Home Sweet Home!
I have arrived back home safe and sound -- stepped off the plane (literally onto the rolling staircase brought to the plan because the brake was stuck and would not allow the plane to roll the last 50 ft. to the platform) in Newark at about 1am this morning :-)
I am so thankful for this wonderful experience...thanks for joining me along the way. I will post some pictures ASAP (when I figure out how to attach them)!
See you soon!!!!
Lynn
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Wednesday, August 4th
Sorry I have been absent a few days! The internet conncection went out Monday before I was able to post my blog, and then I was in Nairobi yesterday afternoon, helping my travel friends take care of some travel arrangements.
I had a wonderful weekend traveling with the two young ladies from Belgium. We started off with a bit of shopping at the Masai market, and then went to the Kenyata Conference Center, and got a bird's eye view of Nairobi and our pictures taken on top of the helicopter pad. Then we stopped for a mimosa (yummy fried beef triangle pastry with onions and cilantro), and visited the city market (the fresh fish/meat area smelled like something I have never smelled before -- yuck!) with fresh flowers and souvenirs. Next, we caught a matatu to the Nairobi National Museum (they have a bird display, and I saw a ton of birds that live in Kenya but that I have not had a chance to see yet. They also had a skull display, and various life size animal displays, oh-- and a few instruments) :-) Then we caught a final matatu to the Westlands and went to eat at a highly recommended Indian restaurant -- VERY good!!!!!!
Sunday we traveled into Nairobi, and immediately caught a matatu to The Karen Blixon Museum (Out of Africa original author). The grounds were beautiful, and then we walked about 15 minutes to the Garden Cafe, and I got to eat a fantastic PIZZA!!! It was a wonderful change of food from the local Kenyan fare. We headed to the Bomas (to see the traditional dances of several tribes in Africa (unfortunatley they are closed until the day after I leave for tallying votes of today's election (Kenyans are voting on whether or not to accept a new constitution). So instead we headed to the Giraffe Center and I got to feed giraffes by hand -- they are very slobbery!!! Finally we headed to restaurant that serves Brazilian style -- keeps the meat coming on skewers until you are full. I had the chance to try crocodile -- it had a fantastic lemon marinade and was the best course on the menu! What a neat experience.
We spent Monday and Tuesday cleaning the three classrooms while the students are on vacation (scrubbing from top to bottom the classrooms and desks). The staff at the House of Mercy was very appreciative of the cleaning supplies and the elbow grease that went into our hours of scrubbing. Today was our last official day (we have been encouraged not to travel on Thursday and probably Friday depending on the results of the voting. There is a fear that fights may break out and that it would be unsafe -- please keep us in your prayers.
Today we played all day with the kids, did craft projects, and I taught more trumpet lessons. There are a few young girls who were doing pretty well. I hope they continue to practice the cornet that I left with them (it was the one I learned to play on when I was in 5th grade).
They sang songs for us and presented us with cards as we left. A few girls had written special cards for me -- I will treasure them. Of course, I had a few tears as I left -- Kenyans are very strong people and very rarely cry -- so the children were very concerned for me. Many of them volunteered to walk us to the edge of town where we pick up the bus. They were very sweet and held my hand as we walked. I encouraged them that if I don't see them here on this earth, I will see them again in heaven!!! :-) They have such a strong faith and Rose, the director, is really teaching them to trust God. There is not a special organization that provides food or clothing for the children, but Rose assures us that the children never go hungry -- God always provides!!!! I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to show them that people in the United States love them, think about them, and will continue to pray for them.
Thanks so much for joining with me on this adventure. I am unsure if I will have a chance to send another report. So until then, please pray that God will continue to watch over the Children and Staff at the House of Mercy, and for the chest cold that I seemed to develop since after my safari -- I think my lungs are rejecting all of the dust I am continuously breathing in.
I am looking forward to returning to my family and friends -- see you soon!!!
Lynn
I had a wonderful weekend traveling with the two young ladies from Belgium. We started off with a bit of shopping at the Masai market, and then went to the Kenyata Conference Center, and got a bird's eye view of Nairobi and our pictures taken on top of the helicopter pad. Then we stopped for a mimosa (yummy fried beef triangle pastry with onions and cilantro), and visited the city market (the fresh fish/meat area smelled like something I have never smelled before -- yuck!) with fresh flowers and souvenirs. Next, we caught a matatu to the Nairobi National Museum (they have a bird display, and I saw a ton of birds that live in Kenya but that I have not had a chance to see yet. They also had a skull display, and various life size animal displays, oh-- and a few instruments) :-) Then we caught a final matatu to the Westlands and went to eat at a highly recommended Indian restaurant -- VERY good!!!!!!
Sunday we traveled into Nairobi, and immediately caught a matatu to The Karen Blixon Museum (Out of Africa original author). The grounds were beautiful, and then we walked about 15 minutes to the Garden Cafe, and I got to eat a fantastic PIZZA!!! It was a wonderful change of food from the local Kenyan fare. We headed to the Bomas (to see the traditional dances of several tribes in Africa (unfortunatley they are closed until the day after I leave for tallying votes of today's election (Kenyans are voting on whether or not to accept a new constitution). So instead we headed to the Giraffe Center and I got to feed giraffes by hand -- they are very slobbery!!! Finally we headed to restaurant that serves Brazilian style -- keeps the meat coming on skewers until you are full. I had the chance to try crocodile -- it had a fantastic lemon marinade and was the best course on the menu! What a neat experience.
We spent Monday and Tuesday cleaning the three classrooms while the students are on vacation (scrubbing from top to bottom the classrooms and desks). The staff at the House of Mercy was very appreciative of the cleaning supplies and the elbow grease that went into our hours of scrubbing. Today was our last official day (we have been encouraged not to travel on Thursday and probably Friday depending on the results of the voting. There is a fear that fights may break out and that it would be unsafe -- please keep us in your prayers.
Today we played all day with the kids, did craft projects, and I taught more trumpet lessons. There are a few young girls who were doing pretty well. I hope they continue to practice the cornet that I left with them (it was the one I learned to play on when I was in 5th grade).
They sang songs for us and presented us with cards as we left. A few girls had written special cards for me -- I will treasure them. Of course, I had a few tears as I left -- Kenyans are very strong people and very rarely cry -- so the children were very concerned for me. Many of them volunteered to walk us to the edge of town where we pick up the bus. They were very sweet and held my hand as we walked. I encouraged them that if I don't see them here on this earth, I will see them again in heaven!!! :-) They have such a strong faith and Rose, the director, is really teaching them to trust God. There is not a special organization that provides food or clothing for the children, but Rose assures us that the children never go hungry -- God always provides!!!! I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to show them that people in the United States love them, think about them, and will continue to pray for them.
Thanks so much for joining with me on this adventure. I am unsure if I will have a chance to send another report. So until then, please pray that God will continue to watch over the Children and Staff at the House of Mercy, and for the chest cold that I seemed to develop since after my safari -- I think my lungs are rejecting all of the dust I am continuously breathing in.
I am looking forward to returning to my family and friends -- see you soon!!!
Lynn
Friday, July 30, 2010
Return from Safari -- July 30th
Hakunah matata (Relax, enjoy, don't stress)
Sorry to make everyone worry. When I tried to stop at the internet cafe yesterday, there was no service avaialable (TIA).
Yes, I survived the safari, and I didn't get eaten by the lions!!! The animals were magnificant and VERY, VERY CLOSE!!!!
I was able to borrow chargers while on the trip, so I will have plenty of pictures/maybe video to post when I get home!!!
In the Masai Mara, our van was lucky enough to see the leopard, and we had two male lions move in between our two parked safari vans. I was carefully sliding my glass window closed as they headed our way, and then they were less than 10 feet away -- AMAZING!!! I got to see the Wildebeast crossing the river 2 days in a row -- very good odds considering the driver said that people only get to see a crossing about 25% of the time!!! We even saw a crocodile death rolling a wildebeast -- UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
In Amboseli, we were close enough to an elephant that we could here the suctioning of the mud as she moved forward to find some other grass, and we could literally hear her chewing. There were also plenty of hippos there.
The flamingos and rhinos lived up to expectations at Lake Nakuru!!!
There were giraffes throughout the whole trip, one right by the side of the highway (kinda like deer at home), but I think it may have done a lot more car damage. We also saw plenty of gazelles, zeebras, buffalo, and ostriches, not to mention so many other kinds of birds, and plants -- what a dream come TRUE!!!
I would definitely like to return someday and go to a few more of the national parks that I was unable to visit. Maybe head down to the beaches of Mombasa, and squeeze in a hop to Zanzibar. Might take me another 20 years to save up for the trip though :-)
I have 2 more volunteers that are currently working at the orphanage with me so I have travel partners again... thanks for all of your prayers.
Also, little Kate's mother came to claim her while I was away, but I am sad to say that I think she would probably be better off living at the orphanage. Unfortunately Rose, the orphanage director, can't do anything about it when they provide the proper documentation from the court system/police department. I found out today that she is HIV positive, and her mother also is and is a prostitute in Nairobi, leaving Kate at home unattended for many hours at a time. Please pray for her safety and that God will protect her.
Now that the children are done with school classes, Rose has put me and the other two volunteers in charge of keeping the kids busy. We colored Christian coloring books this morning. This afternoon, I gave trumpet lessons to about 10 older kids, while the other two volunteers made masks with the other younger children.
I also gave the older children their harmonicas, and then the kids gathered in the courtyard with their masks and harmonicas, and sang several Christian songs for us. It is so wonderful to see that these children worshipping God, and having the ability to join with them.
Rose has an amazing story about how she started with just a few street kids, and how God has grown her efforts and provides the needs (food, clothing, shelter) for her and the kids....truly AMAZING. Please continue to pray for the children and staff at The House of Mercy.
Enjoy your weekend, we plan to try to visit many different sights throughout and around Nairobi.
Kwaheri -- (goodbye)
Lynn
Sorry to make everyone worry. When I tried to stop at the internet cafe yesterday, there was no service avaialable (TIA).
Yes, I survived the safari, and I didn't get eaten by the lions!!! The animals were magnificant and VERY, VERY CLOSE!!!!
I was able to borrow chargers while on the trip, so I will have plenty of pictures/maybe video to post when I get home!!!
In the Masai Mara, our van was lucky enough to see the leopard, and we had two male lions move in between our two parked safari vans. I was carefully sliding my glass window closed as they headed our way, and then they were less than 10 feet away -- AMAZING!!! I got to see the Wildebeast crossing the river 2 days in a row -- very good odds considering the driver said that people only get to see a crossing about 25% of the time!!! We even saw a crocodile death rolling a wildebeast -- UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
In Amboseli, we were close enough to an elephant that we could here the suctioning of the mud as she moved forward to find some other grass, and we could literally hear her chewing. There were also plenty of hippos there.
The flamingos and rhinos lived up to expectations at Lake Nakuru!!!
There were giraffes throughout the whole trip, one right by the side of the highway (kinda like deer at home), but I think it may have done a lot more car damage. We also saw plenty of gazelles, zeebras, buffalo, and ostriches, not to mention so many other kinds of birds, and plants -- what a dream come TRUE!!!
I would definitely like to return someday and go to a few more of the national parks that I was unable to visit. Maybe head down to the beaches of Mombasa, and squeeze in a hop to Zanzibar. Might take me another 20 years to save up for the trip though :-)
I have 2 more volunteers that are currently working at the orphanage with me so I have travel partners again... thanks for all of your prayers.
Also, little Kate's mother came to claim her while I was away, but I am sad to say that I think she would probably be better off living at the orphanage. Unfortunately Rose, the orphanage director, can't do anything about it when they provide the proper documentation from the court system/police department. I found out today that she is HIV positive, and her mother also is and is a prostitute in Nairobi, leaving Kate at home unattended for many hours at a time. Please pray for her safety and that God will protect her.
Now that the children are done with school classes, Rose has put me and the other two volunteers in charge of keeping the kids busy. We colored Christian coloring books this morning. This afternoon, I gave trumpet lessons to about 10 older kids, while the other two volunteers made masks with the other younger children.
I also gave the older children their harmonicas, and then the kids gathered in the courtyard with their masks and harmonicas, and sang several Christian songs for us. It is so wonderful to see that these children worshipping God, and having the ability to join with them.
Rose has an amazing story about how she started with just a few street kids, and how God has grown her efforts and provides the needs (food, clothing, shelter) for her and the kids....truly AMAZING. Please continue to pray for the children and staff at The House of Mercy.
Enjoy your weekend, we plan to try to visit many different sights throughout and around Nairobi.
Kwaheri -- (goodbye)
Lynn
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wed, July 20th
Tomorrow I leave for safari!!!!
I am very excited and a little apprehensive. The travel company seems a bit up in the air -- things are planned very differently here in Kenya compared to the US. (TIA -- This is Africa, a common chant we say when we have to be a little more flexible than we may be used to:-)
I am also praying that I can find some friendly Americans along the way who would let me use their electrical adapter so that I can recharge my camera on the way -- mine does not work, and I can't find any local merchants who will sell them. Maybe my guide/driver will know where to take me.
I still don't even know what time I am leaving tomorrow or from where? I will find out after dinner tonight -- things here are very last minute, which is challenging my personality of being a planner and liking to know the details...please pray for my patience!!!! :-)
I will get back on Wed, 28, so don't get too excited or worried if you don't hear from me until then.
Pray that I will have great interactions with my driver(s) and fellow safari companions that I will meet tomorrow, and may change throught the cou course of the week -- because I will be visiting at least 3 different parks. People whoo have come back from safari say that the Wildebeast are allready in migration throught the Masai Mara park -- definitely an answer to one of my personal prayers. I can't wait to see this dream come true!!!!!!!
Today, I had the opportunity to work woith the smaller children as the older children competed their exams for second marking period -- their year is broken into three terms. They will be on break until September, so I will probably not see most of the kids that I have been teaching a tthe school again, unless they come to visit me!
I willl however get to meet the children from the orphanage who are usually already at the public school when I arrive at the orphanage, and who return home after I leave. I plan on taking some coloring projects, books, harmonicas, and giving many trumpet lessons during my last week.
I was able to take quite a bit of food into the orphanage today -- Rose is always very thankful and commented on how much people are showing how much " they really love us that much!"
Today, little Kate fell asleep on my lap after I fed her lunch -- she was so tired that she was atually falling asleep chewing her food. I had to keep tapping her and playing with her fingers and arms to try to keep her awake. I was told that she wakes up very early (5:30 am) and usually won't take a nap. But she fell asleep on my lap, and I successfully moved her to a bed -- she woke up a little , and I just rubbed her back and told her it was OK until she fell back to sleep (only about 1 minute) and then I snuck out! It was an amazing accomplishment. She is adorable!!!
I also had the young children working with sidewalk chalk, drawing numbers and shapes, and pictures. I also worked with the older children on adding and subtracting with carrying and borrowing -- they are starting to get it!
Well, I need to get to the grocery store and then walk home before it gets too dark, and it looks like I might get rained on on the way home.....1
Thanks again for all of your prayers and comments along the way!
God bless!!!
Lynn
I am very excited and a little apprehensive. The travel company seems a bit up in the air -- things are planned very differently here in Kenya compared to the US. (TIA -- This is Africa, a common chant we say when we have to be a little more flexible than we may be used to:-)
I am also praying that I can find some friendly Americans along the way who would let me use their electrical adapter so that I can recharge my camera on the way -- mine does not work, and I can't find any local merchants who will sell them. Maybe my guide/driver will know where to take me.
I still don't even know what time I am leaving tomorrow or from where? I will find out after dinner tonight -- things here are very last minute, which is challenging my personality of being a planner and liking to know the details...please pray for my patience!!!! :-)
I will get back on Wed, 28, so don't get too excited or worried if you don't hear from me until then.
Pray that I will have great interactions with my driver(s) and fellow safari companions that I will meet tomorrow, and may change throught the cou course of the week -- because I will be visiting at least 3 different parks. People whoo have come back from safari say that the Wildebeast are allready in migration throught the Masai Mara park -- definitely an answer to one of my personal prayers. I can't wait to see this dream come true!!!!!!!
Today, I had the opportunity to work woith the smaller children as the older children competed their exams for second marking period -- their year is broken into three terms. They will be on break until September, so I will probably not see most of the kids that I have been teaching a tthe school again, unless they come to visit me!
I willl however get to meet the children from the orphanage who are usually already at the public school when I arrive at the orphanage, and who return home after I leave. I plan on taking some coloring projects, books, harmonicas, and giving many trumpet lessons during my last week.
I was able to take quite a bit of food into the orphanage today -- Rose is always very thankful and commented on how much people are showing how much " they really love us that much!"
Today, little Kate fell asleep on my lap after I fed her lunch -- she was so tired that she was atually falling asleep chewing her food. I had to keep tapping her and playing with her fingers and arms to try to keep her awake. I was told that she wakes up very early (5:30 am) and usually won't take a nap. But she fell asleep on my lap, and I successfully moved her to a bed -- she woke up a little , and I just rubbed her back and told her it was OK until she fell back to sleep (only about 1 minute) and then I snuck out! It was an amazing accomplishment. She is adorable!!!
I also had the young children working with sidewalk chalk, drawing numbers and shapes, and pictures. I also worked with the older children on adding and subtracting with carrying and borrowing -- they are starting to get it!
Well, I need to get to the grocery store and then walk home before it gets too dark, and it looks like I might get rained on on the way home.....1
Thanks again for all of your prayers and comments along the way!
God bless!!!
Lynn
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 20th
Thank you very much (Asanti sana) for your comments!
Glad to know that I can share this experience with you!
Saturday I went inot town and did some mzungo (whiter person) shopping at a store called Zanzibar. A little freaky walking ack through downtown Nairobi with 2 large bags, but I survived and even managed to figure out the correct drop off point from the matatu (public van service) and only had to walk about 5 minutes back to the house!!! Whew!!!! Thanks to everyone who has been especially praying for safety in my travels. There are actually quite a few people traveling throught the areas, so I do not feel unsafe -- at least most of the time ;-)
Sunday, I waited at the bus stop for my contact to meet me and she never showed up. I found out today that she was not feeling well. So I waited for about 50 minutes and then decided to get some supplies at the grocery store, grab some fried chicken at the Jumbo Grill, and then headed back into Nairobi by myself. I went to thte Hilton Hotel because there are supposed to be good shops there, but it was closed so I found my way over the Masai Market (open flea market where you have to barter) and I got a few more deals. I have picked up several African instruments -- imaginary that!!!!
Yesterday, I met with the cab driver and Compassion worker and we drove 3 hours to meet with Jane, my Compassion child. It was a wonderful experience. We first went to the church that designated her as a child in need of sponsorship. It was a Catholic Church, annd there were probably 10 people there to greet us. Jane is very shy - she hardly spoke 25 words the entire day. I showed her my family/frieds/students picture book and showed her on a map where I traveled from. All of the people who were gathered there had quite a few laughs as I explained all of the differenet information. As they introduced themselves, they would all tell a little about themself and then add that they were "Saved or born again!" Very open about professing their faith. I pray that as Kenya becomes more developed and modernized they will not forget about God, or become so self reliant that they lose sight of their faith. Please join me in this prayer request.
After meeting at the church we proceeded to her family house. Jane's parents, uncle aunt, cousin, and 6 siblings all share a property. Jane's family sleeps in a house that is probably 12 X 8. After I gave them gifts, they poured me a special celebratory drink of sour mild and corn meal -- aah! I missed my orange / pomegranate juice, but I survived. I did not finish all of it. They also presented me with a rooster -- luckily the Compassion rep. instructed me to tell Jane to take vary good care of it for me. I will look forward to her telling me how my chicken is doing when I receive future letters.Her whole famly escorted us to the edge of their property, which meant I was welcome to return again. We took a picture by a cactus tree -- it is huge with many branches -- unlike anything I have ever seen before.
When we went back to her church, they offered us a wonderful lunch and gave me a Kenyan apron that has the words imprinted -- translation -- thank God for everything. I will continue to do just that.
Please continue to pray that I will have the opportunity to share my faith, and my story with those I come into contact with each day. I have seen God's hand in this already -- planting seeds whenever the opportunity arises.
Little Joshua is doing a little better, but the sores from his Malaria infection have now spread to his nose. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Likewise, pray that I will be able to discern how best to help the children a the orphanage with the funds that other have intrusted to me!
Blessing to everyone back home and thatnk you for your continued prayer covering -- I know it is making a difference!
Tutuonana (goodbye)
Lynn
Glad to know that I can share this experience with you!
Saturday I went inot town and did some mzungo (whiter person) shopping at a store called Zanzibar. A little freaky walking ack through downtown Nairobi with 2 large bags, but I survived and even managed to figure out the correct drop off point from the matatu (public van service) and only had to walk about 5 minutes back to the house!!! Whew!!!! Thanks to everyone who has been especially praying for safety in my travels. There are actually quite a few people traveling throught the areas, so I do not feel unsafe -- at least most of the time ;-)
Sunday, I waited at the bus stop for my contact to meet me and she never showed up. I found out today that she was not feeling well. So I waited for about 50 minutes and then decided to get some supplies at the grocery store, grab some fried chicken at the Jumbo Grill, and then headed back into Nairobi by myself. I went to thte Hilton Hotel because there are supposed to be good shops there, but it was closed so I found my way over the Masai Market (open flea market where you have to barter) and I got a few more deals. I have picked up several African instruments -- imaginary that!!!!
Yesterday, I met with the cab driver and Compassion worker and we drove 3 hours to meet with Jane, my Compassion child. It was a wonderful experience. We first went to the church that designated her as a child in need of sponsorship. It was a Catholic Church, annd there were probably 10 people there to greet us. Jane is very shy - she hardly spoke 25 words the entire day. I showed her my family/frieds/students picture book and showed her on a map where I traveled from. All of the people who were gathered there had quite a few laughs as I explained all of the differenet information. As they introduced themselves, they would all tell a little about themself and then add that they were "Saved or born again!" Very open about professing their faith. I pray that as Kenya becomes more developed and modernized they will not forget about God, or become so self reliant that they lose sight of their faith. Please join me in this prayer request.
After meeting at the church we proceeded to her family house. Jane's parents, uncle aunt, cousin, and 6 siblings all share a property. Jane's family sleeps in a house that is probably 12 X 8. After I gave them gifts, they poured me a special celebratory drink of sour mild and corn meal -- aah! I missed my orange / pomegranate juice, but I survived. I did not finish all of it. They also presented me with a rooster -- luckily the Compassion rep. instructed me to tell Jane to take vary good care of it for me. I will look forward to her telling me how my chicken is doing when I receive future letters.Her whole famly escorted us to the edge of their property, which meant I was welcome to return again. We took a picture by a cactus tree -- it is huge with many branches -- unlike anything I have ever seen before.
When we went back to her church, they offered us a wonderful lunch and gave me a Kenyan apron that has the words imprinted -- translation -- thank God for everything. I will continue to do just that.
Please continue to pray that I will have the opportunity to share my faith, and my story with those I come into contact with each day. I have seen God's hand in this already -- planting seeds whenever the opportunity arises.
Little Joshua is doing a little better, but the sores from his Malaria infection have now spread to his nose. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Likewise, pray that I will be able to discern how best to help the children a the orphanage with the funds that other have intrusted to me!
Blessing to everyone back home and thatnk you for your continued prayer covering -- I know it is making a difference!
Tutuonana (goodbye)
Lynn
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday July 16th
Asanti sana (Thank you very much),
Teacher Rose thanks all of the people who have contributed money to help their project. I was able to buy candles (for when the power goes out -- which happens frequently here in Kenya -- almost like designated rotating blackouts to save on energy). I also purchased chalk for the teachers, light bulbs for the rooms that are needing them, diapers for the babies, and little notebooks for the children.
Today I read the story of Baby Moses to them, and I have them act out different parts to try to help them understand! They sit so quietly and listen fairly well. The hard part is keeping them seated so that everyone can see the pictures. So I am constantly saying keti chimi (sit down)!
We went oustside again today and had more relay races. I spun the kids around until I was too dizzy to continue, and we did the "Hokey Pokey" -- thanks Kerryann for the reminder -- they loved it!!!
Little Kate did so much better today. I actually saw her smiling and playing with some of the other children. That truly bless my heart. Please pray for little Joshua. He is probably around 1 yr. old, and he has been very sick. Right now, almost his entire tongue has a white sore on it, so he does not want to eat and he just cries in pain. I tried to just sit with him and rub his head or little back and try to console him, and when I left, I assigned one of the older boys to stay with him.
I plan to try to get into Nairobi to do some shopping tomorrow, and then attend the church service with the students from my orphanage on Sunday. Their services last quite a long time, so I was told to eat a good breakfast before I go :-)
I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying your summer.
the days here are warm, usually reaching in the mid to upper 70s, but the evenings definitely get chilly -- down itno the 50s.
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Lynn
Teacher Rose thanks all of the people who have contributed money to help their project. I was able to buy candles (for when the power goes out -- which happens frequently here in Kenya -- almost like designated rotating blackouts to save on energy). I also purchased chalk for the teachers, light bulbs for the rooms that are needing them, diapers for the babies, and little notebooks for the children.
Today I read the story of Baby Moses to them, and I have them act out different parts to try to help them understand! They sit so quietly and listen fairly well. The hard part is keeping them seated so that everyone can see the pictures. So I am constantly saying keti chimi (sit down)!
We went oustside again today and had more relay races. I spun the kids around until I was too dizzy to continue, and we did the "Hokey Pokey" -- thanks Kerryann for the reminder -- they loved it!!!
Little Kate did so much better today. I actually saw her smiling and playing with some of the other children. That truly bless my heart. Please pray for little Joshua. He is probably around 1 yr. old, and he has been very sick. Right now, almost his entire tongue has a white sore on it, so he does not want to eat and he just cries in pain. I tried to just sit with him and rub his head or little back and try to console him, and when I left, I assigned one of the older boys to stay with him.
I plan to try to get into Nairobi to do some shopping tomorrow, and then attend the church service with the students from my orphanage on Sunday. Their services last quite a long time, so I was told to eat a good breakfast before I go :-)
I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying your summer.
the days here are warm, usually reaching in the mid to upper 70s, but the evenings definitely get chilly -- down itno the 50s.
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Lynn
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, July 15th
I am starting to lose track of the days here.
I am really trying to keep up with my personal journal. It takes a long time to keep a hand written account of each day.
Today, I took pens and pencils to the teachers so that they can distribute to their class or use as they see fit. I also took some light bulbs.
Tomorrow I will be taking some clothes that I bought at a stand on the way home, more light bulbs, and deperately needed diapers for the little ones. I am hoping to take my trumpet as well (if I can catch a ride with Pastor Ian) rather than walking 30 minutes to the bus stop and then another 15 once I am at my project.
I helped to teach math, science, and social studies. I even drew a map of the US and showed the students the 5 main states that I have lived in. Quick geography lesson -- Kenya is the size of Texas ( and then I show them how big the US is!!!!) In science we talked about washing fruits and vegetables before we prepare them. (Kuosha means to wash) If the classroom teacher feels that the students are not understanding she interprets into Swahili and then asks the students some questions. I also helped the students with simple math facts for the last 40 minutes of school today -- we played many fun games to help them.
Little Kate still wanders through to find me and it breaks my heart when she cries when I leave or someone has to take her away to another room.
I am hoping to visit the Elephant orphanage and girrafe house in Nairobi either this weekend or next. I may attend church with my students this Sunday -- we will see!
Also I will be meeting Jane Purity Murugi, my Compassion International child this Monday. I am so excited. I will definitely dress up that day:-)
Please pray that I will have more opportunities to share my faith with the people that will be around the house this weekend, and other locals that I might meet.
Thanks to everyone who takes time to post comments. It helps me to feel a little more connected to home!
In His Service,
Lynn
I am really trying to keep up with my personal journal. It takes a long time to keep a hand written account of each day.
Today, I took pens and pencils to the teachers so that they can distribute to their class or use as they see fit. I also took some light bulbs.
Tomorrow I will be taking some clothes that I bought at a stand on the way home, more light bulbs, and deperately needed diapers for the little ones. I am hoping to take my trumpet as well (if I can catch a ride with Pastor Ian) rather than walking 30 minutes to the bus stop and then another 15 once I am at my project.
I helped to teach math, science, and social studies. I even drew a map of the US and showed the students the 5 main states that I have lived in. Quick geography lesson -- Kenya is the size of Texas ( and then I show them how big the US is!!!!) In science we talked about washing fruits and vegetables before we prepare them. (Kuosha means to wash) If the classroom teacher feels that the students are not understanding she interprets into Swahili and then asks the students some questions. I also helped the students with simple math facts for the last 40 minutes of school today -- we played many fun games to help them.
Little Kate still wanders through to find me and it breaks my heart when she cries when I leave or someone has to take her away to another room.
I am hoping to visit the Elephant orphanage and girrafe house in Nairobi either this weekend or next. I may attend church with my students this Sunday -- we will see!
Also I will be meeting Jane Purity Murugi, my Compassion International child this Monday. I am so excited. I will definitely dress up that day:-)
Please pray that I will have more opportunities to share my faith with the people that will be around the house this weekend, and other locals that I might meet.
Thanks to everyone who takes time to post comments. It helps me to feel a little more connected to home!
In His Service,
Lynn
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