God is on the move

3-23-2012
Today we traveled to ACK Karangare Center. This was one of the best experiences of the entire trip, and my favorite center that we visited! We were greeted by a parade in the street a few blocks from the gate of the center. The women and children from the Child survival program were dancing and singing in the streets. They were singing in swahili and they were saying "you've traveled by airplane to get here, now we'll carry you on our backs the rest of the way." Such excitement, enthusiasm, and joy. The people were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made us feel very at home. Parents shared their testimonies of incredible changed lives because of Compassion child survival program. One father's child was sick with TB, and malnutrition, and then finally found out that his son has cerebral palsy. He was not able to walk for a long time. Finally he started walking at the age of 4. One parent said if it weren't for the Compassion program she would not be alive today!
There was another woman who said "I came to Jesus because of the child survival program. And while I have no husband and am HIV positive, I wouldn't change a thing." Wow. How amazing that God is moving in this community.
We went on a home visit and it was incredible. They were so hospitable, welcoming, and thankful. They didn't have much, but their whole extended family knew we were coming so they came to greet us and be with us. What a blessing to hang out with these people. It couldn't have been scripted better. The mom had 2 kids. She showed us how to make a cough remedy using garlic, ginger, lemon, honey, and hot water. They sang songs for us! Such gracious people. The great grandma even came! Their home was very small, they had a kitchen in a separate room and a small garden that Compassion taught them how to grow. Compassion taught the mom different skills and things to use around the home. We learned about how they get their water and what the keep it in when they use it (leaky tin). It seems like every day we are here, it just gets better and better. I have been more impacted in the few days that I've been here than at any other time in my life.

When we got back to the center, I met a 3 year old boy named Benedict and his mother. We connected right away! I had a chance to talk a bit to the mother, who said that her son was not sponsored. We played together for a long time. He was so happy, laughing all the time. I played catch with both of them. It was a bit hard to understand her, but we made the best out of the time we had together. It was cool because a lot of these mothers never had the chance to be kids due to their circumstances, and so playing catch, playing with water balloons was such a great experience for them. I am now looking into sponsoring Benedict. He may have just graduated from CSP into the sponsorship program. I was looking for him before we left. Elizabeth got a video of him playing. So cute. We also met 4 of the 5 kids from packets Elizabeth had. What an amazing day. I have no words to say. God is truly on the move.

A Battle within

It's about 6:15 in the morning. I haven't been able to sleep. It's been interesting adjusting back to life here in Ohio. I feel as though I have been getting really attacked by Satan since I've gotten back. I've been trying to not get sucked into the American way of life. Satan has been using fear against me. He's also been trying to get me to focus on myself more than others. I began listening to these lies, and forgetting about what I've just experienced. I woke up yesterday morning at around 7:30 with a prompting from the Spirit. I needed to remind myself of what God had done in my life over the past 2 weeks. I needed to center my focus on Christ and on others. Satan tries to get me to be selfish and to forget that God has been faithful. I very much feel as though Kenya is my second home and so, to remember the experience, the children, the land, the poverty I got this tattoo spur of the moment. I felt as though God was telling me that I needed to remember what I've seen and experienced. My heart is for the children and families in Kenya, and I pray for the ones that cannot speak for themselves. I made the decision that I am going to become an advocate for children around the world that do not have a voice. With God's help, I want to act as their voice. I know this battle within will not end here, but I know that we have a God that is for us, not against us. And we can share in the amazing truth that he loves us all with a crazy love that goes beyond race, age, sex, where you were born, etc... Because where you live shouldn't determine whether you live. We are God's vessels, serving the least of the least.

3-22-2012

Today we visited ACK Kamwaa Child Development Center where we learned about Complementary Interventions. These funds are used to support special needs within the center. What a different experience every day! The landscapes, the people - so diverse. The trip today was the bumpiest, most stressful ride in the van for me so far. We drove into the mountains. Red soil all around us. Lots of cactuses. The land was very dry, and dusty, humid and hot. People were walking all along the sides of the road. I love the hearts of the kids in these communities. They are always smiling, waving at us. Adults are not as willing to engage us. We wonder what they think of us coming to visit them. During this trip, the leaders of the community shared what they have accomplished so far through the help of Compassion and the presence of God, their future dreams for the center, and how these projects have changed the surrounding community. To be honest, at first I thought that these people at the center were all talk. They are so ambitious, but I didn't believe they could put these ideas into action... and then we took a tour of what they have already accomplished! I was absolutely amazed by what I saw. Not only was the vision for the center incredible, they also made a great deal of progress in the community, and that was evident in the lives of all of the people. It's awesome to see what God can do when you combine hard working people with a vision to change their circumstances and communities. They had a complete farm project equipped with an active watering system, large water tanks, and 2 green houses where they grew tomatoes, onions, and kale. They also grew papaya trees, or paw paw trees as they called them. This was definitely the hottest, most stressful day for me. The environment was very different from the other centers. They had a great vision and work ethic and were very much focused on the children. They also had several other IGA's or income generating activities. They had a fish farm, a honey factory, and a computer learning center. What an amazing experience. Here are some pictures of the farm project, the fish farm, and some of the other areas we visited today.

joyful, ambitious, generous, loving, patient

3 - 21 - 2012
We visited the slums today. It's so sad to see the conditions that exist in this city. A lot of trash burning on the side of the road. Waste everywhere. Lots of problems with drug use around this area. The PCEA Baracka center was located at the heart of the slums. There were many children waiting at the gate looking in from the outside. The work that they do at this center is incredible. The children seem so joyful. We got to look at the folders of various kids. A lot of families are affected by HIV/AIDS. Compassion takes care of the kids and their families' treatments. We got to meet a little boy named Leonard who was very shy, but very joyful! It's amazing, the joy that they have at this center. The children shared music with us. It's such a blessing. We passed out some gifts and got mobbed by the kids! They were so excited. - fighting over silly bands and bracelets. The most impacting moment was when we visited a sponsored child named Abraham. His family had a house in the heart of the slums close to Mbasa. The home has no electricity, no running water but the amount of (spiritual) wealth and maturity in this home was so evident. I forget how old Abraham is, somewhere between 10 and 13 but you can tell that he has such a deep faith. So spiritually mature. Such a humble heart. I love it. So grateful for everything. We met his aunt and saw their rooms and kitchen. This experience made me feel disgusted by American materialism. What a day.

ok more later! Still can't believe we're here!

3-21-2012

On our way to Embu there are alot of kids walking home with no shoes on.

Okay, so I'm at the Isaak Walton Inn in Embu. I wish I was back in Nairobi! I'm ashamed of myself for even thinking this way... I was in the shower complaining that there is no water pressure and that I'll never be able to get the shampoo out of my hair...but at least I have running water. I don't have to walk miles to get to clean water AND my water is warm. I was complaining because I'm sharing my hotel room with a lizard... then I realized that I'm only here for 3 nights. There are families who spend their lives in tiny little homes no bigger than my bedroom. At least I have a home to go back to. My home has electricity in every room! and 6 places to get running water from... just in ONE home!
I was complaining that I have a mosquito net hanging from the ceiling above the bed and that my mattress is too hard... but once again... this is only for 3 nights. There are plenty of people who have no bed... or who are sharing a bed with multiple people and their "bed" is made of sticks and cloth. There are some families who can't even afford mosquito nets, but who would really benefit from it because they don't even have a door or window to help keep the bugs out...yet I was complaining that I can't get the window in the bathroom to shut and the door is hard to close. I was complaining about the meat that we have been eating (probably goat meat) because its too fatty. Yet today, while looking at a child's records, I read that the family does not always have food. I brought four pairs of shoes on this trip, but I saw multiple children walking home from school without any shoes today. How spoiled am I?! I was complaining that I couldn't connect to the internet to get in touch with my parents and facebook family and friends, yet while reading a child's record today, I learned that he and his guardian do not even know where his parents are, or if they are even alive. Why do I complain so much when I have so much to be thankful for? I have my health, but I met at least 2 women today who are infected with HIV... one is raising her niece who also has the disease. No one wanted to raise her because she has the disease.
Why do I complain about my job so much? Not only do I have a job but I get PAID when I don't even work. I'm getting paid for days I'm in Kenya but I'm not at work. I have health insurance, dental insurance... yes I may have a copay but I still have my health and my teeth. I saw sooo many people with rotted or missing teeth. I am so selfish. I'm ashamed of how spoiled I am.
-Elizabeth

3-20-2012

Day two. We woke up at 7:30, had a good sleep last night. My roommate snores. I love that guy! We got up and joined the others for breakfast. It was interesting and delicious. I have a passion for passion fruit juice. How refreshing! The first plan for the day was to visit the Oloroppil Baptist Center where Compassion works with the Massai tribe, which was very excited because - my freshman year in college I read a book called Christianity Rediscovered by Vincent J. Donovan and the book was all about reaching the Massai tribe for Christ. Which meant meeting their physical as well as their spiritual needs, and dealing with the difficulty of ministering in a different culture.
The Massai culture is very unique. They wore everything from the traditional tribe dress, to gauged ears and incredibly intricate clothing and jewelry. Very welcoming people the Massai are.
Our leader Jo Ann said something this morning that really hit me. She said that Kenyans don't wear watches because they value relationships - they will give you all the time in the world.  They are patient, generous, and caring people but we, as Americans wear watches yet never have any time (especially for the things that matter!) How true.
We experienced a very warm welcome - Speeches from the pastors and leaders in the church about the center - how they operate - how families and children are impacted by what God does through the Compassion organization, and then we enjoyed a great meal that some of the Massai women prepared for us! Rice and chick peas, goat meat, bread and tea with milk and sugar. The goat meat was interesting...
To sum it all up though, I have never seen such amazing, selfless, generous people in my life! Toward the end of the visit we split into 6 groups and each visited a family in their home. These people had literally nothing. A house made of sticks and mud, no electricity, no running water. The home had a few small rooms with beds which were basically just made of sticks with cloth on top of it.
- A place to keep their dishes
-A place to keep clothing
The Father had 2 wives, but one passed away. They had 10 kids. Serina was the 10 year old sponsored child that attended the center. The children are taught in school, study the Bible, and learn a trade. Thanks to Compassion many of the children are able to have an education and a future.
They also owned animals - 10 goats, a few dogs, and some owned chickens given to them by Compassion.
They invited us into the second part of their home where the father sleeps and the Compassion letters are kept. This house was a bit more sturdy than the first. Instead of sticks and mud, they had a tin roof on the 2nd home. We talked with them about how they live, what their days are like and then Elizabeth gave them some gifts for the children. The mother gave her a necklace. It was very humbling, and amazing. These people have nothing and they gave us everything! I have never seen such joyful people! Some little children walk 1 1/2 hours to school everyday while others travel 9 hours by foot every day just to get water. This completely shattered my view of poverty in Africa. It is much worse than I thought, but such beautiful hearts, such hospitable people with their eyes fixed on Jesus. More tomorrow!

3-19-2012

First day in Kenya. Just arrived at 9:40pm The flights were good but long, I was a bit stressed out but Elizabeth was with me so she helped me alot! I can't explain how much I appreciate her, and how encouraging, positive, and funny she is! She always knows what to do to make me feel special. I am blessed to be going on this trip. We arrived to Amsterdam but didn't get to walk around much. The layover was less than 2 hours. So...after 16 hours of flying, we are finally in Kenya. What a beautiful country! It's very surreal being here. We took a shuttle with a big group of Compassion International travelers and arrived at the Sarova Panafric hotel in Nairobi. Everyone is so welcoming and nice. When people were telling me that I would feel more at home here than I do in the U.S. I don't think I really believed it, but it's true! Our hotel is incredible. My roommate is a Pastor from Minnesota named Skip. He has tattoos, and is a drummer, and is a great guy! Glad to be rooming with him! Tomorrow morning is orientation and breakfast and then we head to the first center! I can't believe we're here. More updates tomorrow!
-Chris

Kenya pictures day one

here is a picture from the first center! we'll update the blog soon!!! Angela and Paul, this is your sponsor child Raen! He's so cute.

Going on an adventure

“The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. 
Today and tomorrow are yet to be said. 
The chances, the changes are all yours to make. 
The mold of your life is in your hands to break.” 
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit


Friends,
So tonight is our last night at home before we leave for Kenya. We are pretty much all packed, completely excited, a little anxious, and very blessed to be going on an adventure like this. It's so crazy, I thought this day would never come. I know that we are going to experience all of the stories and  lives changed through the work that Compassion does, but I can't help but think I am never going to be the same. I don't deserve the life I live, and I'm so grateful. I  just wanted to say thanks to all of our friends and family that have supported us in this journey. Mom-mom and pop-pop, Lydia and Eddie, Josh, you're one of the most sacrificial beautiful people I've ever met.  Thanks to Dan and Husam. You guys are my brothers - thanks for all the encouragement and to Shabana for all the cool gifts that I'm sure the kids will be thrilled to get! I'm so excited to be a part of this, and hope that we can shine Christ's love through all that we do. Friends, pray for us that we would glorify God in our actions and in our words. I am excited to meet new people, fellow travelers, Compassion staff, and all of the children and families touched by Compassion.  If you are interested in seeing what Compassion is about or if you want to sponsor a child go check out their website www.compassion.com 
They are legit. Transforming the lives of so many people around the world. I love it. Here are some pictures of the packing process. Mia was very helpful. 

Love you guys, can't wait to share more with you. God is good. P.s. we'll be updating this blog as often as we can from Kenya. 
-Chris