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
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!
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
-Chris
Kenya pictures day one
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
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.
-Chris
7 weeks
Flights reserved. Visa applications sent. We are making a lot of progress with about 7 weeks to go before we leave for Kenya. Elizabeth and I are very excited about the trip, and we are in our final stages of preparation. Continue prayer for us, the trip, and for the children and families in Kenya that are touched by the work of Compassion. Pray that the upcoming weeks would be filled with the spirit, that we would sense God's presence in all of this. I just received my first introduction letter packet in the mail today from Ghana. Really happy and excited about this new friendship with my sponsored child. Also excited about some other things that are developing. We'll update more on everything in the coming weeks. I am working on some new paintings that will go up for sale, and also continuing the 10 chapter a day challenge. God has been speaking to me in really unique ways!
Also, if you get a chance - check out www.iamsecond.com
I love this site. I could spend hours on it listening to stories
Ok. Lots of love and thanks to everyone that has been supporting us in this journey. If you donated, and you haven't received a thank you note from us yet, you will in the next week. Check your mail.
If you are interested in why we are involved with Compassion, check the Why Compassion section of the blog. And if you have questions about the programs, or ways that Compassion International releases children from poverty go to www.compassion.com or you can contact us through email.
Thanks again. Talk to you all soon!
-Chris
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