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