tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43440965719292416342024-03-13T07:05:43.356-07:00Journey to KenyaFollow me as I travel to Kenya this summer with Lost Orphan International.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-66118342301904954562011-03-13T06:47:00.000-07:002011-03-13T06:49:33.699-07:00I'm BackHey Everyone,<br />Just wanted to send you a quick up date to let you know that I have arrived safely and am absolutely loving it! To see and embrace Julie, and Doreen was quite a joy/tear filled moment. Naomi's Village is bursting with joy and it is so great to be staying there.<br />I will write more soon about daily events but I wanted you all to know I am here and safe!<br /><br />Thanks for your continued prayers and support.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-73858209404103206772011-02-06T18:23:00.000-08:002011-02-17T07:54:17.636-08:00God says go...I’m going to Kenya again in literally a month and 4 day! During an email conversation with Tim Cypert in January, we discussed future trips that LOI was planning to take. He offered two sets of dates, one being March 10-20th and the other in June. Knowing that I could not go in June due to a previous commitment my only option was the March trip. Thinking that it wouldn’t work because of classes I kind of put it aside then decided I should check to see when spring break would be. To my surprise, spring break hit the dates perfectly! I emailed Tim and informed him that I was most definitely interested. From that point on, it was completely up to God to put the rest of the trip together. I knew that if I was going to go I had to have $1,750 to LOI by January 22. With God's help, I was able to make that deadline. I am still in process of raising the remainder of the amount which totals to $2,400 leaving me with $700 that I still need to be funded by March 1, 2011.<br />This trip will be very different than the one I took previous in multiple ways. First, I don’t have to travel alone. Yay! Second, it is much short consisting of only 10 days rather than 6.5 weeks. Praying that God prepares me for this. Third, I will be doing finishing work for Naomi’s Village, and finally, there will be children in Naomi’s Village. Praise God!<br />Would you pray that God again prepares my heart for this trip, and that He would continue to bless and protect the little lives that I will get to be a part of!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-91978808463201109272010-08-26T21:04:00.000-07:002010-08-26T21:05:15.779-07:00Day 44 (Traveling Home)Well, I arrive in Amsterdam about an hour ago. Since being here, I took a bathroom break; however, I haven’t found a shower, but I’ve found a pretty relaxing place to sit by the fake fire. I’m actually sitting across from the “junior Jet Lounge” it’s where the unaccompanied minors go, kinda crazy when you think about the move.<br />Let’s see…some things to talk about. I haven’t showered in 24hrs. and I’ve played with Elephants and giraffes. My stomach feels funny but I think I have somewhat of a fear of flying.<br />The guy who sat next to me on my flight was named Momounsam he is on his way to Germany. He is big in the jewelry business and comes from Gambia. He was very friendly. Almost too friendly as he kept wanting to talk and I just wanted to sleep. After a bit I was finally able to sleep. With the help of some sleep medicine, I slept pretty good; however, I don’t think it was quite long enough. Another few interesting facts: there is a museum in this airport, and a place that teaches about alcohol.<br />Well I’m quite thirsty, so I think I’m gonna load everything up and go a more then like expensive bottle of water.<br />Continued…<br />Well, I didn’t find anything to drink instead I kinda fell asleep. Once when I woke up there was another guy sleeping in the same pod I was sleeping in. I woke up around 8:40 and was feeling quite well. I walked down to a store and bought a plug (I have no clue how much I spent on it) then I found an outlet but it apparently doesn’t work. Ina bit I’m gonna search for another one hopefully. Right now I’m listening to a British kid play the piano and watching people get massages. Airports although boring when you’re alone are also very interesting! Well I’m really thirst so I’m really gonna find something to drink!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-11596695599431802922010-08-26T21:03:00.001-07:002010-08-26T21:03:44.577-07:00Day 42It was another slower morning, but it got busy. We hung out awhile drinking coffee and talking. Around 10 we began cleaning out the closet in Sean’s room. We sorted out items for Naomi’s Village and packed the away. We then unloaded the bookshelves and loaded up the car. We drove over to the new house and unloaded our first load. We returned and finished cleaning out Sean’s room and then moved to the hall closet. After moving that load, we stopped for dinner. We made some more mini pizzas with Canadian bacon on them. The afternoon was quite slow and uneventful. We had planned to go down to the IDP Camp, but the guys went into Nairobi and didn’t get back until late.<br />Once they returned they immediately went to work on the house putting up the tongue and groove ceiling in the living room. The women got busy in the kitchen. We made Mexican spaghetti and cream cheese roll-ups. For dessert, we had pecan pie and chocolate chip pie. <br />While the second pie was in the oven, we went over to see how things were going. It was just getting started but they seemed to know what they were doing. We told them that dinner was ready and to come when they were ready. About an hour later, we all ate dinner. It was quick as the guys wanted to get back to work.<br />The women made some more coffee and just chatted through the rest of the evening. Around 11 the guys all returned. Jillian, Sean and I had our normal evening chat, and then went to bed around 1.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-5491188135868922942010-08-26T21:00:00.002-07:002010-08-26T21:01:00.502-07:00Day 41Today was Bob and Julie’s anniversary. We didn’t do anything this morning as Rachel was finishing up packing. Around 12 we walked up to tell her goodbye—it was quite sad. We then walked over to Mama Chiku’s for lunch as Bob and Julie were taking them to the airport and left around 1:30. After lunch we came home for awhile then decided to go for a walk. On our walk, we saw a whole family of Baboons.<br />When we returned home I finished doing some laundry while Jillian and Emily baked a cake. Once they were finished, I made pizza sauce for our mini pizzas and cooked the meat.<br />After all was prepared we (Sean, Jillian, Emily and I) all ate some wonderfulness. Jillian taught us the game of mau and we played for hours. We then decided to watch the Little Giants. We just got done chatting so goodnight.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-82412802600416562062010-08-26T21:00:00.001-07:002010-08-26T21:00:34.678-07:00Day 40Today, we all slept in again. We didn’t have much to do during the day as Rachel, Teri, and Brayden were preparing to leave. Julie still wasn’t feeling the greatest, but she was feeling better. Around lunch time, we went up to Rachel’s so we could get some things at the duka with them. We were going to eat at momma chiku’s but she was closed. We decided to eat at the hospital instead.<br />After eating, we walked down to the house and began popping popcorn for the movie at the IDP Camp. We began shortly after 1 and finished around 3:30. Everyone decided to take a nap. I wasn’t tired so I read and worked on pictures.<br />At 5:00 we loaded up and headed to the IDP Camp for dinner. Doreen fed us chapatti, beans, and chicken-I had the whole rib cage on my plate. Once it was dark we started the movie (Madagascar 2). Sylvia, Cecilia, Miriam, and Sheila (pronounced Shayla) immediately found me & we all cuddled to keep warm. About ½ way through we passed out the popcorn and showed a movie with pictures of people at the ICP Camp. After the movie it was time to leave and when we arrived home, we chatted awhile before retiring to bed.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-29002203711066540372010-08-26T20:59:00.003-07:002010-08-26T21:07:18.888-07:00Day 39Today was Sunday. We all slept in and were going to go to Nairobi for a Day of relaxation. However when we woke up, Julie wasn’t feeling well, so we all just hung out. We spent about 2 hours watching hilarious youtube videos. We ate some lunch and talked for awhile. After eating, again my kidneys weren’t feeling so hot, so Jillian made me lay on the couch while she and Sean did the dishes.<br />Once they were finished we all gathered in the living room around the computer to watch Invictus. It was a pretty good movie, but the medicine I took to take away the pain made me quite sleepy so I took a snooze in the middle of it.<br />Once the movie was over we decided we needed to get out of the house. So we went for a walk, on our way to RVA we stopped to see Rachel and Dan. Rachel decided she needed to get out of the house as well and so she and Teri came along for a walk. It took us a little longer than normal to walk the guard’s trail, but we weren’t in a hurry and just wanted to get some fresh air.<br />After our walk, we discussed dinner plans with Dan and decided we would go back up to their house since Julie wasn’t feeling much better. Dan made pasta with alfredo sauce and we had leftover veggies and chips from last night. We all had some coffee and sat around the fire while Dan’s homemade brownies were in the oven.<br />Shortly after 10 we all walked back down to our house and chatted while checking email. I’m off to bed now!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-59665334089324046892010-08-26T20:59:00.001-07:002010-08-26T20:59:26.457-07:00Day 38Well I woke up this morning feeling better. We didn’t have anything really to do today, so we slept in and relaxed all morning. We Julie cooked for quite awhile, and I helped her make homemade corn tortillas. It took a lot of work and a little perfecting until we finally figured it out. Around 11, Rachel called and Teri, Sean, Jillian and I walked up to the duka and market. We got some items that we needed for our big dinner tonight, and we also did some fun shopping. I got some pretty cool gifts for my sisters and my mom. Some beaded earrings and a necklace, and an ebony nativity for my mom! It took so good bargaining skills from Jillian for me to get the nativity.<br />After all the shopping was done, we returned home, and Jillian and Sean went to see how the men were doing. While we were at the duka we found out Doreen could no longer come to the dinner we were planning for her and Joseph. Jillian and Sean still wanted to go with the men to Naivasha and hang out, so they did. By this time, I wasn’t feeling the greatest again, so Emily and I watched Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and just chilled out until it was time to head up to the Bransfords for dinner.<br />Even though Doreen and Joseph and their families couldn’t come, we still had lots of food and a wonderful time of fellowship. After dinner we all headed up to RVA for a bonfire. It was quite fun!<br />Once returning home late, we (Sean, Jillian and I) all stayed up and chatted until about 1 and then headed to bed.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-46763864561059324172010-08-26T20:58:00.000-07:002010-08-26T20:59:05.571-07:00Day 37Well I thought today was gonna be a good day. It started out good anyway. At 7:45 am Sean and I got up to go for a run around Moffat field. We returned home around 8:15 and I was feeling pretty good. I showered, ate some breakfast, and had a really good quiet time. At 10:00 we all piled in the car and headed down to spend the day at the IDP Camp.<br />We all sat around and talked, while we drank some tea/hot chocolate. Around 11:30 my right kidney began to hurt. Julie hadn’t been feeling good all morning either, so we sat and tried to relax while the others learned how to make chapatti. Dorcus was also with us and she made the rest of lunch while Doreen made the chapatti.<br />We ate and then walked down to see the addition to the chicken project. Still not feeling well, we walked back to Doreen’s for some more tea. After tea, Doreen took Rachel, Teri, Jillian, and Sean to the school so Rachel could get some more pictures for a video she plans to make.<br />Just after 4 the guys arrived to take us home. By this point, I was pretty miserable. We arrived home, and Emily made me some Lemonade. I then laid in bed for awhile while everyone else showered. I wasn’t feeling much better, but I thought maybe a shower would help. Sadly it didn’t so I returned to my bed. <br />After awhile, Katie arrived and came in and prayed for me and suggested getting some strong Tylenol from the Hospital. By this point, I was in some pain.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-50979100190031092472010-08-26T20:55:00.002-07:002010-08-26T20:56:24.151-07:00Day 35Today was the day of the referendum, so it was a holiday and we were encouraged not to go anywhere.<br />Julie and I got up around 8:30 and did a turbo jam workout. After turbo jam, Sean and I went for a run/walk around RVA. On our way back to the house, we decided to go check out the new place Bob and Julie were moving too. The guys were all there working on installing the cabinets.<br />When we returned we all just hung out, ate a light lunch and then Sean and I took a nap in the living room.<br />After waking up we helped Julie in the kitchen prepare dinner to take up to the McMillans. Around 3:30 we all loaded the car and went up to hang out. The guys all worked on a car, shot a potato gun and grilled. Jillian and I had another wonderful conversation on the swing outside and took in the beautiful weather. Later, Rachel, Teri and I fried chicken wings. After all the food was prepared we ate and had lots of fun!<br />After dessert and coffee, we played catchphrase and played with their new pet (rock high rex) crazy train. The little guy was absolutely adorable.<br />Around 9:30 we called it a night and came home. Jillian, Sean and I all checked email, hung out and are now going to bed.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-91870049938252695292010-08-26T20:55:00.001-07:002010-08-26T20:55:48.515-07:00Day 34Today, was a busy day. Around 9:30 Julie, Jullian, Emily, and I all headed to Limuru to the Brackenhurst. It is a missionary retreat center. There we bought internet time and spent a few hours uploading things and checking emails. Around 12:30 we had lunch there. It was quite tasty. At 1:30 we packed up and headed back to Kijabe, arriving home at 2:30. <br />At 3:00 Sean and I walked up to the Dentist to get out teeth cleaned. It was quite interesting. I was a little nervous, but the Kenyan hygienist did a fantastic job. And it only cost me 1300ksh or $16.25. <br />After our dentist appt we began working on dinner plans. We made lasagna and garlic bread, green beans, and something else. Jillian also made 2 pies (pecan and banana cream).<br />After dinner, we sat around and talked as usual. It was a tough night for Jillian and she and Sean and I had a really long, but extremely good! We started to watch “the big bang theory” but never finished one episode because of the conversation.<br />We didn’t go to bed until 1:00 but it was well worth it!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-42773792327865217842010-08-26T20:53:00.001-07:002010-08-26T20:54:12.347-07:00Day 33Today I got up at 8:30 and showered as with so many people in the house we are on a tight bathroom schedule. At 9:30-10:00 we headed down to show everyone Naomi’s Village. After an Hour there we headed into Naivasha to get money, exchange shows, and eat dinner. We had some amazing Indian food at a gas station restaurant.<br />After lunch and potty breaks we went to see Doreen at the IDP Camp (she called last night telling us she missed us). She made us hot cocoa and again poured out her heart to us and what God was teaching her. Many tears were shed yet again.<br />Around 5 we left and began preparing for supper. Tonight was Korean pancakes, fried okra, chips and queso. We all chatted as usual and then played a game of settlers. Sean with my gracious help won. After that Jillian needed to work through some tough things so we chatted to solve some of the issues.<br />Now its super late and tomorrow will be busy.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-8024632780115322702010-08-26T20:52:00.001-07:002010-08-26T20:52:52.030-07:00Day 32Today we got up around 7:30 packed and ate breakfast. At 9:00 we loaded up and headed back to Kijabe. Again we stopped at a little souvenir shop to go to the bathroom in Narok. We then headed the rest of the way home arriving shortly before 2.<br />Once we arrived Bob and Julie of course wanted to know how it was, so sean and I gladly informed them of the wonderful adventure. We hadn’t eaten and were a bit hungry so we ate some leftover pizza. Around 4 Sean and I headed up to RVA to play some BB. He totally kicked my butt when we played 1 on 1, but I kicked his in horse!<br />We then walked home and began helping Julie with dinner as 2 new people were arriving. (Jillian and Brandon)<br />Around 5:30-6:00 they arrived. At about 7 the Dickerson’s came over and we all ate and chatted for quite some time. At 8:30 the Dickerson’s took Brandon to where they were staying to get him settled. We then had a great conversation with Jillian before Bob & Julie went to watch Dexter.<br />The rest of us then decided to play apples to apples until we were tired and we all headed to bed.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-80672986114753828502010-08-26T20:51:00.000-07:002010-08-26T20:52:21.680-07:00Day 31Today we got a wakeup call around 6:30 (A wake up call is a Kenyan coming to your tent and rattling the zipper while saying good morning). Sean also threw in a couple of wake up calls even though we were awake. We went to breakfast and left on our 2nd safari at 7:30am. We saw so much this morning!<br />Around 10 while driving, I fell asleep for a bit. I hadn’t slept good at all last night and was very tired. However, I didn’t miss the cheetah feeding her cubs or the lion who had just killed a wildebeest. Around 12 we headed back to camp for lunch. And after lunch Katie and I took naps.<br />At 4:00 we went back out on safari. We were on a mission for a leopard-which we didn’t find, but we saw some great elephants.<br />After safari, we came back and got ready for dinner. Tonight’s entertainment was a Kenyan sort of mariachi band. We are now getting ready for bed as morning will come awfully early.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-81828499267115903842010-08-26T20:49:00.000-07:002010-08-26T20:50:58.546-07:00Day 30Well I got up at 7:00am and showered and finished packing. At 8:00 Benson our driver arrived. We loaded everything and were off. About 2 hours into the drive we stopped in Narok and went to the bathroom at a gas station. It was quite an experience. We then traveled the next 2 hours of our trip. I fell asleep during this part.<br />Just after 12 we arrived at the Fig Tree Camp. We check in and were shown our tents. Then we went to lunch. There were some pretty interesting things at the buffet, but they were good. After lunch we went and hung out at the pool. Braden and Dan swam while the rest of us watched. We then went into the bar to get drinks and hang out before our safari.<br />At 4:00 we headed out on our first safari. We of course saw zebras and wildebeest, but one of the first things we saw was a lion eating a wildebeest. Not far from there were some lion cubs. We saw many more cool things which I can’t quite remember however I do remember the gorgeous sunset!<br />After returning we showered and went to dinner. The entertainment of the evening was some massai doing a song and showering their jumping skills (I was told this is how they attract women). We then all returned to our tents and hung out before turning in.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-29250499121171246382010-08-26T20:47:00.001-07:002010-08-26T20:48:12.680-07:00Day 29This morning we all just hung out. At 12:00 Dan, Rachel, Teri, Bob, Julie, Sean, and I all headed to get money for our safari so we could pay our travel agent. First we went to the ABC Shopping Center and got out the money. Then we traveled to the Junction Shopping Center. While there we ate some Indian food. I had chicken tikka jerra masala. It was chicken chunks in a really yummy sauce. After eating we gathered the money to pay Suzanne.<br />When all of that was complete, we headed to the Nakamott-it’s basically a walmart. It has everything from clothes, to appliances, to groceries. After all the shopping was done we headed back home. Since we had a late lunch we had leftovers for dinner.<br />We decided we wanted to watch a movie and chose Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We also had popcorn.<br />I just finished packing for Safari and now it’s time for bed.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-65488128931848971502010-08-14T02:19:00.000-07:002010-08-14T02:35:07.461-07:00Day 28<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZjN_gt0mI/AAAAAAAAAEA/fkW6keiGcCY/s1600/Days+27-28+021.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZjN_gt0mI/AAAAAAAAAEA/fkW6keiGcCY/s320/Days+27-28+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505196686545113698" /></a><br />Today we headed back down to the IDP Camp. WE arrived at the school around 12. Sammy Camou, and Alex all came as well. Sammy is the guy who helped build and fund the school.<br />After a bit of talking with all of them, we went into the classroom. We brought them a story book of Noah's Ark which I read tot he children while Doreen and then Sammy translated. Soon it was time for the children to go so we all sad our goodbyes.<br />Today, we brought lunch for everyone. We brought somosas and chapatti from Mama Chiku's and sodas from the duka. We ate and chatted at the school for quite sometime. Then we discussed the price for building the school a kitchen and how much it would cost to fee one child a day. AFter many calculations, it came out to be $2.50 to feed one child. For many of these children, it will be their only meal or at least their only nutritious meal. <br />Around 2:30-3 we headed back up the mountain. It was quite the adventure today as we had the green hornet. Julie had driven it down a couple times before, but never back up. There were many bumps along the way, but she did excellent!<br />When we arrived home, the men weren't back yet, and neither was Sean, who'd spent the day in the hospital observing some very interesting surgeries. Julie had some errands to run so I went with her. On our walk we Ran into Lorrie and Kim and we chatted for quite some time. While we were chatting Sean who was on his way home stopped to talk as well. Soon we were on our way again. AFter solving some of the errand problem we went down to the new house Bob and Julie will be living in. The wall had been knocked down and it was looking good! <br />When we arrived back home, Sean, Emily and I played a game of settlers. Sean won tonight. Then I talked to my mom for about 30 mins. on skype. It was so good to hear her voice and chat with her about life. Soon it was dinner time. Tonight was chicken curry and beef curry. It was yummy as usual!<br />After dinner tonight Bob and Julie told stories about their grandparents. They have some funny stories!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-37146763177478667132010-08-14T02:14:00.000-07:002010-08-14T02:19:09.515-07:00Day 27<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZfexmUUyI/AAAAAAAAAD4/ke27ciSAOB4/s1600/Days+27-28+053.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZfexmUUyI/AAAAAAAAAD4/ke27ciSAOB4/s320/Days+27-28+053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505192576821777186" /></a><br />Today around 10:30 all the women drove down to the school. When we arrived Doreen was teaching but ushered us in to watch. While we were there they learned about Noah, and many attributes of God. After their Bible time they reviewed some math. What’s crazy was how well behaved the children were especially since there were 50 kindergarteners/1st graders. School dismissed at 12:30 and we walked back to Doreen’s tent. We were only going to have tea, but she insisted on feeding us. She made some wonderful beans and rice and we ate around 3. We had planned to leave at 1:30 but often things change. And today it was a good change. While Doreen was cooking she shared many words of encouragement with us. She shared again how important prayer is and how we need to boldly ask God for what we want/need even though he knows. She shared that when we have nothing left “were I end, He begins” and he will provide. She shared how we have to pray with the right heart and used Jesus praying for the cup to be taken from him but then realizing that it was something he had to do, so even though we didn’t get left as planned-God had other intentions for us.<br />Around 4 we headed back home. When we arrived we decided to sort supplies teams had brought over. I counted and organized 372 toothbrushes while the others sorted men’s, woman’s & children’s clothes and shoes.<br />After all was done we began working on supper we made quesadillas and queso. Sean and I slaved over the stove frying chips and bacon while the other chatted.<br />After supper we played mafia and then everyone left.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-76650929453648378672010-08-14T02:12:00.001-07:002010-08-14T02:14:24.471-07:00Day 26<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZeaP7iOWI/AAAAAAAAADw/zOpxJx_Bqkc/s1600/Days+27-28+042.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZeaP7iOWI/AAAAAAAAADw/zOpxJx_Bqkc/s320/Days+27-28+042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505191399552858466" /></a><br />It was another relaxing day. Around 10:30 all the women, kids and Sean headed to the Naivasha country Club for an afternoon of R&R.<br />When we arrived we walked down to the lake to see if we couldn’t spot any hippos, but they weren’t around. We then ordered dinner, which speedy service is not a Kenyan thing and about 2 hours later we got our food. After eating, coffee, and researching flea bites we headed back home.<br />Once home we hung out and prepared for dinner. I made scones (craisin & white chocolate chip) while Julie made Keish. Sean helped a little, but kept trying to steal my thunder in saying he helped make them.<br />Everyone came over to eat and we had a blast. After doing dishes we played a game of scene it. It was really difficult. Sean and Will ended up winning. <br />Now it’s time for bed!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-4827565794734985192010-08-14T02:09:00.000-07:002010-08-14T02:12:00.678-07:00Day 25<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZdzuAgf0I/AAAAAAAAADo/chYTje1s9Js/s1600/Day+25+010.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZdzuAgf0I/AAAAAAAAADo/chYTje1s9Js/s320/Day+25+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505190737611882306" /></a><br />Today we headed to the lunga lunga slums to church. We left around 8:30 am as church stated at 10 and we had to drive to Nairobi. It was a typical drive into town and when we arrived we parked our cars outside the slum behind a tin sheet fence.<br />We then called Pastor Jeffery to come and get us. We then walked through the slum. Its so hard to explain. There were tiny walkways with tiny shops and houses made of iron sheets that lined the path tons of people everywhere. Bottles, trash, soles of shoes, mud, pee, poop on the path.<br />As we walked children peeked their heads out their little doors to say mzungu how is you. The first place Pastor Jeffery took us was the original church build. It was tiny. It seriously couldn’t have been any bigger than my living room. It is now Jeffery’s office as they have moved to a larger building.<br />When we arrived they were doing a song and we were soon introduced. They continued to do several songs allowing all age groups to show a dance to a song. This went on for about an hour and a half. Katie and I then did a song for them-we both sang while I played piano and Katie played guitar. There were a few more songs and then Pastor Jeffery had Bob give a mini sermon. Finally we got to the sermon. Jeffery preached the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. He preached for a good hour to hour and a half. <br />Once the sermon was done, Bob prayed over a “freshly born” set of twins (inside joke with Sean). Another song was sung and we said our goodbyes. It was 2:30 before we left.<br />We then drove to the Java house for lunch. It was definitely a culture shock, but it was good food and great fellowship.<br />Our drive home was fairly typical except for a bit of fish tailing in the green hornet thanks to Dan. Once arriving safely at home, we went and played some soccer up at RVA. Then we went back to the house and played settler in which Sean and I dominated.<br />We had chips and different dips for dinner. I then checked emails. I got to talked with my momma for quite awhile before heading to bed.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-76384456467916570772010-08-14T02:07:00.000-07:002010-08-14T02:09:39.106-07:00Day 24<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZdS9sPh-I/AAAAAAAAADg/nvfZbryVPTQ/s1600/Days+20-24+087.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZdS9sPh-I/AAAAAAAAADg/nvfZbryVPTQ/s320/Days+20-24+087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505190174886168546" /></a><br />Today, I got to sleep in again! Yay! I got up around 9 and honestly just hung out with everyone, lounging around in p.j.’s. Not a lot happened this morning as the LOI team left and Bob, Julie, Rachel, and Dan were planning on going to Nairobi in the afternoon. Rachel’s mom flew in today so they were going to pick her up.<br />Around 12 the adults left, and Sean and I were left with the 3 kiddos. For lunch we went to Mama Chiku’s . Sean and I ate some samosas, while the three kids had mandazi’s with a fried egg on top. After eating we walked to RVA and played some soccer. I attempted for awhile, and then gave up-soccer is not my talent.<br />After we were tired of that, we headed home and watched the movie Raising Arizona. It was quite funny. However, I was a bit sleepy and feel asleep towards the end.<br />When the movie was over, it was time to get ready for dinner. We made ravioli and had salad for supper. It was quite delicious! The amazing dump cake was for dessert again :D<br />Katie came over and ate with us and then taught us how to play the game settlers. It was a very fun game mostly because it’s the first game I’ve won since being here. It took us quite awhile to play and we had just finished when all the parents returned home.<br />Tonight after the kids and everyone headed to bed, Sean asked me my testimony. I gladly told him, and then asked if he’d share his. He said maybe that would be my story. One day while putting in windows I asked him to tell me a story just to try to get some conversation flowing, but I’ve yet to hear one…so its kind of a running joke with us! Hopefully, I will hear his testimony soon!<br />Well tomorrow we are headed to the slum church and I guess it will be quite exhausting, so I’m off to bed!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-29332499144416652692010-08-14T02:00:00.000-07:002010-08-14T02:07:20.980-07:00Day 23<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZcaL0wQvI/AAAAAAAAADY/RgiLc1CrSZI/s1600/Days+20-24+032.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZcaL0wQvI/AAAAAAAAADY/RgiLc1CrSZI/s320/Days+20-24+032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505189199427420914" /></a><br />Today was a typically busy morning. Around 9:30 we all loaded up & headed to crescent Island-another walking safari. Today we saw: water buck, wildebeests, zebras, impalas, tom gazelle, giraffe, and a hippo. We spent about 2 hours walking around the “island” being with the animals. At 1:00 we left and headed home.<br />When we arrived, Julie, Rachel, Sean, Emily and I all got busy popping popcorn for the movie. At 5 we headed down to Doreen’s to eat before showing the movie. It was amazing to me how she fed all 30+ of us tonight. After eating Joseph told us his story from the clashes and then we went to watch the Lion King. Emily and Faith started out by snuggling with me and sson Ruth was in my lap fast asleep. After intermission for popcorn break, Ruth’s mom, another woman & Ann were all boxing me in-I couldn’t move, but it was totally amazing. Soon the movie was over and everyone loved it. Everyone left, but Faith stayed right by my side until I climbed into the car.<br />Now it is time for bed after a very fun exhausting day.<br />During intermission I was sitting holding Ruth, when Ann comes up behind me and covers my eyes & says guess who. I had no idea so I started guessing the typical names, Ruth, Naomi, Esther. She finally told me she was Ann and introduced herself. The funny thing is I’d never met her before and while she had my eyes covered the other 2 women moved in to my space.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-86871213769669664592010-08-14T01:58:00.001-07:002010-08-14T02:00:46.696-07:00Day 22Around 9:30am we were picked up to go do some work at the orphanage. However, we really didn’t leave then. All I know is we headed down the Mountain, went to Maai Mahiu and got supplies and made it to the orphanage at lunch time. After a small bit to eat we finished painting the windows that were in.<br />After this task was completed we began building the driveway. All of the debris from the chipping of the stones was shoveled into wheelbarrows and haled to make the Road.<br />Around 4 work came to a stop because some people had to walk back up the Mountain.<br />Tonight Tim, Mike, & his family came over for dinner. It was curry night! After our meal everyone but Bob, Julie, Mike, and Tim headed over to the ENT house to have a worship night. It was pretty cool. Around 10 we came back home, but they were still meeting. Sean & I decided to watch “Waiting for Guffman” a movie Bob & Julie recommended. It was ok but not my fave. After the movie the meeting was still happening so I got online and checked email and chatted with my mom. At midnight they were done and we all were able to go to bed!Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-33304145219620577142010-08-14T01:56:00.000-07:002010-08-14T01:58:37.016-07:00Day 21<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZaptnnd0I/AAAAAAAAADQ/SDb2KiKN7s0/s1600/Days+20-24+011.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZaptnnd0I/AAAAAAAAADQ/SDb2KiKN7s0/s320/Days+20-24+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505187267173906242" /></a><br />Today was a sleep in day. Many hard, frustrating & sad events happened last night, which made it quite late. We all hung out at the house this morning while the LOI team went down to the orphanage to sort out Ernie’s tools from Naomi’s Village’s. Today is Julie’s Birthday so around 9:30 this morning, Rachel, Sean, and I walked up to the market and duka to get her some flowers. After finding some beautiful colorful roses we went to Mama Chiku’s hotel for some chai. After tea time, we walked passed all the other little shops here in Kijabe. We also made cookies this a.m.<br />After lunch around 2 we headed down to the orphanage to take people to the IDP Camp. The team was not done cleaning things up, so I had to stay so I could walk the team over. Around 4 everything was done and we walked to the IDP Camp where we had chai & cookies. Soon it was time to go.<br />Tonight, since it was Julie’s b-day Dan, Rachel, and I did all the cooking. We had Nachos, which were fabulous and brownies.<br />After dinner Emily, Katie, Dan & I all jammed out with some worship tunes. It was again a late night filled with laughter & celebration.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4344096571929241634.post-90607974765754659422010-08-14T01:53:00.000-07:002010-08-14T01:56:31.325-07:00Day 20<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZaMMp_CtI/AAAAAAAAADI/MBK6fl7n_RA/s1600/Days+20-24+004.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fiOh2yTfW84/TGZaMMp_CtI/AAAAAAAAADI/MBK6fl7n_RA/s320/Days+20-24+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505186760109263570" /></a><br />Today we woke up around 7 am and headed down to get people at the ENT house around 7:20. After loading up the cars we drove down to the Village to do some more work. Julie and I painted lots of window this morning. Around 10 we stopped for chai time and had a little snack then went back to priming the windows. We all shared in some great conversations while we worked. Around 12 we all took a break for lunch. At that time Julie had spoke with Bob and He and Sean needed to be picked up, they had been doing clinic all morning. Julie didn’t want to go alone so I rode with her. We again shared in great conversations of what God had been doing in our lives & how the culture was & how they needed to be loved.<br />We picked up the guys and Rachel & Dan & Brayden & headed down the mountain. We arrived down there around 3 and went immediately back to finishing up the windows but soon ran out of pain. So instead of starting a new job, we cleaned up to get ready for a dinner Ernie was cooking.<br />Shortly after 5 we all gathered around the fire pit, prayed and ate some Nyoma Choma-or goat meat. It was actually pretty good except for the fact that half of my plate was fat. Sean’s was all fat.<br />After socializing with Mary who told me she wanted to be able to fee her children, who are 6 & 2, and about her husband not being around, and that he didn’t treat her well and then it was time to leave.<br />Since we didn’t have much to eat down at the Village we ate at the ENT house with everyone. After some good chatting we walked home.Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13633542992765217290noreply@blogger.com0