Absence makes the heart grow fonder....

2 1/2 months is a long time to stay away from the blogging world...so my deepest apologies are in order for those who keep close tabs on me....

Let's see...where did I last leave off? Oh yes, the biggest and saddest news to tell is that I do not have baby Matisse anymore. He is safe and sound at the orphanage but I do not take him anymore...I found it too difficult as he was getting older. He knows me really well now and dropping him off and picking him up consistantly at the orphanage proved to be a bit too much emotionally. Not to mention, I was gone alot on the weekends in March and April and I just didn't feel right getting him after a 3-4 week absence from him. He is 14 months old now and becoming quiet the flirt at the orphanage...so he is fine. Please still continue to pray for his situation that he would be able to be available to a permanent loving home or that a loving family member would step up and be responsible for him... But, I did get to witness his first steps as you can see below...and for that...I am grateful to God for the opportunity for the time I had with him. I am not going to say for certain now, but after the 2 months summer break, I am hoping to continue fostering another baby next school year if God wills. It is something that I truly enjoyed being apart of.

Only 4 more weeks left of school..I can't believe how time has flown by. Teaching at Rosslyn Academy has truly been a learning experience for me...a new country, a new job, a new church and new friends...all of it I am grateful for and can't wait to see what God has for me after the summer break. I am happy to say that I was able to buy a plane ticket home this summer for 2 months...so I imagine that I will be seeing many of you when I return. So I can't wait to share stories and pictures with you.

Some really great news is that our church, New Song Nairobi, is doing wonderfully. We are on our secong month of meeting formally together on Sundays. God is really doing a lot and we are growing quickly...we are almost maxing out our little "chapel" that we meet in. God is good. Pastor Garry and Brenda are pouring their hearts into these Kenyan people and lives are being changed by the love of Christ.

(New Song Nairobi below having to meet in a bigger room this particular Sunday)

Speaking of Brenda, the sewing ministry that she has started (Jacaranda Creations) is growing! There are now 3 key locations around Nairobi and Masaai land and another that will begin in Turkana, Kenya, which is located in Northern Kenya. There are over 50 employees now sewing for this ministry - men and women. (Brenda Kean with her youngest, Braiden)

I sadly write that I have not had the chance to visit my Masaai friends since this past October. I was really hoping to visit them more but getting out there is rather difficult if you don't have your own vehicle. I am praying that changes next year as I am praying for a vehicle. Not having a mode of constant transportation here has proved tiresome and frustrating at times...taxis are expensive and matatus (public tranpsortation) are not the safest to take. God is really testing my patience in that department... But I have kept in communication with my Masaai friend Lucy and she says she is "anxiously awaiting" my return.

Well, that is all for now. Thank you thank you for your encouraging responses and prayers. I will see you soon! :)

Blessings...

Kami

Guess who's back??

I am back in sweet Kenya (actually I have been back for a few weeks) with so many updates it seems.

First, I was so grateful to have visited my wonderful family and friends. Even though I spent the better part of my time off indoors due to the below 0 weather that awaited me in Minneapolis. I commend those that live there during the brutal winters. It was so cold that I decided to go sleading down my sister's stairs with my nieces and nephews instead of trying it outside. No joke, I can't stand the cold. Thank God for calling me here to this amazing weather. 70 is considered a cool day. But, enough about the weather. Seeing and being with my family there is far better than any bright and sunny day in Kenya. New Year's was a hoot as my family and I along with friends sang karaoke. A duet to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with my brother-in-law will forever be carved into my memory- it was fantastic! (and my sister and brother's duet came in a close 2nd as you can see below!).

Not only was I in Minneapolis, but my wonderful friends from "home" aka Nashville, surprised me and flew me down for a few days. I truly am blessed. The tradition of eating Syrian food with my dear friends, the Adams, on New Year's Day was not to be missed and I flew in time just as dinner was being served. It was all so wonderful. I am forever grateful and thankful to those who helped send me there.

Another wonderful gift was seeing my sweet mom. She flew up to Minnesota facing the cold to be with me. I say me, but also to see her grandkids. There really is nothing like family and I am at home whenever I am with them.

My next big stop was on the way back to Kenya when I had a long layover in Paris. The city of love was beckoning me so I decided to spend half of the day sightseeing. It was my first time there and I have to admit, their cold weather and snow was no match for my heart--it was warm all over. I loooved it there!! So beautiful...the museums, the people, Notre Dame...it is endless. I ordered a chocolate banana crepe in French and then ate in while gazing at the Eiffel Tower. I was in heaven. I shall return....one day.

After finally making it home with only 1 day of jetlag (record for me), I was full throttle into work. Seeing the kids again made me quickly realize why I was here. I needed that reminder because after seeing some of the most important people in your life, you can easily start to convince yourself you should move back. But God has me here for a purpose. I realize I am sacrificing some very important things in my life, but His will comes first. And with that, God will give me the grace and peace to keep moving forward even when it seems difficult or lonely.

The following week after my return, I was asked to chaperone 10th graders that would be travelling on their CFS event (cultural field studies). This is an opportunity for the highschoolers to see Kenya and be apart of a different culture for a few days. Along with that, they have to do a service project. Our grade worked with Habitat for Humanity in a village 5 hours west of here called, Bomet. It was an absolutely amazing experience. I can say first hand that I help build a "house" (a very modest one) from the ground up. We didn't complete it, but I have never worked so hard in my life. From mixing cement, to laying the foundation and laying the bricks--it was hard work. The village treated us like rock stars...no joke. They followed us by the droves. They screamed in excitement everyday we came to work. It was such a rewarding experience for myself and for the students. The humble abode we built was for a family and the size of this place would have astonished you. It was a 2 room house, about 3oo sq ft is my estimate. Nonetheless, the owners were so appreciative-it really humbled me. WE, I, can get so caught up in things that are so temporal and then when you see how these people live and the joy they have inside of them, you really are taken back and forced to look at your own life and what you hold value to. These students come from very wealthy backgrounds. In fact, the ex-president of Kenya's grandaughter was in my group and at the end of the trip the kids were humbled and deeply moved by what they experienced. They got the big picture- that it isn't about what you have or how much you have, but it is about pouring into the lives of others,serving them, no matter what the cost or inconvenience it might bring you.

I pray I forever keep that on the forefront of my heart and mind- that I am here to serve and love others in the way that Christ did and still does.

Lastly, I wanted to write that I have been reunited with my sweet foster baby, Matisse. He grew up so fast while I was away. It took him a little bit to recognize me, but once he did, he wouldn't let go of me. He once again has recaptured my heart and I am forever changed by his love. It saddens me about his family life though. His mother passed away from AIDS the week before I left for Kenya and his father has tried to escape from prison making his sentencing even longer than before. Please pray for Matisse and his situation. His father won't let go of him and it breaks my heart. Pray his father has a change of heart and that he will release parental rights from Matisse so he has a chance at a bright and happy future.

Again, I thank you all for your prayers and support. It strengthens me here to know I am not alone and that I have a wonderful "family". Until the next update...

Wrapping things up...

Well what a year!

First of all, I just want to say that I am so blessed by all the love and support I am getting from family and friends. I truly feel the love of Christ extended to me through you. Thank you.

I can't believe the year is coming to an end already. It really has flown by. It seems as if it were yesterday I was packing to come out here. The school year ends for me in 3 days. Christmas is around the corner and you can feel it in the air even though it is a perfect 80 degrees here everyday. Christmas decorations, goodies, plays, concerts, parties..you name it, it's going on here. The skinny Santa with a square pillow stuffed in his suit really is a sight to see and that's when you are snapped back out from sugarplum land and you realize you really aren't in America anymore. But I will be there in 3 days.

There really isn't anything better for me than spending Christmas with my family--I can't wait. However, I can wait for the frigid weather I will be experiencing...did I mention how perfect the weather is here? A high of -6 degrees just doesn't seem right to me. Why did my family move to Minnesota? God must have told them...that seems to be the only logical explanation.

The packing has started and gifts are in hand ready for my nieces and nephews. What won't be in hand is my sweet Matisse. I have to leave him for obvious reasons (he doesn't have a passport). Saying good-bye this morning was very hard- I won't see him for 3 weeks. I have seen the world through different eyes now that I have fostered him. He brings me so much joy. How can someone that is not yours and that you only have known for such a short while do that? I don't know, but I do know that he truly is a gift and I know God has a special plan for his life.

I just received word that last week Matisse's mother passed away from AIDS. His father probably has it as well. Matisse however, doesn't-thank you Lord! Other news is that I found out that his father, who is in prison, doesn't want to give Matisse over for adoption now. So I am just praying the Lord's will be done in this situation. The father is in for awhile and it makes me sad for Matisse. He would be adopted into a loving, healthy home if he were available. This sort of thing just keeps him in the system for a long, long time.

So much more to update you on...before I forget.. 2 weeks ago I was fortunate to have taken a short trip to Uganda to go white water rafting down the Nile. Insane is all I can say...I would do it again in a heart beat. Unbelievable Class V rapids and the most beautiful scenery that took my breath away. God is good!

Have a wonderful Christmas...be blessed!

Sleepless in Nairobi

okay, I am not really sleepless, but the nights I have this cute little baby I feel I am a little less without sleep than I was before I got him.

The baby is Matisse. Matisse is an orphan from The Nest Orphanage I volunteered at last year while I was here. For awhile, I have sensed that I was to foster a baby from there. 2 of my co-workers have fostered 3 babies over the course of 2 years and all 3 babies have been adopted out. Soo, I prayed about it and received total peace that I can do this during this time in my life. The good of it far outweighed the bad.

Matisse is 9 months old and is perhaps one of the sweetest babies I have seen. He is a pure joy to be around. I keep him for 4 nights out of the week. The agreement is that I take over the expenses of a baby during that time and that relieves the workers at the orphanage of one less mouth to feed. These babies sleep 3 to a crib sometimes and are packed in a tiny room. Sick or not,they are all together.

Great thing is is that Matisse is getting one-on-one attention. He laughs and smiles a lot and is really quiet the charmer with the ladies.

Please pray that some wonderful couple sees him and falls head over heels for him and adopts
him.

Tour de Kenya

Well, the month of October is winding down. I look outside and the view hasn't changed. The leaves are still bright green. I imagine where you are the view is quiet different. Oh how I miss the changing of the seasons-fall is my favorite. But, I'll take warm days all year round instead...poor me!

(eating acacia...ouch!)

This month brought a few holidays--thanks to the Muslims and President's Day :) I have been on a whirlwind of sightseeing it seems. Safari was a couple of weeks ago and that of course was amazing. I now have seen the big 5 - rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and lion!! I ventured up to Mt. Kenya with friends from work and what a sight it was. Our lodge had views of Mt. Kenya and a watering hole where all sorts of animals came for refreshments. The game drive was most amazing. Whatever you are picturing in your mind is what it was like--right out of the movies! Seeing the wonder of God's creatures with all their intricate patterns truly takes your breath away and you can't help but adore God even more!

The following long weekend I headed to the port town of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean with some other friends and well, I have to say, the ocean is where I am most happy. Our bungalow (thatched roof) was a sight to see. Zanzibar beds, open terrace, amazing meals cooked by our own private chef...(i won't even tell you how little we paid for it all, you'll hate me!). It was a wonderful weekend of swimming in the bluest ocean, taking a dhow boat to snorkel and walking along sand that would blind you it's so white.

Thank you for all your love and support!

Love thy Neighbor

Jambo!

Well, I never promised I was good at this blogging, so once again, I find myself apologizing for the time that has gone by since my last post.

I am officially settled in my new home! It has been somewhat of an adjustment but all is well and I am happy and healthy. I am busy busy busy. Besides being completely drained at the end of the day from teaching, I am filling my time with building strong friendships here at Rosslyn. Tuesday nights a few of us girls meet together for a Bible study, Friday nights are with the Kean's for a small "church group meeting" until we can acquire a building or another location to hold church in, and I have just filled an afternoon slot for a small Bible study with some other ladies (outside of Rosslyn). I forgot to mention that Tuesday evenings are my Kiswahili language class. That is fun! Mimi ni Kami. Mimi ni Mwamerika. Nina penda chai na sukari (i like tea with sugar).
Not bad, huh?

Recently I visited the Masai. This village really is a neighbor to Nairobi. Just over the Ngong Hills and in the valley...watch Out of Africa for a reference.
It was wonderful being back there. I recognized friends and that was thrilling. I was there for a celebration for one of the pastor's graduating from seminary. It was wonderful. Most of the village was at the church for the celebration. The bishop and other leaders were there to pray over him and anoint him (which they poured over him)with oil....it was a special moment to see the whole congregation in support of this. Everyone was crying aloud and praying aloud and worshipping. It was most beautiful. They take this sort of thing very seriously and it was humbling to be a part of it. After the service, we were the guest of honor at the graduate's hut and a goat was slaughtered and we took part of the feasting. They served us as if we were royalty. I have much to learn from them regarding hospitality.

I am hoping I get to visit them alot more. With my school schedule it is somewhat difficult..I had no idea really. Brenda Kean has brought the sewing ministry out there and I that is something I am praying to God that someway I can fit that into my schedule. At times, I forget I am living here and feel I need to have things happen quickly or I will miss out. That is not the case and I am having to trust God that those outside ministry opportunities will come in His timing! Right now, my ministry is here at Rosslyn with these mission kids and what a ministry it is!

Learning to be flexible...

Well,

It's been a few weeks since my last blog...i get so busy and am honestly too tired to write at times...forgive me.

I am almost in my 4th week of school and I have to say it has been somewhat frustrating. In the beginning I was so excited about my new big classroom. I stayed late everyday and on the weekends fixing it up, making it look fantastic. THEN, last week I was informed that they needed me to move out of my classroom because they were adding another class to one of the grades and me having the smallest number of students made it ideal for the other class to move in. SO, with a smile on my face and frustration filling up inside of me...I moved to a very small classroom which used to be the boardroom. After all that, 2 days ago one of the teachers informed me they have scheduled a 3 day major event and will need my room for it because....they can't imagine the meetings being held anywhere else!!! I find that hard to believe, but once again, I am being stretched like a rubber-band...flexibility is being mastered in my life :)

I have discovered that to be sent on the mission field you have to go with the flow so to speak. Surprises await you around every corner and if you don't have any expectations, you won't be disappointed. After all, the reason I am here is to serve, not to be served. And what seems to be a frustrating event but not "life altering" turns for the good. I looove my new cozy room!! I have created it into a beautiful place that the children love. It is more private than the last one. I have my own private courtyard surrounded by beautiful flora where the children and I can teach outside on nice days (which is everyday) AND there is the most wonderful avocado tree right outside my room....YUMMY!! So they can have my room for 3 days...I'll teach outside...no biggie in the scheme of things, right?

I have learned alot about myself moving out here. The old way of doing things, the thinking, is quickly being sloughed off. It just doesn't work out here and if you bring that way of thinking here with you, then you will be a miserable person. And who wants to be miserable?? Actually - I am wrong, it shouldn't matter about location. God is the same and we all are dealt with things that gives us a chance to be stretched. And I truly believe God allows these tiny or huge events to frequently appear in our lives. It is all about revealing less of us and more of Him!

I have a feeling more surprises await me here.... who knows..they might just tell me to permanetly teach outdoors :)