes, when I heard a honk at around 1:15. Yes, it was around 4 hours after I was told that I was going to be picked up and it was time for me to go. Luckily the wedding had already started so I didn’t have to wait around while the wedding was set up. The pictures do a better job of explaining the wedding then I ever could, which seems to be the case with many things here in Kenya. Personal space is non-existent here in Kitale, so when there are around a thousand people crammed into a small church you can imagine how comfortable a wooden bench in between a bunch of African dudes is. It is funny to think that I am considered some sort of VIP here in Kitale because, well lets face it I look a little different then most of the population. That being said I was asked to move up to the front of the church with the Groomsmen. While there does seem to be a lot of people at the church, there also seems to be plenty of lace gloves and sleeves at each wedding. There is also plenty of Swahili, which, by the way I don’t understand. I feel like I am in some crazy dream whenever I go to these weddings, a lot of people dancing around, synchronized no doubt, and singing songs that I don’t understand. I spent about 4 hours being confused until I called a taxi and got picked up. All in all I can’t say that I LOVE going to weddings here, but experiences are what makes life interesting. Plus I always keep my promises.

This is for your dad Di.

Weds?

Happily married.

The reception.

There was a lot of dancing there.

There was a lot of people there.

Mercy me

2008-08-23T01:21:00.000-07:00

What is there to blog about when you are on a mission’s trip and you take a couple days off of ministry? Well not much, at least that is the conclusion that I have come too. On Thursday we had a couple girls from Purpose Driven Academy who were living in a terrible orphanage that Pastor Steve rescued them from. Yesterday we had some guests as well. There is a family that lives just behind an orphanage named Tumaini who have become friends with Steve over the years. They have four children Gigi who is 9, Jacob who is 14, Lilac who is 15 and Sharon who is 19. Jacob, Lilac and Sharon who were over for most of yeserday playing horseshoes and ping-pong with us, and just enjoying their time off from school. I really enjoy their company, and I think they like being here as well.

Considering there has been no ministry to speak of for the past couple days I think that I will start something called CAST OF CHARACTERS. For the next couple weeks I will write about some of the Kenyans who we are working with us, and who are in our lives while we serve here. I was debating on who I wanted to start with considering that there are so many people who we have met, but I came to a decision today, I will start with a man that has been a great help to us while we have been in Kitale. His name is Ayub, and he is the caretaker for the compound that we live on. The compound is around Five acres and has a lot of upkeep. Ayub is in charge of everything from hiring people to run the gardens, to fixing the water pump when it goes down. Ayub is an unexplainable person, which makes one wonder why I would attempt to, but never the less you should know about him. Ayub has a servant’s heart, and would do anything for any of us at the drop of a hat. Today was the first time that I even knew that he was married, because he lives here on the compound alone. Ayub is one of my favorite people that I have met here in Kitale, and everyday holds a new discovery with him and his amazing personality.

This is a stump that I helped take out.

These are the Mercy girls. I gave them those hats.
Hello Ayub.

Hello there

2008-08-20T13:27:00.001-07:00

I have never seen poverty like I did yesterday. Kipsongo is a slum outside of town that houses over 300 families. There is no way to describe what Kipsongo actually looks or feels like, but I can tell you that there is nothing like it where I come from. There is a bright spot of this slum, and that is the church. The pastor that runs the church in Kipsongo was born and raised in the slum, and now he has a heart for the children that live there. Like most of the children who live in the poorer areas of Kenya they are either raised by single parents or they are orphans. Everyday the pastor at the church in Kipsongo feeds all of the local children in the church. He is a good man, in an area filled with alcoholism and disease and poverty.

About two weeks ago we went to Purpose driven academy to do a street kid washing. We round up a bunch of street children and we provide soap and water for them to wash. The ages range from 3 to 19. There was a boy that was around 3 years old who came in for us to wash. He had a blank look on his face that I have never seen in a child. He never looked at me always through me. I fell in love with him and hung out with him all day. While we were waiting for everyone to be done, someone stole his shirt so I gave him mine. It looked like a dress on him, but it was better then him going back to the streets without a shirt. When all was said and done with the street washing I let him go back onto the streets and never thought that I would see him again. God has a way of working people back into your life. Yesterday, when we were at Kipsongo, I saw him again. He recognized me and I took him in my arms, and his face changed immediately. His whole attitude changed. I am not sure what God is trying to show me yet, but I know that there is a point for me running into him again. My skills in the realm of writing are not nearly good enough to describe my feelings about today but hopefully these pictures will help me explain.

Today was a nice day of rest. I woke up and did a little work with some video that I had shot, and then lounged around for a while. Steve and I went into town to get a couple things, and I said hi to the usual suspects in Giga-mart. I love walking around town and seeing people that I recognize, and shaking their hands. Tonight we went out to dinner at a resort here in town. It was interesting, if you want to find out more about that head over to Allison’s blog. I love this town.

We fed her.
This Little girl broke my heart.

Houses in Kipsongo.

These are the children in the church at Kipsongo.

Here is Derek and I.

Derek.

There we are again.

Here I am

2008-08-18T10:07:00.001-07:00

Missing home seems like such a waste of time when you are working for the Lord. This whole trip I have tried not to think much about home, but today I discovered a new philosophy. The lord has blessed me so much in my life, and today he made me realize that a huge part of this trip is to be reminded of the opportunity that the Lord has given me by allowing me to grow up where I did. I have always been gratefull for the amazing family and friends that are in my life, but today I realized that to give any less then 100% of my love and energy to the people that I love, and even those I don’t, would be a complete waste of the blessings that the Lord has given me. The lord tells us to pray for our enemies, and last night was the first time that I closed my eyes and asked the Lord to bless some of the people who I have had nothing but contempt for. Sometimes when we follow the words of the Lord it takes time for us reep what we sow, but as soon as I prayed a prayer for my enemies my heart was broken. The Lord has given me so much, and I am posotive that he is asking me to give my life to people. I know that that may be impossible to interperate, and trust me I don’t see the whole picture yet, but as of now all I know is that I am being asked to enter a life of service to people. I feel like a sap letting this out of my mind, but I know that if you read this you care for me, and I for you, so I guess it is the right thing to do. The Lord is my Shepard, and for once in my life I know what that looks like.

Today we went to a slum that houses around 300,000 people. A couple of years ago a team from saddleback built a well near a school in the slum that provides clean water for all of the people living in the slum. Before the people had this well they were forced to go down to the “river” to get water, which caused countless water born diseases. It was amazing to see the children drinking from and enjoying the well, not to mention the mothers who were able to rely on the well for safe drinking water for their children. Every time that I fill up a glass of water from the tap, I will thank the Lord for all of the ways that he has blessed me.

There we are.

I have been doing some filming

He wasn't that mean.

2008-08-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Friday’s are usually days that a kid my age looks forward to as a little time to spend with some friends, and maybe go out for a nice meal. It is awesome to experience the contrast of a Friday at home and one here in Kitale. We started off the morning as we usually do, eating a little breakfast. Lately I have been enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every morning, and sometimes I will enjoy it with a delicious hardboiled egg. We walked to oasis again to hang out with the kids, and maybe teach a little something. When we got there we discovered that Fridays are a short for the kids because at lunch they clean out the classroom so that they can use it for the church on Sundays. Having discovered that, we decided that we would stay and play for a little while and then head to the market to do some shopping.

Before I tell you about me Market experience I have to explain a boy from Oasis that I have really connected with over the past couple of weeks. Joseph is a boy who is 15 and lives in one of the group homes run by Oasis of Hope. He is a former street boy, and was rescued by Lydia and Geoffrey’s ministry. He has such an amazing heart that has taught me a lot about the children here. Joseph had asked me earlier if he could come along with us when we went to the market, so of course I told him that he could. He decided to invite his friend Stuart, who is also at Oasis, and in my bible study as well. Just the simplicity of walking and talking to them really was amazing, they are both so kind, and loving. As we were walking into the store Joseph told me that he didn’t want to go in. I didn’t understand and just told him that he wasn’t going to wait outside and that he had to come in. Later when were alone I asked him why he didn’t want to come in, and he gave an answer that really altered my view about life. He told me that he didn’t want to see all of these nice things because he didn’t want to want them. Basically he told me that he didn’t want to think of things that were meaningless, even if they did look like they were worth having. It really made me thing about times that I just go into places and almost lust over a computer or a new ipod (lust may not be the right word but you can get the picture). I just Love the perspective that these kids give you not only on life here in Kenya but also life back home. After we were in the market it started to rain so we had to stand with the boys under an awning to wait for the rain to cease. As we were waiting in the rain a little street boy came up to us and just stood next us. As he was standing with us I Realized that all he wanted was to be close to us and have me shake his hand and pat him on the head. I told Joseph to tell him to go to Oasis on Monday so that he could get a nice warm meal. We had bought Joseph a coke and he had drunk about half of it when we had met the street boy, and he decided to give it to him. I can’t explain how amazingly happy that made me. Seeing a former street boy be kind to a current street boy even though he had no obligation to do anything kind for him.

Today is Saturday, and boy was it fun. The oasis boys all had a soccer game that Lydia had planned for them. The boys who live in the group homes were up against the street boys who attend the school everyday. Lydia had brought uniforms for them all, and it is amazing what a uniform does to bring kids together. The street boys won in penalty kicks, but both teams played their hearts out, making it a successful day.

I really do love everything that God is showing me here, and I see myself really growing to love this place more and more. I apologize for these blogs being nothing but play by play days, I will try and think of some other things to talk about, but for now that is all I got for you. I love you all and hope that the Lord is blessing you in unimaginable ways. I pray for you all daily, and I can’t wait to see you all!

This is the road we take to Oasis.

They were good sports.

This is Joesph.

No, not that Bosnia.

2008-08-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a couple days but, ALAS, I am here again. It has been a sweet couple of days with the Steve and the team. On Wednesday Steve took us to an I.D.P. slum Called Bosnia, of all names. I.D.P. stands for internally displaced people, and that is exactly what the people are who live in this area. There’s an area not far from where we are staying that is know historically as an area of conflict, called Mt. Elgon. This is where much of the tribal violence that occurs in Kenya takes place. The people who live in Bosnia were displaced in 1992 in some of the earliest clashes on Mt. Elgon. All of their homes were burned to the ground, and much of their livestock was killed in the process. Luckily the Member of Parliament that represented the people of the destroyed area had purchased a 5-acre parcel of land for the 100 families to live on while they were displaced. Well it has been sixteen years and it is still not safe for the families to go back to their homeland, so they have been forced to live in terrible conditions, in a foreign part of their country. Although the people of Bosnia live in conditions that are not even common to Kenya, and they have no schooling for their children they are so faithful to the Lord. They kept emphasizing the fact that they knew that if they put their faith in the Lord he would provide for them, and they would return home. Many of the children who lived in the village were raised by their grandmothers, which created a sort of patriarchal society. I will never forget the smiles that we experienced when we were talking and praying with the people of Bosnia. As we were leaving we knew that God had led us to these people for a reason, so when we got home Steve and I headed to the Giga-mart to buy a “few” supplies.

Now I know that I have explained the Giga-mart before, but I had no idea that on the other side of the building there was a wholesale part. Steve of course knew what he was doing when he invited me to come with him and watch him purchase things for the people in Bosnia. There are four stories of everything from coffee to blankets, and Steve walked up and down the isles like a skilled surgeon knowing exactly how to work the salesman, moving quickly but efficiently to keep the workers on their toes, allowing him to get the price that he wanted. I personally enjoyed the line, “fine, let the little orphans starve”. That one really seemed to get the right price. After spending about $1,000 in supplies for the camp we packed up the Land rover and headed back to the compound.

On Thursday we headed back to Bosnia to give all of the supplies to the village, Sr. Freda and her clinic crew also came along to have a clinic for all the people in the village. I struggled finding a place in all of the madness, which was kind of discouraging, but it allowed me to spend time with some of the children that were waiting outside as their grandmothers collected the supplies. We handed out 100 blankets, some wash basins, lots of pots and plates, rice, sugar, some salt, detergent, and some other essential things. It was amazing to see a whole community come together and be faithful to the Lord. I was so encouraged by these people, which is kind of ironic considering that we are the ones who are supposed to be encouraging. Just when I thought I figured out why God is calling me here he surprises me again, he always seems to find some way to amaze me.

There is one issue that I have not addressed as of yet. And that is, there are no males my age on this trip. I understand that the girls on this trip are reading this blog so I must say that they are not being difficult, or giving making me miserable, but sometimes you just need to hang out with a dude your age. I have really been praying about it and God has really given me an awesome ability to just accept my situation, and really have a great time. I understand that the for mentioned issue is random, and very out of place, but it has been on my mind, and is a huge part of my life here in Kenya, and this blog is for you to understand my situation here, right?

I Enjoyed his company

We both had hats on.

This is what we gave them.

No, these kids don't live in the corn.

I forget his name.

I made friends with these dudes.

These ladies loved their new blankets.

Naw we did that yesterday.

2008-08-13T07:34:00.001-07:00

Kitale is my home. I can’t believe that I can say that and feel like it is true. As I was walking around the city today, I was thinking about how I actually live in Kenya, and am doing what the Lord is calling me to do. It is such an amazing feeling to be here and I am so excited for what God has in store for me.

Yesterday was another great day. We started off the morning by stopping into a coffee shop/ cinema/ library/ cyber café that is run by this British lady and a couple other ladies. I can’t explain to you how odd it is for either of these places to exist in this town, you would just have to be here. Anyways, we got a couple of drinks and talked with the lady about showing a movie on Saturday for all of the school children to come and see. After that we stopped into Discover to Recover to give them some supplies that had been donated and also to say hello to the kids. I have a friend Elias there who is an amazing boy. He was found a couple years ago taking care of his baby brother with no parents. He was responsible for a one-year-old child at nine years of age. Not only was he taking care of his brother, but his brother is HIV positive. They were the first permanent residence at discover to recover and have been living there for around two years. Elias is an awesome boy and I have really grown to love him and his brother, whose name is Churchill (which is awesome). After we went there we headed to Tumaini a local orphanage. Tumaini has had ties with Steve and saddleback teams and it has been a great place for street children to go for years. We played soccer for a while but I had the most fun teaching them how to play 3 flies (or is it fly’s) up. We left Tumaini and headed to Sr. Freda’s clinic. Sr. Freda is an amazing woman, and I am not a good enough writer to possibly explain her. She has a clinic with her Husband Richard that gives free care to people all around the city. They have also started a school that caters to the poor neighborhood kids, and a small orphanage that now has 5 children in it. I love the kids there. I will be there a lot more, which means you will hear more and more.

After we left Sr. Freda’s clinic I headed to Lydia’s house (co founder of Oasis of hope) to co-lead an abstinence bible study with some of the boys from the permanent houses. This is the second meeting and it is amazing how different the culture of former street boys is than that of any other children that I have ever experienced. I feel like God is working in such awesome ways with the Bible study, and I am learning a lot from the children.

I hope all is well back home; I miss you all and can’t wait to be able to spend time together again.
Chris

I hung out with this puppet.

I told Morgan to smile and this is what I got.

We did a puppet show for the kids.

I enjoyed this pun in town.

These kids loved the puppet show.

I made this girl laugh.

Just an average monday in Kitale Kenya

2008-08-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day that we went on our own without Pastor Steve. We decided that for our first day we would head to Oasis Of Hope. Oasis Of Hope is a drop in center for street children around the city. A drop in center is a place where children can come and have two free meals as well as some schooling. The school is informal but still has great teachers. I was able to teach a little division to the older class, which was awesome. After trying to teach a subject that I don’t really understand, in a language that the students don’t really understand, I have a new appreciation for teachers. After a few hours at Oasis we headed into town to get a couple things from the Giga-mart. Giga-mart is the Wal-mart of Kitale. In-fact you can even spot the similarity in the names, and the name tells everything you need to know. While we were at the store it started to downpour outside so we were forced to stay in the store for around 30 minutes, but that is just the way that it is here, it rains and rains and rains. It will be sunny one minute, and the next it will be the heaviest rain that has ever occurred. All in all it was a great day that involved hanging out with some cool cats, and shopping in the rain. Below there are some pictures from the day.

I think I was a little angry becasue one of the kids threw a paper airplane at my head.

They wanted me to school them in B-ball so I pumped one up.

Two watches on one hand? And look, he is drawing Africa.

Here I am teaching a little division to some street children. That kid already knew how to do this stuff so he decided to look at the camera.

Here are some pictures

2008-08-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a baby taking a bath.

I fell asleep at the wedding.

These are some cute kids at purpose driven academy.

This is me and a Pig.

Chrurch and more laundry

2008-08-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

Well today is Sunday so that means Church and a Day off. The church that we all go to is called deliverance church and it is here in town. The church is a Purpose driven church and also a school. The school is called purpose driven academy and has students all the way from preschool to high school. the school is a private school but of the 400 students that attend around 100 of them pay anything. The church and school has large connections with Saddleback, and many children from the school are sponsored by families from the US. Anyways the service was awesome and afterward we all went to the market to grabed a couple things.

After the market I took a motorcycle back with all the groceries and did all of my white laundry. I love days like this that allow me to relax and have a day where I can spend time with the Lord.

I hope all of you are doing well, I appreciate all of the comments.

God bless,
Chris

Here is some pictures

2008-08-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

Here are just a couple photos from random days of the trip Allison's blog, has more pictures you can look at.

Above is me hanging out with a Masai Warrior

This is a female Lion aproaching.

A baby giraffe stops in to say hello.

Some brothers just hanging under a tree

Today we went to a Kenyan wedding which was an experience, they started three hours late, and then it rained. Not your typical wedding! I miss all of you and can't wait to continue sharing everything with you all.

Holy Cow

2008-08-08T21:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of ministry that we had here without the rest of the team, and it was an experience. WE woke up around 8 and all had some time to be with the Lord. After an hour or so we grabbed a cow from the compound and headed to our friend patricia's house. Patrica and her husband run a center for children called discover to recover. The center is for Orphans who are HIV positive, and need a place to live becasue they have been thrown out by society. Pstricia is also HIV posotive and has gone through MANY social strugles because of it. Cows are very important here, and are regarded as a sign of wealth. The Holy Cow program is a program that was developed to jump start the economy of orginizations or families. It works like this: a female cow is given to a family as a gift, when the first calf it is given to the person who donated it, considering it is a female. When the second calf is born the family gets to keep it, and so on and so on. This program is used as a way for the person who recieves the cow to generate income. Now there isn't some cow transport machine that you can just put the cow on and get them to thir destination, no no, we had to walk her there. It was about a two hour walk to get the cow to it's destination. It wasn't bad though, we saw and talked to a lot of great people on the way. I had to run down a circumsision parade so that I could donate to thier cause. Now I know what you are thinking, a circmsision parade? In some tribes the boys are circumsised at around the age of 15 and when the time is right for that boy he and his friends run the streets of the town yelling and dancing trying to raise some money for the event. So I ran them down and gave them some dough. All in all the trip to Patricia's house was awesome, and we all learned a lot.

Laundry, arrows, chickens and dishes

2008-08-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

Ahh home at last. Well kind of. Yesterday was our first day back home in Kitale at the compund. We all decided that it would be best if we all slept in and took a day off from ministry to get everything in order. I love sleep so naturally I could not wait to sleep in a little bit and then lounge around all day. Well it is too bad that the sun rises right in my eyes at around 6:30 every morning, destroying all plans of ever sleeping in. That was fine because I had some things i wanted to do, Like shoot some arrows from a bow. Well I could go on but I think that it would be better if I Just gave you a link to allison's blog so that you can see the day for yourself. Click here to see what I am talking about.

Now there is one thing that I am most proud of in all that happened yesterday. I did my laundry by hand in a wash basin. Yep I, Chris Wohlers, Did all of my laundry by hand and then hung it out to dry. Granted it is still drying around 20 hours later, but never the less it is clean, and almost ready to wear.

I love this place so much and everyday something new and exciting happens and the Lord teaches me something new. I really find God teaching me a lot of patience as well as giving me the drive to work hard, and be productive. I can't wait to start ministry today.

God Bless,
Chris

WOW

2008-08-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Well again it has been some time since I have been able to write on my blog but I am so Glad that I get the chance to do so right now. The past couple days have been so amazing. OUr team traveled from Kitale, the city we are living in, and went down to the Masai part of Kenya. The Masai peopole are the most amazing group of people that you have ever seen. When you think of tribes in Africa this is who you are thinking of. They have retained all of thie traditions even through colonization and the western move that Kenya has made. OUr team went to an orphanage there where we had a little sunday school with the kinds and gave them a lot of school supplies that were much needed. We also did a little dancing and singing for them and they the same with us. The children here are so amazing along with the people who work with them. Becasue it was the second to last day of the trip for the main group we headed to the Mara, to stay at a safari camp and to go on a safari the next day. The Safari was amazing! I saw every type of animal that you could want to see in Africa. The whole time I was there all that I co lastuld think about was how much my dad would love going on a safari. That last sentence was me saying that my dad should come here and go on safari with me, becasue he would love nothing more. After a couple nights at the camp I have ended up in Nairobi for a night so that we can catch a plane tomorrow for Kitale. Tomorrow marks the first day that we are here without the team, and it is so exciting. Considering I am the only male who is staying behind I have purchased a club as well as a large knife for protection, and also just becasue they are both amazing. Well that is all for now. I love you all very much, and I thank you for all of your support in my adventure in becoming a man of God

Chris

PS. I apologize for the spelling errors, I can't find the spell check, and I am on a Ukranian computer so the underline doesn't work.

I apologize

2008-07-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I apologize that this is my first post since I have been in Kenya, but I am sure that you can imagine why that is. It has been really hard these first couple of weeks to find time to write on my blog, not to mention the internet is a disaster. That being said all is not lost. In about a day I will be posting a pretty detailed (long) description of some of the things that have happened thus far. I have been writing them in a word document and it is as simple as copy and paste. So for now know that I am safe and that I love you all, and can't wait to share everything that has happened hin this amazing country!!

God bless
Chris

10 DAYS

2008-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well I know that I have been slacking very much on this blog, but I could not help but log on and blog about the absurd fact that in only 10 days I will be leaving for Africa. I really am starting to worry about the money situation. I have been praying non stop, and I trust that the Lord will come through in the best way. But on a much more amazing note we had our final meeting last night where we received our tickets. As soon as I got those tickets in my hand it all became so real. This is getting so close, and I can't wait to start serving the lord in Africa.

God bless

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?!

2008-05-22T14:58:00.001-07:00

Well I apologize that I have not posted on here in a while. I have been super busy with the move as well as finals. But as of two O'clock today I am finished with school, and boy does it feel good! So much has happened in the past couple weeks that I don't even know where to start. The Lord has been working in such awesome ways, and I don't even know where to start. As to be expected I have been really stressing about how I am going to be able to raise all of the necessary money. I figured out quickly that all I have to do is give it up to God, and since I have done that of course everything has been just falling into place. People have really been stepping up for me and giving me support in so many ways. I can see the LORD working more than I ever have, and I want to thank everyone who has been so awesome and so supportive.

God Bless

Well Here It Is

2008-04-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

This is MY official Kenya blog. Well I don't know if I can really call it my own considering that I just ripped off all of the stuff that is on the kenya blog of Allison (pray she doesn't mind). Anyways, this is the place that you can come and find out all of the information that you need to know about the preparation, and ultimately the trip itself.

God Bless

Where Will You Live?

2008-04-28T22:27:00.002-07:00

Pastor Steve (Saddleback Church) owns a gated, two-home compound in the heart of Kitale. 24-hour guards and 2 care-takers: it will be a great (and very safe) place to call home in the 6 months we are in Kenya.

What About Immunizations?

2008-04-28T22:27:00.001-07:00

Immunizations can be expensive. Part of our preparation will be to make sure each of our medical records are up-to-date and complete.

These immunizations are recommended for travel to Kenya:
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
Polio
Rabies
MMR
Tetanus

We will also need:
Daily Malaria medication
Vitamins
Typical "First Aid" medicines and supplies (Pepto Bismol, Advil, etc)

What Are We Going To Do?

2008-04-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

KITALE PRISON

The prison is split in two: a men's and a women's.
Children under three are allowed, by law, to live in the prison with their mothers.
We will spend time in the prison, loving on the people.

OASIS OF HOPE

Oasis of Hope is a drop-in center for street kids in Kitale, Kenya. You can also visit their site here.

There are thousands of "street kids" in Kenya. These boys and girls have either been orphaned from diseases, including AIDS, or abandoned, or are simply neglected by their parents. Regardless of reasons, these children wander the streets day and night looking for food, scrounging for change to buy a variety of things--more often than not, inexpensive shoe glue that contains an addictive chemical that makes them high. This high will curb hunger, dull pain, and pass the time. It is a sad little life, but many will never know any different.

Three years ago, an American woman named Lydia had a conversation with a Kenyan man, Geoffrey, about his wildest dreams. He had a desire to open a drop-in centre for the street kids in the city of Kitale, Kenya. Oasis of Hope was formed. (Though the process was much more difficult than this sentence lets on.)

The drop-in centre provided daily breakfast (tea and toast) and lunch (typically a stewish-soup). In between meals, the kids are taught English, Swahili, math, Bible, reading, writing...basic school subjects. After lunch, the kids return to their life on the street...fortunately, now they have full bellies.

In the last three years, Oasis of Hope has grown to over one hundred students. Glue is not allowed in the centre, and many students have decreased (if not completely given up) their glue habit.

In the last year or so, a second "phase" of the plan has been launched; students who show dedication are (over time) placed in to group homes in the community. Each home has 6 same gender kids and are parented by a couple from the local church. The students transfer in to the community school and learn to develop societal skills (in a home, in a family, with siblings) outside of the street mentality they have had, some practically since birth.

There are currently 3 boys homes and 1 girls home. We, on my most recent trip, were able to visit one of the community schools that one boys house attends. The boys who had attended Oasis of Hope met us out front to tell us about their lives: names, ages, and future careers. The answers were amazing...pastor, teacher, doctor, lawyer, President.

What I can't shake is that three years ago, these boys were hopeless. They ate out of dumpsters. Were beaten by the police. Some were sexually abused by passers-by. And now, they have such an unbelievable path ahead of them. To think, some of them may not have lived much longer, and if they had, it would have been in drug-induced haze. Now, they are educated, healthy and happy. All because Jeffery dared to dream.

I want, so badly, to be a part of what they are doing in this centre. These teachers, who are well-educated and fully qualified to work in any other school, choose to be part of making a huge difference in the lives of these otherwise unloved children.

These kids, this community, and ultimately Kenya (President) will be different because of these teachers who are willing to take the time to help.

I hope you will join me in prayer for these kids, teachers, and their future...