God is good all the time

I cannot believe that I am writing this last entry from my living room in Momence. It has been one week since I have arrived home from Kenya and it has been nothing short of a whirlwind. I met my dear friends, Amy and Justin Van Slocum at the airport after I arrived and we had a wonderful weekend of fellowship. I also was so happy to see my family. My first night home was super rough. I went to sleep at 7:30 and woke up at 3a.m. wide awake and in tears because I was missing Kangundo. As I lie awake I was scared because I was missing my mosquito net, but the Lord suddenly reminded me that I was okay because I was back in America and didn't need one.

I also moved to my new apt this week. My parents have been amazing and moved me a lot while I was gone, but nonetheless there was a lot to do and I didn't have time to be sad about missing Kenya. I am so thnakful to our great God for the move and my new place. I just love it.

As I have been home I also have just loved being with all my friends and attending my church, and not to have a translator during the sermon, although I do miss that. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who love me here. When I came home last year it was a lot more difficult because I didn't have a church family or a lot of friends, but this time I had so many loved ones to come home to.  Bwana Asifiwe!

As I begin talking about my trip and experiences with everyone I realize that I really miss Kenya and truly believe that God has called me there. I will continue praying and listening to God as to when He wants me to go. I know that it will be awhile but I know, for certain, that He has placed this incredible calling on my life and I have to answer.  Pray that God will give me clear answers as to when He wants me to go and what exactly He wants me to do in Kenya. 

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

Hello friends. I cannot believe that this will be my last entry from Kenya, so bear with me if it is long. My prayer for the past weeks has been "Father, make me useful to this world, loving, helping and serving in Kenya while leading people to You."

I have had a wonderful last full week in Kangundo. I have had a wonderful time teaching my dear students, and today was the last day of teaching in the sewing school. The girls were so sad to see me go and so was I. They were so sweet and bought me a beautiful bracelet and ring. I prayed a blessing over them that each of them would be able to find jobs as tailors once they graduate next year. I ask that you would also pray that each of these dear girls will be able to find jobs to support themselves once they graduate.

On Wednesday Mama gave me the chance to lead our usual Bible study because it was my last one. I used one of my favorite John Piper devotionals. The main point of the devotional is this: "As soon as we discover a problem, God has already been working on it and a solution is on the way." AMEN! This was so encouraging to me because of the fact that I find myself worrying about many things here and at home, but I must stop and realize that God already knows the end result.

On Thursday we went to Nairobi and had a great time shopping and enjoying each others company. I really loved shopping and know that you have gifts coming your way :) On Saturday Gideon, Fitz, Ruth and I took a matatu to Nairobi and had a wonderful day playing in the city. We first went to the Masai market which is in the heart of the city. I was able to buy some beautiful things, but imagine that the Kenyans raise the price once they see a mazungu, white person, they see money. But my brothers bargained for me so all is well. They take such good care of me. We then went to Ya Ya center, which is a really nice mall. Lastly we went to City Park which is a park in the middle of Nairobi and is full of monkeys. I can't wait to show you the pictures because you all will laugh a lot! I was able to feed monkeys from my hand and they even drank soda from my bottle.

While I was feeding the monkeys there was a really sweet boy who came up to me and said, "Auntie would you please buy me some cake, I am hungry." Oh my stars, my heart sank. I couldn't believe these boys because they were so gentle and I did not fear them in any way. So, I told Gideon that I wanted to buy these boys some food so we did. They were so thankful. The guys started talking to them in Swahili to find out their stories and it ended up that they were street boys. When, we were done talking with them one of they boys asked me when i was going to come back to the park and take them home. God really spoke to me then. As we were leaving the park my dear friend and a pastor, Fitz told me that I could open my own children home here and be twice as effective here as in America, which is so true, because it comes down to money. This issue has really burdened my heart this past week. I ask that you pray for me. Pray that God will continue to show me His will for my life as I love it so much here in Kenya.

Pray for the United African Evangelical Mission, and all the work that is being done here. Pray also for direction and leadership.

I will see you all very soon love you.

Bwana Asifiwe

Praise the Lord, is what bwana asifiwe means in Swahili. I cannot cease to sing the praises of our Abba Father as I continue serving him on the mission field. I am so sorry that I didn't update last week, things got a little crazy so I didn't have time, I apologize.

I have had nothing short of another incredible week! On Monday I began teaching a new group of high school aged girls, in our sewing school at the Bible College, conversational English. We had a great time introducing ourselves and getting right down to business. Each of my students are so beautiful and full of love and joy. I am so thankful for the opportunity that God gave me to teach them. I also had the privileged of going to DEB school. This is a school of about 1,200 students and only 43 teachers, you do the math. These are some large classes! I visited some second grade classrooms and taught what we call the "Visual Bible-the OT" This entails some hand motions and words so that the students can memorize the OT in a way that appeals to them. I then went to visit another part of the school, which is the school for the blind. When I walked into their classroom I immediately felt love from these dear angels who cannot see. I was almost in tears as the boys and girls came over and greeted me and began to touch my face and hair. I made such a wonderful friend that day named Boniface, whom I will never forget. While some of the students were reading to me in English via Braille Boniface just came over and sat on my lap as the others were reading. From then on he held onto me even as he read. I couldn't believe the love and kindness that he showed to me, a complete stranger. As it was time for me to leave he wouldn't let go but we said our goodbyes and I saw him again on Thursday and we were so happy to meet once again.

On Wednesday we had our usual Bible study and prayer meetings, which went so well. We went up country for the afternoon Bible study and had a great time of fellowship and prayer. As I was leaving one of the dear mama's-Milka was telling me that I must stay in Kenya and not go back to the states. I told her I agree but I must go back because God will bring me back here soon enough to stay. She told me that she was going to be sad when I leave. Then, Mama jumped in and so sweetly said that she doesn't want me to leave either, but she knows that God has an incredible plan for my life here in Kenya. And that we must continue to pray for a godly husband for her! I love Mama so much and am so thankful for her. My family and friends here are so amazing and how I wish that each of you will be able to come to Kenya some day and experience God in indescribeable ways.

The rest of this week and last has been full of awesome fellowship in the quiet moments. For example, today I had a wonderful time just washing dishes and signing praises to God in Swahili at the Bible college with my dear friend, Syomiti. She is such a blessing to me and I admire her because she is such a godly woman, mother and wife. I also have enjoyed many moments when I have just been walking through the villages with my friends, or simply singing as I cook. Tomorrow I am going to Nairobi with some of my brothers and we are going to have a great time seeing some sights. Pray for journey mercies as traveling here can, at times, be risky. But, I never fear because I know that God has me in the palm of his hand and no weapon formed against me shall remain.

love you all!

Lord, I'm Amazed by You

Mambo friends. I trust that you are all doing well. I can't help but sing the praises of our almighty God who continues to reveal himself to me in amazing ways. Whether it's through the smile of a beautiful child or the love of a dear friend here in Kangundo.

This past week was nothing short of amazing! The weather has been beautiful with high's in the low 70's, sunshine, and no humidity! This past Sunday I was blessed to travel (by dirt and pothole-filled roads) with my dear friend Shadrach and his wife to Victory Church at Katwanyaa. This church is one of my favorites because the choir is absolutely amazing as they dance in the aisles praising our great God. The hearts of he people and the sermon was wonderful. What I found great is the fact that during offering those who cannot afford to bring money bring maze, avocados, sweet potatoes, sugar cane etc... Then they sell those items in the church and the money goes for the offering. What I couldn't believe was the fact that people began buying these items and gave them to me. At first I said to myself, "Lord, why are these people buying these things for me? There are others who are in greater need than me."  But then God told me that this is the Kamba's peoples way of welcoming me and loving me. Praise God!

On Tuesday and Friday's i have been teaching English and Bible classes at the Bible College to a group of Ethiopian refugees. Let me tell you these young women are amazing and I cannot get over the joy they have in their lives despite the devastation that they have witnessed and experienced at such a young age. They are such blessings to me and I ask that you would pray for them as they don't have any family, except each other. 

On Wednesday, we have a Bible study with all of the Grace Children Home parents that have basically adopted at least 5 children. I had the privilege of leading this weeks study. I used a meditation from John Piper that really has convicted me since I have been in Kenya.  He tells us that "what the Church needs today is marathoners, not just sprinters...when it comes to the Christian walk."  I also love this quote which has also really resonated with me: " I plead with you to dream a dream that is bigger than you and your family and your church." Amen! That is my prayer for each of you as well. I pray that you will not dream too small about your life. Expect and attempt great things for and from God.

Today I was blessed with a wonderful Friday! I went to the market at Tala with James and bought various fruits and vegetables for cooking for the weekend. We had nothing short of an adventure when it came to finding a matatu (public transportation) for the ride home. These vehicles are small vans and they squish as many people as they can into this van and charge you about 5 cents. I laugh every time I ride them because they are so much fun. I also taught my dear girls today. We read some simple Bible stories and I was so proud of them because each one of them did a great job of reading some second grade level Bible stories. I praise God for all of the hard work that they put in each week of English class as well as the sewing school that they attend. When my day of teaching was done I walked home on the dusty roads and as I was approaching our compound I saw my dear friend Oscar was waiting for me. I must admit that i was so happy to see him because I haven't seen much of him this time. Pray for him and that God will provide him with a good job as it is incredibly difficult to find a job here.

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea', and it will obey you. ~Luke 17

Love you all!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good

This is a saying that we ave here in Kangundo and we constantly remind each other of this wonderful promise from our Maker. It has been two weeks since I've been here and I can't believe it! God continues to open my eyes to the beauty amidst the poverty of this nation. I am constantly humbled by the pothole-filled dirt roads as well as the people who have so little but offer you everything they have.

I don't remember if I posted about using the parachute last Saturday, but it was a hug success!! I have lots of video tat I will share when I return.Let's just say we played with it for about 2 hours last weekend and the kids had an absolute blast, as did I!

Even though this is my second visit to Kenya I cannot get over how much we have in the states. For example, in school we have all of the necessary supplies and then some. Here, in Kenya, the teachers are lucky if they have a roof over their heads and a smooth dirt floor under their feet.  I know that I have complained several times to myself about things that I wish I could have in my classroom. Lord, forgive me for being so materialistic because these students do not even have their own pencils and markers to use. The teachers also have to make everything for their classroom. They make all of the visual aid because your local teacher store doesn't exist in the village. And even though they are lacking so many materials the kids still learn everything they need to learn and continue on because this is all that they know. I can't imagine how they would react to everything that we have been blessed with in our schools.

This past week has been nothing short of amazing! I had the opportunity to visit a school for the blind in Kangundo, which was so humbling! I went with one of my dear friends from here, Daniel. We met with the Headmaster and he welcomed us with open arms to the school. The name of the school DEB and has about 1,500 students and has 30 students enrolled int he school for the blind. Let me tell you, this school is awesome! We walked in as the blind students were coming in and they were so happy. You could just see the love in their eyes, even though they couldn't see me. My heart melted when one of the students took my hands and felt them for about 5 minutes. I prayed that God would bless this child and would be healed in Jesus name.  Their classroom is so great because it is full of hands-on activities for the kids to keep busy with. They also have braille machines that they have for the students to type on as well as talking computers, which blew my mind! DEB is one of 3 schools in all of the Kenya that has all of these resources for the blind! Praise God!  Please pray that they would continue to receive funds to keep the school running because it is such an amazing place.

On Wednesday I had the privileged of cooking all day with the house help as we made dinner for a group of kids from Alaska that has been serving in our village for the past 3 weeks! It was so great to meet them have fellowship with them and encourage them in Christ. I know that they greatly appreciated the American meal of hamburgers and homemade salads and french fries. Praise God for others that are serving him in Kangundo!
Thursday we went to Nairobi and did some wonderful shopping and Friday we went to Nairobi again and dropped my friend Kristin off at the airport which was bitter sweet.

I pray that you are all doing well. I thank all of you for the prayers that you have been lifting up on my behalf. I have felt them and I am doing so well! I constantly feel surrounded by Christ and his amazing angels. Even when we travel at night, which is dangerous I do not fear anything because I know that our great God has us in the palm of his hand and no weapon thwarted against me shall remain! Thank you again for your prayers and love. 

I am Home

Praise God! I am so thankful for the safe arrival in Kenya! God is good all the time and all the time God is good, as they say here in Kenya. I am so thankful for the safety that God gave us as we arrived here in Kangundo! I was so happy to arrive here and greet my brothers with open arms at Kenyatta Airport. We arrived late on Saturday night. As we began driving back to Kangundo I was overcome with joy and peace as God granted us safety on the way to Mama's.

On Sunday we went to Ebnezer Church and were welcomed with open arms.  I just love the churches here. They are so humbling because they don't even have electricity but they are so full of love and they just radiate God. You can see Him in their beautiful eyes, which I just love.

This week we have visited schools and taught the story of Jonah to the toto's (children) and did a craft with them.  We made the whale out of balloons, which they absolutely just loved. The toto's are so thankful for whatever you bring to them.

It has been so great to see all of my loved ones here once again, as I have missed them greatly. They keep asking me when I am going to move here and I tell them that only God knows and that I will keep praying about it.

Today, we went to the market in Tala and oh was that an adventure. We took a Matatu, which is the Kenyan version of a bus ride. It's always fun because they pack as many people as they can into the vehicle, which is always fun! As I walked the streets with Gideon all of the people kept saying "mazungu come an buy" which means white person come and buy from me please. It's always interesting to be the minority, but it doesn't bother me at all because in God's eyes we are all one. We made it home before dark and are preparing to have dinner soon.

Tomorrow we are going to open the parachutes that y school bought and play with the kids. I can't wait! It will be an emotional experience for sure!

I am doing so very well. God is so good and I praise him for the opportunity to be in Kenya again. I am healthy and am constantly humbled and blessed as I interact with everyone. Thank you so much for your prayers. I defiantly feel them all the time. I also am thankful for all of the rain that God has sent because this time everything is so green and beautiful

Love you all!
Munee

Jambo Kenya!

Well...TODAY IS THE DAY!!! I cannot believe that it is time for me to return to Kangundo! Kristin and I leave O'Hare at 5:20 and will arrive in London tomorrow morning and we will arrive in Nairobi Saturday night.

Please pray for safe flights, low luggage fees, ontime connections and safe travels to Mama and Papa's in Nairobi.

I love you all and will be updating when I can. The internet connection is tough so I will try my best.