Zeba 2011 - Friday July 22

They hung on for dear life...but at least we have a lot more room for fudge in the vans!!!


Loud booming thunder was our alarm clock Wednesday morning, but the storms did not dampen our spirits. When the weather broke mid-morning we were well into another great day of vacation bible camp with the Zeba youngsters. In crafts they made God's eyes and rainbows with fruit loops, and in games we wore them out with kick ball and some snatch the bacon. The afternoon trek to Copper Harbor was filled with God reminders in the way the youth connected to each other and the constant beauty that surrounded us at every turn. We bought fresh fish on our way up to the state park and had a grand grilled fish feast that would make any New Englander jealous. The smells, sights, and sounds were an explosion of joy that once again reminded me of how blessed we are as a church to have this youth program and these opportunities. With a stop at the top of Brock-way Mountain (where the funny finger picture was taken), we headed back full, happy, and sleepy from another full and fulfilling day!

We wrapped things up on Thursday at the VBC campgrounds with some sad campers, but their heads were filled with fun and long lasting memories. All of them go home with a self decorated picture frame holding a picture of them and their Ann Arbor buddy.

The way the youth are responding to the lessons and the expectations we are sharing with them is really amazing....and this gathering of individuals has forged themselves into a galvanized group. It is really cool to witness and be a part of.

This afternoon was another highlight as we went to Canyon River falls on the Sturgeon river....yes, the famous "jumping off the rock" place. It was picture perfect weather and the youth had a blast!!

But the pinnacle so far came during our sharing time at the final campfire. Many of the youth shared stories of their faith struggles and plateaus, and also their deeply personal stories of the pain, confusion, and hardships that many of them face. It became a safe and comforting space, which is always one of the highest goals of youth ministry. It was cathartic.

I was amazed at the level of honesty and trust during this time, but even more blown away by the support and maturity displayed by these 7th and 8th graders.

With our work being done, we are off tomorrow morning for a day of fun (and tourism) at Mackinac Island!

Blessings,

Drew

Zeba 2011 - Thursday July 21

Zeba 2011 - Monday July 18

Well...it was an awfully hard day at work today, but we managed to pull through!

Seriously, with the heat index above 100 degrees, we needed some time in communion with Lake Superior. But we did have a very busy and fulfilling first full 24 hours in Northern Michigan. We worshiped together at the First United Methodist church of L'anse, where we heard a poignant and resonating sermon about finding God during the hard times, and understanding that the hard times are actually a necessary part of God's plan. For the children's moment, he used the example of someone wanting to assist a caterpillar by cutting the cocoon during the chrysalis stage to help it into a butterfly, but realizing that it did not properly develop because it needed the struggle to get to the next phase. That became a big topic of conversation for the youth the rest of the day, and I think will be a recurring theme throughout the week.

Lunch was a picnic on the shores of Lake Superior with fried chicken, mac and cheese, fruit, and a heavy dose of laughter and joy. After a refreshing dip, we went back to the center, got together in groups, and practiced what we will be doing for the VBS camp for the week. Each of us will be working a group focusing on a major area of the camp including games, drama, crafts and music.

After a devotion and some free time, we have hit the rack hard so we will be ready for tomorrow.

Drew Angotti

ZEBA 2011 - Saturday July 16

From one wonderful place, to another!

After a smooth 3/4 of a day trip, it feels to me like we have been transported to another part of the world. Nothing but rows of plush green timber dotted with sparkling crystal blue lakes. I have been told many times about the beauty in this area of Michigan...but it is not something you can not truly understand until the first time you see it!

The first day of our quest went without a hitch. We stopped for lunch in the shadow of the Makinac bridge, and we all filled up on a delightfully authentic Italian dinner. The weather was wonderful for gazing at God's beautiful handiwork, but a bit sticky as we stepped out of the vans onto the terra firma of the Ford camping center. Still the youth were super well behaved and handled the long trip very, very well. After we settled in, we had a quick orientation from the site director, sang a few songs, and Wendy brought us home with a wonderful devotion. 

Everyone is now in bed and filled with expectations of a great week. We start our journey with breakfast and a trip to church...

Agape from the UP !


Drew Angotti

North Dakota Youth Mission Trip - Day 5

Our last day at the Spirit Lake Ministry Center was actually a day of firsts too. The day dawned hot and steamy and those ever-present prairie winds took a vacation for the early part of the day as we worked fast and furiously to complete the work on our sites. I am happy to report that each site accomplished (and in some cases exceeded) the project that was assigned for them to do.

Here is a recap of of what each group achieved on their sites this week:

Buffalos - Their assignment for the week was to build a deck and wheelchair ramp for Reneta, she is the mother of Gandy who amazed us with his dancing on cultural night. Reneta is handicapped and had been waiting 5 years for a wheelchair ramp. Because of her handicap, it is very difficult for her to navigate the stairs leading from her house without aid. Thanks to this dedicated team, Reneta can now go sit in her yard or sit on her deck all on her own without help. It’s really about the simple pleasures. Reneta was so touched by their service that she chose from her star quilt collection, a quilt that she felt would work for both the boys and the girls on the site, that is also the reason that she felt moved to speak her stories at the cultural evening. Mike informed us that this is the first time that an elder had felt affected enough to speak to a group and it is the first time that a star quilt had been gifted to a team. A direct quote from Mike, “This is a big deal.”

Buffalo Group: John Kline, Marcia DeBoer, Joey Houghton, Tanner Wood, Haniel Grosshuesch, Steve Lidgard, Sam Ellison, Rachel Xydis, Eric Jensen

Braves – This team was assigned to finishing off the gathering room in the Christian Life Center. During the week they hung bead board for the walls, this was a bit challenging as the kids had to be very exact in their measurements as they cut holes for outlets and windows. There were sounds of joy at the success of each crucial cut. For the outside of the building, this team also built a railing for the deck that is attached to the building. The result of this teams’ hard work means that there is a room now available to Mike and Libby to hold services, have gatherings for the youth of the reservations, have a heated room in which to organize material for the Shoebox Christmas ministry, really the possibilities are endless and Mike and Libby are truly thankful to us for completing this room for them.

Braves Group: Tom Moore, Debbie Houghton, Hannah Kline, Luke Johns, Sarah Higdon, Noah Kaczor, Ben Brenner, Steven Rudnik, Meredy Grupe

Eagles – This team was assigned to build a deck extension and wheelchair ramp for Giles and Delores. Giles is ill with cancer and in a weakened state. He is very fragile and is not able to get around without assistance. His wife, Delores is his primary caretaker, but unfortunately she broke her foot, so she too needs help getting around. The wheelchair ramp will allow them to get in and out of their house without aid. When we went to the site the day after we completed the deck extension, they already had placed chairs out on it. Like I said, it’s about the simple pleasures. Now they can really enjoy that beautiful view of the land surrounding their property.

Eagles Group: Bill Houghton, Deb Wood, Quinn Johns, Rachel Metz, A.J. Gay, Patrick Gilchrist, Kate Centurione, Randy Strassburg, Zione Grosshuesch, Bobby Knutilla

Totems - This team was assigned originally to just clean out a home for Josh, Jana and their son Tony. Josh’s family had been basically homeless for the last year, so this was an exciting move for them. After cleaning the home, the Totems were so moved by this family’s situation that they decided they wanted to make the house even nicer for them by painting the house too. The highlight of the week for this team was taking part in a smudging/blessing ceremony of the house. Mike and even our bus driver Willie T gave their blessings too. Josh comes from a family of medicine men, he has had struggles in the past with alcoholism, but is committed to staying sober for his family and so that he can continue the tradition of being a medicine man, which he cannot do if his body is under the influence of any substance. Josh smudged the not only the house, but the group members too. Another first and a great honor.

Totems Group: Drew Angotti, Melanie Snook, Anna DeBoer, Lydia Kline, Eric Seitz, Spencer Kennedy, Maria Koukios, Austin Stout, Abby Kleinheksel, Emma Griffith

Zunis – This group was assigned to hang wallboard and on the walls and ceilings of the bathhouse, they were also responsible for painting all the board that was hung. Previous to this work being done, the bathroom was a gloomy, dingy place. It is so nice and bright now, it truly is a thing of beauty and will benefit every group that comes to work here in the future.

Zunis Group: Brian Fowlkes, Julie Roesch, John Houghton, Heather Jue-Wong, Michael Ross, Blake Martin, Annie Oldani, Kristi Bell, Katharine Brighton, Max Teener

And last but not least, we all took part on one day or another at the Sidewalk Sunday School, which I have stated before is the most important ministry that Mike and Libby do. Your children have touched (literally and spiritually) many children on the reservation. they played basketball endlessly, gave numerous piggy back rides, painted faces, had their faces painted (and sometimes other body parts too), acted out skits, read stories, did crafts and handed out lots of necessary snacks and drinks. This significance of this time together was evident in the delighted expressions of the children, both ours and theirs.

On our last night here another first happened. We received the gift of a star quilt from Libby and Mike. They were so impressed by the hard work and dedication of our teams that they could not let us go without letting us know in a personal way how much we touched their lives and their mission here on the reservation. The theme of the mission at the Spirit Lake Ministry Center is Love God, Love Neighbor. I think we all took that theme to heart this week and let it embody everything we did. Our goal is to continue to Love God, Love Neighbor as we venture home to our busy lives and let it embody our tasks in our daily lives too, to do so would truly honor the people who we were fortunate to serve for and work with this week.

North Dakota Youth Mission Trip - Day 4

Once again we woke to a beautiful, sunny morning with the sounds of the plains winds blowing all around us. The winds are unceasing, without these winds the plains would not be the plains, they are integral to the fiber of being here. These winds keep us cool as we labor in the hot sun on our work sites, so we are thankful for the winds. As they blow over the grass fields they are reminiscent of the waves in our Great Lakes, no wonder they are called the Great Plains.
Today, being the well-oiled machine that we are now, all the teams set off for work soon after breakfast. The work assignments today were basically the same as the previous day. The Totems added painting to the house that they are preparing for Josh, Jana and their son Tony. Tony has decided to join in the fun of the work with his friend Lance, so some nice bonds are being formed with our kids and the Dakota kids, not only at the Sidewalk Sunday School but at the work sites too. The Totem kids even furthered that relationship by inviting Tony and Lance to join us for lunch today. So we are not only accomplishing projects, but doing the more important work of connecting with the people that we are serving.
The Eagles (my group) had a very productive day on our site. We finished the deck extension, dug 6 more holes for the wheelchair ramp and got almost half of the ramp put together. We are confident and excited that we will see this project to completion tomorrow. From speaking with the other group leaders, all the projects are on target for completion tomorrow, which will be our last day working. Woo Hoo!

“I wish we could do mission trips all summer – a long trip so we could help people most of the summer” (spoken by a member of the Totem group). I think it is safe to say that this is the overriding sentiment of the group this week.
It is clear that Mike and Libby, the directors of the Spirit Lake Ministry Center have had a great impact on the kids this week. They decided 5 years ago after dipping their toes into mission work, that they would jump in with both feet. They were pretty much like the rest of us adults, they each had jobs that kept them very busy, they were making very good money, active in their church, and in various ministries that served the reservations in the area. One of the ministries they were involved in was “Shoebox Christmas”. This is a ministry that fills shoeboxes with toys, hats, mittens and places the Christ story in the top of each box. These are then distributed to schools that are located on 5 different reservations. It is a ministry that is very close to their hearts. On one of these trips, Libby was visiting with a little boy who had just received his box and was going through it very excitedly. He said to her, “I’m so thankful to have this, now I won’t have to share with my brother”, she thought he was talking about a toy – but what he was talking about was the toothbrush he had received in the box. It was not just this incident but many like it that led her and Mike through much prayer, conversation and thought to put in their applications to become the directors of the Spirit Lake Ministry Center. They literally gave up all their worldly goods to become directors of the center. It is awe inspiring and rare to find people like this in the world anymore. But I do think the world is a better place because of the action that Libby and Mike chose to take and certainly for the people of the Spirit Lake Nation Reservation. And I know our week here would not have been as meaningful without their wise counsel either.

These blog entries from the mission trip have been provided by Deb Wood.

North Dakota Youth Mission Trip - Tuesday, June 28

It was a great to rise after a good nights sleep and and feel the morning sun shine on our faces this morning as we all shuffled around this morning in our various morning routines.

Speaking of routines, we are now working like a well-oiled machine in getting ready in the morning for our days on the various sites thanks to the organizing talents of Drew and Mike. They find ways to keep us busy and on our toes almost non-stop throughout the day.

Today’s work assignments were similar to yesterdays: The Braves continued work on the CLC deck railing, the Zuni’s continued their work on the center bathrooms and were able to get the ceilings hung in both the boys and girls bathrooms, the Totems had 2 assignments today, they spent the morning cleaning the house of Josh and Jana who are looking forward to moving into a home as it’s been awhile since they were in a place of their own. In the afternoon they worked with the kids in the Sidewalk Sunday School program and from what I hear it was an afternoon of fun and frolic again. The Buffalos continued their work on a handicapped ramp which they are building for Reneta, Gandy’s mother who shared some stories with us last night for cultural night (More about that later). We learned that it was a great honor for her to share some stories with us as she is a very private and shy person.

My team, the Eagles were sent offsite to extend a deck and build a wheel chair ramp for an elderly couple, Giles and Delores. Giles is very ill and gets around with the aid of a cane and wheelchair. Delores is his primary caretaker, but she recently broke her foot so she also is in a wheelchair. Their house is settled on a hill on a beautiful piece of land surrounded by flat plains with few trees that allow you to see for what seems like miles. There are many swallows that frequent the sky above our work area and we have discovered that they have built some nests in a nearby sand hill – I didn’t even know they did that! Come to find out, (thanks to the wonders of the internet) they are called Bank Swallows.

We accomplished a great deal on our work site, sinking four posts to anchor the deck extension as well as building a framework for the extension. We have a very hard working and dedicated group of kids. (But I find all of the kids are from my experience with them.) My heart is warmed each moment that I spend with them. They are always engaged and looking for something to do. I truly appreciate the generosity of their hearts and spirits.

At the end of the day as the sun was getting ready to set, we were treated to a cultural evening of Dakota dancing, drumming and singing. We were most honored to witness the talents of Gandy Shaw who is a nationally recognized dancer and proud representative of his tribe. Our host for the evening was Chad Driver who is a singer and a drummer who composes his own Dakota songs, he was very funny and shared with us a few facts about the things we were seeing in the dancing, the costumes and how the songs are structured. It was an honor to witness the pride and beauty of the people who came to share their culture with us.

I found it to be a truly moving experience – literally - as for the closing we all participated in a simple Circle dance. It is really hard to believe that these people were once forced to forget all these beautiful customs. I find it amazing that they can find it in their hearts to trust people enough again to share their beautiful culture with us. God does indeed move in the most amazing and mysterious ways.

Thanks to Deb Wood for writing our North Dakota blog posts!

North Dakota Youth Mission Trip - Monday, June 27

Today we were awakened in the wee hours of the morning by the sound of thunder and rain which continued through breakfast time. Though the earth around us was dampened, our spirits were not. We were ready to tackle the day and get some work done! And that we did, after a slow start – as we had to get vans to go to the work sites, plan Sidewalk Sunday School (VBS) and get supplies loaded to where they needed to go. But we were FLEXIBLE, which are rules 1, 2 and 3 for a successful mission trip experience. Once all that was done we were ready to go!

For the week, we have been divided into five groups with names that reflect the culture that we are immersing ourselves in this week – Eagles, Buffalos, Zunis, Totems and Braves. Today the Totems, Zunis and Braves worked at the center putting up walls in the bathrooms, building a railing for the Christian Life Center (CLC) and putting up walls in the main room of the CLC. It was fun at the end of the day to hear the kids talk about their feelings of accomplishment on a job well done and their excitement at using power tools for the first time.

While these groups were busy doing manual labor at the CLC, our group, the Eagles spent the afternoon playing with, reading to, performing for and face painting 30+ children ranging in ages from 3 – 14 at the Sidewalk Sunday School, which for Mike and Libby (the center directors) is the most important ministry that they do. The place where we worked with the children was a small park in the Tokyo community surrounded by very modest homes, in various states of disrepair. It contained a nice new playground that had been put in earlier last fall and a concrete basketball court that was sporting two newer basketball hoops and small pieces of broken glass everywhere.

Around the basketball court was high grass where we cleaned up empty alcohol bottles, pop cans and other trash. The children were very curious, spirited and hungry. We passed out snacks and drinks non-stop throughout the three hours that we spent there. According to Mike and his wife Libby, these kids get maybe one meal a day. Tokyo is a high poverty area as most of the industry that employs people is more than 15 miles away and most of the people in the area don’t have cars to get to where the jobs are. At times during the day, it was hard to tell who was having more fun, the Dakota kids or our kids. Those young, beautiful, trusting faces moved us all into action spiritually and physically. It was a most fulfilling afternoon.

The forecast for tomorrow is sunny and warm, but no matter what the weather is, the forecast for our hearts will be sunny and warm, thanks to the love we feel for each other as we go about our daily tasks and the love we feel for the people we are having the opportunity to work with and for this week.

North Dakota Youth Mission Trip - Sunday, June 26, 2011

Twenty-two hours and done counting, we are here at last – The Spirit Lake Ministry Center. We are most thankful that it was a rather uneventful trip, thanks to our driver Willie T, who navigated us safely through a somewhat treacherous causeway drive across Devil’s Lake. The area received 4 inches of rain the night before so the road, which is surrounded on either side by the lake was muddy and slippery. When you hear the bus driver doing Lamaze breathing as he drives, you tend to get a little nervous.

We tried to distract ourselves with the beauty of the land. It is very green and lush, with very few trees, wide open prairies and lots of small lakes and ponds. It reminds me of a wildlife refuge. On our drive through the reservation to the ministry center we saw White Pelicans (I didn’t even know pelicans lived inland.), Bison, assorted waterfowl, Deer and a Beaver house.

Upon our arrival in the town of Devils Lake, we were greeted by our host and center director, Mike, who shared with us information about the reservation land and the people who live in this land, the Dakota.

The reservation is situated on over a half million acres of land on which live 6500 native people, including 2300 children. The casino, Sioux Manufacturing, the tribal headquarters and assorted small businesses are the primary employers, but there are not enough jobs for all the people (There are only 1100 jobs available.), Alcoholism is rampant and 70% of the children exhibit symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome. So we are hopeful that our presence here, however modest, will be impactful. Mike left us with some very wise words tonight about our mission here, it doesn’t matter how many ramps we finish, or roofs we repair, what matters is how we express God’s love through our work with the children and the people here, and connect with them on a more spiritual level.

After meeting in our small groups tonight, it is very apparent that all of us here are very excited to fulfill this mission in the week ahead, through the grace of God we trust it will be.

Sunday, February 27 in Kenya

Good afternoon from Kenya!

Another beautiful sunny day in Meru.  The sky is a deep blue with a gentle breeze though the sun is intense.  We attended the 9:30 AM service at Mwanika Church this morning.  Rev Marilyn, the missionary from Washington state, preached.  There were many songs performed by different groups and individuals.  Our mission team even performed "Kanisa Litajenjua (Who Will Build the Church Now) in Swahili and English.  Even though we have a ways to go on the finer points, they appreciated our effort.  There were many words of appreciation and gratitude spoken.  Our challenge was to say good bye to so many dear friends at church in a short period of time.

We had a quick lunch at Thiiri Centre before sending six of our group back to Nairobi for their flight tonight. They departed Meru at about 12:30 and should have plenty of time to get to the airport for their flight. They will have dinner at a Brazilian restaurant in Nairobi before going to the airport.. Many of our youth made countless friends and it was difficult to say goodbye for them.  I know there will be much email exchanged between Ann Arbor and Kenya in the future.

The remaining 12 in our group will depart at 7:30 AM on Monday to visit the national parks at Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. We will relax the remainder of the today and will be ready for the remainder of our adventure.

We have made many new friends and connected with many old friends.  It is difficult to find words once again to express the deep mutual feelings that we have experienced this week.

We are well and continue to flourish in the Kenyan air. We will see you on Friday morning.  This is the last email I will send out to report on the Mission Trip. We have greatly appreciated your prayers and support.  We have been deeply moved and blessed by our experience together!

God is good all the time! And all the time God is good!

Kwaheri
for the whole mission team,
Gary

Saturday, February 26 in Kenya

Jambo sana!

It is now early Saturday afternoon after lunch.  This morning we walked with BLISS students from the school to their homes in groups of 2-3.  It was a wonderful chance to be outdoors and to get to know our student escorts.  We were surprised by the distance that students walk.  We were able to visit 3-4 homes and meet their families.  The family plot, typically 0.5 - 1 acre, is usually subdivided and shared by extended family with separate dwelling.  Homes are typically 2-room wood structures with dirt floors. Each family grows crops for food in their shamba (garden), including bananas, sugar cane, pumpkins, corn, mangoes, and arrowroot. The Kenyan sun is quite intense and hot, even though the air temperature is in around 80 and humidity is low also.

Last night, we had a wonderful dinner celebration at BLISS with the teachers and Board of Governors.Invited guests also included the Chief for Kithoka and his wife, area school principals, community leaders, and others. There were introductions and speeches.  Bishop Imathiu spoke and inspired us with many elegant and appreciative words.  Moses spoke about the future and detailed our joint accomplishments.  We were greatly inspired and deeply moved by his many words of kindness.  It was an EXTRAORDINARY time together! Words do not adequately express our time together. We finished about 10 PM and walked outside to a clear skies filled with stars far brighter than I have ever seen. It seemed a fitting end of a beautiful day.

This afternoon we have free time to relax or go to downtown Meru.  It has been a special week! We have grown close to our sisters and brothers here in Kenya as well as to each other on the mission team.  We have worked well together and learned much about the schools and community here.  We have many ideas for the future.

Sunday morning, we will attend the 9:30 AM service at Mwanika Church and sing the Kenyan song we learned for the congregation. Rev Marilyn  Brenchley will preach.  We will quickly have lunch together, and those departing on Sunday night will be driven to Nairobi and have dinner there.

We have been blessed! You have been in our prayers all week.

Have a blessed day.

For your family and friends,
Gary

Friday, February 25 in Kenya

Jambo Sana!

We continue to be joyfully engaged in our mission work.  Our daily schedule  has developed a certain rhythm with activities at BLISS and Kithoka Primary. We continue to enjoy all the eagerness to learn of the Kenyan students. Our days are quite full and the week seems be accelerating.

Our devotions on Thursday were at Bishop Primary School, and today were at Kithoka Primary.  Both schools having our attention.  They have terrific singing voices, and have a flag raising ceremony to start the school day. The children range in age from nursery to grade 8. There are 400 students at Kithoka Primary. This morning a few of us had time to spend at Gichunge Primary.  Gichunge is located close to Mwanika Church and is the poorest of the schools in the region and has the lowest achievement status. This school has no electricity, no clean water and kitchen or meals for the children.  Many children are barefoot and dressed poorly.  The children smile easily and laugh when you talk to them.  They love to to touch your skin and hair,  They are eager to learn but lack many resources needed to learn.  As a result, the poor become poorer.

The children's books and craft projects that we brought are eagerly received with immense gratitude.  The primary schools have many goals to improve their situation.

This evening we will have dinner with with the BLISS staff and Board of Governors.  It is our farewell time together. Tomorrow (Saturday) we walk with some of the BLISS students to their homes. 95% of the homes are wooden structures with no electricity, dirt floors and no indoor plumbing or water.  The students are eager to be with us.

I've run out of time to write.  I will do my best to write more. It will probably be tomorrow.

We appreciate your prayers and support. 

From all of us in Kenya,
Gary

Wednesday, February 23 in Kenya

Greetings Friends and Family!

Another day farther into our mission journey and we have been blessed in countless ways again today.  Our day started with devotions at BLISS. Kristi Bell led the devotion with Spencer Kennedy doing the scripture reading for the students and the mission team.  Larry Gray shared his experience of climbing to the top of Mt Kilimanijaro (just before the Mission Trip), and presented Moses with the BLISS banner and a photo taken on mountain top.  We were all impressed with this tremendous accomplishment! 

Six microscopes were presented to BLISS with much excitement. Jeff Punch demonstrated the microscopes to the students in their new Science Building. The students were amazed with the clarity with which they could observe cells on slides. The school is quite proud to have first class science equipment.

Part of the team traveled to Maua Methodist Hospital to visit the medical facility there.  It's about 45 minutes by van traveling north from Meru across the Nyambene Mountains to Maua. It's quite a scenic drive! The hospital staff provided an extensive tour of the facility and explained the types of diseases and treatments they provide. It was fascinating to compare the medical philosophy used here with that in the US.

The computer classes learned touch typing and practiced their skills in the computer lab with assistance from the mission team. In addition, they learned to start the computers and to use Microsoft Word.  Even when classes ended, the students did not leave but continued to practice.  The students are completely excited to learn about computers!

BLISS put on a soccer game just for us!  The students really enjoyed sports and are great at it.

This evening about 20 members from Mwanika Church joined us for dinner and fellowship at Thiiri Center.  We had a wonderful Kenyan dinner together. Then had a time of fellowship and sharing.  We are known as the Ann Arbor chapter of Mwanika Church. There are 7 neighborhood groups (chapters) and each are charged to take care of each other.  Returning to Kenya is always like coming home and being warmly greeted with hugs and words of kindness.  We feel deeply connected and as being as ONE!

We continue to be looked after with great care by our hosts.There is a gentleness and kindness in their voices that is truly unique. We are blessed  greatly again today and feel quite special.

You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!

Your Mission Team In Kenya,
Gary

Tuesday, February 22 from the Kenya Team

Jambo! sana, Everyone,

Another full day for your Mission Team In Kenya!  We continue to be amazed by the openness and generosity of spirit that we encounter in all our interactions at BLISS and Kithoka Primary. We started our day with devotions at the Kithoka Polytehnic. The Polytechnic students have always been great singers! We were accompanied by Florence Imathiu, who is the Board of Governors chairperson for the Polytechnic.  She encouraged our interaction with the students and teachers during devotions.  Our devotions ran long and many were anxious because they were scheduled to be teaching.  In Kenya, events do not happen according to the clock but when they are supposed to happen.  Hakuna matata! The waiting students and teachers were not bothered a bit. Some of us stayed on at the Polytechnic for the morning and learned about the great progress that the school as a whole has made over the last couple years. FYI...a classroom bulding at the Polytechnic was the first Kenya Project for FUMC in 2004.  Enrollment has more than doubled since then and they have some new staff.  The gov't is subsidizing their education at last.  They are doing well at long last and have an optimistic future.  We are excited for them.

BLISS had power today, so it was much easier to teach computer classes. No problem. Kathy Mac brought paper keyboards and other instructional materials that worked well on Monday.  So today was a breeze. Many students have never touched a computer, which is not surprising since many homes do not have electricity in the community. So the additional instruction provided by the mission team provides a foundation for the students to develop computer skills.

The craft projects at Kithoka Project continue to go well and is providing an excellent basis for a relationship with the school. The primary children are clearly disadvantaged, and are excited by the opportunity to interact with our group.  There are many opportunities for the future. The school is quite poor and does not any food for the students during the day.

We had an opportunity to visit a baby orphanage in Makutano in the afternoon, and to hold and play with the babies and young children there. They were extremely precious little ones, and just soaked up all the attention.  The center rescues abandoned and abused babies through the age of 3.  The program is run by Ripples International. (Google it if interested in more information.) In addition, they provide counseling for sexual abuse victims and also HIV/AIDS services. Our hearts were deeply touched by these precious little ones!

We also visited the Kithoka Dispensary which is almost ready to provide services after many years of qualification and preparation for operation. We brought 4 tubs medical supplies to contribute to them. The local district hospital is too far away to provide badly needed services in times of urgent needs, such as deleivering babies. The Dispensary will be staffed by 2 nurses and will have a major impact on the community. Many of the organizers for this project come from Mwanika Church, our sister church here in Meru.

We also celebrated Doug's birthday several times today!  We even had a cake baked for him at Thiiri Center and had a great time together.  Even the Polytechnic students sang Happy Birthday to him this morning. Even though he claimed to be 45, some of us know he has become dyslectic on his birthday.

It has been a long day today and and so are tired at the end of this day. We have been challenged in many ways, though are in great spirits and have enjoyed working as a team together.  It was a SPECIAL day! Time for bed!

Lala Salama! (Good night in Swahli)

For all of us in Kenya,
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Gary

Monday, February 21 in Kenya

Good evening, Friends and Family,

Our first day at BLISS and Kithoka Primary went well.  We were welcomed with wide-open arms at BLISS for devotions first thing this morning. Several students gave speeches of appreciation and together the school sang for us.  Doug led the reflection for us and we were blessed enormously by being together. The BLISS band even played.  Moses (BLISS principal) explained our partnership philosophy of learning from other and set the stage for our time together.

We immediately started working together with teachers and students afterwards. Our major BLISS work teams were in the subjects of science, computer and business. The teachers had written out schedules for specific lessons and a timetable for the week. Our week will be full! The students and teachers are quite comfortable being with us, and are quite eager to engage in conversation with us.  Moses has done an excellent job preparing them for our visit to overcome the barriers of our common language.

Our work team at Kithoka Primary School started with crafts, storytelling and singing.  The pre-school children stole our hearts! The school conditions here are extremely primitive. The teaching staff have great hope and dreams with moving the school and children forward. We will be exploring ways to work with them in the future. There are many opportunities to help.

Kara presented the soccer uniforms to the BLISS girls soccer team, so now they don't have to play in skirts! They were ecstatic to receive them and the soccer balls. The boys received new soccer shorts. They will play a scrimmage for us on Wednesday after school. The girls team advanced to the semi-nationals last year. Just think what they will do with proper sports gear.

This evening we had dinner with Lawi and Florence Imathiu at the Thiiri Center and were graced with stories about their lives and ministries to the community, Kenya and the world.  We were inspired and touched deeply by our time with them. They are powerful role models for leading a full Christian life.

The coming week will be quite full. We are energized by their enthusiasm and appreciation of everyone we encounter.We have been blessed GREATLY today.

Everyone is doing well and we are enjoying our time together as a team.

God is good all the time! And all the time God is good!

Be blessed. Know that you are in our prayers as we know you are praying for us.

For your the whole team,
Gary

Sunday, February 20 in Kenya

Jambo! Family and Friends,

Another wonderful and beautiful day (or two) in Kenya! Our drive from Nairobi to Meru went smoothly. We got off to an early start and made it to the Trout Tree restaurant in Nanyuki by noon for lunch.  There is much major road construction in Nairobi, and we made it through without much difficulty by leaving early.  The air remains amazing clean and refreshing.  We enjoyed the beautiful countryside as we adjusted to jet lag.  We arrived at the Thiiri Center in Meru at about 3:30 PM and got settled in.  We enjoyed an evening meal with some of the BLISS teachers and enjoyed some group time together before heading to bed. The weather has been amazingly pleasant with much sunshine.Our Kenyan drivers are easy going and helpful.

Our Sunday (today) started with attending the English language service at 9:30 AM and many stayed for the 11 AM service in Kimeru which lasted until 1:30 PM.  Pastor Doug preached at both services with the second service translated into Kimeru by Moses.  We were warmly greeted and welcomed by the congregation.  We shared your greetings and love with them which they received graciously. It was an opportunity to greet many old friends and make new ones as well. We were excited to see the tremendous progress they have made on their Church Hall.  They have made much progress in the past year.  The first floor is essentially except for detail work and will be used for Sunday School classes and meeting rooms.  The second floor is moving along with the ceiling in for the Fellowship Hall but with some rough work to be done. They are excited and hope to finish in the next year.  We will share our gift to their Building Fund next Sunday.  It will get them 40% of the way to their final fund raising goal. The Kenyan philosphy to build as you raise the funds. No church mortgage here!

We had time to prepare our mission supplies this afternoon for our work at the schools this week.  Everything made it safely! We also had time to work in a visit to the NakuMatt, the local grocery/WalMart, where did some shopping. Megan (Miller) and Spencer Peck gave us a tour of Kenya Methodist University. They are here until July and we enjoyed spending the day with them. They are a valuable resource to us on local arrangements.

Everyone is doing well and filled with excitement for the coming week at the schools.  There is much for us to see in Meru now and it will be challenging incorporating it all into our schedule.

We are feeling quite blessed and grateful to be ambassadors of our church to the church and community here in Kithoka. We pray that all is well with all of you.  We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of the Kenya Team,
Gary

From Nairobi, Kenya

Greetings and Jambo sana! from Nairobi, Kenya,

We arrived safely and on schedule last night at Nairobi airport.  Our flights went smoothly and were pleasant.  The air was fresh and clean last night, just like after a refreshing rain, when we left the airport.  It is 6 AM now and we will have breakfast in 30 minutes. It is pleasantly comfortable and quiet here.

It has been a joyful journey and have had many moments of grace and peace.  We had a gracious Customs Officer, who announced we would pay no duty, as he knew we were accomplishing much good!  He invited us to visit a school in western Kenya that he supports. Kenyans are very community focussed and so he was typical.

All of our cargo arrived safely. It will be transported to Meru this morning in a separate van.

We start our journey to Meru after breakfast and should arrive by mid-afternoon.

We  are all excited and looking forward to our first full day in Kenya. We are filled with anticipation and joy! We pray that your day will be blessed and joyful also. We think of you often!

On behalf of the entire Kenya Team,
Gary