Life with the Kenya Children Project

Correction to recent post...

2010-01-12T15:14:00.001-08:00

Life in Abundance will continue to accept donations for the Kenya Children Project until the IRS approves eduKenya for tax exempt status. Will update this page when that has happened...

"so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.." Psalms 145:12

2009-12-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

As some of you know the Kenya Children Project is just the beginning. Throughout these three years it has been a privilege to be partnered with Life in Abundance International. They have been a blessing as they have served as a conduit for funding, as well as accountability, and have served in an advisory role. We have been blessed by the relationship, and I feel fortunate to have been involved with them. Without them, the KCP would have never happened, and I never would have been able to ease my way into the Mathare community.

With that said, we have come to the end of our 3 year partnership. As of January 1, 2010, LIA will no longer be accepting donations for the KCP. In discussions with my co-workers and friends in Nairobi, we decided that it would be wise to replicate the model we have used in the KCP. We also recognized that we have only touched a tiny portion of the Mathare community - Jangwani is comprised of roughly 20,000 people and Mathare as a whole is 600,000+. Therefore, we have a passion to reach out to the rest of Mathare one small community at a time, initiating and developing holistic education projects through the church, and leaving them in a place of self sustainability. We can then move on to new communities once the work in Mathare is brought to completion. Therefore, we have formed a new organization, eduKenya to do this. eduKenya will basically take on the model used by the KCP and tweak it slightly in areas which it was weak to make it an even more effective model.

We will go into communities through the church, and will do as we have done with the KCP - develop a school program, skill training and micro loan programs and home based care programs and help create self sustainability. We have already been approached by a number of churches in Mathare to come and partner with them. So, we will take the next year to develop a relationship with the new church that we are led to.

Additionally 2010 will see us continue in our relationship with the Believers Centre Mathare Church, as eduKenya will add one more year to the KCP. Financially, we are not in a place to leave the KCP self sustainable, and from a management perspective there is still a bit of work to do with the Believers Centre. Therefore we have added one more year to the project.

eduKenya is founded by myself and Pastor Bob Kikuyu. This is very much a Kenyan organization, and therefore our board is made up of 4 Kenyans and 3 Americans. We would like to ask for your prayers...a lot of prayers. We have incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania as a non-profit, and have completed all of the forms we must submit to the IRS and the Federal Government to receive 501 c3 status, which makes us a tax exempt organization. We need this process to move quickly, and when calling the IRS the other day, I found out they are backed up, still working on June applications. So, please pray that God would act in a mighty way and streamline the process for us, so we are able to continue the work that He has placed before us. For any more information on this transition, you can contact me at 724 992 8609 or email adam@edukenya.org or bob@edukenya.org, for Pastor Bob. Our website which will be up in the next couple of months will be www.edukenya.org. There is currently a holder page there.

We look forward to see what the future holds for eduKenya, and God's work in Kenya and here in the US. Blessings on each of you in this holiday season. While Christmas is a festive holiday, we remember the symbolic celebration of Christ's birth, and the purpose his life gives to each of us.

Coming and Going...

2009-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here at Apt C7 at Gemina Court in Nairobi, waiting for my friend Davey to come pick me to take me to the Cheges before heading to the airport. I realize, many of you have no idea who I am talking about, but all names mentioned are very dear friends here in Kenya. I have been in Nairobi for nearly a month, and have found little time to post something on here, though a significant amount has gone on.

The first thing being my sister Emilie and brother in law Josh came for a visit in early November. It was a real blessing to have them here. They had the opportunity to see the project, interact with my friends and go on safari. I have been and continue to be incredibly blessed to find the support of my family in the work we have been doing in Kenya.

Well...that was Dec. 2, and now I am sitting in suburban Philadelphia back in the United States, with thoughts still lingering from my recent trip.

To update you on a few things that were the most recent blog items...I am so excited to share with you that Safari, while he has been in and out of the hospital, is doing quite well, and will actually be joining the school January '10. I cannot tell you how excited that makes me - I have had the opportunity to see the transformational power of God in Safari's life. In addition, his mother has become very involved, and is now part of our home based care program. She is taking initiative to care for her children and herself.

Mwikali, the young girl who had such bad burns, was back at school this time when I arrived. She is fully healed...what a joy it was to see her running around with the other children, not suffering in pain...

Those are a couple of the joys... In Jangwani though, generally joys are accompanied by sorrow...Mercy, one of the little girls in Class 1, who lost her father last year, lost her mother in late October. Her grandmother has taken her in. Keep Mercy in your prayers...

One of the greatest joys, possibly of my lifetime, and I do not exaggerate when I say that was being at the school this year for the end of the year program and graduation...

As I sit here recalling the events in my mind I am absolutely overwhelmed with emotion by it all. As many of you were celebrating the American holiday of Thanksgiving, I was experiencing my own Kenyan version of thanksgiving the same day. It was that day we had the end of the year program and graduation. When I am in Kenya, I rarely wear anything other than t shirts and jeans or very casual button down shirts. For graduation, I wore the nicest clothes I had with me- khakis and a button down shirt and loafers. The graduation was at a church hall next to the slum, as our numbers were too many to have it in our own compound. So, when I arrived and walked into the church hall where the event was held, I was totally put to shame by the parents of the children. They were completely decked out in dresses, traditional garb and nice trousers and dress shirts. There was no hint of a slum that day, just dignified people with pride in their eyes as they watched their children.

I sat down at a table at the front of the room with Pastor Bob (my representative on the exec. committee), Muema (representing Life in Abundance), Pastor Isaiah (Believers Centre Mathare Church), and Anne Chege (trustee for the KCP). Esther, one of our teachers led worship with great vibrancy, and the support of joyful yelps and clapping from all in attendance. Then the students who were involved in scouts did a performance. Then, each class did a performance: Baby Class (3-4 yr olds) recited scripture memory in English and a poem in Swahili; Nursery Class (4-5 yr olds) recited a poem in English; Pre-Unit (5-6 yr olds) recited scripture memory, a poem and individuals recited the role of different prophets in the Bible all in English; Class 1 (6-7 yr olds) recited scripture memory and performed a short play in English about the Birth of Jesus; Class 2 (7-8 yr olds) recited a 2 minute long social justice poem in English and then performed a song and dance.

The Pre-Unit class wore graduation robes and hats, as they were graduating from pre-primary to primary school. Right now we have 120 children in the school, with the expectation of 150 in January. We had roughly 100-125 parents and guardians show up for the event. Awards were handed out to the children receiving top marks in the school, but also to those who were the most active, the cleanest (to encourage parents to take good care of their children), as well as an award going out to the top teacher. Our head teacher/principal, Faith did a fantastic job of organizing and running the event.

Pastor Bob, was the guest of honor and was asked to share a few words. He spoke to the parents encouraging them in what they have done for their children, but also challenging them to provide for their children. He referenced Obama, saying that there could be a president in this group of children, or a musician, an athlete or entrepreneur. The police chief for our area also showed up and shared a few words. She said how excited she was to know that there was a place doing such good things in Jangwani with all of the bad there is around, and that it always brought a smile to her face when she saw one of the little red uniforms walking by her office in the morning on the way to school. She also called out parents about being better examples for the children and not drinking and doing drugs. She too spoke of the potential of the children, and the possibilities that are ahead of them. Then, we had a time of more singing and dancing, as Teacher Joyce played the goat skin drum. I was pulled up on three occasions to show off my dancing skills, I passed (with a C, but I still passed, haha).

As I sat there and looked out over the crowd of parents, dressed to the nines, and looked at our children as they performed I couldn't keep from feeling immense pride and joy at the work God has done in the last 3 years and what He will continue to do. Seeing the children in class two, the ones that were there from the first day I stepped foot in Jangwani, and thinking about their situation then and now, I had to fight back tears. I am absolutely overwhelmed by God's grace and provision. He asked us to step out on a limb in 2006, and at the end of 2009, I can't imagine what life, mine and theirs, would be like without having been obedient at that point. This whole experience has been an eternal blessing.

Safari njema...

2009-07-05T02:32:00.000-07:00

I remember going back to my servant's quarters in Funguo Estate after visiting Jangwani and sobbing. That was over 3 years ago when I visited the community for the first time. I was crushed and overwhelmed that such places existed in a world which I had lived for nearly 24 years at the time. As I continued to go in and out of Jangwani, I began to realize that in order to be effective in dealing with the problem of extreme poverty and the devastating circumstances of people's lives, I was going to have to become slightly numb to my surroundings. This is not to say, I totally threw compassion out the window, but it is to say that I wouldn't let me self cry everytime I would go into Jangwani. It still broke my heart to see people suffering physically, socially and psychologically (spiritually would tie in at times as well), but it became "normal" enough to work through it.

For three years I have been writing emails and posting on this blog my experiences and the "life" of the Kenya Children Project. While I was often crushed and overwhelmed by the circumstances that I encountered in the lives of the children at the school and my brothers and sisters in Jangwani, I never cried. Tears filled my eyes at times, but I never cried. That has changed. I have seen some tough things over the past three years, particularly during my most recent time in Kenya. As I shared with you last time we have had dealings with the Mungiki gang, and then had some children really suffer with burns and breaks.

I was hosting one of our groups from the US, and we were having a difficult, but encouraging day. We briefly encountered Mungiki (not in a hostile way directed towards us), and then after visiting our skill training programs we went to hang out with the children and staff at the school. We were sharing some laughs and enjoying each other's company. Then I noticed a change in one of our staff after receiving a phone call. She left and came back, and something was wrong. Our home based care officer, Joyce, came in walking with a young child. At the oldest, the child looked to be six years old. I walked out of the office to find out what was going on. I was told this was Safari.

Safari is a 10 year old boy, then the next thing I was told was that he was HIV positive. He was born with the disease and had suffered with it all of his life. He had taken a great turn for the worse in the last 3 weeks. I was told Safari's mother, who has basically given up on him, has 6 children, at least 3 of which were born after she knew she was HIV positive. Safari's mother had been told to bring him to the school for our feeding program. His mother never brought him. He was on antiretroviral drugs, but had never been properly checked out by a doctor. The antiretroviral drugs don't always work, but in order to have the chance to be effective, nutrition is extremely important. Joyce had been visiting Safari, and checking in on him on a consistent basis, trying to be of help to him. When she went and noticed that he was not doing well and not being taken care of, she brought him to the school. One of our staff members provided some funds for milk and bread. As the milk was handed to Safari I sat down next to him and said hello. He glanced my way, but did not have much energy to give much of a response. As he drank the milk and ate the bread he was given, not only could I hear, but I could feel on the bench, the struggle to catch his breath. This boy was so ill it was a struggle to breathe. I actually just had to stop typing for a second, because it took me back to that moment and I began to cry again. That moment broke me...again...

Three years after I wept, God reminded me of the frailty of the human existence, and broke through my tough exterior to send me a reminder that I must continue to love his children, that I must pursue justice for his people. After Joyce returned from taking Safari back to his mother, overwhelmed by the situation, I asked our visiting group and staff to pray together on behalf of Safari. Bella prayed with passion and compassion, in a way that was expectant of God's intervention. Completely broken at this point with tears running down my cheeks, I looked up as we said a collective AMEN, and saw watery eyes and heard sniffles. In the midst of that sadness and frustration I was so encouraged by that moment. I was encouraged to be reminded of what an amazingly committed and compassionate staff we have at the school. I was encouraged that what breaks God's heart was breaking our hearts. We need to have our heart's broken by situations like Safari's. Often when we do not have a direct connection to someone we generally feel bad for them when they are suffering or going through a difficult time, but our heart's don't break. God's heart breaks for those who suffer, etc. and therefore our hearts should also break.

When I think I have God, poverty and suffering figured out I am reminded of how little I understand. I left that day encouraged by the response of our staff, etc. and encouraged by the fact that I could still cry, but I was so angry, frustrated and sad by the circumstance. I have reconciled a number of the tough situations, at least in my own mind, in Jangwani over the last 3+ years. I recognized that God has asked us to represent him on this earth and care for his children and that we are responsible for responding to the ways in which he leads us. Yet, in Safari's situation I continue struggle. I question God on how he could let a child who had no choice at all in being born, or in the decision of his mother to have sex knowing she was HIV positive, suffer. Safari was born into suffering and will likely die young suffering. I pin it on the fact that I cannot fully understand the way God works, and I can't explain God. We have to put faith in Him because of that, but Safari's situation is one that causes me to struggle.

God has provided in His impeccable timing in the midst of this struggle. A visitor who came in May and another visitor who was there in June and actually met Safari, within two days of one another gave me a significant amount of cash to be put towards the school. God revealing himself at the perfect time. Osteen, the little boy who broke his arm and was never treated that I spoke of in the last post, as well as Safari, the mother and a baby who both are HIV positive were able to be taken to the hospital with the funds left by these individuals. Osteen's story is one of encouragement. His arm is healing, though it will require surgery to permanently fix it, but that does not need to be done until he is older. Safari didn't have the encouraging outcome we were hoping for. When all of the tests, etc. that were done it was revealed that he now had tuberculosis as well as being HIV+. Tuberculosis is a very common cause of death in HIV patients. Fortunately, the social worker at the hospital was able to connect Safari's "family" with an organization that will cover all of the medical costs for individuals who suffer from HIV.

I entitled this post "Safari njema", because Safari in kiswahili means "journey". Throughout Kenya you often see signs that say "safari njema" which just means "safe journey". The irony of Safari's name haunts me in a way - journey. How do you describe the "journey" of a child who comes into the world to suffer, only knows suffering and goes out suffering. You certainly cannot describe it as safe. In the midst of this struggle, and this difficult journey, God remains in charge and redeems even the worst situations. It doesn't mean I can always make sense of it, and that I won't continue to question, but it is the reality of the situation. I know this was long, but I wanted to share that story with you. Keep Safari, our staff and children, as well as their families in your prayers. Blessings on you, and may your journey be one that is not safe, as we follow a God that is not safe. May your heart be broken by the things that break God's heart.

Cruel Realities and Remembering the humble beginnings...

2009-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone - my apologies for taking a month in between posts, it has been a very busy month to say the least. I basically gave an overview of what has been going on at the KCP in my last post. Today, I want to share a bit about some of the very cool things that have gone on in the past month, as well as things that are the cruel realities of slum life.

As I had said in my previous post we were trying to identify property to purchase to house the school. That which we had identified was sold to another buyer without our knowledge about 2 weeks ago, so we had to go back to the drawing board. Fortunately, the landlord of the sold property showed us a couple of other properties for sale in the same area. A few days after being told of the new properties, Consolata (our project manager) and I went to check them out. Upon arrival I saw a familiar face that I had not seen in a few years. It was Nicodemus, the very first parent I met in Jangwani. Nicodemus still has a small carpentry shop, and a wide smile, just as he did when we met back in 2006. Nicodemus' daughter Janet is in class 2 of our school and his son Timothy is unfortunately 1 year ahead of where our school is at the moment. In the midst of the frustrations with finances, and having a property sold which we planned to purchase, seeing Nicodemus was a good reminder of where we started. We started out simply depending on God and trusting that obedience would see this thing through. Now as I have my questions about funding and properties, it is important for me to continue to remember the obedience and dependence on God with which we started the KCP, and embrace it in these moments.

While there are those very clear moments goodness, there are also the very frustrating moments. One has no one to blame, it is just a difficult circumstance. One of the little girls in our school Mwikali, who is in class one, had an accident a little over a month ago. She was walking past a jiko (a small charcoal stove) and her dress caught the flame of the stove. The dress melted into her skin on both of her legs from her waist down to her knees. That saddens me a great deal, and Mwikali and her family could really use your prayers as the medication is quite expensive to take care of the wounds. The really frustrating part is that it took 3 different hospitals to offer the correct treatment (that is in no way indicative of the medical care in Kenya, I have had very good experiences). The first place wrapped her wounds directly with gauze, causing great amounts of pain. The second place gave her medication that was incorrect and made her skin begin to rot. Finally, the last place treated her properly, and she is definitely healing. When I went to see her, she was unable to really move and sits in the same position all day in a great deal of pain. Last week our whole staff went to visit her after school to be supportive. They were very upset by the situation and were really feeling for her. Again, a horrible thing and a very difficult thing to see a child suffer, yet in the midst of this terrible thing, a ray of light - people caring. Our whole teaching staff cared enough about one of the students that they took their free time as a group and went to visit the child. That compassionate caring is what transforms. That is an extension of Christ's love and is an encouragement to me.

The two things that have frustrated me recently have been drunkards and parents who do not care about their children. While we have a number of amazing, caring parents, we have others who seem as if they wouldn't care if their child existed or not. Without giving names one of the little boys broke his arm in April. The mother didn't take care of it during the April break, then sent a note in with the boy at the beginning of the term telling the school to take care of it. While trying to force the mother to take responsibility of her child, she has been irresponsive. Now if we do not take him to the hospital and get his arm taking care of, he may lose the use of it. This is a child, not a toy. When an arm breaks you fix it. That has been a difficult thing to observe.

Drunkenness...It has been something I've noticed in the past, but it hasn't been as frustrating as it is this time. The more time I spend in Jangwani/Mathare North, the more I become known as Adam, not just mzungu. Outside of the school I am often called by name even before I enter Jangwani, then even more so as I enter. Because of being better known, it also means I'm known to the perpetual drunkards. I have been deemed 'Jonny' by one, 'Kamau' by another and when I refuse to give them money, nasty names in the local dialects, ha. I have noticed myself being more and more frustrated by this behavior this time for a couple of reasons. The first being they are becoming a little too "friendly" with myself and others and I hate the way they treat women. The second aspect is that it is some of the fathers of the kids in our school. One man in particular, who is very nice when he isn't drunk, is sad to watch when every other day he is intoxicated. I, along with a visiting group, saw him get the crap beat out of him, because he was so wasted he kept trying to start a fight. He has two sweet sons, one in class 2 and one in pre unit. I sat there feeling so sad for those two boys, knowing that is the example of a man that they have to go home to. The unfortunate reality is that he is one of the few fathers that exist in the families of the children in our school. That is why it is such a blessing to have two male teachers - Dominic and Michael, to be an example for the boys.

So, I realize that was long, but I wanted to share a bit about my thoughts and interactions over the last month. Please continue to pray for all of the issues, as well as all of the wonderful things taking place in Jangwani...

Back in Kenya...

2009-05-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I hope this finds you well. I arrived in Nairobi last Tuesday, it is great to be back. I have been to visit the school and it is an incredible encouragement to see the progress. We have 125 children, a new male teacher and the equivalent of a school principal. The new staff are great people. The children are as joyful as ever, and melt my heart as always.

Our skill training program is really thriving, as we have developed our own dressmaking training as well as hairdressing training. We have rented two small rooms, and we are able to employ local individuals skilled in these areas to lead the trainings. This keeps us from having to outsource to other training programs. I have observed the dressmaking training, and am so impressed by the ability of the people involved and as always, by the incredible resourcefulness of the people in the program. Those involved in the training use recycled paper bags to practice on with the sewing machines, to avoid wasting or the added expense of using cloth. I have never seen more beautiful paper dresses. Once the individuals have completed this program they will be eligible for the micro loan program in which we will provide a microloan of a sewing machine, which they will gradually pay off.

The second great thing I have been able to check out was the permanent structure for our classrooms. Our executive committee has identified a building to purchase. It is beyond what we originally budgeted, but would not require any additional building as we had originally anticipated. Additionally there is enough space for the school to grow all the way up to high school, and there are enough rooms for our skill training programs. Another positive is that we will still have additional space to rent out a number of rooms for additional generated income.

So things are going well in the school and connected programs, I am very encouraged. I would like to ask you to be praying for the incoming teams which will be coming to Kenya over the next couple of months. There will be twelve individuals coming to Kenya and prayers for safe travel would be appreciated. Also, pray that these individuals would be open to whatever and wherever God may lead them throughout their time in Kenya. As always, your prayers are appreciated for the children, families and staff of the KCP.

The individuals coming will be traveling the following dates, so you can pray for them specifically:

Sheila Bell and Micaela May - May 9-18
Steve and Sherrie Gould - May 9-24
Ian Noyes and Larry Smith - May 14-30
Sarah Homan - May 24 - June 6
Luke and Abbie Michael, Wendy and Cara Turner - June 10-22
John Rosacker - July 22-31

Lastly, as many of you know we are in the midst of a lull in the economy. As the markets continue to recover, I realize many people are out of work or are a bit more hesitant to part with the funds they do have. This has also impacted giving to the KCP. Though we continue to be blessed by many people's generosity, we still have a significant hill to climb to gather the funds needed to achieve self sustainability. I would ask you all to pray regarding supporting the KCP either again, or for the first time. We are still in need of roughly $375,000. If you are unable to support the KCP financially, please be a voice for us and share with friends and colleagues of the work God is doing here in Nairobi. Thanks for your continued prayer and financial partnership. You continue to be an encouragement to me and to our Kenyan staff. I will continue to report what is going on here in Kenya.

Ending Year 2 of the KCP well...

2008-12-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-28T00:13:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-07-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-03T02:06:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-05-24T04:07:00.000-07:00

83 and counting...

2008-05-24T00:29:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-05-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-03-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-02-13T08:42:00.001-08:00

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?

2008-02-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-01-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

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.

A Muslim on the roadside and finding life in abundance...

2007-12-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go back in to Jangwani and do some home visits. I took the American LIA interns with me, which was great. We first went and met Faith and her mother Immaculate at their home. It was a joy to be with them - their home is one I visit every time I am in Kenya. We then visited Mama Naftali, Mama Mwendwe and ended at Sarah's home and visited her mother for a bit. We carried some food to each of the homes.

It is an incredibly humbling experience each time I visit each child's home, because they live with so little, and don't always have a bed, but they have found joy in things beyond what I know. While doing the home visits we ran into some of the other children - Christopher, Diana, another Diana, Agnes, Njeri, Mercy and Sammy. Consolata and Bella (two of the main staff with the project) have such a love for the people of the area and were a pleasure to be with once again.

We then traveled (which took forever might I add) to the Methodist Guesthouse on the other side of town. LIA was having an end of the year party, as well as a send off for the Interns. It was a joy to be around the LIA staff and volunteers. I had conversations with Dr. Muhudhia, Nancy, Muema, Bukachi, Ken and others and I had one thought at the end of the time - These people are living out what their organization stands for. They are living life abundantly and helping others to do so as well. They have found that John 10:10 has more depth than the wealth of this world - the abundant life that is described is simply living in the knowledge and understanding of the grace of God and pursuing a life that reflects that grace that God has bestowed upon us. It was just a great experience, and was another affirming moment as to why I have partnered with such a wonderful organization.

Lastly, I had an interesting experience on my way home. I left the guesthouse to get a matatu to go to Anne and Chege's for dinner. As I was waiting with a number of Kenyans at the bus stop, a man in an old Mercedes pulled up and told me to come to the window. He asked if I would like a ride. At first I was slightly hesitant because this is not something that happens very often, but then I said yes.

The man had a slightly Arabic/Indian look to him, so my first thoughts unfortunately were, I wonder if he wants to chew me out for being an American and how terrible my country was. Rather he asked where I was going and I told him, and he asked if I knew my way around and I told him, yes that I had lived here for a year. He told me that whenever he sees a westerner or Asian on the roadside he generally asks if they need a ride because he figures they are lost. He told me he was a 4th generation Pakistani Kenyan. His great grandparents had come to Kenya to work on the railroad from Mombasa to Nairobi. They now own a butchery in an area of Nairobi called Hurlingham.

I noticed a small porcelain object on his dashboard. It was in the shape of hands holding a book that had Arabic written on it. I asked him what it was and he said it was praying hands holding the Koran opened to a page reminding him to pray. We talked a bit more then he dropped me off. I add this to the blog for this reason...in a world where we hear about so much hate, about bombs blowing up people, about the war on terror and the hate between Christians and Muslims, I had the opportunity to experience a completely different side. My Muslim brother (although I don't agree with his beliefs) out of kindness offered me a ride, and then we sat together in conversation for a bit and headed our own separate ways. Things like that, unfortunately don't get on the news - it is only people committing heinous acts. So, that was my Thursday.

One thing I have forgotten to add - we've had a sad moment at the project. One of the little boys, Elvis who is 4 years old, just lost his mother 2 days ago to pneumonia - it is unclear whether HIV/AIDS or TB had anything to do with it. I have his picture here so you can be praying for Elvis. Thanks...

Hello Mr. Administration...

2007-12-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

I've had a quick reminder of the "holistic" nature of this project - not necessarily the direct holistic approach of different aspects of the project, but rather the highs of last week with the children, to the mundane/eye burning nature of the administrative work that is required by such a project. I have sat behind the computer much of the last few days - restructuring our budget according to the recent Management/Executive Committee meetings we have had.

The budget is now complete in US dollars and Kenya Shillings, and has been given to Nancy, the LIA Kenya accountant to be in place for next year. Some difficulty has come to stay within budget, not because of extra costs, but because of the failing US Dollar within the global community. Nevertheless, I believe we have come to a good place, and we have a bit of a buffer in case George Washington and Ben Franklin continue to plummet.

I now have some flat mates, interns from the US through Southeast Christian Church in Louisville who have been working with LIA. They returned from Ethiopia yesterday. So, it's been good to get to know them a bit and hear about their experiences in Kenya and Ethiopia.

I also had the chance to return to Mavuno Church this past weekend and reunite with some old friends. When I get small blocks of time I have tried to get together with friends. My time in Kenya is gradually coming to a close, but I still have a few things to do before leaving. On Thursday I am going to take the interns and a visiting member from the LIA-U.S. board to Jangwani to do some home visits with some of the kids parents.

I am doing well and very encouraged by this visit, and anxious to get back and get more funds raised and committed to the project. Thank you for the continued prayers. Again, I am blessed to be a part of such an amazing work that God is doing.

3 days of encouragement and joy in Jangwani...

2007-11-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...Its been such a busy week, and I'm beat, but God is so, so good. I have spent the last 3 days in Jangwani spending as much time as possible with the children. What an incredible, incredible blessing it is to be around such children - I just love them, and can't get enough of them.

Monday I spent all day in Jangwani with the teachers, children, Consolata and Pastor Isaiah. It was a real joy to see what the kids had learned and just to have the chance to play with them and see all of the progress made - including 2 new classrooms (5 total now), a new office and a new kitchen area. In the evening I had a meeting with Pastor Bob (my representative on the management committee), Muema, and Bukachi (the LIA Deputy Country Director).

The next day I went in early to spend time with the children, then we had a 7 hour meeting with the management committee to hear reports, then discuss going forward - a bit wearing to say the least, but it was a good time of assessment and looking forward.

Today was definitely one of the highlight days for me, and I am getting a knot in my chest and teary eyed as I sit here typing about it. It was closing day for the school - so there was an end year program for the school and all of the parents were invited. Anne, my Kenyan mother joined me in Jangwani to see the project for the first time and was so excited about it. The kids were presented with their grades for the year, and the top ones in the class received a small gift. Each child recieved a piece of candy and their own personal photograph (which I had taken of each child in May.) They were so excited about it. I sat in that program in awe of what had happened in the past year.

Pastor Isaiah asked me to give a brief speech. As I stood up and began speaking to the parents, I looked down at the children and looked into their eyes, and at their smiles and was thinking to myself what an incredible amount of potential there is in these children. What an incredible amount of hope there is because of each of these children. It was just a beautiful scene. I was looking out at the parents then and saw pride - as each child received their end year marks, the parents were so proud. I saw wide smiles on the parents' faces as I spoke - I have been accepted. After the program was over, the kids were hugging me and wanting me to take their picture - a smaller group of kids stayed for an hour after school was over. I swung them around on my arms, they sat on my knee and we made funny faces at each other. It was very hard to leave Jangwani today - I will be back next week, but the kids are out of school now and I won't see them until next year.

One other thing that I was able to see briefly was a particular aspect of the homebased care program. Those in the homebased care program have taken the initiative to start making beautiful floor mats and jewelry (which I will be bringing home to sell to help them out). It has been a very neat aspect of the project. I am looking forward to seeing what happens through this.

I am so happy, encouraged, extatic - put in any positive word you want. I am so blessed to be involved with this project. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to raise the funds and awareness about this project - to enable others to know about these remarkable children. Praise be to Jesus Christ, who is the author and perfector of all things good!

Back in Kenya...

2007-11-26T03:47:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I arrived in Kenya yesterday. I left on Friday from Newark, NJ and arrived in London, England Saturday morning. I had a 10 hour layover, so I met a couple of friends, Mercy and Tim, who live in the UK and we spent the day walking around London to all of the various sites. From there I Had a second overnight flight from London to Nairobi. I arrived at 7 am Kenyan time. Bob and Yoland were there to pick me up and when I got to there house I laid down around 9 and didn't wake up until 4:30.

It's really good to be back in Kenya, to see everyone and just be back to my second home. I head into Mathare tomorrow to spend some time with the kids at the project. Then Wednesday we have a committee meeting to assess this past year and look forward at the year to come. So, that's it for now. Will write again soon. Cheers...

Myrtle Beach, SC

2007-11-05T04:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I spoke at Celebration Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach, SC. things went well and I had a good response afterward. A decent number of people took information on the project, so that was good. A highlight for me was getting the chance to be back with Gary Lowe, a former youth pastor at my home church in Grove City. It was great getting to see he and his wife Lisa and their kids, Carter and Sarah Jane.

I head to Atlanta, GA this morning to meet up with "Shack" and his family (one of my dad's friends from Westminster). I will meet with a foundation tomorrow at 4 pm, so for the few of you that read this, please keep me in your prayers at that time. Well, I need to get on the road. Cheers!

Up and coming in the life of Adam...

2007-11-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

I figured I would give people an idea of what is going on with me, so you can be praying fo things specifically, but also just have an idea of what I'm up to. So, here it goes...Saturday, November 3 I will be driving down to Myrtle Beach, SC. I am preaching at 2 services Sunday at my old youth pastor's church. Then Monday morning I will be driving to Atlanta, GA. I will be meeting with a foundation in Atlanta either Monday or Tuesday and staying with one of my dad's college buddies.

From experience I am guessing you are ready for a new paragraph...Tuesday night I head to Rome, GA to meet up with the Carvers. I will be staying with them, then speaking at their church Wednesday night. Thursday morning I head to Nashville to stay with my sister, brother in law and niece (oh and Bailey, can't leave him out). Friday morning I drive up to Louisville, KY and will be in a number of meetings. There is a National Medical Missions Conference at Southeast Christian Church, whom we have partnered with on the project. Saturday morning I will drive from Louisville back to my new home of West Chester, PA.

New paragraph - It will be a busy time. I would ask that you pray for God's hand to be upon me as I travel and as I speak - that I would represent the Kenya Children Project well.

So, a few meetings that following week in the Philadelphia area, then I head to Kenya the day after Thanksgiving. I will be meeting with the Management Committee so we can discuss what has gone well, what hasn't and any changes we need to make to the original budget.

By the way things are going incredibly well in Kenya. They are doing an absolutely amazing job! So, that is it for now - I will try to be more regular with my blogging, and pop in some of the kids stories when I can. Cheers!

2007-10-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

An extension...

2007-10-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hello, this website is simply an extension of www.matharechildren.com. I will try to keep this blog site up to date with what is going on with me personally - in terms of my fundraising efforts, travels and will present different prayer requests for both the project and myself. I will also try to highlight some of the kids from the project and their stories. Hope you enjoy...