A few days ago, I prayed for the Lord to continue pushing me to trust him. To give me a situation where I would have to lean on him. Not that all my days haven’t been days where I can lean on him, but I wanted a time, a situation, where I’d have no other choice but to trust him. And, as always, the Lord heard my cry and answered. I found out a member of my extended family has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it has spread to two different areas of his body. Oh, Lord. I ask for faith, and you gave me the challenge of it. Here I am, in Kenya, with 9 people I’m still getting to know, and on the other side of the world, is the painful idea of someone in my family being sick. But at the same time, this is probably the best place for me. I can struggle with my fellow interns and share with them my fears. There isn’t a better place right now for me to be.
One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 43. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” I think I love it so much because one of the things I struggle most with is knowing whether or not I am accepted by those around me. It’s something that if let loose, can take over my mind and drive me crazy. But look! I am already accepted. Not only that, but I am redeemed and chosen. I can’t do anything more or anything less in God’s eyes. “Fear not”. I don’t need to be worried about being weird, laughing too loud, saying something awkward, or even when I am alone and not with people. “I have redeemed you.” I have full confidence that my sins are forgiven and that nothing can undo that action. I once was blind, but now I see. “I have called you by name.” Jesus knows me, inside and out, and wants me. He sees my heart, knows it’s true nature, and still calls out for me. Like a lover when they see someone they love. They can’t help but desire to be with them. “You are mine.” Again, like a lover. A man who loves a woman wants her all to himself. No sharing, or anything like that. She belongs to him. Jesus loves me even more than a husband loves his wife. I am his beloved, beautiful little lady. I am his and nobody else’s. It’s like the song by Tenth Avenue North, called Beloved. “I am the giver of life, and I’ll clothe you in white.” As I go out into the slum to teach or into the church for worship, this is what I’ll start remembering. I am called, needed, redeemed, and beloved.
This Saturday we’re putting together a VBS day with the church and the community! We were told that close to 300 kids could possibly attend so to be ready for anything :) Here’s what’s going to happen: We’ll begin the morning with Mark sharing the Gospel story, and Courtney sharing our memory verse, “I am the way, the truth, and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me.” After that, we’ll divide into 4 groups, and start rotations. One group is music, led by Rachel and Jacob. Another is crafts led by Lauren and Rebecca. Another is games, led by Corey, Travis, and Justin. The last group is another story, led by Mark and I. Courtney will be in charge of the babies. We’ll have snacks and makes sure the kids are having fun. Of course, it will be crazy, chaotic, and exciting.
Today marks our third week. We’ve been told that after the third week, we will drop like flies. Now, that’s not to scare anyone reading this, but what I think he means is after the third week, people begin to realize that this schedule we’re living will be lived the rest of the summer. And for some people, that can cause the conflict stage to happen. I’ve been praying a bold prayer that my team would just skip the conflict stage. I mean, how ideal would that be? We would all be in the honeymoon stage for 8 solid weeks. CHECK PLEASE. But, the devil is cunning, and hates what we’re doing so he’s going to put up a good fight against us. He’ll use his crafty ways to lure us into small jealousy traps and cause us to doubt the power of the Lord. For those who have been following me, please pray that no matter what happens, our team will put all our trust and hope in the Lord. Pray that no matter what, we’ll believe that our God is more powerful than any earthly force. We’re here, 9 strangers for a summer and conflict is more than likely to happen. I just hope we can skip right through it, and leave it in the dust.
I’ll leave yall with a verse that has helped me get through the past few days:
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great or too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.” - Psalm 131
Virginia
Friday, June 17, 2011
Fun Non-spiritual facts :)
Dear Friends and Family,
This blog is going to be my time of sharing different, non-spiritual things that I’ve learned so far in Kenya.
Sometimes when I’m trying to fall asleep at night, I hear this roar of a sound. I sit up straight from my bed, trying to figure out what could cause such a sound at this time in the night. And it dawns on me. A plane. Our home here is right behind the Nairobi airport. So, whether it be day, night, afternoon, morning, or evening, there is always a plane taking off or landing right behind us. Sometimes the sound is so loud, I can feel the room shake. It’s just something funny that we have learned to deal with here.
In America, when someone says “ I’ll pick you up at 10” that usually means they’ll be there around 10. In Kenya, this is different. They might get there at 10, or 11 or even 12. And when they get there, they have to break for tea. Americans move so quickly. We have to get every single thing done in 1 day without even taking a break. I have learned that time is always flexible when you’re with friends here. Sure, make a schedule and plan out a day but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. Shrug your shoulders, have a laugh, and have some chi.
Fridays have become our “Fun American Food Friday!” day. Basically, the women living with us don’t cook for the day and we make “American food”. And we were so excited about that because we could eat food that we knew we loved. The problem arises when we realize that we are all college kids, which means our “American Food” that we know how to make is instant mac and ramen noodles. It also means that we have to figure out what exactly is American Food. Last night, we planed on having Taco Night, however, the grocery store didn’t sell tacos, tortillas, or pinto beans. So we settled for hamburgers. Typical American food.
Kenya has bugs. And I don’t mean normal ants that you just avoid when walking on the grass. I mean, HUGE, GIANT, SCARY-LOOKING BUGS. Here’s just one of many stories of my encounters with them:
I don’t make my bed in the mornings. Judge me, but it’s true. I just don’t have the motivation in the mornings to do it. So, one night me, Rachel and Rebecca were sitting in our room, and I was sorting through the receipts I had. Suddenly, Rachel starts freaking out, and I look to where she’s looking, and out of my bed sheets comes this HUGE, HALF-DOLLAR size spider. Oh, I lost it. I screamed and ran across the room, my heart racing and my hand shaking. I’ve never seen a spider so big and scary in my entire life. Needless to say, it died a terrible death.
I’ve learned that laughter is truely the best way to de-stress after a long day, that ice cream is universally the best dessert in the world, and that kitkat bars are better in Kenya than in the U.S. That’s all I have learned so far. :) It’s been an exciting 2 weeks so far. Take care everyone! Love yall!
Virginia
This blog is going to be my time of sharing different, non-spiritual things that I’ve learned so far in Kenya.
Sometimes when I’m trying to fall asleep at night, I hear this roar of a sound. I sit up straight from my bed, trying to figure out what could cause such a sound at this time in the night. And it dawns on me. A plane. Our home here is right behind the Nairobi airport. So, whether it be day, night, afternoon, morning, or evening, there is always a plane taking off or landing right behind us. Sometimes the sound is so loud, I can feel the room shake. It’s just something funny that we have learned to deal with here.
In America, when someone says “ I’ll pick you up at 10” that usually means they’ll be there around 10. In Kenya, this is different. They might get there at 10, or 11 or even 12. And when they get there, they have to break for tea. Americans move so quickly. We have to get every single thing done in 1 day without even taking a break. I have learned that time is always flexible when you’re with friends here. Sure, make a schedule and plan out a day but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. Shrug your shoulders, have a laugh, and have some chi.
Fridays have become our “Fun American Food Friday!” day. Basically, the women living with us don’t cook for the day and we make “American food”. And we were so excited about that because we could eat food that we knew we loved. The problem arises when we realize that we are all college kids, which means our “American Food” that we know how to make is instant mac and ramen noodles. It also means that we have to figure out what exactly is American Food. Last night, we planed on having Taco Night, however, the grocery store didn’t sell tacos, tortillas, or pinto beans. So we settled for hamburgers. Typical American food.
Kenya has bugs. And I don’t mean normal ants that you just avoid when walking on the grass. I mean, HUGE, GIANT, SCARY-LOOKING BUGS. Here’s just one of many stories of my encounters with them:
I don’t make my bed in the mornings. Judge me, but it’s true. I just don’t have the motivation in the mornings to do it. So, one night me, Rachel and Rebecca were sitting in our room, and I was sorting through the receipts I had. Suddenly, Rachel starts freaking out, and I look to where she’s looking, and out of my bed sheets comes this HUGE, HALF-DOLLAR size spider. Oh, I lost it. I screamed and ran across the room, my heart racing and my hand shaking. I’ve never seen a spider so big and scary in my entire life. Needless to say, it died a terrible death.
I’ve learned that laughter is truely the best way to de-stress after a long day, that ice cream is universally the best dessert in the world, and that kitkat bars are better in Kenya than in the U.S. That’s all I have learned so far. :) It’s been an exciting 2 weeks so far. Take care everyone! Love yall!
Virginia
Friday, June 10, 2011
In Christ Alone
Hello all!
It’s been two weeks since we left home for MTWs pre-retreat in North Carolina. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been here this long. It also seems crazy to think that we only have seven Sundays left before it’s time to go home. Weird!! None of us are trying to think of it that way at all. We have all fallen in love with this country, and with our brothers and sisters in the church.
Since Friday, we’ve all stayed pretty busy but the good thing about our schedule is there are days when we can rest in between days that are super busy or stressful. Saturday was one of those restful days. Pastor Imbumi didn’t pick us up until 3p.m. to go to the girls home. I was able to finish a book, start another one and wash some towels. Once we arrived at the girls home, we played games and helped with homework and sang and prayed for church in the morning. I really enjoy preparing for church this way. I feel like I can prepare myself for not only the journey into the slum, but prepare my heart for the people and children I will encounter during the service.
Sunday was wonderful because of all the prayer. It was slightly more difficult to get into the slum but I made it and as always, breathed a sigh of relief once in the church. The church is such a symbol of peace and security. I feel safe in it, despite being in the center of a massive slum. I was surrounded by children from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. On my left, on my right, in my arms, in my lap, falling asleep in my arms. My motherly instincts came out and I can’t even begin to describe how wonderful it felt to have a sleeping child trust you and fall sleep in your ams. After church we picked up some ice cream (because after one visit, you are no longer a visiter which means you bring food to places) and headed to the girls home for one of the best lunches I have ever had. Fanta orange soda, a bean,carrot, and onion soup and a bread called chapati. It looks like a flour tortilla but it’s so much better. Sunday night, us interns watched The Office and laughed and laughed. We are such a good team together. I love laughing and I’ve found that laughter is such a great way to relax after a long day of working.
Monday is our day to stay on the land. The girls washed a ton of clothes and bed sheets. My back and arms are going to be so strong after a summer of washing clothes. The way Kenyans wash clothes is one of the most difficult and intense ways ever. They start by taking two buckets, filling one with clean water and the other with soapy-detergent water. Next they put the clothes in the soapy water and scrub them till the water isn’t clean water anymore. Then they rinse the soapy water out of the clothes (which takes a lot of effort because water makes everything so heavy) and drop them in the clean water. You do more scrubbing and then rinse the water out of it. And then you repeat everything a second time. So, no matter how much clothes or sheets or towels you have, it takes forever to wash stuff. But I now know how to do it, and maybe I can apply it to my college life, save some money here or there. :)
Normally on Tuesdays we’re in the slum teaching or serving those who are sick. But this week, Pastor Imbumi had a conference and couldn’t pick us up. So instead it’s a second day of staying here on the land. Other than the guys work, the girls didn’t really have all that much to do. And something I’ve been struggling to understand is the way Kenyan women work verses the way American women work. American women are used to things being equal. American women can do the same kind of jobs men can do. And we’re used to having men learn how to do typical women jobs like cooking and cleaning. But in Kenya, things are different. Women do the household chores like laundry, and cleaning the dishes and cooking the food. In fact, when our guys started doing the dishes, one of the Kenyan women living with us laughed and laughed at that sight. She couldn’t believe that American men would be doing the dishes. All that to say, the guys are physically building the building that will house all the rescued women. And we’re stuck doing laundry. We’ve been feeling kinda worthless. But the Lord showed me last night that by doing cleaning the sheets, I’m serving my team and I’m serving the Lord. By making lunch for the hungry, and tired boys, I’m serving them, and I’m serving the Lord. Another thing that I’ve been struggling with is the comparison game. It’s a sin I’ve struggled with my whole life. And one of the girls, Rachel, gave me a verse that has been really helpful: “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be himself alone, and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” Everyone has their own problems to work through. And everyone has something about them that is special and unique. Why should I try to be someone else with someone else’s problems? I have enough of my own. My creator made me this way and there isn’t a point to wishing for other qualities.
I’m going to end tonight’s blog with some prayer/praise requests:
Continue to pray for Pastor Imbumi and his wife Martha. They work really hard for us and don’t tell us a lot of things that they go through everyday.
Praise God for the situation with the little boy. He is now in the protection of Pastor Imbumi and is finally safe. He is a sweet child and we can’t wait to spend more time with him in the coming weeks.
And, pray for our team. We’re getting into the end of our third week and things are wonderful right now. We all love each other and enjoy spending time together. But what worries me is the 3rd week. Pray that we’ll continue to love each other and trust the Lord in all that happens.
In Christ Alone,
Virginia
It’s been two weeks since we left home for MTWs pre-retreat in North Carolina. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been here this long. It also seems crazy to think that we only have seven Sundays left before it’s time to go home. Weird!! None of us are trying to think of it that way at all. We have all fallen in love with this country, and with our brothers and sisters in the church.
Since Friday, we’ve all stayed pretty busy but the good thing about our schedule is there are days when we can rest in between days that are super busy or stressful. Saturday was one of those restful days. Pastor Imbumi didn’t pick us up until 3p.m. to go to the girls home. I was able to finish a book, start another one and wash some towels. Once we arrived at the girls home, we played games and helped with homework and sang and prayed for church in the morning. I really enjoy preparing for church this way. I feel like I can prepare myself for not only the journey into the slum, but prepare my heart for the people and children I will encounter during the service.
Sunday was wonderful because of all the prayer. It was slightly more difficult to get into the slum but I made it and as always, breathed a sigh of relief once in the church. The church is such a symbol of peace and security. I feel safe in it, despite being in the center of a massive slum. I was surrounded by children from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. On my left, on my right, in my arms, in my lap, falling asleep in my arms. My motherly instincts came out and I can’t even begin to describe how wonderful it felt to have a sleeping child trust you and fall sleep in your ams. After church we picked up some ice cream (because after one visit, you are no longer a visiter which means you bring food to places) and headed to the girls home for one of the best lunches I have ever had. Fanta orange soda, a bean,carrot, and onion soup and a bread called chapati. It looks like a flour tortilla but it’s so much better. Sunday night, us interns watched The Office and laughed and laughed. We are such a good team together. I love laughing and I’ve found that laughter is such a great way to relax after a long day of working.
Monday is our day to stay on the land. The girls washed a ton of clothes and bed sheets. My back and arms are going to be so strong after a summer of washing clothes. The way Kenyans wash clothes is one of the most difficult and intense ways ever. They start by taking two buckets, filling one with clean water and the other with soapy-detergent water. Next they put the clothes in the soapy water and scrub them till the water isn’t clean water anymore. Then they rinse the soapy water out of the clothes (which takes a lot of effort because water makes everything so heavy) and drop them in the clean water. You do more scrubbing and then rinse the water out of it. And then you repeat everything a second time. So, no matter how much clothes or sheets or towels you have, it takes forever to wash stuff. But I now know how to do it, and maybe I can apply it to my college life, save some money here or there. :)
Normally on Tuesdays we’re in the slum teaching or serving those who are sick. But this week, Pastor Imbumi had a conference and couldn’t pick us up. So instead it’s a second day of staying here on the land. Other than the guys work, the girls didn’t really have all that much to do. And something I’ve been struggling to understand is the way Kenyan women work verses the way American women work. American women are used to things being equal. American women can do the same kind of jobs men can do. And we’re used to having men learn how to do typical women jobs like cooking and cleaning. But in Kenya, things are different. Women do the household chores like laundry, and cleaning the dishes and cooking the food. In fact, when our guys started doing the dishes, one of the Kenyan women living with us laughed and laughed at that sight. She couldn’t believe that American men would be doing the dishes. All that to say, the guys are physically building the building that will house all the rescued women. And we’re stuck doing laundry. We’ve been feeling kinda worthless. But the Lord showed me last night that by doing cleaning the sheets, I’m serving my team and I’m serving the Lord. By making lunch for the hungry, and tired boys, I’m serving them, and I’m serving the Lord. Another thing that I’ve been struggling with is the comparison game. It’s a sin I’ve struggled with my whole life. And one of the girls, Rachel, gave me a verse that has been really helpful: “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be himself alone, and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” Everyone has their own problems to work through. And everyone has something about them that is special and unique. Why should I try to be someone else with someone else’s problems? I have enough of my own. My creator made me this way and there isn’t a point to wishing for other qualities.
I’m going to end tonight’s blog with some prayer/praise requests:
Continue to pray for Pastor Imbumi and his wife Martha. They work really hard for us and don’t tell us a lot of things that they go through everyday.
Praise God for the situation with the little boy. He is now in the protection of Pastor Imbumi and is finally safe. He is a sweet child and we can’t wait to spend more time with him in the coming weeks.
And, pray for our team. We’re getting into the end of our third week and things are wonderful right now. We all love each other and enjoy spending time together. But what worries me is the 3rd week. Pray that we’ll continue to love each other and trust the Lord in all that happens.
In Christ Alone,
Virginia
Friday, June 3, 2011
June 2, 2011
What a week it has been!
Monday we worked on the land and gardened. The girls also learned how to wash clothes, clean the bathrooms, clean our rooms as well as the common rooms and kitchen, and continuing to learn how to cook Kenyan food. The boys started working on construction for the home for rescued girls. We watched as Jacob fell into a giant hole, and how Lauren uses a shovel. We were throughly exhausted by the end of the day.
Tuesday we went into the slum and were assigned the two different jobs we’ll work on for the rest of the summer. Some of us will be teaching children and others will be serving the adults with AIDS. As we were touring each of the classrooms, I knew that’s what I wanted to do but I didn’t know if I would be able to. Turns out, one of the grades wanted me to teach them so I get to teach little first graders with a wonderful assistant teacher! I walked into the classroom and just prayed that I could teach this little group and the Lord heard me. Next week will be my trial week but soon, I’ll be teaching them on my own, without the main teacher. My first day begins this coming Tuesday! Tuesday was also the day we got to go to the Java House and update online.
Wednesday was the Kenyan National Independence Day so we slept in! It was amazing what a few extra hours will do for one’s body and mental health. Instead of going into the slum though, we went to the girl’s home where we tutored them and played with them. I think they’re really starting to open up with us because according to our Pastor’s wife, “after day 1, we’re family” . :)
Thursday we traveled to a slightly nicer slum and the sister-church to ours. We worked with the school and the kids that go there, and we got to walk through the slum. It really was probably the most beautiful slum I’ve ever seen. Full of flowers and beauty, wild-life and corn and waterfalls and cliffs. It was gorgeous.
Today! Today is Friday which means I’m currently on my free day. Today we’re going to this huge market/store that holds everything anyone could ever want or desire. Food, wifi, clothes, stuff...also, any American thing you could want is there too. We’ll also be cooking only American food for ourselves since it’s Fun-Friday!
Since I last posted, I mentioned that I wanted to trust God more than I do. I want to be able run to Him before I run to anyone else. I’ve also been praying that the Lord would break my heart for what breaks his. And on Thursday, that happened. I won’t go into details since this is a personal story for a child and it’s online, but basically, the whole team is struggling with this current situation. A child, around the age of 8, tried to walk from the slum to where we are living because of how terrible his current home situation is. However, because we are not his legal guardians, he couldn’t stay with us overnight. We all know and believe that the Lord is good and his will is perfect. But when bad, and terrible things happen to either us or those around us, it’s really difficult to believe it. I think that God is showing me how to trust him. What was the first thing I did when I realized the child couldn’t stay with us, besides cry? I worried. What’s going to happen to him? What can I do to help? Where shall this child go? I worry so much about so many things that I can’t control. I doubt that God can work tough situations out if I can’t either. However, what is getting me through this tonight is knowing that God is still all powerful and all wise and all knowing. In the book of Job, how many times did the Lord allow terrible things to happen to him? So many terrible things! And yet, He was still there, and just as powerful and strong enough to tell the devil when that was enough. While none of us are happy with this situation, we all are remembering the Lord is strong and mighty.
Also, one of the most rewarding things I’ve been able to experience is working with the girls in their home. Most of these girls have been rescued out of seriously terrible situations and have been placed in the most loving home I can see. They have learned how to cook, clean, wash their clothes, and other home responsibilities. They also have been able to challenge themselves academically and learn more things than I ever learned in school. Most of them have really high expectations for themselves after school, like musicians, lawyers, or nurses. It took a few some time to open up to us, and that’s ok. But now, we’re family, and they giggle and laugh when we try to speak Swahili. They make fun of us and trick us into saying funny things. They all have so much spunk, and life that just being around them brings a smile to my face. I wish you all could meet these girls, because you would be able to see exactly what I’m trying to say. Their love for the Lord is clear, and they’re not ashamed of him. He rescued them from pain and constant fear. I hope someday to have the same kind of faith like they do. Faith like a child.
I hope everyone is doing well! Summer and the hot season has begun, I’m assuming in the States, so everyone be careful and stay hydrated :) Right now, it feels like it’s 68, and winter. Ironically, it is winter here and it cracks me up to hear the Kenyan children complaining about the weather. I love and miss everyone and I’ll post another blog just as soon as I can!
In Christ alone,
Virginia
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
First Post in Kenya!!
Hello friends! Sorry it has been so long since I was able to blog. Once we landed in Nairobi, Kenya, and arrived at our little home, I haven’t been able to connect to the internet. I have to go to what is called The Java House, which is like the “starbucks”of Kenya. I have a lot to say, and I know there are plenty of people who need to know specific details of my trip so I’ll start with our weekly routine.
Mondays: On Mondays, we will stay on the property all day and do hard-core landscaping work on it. The men will be responsible for the bulk of the tough stuff: building a foundation for a future rescued women’s home, planting trees, and other really intense stuff. The women will be planting various gardens and flower beds, painting and helping with anything else really. We’ll start working at 9am and end working around 4pm, with a lunch break in between. Also, the guys will do a lunch break Bible study with other Kenyan workers who may not believe in the Lord. And that’s Monday!
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: On both of these days, we will be spend our day in the Kibera slum where half of the team will work and serve AIDS victims, and the other half of the team will teach students with materials given to us by the actual teacher. Basically be a substitute teacher for a day. We’ll be spending the entire day here as well.
Thursdays: On this day, we’ll spend half the day with a sister-church, serving them in what they need, and the other half of the day working with the rescued women at their home.
Fridays: Friday is our Free day! Which means, more than likely, I’ll be updating my blog, facebook, and answering emails on a Friday. It also means we clean, prepare a cooking/cleaning schedule for the week, and wash clothes. Or do something really awesome like go on a Safari!
Saturdays: Saturdays will be spent with the rescued women at their home. We’ll be simply encouraging them through sports or homework or anything really. Just having a fun day with them.
Sundays: Church in the slum, known as the Kiberan Reformed Presbyterian Church.
What God has been teaching me since arriving has been that fact that I don’t rely on Him. We have a really really great team, and we’re all really different and unique but the Lord has been showing my that my heart goes to other people before it goes to Him. I want the team to approve of me and love me before I even think of God. Now, I know I don’t need God’s approval but at the same time, I should want to go to Him first.
Today is Sunday, (May 29) and it was our first day in the slum, and walking through it was shocking. I knew what I was getting myself into because I’ve been to Kenya before. I knew I’d see trash and smell junk and have to watch my head and feet from falling into mush. And yet, the first thought that came into my head was how nothing had changed since I last was there. Everything still looked the same. Children without shoes or really old dirty clothes. Pigs or goats or dogs wandering throughout the sewage. The closeness of homes. The stares of people as I wander through their village. Judging me. But as soon as I entered that church, peace and safety overwhelmed me. I knew I was safe because the people there had hope. And everything they did pointed to Christ. From the way they prayed (which was out loud all at the same time), to the way they sang (which was with power and emotion), to the way Pastor Imbumi preached ( which was with compassion and urgency) every one was screaming out to their Father. This is a beautiful sight to see. These people have nothing, nothing to desire or to place root in. The only thing they have is Jesus. He is the only thing they can root themselves in. I think that some, not all, but some American Christians root themselves in so many other things, as well as Jesus, that He becomes least important to them. When one has so many roots, it’s hard to find the core. The Kenyans at this church know who their Savior is, and it is the most encouraging thing to watch.
Well, this is as much as I can say now. It’s late, and I’m still getting used to this new time. Tomorrow is Monday and we’ll begin working here on the land. The Lord is working here and it’s clear to me that there is change in the air. What I’m going to try to do is blog every other night or so on my computer and then Friday, just copy and paste them all onto my actual blog. What yall can be praying for is the church, the pastor, the rescued women and my heart.
Church: It’s in the heart of the slum and endures it through. It need prayer, and support.
Pastor Imbumi: He has such a compassionate and full heart for these street children. And yet, the fruits of his labor are slow and hard to tell. Pray for him and his wonderful family that they won’t be discouraged by small numbers or slow believers.
The rescued women: These women all have a powerful story and a voice to say it. But being bought out of sexual slavery is a powerful silent charm. Pray that they will find their voice and become strong healthy women.
My heart: This is a tough trip for me because all I want to do is fix everything and help everyone. And some problems just can’t be fixed. Pray that I will rely on the Lord for everything, and continue to trust His goodness and mercy for this slum.
In Christ alone,
Virginia
Mondays: On Mondays, we will stay on the property all day and do hard-core landscaping work on it. The men will be responsible for the bulk of the tough stuff: building a foundation for a future rescued women’s home, planting trees, and other really intense stuff. The women will be planting various gardens and flower beds, painting and helping with anything else really. We’ll start working at 9am and end working around 4pm, with a lunch break in between. Also, the guys will do a lunch break Bible study with other Kenyan workers who may not believe in the Lord. And that’s Monday!
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: On both of these days, we will be spend our day in the Kibera slum where half of the team will work and serve AIDS victims, and the other half of the team will teach students with materials given to us by the actual teacher. Basically be a substitute teacher for a day. We’ll be spending the entire day here as well.
Thursdays: On this day, we’ll spend half the day with a sister-church, serving them in what they need, and the other half of the day working with the rescued women at their home.
Fridays: Friday is our Free day! Which means, more than likely, I’ll be updating my blog, facebook, and answering emails on a Friday. It also means we clean, prepare a cooking/cleaning schedule for the week, and wash clothes. Or do something really awesome like go on a Safari!
Saturdays: Saturdays will be spent with the rescued women at their home. We’ll be simply encouraging them through sports or homework or anything really. Just having a fun day with them.
Sundays: Church in the slum, known as the Kiberan Reformed Presbyterian Church.
What God has been teaching me since arriving has been that fact that I don’t rely on Him. We have a really really great team, and we’re all really different and unique but the Lord has been showing my that my heart goes to other people before it goes to Him. I want the team to approve of me and love me before I even think of God. Now, I know I don’t need God’s approval but at the same time, I should want to go to Him first.
Today is Sunday, (May 29) and it was our first day in the slum, and walking through it was shocking. I knew what I was getting myself into because I’ve been to Kenya before. I knew I’d see trash and smell junk and have to watch my head and feet from falling into mush. And yet, the first thought that came into my head was how nothing had changed since I last was there. Everything still looked the same. Children without shoes or really old dirty clothes. Pigs or goats or dogs wandering throughout the sewage. The closeness of homes. The stares of people as I wander through their village. Judging me. But as soon as I entered that church, peace and safety overwhelmed me. I knew I was safe because the people there had hope. And everything they did pointed to Christ. From the way they prayed (which was out loud all at the same time), to the way they sang (which was with power and emotion), to the way Pastor Imbumi preached ( which was with compassion and urgency) every one was screaming out to their Father. This is a beautiful sight to see. These people have nothing, nothing to desire or to place root in. The only thing they have is Jesus. He is the only thing they can root themselves in. I think that some, not all, but some American Christians root themselves in so many other things, as well as Jesus, that He becomes least important to them. When one has so many roots, it’s hard to find the core. The Kenyans at this church know who their Savior is, and it is the most encouraging thing to watch.
Well, this is as much as I can say now. It’s late, and I’m still getting used to this new time. Tomorrow is Monday and we’ll begin working here on the land. The Lord is working here and it’s clear to me that there is change in the air. What I’m going to try to do is blog every other night or so on my computer and then Friday, just copy and paste them all onto my actual blog. What yall can be praying for is the church, the pastor, the rescued women and my heart.
Church: It’s in the heart of the slum and endures it through. It need prayer, and support.
Pastor Imbumi: He has such a compassionate and full heart for these street children. And yet, the fruits of his labor are slow and hard to tell. Pray for him and his wonderful family that they won’t be discouraged by small numbers or slow believers.
The rescued women: These women all have a powerful story and a voice to say it. But being bought out of sexual slavery is a powerful silent charm. Pray that they will find their voice and become strong healthy women.
My heart: This is a tough trip for me because all I want to do is fix everything and help everyone. And some problems just can’t be fixed. Pray that I will rely on the Lord for everything, and continue to trust His goodness and mercy for this slum.
In Christ alone,
Virginia
Sunday, May 22, 2011
It's Game Time baby!
I'm sitting here, trying to write how I'm feeling the night before I leave. My nerves are getting shaky, and my stomach is getting all butterfly-y. Packing is coming together, and tonight I'll go pick up our friend Travis, from Nebraska.
I can't believe this is all happening. It seems like yesterday during Christmas break that I was officially accepted and started writing my support letters. Just as quickly as Christmas ended, spring break came and the three of us ELCC interns began our super crazy mess of a yard sale. And then May came, and here I am today. The Lord has done wonders just to get me here. There are so many people I want to say thank you too. It was through the generous support of wonderful friends and family that I am able to go.
Now, I'm ready to see how the Lord will be done. What a wonderful trip this will be. :)
Prayer Requests as I leave tomorrow: Pray that I will be totally dependent on the Lord; that I won't ever think that I can do anything on my own.
Pray that I will remember that I am not here to change the culture, but to show the culture Jesus as best I can.
Pray that I will remember that I can only do so much, and to remember that my small, and very sinful efforts can be used.
Lastly, pray that I will grow and bond with my team, and that we will be that. A Team.
What a summer. For those who are supporting me, keep following this blog. I'll update it as best I can while I'm there. Facebook and email will also be other options of communication. Folks, this is it. I'm a day from the trip of my life. I can't wait to get there, and I can't wait to see the Lord work.
Monday, May 16, 2011
1 week!
We're at a week people!! Just one little week till I leave for the trip of my life. Also, another important thing happens in a week: I turn 21! Unfortunately, I won't really be able to celebrate until after I come back. But that's ok. My birthday has always fallen on weird days. Last week of school, last day of school, the coolest was graduating on my birthday. Talk about twisted. In the rush and craziness of high school graduation, I almost forgot that that day I turned 19. So, next monday will be no different. I'll celebrate with those people with me. :) Everything is flexible in my life.
On the topic of Kenya, for those following this blog who are supporting me we have news of where we are staying officially. See, 4 years ago, I went to Kenya and stayed in this sweet little convent that was run by nuns and a priest. It was gorgeous. Here is a picture of the section where I stayed. If I ever woke up earlier than I needed to, you could hear the nuns singing early in the morning. It was the most beautiful sound to wake up to.
Now, this is where I assumed I would be living this summer. And I was so confident in this that I was not doubting anything or anywhere else. And of course, this is not where I will be staying for the summer. There is a new head nun, and she is changing the rules. So, this summer, me and the 8 other interns will be staying in cabins on a piece of land where we will be building a home for rescued women. It was consist of cabins, sorta, and one will be for the men and the other for the women. There will be a small kitchen, small bathroom, and a common area. In the first couple of weeks, Kenyan women will help teach us how to wash our clothes, and cook food for ourselves. Whew. This is completely and totally not what I was expecting. But that's ok. Because at the end of this trip, I'll know how to cook!
So that's what I know right now. Packing is slow, but coming together. I have all the little american snack that I can take and I probably need one more trip to walmart or target to get the rest of my things like bug-spray, sunscreen and socks. But we only ave 7 days left!!! The summer of my life is about to start!! Lord help me get there! :)
On the topic of Kenya, for those following this blog who are supporting me we have news of where we are staying officially. See, 4 years ago, I went to Kenya and stayed in this sweet little convent that was run by nuns and a priest. It was gorgeous. Here is a picture of the section where I stayed. If I ever woke up earlier than I needed to, you could hear the nuns singing early in the morning. It was the most beautiful sound to wake up to.
Now, this is where I assumed I would be living this summer. And I was so confident in this that I was not doubting anything or anywhere else. And of course, this is not where I will be staying for the summer. There is a new head nun, and she is changing the rules. So, this summer, me and the 8 other interns will be staying in cabins on a piece of land where we will be building a home for rescued women. It was consist of cabins, sorta, and one will be for the men and the other for the women. There will be a small kitchen, small bathroom, and a common area. In the first couple of weeks, Kenyan women will help teach us how to wash our clothes, and cook food for ourselves. Whew. This is completely and totally not what I was expecting. But that's ok. Because at the end of this trip, I'll know how to cook!
So that's what I know right now. Packing is slow, but coming together. I have all the little american snack that I can take and I probably need one more trip to walmart or target to get the rest of my things like bug-spray, sunscreen and socks. But we only ave 7 days left!!! The summer of my life is about to start!! Lord help me get there! :)
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