This year's missions trip to Kenya has been underway for five days, and it has been marked by things that have been wonderful (LOTS of time with the orphaned children at Kenduiwo), unusual (motorcycles everywhere on rough, rural roads), blessed (seeing the Bemm Family's ministry bless so many Kenyans) and unpredictable (who knew it would actually be cold during a Kenyan summer?!?).
Our projects have focused on the completion of the girl's dormitory, and we cannot wait to show you the amazing view the girls will have....think Tuscan countryside in Europe, and you'll have an idea of the view these special girls will be treated to when they look out
their windows. Lots of hammering, painting, welding and lifting.
It's a team that works well together because we value a process that focuses on productivity and laughter. Because we're a large team (14), we are able to divide and conquer: the men have been focused on the construction, and the women have been focused on the kids....with
regular switching throughout the day. For example, Brian Hornack treated the children to a "stage show" where he danced to the sound of a young child playing the drums. We were debating the merits of the cultural contributions met by teaching young Kenyans disco moves....but, hey, when the Kenyan adults joined in, we figured Brian might be onto something!
God is so creative. Our first few days were rain-soaked and mud-filled. Great for Kenyan crops and wildlife, but not so much for missions teams who need to navigate fields and rural roads. It slowed us down and forced us to spend precious time with children. We learned on day one that the roof will take care of itself - focus on loving those kids! The Kipsigis are the tribe in this region, and the language barrier has forced us to teach one another. The children have been teaching us key phrases, and we have reciprocated. They wear their curiosity, openness and lovingness on their sleeves!
We have enjoyed seeing how everybody's talents have advanced the work:
We turned to Ray Wolfgang when we needed engineering expertise. Justina Sparks has been the Pied Piper of Kenduiwo, charming the children with game after game after game. Lori and Becky Chiapelli bring a joy that every missions trip should be fortunate enough to witness. Mel Milbert is doing due diligence regarding the orphan crisis, proving the head and heart glorify God.
Andy Gabig is everywhere, lifting trusses, handing out first aid kits, confirming measurements and playing his harmonica for the kids.
Thank you to those who have helped support this trip. It's very physical; we're exhausted each evening, both from the work and all the belly laughs. We keep sharing our amazement at the juxtaposition of the beauty of the environment surrounding us and the extreme poverty that serves as its backdrop. We thank God everyday for the little things (hot water) and the big things (doctors who save babies' lives at Tenwek Hospital).
Our Kenyan friends need prayer for continued rain so they do not confront another drought; safety within a rural area where brewing, alcoholism, abuse and unemployment are rampant; and wisdom and rest for David and Sarah Koech as they lead the orphanage and the care of the children, as well as Chuck and Amy Bemm as they work tirelessly at Tenwek to serve Jesus and confront an orphan crisis.
Happy 2010!
Deb Magness
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