Links
Archives
Monday, June 21, 2004
Monday, June 21, 2004
by Jon Lee
For those of us who joined the group for week two, the past three days have been quite an experience. We have been introduced to a world that is, for most of us, quite different than anything we have ever seen or imagined. I'm reminded that we really do live in luxury compared to much of the rest of the world.
Our group was given a warm welcome by the kids and team leaders who came to pick us up at the airport Saturday night. We immediately felt right at home. On the ride from the airport, I talked to Karis, one of the former street kids who now lives at Kamulu. Karis explained to me that John Denver music is his favorite, but that he hasn't been able to find any of his CD's in Kenya yet (imagine that!). I promised that we had one or two of them in the US, and that I'll have to send him a few when I get back home. It's amazing that it doesn't take much to make these kids happy, or for them to be entertained.
Sunday morning's worship was a great experience. Everyone seemed to be happy just to be together. Some of the songs were those that we sing at home, while others were in Swahili and sounded like something from The Lion King. It was fascinating to just sit and listen to those songs and to see their joy. Sunday afternoon we went down to Eastleigh for afternoon worship. For the week two group, this was our first glimpse of the slums of Nairobi. After worship, we went to Java House for dinner (a place that serves American food).
On Monday, we started the morning with classes for the kids. After that, the week two group went to Eastleigh to spend the day on the streets. The others stayed to work on the farm. My first time on the streets of Nairobi was an experience that will change my perspective on the world. I have never seen people living in conditions like that before. It was very humbling to see so many people struggling just to find their way through the day. There are no need for trash cans there, because the streets serve that purpose. It took me a while to get used to the stench there, although it's something I'm not sure it's something I could ever completely adjust to. We saw dozens of kids sniffing glue to numb the pains of hunger. One place we went was an alley where several young, single mothers were sitting by piles of trash with their babies. In this picture the girl in the middle is one that Made in the Streets has known for several years; it's amazing how healthy her baby is - on the streets. We talked to them for a while, then walked with them and several young boys back to the Made In The Streets center to feed them lunch. Several of us talked about the fact that there are precious few opportunities for people here to climb out of the poverty into which they were born.
Glimpses of hope are very few and far between. There is, however, a strong sense that there is hope found in God. People here are not bashful about that. After going back on the streets for the rest of the afternoon, we headed back to Kamulu for dinner and a devotional with the kids. It's been a great two days, and I look forward to what the rest of the week has in store for us.
For those of us who joined the group for week two, the past three days have been quite an experience. We have been introduced to a world that is, for most of us, quite different than anything we have ever seen or imagined. I'm reminded that we really do live in luxury compared to much of the rest of the world.
Our group was given a warm welcome by the kids and team leaders who came to pick us up at the airport Saturday night. We immediately felt right at home. On the ride from the airport, I talked to Karis, one of the former street kids who now lives at Kamulu. Karis explained to me that John Denver music is his favorite, but that he hasn't been able to find any of his CD's in Kenya yet (imagine that!). I promised that we had one or two of them in the US, and that I'll have to send him a few when I get back home. It's amazing that it doesn't take much to make these kids happy, or for them to be entertained.
Sunday morning's worship was a great experience. Everyone seemed to be happy just to be together. Some of the songs were those that we sing at home, while others were in Swahili and sounded like something from The Lion King. It was fascinating to just sit and listen to those songs and to see their joy. Sunday afternoon we went down to Eastleigh for afternoon worship. For the week two group, this was our first glimpse of the slums of Nairobi. After worship, we went to Java House for dinner (a place that serves American food).
On Monday, we started the morning with classes for the kids. After that, the week two group went to Eastleigh to spend the day on the streets. The others stayed to work on the farm. My first time on the streets of Nairobi was an experience that will change my perspective on the world. I have never seen people living in conditions like that before. It was very humbling to see so many people struggling just to find their way through the day. There are no need for trash cans there, because the streets serve that purpose. It took me a while to get used to the stench there, although it's something I'm not sure it's something I could ever completely adjust to. We saw dozens of kids sniffing glue to numb the pains of hunger. One place we went was an alley where several young, single mothers were sitting by piles of trash with their babies. In this picture the girl in the middle is one that Made in the Streets has known for several years; it's amazing how healthy her baby is - on the streets. We talked to them for a while, then walked with them and several young boys back to the Made In The Streets center to feed them lunch. Several of us talked about the fact that there are precious few opportunities for people here to climb out of the poverty into which they were born.
Glimpses of hope are very few and far between. There is, however, a strong sense that there is hope found in God. People here are not bashful about that. After going back on the streets for the rest of the afternoon, we headed back to Kamulu for dinner and a devotional with the kids. It's been a great two days, and I look forward to what the rest of the week has in store for us.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
by Jeremy Jennings
It's Saturday and a change of pace for us in Kenya. We took a break from our regular busy schedule and slept in (thirty minutes). We didn't have any classes planned today, so we did lots of laundry this morning. Kids Club, an afternoon outreach to Kumulu community kids, was the only scheduled activity, so I was looking forward to a day of rest. I was wrong.
After getting the laundry started, I headed down to breakfast for a couple mandazi and chai. While finishing my chai, I wandered into the woodshop where Joel and Robin were getting ready for one of their first contract jobs: kitchen shelves and a utensil rack. Next thing I know I'm walking down the highway with a toolbox and a couple pieces of wood with the woodshop crew: team members Joel & Robin and student workers Karis and Antony.
After a short while of assisting the construction effort, I was sent back to the shop on an errand. While there I was confiscated by John Wambu, the elder Kenyan statesmen of MITS, and Steve Sherman who were going to meet the Coulstons to see Mountain View.
Mountain View is just that: about 15 acres up on the mountains on the edge of Nairobi where the Coulstons have a dream of one day opening a christian camp for the Kenyan churches. After a harrowing drive in the 4x4 we made it to the top and saw a tremendous view of the Nairobi valley. The coolest thing about the trip in my opinion was meeting the neighbor: a 70 year old woman who lived alone in a mud hut with a thatched roof. She led us through the gate of her briar & thorn fence, let us take pictures of her home, and told us what she did when the lions and leopards come around her place. (In case you're wondering, she makes a lot of noise with some tin cans, then gathers her goats with her inside her hut and hopes they go away). Here is her picture; she'll be our neighbor some day, Darlene says.
When we finally made it back, the woodshop crew had completed their project and I talked them into walking back down to the house so I could take a few pictures of the finished project for the first pictures of their woodship portfolio.
On the way back to my penthouse apartment atop the water tower, I ran into a donkey cart filling barrels of water from Shanon Water Works. After a quick tour through the new boys dorm (there are 5 new street kids coming out next week), I talked John Wambu into keeping the generator on a few extra minutes for a hot shower.
Now Darlene's homemade pizza is almost done and my day of rest has left me rather worn out. I think we're going to show the kids a slide show of some of our digital pictures from week 1 and maybe stay up late enough to welcome the week 2 crew and finally catch a few hours rest before we start again tomorrow.
I can't wait.
It's Saturday and a change of pace for us in Kenya. We took a break from our regular busy schedule and slept in (thirty minutes). We didn't have any classes planned today, so we did lots of laundry this morning. Kids Club, an afternoon outreach to Kumulu community kids, was the only scheduled activity, so I was looking forward to a day of rest. I was wrong.
After getting the laundry started, I headed down to breakfast for a couple mandazi and chai. While finishing my chai, I wandered into the woodshop where Joel and Robin were getting ready for one of their first contract jobs: kitchen shelves and a utensil rack. Next thing I know I'm walking down the highway with a toolbox and a couple pieces of wood with the woodshop crew: team members Joel & Robin and student workers Karis and Antony.
After a short while of assisting the construction effort, I was sent back to the shop on an errand. While there I was confiscated by John Wambu, the elder Kenyan statesmen of MITS, and Steve Sherman who were going to meet the Coulstons to see Mountain View.
Mountain View is just that: about 15 acres up on the mountains on the edge of Nairobi where the Coulstons have a dream of one day opening a christian camp for the Kenyan churches. After a harrowing drive in the 4x4 we made it to the top and saw a tremendous view of the Nairobi valley. The coolest thing about the trip in my opinion was meeting the neighbor: a 70 year old woman who lived alone in a mud hut with a thatched roof. She led us through the gate of her briar & thorn fence, let us take pictures of her home, and told us what she did when the lions and leopards come around her place. (In case you're wondering, she makes a lot of noise with some tin cans, then gathers her goats with her inside her hut and hopes they go away). Here is her picture; she'll be our neighbor some day, Darlene says.
When we finally made it back, the woodshop crew had completed their project and I talked them into walking back down to the house so I could take a few pictures of the finished project for the first pictures of their woodship portfolio.
On the way back to my penthouse apartment atop the water tower, I ran into a donkey cart filling barrels of water from Shanon Water Works. After a quick tour through the new boys dorm (there are 5 new street kids coming out next week), I talked John Wambu into keeping the generator on a few extra minutes for a hot shower.
Now Darlene's homemade pizza is almost done and my day of rest has left me rather worn out. I think we're going to show the kids a slide show of some of our digital pictures from week 1 and maybe stay up late enough to welcome the week 2 crew and finally catch a few hours rest before we start again tomorrow.
I can't wait.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Friday, June 18, 2004
by Philip Henry
Day 6 (or 7?) here in Kamulu, Nairobi. It's been the fastest week I can remember! We were originally scheduled to go on a safari at a game park today, to see Simba and Rafiki and all their friends, but we decided to wait until the second group is here so we can all go together.
So this morning I taught the students a few rough drawing lessons, arming them with newsprint and willow charcoal. Summing up three years of college art classes in an hour simultaneously entertaining and disastrous, although a few of the students seemed to have a knack for drawing. The picture is of Ali (who also takes care of the goats), on a picture where all we asked them to do was to use the animal stamps. After classes, we took a break from the kids (which I didn't necessarily need) to visit the village market, where fiteen million vendors all compete to sell African artifacts to sucker American tourists. These salesmen were slick. I stupid enough to wear a T-shirt that said "Cowboy Show," thereby shattering any hopes of my eluding an American identity. We all bought gigantic authentic (really) Masai spears for about 1000 shillings (about $12). We bought these because we thought they would be useful in killing the lions that overpopulate Nashville.
We also ate real American food at the market food court (like sweet and sour chicken and spring rolls) and were able to buy groceries at the food market. Our van trip back felt a little bit more like a combination of a Disney roller coaster (the roads...wow, the roads) and a circus (with us white folks crammed into a van as the main event). To be honest, the most entertaining part of the day for me.
I really missed the students today, and though the market was fun, I was very glad to arrive back at Kamulu. We had cell church tonight (it is usually in small groups, but we combined tonight.) We sang (I think the students know more English worship songs than I do...) and the floor was then opened for people to share thoughts. I was amazed all over again at these children and this place. It's been one week, and I already am thinking when I can come back. May God continue to bless this ministry, its staff, and the children that I have so come to love.
Day 6 (or 7?) here in Kamulu, Nairobi. It's been the fastest week I can remember! We were originally scheduled to go on a safari at a game park today, to see Simba and Rafiki and all their friends, but we decided to wait until the second group is here so we can all go together.
So this morning I taught the students a few rough drawing lessons, arming them with newsprint and willow charcoal. Summing up three years of college art classes in an hour simultaneously entertaining and disastrous, although a few of the students seemed to have a knack for drawing. The picture is of Ali (who also takes care of the goats), on a picture where all we asked them to do was to use the animal stamps. After classes, we took a break from the kids (which I didn't necessarily need) to visit the village market, where fiteen million vendors all compete to sell African artifacts to sucker American tourists. These salesmen were slick. I stupid enough to wear a T-shirt that said "Cowboy Show," thereby shattering any hopes of my eluding an American identity. We all bought gigantic authentic (really) Masai spears for about 1000 shillings (about $12). We bought these because we thought they would be useful in killing the lions that overpopulate Nashville.
We also ate real American food at the market food court (like sweet and sour chicken and spring rolls) and were able to buy groceries at the food market. Our van trip back felt a little bit more like a combination of a Disney roller coaster (the roads...wow, the roads) and a circus (with us white folks crammed into a van as the main event). To be honest, the most entertaining part of the day for me.
I really missed the students today, and though the market was fun, I was very glad to arrive back at Kamulu. We had cell church tonight (it is usually in small groups, but we combined tonight.) We sang (I think the students know more English worship songs than I do...) and the floor was then opened for people to share thoughts. I was amazed all over again at these children and this place. It's been one week, and I already am thinking when I can come back. May God continue to bless this ministry, its staff, and the children that I have so come to love.
Friday, June 18, 2004
by Jeremy Jennings
We've about wrapped up week one here... This trip is the completion of a commitment I made three years ago with my friend Shanon. I wish he was here to experience it. I think about him often as we teach and learn, laugh and often cry, and are deeply humbled by how God redeems the lives of street kids.
"Philipo" (Swahili for Philip) sang last night that "all men are equal down at the cross" and that probably describes my experience in Kenya better than anything else . It is humbling to realize that the only difference between me and 14 year old Cugia is the "accident of birth" and that for all of my money, degrees, and nationality, they are important only to this world and not to God. The picture is Francis Cugia on the day he arrived at Kamulu.
God lives powerfully in the hearts of kids who sing every night songs they have written about how God has rescued them. After a lesson on goal-setting, Kiki, one week off the streets, told us hers was to help other street kids.
My prayer is that our time here in some way helps Kiki realize her goal.
We've about wrapped up week one here... This trip is the completion of a commitment I made three years ago with my friend Shanon. I wish he was here to experience it. I think about him often as we teach and learn, laugh and often cry, and are deeply humbled by how God redeems the lives of street kids.
"Philipo" (Swahili for Philip) sang last night that "all men are equal down at the cross" and that probably describes my experience in Kenya better than anything else . It is humbling to realize that the only difference between me and 14 year old Cugia is the "accident of birth" and that for all of my money, degrees, and nationality, they are important only to this world and not to God. The picture is Francis Cugia on the day he arrived at Kamulu.
God lives powerfully in the hearts of kids who sing every night songs they have written about how God has rescued them. After a lesson on goal-setting, Kiki, one week off the streets, told us hers was to help other street kids.
My prayer is that our time here in some way helps Kiki realize her goal.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Thursday, June 17, 2004
by Katera Bolander
Today was my first day in Africa. I was a little nervous about getting adjusted to everything, but none of that mattered the minute I began to meet all of the people who work and live at Made In The Streets. Today was incredible as I got to meet some of the nicest people I've ever met and get to become a part of the ministry here in Nairobi. Esther taught me how to make a necklace/ bracelet which is a skill the students learned earlier in the week. We got the teacher's resource room more organized today and continued with the classes that have been taught throughout the week. The children seem to really be gaining a lot and I know that we are all gaining a lot as well. The night has just ended with a highly entertaining concert put on by the students and staff with some "guest stars" from the OCC group. This came after a meal with all 44 of us together -- we ate meat (the kids' say it's their favorite food), ndengu (a little lentil) and chapati (tasty bread).
I love it here and look forward to all that we will experience tomorrow.
Today was my first day in Africa. I was a little nervous about getting adjusted to everything, but none of that mattered the minute I began to meet all of the people who work and live at Made In The Streets. Today was incredible as I got to meet some of the nicest people I've ever met and get to become a part of the ministry here in Nairobi. Esther taught me how to make a necklace/ bracelet which is a skill the students learned earlier in the week. We got the teacher's resource room more organized today and continued with the classes that have been taught throughout the week. The children seem to really be gaining a lot and I know that we are all gaining a lot as well. The night has just ended with a highly entertaining concert put on by the students and staff with some "guest stars" from the OCC group. This came after a meal with all 44 of us together -- we ate meat (the kids' say it's their favorite food), ndengu (a little lentil) and chapati (tasty bread).
I love it here and look forward to all that we will experience tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
by Stephanie Shackelford
As Emily, Lauren and Mary taught the students how to make tissue paper & glue bookmarks (which some of the kids then turned into rather large charms for their necklaces ... oh well), Philip continued his keyboarding class and Jeremy and Stephanie finished their class with the team members, reviewing resume' and interview techniques that they can use to help the students. Jeremy and Stephanie then continued their class with the students teaching them the steps one goes through for proper decision making. Each of the students were given a book entitled "All About Me" and a journal - both of which are used to encourage the students to begin to know themselves, to know what they like, and to know what they want to do in the future. The kids really seem to be enjoying the books. They love writing out their biography and deciding for themselves their own opinions and their dreams. We spent this afternoon helping in the businesses. Jeremy and Stephanie began to work with the six students that are approaching graduation and will be looking for a job. We will be helping them to write a resume' and practice their interview skills. After working in the library and in the woodworking shop, Mary, Lauren and Emily began to work on wiriting a math curriculum for all of the students. After work we taught the students ultimate frisbee ... they caught on quick and loved it! They are just so creative ... they can take any project, any song or any game and give it their own twist to make it even more interesting. Emily taught the devotional this evening on the body of Christ and how everyone has their own individual part and role in the body as Philip led the students and team in singing. Another wonderful day.
As Emily, Lauren and Mary taught the students how to make tissue paper & glue bookmarks (which some of the kids then turned into rather large charms for their necklaces ... oh well), Philip continued his keyboarding class and Jeremy and Stephanie finished their class with the team members, reviewing resume' and interview techniques that they can use to help the students. Jeremy and Stephanie then continued their class with the students teaching them the steps one goes through for proper decision making. Each of the students were given a book entitled "All About Me" and a journal - both of which are used to encourage the students to begin to know themselves, to know what they like, and to know what they want to do in the future. The kids really seem to be enjoying the books. They love writing out their biography and deciding for themselves their own opinions and their dreams. We spent this afternoon helping in the businesses. Jeremy and Stephanie began to work with the six students that are approaching graduation and will be looking for a job. We will be helping them to write a resume' and practice their interview skills. After working in the library and in the woodworking shop, Mary, Lauren and Emily began to work on wiriting a math curriculum for all of the students. After work we taught the students ultimate frisbee ... they caught on quick and loved it! They are just so creative ... they can take any project, any song or any game and give it their own twist to make it even more interesting. Emily taught the devotional this evening on the body of Christ and how everyone has their own individual part and role in the body as Philip led the students and team in singing. Another wonderful day.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
by Stephanie Shackelford
This morning Jeremy and Stephanie continued their "Creating Pride" class with the team members as Emily, Lauren and Mary taught the students how to make hemp and bead necklaces. Philip worked with Joel and Angela and several of the students teaching them keyboarding. Today they continued to learn chords and simple praise songs. After a lunch of githeri (beans) and chapati (bread), we had the afternoon free to visit with the students and staff in their businesses. Stephanie spent the day sanding Christmas ornaments while Philip continued to work on keyboarding, Jeremy taught Joel how to keep his business records on an Excel spreadsheet, Emily and Lauren worked with Angela organzing the library (they have acquired a lot of books thanks to all of your donations!), and Mary worked with Jackton and some of the girls in the tailoring shop making dolls. After work we taught the students games encouraging team work - and they definitely taught us a few, too - most of which required rhythm and dancing foreign to us Americans! After a devotion time of singing and sharing, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of spaghetti shared with all the team members.
This morning Jeremy and Stephanie continued their "Creating Pride" class with the team members as Emily, Lauren and Mary taught the students how to make hemp and bead necklaces. Philip worked with Joel and Angela and several of the students teaching them keyboarding. Today they continued to learn chords and simple praise songs. After a lunch of githeri (beans) and chapati (bread), we had the afternoon free to visit with the students and staff in their businesses. Stephanie spent the day sanding Christmas ornaments while Philip continued to work on keyboarding, Jeremy taught Joel how to keep his business records on an Excel spreadsheet, Emily and Lauren worked with Angela organzing the library (they have acquired a lot of books thanks to all of your donations!), and Mary worked with Jackton and some of the girls in the tailoring shop making dolls. After work we taught the students games encouraging team work - and they definitely taught us a few, too - most of which required rhythm and dancing foreign to us Americans! After a devotion time of singing and sharing, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of spaghetti shared with all the team members.
Monday, June 14, 2004
by Philip Henry
I started teaching piano to four of the students and two of the workers here at Made in the Streets. And since I have had less than half a dozen lessons in my life, I found it humorous that I had this opportunity to spread my improper playing techniques to young Kenyan minds. I can't imagine what will happen when Jon Lee gets here next week and has to undo all the damage I've done. Ha ha!
Such a wide range of emotions today. I discovered that it seems I still have the capacity to be amazed. Today we went back to Eastleigh, the second-poorest area of Nairobi and actually walked the streets that I noted are rougher than most of the trails I have ever biked. Years of garbage caked these roads, but it didn't stop masses of people from living on them. It was as if people were dwelling amongst a landfill, such a giant leap from the super-sanitized streets that we know. Every few minutes brought a new odor, each more "interesting" than the last.
And before I harp too much on the poverty of the area, let me emphasize the most striking thing about Eastleigh: the people we met. We visited some "bases," which are nothing more than places in alleys where people live. We visited with some women that some of the team members knew. Most of them had infants; one was six months pregnant. We sang some Swahili songs (actually I just hummed, I haven't mastered Swahili yet...) and these women seemed overwhelmed with joy!
Tonight I was heading to bed when I was distracted by the boys outside. They were all sitting in a semicircle, with three of the oldest boys (ages 17-18) acting out some sort of skit. The other boys were laughing hysterically. Karis, who could pass for Kobe Bryant's younger brother then announced to the boys "Now if you have a talent to show, come now and God will bless you." Some of the boys sang, some did a Christian rap of some sort (I recognized "JC" in the chorus). This little improv concert was like nothing I had ever seen. Boys of different ages loving each other, loving life, and loving their God ALL AT THE SAME TIME! It was like a scene from a cheesy movie that I would have otherwise thought could never happen.
This is an amazing place. God has worked his wonders in this city, and even three days into the trip, I know that this trip is the blessing I have needed for a long time. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. May God use us as His tools this week and do supernatural things in us and through us.
I started teaching piano to four of the students and two of the workers here at Made in the Streets. And since I have had less than half a dozen lessons in my life, I found it humorous that I had this opportunity to spread my improper playing techniques to young Kenyan minds. I can't imagine what will happen when Jon Lee gets here next week and has to undo all the damage I've done. Ha ha!
Such a wide range of emotions today. I discovered that it seems I still have the capacity to be amazed. Today we went back to Eastleigh, the second-poorest area of Nairobi and actually walked the streets that I noted are rougher than most of the trails I have ever biked. Years of garbage caked these roads, but it didn't stop masses of people from living on them. It was as if people were dwelling amongst a landfill, such a giant leap from the super-sanitized streets that we know. Every few minutes brought a new odor, each more "interesting" than the last.
And before I harp too much on the poverty of the area, let me emphasize the most striking thing about Eastleigh: the people we met. We visited some "bases," which are nothing more than places in alleys where people live. We visited with some women that some of the team members knew. Most of them had infants; one was six months pregnant. We sang some Swahili songs (actually I just hummed, I haven't mastered Swahili yet...) and these women seemed overwhelmed with joy!
Tonight I was heading to bed when I was distracted by the boys outside. They were all sitting in a semicircle, with three of the oldest boys (ages 17-18) acting out some sort of skit. The other boys were laughing hysterically. Karis, who could pass for Kobe Bryant's younger brother then announced to the boys "Now if you have a talent to show, come now and God will bless you." Some of the boys sang, some did a Christian rap of some sort (I recognized "JC" in the chorus). This little improv concert was like nothing I had ever seen. Boys of different ages loving each other, loving life, and loving their God ALL AT THE SAME TIME! It was like a scene from a cheesy movie that I would have otherwise thought could never happen.
This is an amazing place. God has worked his wonders in this city, and even three days into the trip, I know that this trip is the blessing I have needed for a long time. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. May God use us as His tools this week and do supernatural things in us and through us.
Sunday, June 13, 2004
by Stephanie Shackelford
Worship services this morning at Kamulu were quite an experience! These students know how to express their love for the Lord! From spontaneous singing to a time where various people can rise to showcase their individual singing talents, all are encouraged to participate in the service. Frances (one of the male staff members at MITS) preached a wonderful sermon about confessing your sins and not covering them up. After worship we toured the farm. Most of the buildings are bagged dirt stacked tall and sealed with cement plaster. After a flat tire on the bus and the van catching on fire, we headed off to worship at the Eastleigh center in Narobi. The "roads" in Eastleigh are ditches with potholes the size of entire cars. Amazing. The children staring through the gates were heartbreaking. Those commercials you see on TV asking for money can't even describe the reality.
Worship services this morning at Kamulu were quite an experience! These students know how to express their love for the Lord! From spontaneous singing to a time where various people can rise to showcase their individual singing talents, all are encouraged to participate in the service. Frances (one of the male staff members at MITS) preached a wonderful sermon about confessing your sins and not covering them up. After worship we toured the farm. Most of the buildings are bagged dirt stacked tall and sealed with cement plaster. After a flat tire on the bus and the van catching on fire, we headed off to worship at the Eastleigh center in Narobi. The "roads" in Eastleigh are ditches with potholes the size of entire cars. Amazing. The children staring through the gates were heartbreaking. Those commercials you see on TV asking for money can't even describe the reality.
Saturday, June 12, 2004
by Stephanie Shackelford
Why do they board airplanes from the front? Walking through first class is simply depressing. On our flight from London to Nairobi we pass over the Sahara desert. According to the map on our TV screens, we are 1661 miles and 3 hours from Nairobi. All I see is sand. The deepst blue sky above us fades into a mix of baby blue and white that melts with the haze of the sand and sun to form a completely indescernable horizon. The only think your eye is drawn to are the ripples and mounds in the sand. No life. No habitation. Not even any pathways. Spots in the sand seem to have a teal blue tone, too light to be water. I wonder if it is some sort of mineral. It it were, I wonder how anyone could ever mine it. Crossing the Nile we enter the African jungle as night sets. The sky is black and there are no lights below. Only 10 minutes before landing did we see any lights. We were greeted at the airport by several Made in the Streets (MITS) staff holding a sign that simply said "CREEK." The drive out to the farm was quite an experience. Though dark, we could faintly see outlines of huts and burned-out cars that line the streets. The smell. It took me a few minutes to notice it and then twenty minutes to get used to it. After a 45 minute drive out to the MITS farm in Kamulu, Kenya, we were excitedly greeted by the Coulstons and many of the girls from the program. Time for bed!
Why do they board airplanes from the front? Walking through first class is simply depressing. On our flight from London to Nairobi we pass over the Sahara desert. According to the map on our TV screens, we are 1661 miles and 3 hours from Nairobi. All I see is sand. The deepst blue sky above us fades into a mix of baby blue and white that melts with the haze of the sand and sun to form a completely indescernable horizon. The only think your eye is drawn to are the ripples and mounds in the sand. No life. No habitation. Not even any pathways. Spots in the sand seem to have a teal blue tone, too light to be water. I wonder if it is some sort of mineral. It it were, I wonder how anyone could ever mine it. Crossing the Nile we enter the African jungle as night sets. The sky is black and there are no lights below. Only 10 minutes before landing did we see any lights. We were greeted at the airport by several Made in the Streets (MITS) staff holding a sign that simply said "CREEK." The drive out to the farm was quite an experience. Though dark, we could faintly see outlines of huts and burned-out cars that line the streets. The smell. It took me a few minutes to notice it and then twenty minutes to get used to it. After a 45 minute drive out to the MITS farm in Kamulu, Kenya, we were excitedly greeted by the Coulstons and many of the girls from the program. Time for bed!
Friday, June 11, 2004
by Stephanie Shackelford
As we meet at the Nashville airport for departure to Kenya, former President Ronald Regan's funeral is beginning. What a world we live in today where we are free to travel to most any place we desire and in less than 19 hours we will be landing in Nairobi. Philip Henry barely made the flight. He was franticly searching for his passport. Panic! Lukily, of course, he finds it at the last minute -- on his kitchen table! :)
As we meet at the Nashville airport for departure to Kenya, former President Ronald Regan's funeral is beginning. What a world we live in today where we are free to travel to most any place we desire and in less than 19 hours we will be landing in Nairobi. Philip Henry barely made the flight. He was franticly searching for his passport. Panic! Lukily, of course, he finds it at the last minute -- on his kitchen table! :)
