Friday, March 27, 2009
Ashes to Ashes, Dust To Dust
I have to say that this is the best Birthday Ever! The only thing that could have possibly made it better would have been for Patrick to be here to share it with me. We got up early this morning to go on our final game drive. It was wonderful! Linda, Alice and I rode on the roof of our Safari Van, It was great! Though by the time we got done we looked like homeless dust bunnies thanks to the dry dust stirred by the van. There were lots of animals and we all got lots of pictures. We saw hippos, and elephants and water buffalo, and so many more! The only sad thing is that we have to leave this beautiful place and all of the friends that we have made here. I will post pic's of us on top of the van when I get home! Can't wait to share our pics with everyone!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
medical clinic summary
This posting is to help save the tally of patients served and common diagnoses.
During 3 medical clinics and 3 schools visted, 880 patients were seen and approximately 2400 children were treated for intestinal parasites as a routine procedure. More on diagnoses later.
Deb Gipson
During 3 medical clinics and 3 schools visted, 880 patients were seen and approximately 2400 children were treated for intestinal parasites as a routine procedure. More on diagnoses later.
Deb Gipson
Good morning from Maua
What an experience this has been for me. There is so much to tell. People here have so little or nothing yet they are friendly, smile and the kids love to play. I went to three primary schools to give deworming pill and a candy. The largest class I was in had 74 students cramed on benches. They each have well worn uniforms but most barefoot. The dust is extreme. The kids are dirty and most dehydrated. Our team has had gallons of bottled water. I have not seen one person in these remote areas including the school with drinking water. Lack of rain is extreme. There is no playground equipment at all. We gave them one soccer ball for 800 kids and they were thrilled. There are 15 teachers in this 800 pupil school. I went to a special needs class. These kids live at the school. Otherwise they would wander off. One special needs boy who is an orphan was found by the side of the road. At school, they get food and a place to sleep. You would be proud of this team. Everyone has worked hard under really tough situations. We have all kept up our spirits and have supported each other. Soon we will be home. We will leave Kenya but will never forget Kenya. love to all, Katherine Wacker
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your Hair!
Friends,
It has been a few days since I have written, and I have much to say. However, for the sake of time and interest, I will simply share with you a major hilight from yesterday.
On our third and final day of clinic, we were a team of hot, exhausted, and sluggish people. Our site was not ideal and we were overwhelmed with heat and dirt and smell. If you close your eyes and imagine a tiny, hot room filled with over a hundred people who have rarely bathed in their life, you might have a small glimpse into our day.
In desperate need of a break, Casey and I decided to stroll down the road, take a few pictures, and breathe some fresh, dusty air! As we walked, I noticed that we were more of an oddity than usual. As white people, we often receive stares of curiosity... and when I am with the tallest members of our team (Clay and Casey), there is even more gawking! However, yesterday--something was different. Children were crying and hiding. People followed us as if we were leaders of some odd parade. It was as though we were a neon sign that people could not take their eyes off of. When I asked about it, one of the Kenyan doctors and Regan shared that the children in the area probably have rarely seen a white person. Unlike the more populated city areas, this rural town does not get the same foot traffic and opportunity to view mezungus.
Later, I took another break with Clay. This is where my story starts to get good. The people love Clay. They try to make him eat things, and they want to share their life stories with him... in some language he doesnt understand! As I stood back and shot pictures, the people tried to make him eat unripe bananas and the children hid from him as if he were Kenya's version of the abominable snowman. As we were walking back to the church site, we were met by an elderly woman who was quite obviously aggitated. She was rambling loudly and quickly in another language and Clay kept saying, "I dont understand you!" which made her all the more aggitated. Finally, a young woman stepped up to translate. The woman was upset about something from the clinic, and when we told her we couldnt help her with that, she continued on in her 5 minute monologue of angry ranting. When I turned to the girl with questioning eyes, she hesitated for a moment and then said, "She says she is so glad you are here and God bless you." Right. That woman probably cursed Clay and I to the ends of the earth. If weird things start happening to us, be prepared to exorcise whatever voodoo she placed on us! :)
Ah, now here is where it gets really good. Are you ready? As we were packing up for the end of the day, I heard this blood-curling screaming outside from hundreds of children. I stepped out the door and found Tim (another very tall, white member of our team) down on one knee, SURROUNDED by hundreds of children. He was offering to hug them, and the children would run at him one by one and he would scopp them up and swing them around and give them the biggest bear hug you can imagine. For them, it was a really special game--exciting and a little fearful at the same time. After all, if a big man who looks completely different from anything youve ever seen before wanted to swoop you up and swing you around, you'd be afraid too! Tears pured from my eyes as I watched this man scoop children into his arms and show them the love of Christ. It didnt matter if they had HIV or Tuberculosis. It didnt matter that they smelled awful and have never been bathed before. It didnt matter that their teeth were rotting. This man loved on Jesus' children with the biggest and most open heart I have ever seen. What a beautiful picture of Jesus' words, "Let the little children come to me."
As this all was happening, I took pictures and videos of the smiling faces. One of my buddies from the day (a 3ish year old boy) and his sweet sister found me in the crowd and came to tug on my skirt. They wanted to see the pictures so I got down on my knees and pulled my buddy on my lap and let him look at my camera. In a matter of seconds, I too had a crowd around me. Being so low to the ground, everywhere I looked were the shining faces of beautiful children, dying to see themselves in the LCD screen of my camera. All of a sudden, I began to notice a gentle flip of my ponytail. Once. Twice. Five times. So, I reached up and pulled the sunglasses off the top of my head. Suddenly, there were tons of tiny hands caressing the top of my head, as if they were touching the finest silk. Again, I reached up and pulled the tie out of my ponytail, letting my long, blonde hair fall down my back. Instantly, hundreds of hands were in my hair. I kid you not. Children. Adults. It did not matter. Everyone wanted to touch this strange, new hair. I have the longest hair on the team, and I had noticed some of the women looking at it with curious stares all day. Finally, they could touch this strange thing... and touch they did. My hair was stroked and tugged and sniffed. Once the children could see that I didnt mind the touching, they placed their tiny hands on either side of my face and looked at my skin with bright interest. Everyone who touched my hair started yelling "So nice!" in their native language. I have never felt more adored or more beautiful. What a special, special gift they gave me.
As much healing as we can offer with our array of medicines and medical care, nothing compares to the touch and love of another. This is the greatest healing. Just as Christ ate with, drank with, stayed with, and loved the dirtiest, smelliest people... so, too, should we hold out our arms and say, "Give me a hug!" Nothing heals a heart more than a hug and some genuine love.
Praying you hug and offer a loving touch to others today,
Amanda
It has been a few days since I have written, and I have much to say. However, for the sake of time and interest, I will simply share with you a major hilight from yesterday.
On our third and final day of clinic, we were a team of hot, exhausted, and sluggish people. Our site was not ideal and we were overwhelmed with heat and dirt and smell. If you close your eyes and imagine a tiny, hot room filled with over a hundred people who have rarely bathed in their life, you might have a small glimpse into our day.
In desperate need of a break, Casey and I decided to stroll down the road, take a few pictures, and breathe some fresh, dusty air! As we walked, I noticed that we were more of an oddity than usual. As white people, we often receive stares of curiosity... and when I am with the tallest members of our team (Clay and Casey), there is even more gawking! However, yesterday--something was different. Children were crying and hiding. People followed us as if we were leaders of some odd parade. It was as though we were a neon sign that people could not take their eyes off of. When I asked about it, one of the Kenyan doctors and Regan shared that the children in the area probably have rarely seen a white person. Unlike the more populated city areas, this rural town does not get the same foot traffic and opportunity to view mezungus.
Later, I took another break with Clay. This is where my story starts to get good. The people love Clay. They try to make him eat things, and they want to share their life stories with him... in some language he doesnt understand! As I stood back and shot pictures, the people tried to make him eat unripe bananas and the children hid from him as if he were Kenya's version of the abominable snowman. As we were walking back to the church site, we were met by an elderly woman who was quite obviously aggitated. She was rambling loudly and quickly in another language and Clay kept saying, "I dont understand you!" which made her all the more aggitated. Finally, a young woman stepped up to translate. The woman was upset about something from the clinic, and when we told her we couldnt help her with that, she continued on in her 5 minute monologue of angry ranting. When I turned to the girl with questioning eyes, she hesitated for a moment and then said, "She says she is so glad you are here and God bless you." Right. That woman probably cursed Clay and I to the ends of the earth. If weird things start happening to us, be prepared to exorcise whatever voodoo she placed on us! :)
Ah, now here is where it gets really good. Are you ready? As we were packing up for the end of the day, I heard this blood-curling screaming outside from hundreds of children. I stepped out the door and found Tim (another very tall, white member of our team) down on one knee, SURROUNDED by hundreds of children. He was offering to hug them, and the children would run at him one by one and he would scopp them up and swing them around and give them the biggest bear hug you can imagine. For them, it was a really special game--exciting and a little fearful at the same time. After all, if a big man who looks completely different from anything youve ever seen before wanted to swoop you up and swing you around, you'd be afraid too! Tears pured from my eyes as I watched this man scoop children into his arms and show them the love of Christ. It didnt matter if they had HIV or Tuberculosis. It didnt matter that they smelled awful and have never been bathed before. It didnt matter that their teeth were rotting. This man loved on Jesus' children with the biggest and most open heart I have ever seen. What a beautiful picture of Jesus' words, "Let the little children come to me."
As this all was happening, I took pictures and videos of the smiling faces. One of my buddies from the day (a 3ish year old boy) and his sweet sister found me in the crowd and came to tug on my skirt. They wanted to see the pictures so I got down on my knees and pulled my buddy on my lap and let him look at my camera. In a matter of seconds, I too had a crowd around me. Being so low to the ground, everywhere I looked were the shining faces of beautiful children, dying to see themselves in the LCD screen of my camera. All of a sudden, I began to notice a gentle flip of my ponytail. Once. Twice. Five times. So, I reached up and pulled the sunglasses off the top of my head. Suddenly, there were tons of tiny hands caressing the top of my head, as if they were touching the finest silk. Again, I reached up and pulled the tie out of my ponytail, letting my long, blonde hair fall down my back. Instantly, hundreds of hands were in my hair. I kid you not. Children. Adults. It did not matter. Everyone wanted to touch this strange, new hair. I have the longest hair on the team, and I had noticed some of the women looking at it with curious stares all day. Finally, they could touch this strange thing... and touch they did. My hair was stroked and tugged and sniffed. Once the children could see that I didnt mind the touching, they placed their tiny hands on either side of my face and looked at my skin with bright interest. Everyone who touched my hair started yelling "So nice!" in their native language. I have never felt more adored or more beautiful. What a special, special gift they gave me.
As much healing as we can offer with our array of medicines and medical care, nothing compares to the touch and love of another. This is the greatest healing. Just as Christ ate with, drank with, stayed with, and loved the dirtiest, smelliest people... so, too, should we hold out our arms and say, "Give me a hug!" Nothing heals a heart more than a hug and some genuine love.
Praying you hug and offer a loving touch to others today,
Amanda
Good Morning from Africa!
THURSDAY Hello to family and friends! Yesterday we finished our third medical clinic and what an experience! We saw about 320 patients, again mostly adults. It has been an adventure and a learning experience to see patients here. The people here have taught us so much and I am grateful for the opportunity to come here. THANKS to all the folks home for your support!! This could have not been possible without you all. And we are so thankful to God for His blessings in what we have learned here from the people of Afirca. They have so little and yet are so gracious and happy. Today we head back to dedicate Abraham's house, the one we all helped build on Saturday. Then we are taking a break to see the big five (hopefully) at MeruNational Park later today and tomorrow. I understand from Pat that we are doing our own cocoking there. I never imagined that we would be "camping" in Africa! So on to the next adventure. Alice Finnell
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Africa Update
Wednesday Today I am up early for our 3rd medical clinic. The past two days have been fun!!I am finding a few people here seek our opinion after having seen other doctors in the past or they still don't know what is wrong, or are simply not better. Nevertheless, people are gracious and appreciative. We have seen mostly adults in the clinics. But the nurses and some other volunteers are going to nearby schools to give deworming medicine to a lot of students. Yestereday's total was over 1000 at the schools. Better run to catch up and get ready for today.
Alice Finnell
Alice Finnell
Adventure
I am up and ready for our last day in clinic! Yesterday was quite the adventure for me. It began when I woke up and found a nice itchy rash on my arms neck, chin and face. Leave it to me the to come to Kenya to find something that I am allergic to :) But thankfully we came equipt with hydrocortisone cream and trimcinolone cream :) After devotions in the chapel, I had the priviledge of being the official banker for the group. I stayed behind as the rest of the group went to the clinic and rode with Stanley and the staff from Maua who were going to the clinic to help interpret for us. We stoped by the bank so that I could get change for the group. In all I had $170 american Cash and 3000 Kenya shillings to get small change for. Needless to say that is ALOT of money here in Kenya! Thankfully, Stanley went with me inside the bank so that I would not have any problems and even still we had to go to two different banks to get the change. And just let me say, I am a pretty street smart person, but it was a little intemidating to walk in the bank holding what would be at least a year's pay for a well payed nurse here in Kenya, expecially when there are Soldiers armed with M19's standing outside the door of the Bank!
I finally did make it back with the group in time for the clinic to begin seeing patients. It is so great that we are able to provide treatment to the people of Maua. In the states patients take everything for granted, People here actually genuinely appreciate EVERYTHING! It is just so refreshing to see! I have noticed that the Kenyan people that we have seen have one God given attribute that would do us well to have in the US. It is contentment. The people here are thankful to have what they do have and are not driven by that which they do not. They know and trust that God will meet there needs, even if it is throught sending a group of misfits from the USA.
I finally did make it back with the group in time for the clinic to begin seeing patients. It is so great that we are able to provide treatment to the people of Maua. In the states patients take everything for granted, People here actually genuinely appreciate EVERYTHING! It is just so refreshing to see! I have noticed that the Kenyan people that we have seen have one God given attribute that would do us well to have in the US. It is contentment. The people here are thankful to have what they do have and are not driven by that which they do not. They know and trust that God will meet there needs, even if it is throught sending a group of misfits from the USA.
Monday, March 23, 2009
A Lenten Africa
Friends,
It is 6am and all is quiet in the Kenyan world. We are all awake and preparing to start a day of medical clinics, praying that we will be able to offer some healing to the bodies and spirits of these children. Today the site is a little farther away and we must travel the bumpy roads by van... thus, our day is beginning early.
Have I mentioned before that Kenya is a dusty land? I am not certain that "dusty" is even the right word--the road dust is so deep and thick that it covers everything like a red blanket. It is the end of their dry season and then land is desperate for thirst. The rainy season should have begun about 2 weeks ago, and it is evident that the people, the animals, and the crops are suffering in the dry barrenness of this land.
As we drive or walk down the roads, we too become covered from head to toe in the grittiness of this dust, and must return home each night to scrub ourselves down in the showers as a way to remember what color our hair and skin actually are.
Ah, is this not the perfect picture of Lent? As we celebrate this season, many of us only remember the time of dust on Ash Wednesday. However, we too, are like the Kenyan landscape. Our hearts and souls and faith are dry and barren and so covered with grit that only water can wash us clean. As we look towards Easter in the next few weeks, this is a time for us to remember our dust. Remember that without God, we came from dust and to dust we shall return. It is a time to remember that we can become so covered in dirt that we do not remember what we look like underneath, and then we need a holy shower. The good news is that with the coming of Easter, we are able to remember our baptisms and the grace that washes us clean. I pray today that you are reminded of your dust... and your baptism that washes you clean.
We love you all and are praying for you often.
Remembering my baptism,
Amanda
It is 6am and all is quiet in the Kenyan world. We are all awake and preparing to start a day of medical clinics, praying that we will be able to offer some healing to the bodies and spirits of these children. Today the site is a little farther away and we must travel the bumpy roads by van... thus, our day is beginning early.
Have I mentioned before that Kenya is a dusty land? I am not certain that "dusty" is even the right word--the road dust is so deep and thick that it covers everything like a red blanket. It is the end of their dry season and then land is desperate for thirst. The rainy season should have begun about 2 weeks ago, and it is evident that the people, the animals, and the crops are suffering in the dry barrenness of this land.
As we drive or walk down the roads, we too become covered from head to toe in the grittiness of this dust, and must return home each night to scrub ourselves down in the showers as a way to remember what color our hair and skin actually are.
Ah, is this not the perfect picture of Lent? As we celebrate this season, many of us only remember the time of dust on Ash Wednesday. However, we too, are like the Kenyan landscape. Our hearts and souls and faith are dry and barren and so covered with grit that only water can wash us clean. As we look towards Easter in the next few weeks, this is a time for us to remember our dust. Remember that without God, we came from dust and to dust we shall return. It is a time to remember that we can become so covered in dirt that we do not remember what we look like underneath, and then we need a holy shower. The good news is that with the coming of Easter, we are able to remember our baptisms and the grace that washes us clean. I pray today that you are reminded of your dust... and your baptism that washes you clean.
We love you all and are praying for you often.
Remembering my baptism,
Amanda
Healing Hands
Friends,
We are a tired bunch this evening. Even the Kenyans who stand around our hotel trying to sell us stuff said, "Oh, you all are tired tonight!" when we returned home a few minutes ago. We started the day at 7am with church service at the hospital and then proceeded to our first day of medical clinic. Our site was next to a goat slaughter house, which gave us some authentic African experiences today. When we first arrived, Casey, Carolyn (a William and Mary student who is studying abroad here and working at the hospital) and I went to a school down the road. We were able to deworm 900 children and enjoyed feeling like movie stars when we arrived. All of the children wanted to speak to us, touch us, and be close to us. White people are such an oddity here that we attract attention worthy of Angelina Jolie.
After returning from the school, we joined the others in the clinic... Casey went off to triage patients and do all that nursing nonsense and Carolyn and I went to help Greg and Clay fill prescriptions in the pharmacy. It was a long, but very rewarding day. We were able to see over 300 people--mostly children. The team was quite impressive at how smoothly we were able to run the operation and we partnered with the hospital staff to help with translation. The gift of healing is a powerful thing.
On a more colorful note, you should all know that you may have the next big Kenyan Star in your midst. Clay disappeared today for about an hour and came back to share with us that some guy had taken him to his "recording studio" where Clay created some sort of crazy DJ CLAY MAY album. He is very excited about his VIP status, all to our dismay. Just kidding. We get a good laugh at his craziness. On another note, he was both my #1 enemy and #1 hero today... as he broke my brand new camera (!!!) and then proceeded to fix it a few hours later. It was a tense few hours. Luckily, I have now forgiven him, so I can share in the excitement of his Star status.
Finally, we want you all to know how thankful we are for your support of this trip. We would not be able to bring healing to so many people (300 patients + 900 dewormed children) without your financial and prayerful support. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work the rest of the week. I can assure you, the Kenyans are keeping YOU in their prayers. I have never heard so many people pray for "the Americans here and back in North Carolina" before. You all are a blessed group.
We love you all and will undoubtedly update plenty the rest of the evening!
Until tomorrow,
Amanda
We are a tired bunch this evening. Even the Kenyans who stand around our hotel trying to sell us stuff said, "Oh, you all are tired tonight!" when we returned home a few minutes ago. We started the day at 7am with church service at the hospital and then proceeded to our first day of medical clinic. Our site was next to a goat slaughter house, which gave us some authentic African experiences today. When we first arrived, Casey, Carolyn (a William and Mary student who is studying abroad here and working at the hospital) and I went to a school down the road. We were able to deworm 900 children and enjoyed feeling like movie stars when we arrived. All of the children wanted to speak to us, touch us, and be close to us. White people are such an oddity here that we attract attention worthy of Angelina Jolie.
After returning from the school, we joined the others in the clinic... Casey went off to triage patients and do all that nursing nonsense and Carolyn and I went to help Greg and Clay fill prescriptions in the pharmacy. It was a long, but very rewarding day. We were able to see over 300 people--mostly children. The team was quite impressive at how smoothly we were able to run the operation and we partnered with the hospital staff to help with translation. The gift of healing is a powerful thing.
On a more colorful note, you should all know that you may have the next big Kenyan Star in your midst. Clay disappeared today for about an hour and came back to share with us that some guy had taken him to his "recording studio" where Clay created some sort of crazy DJ CLAY MAY album. He is very excited about his VIP status, all to our dismay. Just kidding. We get a good laugh at his craziness. On another note, he was both my #1 enemy and #1 hero today... as he broke my brand new camera (!!!) and then proceeded to fix it a few hours later. It was a tense few hours. Luckily, I have now forgiven him, so I can share in the excitement of his Star status.
Finally, we want you all to know how thankful we are for your support of this trip. We would not be able to bring healing to so many people (300 patients + 900 dewormed children) without your financial and prayerful support. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work the rest of the week. I can assure you, the Kenyans are keeping YOU in their prayers. I have never heard so many people pray for "the Americans here and back in North Carolina" before. You all are a blessed group.
We love you all and will undoubtedly update plenty the rest of the evening!
Until tomorrow,
Amanda
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Monday
Well leave it to me to be able to post wrong on a blog! I had written several days ago & it got posted to last year's blog! ONLY ME!!!! But as you can tell our experience here has been phenomenal so far. Yesterday we worshiped in the English service with Stanley 1 of our Zoe Leaders. They announced an opening here for a school nurse.......the language thing could be a problem for me!! TOO BAD! then we went to the kids Sunday school class. The kids were LOVELY! Afterwards we toured the inpatient unit, boy do we have it good in the USA! I can't believe how these people can make so little work so well. in the mother-baby unit there was one baby on bed alone,and guess what I didn't put it in my pocket to bring even though it was SO tempting! We took photos of the moms & their babies & took them back to them they were so happy! I'm sure this will be the only pic. they will ever get of their child. Speaking of photos; we brought along a portable photo printer.... what a GREAT thing! We have been taking pics. of the Giving Hope kids as we visit them, print them on the spot & give them to them. What BIG smiles and even a tear or two.
Joel you will be happy to know that Clay had some of your nails in his pocket & the day we finished building the house for Abraham we nailed them into the house. Abraham put them by his front door because he "wanted them where he could see them", his USA nails!
Today we go out with staff from Maua Methodist hospital to a rural site to do clinic visits. We expect to see 300+ people today.
Last evening Shannon & I went out exploring, in town, we got lots of attention & for whatever reason LOTS of laughs. People would look at us & giggle especially if we spoke to them. I guess they thought these 2 white ladies were quiet the site!
Our resident rooster friend has been moved to a spot where we can't here him crow at 4:00. Yesterday i kinda panicked & thought he might have been supper because I had made a "wanted" poster with his picture on it but he did show up later. Oops spoke too soon, it's 5:00 & I here him crowing somewhere close. kitchen or across hall in unfinished room??? He does give us something to laugh about! and Godi doesn't have to be the alarm clock this year.
Ready to start the day. thanks for reading/following along!
Keep praying.
Joel you will be happy to know that Clay had some of your nails in his pocket & the day we finished building the house for Abraham we nailed them into the house. Abraham put them by his front door because he "wanted them where he could see them", his USA nails!
Today we go out with staff from Maua Methodist hospital to a rural site to do clinic visits. We expect to see 300+ people today.
Last evening Shannon & I went out exploring, in town, we got lots of attention & for whatever reason LOTS of laughs. People would look at us & giggle especially if we spoke to them. I guess they thought these 2 white ladies were quiet the site!
Our resident rooster friend has been moved to a spot where we can't here him crow at 4:00. Yesterday i kinda panicked & thought he might have been supper because I had made a "wanted" poster with his picture on it but he did show up later. Oops spoke too soon, it's 5:00 & I here him crowing somewhere close. kitchen or across hall in unfinished room??? He does give us something to laugh about! and Godi doesn't have to be the alarm clock this year.
Ready to start the day. thanks for reading/following along!
Keep praying.
Alice and Jean part 2--GIVING HOPE PROGRAM
Sunday 22 March 2009 Today Jean and Alice want to share what we have learned about the Giving Hope Program established by ZOE here in Kenya. The office of Giving Hope is located on the campus of the Maua Methodist Hospital and was started two years ago. ZOE started the program to help the orphans of AIDS vitims. These children are identified by community churches and the hospital and have the blessing of community and church leaders. It enables these children to stay within their community where they have been living with their families. There are three categories of children: 1) no parents 60% 2) living with grandparents; parents dead from HIV/AIDS 3) living with a very sick parent. Presently there are 4000 children and 997 families in the program. Focus is on empowering the oldest child in the family to support siblings and to run the household. The families are organized as groups within their community and work together. Each separate group selects their own leaders and an adult volunteer mentor. Initially each group is given a grant and establishes a bank account. The money is used for microfinance proposals to set up businesses.
ZOE helps the children acquire survival skills by providing training or apprenticeships. These can be as bakers, seamstresses, mechanics and small business entrepreneurs. There are six key invertentions: 1) food preparation including growing gardens, 2) environment preparation such as tilling the land, building a house, 3) health preparation 4) child rights ( property ownership of deceased parent' s land may require a petition to the district land office), 5) household livelihood, 6) HIV awareness. Groups are required to meet weekly with their leaders and mentors reporting to the ZOE once a month. Twenty-five families form a group and the total may be 100 or more including siblings. There is a 75% success rate for the Giving Hope Program since it began two years ago. The goal is for families to graduate from the group after three years. But they aim to remain connected to the group and to provide inspiration, role models and possible mentors for younger children.
OUMC is the first ZOE team working with Giving Hope in Kenya and building a home for a member of the Giving Hope program. Until tomorrow, Alice Finnell and Jean Hedrick
ZOE helps the children acquire survival skills by providing training or apprenticeships. These can be as bakers, seamstresses, mechanics and small business entrepreneurs. There are six key invertentions: 1) food preparation including growing gardens, 2) environment preparation such as tilling the land, building a house, 3) health preparation 4) child rights ( property ownership of deceased parent' s land may require a petition to the district land office), 5) household livelihood, 6) HIV awareness. Groups are required to meet weekly with their leaders and mentors reporting to the ZOE once a month. Twenty-five families form a group and the total may be 100 or more including siblings. There is a 75% success rate for the Giving Hope Program since it began two years ago. The goal is for families to graduate from the group after three years. But they aim to remain connected to the group and to provide inspiration, role models and possible mentors for younger children.
OUMC is the first ZOE team working with Giving Hope in Kenya and building a home for a member of the Giving Hope program. Until tomorrow, Alice Finnell and Jean Hedrick
First full day by Shirley
Yesterday was AMAZING the things Giving Hope (ZOE) has done here are truly MIRACLOUS! All those we met have SUCH love of the Lord, to be a small part of the work here is a live changing experience. I feel so blessed to be having this experience, thanks, OUMC. As has been said Maua Methodist hospital has a wonderful setup here. One thing that impressed me was the way they run their aids clinic. It is not a seperate clinic like in some other areas, those patients are there with cancer patients & everyone else so that those infected will seek treatment & not have to be shunned by the community because of their disease. Prevention is also a VERY big part of the work here. I won't repeat what others have told you about the "kids" (young adults) that we got to met & learn more about except to say that you can hear their stories but to see it firsthand is life changing and the love of God just surrounds us ALL! I can't wait until today when we visit more families & finish building a house. Showers here finally all seem to be working..... as long as you want a HOT or COLD shower, no warm. Our friendly RESIDENT rooster has started my day at 4:00am, had just gone back to sleep from my 3am awake period when he started crowing. He & I may have to have a "come to Jesus meeting" soon if he doesn't set his clock forward!To my "boys, all 4 of them, I love you & miss you all but thanks for giving me this experience. To my 4100 peps... can't wait to tell you about this trip and miss you all but not the craziness that is 4100!KEEP PRAYING! We can feel & see those prayers working. Love Shirley
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Good morning, friends!
It is the early hours of a beautiful Sunday morning here in Kenya. We are all awake and preparing for a day of worship and preparation for our medical clinics that we will begin tomorrow. There is something truly moving about watching the sun rise over a town of people who live in the heart of such poverty and brokenness, but the really beauty is in the hope of so many of these people. Last night before crawling under our mosquito nets to sleep, Casey and I spent a few hours reflecting on the spark of love and life and faith we have seen in the children here in the last few days. Amidst the burdens of disease and death and deprivation, these children overflow with a wealth of faith that could bring us all to our knees. When Christ speaks of having faith like a child, we often imagine our beautifully groomed, cell phone carrying, Wii playing 8-year-olds. I will now forever imagine the faces and hearts of the children standing in their one-room, plywood shacks who continuously proclaim to us that God provides and heals and loves. That is the true faith of a child. The faith that we should all strive to achieve. This morning as I listen to my friend, the rooster, crow and prepare to worship with God's African children-- I pray for you all, that your hearts and faith may transformed into the faith of a child.
Miss you all and love you more,
Amanda
P.S. Thanks for all the updates on the Duke and Carolina games... even though it is not our top priority, it is nice to keep updated! GO DUKE! :)
Miss you all and love you more,
Amanda
P.S. Thanks for all the updates on the Duke and Carolina games... even though it is not our top priority, it is nice to keep updated! GO DUKE! :)
Saturday 21 March 2009
Yesterday, our group toured the Maua Methodist Hospital and the Giving Hope Office. As speakers started to share, I decided to take notes as I wanted to remember their words. Jean Hedrick did the same thing. Together we collaborated to write on a couple of points. So here goes!
The Maua Methodist Hospital treats AIDS patients as well as other medical conditions. But they have become a model internationally for HIV treatment and intervention. Their primary focus is on care and treatment since 2002. Prior to 2002, they focused on prevention only. But they saw the need to change in order to be effective. Presently they treat 1270 AIDS patients with anti-retroviral drugs thanks to financing legislation passed during the Bush administration. They see 100 patients per day with HIV/AIDS. They enroll 70 new HIV patients per month. Community outreach via three clinics aims to bring hope to those in the community in a couple of ways. First they encourage people to get tested and to know their HIV status. The hospital can provide home testing with results available the same day. Secondly, the clinics attempt to make these people with HIV to feel a part of the community, not isolated, by becoming a member of one of 18 support groups. Inside the hospital, HIV patients are mainstreamed with other types of patients with confidentiality on HIV status. Hospital registered patients with HIV are alloted food on a monthly basis. This included 2 Kg of rice, 2 Kg of maize flour, 8 Kg of beans, and 1 liter of vegetable oil.
Dr. Stephen Gitonga, one of the hospital's physicians, spoke with us on the Maua Methodist Hospital philosophy on HIV. Maua has inspired an ecumenical movement to treat AIDS, to treat the sick and suffering, and offering them a smile for tomorrow. The church's role is to offer a message of hope and extend the love of Jesus Christ to those with HIV. Even in the church, he said, we are sick with HIV. HIV is within its members and we should be accepting, responding and doing something. If we wait, he continued, no one will be left. Jesus was found among the sick and suffering and He was open minded. Dr. Gitonga sees the ZOE mission and workers as the feet and hands of Jesus. Prayer inspires the children and workers. Donated money gets put to work. But when people come here to help us work, they become a part of the ZOE mission.Tomorrow we will share about the Giving Hope Project and what we learned. Alice Finnell and Jean Hedrick
Yesterday, our group toured the Maua Methodist Hospital and the Giving Hope Office. As speakers started to share, I decided to take notes as I wanted to remember their words. Jean Hedrick did the same thing. Together we collaborated to write on a couple of points. So here goes!
The Maua Methodist Hospital treats AIDS patients as well as other medical conditions. But they have become a model internationally for HIV treatment and intervention. Their primary focus is on care and treatment since 2002. Prior to 2002, they focused on prevention only. But they saw the need to change in order to be effective. Presently they treat 1270 AIDS patients with anti-retroviral drugs thanks to financing legislation passed during the Bush administration. They see 100 patients per day with HIV/AIDS. They enroll 70 new HIV patients per month. Community outreach via three clinics aims to bring hope to those in the community in a couple of ways. First they encourage people to get tested and to know their HIV status. The hospital can provide home testing with results available the same day. Secondly, the clinics attempt to make these people with HIV to feel a part of the community, not isolated, by becoming a member of one of 18 support groups. Inside the hospital, HIV patients are mainstreamed with other types of patients with confidentiality on HIV status. Hospital registered patients with HIV are alloted food on a monthly basis. This included 2 Kg of rice, 2 Kg of maize flour, 8 Kg of beans, and 1 liter of vegetable oil.
Dr. Stephen Gitonga, one of the hospital's physicians, spoke with us on the Maua Methodist Hospital philosophy on HIV. Maua has inspired an ecumenical movement to treat AIDS, to treat the sick and suffering, and offering them a smile for tomorrow. The church's role is to offer a message of hope and extend the love of Jesus Christ to those with HIV. Even in the church, he said, we are sick with HIV. HIV is within its members and we should be accepting, responding and doing something. If we wait, he continued, no one will be left. Jesus was found among the sick and suffering and He was open minded. Dr. Gitonga sees the ZOE mission and workers as the feet and hands of Jesus. Prayer inspires the children and workers. Donated money gets put to work. But when people come here to help us work, they become a part of the ZOE mission.Tomorrow we will share about the Giving Hope Project and what we learned. Alice Finnell and Jean Hedrick
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Friends,
What a powerful day we had today that we would like to share with you. This was, unquestionably, one of the most amazing days of my life. While I will admit that I cried through a good majority of the day, I am pleased to share that they are tears of joy and celebration at the power and glory of Christ.
This morning, we began our day at the home of an orphaned child name Purity. This remarkable young lady is attending secondary school, running her own business and taking care of her siblings, one of whom is mentally disabled. She shared with us her home and her dreams for the future. We were able to see the animals she is raising and the crops she is growing as a means to support herself and her family. I have never seen someone be more appreciative to have visitors come to their home so that she can share what the Lord has done for her. As we were leaving her home, she asked to pray for our team and reminded us that God has given her a hope and a life and that all things must begin and end in prayer. Oh, that we would all have such powerful prayer lives!
Following our home visit, we went to the home building site for a young man named Abraham. This young man has only been apart of the ZOE Giving Hope Project for about 3 months, and already he was able to share with us the ways in which his life has changed. We spend the next 5 hours building his home. Who would have guessed that this team of 16 Americans could provide a young man and his siblings with a home in just one day. Most of us are tired and sunburnt, but this was a transformative event for everyone here. Imagine "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" times a thousand. Why times a thousand? Because these children do not have the homes, the resources, the hope for a future that we have in America. Also, because we put up 4 plywood walls and a tin roof and you would think we had built a mansion that even Ty Pennington could not dream of. That was the response of these children. This is what your money and your prayerful support has given them. A home. A hope. A sense of accomplishment. And a strengthened faith and belief in God's provision.
Without being here, you will never be able to imagine the work that God is doing, but please take my humble word for it... this is a reminder of the power of faith and christian love. This is God's call to us to love others.
Remembering the Love of Christ and praying for you all back home,
Amanda
What a powerful day we had today that we would like to share with you. This was, unquestionably, one of the most amazing days of my life. While I will admit that I cried through a good majority of the day, I am pleased to share that they are tears of joy and celebration at the power and glory of Christ.
This morning, we began our day at the home of an orphaned child name Purity. This remarkable young lady is attending secondary school, running her own business and taking care of her siblings, one of whom is mentally disabled. She shared with us her home and her dreams for the future. We were able to see the animals she is raising and the crops she is growing as a means to support herself and her family. I have never seen someone be more appreciative to have visitors come to their home so that she can share what the Lord has done for her. As we were leaving her home, she asked to pray for our team and reminded us that God has given her a hope and a life and that all things must begin and end in prayer. Oh, that we would all have such powerful prayer lives!
Following our home visit, we went to the home building site for a young man named Abraham. This young man has only been apart of the ZOE Giving Hope Project for about 3 months, and already he was able to share with us the ways in which his life has changed. We spend the next 5 hours building his home. Who would have guessed that this team of 16 Americans could provide a young man and his siblings with a home in just one day. Most of us are tired and sunburnt, but this was a transformative event for everyone here. Imagine "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" times a thousand. Why times a thousand? Because these children do not have the homes, the resources, the hope for a future that we have in America. Also, because we put up 4 plywood walls and a tin roof and you would think we had built a mansion that even Ty Pennington could not dream of. That was the response of these children. This is what your money and your prayerful support has given them. A home. A hope. A sense of accomplishment. And a strengthened faith and belief in God's provision.
Without being here, you will never be able to imagine the work that God is doing, but please take my humble word for it... this is a reminder of the power of faith and christian love. This is God's call to us to love others.
Remembering the Love of Christ and praying for you all back home,
Amanda
Friday, March 20, 2009
My new favorite animal
The rooster is now my favorite animal. He lives here in the kitchen of the hotel. Yes, I said IN the kitchen. My room... you guessed it, is DIRECTLY ABOVE the kitchen. Our friend Mr. Rooster likes to start his day at 4am. We dont have to leave here until 8:30. Alas, what more could I ask for but to be awake 4 hours earlier than I have to? What a wonderful, wonderful rooster. The only other animal in competition for the "favorite" spot may be the baby goat from yesterday. It came barrelling out of the bushes headed STRAIGHT for Clay. I have never seen a boy run so fast from an animal so small. We laughed the rest of the afternoon about that. He swears it was "crazy and rabid"... but all we saw was that it was TINY. :)
SO, our day has begun. It is now 7am and we are about to have breakfast and devotions before heading out. Today, we have one home visit to do and then we will be working construction-- we are building an entire house today! We are all excited to get to work with our hands... though some may need a little more persuading than others. Jim has refused to paint--and because of that, we have all made it our number one priority to insure that he has a paintbrush in hand this afternoon. We are a kind bunch. In fact, the group dynamic has actually been quite fantastic. There is a lot of laughing and joking, but also a lot of hard work. What a wonderful way to share in ministry.
Finally, a housekeeping matter... our internet is "best" in the morning hours so that is most likely when you will hear from us most (between 9pm and midnight, your time). That is also when we likely will try to do live chat through google or facebook if there is something you need to share with us...We love you all and are grateful for your continued prayers (though, currently, the rooster may need your prayers more)! We'll try to post more later this evening!
Blessings,
Amanda
SO, our day has begun. It is now 7am and we are about to have breakfast and devotions before heading out. Today, we have one home visit to do and then we will be working construction-- we are building an entire house today! We are all excited to get to work with our hands... though some may need a little more persuading than others. Jim has refused to paint--and because of that, we have all made it our number one priority to insure that he has a paintbrush in hand this afternoon. We are a kind bunch. In fact, the group dynamic has actually been quite fantastic. There is a lot of laughing and joking, but also a lot of hard work. What a wonderful way to share in ministry.
Finally, a housekeeping matter... our internet is "best" in the morning hours so that is most likely when you will hear from us most (between 9pm and midnight, your time). That is also when we likely will try to do live chat through google or facebook if there is something you need to share with us...We love you all and are grateful for your continued prayers (though, currently, the rooster may need your prayers more)! We'll try to post more later this evening!
Blessings,
Amanda
Project Hope Home Visits
What a wonderful day we had getting to visit children that embody the success of ZOE’s Giving Hope Empowerment Program. Many of the children we visited have been featured in ZOE’s monthly newsletters, so to some they may be a familiar face and story.
We spent the morning at the Maua Methodist Hopsital, which is across the street from our hotel. We began the day with a worship service with hospital staff. Stanley and Regan, our ZOE staff connections, spent the morning explaining to us the relationship between ZOE and the Maua Methodist Hospital, as well as the philosophy and structure of the Giving Hope program.
The Maua Methodist Hospital is an impressive program in itself. Deb and Pat spent time working here twenty years ago and they were amazed by the growth and changes on the grounds. We toured the hospital area, but mostly focused on their community health program. Through their community health department, they have worked with ZOE to help identify children that qualify for Giving Hope. Maua Hospital has been very forward thinking in their approach to HIV/AIDS. They explained that the infection rate in Maua is between 12-15%, which is an obvious contributor to the circumstances that lead to the orphans ZOE works with. Maua Hospital has been successful in increasing the number of people getting tested for HIV/AIDS, has over 1,000 patients on anti-retrovirals, and supports a program on reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS through childbirth. Much of the money they receive for their programs is from many NGOs and funding from the US government passed through legislation passed during the Bush years. It really was impressive to see the programs we only hear about in the news in action—the Maua staff pass along their thanks to the American people for their support because it IS changing lives.
Stanley and Regan took us to the Giving Hope office, which is on the grounds of the Maua Hospital. There they walked us through the philosophy of Giving Hope. The program works with children from many backgrounds: those representing child headed households, those living with grandparents or other family/friends, and those who’s parents are sick with HIV/AIDS. Once selected to participate, families are joined together into working groups. Each working group elects a group leader as well as a local community mentor. The groups are responsible for a variety of weekly and monthly meetings that serve as support groups and a means of measuring the progress of individual families. The idea and success of ZOE’s program is the community created within these working groups- when one family is not doing well or unable to do a certain task- the rest of the group works to help that family out. ZOE works with these families on many levels—financially to back startup business and farms, educationally to teach about hygiene, HIV/AIDS, skill sets such as sewing and baking, and spiritually by acknowledging that with God there is HOPE!
After understanding the Giving Hope model, we were able to visit several children that have been very successful as a result of the support they received through ZOE. All of these children illustrated- while cliché- all things REALLY are possible. We met Purity, Deacon, Nicholas, Jeramiah, and Mathuri all of whose lives have been dramatically changed by the Giving Hope program. All have a story of hardship, being orphaned and left with a life devoid of meaning, purpose, and hope. ZOE, through their model and a whole lotta God, have transformed these children into successful community leaders. They are able to care for their families, provide incomes through many venues, and are now smiling. It was an honor to visit their shops and businesses- be it sewing, a bakery, farm, or kiosk- and see the joy shining from their hearts as they described their journey. It was obvious that these children now had self worth, self respect, motivation, and giving hearts. To see the faces and hear from the children themselves is an experience none of us will forget.
We are looking forward to meeting children in the beginning stages of the Giving Hope Project tomorrow. Word is that we will be helping to build a house! Work gloves are on standby!!
Many thanks again for all of your support and prayers. We all miss you and love you lots!
Xoxoxoox case
Jim Miller would like to let his loved ones know he is well and truly blessed by the opportunity that OUMC has allowed him to be a part of. Today was our first real day and we saw the hospital as well as the Giving Hope Project. It is great to see the money being sent to Africa through the numerous agencies being used to suppress the hiv outbreak and it is working at the Maua Methodist Hospital. Also seeing the giving hope project live was unbelievable. Word cannot describe the feeling I feel from seeing these children and what they accomplished. See you soon. Jim
Mbote! Biso tozali malamu mosala ezali koleka se kitoko.Nzambe apambola bino nyonso.
Bobele bolingo! Godi Godar
From Teresa Nuttall: We had a wonderful day meeting orphans from Project Giving Hope. What most impressed me today was meeting Dickens. He was 12 when orphaned; a street kid for 3 yrs with no hope; was made part of the Giving Hope program. He now supports himself and 2 siblings and has plans to be married soon. I can’t wait until next week when I will receive my 1st tailored skirt from Purity. This has been an amazing day. Thank you to everyone who made it possible for me to come on this trip. Much love to Daniel, Stephen, and Elizabeth, I miss you three so much. Thank you David for manning the home front. I will never be able to say “thank you” enough and tell you how much I love you.
To Ray and Greg: Much more “evangelism” needs to be here. I have seen NO UNC or DUKE paraphernalia here! Don’t worry – Shannon and I are spreading the “GOOD NEWS”!
From Shannon Jones: Today was Amazing! It was so wonderful to meet those whom ZOE is designed to help. Their smiles are forever on my heart. The biggest thing for me today was to see the love of Christ on the faces of all of the people that are workers for and participants of ZOE and the Giving Hope Project. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the story of Ruth (since Yams are studying the book currently). For these children Yahweh God is their hope just as he was for Ruth. To Patrick, I love you and miss you sooooo much! I wish you could be here to share in the experience. Give Lance Hugs from Mommy!
We spent the morning at the Maua Methodist Hopsital, which is across the street from our hotel. We began the day with a worship service with hospital staff. Stanley and Regan, our ZOE staff connections, spent the morning explaining to us the relationship between ZOE and the Maua Methodist Hospital, as well as the philosophy and structure of the Giving Hope program.
The Maua Methodist Hospital is an impressive program in itself. Deb and Pat spent time working here twenty years ago and they were amazed by the growth and changes on the grounds. We toured the hospital area, but mostly focused on their community health program. Through their community health department, they have worked with ZOE to help identify children that qualify for Giving Hope. Maua Hospital has been very forward thinking in their approach to HIV/AIDS. They explained that the infection rate in Maua is between 12-15%, which is an obvious contributor to the circumstances that lead to the orphans ZOE works with. Maua Hospital has been successful in increasing the number of people getting tested for HIV/AIDS, has over 1,000 patients on anti-retrovirals, and supports a program on reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS through childbirth. Much of the money they receive for their programs is from many NGOs and funding from the US government passed through legislation passed during the Bush years. It really was impressive to see the programs we only hear about in the news in action—the Maua staff pass along their thanks to the American people for their support because it IS changing lives.
Stanley and Regan took us to the Giving Hope office, which is on the grounds of the Maua Hospital. There they walked us through the philosophy of Giving Hope. The program works with children from many backgrounds: those representing child headed households, those living with grandparents or other family/friends, and those who’s parents are sick with HIV/AIDS. Once selected to participate, families are joined together into working groups. Each working group elects a group leader as well as a local community mentor. The groups are responsible for a variety of weekly and monthly meetings that serve as support groups and a means of measuring the progress of individual families. The idea and success of ZOE’s program is the community created within these working groups- when one family is not doing well or unable to do a certain task- the rest of the group works to help that family out. ZOE works with these families on many levels—financially to back startup business and farms, educationally to teach about hygiene, HIV/AIDS, skill sets such as sewing and baking, and spiritually by acknowledging that with God there is HOPE!
After understanding the Giving Hope model, we were able to visit several children that have been very successful as a result of the support they received through ZOE. All of these children illustrated- while cliché- all things REALLY are possible. We met Purity, Deacon, Nicholas, Jeramiah, and Mathuri all of whose lives have been dramatically changed by the Giving Hope program. All have a story of hardship, being orphaned and left with a life devoid of meaning, purpose, and hope. ZOE, through their model and a whole lotta God, have transformed these children into successful community leaders. They are able to care for their families, provide incomes through many venues, and are now smiling. It was an honor to visit their shops and businesses- be it sewing, a bakery, farm, or kiosk- and see the joy shining from their hearts as they described their journey. It was obvious that these children now had self worth, self respect, motivation, and giving hearts. To see the faces and hear from the children themselves is an experience none of us will forget.
We are looking forward to meeting children in the beginning stages of the Giving Hope Project tomorrow. Word is that we will be helping to build a house! Work gloves are on standby!!
Many thanks again for all of your support and prayers. We all miss you and love you lots!
Xoxoxoox case
Jim Miller would like to let his loved ones know he is well and truly blessed by the opportunity that OUMC has allowed him to be a part of. Today was our first real day and we saw the hospital as well as the Giving Hope Project. It is great to see the money being sent to Africa through the numerous agencies being used to suppress the hiv outbreak and it is working at the Maua Methodist Hospital. Also seeing the giving hope project live was unbelievable. Word cannot describe the feeling I feel from seeing these children and what they accomplished. See you soon. Jim
Mbote! Biso tozali malamu mosala ezali koleka se kitoko.Nzambe apambola bino nyonso.
Bobele bolingo! Godi Godar
From Teresa Nuttall: We had a wonderful day meeting orphans from Project Giving Hope. What most impressed me today was meeting Dickens. He was 12 when orphaned; a street kid for 3 yrs with no hope; was made part of the Giving Hope program. He now supports himself and 2 siblings and has plans to be married soon. I can’t wait until next week when I will receive my 1st tailored skirt from Purity. This has been an amazing day. Thank you to everyone who made it possible for me to come on this trip. Much love to Daniel, Stephen, and Elizabeth, I miss you three so much. Thank you David for manning the home front. I will never be able to say “thank you” enough and tell you how much I love you.
To Ray and Greg: Much more “evangelism” needs to be here. I have seen NO UNC or DUKE paraphernalia here! Don’t worry – Shannon and I are spreading the “GOOD NEWS”!
From Shannon Jones: Today was Amazing! It was so wonderful to meet those whom ZOE is designed to help. Their smiles are forever on my heart. The biggest thing for me today was to see the love of Christ on the faces of all of the people that are workers for and participants of ZOE and the Giving Hope Project. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the story of Ruth (since Yams are studying the book currently). For these children Yahweh God is their hope just as he was for Ruth. To Patrick, I love you and miss you sooooo much! I wish you could be here to share in the experience. Give Lance Hugs from Mommy!
Update...
Friends,
We have now spent the entire day visiting members of the Giving Hope Project. What an experience. I dont think all the words in my vocabulary could even begin to explain to you the impact that ZOE is having in this community through programs that empower and offer hope to orphans. We were able to spend time visiting their businesses and homes and were moved by their overall hospitality. It is amazing how honored they are to have us visit them and how thankful they are for our support. I dont have time to write all the things that I would like to say, but I will tell you that God is moving in this place and your contributions are easily being used and multiplied a thousand fold. If you are not contributing to an organization financially or prayerfully, I urge you to consider this one. Between the work done in the hospital to offer healing and HIV treatment to the work programs that are teaching children skills and independence, this is unquestionably the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I am sure everyone else will post stories... so I will let that be for now. I look forward to sharing more with you later about the impact these children are having on all of us.
With much love,
Amanda
We have now spent the entire day visiting members of the Giving Hope Project. What an experience. I dont think all the words in my vocabulary could even begin to explain to you the impact that ZOE is having in this community through programs that empower and offer hope to orphans. We were able to spend time visiting their businesses and homes and were moved by their overall hospitality. It is amazing how honored they are to have us visit them and how thankful they are for our support. I dont have time to write all the things that I would like to say, but I will tell you that God is moving in this place and your contributions are easily being used and multiplied a thousand fold. If you are not contributing to an organization financially or prayerfully, I urge you to consider this one. Between the work done in the hospital to offer healing and HIV treatment to the work programs that are teaching children skills and independence, this is unquestionably the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I am sure everyone else will post stories... so I will let that be for now. I look forward to sharing more with you later about the impact these children are having on all of us.
With much love,
Amanda
Differences
As I sit under my mosquito net, fighting the jetlag and urging my body to recognize that it is 11:30 in the evening rather than 4:30 in the afternoon, I am inclined to write you a post. Granted, I am certain that this will not be put online until sometime tomorrow, but at least I have something to say.
As you know, we arrived in Kenya early today and spent many, many hours traveling from Nairobi to Maua (pronounced Ma-ooh-uh). The proposed trip of 5 hours quickly stretched into 8 long hours, confined to a tiny van. I will admit I slept a majority of the way and woke to find one arm pinkened by the African sun--a stark contrast to my otherwise pale skin. During the hours that I was awake, and not devouring the last of my Lottie Moon letters (yes, professors and preceptors--I AM still writing papers), I spent much of the time reflecting on the three countries I had explored in the last 24 hours.
Of course, America--rampant with excess goods, food and cleanliness--served as my plum line for which I would compare England and then Kenya. In London, I was taken with the history, the architecture, and quite honestly, the fashion. As we sat on the tube, Casey and I tried to distinguish other fellow Americans from the much trendier Brits. Despite the fact that I could hardly understand a word they were saying (I have trouble with accents!) and their clothing and demeanor were quite different from the Americans, I was struck by the similar feelings that I have while riding the public transportation on Duke's campus. All around me, people were avoiding eye contact, engrossed in their cell phones, iPods, novels and newspapers. No one was in conversation with one another--save for the occasional set of lovers curled closely into each other in a corner--and overall the feeling was tense and slightly uncomfortable. This is not all together different from the bus rides from parking lots on to campus, or any other public arena, for that matter. I am struck by how unconnected we are as humans, drawn much more to our toys than to one another. A product of our technology, perhaps?
A stark contrast to this phenomena, are the people of Kenya. It is rare to find folks isolate from one another here. On the streets, people are in constant communication--though I couldnt tell you what they are discussing. Undoubtedly, on the streets there is much bartering and selling going on (they walk up to your van windows when stopped, offering to sell everything from neckties to pillows to newspapers), but more than that, tjere seems to be a fellowship of sorts. Earlier, Clay ran into our hotel yelling for Casey and me to follow him up the road to see a "once in a lifetime opportunity!" I quickly threw on my jacket and shoes and blindly followed Clay down the road to where a large crowd had gathered. There, a man of about 3 feet tall stood on crutches with a microphone in his hand, singing something undistinguishable (though Clay and I did agree that we heard the word "Jerusalem" repeatedly). The man then lifted a Bible into the air, held it against his head, and said, "This is the Bible. The Word of God. Hallelujah!!" I will admit that a street evangelist is probably not that foreign to those of you reading this, but what might amaze you is the size of the crowd (comprised of people, cows, and chickens... a weird grouping, no doubt!) gathered to share in this time of praise. In America, this man would have likely been ignored. For all our technology and money and excess, I wonder if the people of Kenya do not better understand the power of the human spirit than we crazy "mezungus" (yes, they call white people that here, too!).
Tomorrow, we will meet at the Maua Methodist Hospital and then venture out into the city to do home visits and house calls. Hopefully, I will be able to post this at the hospital at some point, as the Internet here at the hotel was minimal this evening. The hotel we are staying at is brand new, though sparse in nature. For the majority of the evening, we had no running water (I feared we would be without showers for the duration of our stay) and we were offered candles in case we also ran out of electricity. However, all is well now and we are mostly clean and rested. We will do our best to continue the updates, as many of the team members are missing family and wish to connect with them as often as possible. Please feel free to leave us comments, as it is good to hear from you as well!
We love you all and are excited to share with you more stories that are more interesting and descriptive than the adventures of air travel...
Until then,
Amanda
As you know, we arrived in Kenya early today and spent many, many hours traveling from Nairobi to Maua (pronounced Ma-ooh-uh). The proposed trip of 5 hours quickly stretched into 8 long hours, confined to a tiny van. I will admit I slept a majority of the way and woke to find one arm pinkened by the African sun--a stark contrast to my otherwise pale skin. During the hours that I was awake, and not devouring the last of my Lottie Moon letters (yes, professors and preceptors--I AM still writing papers), I spent much of the time reflecting on the three countries I had explored in the last 24 hours.
Of course, America--rampant with excess goods, food and cleanliness--served as my plum line for which I would compare England and then Kenya. In London, I was taken with the history, the architecture, and quite honestly, the fashion. As we sat on the tube, Casey and I tried to distinguish other fellow Americans from the much trendier Brits. Despite the fact that I could hardly understand a word they were saying (I have trouble with accents!) and their clothing and demeanor were quite different from the Americans, I was struck by the similar feelings that I have while riding the public transportation on Duke's campus. All around me, people were avoiding eye contact, engrossed in their cell phones, iPods, novels and newspapers. No one was in conversation with one another--save for the occasional set of lovers curled closely into each other in a corner--and overall the feeling was tense and slightly uncomfortable. This is not all together different from the bus rides from parking lots on to campus, or any other public arena, for that matter. I am struck by how unconnected we are as humans, drawn much more to our toys than to one another. A product of our technology, perhaps?
A stark contrast to this phenomena, are the people of Kenya. It is rare to find folks isolate from one another here. On the streets, people are in constant communication--though I couldnt tell you what they are discussing. Undoubtedly, on the streets there is much bartering and selling going on (they walk up to your van windows when stopped, offering to sell everything from neckties to pillows to newspapers), but more than that, tjere seems to be a fellowship of sorts. Earlier, Clay ran into our hotel yelling for Casey and me to follow him up the road to see a "once in a lifetime opportunity!" I quickly threw on my jacket and shoes and blindly followed Clay down the road to where a large crowd had gathered. There, a man of about 3 feet tall stood on crutches with a microphone in his hand, singing something undistinguishable (though Clay and I did agree that we heard the word "Jerusalem" repeatedly). The man then lifted a Bible into the air, held it against his head, and said, "This is the Bible. The Word of God. Hallelujah!!" I will admit that a street evangelist is probably not that foreign to those of you reading this, but what might amaze you is the size of the crowd (comprised of people, cows, and chickens... a weird grouping, no doubt!) gathered to share in this time of praise. In America, this man would have likely been ignored. For all our technology and money and excess, I wonder if the people of Kenya do not better understand the power of the human spirit than we crazy "mezungus" (yes, they call white people that here, too!).
Tomorrow, we will meet at the Maua Methodist Hospital and then venture out into the city to do home visits and house calls. Hopefully, I will be able to post this at the hospital at some point, as the Internet here at the hotel was minimal this evening. The hotel we are staying at is brand new, though sparse in nature. For the majority of the evening, we had no running water (I feared we would be without showers for the duration of our stay) and we were offered candles in case we also ran out of electricity. However, all is well now and we are mostly clean and rested. We will do our best to continue the updates, as many of the team members are missing family and wish to connect with them as often as possible. Please feel free to leave us comments, as it is good to hear from you as well!
We love you all and are excited to share with you more stories that are more interesting and descriptive than the adventures of air travel...
Until then,
Amanda
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday 19 March 2009 Hi to my family John and Mary and the boys and to my friends. We have finally arrived after 3 planes of 17 hours, and about 7-8 hours on the road to Maua today. We saw a lot of banana farma, tea plantations, rice paddies and lots of goats and cows along the way. Our hotel is on the market street. The cows wander up and down the street, but are not lost. Cars and people stay clear. Vendors sell pots and pans, clothes, furniture, and lots of other stuff too. Chickens sit in a bundle with their feet tied together while waiting to be sold. A street preacher was hawking his CD. Tomorrow we are visiting families in the Project Hope and will work on homes the following day. I have learned to sleep vertically and hope I can finally get some rest tonight! Alice Finnell
In addition....
Jambo all! It has been a long trip but we are HERE! It was a great flight over from London-- almost all of us had three seats to ourselves we more or less got a night's sleep. Yay Kenya Airline! We only lost one bag enroute- a team supply bag that should be making it's way here tomorrow.
Our ZOE guides Stanley and Regan met us at the airport. Their hospitality has been wonderful! This is the first large group that has been to Kenya on behalf of ZOE- the first medical group and the first construction group all in one! We are so blessed to have Stanley and Regan-- they are going to be a perfect match for our bunch.
Kenya has proved to be much different than Zambia- there are more people, more traffic, and lots of high rises in the cities. In our van ride across the countryside-- which we were always just "one more hour away"-- took us through lots of different towns that are on the map from the first post. They were bustling with business and trade-- cows, goats, and the rest of the farm was out and about. The road was actually very nice, no big potholes and no flooding-- we haven't put last years skills to the test yet :) We did pass them painting the lines on the road-- BY HAND! Yeah only a few hundred miles to go on that one! Most of us caught a quick nap as we know we have a lot of work ahead of us.
We've check into the hotel which is actually more like a hostel. Everyone has their own room and bathroom-- if we can get the toliets to flush and water for the shower we should be set.
Planning on doing some exploration of the town tonight. As Clay said, we will be introduced to some participants in the Giving Hope Project tommorrow. We plan on seeing some homes and businesses that have been sucessful through ZOE's help. All are excited to jump into the adventure that lies ahead!
Thanks for the comments. Lots of love from AFRICA!
xoxoox case
Our ZOE guides Stanley and Regan met us at the airport. Their hospitality has been wonderful! This is the first large group that has been to Kenya on behalf of ZOE- the first medical group and the first construction group all in one! We are so blessed to have Stanley and Regan-- they are going to be a perfect match for our bunch.
Kenya has proved to be much different than Zambia- there are more people, more traffic, and lots of high rises in the cities. In our van ride across the countryside-- which we were always just "one more hour away"-- took us through lots of different towns that are on the map from the first post. They were bustling with business and trade-- cows, goats, and the rest of the farm was out and about. The road was actually very nice, no big potholes and no flooding-- we haven't put last years skills to the test yet :) We did pass them painting the lines on the road-- BY HAND! Yeah only a few hundred miles to go on that one! Most of us caught a quick nap as we know we have a lot of work ahead of us.
We've check into the hotel which is actually more like a hostel. Everyone has their own room and bathroom-- if we can get the toliets to flush and water for the shower we should be set.
Planning on doing some exploration of the town tonight. As Clay said, we will be introduced to some participants in the Giving Hope Project tommorrow. We plan on seeing some homes and businesses that have been sucessful through ZOE's help. All are excited to jump into the adventure that lies ahead!
Thanks for the comments. Lots of love from AFRICA!
xoxoox case
Arrival
We have finally made it to where we will be staying in Maua, Kenya. We landed in Nairobi this morning around 7am and drove for the rest of the day until just arriving around 5pm. Things are well, our accomodations are nice but we are tired. Tomorrow morning we will begin by doing some home visits to families that are involved in Project Hope before helping with home construction Saturday then beginning clinics Monday. The internet is pretty slow but we'll post as often as we can.
The drive was very scenic as we traveresed over tropical areas; very hilly and then at times became more arid - with the larger mountains in the background.
The drive was very scenic as we traveresed over tropical areas; very hilly and then at times became more arid - with the larger mountains in the background.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
We made it to London!
Friends, Family, and interested readers,
We successfully arrived in London this morning and spent a good part of the day touring while on our layover. By touring, I actually mean riding the underground railway, also known as the "tube." Casey and I kept our eyes pealed but we are sad to report that we did not see Harry Potter, Mr. Darcy, or Edward Cullen (aka Robert Pattinson). All kidding aside, we didnt actually have time to see much, except for Big Ben, Parliament, and the National Museum. We lost Clay, but luckily the lost sheep found his way back home... :)
On another note, thank you all for the birthday wishes. What a fabulous birthday! The gang sang to me this morning in the middle of the London airport (which embarrassed me!), then they let me have the first shower... and Alice brought brownies! What a nice way to celebrate!
We are now about to board our 8-hour trip from London to Nairobi. The first trip was not all that exciting... we all were exhausted and did our best to sleep on and off. This time around, we are hoping the plane is less full and we have more of a chance to spread out.
Everyone says hello to their family and that they love you. We have to pay for internet here so they cant tell you personally... just trust me! :)
Love to All,
Amanda
We successfully arrived in London this morning and spent a good part of the day touring while on our layover. By touring, I actually mean riding the underground railway, also known as the "tube." Casey and I kept our eyes pealed but we are sad to report that we did not see Harry Potter, Mr. Darcy, or Edward Cullen (aka Robert Pattinson). All kidding aside, we didnt actually have time to see much, except for Big Ben, Parliament, and the National Museum. We lost Clay, but luckily the lost sheep found his way back home... :)
On another note, thank you all for the birthday wishes. What a fabulous birthday! The gang sang to me this morning in the middle of the London airport (which embarrassed me!), then they let me have the first shower... and Alice brought brownies! What a nice way to celebrate!
We are now about to board our 8-hour trip from London to Nairobi. The first trip was not all that exciting... we all were exhausted and did our best to sleep on and off. This time around, we are hoping the plane is less full and we have more of a chance to spread out.
Everyone says hello to their family and that they love you. We have to pay for internet here so they cant tell you personally... just trust me! :)
Love to All,
Amanda
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
All you need is love...
Love. It's easy, right? Falling in love, being in love, loving friends and family. It's natural... right?
As we are about to fly out this evening, I have been thinking a lot about love. Over the last few months, I have really felt God nudging my heart to love people. I mean, really LOVE them. When I originally felt this "call," I thought that I finally had some calling that I could hold on to. In my mind, loving was easy. I will be the first to admit that I am not the most loving person in the world, but I have the ability to love deeply and care for those around me.
As I jumped aboard this commandment of God's (remember "love thy neighbor"?), I forgot for just a moment that none of my calls are ever easy. That realization came crashing down around me almost immediately and God called me to love the very people I would find most difficult to love. In a matter of days I was asked to love a sleeping infant, a classroom full of 9-year-old boys, and a gentleman imprisoned for child pornography. A few days later, I was offered the opportunity to love a drug addict, a cheating man, and a woman in an abusive relationship. Those I am closest to pushed me away, and those who have previously pushed me away came seeking advice. I have been asked to love broken hearts, broken bodies, and broken spirits.
Love is the hardest choice I have ever had to make.
Loving people can be incredibly painful, incredibly frustrating, and incredibly selfless. However, this is not why love is so hard. For me, love is hard because it is a choice you have to make everyday with every person through every circumstance. Love is our deepest call-- to love God and one another... and it is in the midst of prisons and drugs and abuse and brokenness that we are asked to love the deepest. This is where Christ lives and loves.
As our team ventures into poverty and illness, we will be asked to love the orphaned, the widowed, the diseased, and the broken. Unfortunately, this will likely be easier for us than to love those we live with, those we live next door to, those we work with, those who have wronged us, and those who have broken our hearts.
We ask that you pray for us and with us as we head to Kenya, but I would also challenge you to share in our mission of love. You dont have to join our team in Africa to serve others. You dont have to go into the extreme poverty of a nation to show love. You, my friends, are called to look into the poverty and brokenness and illness of your own lives and serve one another. Over the next ten days, I ask that you pray for us, but also that God reveals to you who you are called to love... and then I pray that you are pushed to choose love, too.
We all love you and are looking forward to sharing the stories of Africa's orphans with you in the coming days and weeks. We are also looking forward to hearing your stories of love when we come back.
Blessings,
Amanda
As we are about to fly out this evening, I have been thinking a lot about love. Over the last few months, I have really felt God nudging my heart to love people. I mean, really LOVE them. When I originally felt this "call," I thought that I finally had some calling that I could hold on to. In my mind, loving was easy. I will be the first to admit that I am not the most loving person in the world, but I have the ability to love deeply and care for those around me.
As I jumped aboard this commandment of God's (remember "love thy neighbor"?), I forgot for just a moment that none of my calls are ever easy. That realization came crashing down around me almost immediately and God called me to love the very people I would find most difficult to love. In a matter of days I was asked to love a sleeping infant, a classroom full of 9-year-old boys, and a gentleman imprisoned for child pornography. A few days later, I was offered the opportunity to love a drug addict, a cheating man, and a woman in an abusive relationship. Those I am closest to pushed me away, and those who have previously pushed me away came seeking advice. I have been asked to love broken hearts, broken bodies, and broken spirits.
Love is the hardest choice I have ever had to make.
Loving people can be incredibly painful, incredibly frustrating, and incredibly selfless. However, this is not why love is so hard. For me, love is hard because it is a choice you have to make everyday with every person through every circumstance. Love is our deepest call-- to love God and one another... and it is in the midst of prisons and drugs and abuse and brokenness that we are asked to love the deepest. This is where Christ lives and loves.
As our team ventures into poverty and illness, we will be asked to love the orphaned, the widowed, the diseased, and the broken. Unfortunately, this will likely be easier for us than to love those we live with, those we live next door to, those we work with, those who have wronged us, and those who have broken our hearts.
We ask that you pray for us and with us as we head to Kenya, but I would also challenge you to share in our mission of love. You dont have to join our team in Africa to serve others. You dont have to go into the extreme poverty of a nation to show love. You, my friends, are called to look into the poverty and brokenness and illness of your own lives and serve one another. Over the next ten days, I ask that you pray for us, but also that God reveals to you who you are called to love... and then I pray that you are pushed to choose love, too.
We all love you and are looking forward to sharing the stories of Africa's orphans with you in the coming days and weeks. We are also looking forward to hearing your stories of love when we come back.
Blessings,
Amanda
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Itinerary
Thursday, March 19 –
Arrive Nairobi 6:30 am on Kenya Airways 101
Transport from airport to Maua Basin. Approximately 5-6 hours of travel time. Arrive 3:00 pm. Rest.
Friday, March 20 –
Morning introduction to Giving Hope
2-3 home and/or business visits (bakery, Dickins, etc.)
Home building exercise. Work gloves needed.
Saturday, March 21 –
Giving Hope Day – Home and group visits. Home building exercise in the afternoon. Work gloves needed.
Sunday, March 22 –
Church – Afternoon – preparation for medical clinic
Monday, March 23 – Wednesday, March 25 –
Medical clinics. Approximately 300 patients daily.
Thursday, March 26 –
Morning – final Giving Hope visits
Noon – Depart for Meru park – lodging there.
2-6pm Game Drive
Friday, March 27 –
6-9am Game Drive
9am Breakfast
11:00am pass through Maua Hospital
Noon depart for Nairobi
1:00pm Lunch in Meru – Then stop for shopping along the way
Arrive Nairobi 6:30 am on Kenya Airways 101
Transport from airport to Maua Basin. Approximately 5-6 hours of travel time. Arrive 3:00 pm. Rest.
Friday, March 20 –
Morning introduction to Giving Hope
2-3 home and/or business visits (bakery, Dickins, etc.)
Home building exercise. Work gloves needed.
Saturday, March 21 –
Giving Hope Day – Home and group visits. Home building exercise in the afternoon. Work gloves needed.
Sunday, March 22 –
Church – Afternoon – preparation for medical clinic
Monday, March 23 – Wednesday, March 25 –
Medical clinics. Approximately 300 patients daily.
Thursday, March 26 –
Morning – final Giving Hope visits
Noon – Depart for Meru park – lodging there.
2-6pm Game Drive
Friday, March 27 –
6-9am Game Drive
9am Breakfast
11:00am pass through Maua Hospital
Noon depart for Nairobi
1:00pm Lunch in Meru – Then stop for shopping along the way
Flight Information
Depart - Tue, Mar 17 - 7:23pm
Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Arrive - Tue, Mar 17 - 8:30pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
United Airlines 404
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
... connection time: 2 hours 34 minutes ...
Depart - Tue, Mar 17 - 11:04pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
Arrive - Wed, Mar 18 - 10:15am
London (LHR)
United Airlines 924
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
... connection time: 8 hours 45 minutes ...
Depart - Wed, Mar 18 - 7:00pm
London (LHR)
Arrive - Thu, Mar 19 - 6:30am
Nairobi (NBO)
Kenya Airways 101
Class: Q
Airline Ref: SH7QWU
---------------------------------------------------------------
Depart - Fri, Mar 27 - 11:45pm
Nairobi (NBO)
Arrive - Sat, Mar 28 - 5:45am
London (LHR)
Kenya Airways 102
Class: Q
Airline Ref: SH7QWU
... connection time: 1 hour 55 minutes ...
Depart - Sat, Mar 28 - 7:40am
London (LHR)
Arrive - Sat, Mar 28 - 12:21pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
United Airlines 923
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
... connection time: 5 hours 13 minutes ...
Depart - Sat, Mar 28 - 5:34pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
Arrive - Sat, Mar 28 - 6:44pm
Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
United Airlines 240
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Arrive - Tue, Mar 17 - 8:30pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
United Airlines 404
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
... connection time: 2 hours 34 minutes ...
Depart - Tue, Mar 17 - 11:04pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
Arrive - Wed, Mar 18 - 10:15am
London (LHR)
United Airlines 924
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
... connection time: 8 hours 45 minutes ...
Depart - Wed, Mar 18 - 7:00pm
London (LHR)
Arrive - Thu, Mar 19 - 6:30am
Nairobi (NBO)
Kenya Airways 101
Class: Q
Airline Ref: SH7QWU
---------------------------------------------------------------
Depart - Fri, Mar 27 - 11:45pm
Nairobi (NBO)
Arrive - Sat, Mar 28 - 5:45am
London (LHR)
Kenya Airways 102
Class: Q
Airline Ref: SH7QWU
... connection time: 1 hour 55 minutes ...
Depart - Sat, Mar 28 - 7:40am
London (LHR)
Arrive - Sat, Mar 28 - 12:21pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
United Airlines 923
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
... connection time: 5 hours 13 minutes ...
Depart - Sat, Mar 28 - 5:34pm
Washington, DC (IAD)
Arrive - Sat, Mar 28 - 6:44pm
Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
United Airlines 240
Class: S
Airline Ref: RJ58XU
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