Ending Year 2 of the KCP well...

Hello everyone. I have arrived back in the United States following a great trip to my other home in Kenya. It was a very productive 12 day trip. Of course it was great to catch up with friends and family. I was able to have an end of the year meeting with our executive committee. It was a very productive meeting, as we addressed any internal issues and then began looking ahead. We worked on the budget for 2009, discussed the sustainability aspects of the project and took a look at the initial steps of phase out. We nominated 3 professional individuals and 3 members representing the Believers Centre to be trustees for the trust which will own the apartments which we will purchase in 2009. We are in the process of working with a lawyer on the legal aspects involved in establishing the trust. The Believers Centre contributed 8,000 Kenya shillings towards the sustainability projects which was a great encouragement, showing their committment. We also decided to purchase more permanent structures for the school. I am only addressing a few of the decisions that were made, as many conclusions were made in the meeting.

We once again finished under budget in the project due to wonderful and frugal work on the part of the project staff. Even in the midst of a global food crisis, we were able to feed the children for roughly $5 per child per month, simply amazing. Thank you for your continued prayers. We look forward to seeing what God has in store in 2009 as we begin the phase out process and look to turn the project over fully to the Believers Centre. Thank you for walking with the KCP! Blessings during this Christmas season and into the new year!

40 shillings for a day to remember...

Hello everyone! I am back in Kenya for a short time to check in on things and have our end of the year meeting to work on the budget for next year and discuss some of the sustainability aspects of the project. I was talking to my parents before I left for Kenya and we were reflecting on how amazing it is to think how normal traveling back and forth to Africa has become. I never in a million years would have guessed that this is where I would end up, but am so glad God has blessed me with this opportunity.

Unfortunately by the time I arrived, school had closed for the year. Consolata told the parents on closing day that I would be coming this week and that if they were around they could send the kids in on Thursday to spend the day with me. I was amazed when I arrived yesterday to find almost 80 children. It filled my heart with joy to see all of the kids and to see their mirrored excitement as I arrived. It is good to no longer be mzungu, but rather Adam. Even people in the community, from outside of the school greeted me by my name. It is hard to put into words the impact these children and this community has had on me, and to consider how accepted I am.

I had the opportunity to sing and dance with the kids, we went to our rented field and played games and ran around (actually they just chased me everywhere until I was out of breath), I was able to spend time with the teachers and our staff and was simply blessed by the time. I was able to share a little bit with the children as well and ask how they were enjoying school and if they were looking forward to coming back next year. They also got to have a meal after our activities before they went home.

I was sitting in the church with Consolata and Bella, our project staff, waiting to go to the field with the kids when through the "window" I saw a familiar smile looking through, it was Jane. I did an entry when I left in June about Jane, and not knowing whether I would see her again, as she has been living with AIDS for a long time. So, when I saw that smile, I thought, 'Thanks God'. Jane is still full of energy leading the charge with the home based care program.

It is hard to garner the words to describe my feelings and emotions when I walk into all of those smiling faces yelling, 'Adam, Adam'. I don't just see smiling faces - I see malnourished children who have been fed. I see children struggling with worms, malaria, typhoid, etc. who have been given medicine and regained strength. I see children who weren't able to go to school who now have opportunity, who now have hope. I see that hope that Christ speaks of that only comes from him. I look at little Faith who is growing up and getting ready to start second grade. I look at Oduor and see a child who might not be alive right now if he hadn't joined the KCP. I see Emmanuel who has come through situations and a home life none of us can fathom with a constant wide smile on his face, thriving in his studies. So, you can see why it is hard to describe the emotions I feel when I walk into Jangwani - it is overwhelming.

I was walking with Dominic, one of our teachers, to get a matatu to head back to town. We were talking about all kinds of things, and then he asked me what my job was. So, I told him I fundraise full time for the school and am in school as well. He told me I was a very busy person, and then asked how I was able to support myself, so I told him I didn't take a salary from the project, but had family members who took care of housing and my needs. His response shocked me - he said, "Wow! You sacrifice so much. You are really sacrificing." My thoughts went directly to Dominic and the sacrifice he has made as a teacher at the school. He lives in a very rough area, makes a salary that is substantial for where he lives, but is not an amount of money that I would ever consider living off of. He went for a year without a salary as a teacher at the small pre school that existed before the KCP started. because he cared for the children in the community so much. Meanwhile, he is telling me that I sacrifice. My ticket to fly to Kenya was 2/3 of his salary for the year. I live in a comfortable house, own a car, never worry about whether there will be food on the table, but maybe get up tight if my high speed internet connection goes down for a couple of hours. I felt awkward hearing Dominic's comment, and was humbled by the sacrifice he has made for children of Jangwani, and the hope that he helps to represent.

The lessons and learning never cease. It cost me 40 shillings, or 50 cents, to get from where I lived to Jangwani. 40 shillings is all it took to produce a day that will warm my heart for a long time, and one I won't forget.

Leaving Kenya, to start again...

I have officially embarked on something that I said I would never do after graduating from college - pursue more education. I am in South Africa currently starting my Masters in International Development via a distance program offered by Eastern. The area is beautiful - I am in Stellenbosch, about 3o minutes from Capetown, smack dab in the middle of wine country.

As for Kenya...I was a bit more sentimental and reflective in leaving Kenya this time. I will be heading back to Kenya in Nov/Dec, but I recognized some of the uncertainties that are ahead. Due to the post election violence a number of children I had grown very attached to were no longer at our school. I left recognizing that all of the children aren't guaranteed next time I come back. I also left Jane, feeling very sentimental. Jane is part of the homebased care program, she is a charismatic presence in the beadwork and mat making. I didn't know until this visit that Jane has AIDS. She is so active and full of life, that I didn't even realize. It was a bit weird to think that there is a possibility that when I shook hands with Jane to say goodbye, that could be the last time I see her. Just a very bizarre feeling.

I am feeling very encouraged and confident about the project and the direction it is headed. We still have a lot of work to do, but I believe God will see us through. Please continue to keep the school, children, staff, etc in your prayers, and if you think of it pray for my time here in South Africa as I begin my masters (the S.A. residency lasts until July 16th). Cheers...

KCP heads to the Giraffe Center...

Today was the first field trip for the children. We arranged for a trip to the Giraffe Center. The Kenya Wildlife Service has set up a place where you can go and feed giraffes. The main focus of the Giraffe Center is for school children to come and learn about wildlife. They don't charge the schools entrance fees. It is a very neat program.

Today was amazing though. Not only did the children get to come to the Giraffe Center, for many of them, today was their first time outside of Mathare. The Giraffe Center is located in Karen, a very wealthy, spacious and green Nairobi suburb. The ride there was simply a new experience. We rented a bus and loaded all of the children, teachers and KCP staff onto the bus and headed to Karen.

Upon arrival the children had an opportunity to learn about giraffes. We had one of the staff from Giraffe Center talk to the children. They were then able to feed the giraffes. They were a bit hesitant at first, but once they realized it was safe they had a ball. A few of the younger children cried a bit, because they were scared of such a huge animal.

Following the feeding, the children had an opportunity to see a tortoise, and then had their faces painted. We provided a sack lunch for them as well, which they thoroughly enjoyed. The bottled water seemed to be a big hit!

Another first for many of the children occurred today as well. After lunch we went to a small auditorium where John, our Giraffe Center host, put the Lion King video on. Many of the kids had never seen a video before, and they were totally focused. Their eyes were glued to the TV for a good 45 minutes, which for these kids is a long, long time. After that, we got on the bus and headed back to what seems like another world - Mathare.

What a blessing it was to see the wonder in the children's eyes. The smiles and laughter, and the sheer thrill of the whole experience were amazing to witness. Another blessing God has provided through these children of Jangwani.

A Field of Dreams...

Yesterday marked another first for the KCP...PE. It was the first time the children were able to go somewhere and run around and get exercise. A Christian school that has a wall separating itself from Jangwani is now renting their field to us two days a week. Yesterday was the first day of this new addition to the school experience for the children. Jon had brought soccer balls with him from the U.S., so the kids had those to play with.

It was so incredible watching them run around with wreckless abandon. That open space is a far away, dream world for many of the kids. These children are used to cramped spaces, with no place to run around. For them to now have this opportunity is a real blessing. To have a chance to run around with them was awesome! What a treat to see those smiles and wide eyes, the huffing and puffing from running around. God continues to live and bring hope to Jangwani!

KCP Medical Camp...

Last week, we scheduled a medical camp for the children and their families. It was held at the Believers Centre Church. Jon, Dave, Dave and Steve were able to witness this first time process for the KCP. We had two nurses to do medical check ups on the children, their siblings and parents and then provided medication where it was necessary. We also provided fluoride treatments for the children's teeth.

It was a great day, and I've never heard children ask for medication like I did that day. Each child also took a deworming pill, which is now being done through the school every 3 months.

The majority of the children in the school were relatively healthy, largely due to the significant meals they are receiving. A large portion of the medication was given out to the siblings and parents. It has been incredible to see the difference in the children. The change in their bodies and energy isn't recognizable to when I met them 2 years ago.

The medical camp was a great success in large part due to the KCP staff, Pastor Isaiah, Believers Centre volunteers, and our nurses. We can thank God together for providing!

KCP and other happenings...

I've been a little slow in getting updates out, as I have been busier (in a good way) than expected. The internet has also been a bit sketchy. Nevertheless, here is another update.

The kids are doing quite well. Luke really enjoyed spending time with them and had a great time in Nairobi. He went back to the US on Sunday night. Luke even learned some kiswahili I didn't know, so he was really on top of his game here.

My father and I preached at Lifespring on Sunday, Pastor Bob's church. It went quite well, and we didn't get any boo's so that was good.

There are some exciting things coming up at the project. On Thursday we are having a medical camp for the kids, where they will each receive a medical check up by a nurse at LIA. We will also be providing the children with Vitamin C tablets.

Next Friday is going to be pretty amazing. The teachers and staff at the project thought it would be a good idea to get the children outside of Mathare and have them go to the Giraffe Center. So, through a couple of generous donors, the transportation and donation to the Giraffe Center have been taken care of. For many of the children it will be their first time away from Mathare. They will have the opportunity to pet and feed the giraffes, have an educational time with one of the instructors, and watch some videos on different kinds of wildlife. I feel so privileged to be here while this is happening. To be able to see the looks on the children's faces will be amazing!

Dave, Dave and Jon arrive tomorrow, and will be the final group to visit. It has been a blessing to have had all the visitors thus far, and I am sure this last group will be great as well.

I think that is it for now, sorry I don't have any good stories, the brain isn't functioning at full throttle at the moment. Hope you all are well...

KCP Vision Trip for Lisa and Amy...

83 and counting...

The internet hasn't been cooperating, and we've been quite busy here in Nairobi, so I apologize for my lack of update. Lisa and Amy's luggage did eventually come, and we had a great week together. We visited Jangwani 3 times this past week - spending time with the children, doing home visits to the children's families and doing homebased care visits with 2 individuals who are HIV positive.

In visiting the school, I was so encouraged to see that we now have 83 students. Unfortunately, some of our students have left the school. Some didn't return after the post-election violence, some families have moved from Mathare. For those of you who remember Elvis from December (he lost his mother while I was visiting), he was not able to return to school, and has stayed in Western Kenya with his father's family.

We continue to talk of expansion of the school. During the August break, we will be constructing 3 more classrooms. So, things are going quite well. It is encouraging to be back and see all the progress made, the changes in the children and just the joy experienced on a daily basis.

Luke arrived last night (luggage and all) and will be with me until next Sunday. It should be a great time.

Please be keeping South Africa in your prayers as well, as they are experiencing some chaos at the moment. People who are working in South Africa from other countries are the targets of violence, as South Africans are angry that they are taking jobs away from them. The violence has spread to Cape Town, where I will be heading in a month, so please be lifting South Africa up in prayer, not simply for my safety when I go, but for those who are the targets of the attacks.

Living as I am...

The Deep Blue, the Queen and Mulami...

The Deep Blue - The Atlantic Crossing was uneventful, which is always a good thing.

The Queen - I arrived in London last Friday and was there until this past Wednesday. Although the US dollar did no favor to my bank account, the former "Man" (as in, don't let the man get you down) nation was very enjoyable. What made it this way was my friends Mercy and Tim. So great to reconnect with them, and experience a bit of their lives in that context. I also realize that public transportation is cool and very relevant, good for you tube and trains.

Mulami - Thursday morning I arrived in Kenya, after a viewing of National Treasure on the first flight, not bad, but honestly was it necessary? I arrived into Kenya intent on heading to Mathare to visit the children at the project, but to no avail. I crashed after a sleepless flight, and later met up with Pastor Bob and his family. Amy and Lisa missed their connection due to irreconcilable circumstances in London, so they did not arrive until early morning yesterday. Unfortunately the bags did not make the trip with them, nor did they make it today, but after numerous calls to the US, I am guaranteed they will be in tomorrow evening (fingers crossed, but not holding my breath).

It is good to be back in Kenya. It has just become normalcy for me at this point, so not a whole lot to report. I am really looking forward to seeing the kiddos, as well as meet some of our new staff at the project. On another note, anyone who knows of someone trying to offload $500,000, please let me know, the project would be happy to provide the cure for what ails them.

That is about it. I will write more as I am able, and after I have some tales to tell and pictures to share, etc.

Living as I am...

A New Kenya...

Although I am a little late on the uptake, exciting news from Kenya is upon us. A few weeks ago a powersharing deal was agreed upon by President Kibaki and the soon to be named Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. It is such an encouragement. Parliament has passed the bills that were placed on the table for this powersharing agreement, and now the details are being worked out. Even dispersement of cabinet members (PNU and ODM) was one of the many new initiatives including the new post of Prime Minister.

The church has also been playing a vital role. The Nairobi Chapel churches, along with a coalition of others went into all of the major cities to lead prayer and reconciliation. The stories I have heard have been incredible as God is definitely leading his people to bring about reconciliation in Kenya.

I will be traveling to in early to mid May and will be there for a couple of months. There will be a few groups joining me as well, so please keep these upcoming trips in your prayers. The school is thriving and the children continue to do well.

The Church of not-so like mindedness...

So often, not only in our American context, but throughout the world, we identify the church by an individual congregation. As I was praying this morning, I really felt the Lord speaking to me. I have been praying for unity amongst the church, that as our brothers and sisters suffer in Kenya, that we would suffer with them – that we would stand in the gap on their behalf, pray with them, fast with them, etc. My prayers have been that we would be unified as one body, that we would not be defined by the borders of the nation we live in, but rather be defined by our identity in Christ.

This has continued to be my prayer, but today as I prayed, I sensed I needed to go deeper. As I continued to pray for the church globally, I began feeling God put new thoughts in my head and words on my tongue. As I prayed, I began thinking about the persecuted church in Laos, I thought about persecuted Christians in Muslim nations, I thought about the church in Argentina, in Europe and here in the United States.

God placed Jesus on my mind – specifically Jesus on the cross. He began to remind me of what that image represents – it represents my brokenness made whole. It represents the fact that I myself can do nothing to change the way I am. I cannot restore the broken parts of me, I cannot make adequate the inadequacies in me. I cannot forgive myself and wash away my sins. As an individual, without God, I compartmentalize everything. My fallen nature means that not everything is united and connected. I am broken by the circumstances in which I live, by the person I choose to be. There becomes a disconnect between aspects of my life. There are cracks in my being that I cannot fill.

It is because of Christ that I can be made whole. It is because of Christ that I, as an individual, don’t have to compartmentalize my whole life. It is because of Christ that there can be unity in who I am and what I represent.

I say all of this because God put this on my heart as I thought and prayed for the global church. As the church, God has called us to be one body, yet we have separated ourselves. We have decided to use our human terms to define the church. We have made decisions that have brought division. I say this not only thinking – Protestant and Catholic, but how many denominations are there?

That is simply one example. As I thought of the global church, I found it interesting that we have not only defined ourselves by denomination, but also by geography. How many of us know about what is going on in the church around the world?

If we are truly one body, as followers of Christ, then why have we defined ourselves as many different bodies, from many different places, that really don’t need to relate a whole lot, other than on a casual or philanthropic (geographically) level? I see the church as disregarding the Gospel. We have ignored the fact that the Gospel brought unity: that as Christians, we are not defined by where we live, or what denomination we belong to, rather we are defined by the fact that we are loved, and love Jesus Christ.

Just as the Cross was meant for us individually, to restore us and bring unity to our beings and fill in the cracks, the same is true for the church. We are acting like a broken vessel, we are not unified as one body. We rarely stand united as one body with one another. How often do we, in the United States, consult our brothers and sisters in Africa or Asia on the scriptures and spirituality. Instead we go help the poor people. Don’t get me wrong a focus of the Gospel is helping the poor, but so is unity amongst the body – which makes us more effective in helping the poor. The diversity of the cultures which we come from around the world, as the body of Christ, brings the necessary perspectives which help us to understand the call for our lives that much better.

Christianity and the Church have become irrelevant in a lot of ways, because there is no unity. We are thousands of different groups from different places and are wavering because there are so many cracks between us. We as the body of Christ have not accepted what Jesus did on the cross. We have not accepted, as the church, the unifying nature of what the cross represents. We must, to be an effective agent of spiritual and social change around the world, and to simply live as God intended us to live, come together as the Global Body of Christ, and be unified with one voice (not ours, but his).

Do you sense the irony when you hear phrases like “United Methodist” or “United Church of Christ”? My prayer is that we will begin to come to a place where we are not defined by the borders that make up the nation where we happen to live, or by the divisive man made denomination, but rather as a unified body (the Global Church) defined by the Cross.

Kenya: Seeing what we want to?

Kenya has been going through some serious issues within the last month and a half, basically since the announcement of the Presidential Election results. There was alleged rigging, and now all of January and the first part of February have seen election-related and tribal violence break out in different parts of Kenya. A political stalemate has led to economic crisis for the whole of East Africa, as much of the shipments and imports for Uganda in particular comes through the port of Mombasa in Kenya. A number of different mediators came in and tried to help resolve the situation, but it continued to spiral out of control. The present count is at roughly 1,000 people killed and over 300,000 displaced from post election violence.

A team led by former UN-Secretary General, Kofi Annan began mediation talks, and brought the two groups together. Mwai Kibaki (the incumbent) of the PNU party, and Raila Odinga (the opposition) of the ODM party came together, and have been in talks for the last couple of weeks. A power sharing deal is in the midst of being approved by both sides. The violence has quieted for the most part within the last week, though there still seems to be an uneasiness in the country.

The damage has been done though. Kenya, known for its stability and economic growth in a very volatile region, has fallen from the graces of the western world. It's reputation has been tarnished internationally, and for those who don't know more than what they have seen in the news in the last month and a half, Kenya appears as an all too typical stereotype of post colonial Africa.

Unfortunately, not everyone knows the Kenya I know. They don't know the church in Kenya, and the way it is answering the call to the crisis at hand. They don't know the folks in Jangwani who carry on in the midst of violence and uncertainty. They don't know of the teachers, the pastor, the project managers who refuse to let violence and uncertainty keep them from providing food and education to children who otherwise would have no place to turn. They don't know my Kenyan family and friends who fast and pray daily for peace to come to their nation - for leadership to be led by God. They don't see the side of Kenya that still has potential, the side that uses it's resources so incredibly well. They see the minority committing heinous acts, lusting after power. We all have our ugly side. Every nation has it's downfall. Unfortunately, in Africa there is a magnifying glass on the radical and negative things that happen, and a world far removed from the positives and the people who inspire me to live my life differently.

2007 Kenya Children Project Review

Kenya Children Project 2007 Review

In 2007, a partnership between myself (Adam Gould), Life in Abundance International, and the Believers Centre Mathare Church created what is known as the Kenya Children Project. God’s hand in this partnership has been clear from the beginning as he has blessed the project with a great amount of progress in just one year. On top of that, we were $10,000 under our anticipated budget, which is a testament to those on the ground in Kenya using the resources well. I just want to highlight some of progress made in the first year, to keep you up to date…

We started the year with roughly 40 children in the school and ended with about 60. News of the good work spread throughout the community, and we got to a point where we could not take any more children in due to lack of space.

We were able to purchase 6 rooms surrounding the church and turned 4 of those rooms into classrooms, one into a kitchen and one into an office.

We started a feeding program for the children at the school. Each child received a cup of porridge in the morning, and rice, beans and greens at lunch, as well as fruit twice a week. This was provided 5 days a week, and we were able to do this for between roughly $6 per child, per month. The fruits and vegetables used in the lunch were purchased from mothers in our micro loan program.

We were able to purchase tables and benches for each of the classrooms, which were constructed by local carpenters, one of which was a father of one of our children. Desks and chairs were also purchase for each of our teachers. Each child also received a uniform.

We were able to hire 3 teachers who were with us for the whole year. In that time period they all have completed their teaching certification.

We have been able to put in a new toilet for the children to use, as well as. By the grace of God, purchase a water source inside the school.

We started our micro loan program with the children’s parents. The first group that received the initial loan, all paid back their loan in full. There have been stories of great success within the program - see Kevin’s Grandmother.

Out of an allotment for evangelism, a home based care program has emerged. Members of the Believers Centre have taken the initiative to be trained in home based care and have reached out to those suffering in the community, particularly those inflicted with HIV/AIDS.

As I have visited, there is a different feeling among the people in Jangwani – one of hope. The children look much healthier, and are full of energy and excited about their education.
2007 Expenses

Description
Year 1 Expense
1) $18,162 - School Costs (teacher salaries, construction, uniforms, feeding program, materials, tables and benches, water connection)
2) $11,113 - Staff Salaries and Administrative Costs
3) $2,126 - Micro loan Program
4) $946 - Evangelism

Total : $32,347



Micro loan program – Kevin’s Grandmother

Patricia Mwikali is one of the women in the micro loan program. She is 47 years old and has two daughters. Her first born daughter washes clothes which barely covers one meal. She is unable to pay rent or take care of other expenses, therefore her mother is forced to provide for her. Patricia is also taking care of her youngest daughter who is a junior in high school and her grandson, Kelvin, is enrolled in our school. Due to so much strain on Patricia, she enrolled in a merry go round financial program with several other women. They were able to save up a small amount of money, enough for each member to start a small business. Patricia began a small restaurant selling food to people in the Jangwani community. Because of the small amount of capital, the profit was not significant enough to provide for her family.Patricia looked elsewhere for help, and found out about he micro loan program through Kelvin’s school. She joined the program and was given a loan of 2000 Kenya Shillings, or roughly $30. This loan boosted her restaurant and she quickly began paying back the loan. She was given another loan and in August she rented a bigger room to expand the restaurant. Because of her success she was also able to purchase a larger room for her family to live in. Patricia received another loan and has also opened a small store where she sells vegetables. The store has been very successful and she has quickly been paying back her loan.Patricia’s spiritual life has changed as well. Whenever the women in the micro loan program meet, the project manager, Consolata, takes time to pray and share the word with them. In one of the meetings Patricia said, “I come from a community where people believe that when you want to learn a business you have to use witch craft. I didn’t know that God could open a door for me to get money from people who don’t even know me well, without using witchcraft. Now I believe that God is real.” Patricia is looking forward to paying off her most recent loan, and getting another one that will help her to continue expanding her business.

Thank you to those of you supporting the project through prayers as well as those supporting financially. God’s blessing and protection has been upon the KCP, and those of us involved are extremely grateful and in awe of what the Lord continues to do.

Prayers for the People of Kenya...

I write this entry extremely saddened by what is going on in Kenya. For those of you that don't know, isolated violence and national unrest followed the, perhaps illegitimate elections in Kenya. I am seeing leaders who don't have the best of their people in mind, but rather have power-lust. Please pray with me that the leaders of Kenya will come together for the good of the country. I will add more information and thoughts on the situation soon.