This picture is from our visit to the Kibera slums earlier this week. Here a family is living in a small 9' by 8' room. but you can see from their faces, they are unaware of their poor living conditions.
It is another beautiful day here in Kenya. We have been blessed with amazing weather. This is another great example of God's provision for us. I understand we have been missing freezing rain, snow, and cloudy days back in the USA. It makes us all the more glad to be here. Some on our team have indicated that they not be coming home, that they plan to stay here. I certainly understand that feeling. That happens to me every time I come to Africa. If I did not have a B & B to run and job responsibilities back home in West Virginia, I might be tempted to stay also.
Today's team member spotlight is on Mike McDonald. In speaking with Mike this morning he commented, "I have been amazed at the hand of God which has continually been present on this mission trip. From the sudden and unexpected receipt of funds to cover the exact cost of the trip to the people we have been blessed to meet, it is clear that God is present and guiding this effort."
Dr. John Evans, formerly from Indianapolis came up to greet us. He was excited about seeing folks from Indy. He mentioned that he had gone to school at Heritage Christian School-which floored Mike because that's where his sons, Luke and Jacob go! Imagine traveling all the way to Kenya and bumping into someone from Heritage. John is training missionaries that will serve throughout Africa.
When asked about his impressions so far, Mike stated, "I've heard much about the remarkable hospitality and graciousness of the Kenyan people-but it cannot be fully appreciated until you experience it." He went on to say, "These are people on the front lines of poverty, dire financial circumstances and attacks on Christianity. Yet their reliance on God providing for their needs has made their faith, hope, and love very strong."
Mike works at Eli Lilly in Information Security. He has served 12 years on the Westfield Town
Council. He is married to Kathy, the mother of their 2 boys, Luke (10 years of age) and Jacob (6 going on 7 years of age). Mike serves in Grace Kids Company, Small Groups, and outside the walls of Grace Community Church he is a board member at Fletcher Place Ministries in downtown Indianapolis. This mission provides food, shelter, and education for the homeless and disadvantaged people.
Today we will be teaching computer classes and at 6:00 p.m. we will travel to Mamlaka Hill Church in Nairobi to meet up with our Nairobi Chapel host families and we will be spending the weekend with them seeing the world through their eyes. We will attend church with them on Sunday, afterwards we will take them to a nice dinner and then shop together at an outdoor Masai Market. The Masai Market is always a lot of fun as we get to try out our bargaining skills. They always start out with very high prices as they think Americans are very rich and can afford to pay more. I always find this is a great place to buy souvenirs for my supporters and to take home as memories of my trip. We now have a large collection of African masks and other items. I just tell my wife, "let's get these things so we can re-sell them in our gift shop at the Inn." That rationalization seems to work. You should see the paper bead jewelry and Kazuri Bead accessories that we have acquired this time. We will definitely need to put them in our gift shop. They will be great conversation starters and give us a chance to share about our Adventures in Africa.
It is another beautiful day here in Kenya. We have been blessed with amazing weather. This is another great example of God's provision for us. I understand we have been missing freezing rain, snow, and cloudy days back in the USA. It makes us all the more glad to be here. Some on our team have indicated that they not be coming home, that they plan to stay here. I certainly understand that feeling. That happens to me every time I come to Africa. If I did not have a B & B to run and job responsibilities back home in West Virginia, I might be tempted to stay also.
Today's team member spotlight is on Mike McDonald. In speaking with Mike this morning he commented, "I have been amazed at the hand of God which has continually been present on this mission trip. From the sudden and unexpected receipt of funds to cover the exact cost of the trip to the people we have been blessed to meet, it is clear that God is present and guiding this effort."
Dr. John Evans, formerly from Indianapolis came up to greet us. He was excited about seeing folks from Indy. He mentioned that he had gone to school at Heritage Christian School-which floored Mike because that's where his sons, Luke and Jacob go! Imagine traveling all the way to Kenya and bumping into someone from Heritage. John is training missionaries that will serve throughout Africa.
When asked about his impressions so far, Mike stated, "I've heard much about the remarkable hospitality and graciousness of the Kenyan people-but it cannot be fully appreciated until you experience it." He went on to say, "These are people on the front lines of poverty, dire financial circumstances and attacks on Christianity. Yet their reliance on God providing for their needs has made their faith, hope, and love very strong."
Mike works at Eli Lilly in Information Security. He has served 12 years on the Westfield Town
Council. He is married to Kathy, the mother of their 2 boys, Luke (10 years of age) and Jacob (6 going on 7 years of age). Mike serves in Grace Kids Company, Small Groups, and outside the walls of Grace Community Church he is a board member at Fletcher Place Ministries in downtown Indianapolis. This mission provides food, shelter, and education for the homeless and disadvantaged people.
Today we will be teaching computer classes and at 6:00 p.m. we will travel to Mamlaka Hill Church in Nairobi to meet up with our Nairobi Chapel host families and we will be spending the weekend with them seeing the world through their eyes. We will attend church with them on Sunday, afterwards we will take them to a nice dinner and then shop together at an outdoor Masai Market. The Masai Market is always a lot of fun as we get to try out our bargaining skills. They always start out with very high prices as they think Americans are very rich and can afford to pay more. I always find this is a great place to buy souvenirs for my supporters and to take home as memories of my trip. We now have a large collection of African masks and other items. I just tell my wife, "let's get these things so we can re-sell them in our gift shop at the Inn." That rationalization seems to work. You should see the paper bead jewelry and Kazuri Bead accessories that we have acquired this time. We will definitely need to put them in our gift shop. They will be great conversation starters and give us a chance to share about our Adventures in Africa.
You're doing a great job keeping up the blog! We're praying for you guys & pray internet and power will continue to work for you!
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers from GCC...can't wait to hear about your next adventure.
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