Off to the Mara

We have officially left for Masai Mara. We had a great day of shoppping the other day and really enjoyed being able to spend some time downtown and see the chaos that goes with the city. And of course Carnivore was amazing!

The whole team is extremely excited to go and see all the animals and God's beautiful creation. This is one of the real treats of the trip. It is an experience unlike any other and were all very excited to take part in it.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support throughout this amazing adventure. We'll be seeing you soon with wonderful stories to tell!

God Bless!

Day of Shopping

We have officially ended our ministry days. We had a great time in Rueben. Seeing all the kids was a great treat. One of the things that stuck out to our group the most, besides the Obama posters , stickers, and signs that are EVERYWHERE ( they sure do love Obama here), was when we asked all the kids what they wanted to be and how the majority of the kids replied with either Doctor, Pilot, and Engineer. It was amazing to see all those kids in some of the worst conditions aspire to professions that are going to change their community for the better.

Another thing that the group did was ask the kids if there was any type of prayer requests and the only responses we got were prayer for their exams, their family, their President, and their country. Some of the kids even replied that they wanted prayer for our President, President Obama. This was extremely humbling to see this kids in the middle of the slum only asking for their families and country to be blessed. Not one kid responded with a prayer request asking for something for themselfs, only the betterment of their country.

Today we'll be shopping in down town Nairobi and feasting at Carnivore. Carnivore is one of the biggest treats of the trip. Its a restaurant that serves game meat. You sit at the table and the waiters bring around all types of meats on huge swords and cut off pieces right to your plate. To most meat eaters Carnivore is heaven.

We'll try and give another update before we leave for Masai Mara tomorrow. Thanks to everybody for their prayers and we look forward to seeing some of God's most beautiful creations, the Mara.

Back to Langata

We had a great day yesterday in Nakuru and enjoyed fellowship at several churches in the area. In the afternoon we hung out with the Boys at the home and even had a dance contest. Skip Mercer even taught the boys a few moves they hadn't seen and 'danced like a 20 year old.'
Today we are heading back to Nairobi where we are going to do some shopping. We only have one day of ministry left tomorrow in the Ruben slum and back at the orphanage.
The team is feeling well and besides for a few sunburns, everyone is feeling well and in good spirits.
Please be praying for safety in travel and as our team begins to process all we have seen and heard.

Great times in Nakuru

Just want to give everyone an update on the events yesterday and what's in store for us today (Sunday).

Yesterday we had a great time in Nakuru playing with the boys. One thing that really stands out during our time with the boys was that a couple of yo yo's were giving to the boys and at first the older boys weren't too impressed but as soon as some tricks were taught, the yo yo's became a HUGE success. The title of "best yo yo'er" would have to be Ondeka by far. Almost immediately Ondeka was successfully "walking the dog."

Things are starting to get back to normal here in Nakuru. Last year during the election violence, Nakuru was hit pretty hard. But while the streets around the boys home were being ruined the compound where the boys live turned into an oasis, not only for the boys, but also for the surrounding community members. It became a place where people could stay without having to worry about their safety. God's hand was and IS still firmly on this compound and COTR-Nakuru.

Today we will be visiting three different church services. Skip, Rick, Joel, Julianne (sorry if the spelling is wrong) and Jean will be heading to Church on the Rock - N'guchura. This is a church about a 20 minute drive from the boys home and is made out of mud. We have brought teams here the last several years and they are always extremely welcoming.

Tori, Ellie, Shirley, Joyce, Vince, Karen, Lisa Greg and Sandra will be heading out to COTR-Bahati. This is always one of the automatic stops for teams that go to Nakuru. The church has been extremely faithful and always has a huge meal prepared for its visitors. Its put in a beautiful location about a half hour from the boys home. It sits on a steep hill and has an incredible view. The team will feel very much at home at Bahati.

The rest of the team will be staying at the boys home to expeience church there. This will be a great time for the group to get to see how the boys spend their Sundays.

The time the group has been in Nakuru they have been staying at a guest house called Jumuia Guest House. Its a nice gated guest house right in downtown Nakuru. It has an nice country feel, even though its right in the middle of the city. For all the family members and friends of the team you can rest assure that they are living the "high life" in Nakuru.

Also, another quick note, the unrest from last week as passed and everyone, including the team, feels relaxed and safe.

Tomorrow we'll be heading back to Nairobi. Please pray for safety on the roads as we travel back. Also a couple other prayer requests.

"Big" Moses at GCC - chest has been hurting and is being taken to get x-rays. So please pray wisdom of the dr.. And that things will go smoothly.

Johana from GCC-Nakuru - broke his arms a couple weeks ago and now is sporting a cast. He would like people to pray for proper healing so that he can get back to playing on the soccer field at full health.

Also please pray for Skip, Lisa, Joyce, Karen, and Dave as they will be speaking in their respective churches today.

(Also sorry if there are a lot of spelling and grammer mistakes.)

Off to Nakuru

Hi Everyone,

Jean here (in person). I have a couple of minutes computer access at David and Jennifer's house (I got a few hours off for a diet Coke on ice, those of you who know me know this is a definite highlight worth mentioning!!! j/k)

We had an amazing teachers lunch at the Church on the Rock in Langata today. Suzette did a great job encouraging and recognizing the teacher's great dedication here. We had a great lunch, special dessert, and gifts to all the teachers. 2009 school rankings just came out and it is consistently in the top three for every grade level. The parents in the community are impressed and sending more children each year......won't be long until we're having to add additional classes for each grade. We have an amazing group of teachers and being able to see them in action has been so much fun.

This afternoon the housemums are being to treated to pedicures and some special attention and gifts.....our team is serving those who so faithfully serve the children of GCC. Our team is getting a little rest this afternoon.....nothing like holding a baby in your arms while you take a little breather. ..... and we're excited that there are 6 NEW babies over the past few months!

Tomorrow we're heading for Nakuru to be with the churches and the boys of GCC. With the clashes of 2008 it's been a rough year and it will be great to be an encouragement to them. Martin and Jannekah (those of you from ECF will know who I'm talking about) will be joining us for the weekend for a concert and worship. We're looking forward to a great time and more than a little dancing!

We'll be back to Nairobi on Monday.....

Remember if you want to write to your loved one, please e-mail cmiacotr@wananchi.com and put their name in the subject line, when we get home on Monday Jennifer will print them out for us. We're doing great...everyone's healthy, happy and amazed at what God is doing here in this great country, but it's always fun getting e-mail from home.

Thanks for prayers for sleep...... I think we had 100% participation in the "sleep through the night program" last night! Three of us had a terrible time with the time zone change...but I think we're adjusted now!!!!!

OK....gotta run.....we'll try to get a message home for an update again soon.

Jean

Back From Makindu

We just got back from Makindu and had an amazing time with all the girls down there at GCC-Makindu. Thanks to everyone who was praying for our safe travels to a from Makindu. The trip went without a hitch. Pastor Ramadan was a little sick during our visit but seemed to be getting better as we left. Everyone had a great time being able to visit with the girls and see another part of CMIA.

Tomorrow were off to participate in the feeding program in Kibera, right between Karen (where were staying) and Nairobi. Kibera is the largest slum in East Africa and was one of the hardest hit areas during the political violence over a year ago. The food program has been a huge success and is currently feeding over 600 kids. We are so excited to be able to be a part of this specific program. After tomorrow we'll be heading up to Nakuru to spend a couple days with the boys at GCC-Nakuru.

Continue to keep us in your prayers as we begin our travels to Nakuru.

Sunday in Langata

News Update from Kenya... Today the team attended church and one of the team members preached. After church they hung out at Langata and got to play games with the kids. They had lots of fun! James came to meet the team today at Cooperative and had lunch. They had a great time preparing for their dance competition next week at Nakuru.
Tomorrow morning the team will leave early for Makindu. They are in great spirits and having so much fun although they are pretty tired. The weather is warm and when I spoke with them it was raining. More later!

First day a success

Just wanted to let everyone know that we had a great first day! It's extremly warm here, the majority of the day was in the mid 80's. We spent most of the day at Grace Childrens Centre on the main compound with the kids and had a blast. We were able to see the new GCC building and spend the day playing with all the beautiful children, it was a great way to start the trip.

After spending the day at GCC we returned back to the college to organize the minstry stuff for the days to come. Tomorrow we'll be heading up to the church, where they will be having a 'family day'. This will be a great opportunity for our team to meet the congregation at the church and be able to socialize with the members and their families. We look forward to a great day playing games and having some fellowship with our brothers and sisters over here in Kenya.

Thanks for everyone's prayers. Everyone is healthy but extremely tired after a long day. We're all loving what were seeing over here and we know God has some great things in store for us during the rest of the trip. God Bless.

Tumefika!!!!!!

We have officially arrived safely into Nairobi. Its about 1 o'clock in the morning and were all very excited to get a good night sleep and experience Kenya. All the luggage has been accounted for and everyone is doing good. We did have quite the experience getting all the luggage on the van and shuttling it over to where were staying however. We have check in to cooperative college, where we'll be staying for the majority of our trip. Thanks for all your prayers and we look forward to what God has instore for us during this trip. Talk to you soon.

Greg

Mind the Gap

Hey Everyone, Quick update to let you know that our trip so far has been smooth sailing! (flying!) We were able to check our bags all the way through to Nairobi - huge blessing.....no British customs, no huge baggage hold fees, no strained backs :-) Easiest check in, shortest security lines, and shortest customs lines we've ever seen. We are all safely in at the hotel just a few miles from the airport in London...looking forward to a great night's sleep before continuing our flight to Nairobi in the morning.

Had a great day.....took the Underground downtown and did a speed walk taking in Big Ben, Westminister Abby, the Thames River, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street etc.

Thanks for your prayers.....we're doing great.....will try to update again soon.

We're Off!!!

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

Thanks for being "senders." We love and appreciate all of you. The day we've all been working so hard for has finally arrived! We'd like to thank our family and friends for all your help, we couldn't have done it without you.

We'll have someone update the blog at every opportunity! Keep us in your prayers!

Love, The February 09 Kenya Team

Time Zone Conversion

The time zone difference between Seattle and Nairobi is 11 hours until Daylight Savings Time which starts on March 8. At that point the difference will be 10 hours.

Day to Day Schedule

Friends and Family....Here's a quick reference for our itinerary

Feb 25-27.....Travel to Nairobi via London
Saturday, Feb 28.....Grace Children's Center, Nairobi
Sunday, March 1.....Worship at Church on the Rock Nairobi
Monday, March 2.....COTR Academy Assembly, Travel to Girls Home - Makindu, Kenya
Tuesday, March 3 .... WCF Feeding Program - Makindu, Girls Home
Wednesday, March 4....Kisingo Pre-Primary School, Makindu Pre-Primary School, Travel back to Nairobi
Thursday, March 5.....Kibera COTR and Pre-Primary School, WCF Feeding Program, Teachers Luncheon, afternoon work projects
Friday, March 6....travel to Nakuru, visit new boys property in Njori Hills
Saturday, March 7....GCC Nakuru Boys Home all day with Martin and Jannekah
Sunday, March 8....Village churches, afternoon with boys
Monday, March 9.....Travel back to Nairobi
Tuesday, March 10.......COTR Reuben Pre-Primary school and Academy, Giraffe Center with sponsored kids
Wednesday, March 11..."tourist day" Shopping, Carnivore, Blixen, Kazuri
Thursday, March 12 - Saturday, March 14 ..... Safari
Saturday.....Pizza party with kids and head on home :-(

Friends and Family

Family members - here is our travel itinerary and blog information.....

Travel to Nairobi: Wednesday, February 25 - be at airport at 2 pm British Airways ticket counter. Check in then those who would like to are going to Zoopas at South Center for lunch, and Target for last minute forgotten items. Say goodbye to families and back to go through security to be at the gate by 5 pm. Wednesday, Feb. 25 Seattle 6:40 pm - London (Heathrow) 11:35 am. British Airways #48

Thursday - walking tour around London. Friday, February 27. London (Heathrow) 10:05 am - Nairobi (Kenyatta) 9: 35 pm (Fri) BA #65

Traveling from Nairobi to Home: Saturday, March 14 Nairobi 11:30 pm - London 5:20 am (Friday) BA #64 Sunday, March 15 London 2:05 pm - Seattle 5:15 pm BA #49.

When the team arrives home it usually takes aprox. 1 hour to go through customs and they will be entering the baggage claim area via the up escalator. The bags usually come out on #1, but there is only one escalator coming up from customs for all international flights and it's about the middle of the terminal. (always sad when all families are waiting at this point and there's no one there for you :-( We'll leave this info on the blog for future reference......will also update blog with any last minute changes in this itinerary, so you may want to check before heading to the airport on the 15th.

Blog Information
This blog will be used while we're in Kenya to update friends and family while we're away. Although Internet is rather hit and miss (but then again so is electricity) we'll do our best to keep those at home updated about our adventures. We will not be able to receive blog comments. If your family wants to get a message to you please have them e-mail you at cmiacotr@wananchi.com, and use your name in the subject line. This is David and Jennifer's e-mail address and they will be happy to print out your message and deliver it to you. Please tell them not to send attachments, photos, or any "junk mail," Internet time is valuable and we're talking basic black and white words (no fancy fonts etc. either please). Encourage family to e-mail.....it's always a treat to get an e-mail from home :-) Family members can contact one of our sons with questions. Their numbers are Michael 425-232-6789, Jon 425-890-2882, Stephen 425-736-9423. They will also be happy to answer any questions they may have, no matter how seemingly insignificant.....they've all spent significant time in the locations we're going and can pretty much answer any thing you want to know. They will have first hand information about where we are and what may be happening.......ie. they're in Makindu - no electricity so don't expect an update for a few days!

Thank You to our Families and Friends

A big thank you to friends and family who have helped us get ready for this trip. From those who've contributed financially to those who have freed us up to go by covering for us in our jobs and family responsibilities. Your help and support is so appreciated, you will never know the difference you have made in the lives of so many.

We are taking a ton (well, literally over a ton) of great stuff, thank you for your wonderful and generous donations.......school supplies, clothing, towels, sheets, backpacks, teaching aids, Bibles, sweets, prizes for games, school shoes, books, some hard to get food items, personal products, sports equipment, etc. A special thank you to FAME for the much needed medications. (there are a few needs yet unmet which are listed in a post further down the page, if you're a last minute shopper!)

I love this scripture ....

2 Corinthians 9:8-12 (The Message) God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor people. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they'll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!

Blessings! Jean

Ballast Project

Look at these little darlins!

The paths don't look bad now, but when the rains start they can get really messy!

Contributions to the ballast project can be mailed to:
905 Cleveland Ave, Snohomish, WA 98290. Just put "ballast" in the memo.
We're at about $1,350.00 of the $2,000.00 needed.

Head Spinning?

.......with all the things you've yet to do? Phil 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Today is one of my most exciting days in trip preparation.....the day British Airways updates their entertainment schedule to reflect the month of our travel. Is it all about the movies? NO! It's about the proximity to travel date!!! HOWEVER....I will let you know what movies will be available for our trip.

To The UK
The Secret Life of Bees
Righteous Kill
Max Payne
Rachel Getting Married
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Ghost Town
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Happy Feet

Control
City Slickers
Robots

From the UK
A Bunch of Amateurs
Body of Lies
Burn After Reading
W.
Nights in Rodanthe
The Woman
What Just Happened
Open Season 2
La Vie En Rose
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
The Magnificent Seven

If you don't have a British Air frequent flyer card, you might want to check into it. You can rack up lots of mile on the little jaunt we'll be taking. Check out their web site for more info, if you have an existing card the chances of them accepting our "group rate" tickets are better. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but it's definitely worth a try!

J

Less Than A Month!!!

Hey Everyone........It's that critical time - getting close, but not close enough! There's still way too much to possibly get done before we go, it's the time that most people have some kind of set back in their preparations - colds, vacation time conflicts, the dog sitter backs out :-) Take care of yourself (drink H2O) and keep your eye on the prize! Trust me, you're going to receive so much more than you could possibly give.

If you have concerns about the amount over and above the cost of the trip that you're spending, please call before you buy anything. You'll be surprised at what some people own two of and would love to share! PLEASE do not spend $ you don't have on things on the wish list. After our packing meeting we'll assess what we're missing and decide if we really need it afterall. One year I thought - would be way cool to have socks for every boy, but they didn't come in. When we got to Nakuru we realized that they had just received socks from a visiting team, but underwear were their big need - wouldn't you know it - we had LOTS of underwear donated that year. As the boys in Nakuru alway say..."God knows." Continue to pray that God will supply the things he want's us to be able to provide.

One year a little HIV+ girl, Caroline, was so sick and all she wanted was a pink backpack with two pockets - one for her pencil and one for her juice - for when she was well enough to go to school. Of course we had no idea, but that was the year that my mom at the last minute sent along a pink backpack with two pockets, and my daughter-in-laws grandma made a beautiful hand made quilt. Toward the end of the trip little Caroline was laid to rest wrapped in the quilt made with such love, holding her backpack that brought her such joy! Caroline had a very difficult and short life, but she spent her last days knowing that God and many other friends loved and cared for her.

God knows our needs before we ask - he certainly knows the needs, and desires, of His Kenyan children - He loves them so much. What a joy to be used by Him to get His goods to His people.Thank you for giving! You've heard it 101 times: You can't outgive God!

Next Month?????

You now have permission to use the phrase. "I'd love to, but I'm going to Africa next month......" Next month? How can this be?

At our next meeting, on January 17, we will be going over our day to day schedule and making final assignments of responsibilities. We will also be going over many little details....time zone changes, baggage requirements for British Air (which have changed recently again), currency conversion, how to travel comfortably in coach, customs and arrival in Nairobi details, registering with the US Consulate, etc. Lots of details. For the meeting it's important to have the following...

• check for travelers insurance if you haven't already turned that in.


• medical prescription information, emergency contact information completed


• any questions you may have about packing


• return any Ishmael books you may have borrowed.....our last meeting will be the packing meeting at ECF

Looking forward to our meeting Saturday!