Karibu Kenya! Welcome to Kenya!

Home again, and yet homesick

Yes, we are home again, yet our hearts, minds and prayers will forever be in Kenya!



I returned home on Oct 5th and had surgery at U of M hospital on Oct 7th. I was sad to leave Kenya, but so thankful for a great American hospital. I have broken the fibula bone in two places, so the Dr. "installed" a plate with four screws. He and Mauro got into a dicussion about self-tapping screws which Mauro tried to convey to me upon awakening from surgery, but I was having none of that discussion! The inside ligement that had snapped was healing nicely so he didn't have to sew it. Overall, I am doing much better with the pain now, and I only need the meds a couple times a day. Thank you so much for all your prayers, cards, and meals! Mauro and I are overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness.



As I read Elizabeth's post, I am reminded of all the work we have to do! There are so many needs, that we could never meet them all; but God in His mercy will direct us where to focus our energies. We encountered many more children who need to be sponsored, both for basic sustainance and for school fees. Please let me know if the Lord is leading you to be one of those sponsors.



I have to comment on the team this year. It was very evident that God choose this team. Each brought their own unique gifts and talents with them.

• Elizabeth was clearly there to help the teachers at the the Luther Academy. Her giftedness in teaching and loving children was a great blessing to all she encountered. She also went above and beyond by painting my toenails and washing my hair for me before I left! Thanks Elizabeth! You have a true servant heart.


• Shani used her gifts of compassion and organization to touch the hearts of the children and help the teachers to more organized. Shani, you blog was beautiful and I wanted to cry along with you for the children of Kibera.


• Rockie was in "seventh heaven!" I am so glad that he was able to use the gifts God has given him to lay tile, paint, and whatever else was needed at the school. What a blessing you were Rockie to the young men that you mentored!
• Sue was a women 'possessed' I'm told as she unloaded that cargo carrier! I didn't see it, but anyone wo knows Sue, knows that she puts her whole heart and soul (and back!) into a project. Thank you Sue for your strength, not only of body, but of character. And thank you for leaving Kenya early to be my nursemaid on the way home!
• Karen was our rock. Her wisdom and kindness saw us through. She was a great blessing to the people of Kenya who needed medical attention, and to me! She was right there with me when I fell and I trusted her wisdom and calming presence the entire time. Thanks Karen! You know I miss you already!

I praise the Lord of the Harvest for sending us and I thank all who contributed to make it possible. Look for future presentations and new items for sale!

Home Again

Deaconess Linda had her surgery & is home recovering. She not only broke her leg in two places but also tore a ligament. Continue to pray for her complete healing.

Our team became the dwindling group as the trip went on; first we were 7, then Kirk became ill, then Linda & Sue left early, we went to Amsterdam with 4, Karen went home & then there were 3.

The two flights were interrupted by a one day stint in Amsterdam. It was cold & rainy but we enjoyed the city anyway. We mostly spent our time strolling around & took a canal barge tour. Karen's husband met us for dinner, which we all enjoyed immensely. Karen rode the train to the airport with us & caught a cab home. Rockie, Shani & I flew home to Michigan.

The adventure is over for now,much of the team is already discussing when to return...felling the pull of God's calling to Kenya.

Each team member has their own journey to reflect on; God truely brought us togther for His purpose, to grow us as a team and as His children.

For me the journey will most certainly continue. I'm tied to that place & those people in a way that breaks my heart fresh each time. I walked away from Luther Academy across the red, dusty field & already knew that I would be returning to this place of great suffering, disease and hardship...but God dwells here in the heart of the people who have been drawn so close to Him through those same trials.

Deaconess Lorna says that when you meet people in their suffering, that's when they see Jesus. My hope & prayer is for that to be true of our team.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

With great sadness we just said goodbye to both Sue and Dcs. Linda. Pastor Dennis and Karen drove the two to the airport. It seems as if the last three days have been filled with great joys and sadness, the mix of emotions is at times overwhelming. Even though I know they are comforted in the knowledge that God has plans for them both. I can not even imagine the sadness that both Sue and Linda are feeling on the way to the airport. They are both such talented and gifted women and there is much work to be finished. I know they are imagining their next journey to Africa. I knows that only GOD nows what the next journey has in store. Please pray that Dsc. Linda and Sue have a safe journey home. Pray for Mauro and Cori as they await the safe return of their loved ones, also for the doctors who with help Linda on her road to recovery.

Our team seems to be disappearing before our eyes. With Rocky left in charge of the three crazy women please, please pray for his guidence and patience. Let's face it Karen, Elizabeth and I are loud, out spoken, and for those of you who know us a little off.

Now, for what we have been up to the last couple of days. Dcs. Linda rested with Karen caring for her. Rocky and Pastor finished the Baby class, this is a class for 3 year olds (54 to be exact)with just one teacher. We spent a few hours of Saturday with Lorna. She took Sue, Elizabeth, and I to the textile store and Maasi Market. We wanted to pick up a few items to share Kenya with all of our friends and family. This allowed us to experience Kenya in a new way. With vendors coming at you from every angle, one of the nice vendors watched over us to make sure we where safe and taken care of. The vendor was a painter and Elizabeth and I ended up purchasing African art work.

Today, we went to church, we watched a teenager get baptized and the service was lovely. After we met with some of the congregation. We left the church and went to Peres' house for a home visit. Many of you may know Peres from last year. She is the grandmother of many of the children that are sponsored by St. John families. Rockie was amazed by the improvement in Peres over the last year. Peres takes great pride in her home and was very welcoming.

I'm having a very difficult time expressing the feeling of our visit to the Kibera slums. The people are trying so hard to survive, the small amounts of food that they have they seem to share. The look on their faces are forever etched in my brain. The desperation in the eyes of the children are without words. The homes are built of stick, mud, and left over scraps of metal. Even with the desperation of the slums, the people that we visited take such pride in their homes. The smell of the entire place will never leave me. I thought I might have vomited from the smell. When I expressed that to Rocky he said "you gotta do what you gotta do." At Peres' house the chicken roam freely, and one seemed to like to peck me. She went in out of my legs and as we left she seemed to follow. Even though the area is uncomfortable the home was inviting and she was very proud to have vistors. We sat, visited and played with all the children and Elizabeth was able to give Beryl a gift. Beryl is the Nelson's sponsored child. As we left the slums I had a mixed feelings of sadness and relief. One of the little children that I have become attached to was really sad and wanted to leave with us. I felt so bad leaving him.

As this journey is coming to end I know that there is much work to be done. I realize that the needs are so large and that I have to trust in God for the next step. I will do my best to organize the teacher's supplies and love as many children as I can. I am unable to solve all the problems of this area and culture. I will do my best to make a small change during this trip and pray that God's guidance and love embrace all of the individuals at the church and school. When I return home I will share with anyone who listens the stories of this journey. I encourage each of you to pray for this area and all the people who are struggling everywhere.

Many Blessings,
Shani

Coming Home Early :-(

Yes, it is true. I slid down a slight hill and lost my balance. I knew it was serious when I heard the bone in my leg snap. That's a sound I won't forget for a very long time! I was taken to Nairobi Hospital, which Lorna said was the best hospital in Kenya. The doctor was so kind. The first thing he said to me was, "Polysana." When I didn't understand, he explained that it means, "Very sorry." He even offered to get me something to eat!

The pain is manageable, thank to my personal nurse, Karen, who was with me and has been my constant companion every since. She is staying home with me today while the others go to the Safari Park and shopping at the Maasai market.

We have accomplished many things so far and I am disappointed to be coming home early, but God in His wisdom must have a reason for it. Sue will be coming with me. We have travel insurance that will be covering the flight home and medical assistance, so we are all set. I guess the Lord wanted me to have the experience of a Kenyan hospital! I was pleasantly surprised. However, I didn't want to experience the entire experience of having surgery there! I will be coming home Sunday and going to U of M on Monday, hopefully.

Thank you for all your prayers, and I look forward to seeing you all and sharing how God has used this team in such an amazing way! We are now beyond the "look and see" stage and are ready to formulate a plan to be of real assistance to Pastor Meeker and Dcs. Lorna.

Blessings to you all!

Serving God and His people everywhere,

Dcs. Linda

Cargo Container, Classrooms and a Cast?

Thursday we traveled back to Nairobi from Kisumu. A 6–7 hour trip on a good day. One of the areas we traveled through was Kericho. It is acres and acres of tea fields and workers picking the tea. We had trouble with the van twice but persevered through and we finally made it home safely.

Friday was a workday at Springs of Life Church. Rocky was back in his element working on tiling the classroom floors. The materials are not quite what he is used to using but he improvised and the floor is looking great and will soon have 54 three year olds using it.

Elizabeth and Shani worked with the teachers in cleaning the classrooms and preparing them for the “new” desks that were shipped in the container to replace the wooden bench type of desk for the children. The “new” desks are probably 40 years old. One of the teachers could not believe they had individual desks. She said this is like the high school use. Elizabeth also trained them in organizing the materials and schedule. Each classroom was also getting a teacher desk and file cabinet. They were beyond thrilled to have even the basics.

I worked with Pastor Dennis and his trusted youth to empty the cargo container that had been shipped from a congregation in Canada. It has been a real concern to get it emptied quickly and as soon as possible. There were groups in the area already planning how to break into the container. Just an example of the volatility because of the shear need of this place.

The contents included the student desks, teacher desks, filing cabinets, 50 new backpacks filled with school supplies, bikes, hospital beds, numerous medical supplies to furnish the clinic, 1,000 Bibles, school books, Bible study books, and clothes, clothes and more clothes. I truly enjoyed working with these young men and witnessing God’s Love from others through these items. It was very encouraging to communicate with them on a more intimate level.

Karen, Linda, Deaconess Lorna and a local man from the congregation went into the slums to do home visits. After a few visits and traveling the unstable terrain they call a street, Linda slipped and fell and broke her leg in 2 places. The local people were very compassionate to her while waiting for help to arrive. She was taken to Nairobi Hospital for treatment and it was determined she needed surgery. They put it in a cast for travel. Linda and I will return today so she can have the surgery done at home. Please pray for safe travel for us and for the team as they carry on without us.

I am sad to leave this place early as I was just beginning to gain the full understanding of our purpose for these people. By God’s Will, I will come back.

Praise God from whom all Blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly Host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Pictures...Finally!!

Lake Victoria and Children

Wednesday found us traveling to Lake Victoria. Pastor Dennis and Deaconess Lorna have land there that was donated to build an orphanage and school. I am very impressed by the heart, compassion and vision of these two and their family. They see the tremendous need and do whatever it takes to help.

The property sits atop a hill at the edge of the lake. This area is one of the larger fishing ports for Kisumu and is not very large or modern at all. The boats are very primitive wooden shells about 18 feet long and 3 feet wide with a homemade sail strung on a log mast. They reminded us of how the disciples may have fished in Galilee. Kenyans are very resourceful people and, we have found, are willing to work hard for whatever small amount of funds they receive.

We then stopped for a couple of home visits in the community where Stefan, our driver, lives with his wife and 3 children. His father is the Lutheran Pastor there. Karen and Deaconess Linda attended to the sick. They were both infected with TB and, of course, both HIV positive. Not uncommon at all.

On to Stefan’s home. His family lives in Kisumu and he works mostly in Nairobi, 7 hours away. We also visited his father’s home, which was a little more improved and lovely in their own way. They served us warm Cokes and cookies and we listened to Pastor tell us about the struggles with his congregations. His community consists of 8 congregations and he takes turns being there and, therefore, they can only receive communion every 2 months. That is, if they can afford the wine.

Back to Kisumu City and the “new” house that Pastor Dennis and Lorna rented in January where they now house 22 children. We visited and played with all of them, Elizabeth led them in song and took videos of them singing. We were served a traditional dinner of chipati "flat corn bread", machusi beef stew and some type of donut. The children also had a very large portion and were very proud of their stomachs being full and round when they had finished. We brought clothes and shoes for them and they were thrilled to receive them. The St. John School t-shirts were a big hit! We took more pictures of children for sponsorship and the children sang us a song about how Jesus changed their life. Even in their meager existence they can see the many Blessings they receive. What a true joy and inspiration to be with them.

Deaconesses Galore!

Today we visited Dago, the ELCK project started by Dcs. Ruth, Dcs. Lorna’s sister. Dago is a place where HIV women and children gather together for fellowship, support and worship. The deaconesses across Kenya gather there each Tuesday for worship, Bible Study and encouragement. I had the opportunity to lead a Bible Study with my deaconess sisters and encourage them in their ministry. It was like heaven on earth being with them! They shared how difficult it is to minister to a child who has lost both parents and is asking you to take them in when they already have several orphans they are looking after. Their hearts were breaking for these children. They also shared that it is the African tradition to bring a small gift when you visit someone, and they have so little that they are giving away food they need themselves.

There was a large celebration for us when we arrived. The women greeted us with song and three government officials were there to greet us and thank us for what we are doing to help the Dago Community. It was very encouraging to see the government officials acknowledging the astonishing change in the death rates, thanks to the efforts of the Dago project and the deaconesses. They then proceeded to share their gratitude for our support. They put forth many concerns and requests for our assistance. One trip to Home Depot would do it! What we take for granted, they do without.

There are so many needs here and the team wants to fix everything! We are beginning to realize, however, that it would be impossible. We will come home, put our heads together, seek the Lord’s guidance, and come up with a plan. There is a reason God has us here! We need your prayers for guidance and wisdom as we assess these needs.

May the Lord be with you all! He is definitely here in Kenya! All our brothers and sisters in Kenya send you warm greetings and much love! Thank you for all your donations, they are being used in amazing ways.

Sunday Worship

The team worshipped at Springs of Life Lutheran Church on Sunday. Many children wanted to sit with “The Visitors”. Little children chose a team member to claim as their own. Most of the team held a sleeping child throughout the service. Deaconess Linda felt the effects of a very relaxed sleepy toddler, not once…but twice! The service was all in Kiswahili but the same King of Kings & Lord of Lords was present. One of the hymns sung was Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.

The choirs sang several selections; the 2^nd was one I recognized as the greeting song from the Dago group under the tree in 2007. I had a twinge of longing to share that moment with the guys from team 1. Don’t worry, boys, I shot some video for you ;)

When the children left the service for Sunday School, a woman came to sit beside me. I kept thinking I recognized her; but couldn’t place her face. Halfway through the sermon I realized it was Peres and the sleeping child in my arms was her grandson David who is sponsored by a St. John member. Peres is the woman Team 2 had met when she had been so close to death; she has now regained strength. Although her body is still a battlefield for HIV; she has the strength from her hope in the Lord & assistance for the many children in her care with the help of sponsors from St. John. She shared her hymnal with me to sing in her native tongue. I felt humbled & honored to sit beside this gentle, faithful sister in the Lord.

After the service there were announcements and of course introductions of “The Visitors”, then a gathering outside for one more hymn, a Blessing and greeting each other. Deaconess Linda and Karen worked on seeing congregants who were seeking medical help.

Deaconess Linda gathered together a group of children who need sponsorship and requested that pictures be taken. A line formed and once again the crush of humanity became a little overwhelming. I was prepared to take a few pictures…2 hours later, 75 children had been photographed & information written down by Shani. The burden of increasing needs are continually being placed upon our hearts, but we are counting it all joy! What amazing potential to change lives!

Over dinner a discussion of the days events normally occurs. While discussing sponsors and how to meet these needs, Pastor Dennis & Deaconess Lorna shared (only when pressed) that the $30 sponsorship fee covers food but doesn’t cover the rising cost of school fees.

New opportunities often give way to new questions. Do we procure several sponsors for 1 child? Should the sponsorship amount be raised for those wanting to be the sole sponsors of their child? Solutions will have to be considered upon return. For now the harvest is waiting, a majority of them children.

For those sponsoring Peres’ children & grandchildren; know that your compassionate sacrifice is giving hope to the hopeless, strength for fear, gladness for mourning & peace for despair. That is a Blessing unfolding before our eyes!

Posted by Elizabeth Nelson

Comment Away!

A Blog, at it's best is conversation where everyone can contribute.  Gary let me know that only certain users could comment!  I have changed the settings to allow all viewers to post comments!!  Sorry for the difficulty.  Speaking of difficulties...I had some trouble posting last night (long boring story) & will be posting this evening (Kenyan time ;) &  will make every effort to post some pics as well.  I have taken 543 photos so far...mostly of children, imagine that!

We are off to Kisumu today; six hours on a bump road!!  God is continually placing new burdens on our hearts, but we are counting it all joy!

Love to all :)  Blessings on your day!

A Maasai Wedding

Today was early to rise, breakfast at 7 on the road by 8 so we could travel 3 hours to a Maasai village with Deaconess Susan. The journey consisted of a decent paved road for about an hour, an hour of construction, (Michigan construction is a joy compared to here!) and an hour on a 2 track through the desert of the rift valley. 2 track is being generous. The road was not marked and mostly washed out.

When we finally arrived at the extremely primitive village, they were having church service under one of the few shade trees and the choir was singing!! It was a beautiful sight to behold. The women were all dressed in ceremonial clothing including extensive bead necklaces that they made themselves. Their songs of praise to the Lord was joyous indeed in any language. Several choirs sang, their pastor spoke, Pastor Dennis spoke, we were all introduced and were warmly welcomed from several villagers.

We then discovered this was a special day in the village. The new bride would be arriving for a wedding. She traveled 10,000 km to be there. It was a very interesting ritual to observe. A wedding feast was prepared and shared with us. Goat meat and a type of corn bread. We were polite to say the least.

After the wedding we distributed food, clothing, toys and other supplies. They were desperate for anything we had to give. Karen treated those in need of first aid and we all visited and played with the children. Perspective takes on a whole new meaning here. I do not see color in this place, just people who are trying to live and learning to love the Lord.

After a long, dusty day and long bumpy ride home, Rocky greeted us with the news of his day. He stayed behind to work at the school painting today with help from the locals. He enjoyed doing the work, but I really think it was the new ladder we bought for the school!

Time to rest and anticipate church tomorrow morning. Our days are filled to the brim seeing God's hand and showing the Love of Christ here.

We're here!!

Thank you to everyone for your prayers! We arrived yesterday safe and sound after two long flights and not much sleep. We were all so excited to be going, but also that we would see Karen again. We overwhelmed her with all the hugs we were supposed to give her when we saw her. She says "Hi!" Well, we all know she'd say more than that!

We were all a little worried about getting through customs with all of the donations we brought, but Elizabeth and Caleb had been praying for weeks for the customs agents to have "blinded eyes," (which I didn't Know) and Karen and I prayed the same thing before we landed. I thought of Corrie Ten Boom when she prayed that the guards in the concentration camps would not see the Bible she had hidden on herself. We sailed through the Visa process and went to collect our bags. As Sue and I went first, we were asked simply if we were on 'holiday,' to which we answered "Yes," and he said, "Just go ahead." Two down, four more to go. Rockie sailed through, and Elizabeth, Shani, and Karen decided to just walk on through without stopping, and an agent looked and at them and said nothing! I think our prayers were answered!

Lorna had a wonderful dinner waiting and then we crashed into bed.

Today Lorna took us to Springs of Life, the church and school she and Pastor Dennis serve at in the Kibera slums. We were able to see how much work they had done since last year. There are four new classrooms and they are renovating the two classrooms that we saw last year. Rockie's eyes lit up when Pastor Dennis told him he would be painting those rooms and installing tile floors! I don't think he could have had a bigger smile on his face if he tried :-) He is itching to get there tomorrow and get started.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Shani couldn't wait to see the children at the school. They went to work immediately. Elizabeth read to the children and taught them a song. Can't you just see her doing that! She then worked with one of the teachers and taught them a very simple, yet profound way to teach a child to read. Shani was the consummate caregiver and helped one little girl to be accepted by the other children where she hadn't been before. You'll have to ask her about that one. God is working in amazing ways through this team already, and it's only the first day!

Karen, Sue, and I took a tour of the improvements at the school and saw the giant cargo container that was sent by the Canadians. Eh! It is filled with clothing, desks, bicycles, and they don't even know what all. When it is empty they will convert it into a Medical Clinic, and they would love to have a double-wide. So Sue said, "We can do that! Game on!" So get ready St. John. We're going to be filling a cargo carrier and shipping it here! To show you God's hand in all this, Corey, her daughter, has a friend, whom she had not spoken to in a very long time, who knows someone at the U.N. in Kenya and may be able to assist us.

Is that a God-thing, or what!

Tomorrow, Rockie will stay behind and work at the School, while we go to a Masai village with Susan, the one and only Masai deaconess. We will get to see a real Masai village and how these people, who have lived the same way for thousands of years, live. Dcs. Lorna told me today that there are no toilets, so we will have to go in the bush. How does that sound ladies?? Not only are there no toilets, but there's lions out there! Keep praying :-) This will be a real adventure!

We have been profoundly touched already, and we are looking forward to seeing the hand of our AWESOME God at work in the days to come. Pastor and Lorna have been overwhelmed by YOUR generosity to them, the children, and the deaconesses! We will be taking lots of pictures, and we will show you where your tithe and contributions have made a difference in so many lives here.

May God continue to bless and keep you! We should be able to post fairly often because Lorna has an Air Card and Sue has her MAC.

Kirk and Dave we miss you! We picked up a surprise for you both at the Nakumat!

In Christ's amazing and all sustaining love,

Dcs. Linda

What will we find this year?

For the last two years, I think, our visits have been as "spectators." This year I believe the Lord will allow us to feel and experience some of what our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing each and every day in Kenya. We are SO privileged in this country, that we can't bear the thought of being without electricity, food, or water. I don't know about the rest of the team, but I am looking forward to being humbled by the experience. I am sickened at times by the amount of waste in this country, in this Rochester area. Lord, show us what it is like to suffer want, so that our hearts will be awakened to the great need of our fellow human beings in the rest of the world!

2009 Kenya Team gearing up!

Nine days and counting! We depart on September 23rd at 4:00 pm. The flight is over 16 hours, accomplished in two segments. First a stop in Amsterdam and then on to Nairobi. Kenya here we come!

This year's mission team consists of Deaconess (Dcs.) Linda Nobili, Kirk Radford, Rockie Brandenburg, Karen Morrell (currently living in the Netherlands), Elizabeth Nelson, and two 'new-bees', Sue Wood and Shani Stadnika! Today we start packing the extra bags we're taking filled with donations of school supplies, small stuffed animals, kids clothes, first aid supplies, and the like. Can't wait to get started!

Donations have been pouring in, thanks be to God, and the expenses for our entire trip will be covered. We want to thank everyone who contributed finances, toys, clothes, and prayers! We couldn't do it without you! May the Lord return to you double what you have done for us and the people of Kenya.

Please check back here for updates. We will try to post as often as possible. Also please keep the people of Kenya, Pastor Dennis and Dcs. Lorna Meeker and us in prayer. We ask for prayers of protection, patience, and productivity for the saving Gospel of Christ. Kenya is experiencing severe drought conditions and we have been told to expect electricity every other day.

Blessings! Dcs. Linda