Days Have Passed

The days have passed and again I am on my normal schedule of my normal life.  I am not saying that my life is bad or that it is bad to be back home with family and friends.  I am just finding it difficult to find purpose in the things I used to do after seeing what I saw in Kenya.  And I will admit to a certain amount of guilt in having the life I have compared to some of the lives I saw in Kenya, both in Nairobi and in Meru.

I know that there is a plan for me here in Nebraska.  But I can’t help but wonder how what I saw has changed that plan.  Or am I finally just listening to what the plan was all along?

Tony

So we say farewell

We are headed to the airport to get ready for our 29 hour flight home. As much as I look forward to being home, I am sadden to leave Kenya. This land and its people have truly touched my heart.

Tomorrow I shall be ready to share all that this place has taught me. To share the joy that is abundant in this country. But for today I am sad to go.

Not only have I met some people here that shall always be in my heart, especially the children, but those that I joined on this journey shall always be special friends to me. We have shared so much in our 17 days.

So to all the members of this mission team I say thank you. I shall never be able to repay you for what you have shared with me. We shall always have this unique experience in our hearts. Thank you.

Tony
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Three Days of Safari

Today is the end of our third day of safari. The first day was spent at the Lake Nakuru National Park. We saw so many animals that are always considered to be a big part of a safari. We saw elephants, lions, hippos, white rhinos, black rhinos, flamingos, and so many others. The roads are the worst part of the entire trip. You bounce all over. And I mean bounce. And that's even while standing up to look out the top of the van. So you end the day so sore.

The second and third day have been spent at the Masai Mara Game Preserve. We actually stay in a cabin with fabric sides like a tent. The front part is a tent, but the back is an actual building to house the bathroom. It is definitely roughing it!

As we drove to the resort we went to a fresh water lake that had several hippos in the lake. We were in boats right on the water next to them. At one point, one hippo popped up out of the water right in the middle of the boats. Every boat scattered as all the guides felt they were too close for safety.

Yesterday we drove to the resort through the park and saw elephants and also giraffes everywhere. But the ride was the roughest yet, to the point that several people had bruises from the bouncing. But then we went back out in the evening to see if the predators were out hunting. We didn't see any hunting, but we did find three younger male lions that were just relaxing. Though when a driver did get out of his van about 1/2 a mile away, all three lions sat up to watch him. Very intensely.

Today we woke to the sound animals talking to each other. As we walked to the lodge for breakfast, dik diks were walking around the compound. This is an amazing place that everyone should visit. However, I do feel a bit of guilt for being able to afford to come here when most Kenyans can't afford to visit what is in their own country. There is such beauty in the land, the animals and the people. And most Kenyans never get to realize it.

Well, tomorrow we head back to Nairobi. Then Friday night we fly back to the United States. I miss everyone back home, but this has definitely been the adventure of a lifetime.

Tony

Three Days at Kirogine Methodist Church

Out in the countryside of Meru, there's not enough reliable signal to post, so now I'm posting for Friday, Saturday and today. Hopefully everyone is still reading the blog.

Friday we worked on digging out the foundation to add a modern kitchen to the church. Currently they cook outside on a fire for any meals at the church. We used a modified pitchfork to break up the dirt and then hauled it away in wheelbarrows.

The church chairman said we did two days worth of work in 5 hours. The young men that were doing the job seemed appreciative. Several of us commented on how quick it could have been done with some machinery, but everything was done by hand.

That night we went to homes of Kirogine members. Don and I went to Ashford and Rose's home. Ashford is retired, but now helps with community development for his village. Rose is a primary school teacher just down the road. Their youngest son still lives with them (Roy).

Rose fed us so much through our 2.5 days with her and her family. We had rice, stew, sweet potatoes, tea, and what seems like large hush puppies. But there was ALWAYS fruit! And they family grows all they need to eat. They have cabbage, corn, pumpkin, sugar cane, peas, sweet potatoes, yams, and arrow root. They also have 2 goats and 4 cows.

The next day we held a Vacation Bible School for the youth of the church. We had about 150 children show up for the school. Before we could do our part, the students did a full presentation for us. The Boys Brigade came out and did a marching routine for us. It was very impressive how much they knew of the military turns and marching. Then some of the children recited memory verses for us. Some were a little shy, but others stood right up and announced their verse.

After that, we had some singing of English Christian songs by groups, duos, and soloist. All were beautifully done. One young girl had an exceptional voice that was just so beautiful. But then music is a bigger part of their church life than we we have in the church I am from. After the singing, we had a full dance and singing routine from a girls group. There was a couple of boys in the group, but the leader told us that the dancing was mainly for the girls. It was a really awe inspiring performance.

After the girls were finished, we finally got the chance to do the Bible School. We split the kids into five groups and they rotated through the groups. The theme was how we are fishers of men for Jesus. There were two story times, a craft time, singing, and then Don and I were in charge of recreation (which basically was volleyball with a soccer ball). The kids were all so well behaved and seemed to enjoy the day. At the end we used a skein of yarn to tie the kids together in a random order to create a "net." We then told them how we were all tied together now and would be forever. Then we cut the yarn to create bracelets for each kid. The next day in church, most of the kids still had on their bracelets.

Sunday was church. . . .I really don't have the words to explain what it was like. We arrived at 9:30 and church was still going when we left at 2 pm. There was so much singing and praising God. They also run through the community announcements because this building is the community center. During the service a man was busy handing out mail to every as there is no post office for the village, so mail is delivered to the church.

I got to give the sermon. I was nervous as can be before I stood up to give it. A local teacher named Eric was an interpreter for me. So I was told I needed to take forty minutes. But with the translation, that meant only twenty for me. I don't think I did that long even. I had written down twice what I would say and then ended up not using any of it. I simply stood up there and spoke my heart. And now I don't remember a thing that I said, but Pastor Charles hugged me afterward and told me it was perfect.

We also gave a small gift to the church to help them with their projects. After the presentation, every person it seemed had to come shake our hands, then they sang and praised the Lord for the gift. The week before the church leaders had a meeting to see what they could do because money was getting tight. And then we answered their prayers. It was a sight like I have never seen. I truly can't explain how it felt to see the people of the church so appreciative.

And now we are back in Nairobi and off to a safari. More later.

Tony

A Healthy Healthy Day!

As Tony has made many of the posts seen, he has decided to highlight another voice. Although in America my name is Laurel, I have found that with their accents people can't say it. Therefore my Kenya persona has become "Rose."

Yesterday was the day of our Free Health Clinic in Meru. We had more people come than we ever expected (758 to be almost exact). We had supplies for a thousand but never expected more than 600. It was quite emotional to see some of the people who came.

Some had traveled very far in the worst health conditions imaginable. One had cancer and wanted to see if there was anything we could do for him. Another man walked several miles on crutches because he had previously lost a leg and wanted it checked. Several came in taxis and needed to be carried in. As I was on registration, through a translator I became aware of these conditions and it saddened my heart. Eventually we ran out of complimentary health kits and it was very hard to turn people away. But everyone received their medication, so that was celebrated.

However there was many joys. Our group was able to significantly lighten the emotional load people were carrying not only through medication but also through laughter. Many children were amazed to see a white person and it soon became a game to get close and play with us. Tony and Katrina played many games of tag, making the older and sicker ones laugh. Apparently adults don't run much in Kenya.

We also broke the ground for a permanent free health clinic. There was much joy from everyone in that. Hopefully we can all uphold our promise to come back physically and monetarily to make this dream come true.

Laurel "Rose"

Missed Day - University and Hospital

I apologize for not blogging last night. It was a very long and full day. I hope today's blog will make up for the omission.

Yesterday we first went to Kenya Methodist University. It was founded in 1997 with 11 students and to over 9000 students on 5 campuses today. The main campus is in Meru, near where we are staying. They have several bachelors and masters degree programs, but focus a lot on agriculture, business, and nursing.

We toured the campus after meeting the Bishop that runs the university. He explained that on 6% of students that reach 8th grade go to college. Not 6% of all children, 6% of all the kids that first attend school, second reach 8th grade, third pass the test that allows them to go on to high school, fourth finish high school, and fifth pass the test that allows them to go college.

That is a lot just to go to a university. And that is a lot that don't get the chance at high school or college. Education is very important here, but some still can not afford what is considered free education.

The university itself was beautiful. We walked through the men's dorm and it felt just like an American dorm with music blaring, people yelling, and others watching TV. But there were no vending machines in the building.

The library was FULL of students actually studying. But they only have 60,000 books, which seems like nothing for a library. And the computer lab with Dells was full of students. Which all goes to show how important education is for the people of Kenya.

Once finished with the university we went back to the Bio-Intensive center for lunch. Then it was on to Maua Methodist Hospital. We were met there by a Methodist missionary from Texas. Bill walked us around the compound and explained all that went on in the hospital. While it was interesting to see how that did so much with so little, the sanitary conditions were still shocking. The furniture in use for hospital beds and the rest looked similar to what you would see in movies showing the hospitals of the 50's.

But at the same time, they had two X-ray machines, both donated, and the best nursing school in Kenya. They had 90% graduation rate from that school. But it was a bit disturbing to see the mortuary next to the kitchen. The bodies that were not claimed by the family were simply put in a large pit and then covered with chemicals to help the bodies decompose. And this was fifty feet down the hill from the kitchen.

The babies that we visited at the hospital each received 2 baby hats and there seemed to be a total lack of privacy in the rooms. We were simply told to walk right into the rooms without any checking with the parents to see if they wanted visitors. One mother was in the middle of breast feeding her child and seemed unsure of our presence, but then continued feeding her baby while we stood there.

Tony and Laurel (Rose)

Emotional To See

Today we visited the Kioni Generation High School and the Mwaki Children's orphanage. Both were eye opening and heart wrenching. And in different ways.

The high school was amazing at what they accomplish with so little. Classrooms with dirt floors and no windows. Their main hall isn't complete. No school van because it is broken down.

The school head master gave us a tour of their grounds. They have teachers in one dorm, 77 boys in another, and 53 girls in the girls' dorm. They also had a farm that produced food for the students and a little to sell. They grow corn, which they call maize, tomatoes, and kale. They were in awe of the idea of growing maize "corn" to be used to make petrol "gas."

After the tour we went to their hall and the choir sang for us and they were so beautiful. They sang three songs in their native tongue for us. Then we got to meet the teachers and staff. After that we introduced ourselves and presented some of our gifts to them, three soccer balls for the school and a pen for each student.

The soccer balls were a huge hit. Within moments the presentation was over and everyone was outside playing. Then it was time to go. So on the road we were to the orphanage.

The orphans greeted us with music as soon as we got out of the vans. Singing a song of welcome for us. Then their guardians came up, singing and dancing. Soon we were all pulled into dancing with them.

They took us to chairs and we sat then a blessing was said and we ate a huge meal of rice and stew and fruit. After the meal we learned the history of the Mwaki and the women that support the orphans. The women make quilts to sell which they then use the money to support the orphans. So we presented the women with funds to finish a new community center where they can make their quilts to provide more support for the orphans. They danced and sang all over again when we gave them the money. The appreciation was evident on their faces.

It was the most emotional day by far on this trip. But seeing the pride in the high school students to be able to attend school at all and the joy from the women supporting the orphans makes any hardship I might personally face fade away.

Tony
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Careful how you drive

Today we left Nairobi after breakfast and head north to Meru. This is where our mission work will take place. But first we had to get out of Nairobi. That was an adventure.

Nairobi is in the process of building new roads all over the city. But for now they've torn up roads to prepare for the better roads. So everywhere we went we were in traffic jams. We took forever to clear the city.

Even as the traffic seemed to never move a motorcycle would zip by. Or a street vendor would stand in the street offering fruit for sale to passing buses. And if the traffic was slow and there was space, the drivers created their own lane until the space ran out.

After leaving Nairobi, we headed north passing by the west and north side of Mount Kenya. The reason for going that way instead of the shorter way along the east side of Mount Kenya was to stop at Trout Tree restaurant.

The restaurant is part of an active trout farm, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The restaurant itself is built into a huge fig tree. Everything except the outdoor kitchen is suspended in the air. The monkey sitting in the top of the tree didn't seem to mind us too much. However, the gander that was by the playground hated us!

The food was amazing at the Trout Tree, as has all the food been. But everything isn't amazing. Seeing the people selling almost anything along the road has been hard. They are a proud people reduced to begging for people to stop and buy from them. And as we drove the homes we passed became smaller and smaller and looked less like a home and more like a metal shack.

We finally made it to Meru, but only after slowing for sleeping policemen all along our root. "Sleeping policemen" are speed bumps placed on even major highways to reduce the speed of vehicles. Which works well with the potholes, no lane lines, unmarked no passing zones.

Now we are in Meru at the Bio-Intensive Center. It is a place founded by the Methodists that teaches local farmers organic farming. Don and I are roommates yet again as we are the only males without spouses here.

Tomorrow morning we shall visit a local high school to see how secondary education is done here. In the afternoon we shall visit the Mwaki orphanage to share lunch and some fun with them.

Tony
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Church as never before

Today was the day for church. And is it a DAY for church. My host family, Charles Mwiti and his wife Lucy, had a full beautiful breakfast for me. Fruit, yogurt, cereal, coffee, tea, milk, and so much more.

Then off to the church with Charles. He explained so much about Nairobi as we drove through the city. It is a beautiful city.

The church service was so interesting and so crazy. It was 3:30 hours. But so worth it. Pastor Charles preached. But there was so much music and half of it was in Swahili. Even in Swahili it was beautiful.

Every person that arrived at church came up to say "karribu", which means "welcome." We were all treated so well, as honored guests. We each had to get up during the service and say who we were and a bit about are few days in Kenya so far.

The music continued throughout the service with songs done with a full band and songs done with just a few voices. All were beautiful and very touching. And everyone danced in the pews.

After the service we went to the youth hall where we were served lunch. Rice and potatoes and a tortilla like bread called Chapo. It was all very good. BUT the fresh pineapple was amazing!!

After the meal every host family greeted every one of us to see how we slept, how was breakfast, and were we warm enough. It was 70 degrees and the Kenyans were chilly and we were all loving the weather.

After we left the church we went to the giraffe sanctuary on the edge of Nairobi. The giraffes were able to eat from our hands both from the ground level and an elevated deck that put us at giraffe eye level. The warthog that followed the giraffes around was funny. Once I have a real internet connection I will post pictures.

Tomorrow we leave for Meru and a whole new adventure.

Tony
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Amazing Day

Even as my mind and body try to get used to the time change, I've found myself lost in how amazing everything has been already. Today was spent going over our plans for the two weeks and then we went to the Nairobi National Museum. Tonight we are each staying with members of the church we will attend tomorrow.

My hosts are Charles and his wife Lucy. Charles has been the one coordinating our trip. Lucy was home late from a church meeting, but made me feel so comfortable the moment she arrived.

Tomorrow we attend church where Pastor charles first preached after graduating from seminary. I am looking forward to this so much.

Sadly, I've been having connection issues which is why I haven't posted any pictures yet. But soon!

Tony
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Arrival

Well we made it. Everything has gone well so far. Pastor Charles did leave his carry-on on the last plane and it left before he got it, but all the checked luggage made it.
We are driving to the Methodist Guest House for the night and I'm chatting with our driver, Aaron about the football scores. Soccer scores for those that don't realize the only football here IS soccer. Aaron is whipping through traffic and the smells of different things coming through the windows is so unique and makes me wonder what made the smell. It all smells so good.
Right now things don't look that different around us. Just passed a used car lot full of Toyotas. But then you look closer and see people walking everywhere. And you see houses along the way that seem so poor by American standards.
I'm excited for what tomorrow will bring by the light of day.
For now, Jambo, Kenya!
Tony
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Tomorrow

So we leave tomorrow morning.  There’s no turning back at this point.  Bags are packed, everything I need (that I remembered I need) is gathered together.  And the excitement level is hitting a new high. 

I’m ready to go and yet wondering what I will feel.  What will that first moment be like?  What will I first notice?  All the thoughts that are rushing through my mind, I truly hope that I don’t taint the experience with any preconceived notions.  I hope that I am able to be open to all that God puts before me and the rest of the team.  I am thankful for those that are going that have had experiences like this before and those that are new to it as I am myself. 

I do hope to continue to blog as much as possible and to also put pictures up of all that we are doing.  Hopefully other members of the trip shall also post their thoughts and pictures to give a better rounded vision of what this trip is for us.  As for now, I believe this is the last PRE trip blog I shall do.  Tomorrow at 7:00 am we take off.  27 hours later, we will be in Kenya. 

Tony

Down To A Week

Everything seems to be getting a bit crazy and calm at the same time.  Which is quite a weird sensation.  The closer the day gets, the more relaxed I’m becoming about the trip and what we will do.  The closer the day gets, the more crazed I’m becoming about what I need to do before the trip.  I am actually looking forward to meeting at the airport at 4 am next Thursday, to just say, “Well, if I didn’t do it, it’s too late now.” 

So now the calm takes over and I’m just sitting and wondering what it will truly be like.  I understand Laurel’s post about the safety of a foreign country but for some reason that really hasn’t affected me.  And I’m glad it hasn’t deterred her from joining us on this trip.

As we were preparing during our last meeting, I was pleased to hear Pastor tell us that we will have time together to just have some fun.  After we’ve had supper, we can sit back and relax and just enjoy being in Kenya.  It will be great to have those slower moments to help us wind down from each day’s mission work.

So we are heading into the final stages of prep and beginning a journey that will change not only what we think of other places in the world, but of what we think of ourselves.

Tony

Warning! Surrealism.

Surreal=having the disorienting, hallucinary qualities of a dream; unreal; fantastic

I have been searching for the perfect words to describe what I have been feeling these past few days, and I have suddenly realized all I feel is one. This whole process of preparing for this trip has been surreal. It is fantastic and feels like a dream, and very disorienting too. I find myself slightly afraid of saying something offensive or something awful happening. Most of my family members are not supportive of this trip due to the risks that follow traveling to a foreign country. I am hoping that with the help of my very diverse and talented team that I will be able to snap into reality.

There are so many warnings and worries that come with the trip. Forgetting something that you will need, bad foreign affairs, parasites and other health problems. Even the malaria medication has foreboding instructions:

If vomitting occurs within a half hour of ingestion, take another dose. If it occurs within another half hour, take a half dose or consult a doctor.

That's just scary.

However, all of these warnings has not curbed my excitement! Being a younger member of the mission, it has all the trappings of an adventrous trip while sharing my faith and learning of others. What more could someone want?

Laurel

Getting Ready to. . . .sit and wait for 9 days

Less than 9 days until we fly out.  The excitement is truly reaching new levels, which is fine.  People at work keep asking me, “So are you counting down yet?”  Counting down???  I’ve been counting down since 90 days and now I’m at 9 days. 

I’ve been looking at our at our flights to find when we can eat.  I hate eating most airplane food.  But that 8 hour flight to Zurich and 7 hour flight to Nairobi might require some airplane food.  Hopefully it’s decent.  Maybe I’ll just have the obligatory bag of peanuts.

I suppose I better start thinking of what clothes to actually pack.  I don’t want to be uncomfortable in any weather and have it detract from what we are there to do.  So better pack light stuff that can work in layers.  That way I can dress for the cool mornings, shed stuff for the warmer mid day and then put it back on for the cool evenings.

Less than 9 days.  Wow. . .I still haven’t quite got my head around the fact I’m going to Kenya.

Tony

Last Meeting - Now Down to 10 Days.

Well we had our last meeting Saturday to go over those final details before we all fly out on the 17^th.  It was a great meeting.  Every moment with these people makes me glad to be going on this trip with them.  Everyone is excited for the trip and the work that we shall be doing.  The excitement they brings rubs off and I get even more excited myself.  This will be a great trip. 

It was nice to hear Pastor Charles talk about how we still want to have fun.  Everything we have done has been focused on getting ready for the trip and the work we will be doing.  So when he mentioned getting together at night to just have fun as a group, I think we all kind of realized that we had almost been taking this too seriously.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t be serious about this trip and the prep work we have all done.  But we should enjoy each other’s company and the experience.  We need to relax at times and just let God and Kenya tell us what they wish to tell us.  It will be the moments of interaction that will be what forms the memories.  Whether it is interacting with each other, the people we meet, or those quiet moments with God, that is from where the memories will arise.

I have to say, I’m really looking forward now to the home stays.  It will be interesting to spend time in a Kenyan home and share with the people that are willing to open their home to us.  I hope that I make a favorable impression on those that welcome me into their home.  It will be so much more than I can think and so amazing to just share with people willing to share with me.

Tony

Questions

Now the questions are popping into my mind for tomorrow’s meeting.  All these things I keep thinking of and I wonder if everyone else had the same thought.  But for right now, I’m writing down all my questions.  If we discuss it, great, I’ll cross it off my list.  If we don’t discuss, then I’ll ask.

I’m now starting to think of what will happen at work while I’m out of the office for 19 days (we return on Saturday and then Monday is a holiday).  Who knows what I’ll have to take care of when I return.  I hope not much.  I’m sure that first day back to work will take a lot of adjusting.

One thing I checked was the sunrise and set times for Kenya.  I didn’t even think about it being on the equator.  I’m used to summers of the sun up at 6 am and down at 9 pm.  The times for Nairobi are around 6:30 am sunrise and 6:30 pm sunset.  That’s a lot less sunlight for supper than I’m used to in the summer.  Well, I think I’ll be able to adjust.  We were told to take a flashlight with us and now I understand why.

Thirteen days left before thirteen Nebraskans fly out to Nairobi, Kenya.  Thirteen days until our lives are changed forever.  I know I’ve said that before, but it bears repeating.  None of us will come home the same we were when we left.  And I am truly thankful for that.  I hope that this trip deeply affects me.  I would feel terrible about who I am as a person if it did not.  So may I be open to all God wishes to show me.  May we all be open to the wonders that shall be before us during this trip.

Tony

Two Weeks Left

Well we are now at two weeks to our first flight.  I am starting to feel that excitement build inside.  I’m trying to temper it as there are still two weeks until the first flight.  No reason to become a basket case.  But then I don’t want to downplay how amazing this is going to be.  This Saturday is our last meeting regarding this trip.  So many details to go over and yet again, I don’t want to overdo that and be so worried about the details that I miss the bigger picture.

Speaking of picture or pictures, I’m so ready to see the beautiful vistas that will be before us through most of our time in Kenya.  It will be such a different landscape from Nebraska.  I’m sure it will strike us deep in our soul at all that there is to see.  And that leads me to the people we will be sharing our time with while there.  To meet new people is one thing, but to meet new people in a culture different from my own will be so eye opening and at the same time humbling.  To see the greater plan of God in lands beyond the borders that I know.

So last night I was thinking of all the things I’ve tried to put on my list to take with me and suddenly I realized I will need a hat.  Not just some baseball cap sort of thing, but something with a brim to cover my ears.  Which I’m sure will make me look goofy, but who wants sun burnt ears?  And sunscreen.  Plenty of sunscreen.  I normally tan easily, but I haven’t really had to opportunity to be out in the sun along the equator, so I’m going to play it safe.

Ok, I’m failing at keeping the excitement down.  I am excited.  I am seriously excited to go and enjoy something I have never experienced.

Tony

Except

So do I start with how I don’t know what else to say that I haven’t already said or do I start with how it’s only sixteen days until I leave for Kenya?  Decisions, decisions.  The more people learn about me going on this trip, the more I hear comments such as, “I would love to do something like that except. . .”  Except for the food, the diseases, the animals, the flights, the heat, the bugs, the bathroom conditions, the water. . .and so on and so on.  Honestly, who cares?  Ok, maybe that’s too harsh.  But you can’t live with “EXCEPT” being the main focus.  I’d help that person except for the diseases there.  I’d help that person except for the flight it would take to get to him. 

So hopefully I can come back from this trip and show everyone what I learned, what I saw, and what I felt.  Then maybe next time a trip like this happens, instead of only one from our church going, maybe it’s two or three.  Maybe we fill a mission by just our congregation.  So many reasons to not follow the “EXCEPT” line.

I will admit to being in that line myself.  I’d do this except. . .(usually relates to household chores), but hopefully even for myself this trip tears that from my vocabulary.  Hopefully I don’t look at this trip as a one-time thing to be enjoyed and remembered.  I want this to be a spark that ends up burning away all the “EXCEPT”s I have in my life. 

Sixteen days until I go.  Sixteen days until there is no more chance for “EXCEPT.”  Sixteen days until. . . .

Tony

Less Than A Month "Officially"

Well today is the 3 week mark.  Not sure why, but that is a significant mark for me.  Last week was 4 weeks, but you could still say it was a month away.  Can’t say that anymore.  Now we are officially UNDER a month until the trip.  While I’m still working on the packing/supplies checklist, I’m almost done with the major checklist.  The list of those things that would prevent me from going.  Passport, yes.  Visa, yes.  Shots, yes.  Those are really the big 3.

And the advice is really starting to come without end.  Some from people that have been to Kenya and/or Africa and some from people that have never left Nebraska.  It’s both fun and worthwhile to listen to all the advice.  You’d be amazed how many people are sure I’m going to get attacked by a lion.  Or maybe it’s just wishful thinking on their part.  :)

I’ve been looking at the blogs and websites of others that have gone to any part of Africa on a mission trip.  And it’s amazing to see how grateful the missionaries are to have the chance to share with the people of Africa.  That is so exciting to see and I am so ready to experience that for myself. 

I’ve also started reading a book called “The White Man’s Burden” by William Easterly.  It is about how large plans of international aid to poor countries have failed.  So far I’m only 15 pages in and this man makes a lot of sense.  It’s the small bits of aid here and there that do the most good.  So maybe he considers what we will be doing as doing some good.  I hope so.

Tony

22 Days To The Experience Of A Lifetime

Well, it’s now 22 days.  22 days.  It is hard to believe that it is just over three weeks away.  We have a meeting June 5^th to go over the last final details of the trip and to pack all the supplies.  And that will be the last time we are together until we all hit the airport the morning of the 17^th.

I haven’t really been able to think of much else in those moments where I’m not busy.  If I’m not looking around my house wondering what to take, I’m thinking about what we might be doing in Africa each day.  Now I’m trying to prep the technology side of things.  What will I need to take to make sure my laptop will work, my cell phone, and all the cameras that everyone will take?

I have to say I am really looking forward to that first moment where the fact I’m in Kenya hits.  I’m not sure where or when it will be, as soon as I get off the airplane, as soon as we get to the hotel, or maybe not until the next day when we have a chance to be out in Nairobi?  So much to see and feel and hear and just to experience.  This will be a trip to remember forever.

Tony

Only 24 Days Left

Well, it is Monday.  So now I’m down to less than 24 days until we fly to Kenya.  I find it interesting how many people are asking about the trip now that it is getting close.  I’ve been telling people about the trip for probably 5 months and it seems that within the last 2 or 3 weeks people have really started to ask about the trip.  Well, I’m glad they are interested.  I’m happy to share all I know.  Which is nothing compared to what I will know when I return.  Which in turn will still be nothing compared to all that Kenya and Africa are.

I’ve also been working on my list.  I keep adding to the list.  I went through trying to figure out what clothes would weigh and I’m going to be in trouble if we don’t do some laundry.  Not that I won’t have space, but I want to leave enough space for the donations I’ve been getting.

I am so ready to go.  And yet terrified I will forget something that will be needed.  But I can’t anticipate everything or else I won’t be open to the new and amazing things I will see.  I don’t want to spend my time worrying about every detail, even as I worry about every detail leading up to checking in at the airport.

Tony

4 Weeks! Yes, I'm Counting Down!

Well, the time is now down to 4 weeks.  28 days!  Yes, each passing hour has my excitement level increasing.  I keep thinking of all the preparation that still needs to be done.  I’m sure I’m repeating myself here, but I want everything to go as perfectly as possible.  I know this trip will have tons of surprises for all of us, but I’m hoping they are only good surprises.  I hope that the time spent sitting in the airports will bring us all closer together.  A shared “misery” as we head to a great joy.

I plan on taking my laptop with me as I have been told that there should be internet most places we stay at night.  So hopefully everyone will have a chance to post to this blog.  I hope to post some of the pictures that we all take, but not too many.  Have to leave some for us all to share when we return home.  I honestly expect us to take over 10,000 pictures.  But when you think about it, that’s only around 50 pictures a day per person.  That’s not that bad.  With all that will be new for us, 50 pictures might be nothing.

My son has been telling me all the things I need to remember to do while I’m in Kenya.  So far I think he’s up to 15 different things I need to remember for him.  But the best thing he said was, “Dad, you don’t need to bring me anything if you can spend that money to help a kid over there.”  THAT is why I want to do something like this.  So that he sees how much it affects everyone when we help someone.

Tony

30 Days!!

Well, we are less than a month away from that first flight to Kenya. It is really becoming hard to believe that the trip is approaching so quickly. Hard to believe that we first met last December to discuss going on this trip and in less than 7 months we had it all set. I have been awed and humbled by the people that are willing to help our cause in Kenya. I’ve been approached by people outside the Methodist church that feel compelled to help in some way. It makes me feel good about the heart of each of us.

I got asked again why I am not just going to help someone in Omaha or Lincoln or even in my hometown. We go where we are called. I think it is great that people help locally. Whether it be by working a soup kitchen or even volunteering their time in kids’ sports. I’ve done both, but ever since witnessing the genocide in Rwanda I have felt called to Africa. I honestly don’t know what I can do to help in Africa beyond pound in a few nails or play soccer with some kids, but I will do what I can.

So with that thought in mind, I wrote the following.

The world calls to us all, to dry the tears another cries

The world calls to us all, to comfort the living when another dies

The world calls to us all, to stand for justice when evil reigns

The world calls to us all, to help when another is in chains

The world calls to us all, to love our enemy as a friend

The world calls to us all, to be there until the end

The world calls to us all, to care for our home every day

The world calls to us all, to scream when no one listens to what we say

The world calls to us all, to fill another’s soul with hope

The world calls to us all, to hold another’s hand as they try to cope

The world calls to us all, in the silence we are asked to answer

The world calls to us all, and we are stronger when we answer together

Tony

The Time Draws Near

I look at the date and I see I’m at 38 days until we leave for Kenya.  The closer the date comes, the more nervous I become about actually speaking during the church service in Meru.  Yes, that’s right.  I get to stand up in front of a bunch of people I don’t know and tell them how God called me and my mission friends to Kenya.  I’m riding that fine line between thinking I’ll just say what hits me and preparing every word. 

I hope that I don’t embarrass myself and those with me.  I have gotten up in front of my local church to speak about the trip I am about to take, but that was different.  I knew everyone and they knew I was going to Africa.  This was just a chance for me to explain what I’d be doing.

Now speaking in Kenya will be different.  I won’t know the native language for those that don’t speak English (though I’ve been told that most do speak English) and I won’t know all the customs of the language to make sure I don’t say something either stupid or offensive.  I think I’m going to have to spend some time with Pastor before I say anything to make sure I don’t say the wrong thing.

But beyond that, I’m so ready to go.  I’ve even started packing things.  Not clothing obviously, but items I will need to take that I don’t normally use on a daily basis.  I’ve put them in a bag that will be just for this trip.  A notebook to write my thoughts of all we go through (some which should make it to the blog), a book about astronomy since this will be the first time I get to see some of these stars overhead, power adapter for electronics, and some other things. 

But everything I think about will pale, totally pale, in comparison to what I see, feel, and learn while in Kenya.  I just hope that my heart is open to all that happens so that I can come home a better person for having seen what God was willing to share with me and with the others on the mission.

Tony

What To Say

So I’m trying to be consistent and dedicated to putting something on the blog.  But I have to admit, today I’m not sure what to put.  Yes, I’m excited.  Yes, I’m wondering if I’ll be ready.  And yes, at the same time I’m thinking I AM emotionally ready (even as I know that will get blown out of the water the moment I land in Zurich, Switzerland, but that’s a different story).  I can’t decide what to write about today.  But I feel I need to let the world (ok, maybe not the world) know what is going through my mind when I think of this trip.  Which is honestly quite a bit.

So bear with me if this rambles or even doesn’t ramble but has no significance at all.  I keep looking at the list I’ve written (and I don’t do lists) of what I will need to take for me, for the mission work, and for the team.  I look at it at least once a day and think every time, “Ok, what am I going to forget?”  It’s not easy to figure out what you know you will forget.  I’m trying to go through our itinerary and see what we might possible need on each day that I should bring something to help ease our time there.  We are following in the footsteps of another group that went last summer, so they have given us some good information about what to remember to bring.  Apparently a personal flashlight is a good idea.  Now, I need to check my list to see if that’s on there.

I keep thinking of all that time in airports or airplanes as we head to Kenya.  26 hours on the way there.  The longest flight is from JFK in New York to Zurich, Switzerland.  Nine hours.  And though it is an overnight flight, I honestly don’t see me sleeping much.  I think the excitement will keep me up.  Which of course means when I finally do get to Nairobi after all that time, I’m going to be dragging. 

So 41 days away and I feel both ready to go tomorrow and so positive that I am not ready for this trip at all.  What fun this will be!

Tony

What To Read

So we are below fifty days. I’m loading up on books to read. We ARE going to be in airplanes or airports for 26 hours on the way there and 29 hours on the way back. So why not read? I found a book online that I’m thinking of bringing with me once it arrives at my home. It is called Poverty and Promise: One Volunteer's Experience of Kenya. That looks promising to help me get my mind set for the work we are to be doing. I think the rest of the books I bring will be just fun books to get my mind off the time that it will take for us to get from Omaha to Nairobi. And yet, I am excited as can be to have that time to get to know my travelling companions better. Amazing what I might learn about someone when I’m stuck in a big flying metal tube for 9 hours with them. And who knows what they will learn about me.

Every step we take separately at this point leads us to those steps we will take together. And as separate as we are at this point, I’m sure that we are all looking forward to that day 6 weeks from now when we meet at the airport. Of course it will be a mix of excitement and the occasional, “How long will we be flying??????”

I truly hope that those that know us and care about us, and even some that happen upon this blog by chance, enjoy what we share and support our efforts in Kenya. It will be great to know that not only are we able to share with those in Kenya during our time there, but also with people back in Nebraska or wherever they may be when they read this.

Tony

14 Cows for America

It has been amazing to work with the members of this VIM (Volunteers in Mission) team and I am thankful that I have been able to be part of the group even though I will not be able to go to Kenya at this time in my life.

A couple of weeks ago I read the story of Maasai people in Kenya grieving with Americans after the September 11th attacks and wanting to help. "Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort." I got a picture book titled: "14 Cows for America" by Carmen Agra Deedy in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah. The story explains that to the Maasai, the cow is life. And therefore, they gave 14 cows to the American ambassador. More information can be found at www.14cowsforamerica.com.

It is so fascinating to learn about other countries and our sisters and brothers around the world.

Andrea

Why Not Stay Home

Why am I going to Kenya? Why am I not going to the local food pantry and helping them provide for people right here in Nebraska? What makes me and the rest of our team want to go to Kenya? All very good questions.

In the Bible we are asked to help our fellow man. So I’m helping my fellow man. He just happens to be thousands of miles away. So why is that ok? Why not go and help someone locally? I honestly don’t have a good answer. We are all called to where we are called. I happen to be called to leave the safety and comfort of the US and head overseas. I like the thought of the new experiences that will bring. I like the certain amount of uncertainty that comes from going someplace I have never been.

Others may not like that feeling. There is nothing wrong with that. Let those that feel called to go work locally, work locally. One is no better than the other or any less needing of help. Every calling should be answered, whether it be local or not. Whether it be something full of adventure or as simply as mowing your neighbor’s lawn when they aren’t well. Give to your fellow man. Give of yourself.

So now I have less than 50 days until I head to Kenya to help my fellow man. And I’m sure that when I return, I will find that Kenya and its people helped me more than I helped them.

Tony

Can We Go Yet?

I have a little countdown timer on my laptop that tells me how long until I arrive at the airport for the flight out of Omaha. I watch that timer count down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until I arrive for what I’m sure will be the most amazing two weeks of my life. I’m actually quite ready to board that plane today. Mentally ready. I still have so much that needs to be done.

When I look at the list of things I have to finish before the trip, it all is about collecting things that will be taken with me on the trip. I need to get some T-shirts to take that have been donated. I need to get some power adapters for my laptop and other things. Ok, the more I think about it, the more I realize I’m NOT ready.

Tony

Another Day Closer

Every day is another day closer. I know I’ve said it before, but I am getting very excited to go. And it’s not just the people we will meet or the projects we will be doing, I’m excited for the trip in its entirety.

I have checked with a local dentist to see if he can help with our supplies for the kids, toothbrushes and toothpaste. I’m trying to think of who else would be willing to donate. I would love to have the problem that I have too much to take and do need to pay for a third piece of luggage in order to get everything to Kenya.

I will admit to actually wanting to have another meeting even before June 5^th. Not to necessarily go over things, but just to get to know everyone a little better before we are all sitting in the Omaha airport at 5:00 am. What I’ve learned of the people going on this trip, and Andrea, makes me proud to be associated with these people for this purpose. I think we were brought together as a group because we all have something different to offer. What that is, we may not know at this point. But I’m sure it will become evident as we work through our days in Kenya.

Tony

Ready To Start, Not Sure Where To

I really don’t know where to start today. I catch myself every now and then looking at the clock and going, “Well right now in 60 days I would be. . .” and then checking our itinerary to see what I’d be doing. Each day that this trip draws closer, my excitement level increases. I hope that everyone else is growing as excited as I am. I’m sure the rest of the team is both excited and curious as to what will happen during our time in Kenya.

I will admit to wondering how this may push me and the others to either more mission trips or working within the Methodist church to help others on their missions. We are all called in some way to do our part for the church and our fellow man. Maybe this will push us to be more accepting of the next little project that comes our way, no matter its purpose or location.

Tony

Fifty-Eight Days - So Close And Yet So Far

I’m going to try and be more consistent with my posts to this blog as we move ever closer to the day of our departure. Fifty-eight days. That seems unreal. So many expectations that I know will be nothing compared to what I experience. So many hopes and dreams that I know will be surpassed in moments upon reaching Kenya.

Thirteen people heading to Kenya, most for the first time. Each of us brings such unique passion and desire to this team. It will be a pleasure to get to know everyone as the trip closes in and also during the trip. What shall touch each heart as we go through each day? What affects me may very well be missed by another, but that is one of the joys of a trip such as this. Each moment there will be unique to each person.

I hope we all grow in our understanding of the people with which we share this globe. I pray that we return home changed, more open, more accepting, and ready to go back again!

Tony

The Thoughts That Run Through My Mind

As we grow closer and closer to our date of departure, I am finding myself wondering less about our mission work and more about the people we shall meet. In our last meeting we discussed what gifts we might give the people we will be staying with on our overnight stays. My mind is full of ideas and yet I hope to not do something that would appear to be condescending in any way. But I want to do enough to show the people I’ll be with that I truly do appreciate their hospitality.

So now I am left to wonder what impact I will have on those I meet in Kenya. Will I present myself in a way that shows the best who I am? Will I try to be too much and inadvertently offend the honor of the Kenyans I meet? It is a fine line between helping someone and trying to take care of someone. I hope to tread on the correct side of that line.

I’ve also caught myself walking through my home and thinking of what I will need to take with me. It is still almost 60 days away and I’m ready to start packing now. Is this normal for a trip of this magnitude? I’ve trying to determine what books to bring to read, what music should I have on my MP3 player, what am I forgetting, and what will I wish I had brought once I get there? All of it is running through my mind.

I know this trip will change me in ways I could never imagine, but I find that it is already changing me in ways I both find interesting and amusing. 59 days and counting and I know that the passage of those 59 days shall not ease my mind nor answer the questions running through my mind. But I wouldn’t change a thing I’ve felt so far.

Tony

Into Africa

Sitting around the table, seeing the faces of hope
Wondering how much we have yet to learn
Time passes slowly for all of us as we wait
But slowly inside we all begin to feel the burn

We can all see the land falling away as we take flight
Sharing our stories of our separate lives with each other
But landing across the sea as a family willing to share
Each of us with our hearts filled with one another

Off we travel to learn how to better help our fellow man
Seeing life as we have never known, reverently in awe
Of not only the land surrounding us, but the people
Their strength evident in everything we heard and saw

Then our time is over and home we must head
But our time in Africa will remain in each heart
As the world changes for the better by Kenya’s presence
And in that country, each of us left a part

Sitting around the table seeing those days yet to come
Knowing it will happen as we have believed
Even as surprises await us at every turn
Into Africa and each other’s hearts we shall be received

Tony

The Day Is Approaching!!

We've had another meeting. Things are progressing rapidly towards our departure on June 17th. Less than 70 days until we leave. We finally had everyone at the meeting. It was nice to meet those of us that haven't been able to attend so far. So many things to finish getting done before we go. And yet, we seemed to have accomplished quite a bit. It is quite evident that everyone is getting excited about going. It will be an amazing trip, if just because of the people we shall be with on this journey. Since we were all finally together, we decided it was time for a picture.

89 days

89 days until we leave for Kenya. It is hard to believe that it is both that soon and yet still feels that far away. There are so many things to do in order to be ready. I've gotten my passport, which was an adventure in and of itself. Now have to get a visa from the Kenyan embassy.

I'm in charge of the technology for the trip so I have to plan out how to best store all the video and pictures we will take. I am estimating 15,000 pictures to be safe. I'm hoping 1000 pictures a day is enough.

Well 89 days is such a short time.

Tony

World Heritage in Kenya

Well, right now, I'm doing some research on the different UN recognized World Heritage sites in Kenya. It's unlikely that we will see any, but it interests me what is out there around the world.

Tony

Heading to Kenya in June 2010

In June 2010, thirteen people from all over the state of Nebraska will undertake a trip that has already begun to change them. The thirteen souls will be traveling to Kenya on a mission trip to work at a Mwaki orphanage, work at a free wellness clinic, and run a Bible school.

During that time, and leading up to it, I hope to post blogs as moments affect us. I hope that the others of the group will also post as the moments affect them personally.

Tony