The campers are stirring and getting ready for an 8:00am breakfast call. The sun came over the horizon just shy of 5:00am and the bass were jumping! We head out for our various projects at 9:00 am. By 4:00 pm we will be able to report on our progress.
Ooooh! Here comes breakfast -- better get in line...
Monday, June 23, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Maine: en route!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Kenya Mission: Sunday Evening
Sunday is our last full day in Meru.
The morning began at Mwanika Church by attending the 9:30 service, where Pastor Nancy preached on the power of persistence over time rather than aggressive abrasive behavior. The relationship Mwanika and FUMC has to grown where we learn from each other and share a faith.
After the service we were able to greet many friends old and new. They are grateful, most of all, for sharing WHO we are and by traveling great distance to be with them, more than WHAT we have done. Though they are most grateful for the great changes in their community through our partnership as well.
After lunch at Thiiri, some of the group went on a nature walk led by 2 recent BLISS graduates who are young entrepreneurs starting a touring business. They gave the walk high marks for all the information shared on culture and the natural environment. It lasted 4 hours.
Bishop and Florence Imathiu joined us this afternoon for a visit at Thiiri. Florence was just released from the hospital on Monday and is doing quite well now. It was quite pleasant spending time with the 2 of them.
We then had dinner at Thiiri with Moses and his wife Dorothy. We have been greatly blessed by our time together. Dorothy was recently promoted to deputy principal of another day secondary school. She brings much wisdom and energy this small young school. I know she will move it forward and have a big impact there. Moses told us there 1,200 people at the celebration yesterday. Many times more than they planned.
We need to pack yet tonight and then we head off on safari at 7 am to Lake Nakuru. It will take at least 5 hours, probably more being on Kenyan time. We will travel around the north side of Mt Kenya and then through Nanyuki before heading west into the Rift Valley. The elevation decreases significantly from Meru (5,000 ft) as we head to Lake Nakuru. It will be much warmer. The Lake is famous for its bird wildlife, especially flamingos, pelicans and storks. In addition, we should see rhinos, giraffes and be able to view the lake vista from an elevated observation point. There will be much to see. Kenya has tremendous natural beauty.
Safari lodges often do not have good internet access as we have had this week at the Thiiri Centre. This may be the last of the updates. We will try and soak up as much sunshine and warmth we can to bring back to you. But we've heard rumors that the cold, snowy winter rages on to greet us when we return on Friday.
Your family and friends send their greetings and love,
See you Friday!
Gary
Kenya Mission: Sunday 7:30 am
Saturday was the BIG celebration for BLISS' 10 year anniversary. It was very special. We arrived at about 9 am and returned to the Thiiri Centre about 4:30 pm.
The students and staff were busy preparing for the day when we arrived. Everyone had a job, imagine 500 people making preparations at the same time. From cooking a meal to setting up science demonstrations in the lab to moving a sand pile that was in the way, we were impressed with all the efforts.
The event got started at about 10:45 am with a cultural extravaganza put on by the BLISS students, as well as student groups from Gichunge Primary, Kithoka Primary, and Kithoka Polytechnic. There was drama, dancing, skits, and singing. Many performances were elaborate and almost all done in Kimeru. A highlight of the day was the music directed by the new music teacher. The band put on an exceptional performance. We were impressed by the BLISS choral performances as well.
There were many, many, many speeches in true Kenyan fashion. We loss track of the number. The best speaker of the day was Quinn Johns who related his experience of being in Kenya for the first time and being at BLISS and Gichunge. Students and families were ecstatic in their response! You should be quite proud parents, Melanie and Eric!
In the midst of it all, there was a time for EVERYONE to join in a circle dance that went into a spiral.
There was a ceremonial cake cutting. Our group presented the Anniversary Photobook that we put together. Our church was presented a BLISS flag inscribed with an expression of gratitude to FUMC.
The entire day was filled with endless gratitude and joyous celebration!!! They were so appreciative of us JUST being with them on this special occasion. The great distance we traveled had great significance for them.
We were blessed and blessed and blessed. It was indeed a very SPECIAL day. One we will long remember. There are a few photos to help share the experience with you.
For all the team, who are too busy to write, but send their greetings and love,
Gary
Friday, February 21, 2014
Kenya Mission: Saturday 7am
We have had a full experience this week! We have seen great progress in the community and at the same time have seen the GREAT need that remains.
Our day on Friday began with walks to the students' homes. Our team broke into 2s or 3s and were escorted by 2-5 BLISS students to see their homes that were 2 - 7 miles away and visit with their families. This was a special time to see first hand the homes of students and to learn more about their lives, challenges and joys. The high school students come from the poorest of the poor in the community. Their homes are extremely modest, usually with dirt floors, no indoor plumbing or electricity. In spite of the challenges they have great hope and dignity, and are deeply grateful for the opportunity that education provides.
There were many preparations underway Friday afternoon for the BLISS celebration on Saturday. The students were busy with cleaning chores at the school, practicing performances and running errands in preparation. We also completed many wrap up activities to finish off our service week.
During our team devotion time on Friday evening, we reflected on the experiences of the past week. There were many poignant moments. One person was adamant that he was not poor even though he did not have any money. We learned much about human dignity and respect for every person independent of their current situation. There were many insights shared this evening, this was just one.
Today will be a very full day at the BLISS 10 year Anniversary Celebration!
For your family and friends,
Gary
photos of home visits
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