Poly Sana (very sorry)!

Hi everyone.  Sorry it's been so long... I don't really feel like I have all that much to talk about since we've been home.  But I do eventually want to answer more questions and catch you all up on our schedule here.  I will try to do that either Sunday or Monday.

For now, please check out what Joy has been up to in Kibera.    

Today we received an update about Huruma Childrens Home where our friend Shauna works and lives.  This is an orphanage 15 min. from our house where about 150 children live.  2 nights ago "Papa" had a heart attack and died.  Please lift up Mama, Shauna, the staff and children as they try to deal with and help the children cope with his passing.  

a handshake goes a long way (from home)....

              (Telling stories of creation at the school with sleeping little Paul in tow.)

A few weeks ago I was walking through Kibera along the railroad on my way to the school.  It's not often there are Mzungu's waltzing through Kibera.  So it is very common for the kids to shout.  "Mzungu, how are you?" Only, the keep repeating "How are you? How are you? How are you?"  That's really all most of them know how to say.  And if they can't remember how to say that in english they just say "Wah-roo", which is a fruit.  (I don't actually know how to spell it).  They say that b/c it sounds like "How are you".

 Anyway, I was used to kids coming up and wanting to shake my hand on the railroad.  I usually ask them how they are in Kiswalhili b/c they know how to better respond.  I can remember one day I saw a young boy (about 11) in a red tattered sweater with huge shoes on.  He was really acting like he wanted to come up to me, but was very unsure of me.  So I walked up to him and asked him how he was doing in Kiswalhili and he replied appropriately with one word.  We went on our way to the school.  When we got there I went on in to see the kids.  I turned around and noticed that little boy in red from the railroad had followed us all the way to the school.  He was standing outside shuffling his feet and looking down.  I called this to one of the teachers attention and she began talking to him in Kiswalhili.  I figured out she was telling him to go away.  I asked her to please let him stay for the bible story and meal.  After all, there was plenty to eat.  So he came back in and sat in the back of the classroom.  He was so excited, but you could tell there was something about him that wasn't like the other kids.  No one could understand his name to know what to call him.  During play time, he sat alone.  I asked him to play, but he shook his head no.  So, I did what I had to do.  I grabbed his hand in mine and ran with him to meet with the other kids.  He laughed the whole way.  We played silly mzungu games i made up.  After school I walked with him and tried to ask him some questions.  I think he understood me, but I figured out that he has a speech problem.  Within about a minute of walking he grabbed my hand and we walked hand in hand until we ran into a lady that said he needed to go to his home.  Tafrosa asked the lady some questions about his home situation.  We figured out that he was an orphan who lived with his aunt.  He went home and I never even knew what his name was.  

Fast forward a week or so to when Chris and I were taking our 22 month old friend for a little joy ride around Kibera in the "Gari".  Chris stopped to talk to someone he knew.  Next thing I knew there were some tiny black arms flying through my window at me.  It was my little red sweatered friend!  I wondered what he was doing so far from home.  What were the chances that I would see him out of 1 million people in Kibera.  Definitely a God thing.  I tried to talk to him a little, mostly just wanting to make sure he knew how to get home.  It was time to go and Chris had to take off.  As we drove back toward the pastors home, my friend was running as fast as he could behind our car.  He followed us all the way to the Pastor's house.  Long story shorter- Meshek (a supported pastor/ son in law to Tafrosa and Indiazia) went to his home to find out a little more info about his home situation.  Apparently, his name is Isaac Rabin and his parents have been dead for some time now.  He lives with his aunt who is a seamstress and is gone from early morning to late night.  When there isn't food in the house (which I heard is often), Isaac leaves very early to find some.  I learned he is usually unsuccessful as he is shilling-less.  We told Indiazia that if they will feed him, we will pay for it.  He had the option of having the food brought to their home, or coming to Indiazia to have food and fellowship.  He wanted to come to Indiazia's for the family type meal.  

Friday- Chris, Thomas, and Noah all went to the new bible college and helped Indiazia and the group renovate it.  It is in need of a lot of work, but looks so much better after Friday.  Chris said he must have seen our car and recognized it.  He came to the college and I they got the feeling he was hungry.  As the guys took a break for lunch they told Isaac to "sit right there until we get back."  45 minutes later they returned with a meal. Chris said Issac had not moved a muscle.  He had not and would not turn around or anything.  He was so tickled about his lunch!   

I looked out over Kibera and look at Isaac, Sylvia, Brian and Paul and think "And this is only two stories of so many..."  A spiritual mentor recently said to me "Their [Sylvia, Paul, Brian's] story is just one of millions of children in Kibera, Kawangware, Calcutta- all over the world"  To which I replied, but even if I only help one... it's still better than not having helped any."  We had better start now because there are a lot of people and children who need to see our loving Savior.  These people need to see us showing true biblical compassion [meaning: to suffer with.]  Are we ready and willing to suffer with them?

Hopefully I'll have an update about Sylvia, Paul, and Brian this week.  (I couldn't keep from putting all 3 of them on our blog header.)  Please pray for this situation (I cannot possibly explain all the details of it- as there are so many.)  It is such a heavy burden on my heart.  I do not know what to do, where to go, nor how the "system" works around here.  Pray that God would put someone in our path who knows Kenya's "system" better than we do.  Pray that we do not do anything without His permission and guidance.  Most of all pray for these hungry, mangled children and their mother.  As I mentioned before we do not know her story.  All I know is that they are from Uganda (which is another challenge with the "system" and the father left when she was pregnant with Paul.  She really needs to be loved along with these children.  Thank you for your prayers...    

Yesterday...

          (photos: compliments of Shauna and Keira's camera's)

Yesterday I found myself on my way to Sylvia, Brian, and Paul's home in Kibera.  Tafrosa and I set out to meet the mother that wasn't taking care of her children.  I learned in India that poverty does terrible things to people, so I wasn't angry at this woman.  Even when the kids were seen at a free medical clinic- they requested that the mother be taken to the chief of police because it seemed like abuse.  Tafrosa first felt the same way.  But I think if we did end up taking this woman to the police (without truly understanding her story) it would just destroy the little relationship the "school" has with her.  Then she would not allow her children to attend anymore which meant they would not get fed at all.  I'm more of a child advocate in this situation- not so much about how to punish the mom for her crime on her children.  Tafrosa seemed to really understand and agree.  With that we decided to try to meet the aunt or mom- whoever we could find at the home.  All kids in school here are out on holiday the whole month of August, but if our "school" lets out- some of the kids don't eat and they have nothing to do.  So they are only out a few days.  I had bought a few things for Sylvia, Paul and Brian I was going to give them upon meeting mom.  We didn't even get halfway there before we ran into Phyllis with Kyle.  Phyllis told us that the mother sent word that she did not want the Muzungu (white person) coming to her home anymore because it was putting her family in danger.  Last week we walked or carried the 3 home every day from school.  Apparently, people in the community saw this and assumed that because the white people were taking a liking to these children- we were giving them money.  At this point- I could feel my blood boiling.  So they are fearful of people trying to break into their home to look for money the Muzugu gave them.  Possibly even threaten or hurt them. 

 

How stupid of me to think that I was helping them.  When really I have hurt them.  I can't tell you how discouraging that was to me.  I felt so broken and helpless.  How naive!  Do I really THINK that I understand these people or this culture.  How dare I act like I understand the people of Kibera just because I've been there a few weeks.  I mean how can I identify with this slum being from one of the richest countries in the world!  I really have no clue.  I grew nauseous.  All I had thought about Friday- Monday was seeing those kids, playing with them, and making them smile.  I've learned just how to make them smile.  For Sylvia it's wrapping my arms around her and squeezing her so tight with a huge hug.  She looks back at me with this massive smile that would melt even the coldest heart.  For Paul- it's being held with his head on my chest, sucking the same fingers I used to suck.  For Brian- it's holding him in my arms and jumping in the air saying "Rukaju" (jump).  It's almost giggle...

I really had to do some serious reading on suffering and WHY these things are allowed to continue.  I can get quite emotional about what the Sudanese/Darfurians are going through on a daily basis.  At one point I had avoided the forbidden question long enough.  I can remember the day i was in tears and finally belted out "Why God? You can do anything!"

Have you ever asked that question?  Here's "WHY":

So what is the real condition of our world at large?

First, we must understand that the real condition of our world today is a continuation of what began when Eve "took some fruit and ate it" and then offered the fruit to Adam who seemed to be more than willing to partake himself (Gen 3:6).  The condition of the world is the result of sin entering the world through Adam and Eve.  The suffering we now see and the injustice that permeates our societies can't be blamed on anything other than the true culprit--SIN.

If sin is the true culprit, then every issue of poverty, injustice, and oppression has a spiritual element to it.  

It's days like yesterday when, in tears, I've said "Lord, I just wanna go home.  I can't do this.  It's days like tomorrow when I'm so thankful God chose me to be here.  Then it's days like the next (Thursdays- my favorite) when it makes going home in November hard because I'll miss their faces, smiles, and hugs so much.  

My mom used to tell me in nursing school "Lindy, you do your part and God will do His."  I believe that's the case in these little lives too.  I'll just have to do what I can and leave the rest up to Him.  

  

    

All things...

I know I keep doing this- but I am so emotionally exhausted from today that I can't possibly tell you everything. Plus, I really want to spend some time in prayer about today. It's no wonder we come home from Kibera and all but collapse. Since Chris has been gone to South Horr this week, I wanted to go spend most of it in Kibera, but wasn't quite comfy driving through it alone. So God gave me Shawna and Keira this week to go with me. See they are on "Holiday" because the kids are out of school all month. So they have been slumbering here at the Livingstone. We've had a ton of fun cooking for the kibera kids, figuring out the felt board (I think I had Shawna convinced that God created the unicorn along with the other animals) and holding baby Kate. Today we taught the story of creation with the felt board. They LOVED IT!! Their response was really great. Yesterday we handed out collected children's clothes we had in storage that the RFBC team brought. We still have more coming from Elizabeth's b-day party thankfully, b/c they need some pants, socks, shoes and underwear. I think I can buy shoes here. There are 3 in particular that REALLY NEED them.

You know in a way I believe it was a bit of a blessing to lose my camera, because I could really enjoy myself with the kids without worrying about blogging it and getting every moment on camera for you guys (no offense). Thankfully though- Keira took hers and took some pictures of the kids getting their clothes.

Today-Just when I thought my heart couldn't possibly be broken/ burdened for these kids anymore...

I learned some very terrible news that one of the girls has been raped (maybe even continues to be??). I don't want to say too much, but I'm just feeling so many different emotions right now. I'm mad that this has been happening, angry that the mother takes no responsibility, frustrated that there is little I can actually do to help the situation improve. But I just KNOW I play a part in this. There is no way I can know about this, and not be responsible. Tafrosa and I are going to do everything in our power to either make this better or get the children OUT! We have been racking our brains today trying to figure out what we could do. If it meant me helping these 3 kids out and being a part of their daily lives- I would say forget the guest house, let's move to Kibera.  

Shawna had made the comment at the beginning of the week that "I just don't know if I can handle Kibera 3 days in a row." I stored that away and asked she and Keira again tonight if they wanted to go back. Shawna said "I'm going and that's that." I preach this again, no matter how hard things are to watch, see, or do- it's our responsibility and calling.  I felt Jesus reminding me that he would be sitting there among the filth, sewage, stench and dirt with those kids.  We can't just not go b/c it's tough to handle.  We can't ignore informative videos or news because it upsets us.  Keira quoted Lou Giglio to me this morning.  There are 3 options- You can go, send someone or be disobedient.  Meaning- you can "go" yourself to these places of despair (and yes there are some in America too!), help someone "go", or you are being disobedient to what God has asked you to do.   

As we drove to the slums this morning we read the verse "ALL things work for the good of those who love Him and who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28 And on the way home from a heavy day- we said it again-"ALL things... even the really rotten things..."

hungry...

This is hard b/c this post deserves more time, but I can only devote a little be tonight.  We have had a VERY busy day today.  It is midnight and we are expecting our home church tomorrow afternoon.  So I have a lot to do tomorrow.

As I said in the last post- today we went to the "school" in Kibera.  I say "school" because it really isn't one.  It doesn't cost much for kids to go to school here, but these kids' parents can't afford to send them to school so they would just sit at home if it weren't for some amazing women who have given their time, money, and love to these 15 children.  God has given them hearts for "the least of these".  What a treat it as to go and see their sweet faces with my new friends!  They really enjoyed their lunch.  The first thing they did was pick the chicken out to eat.  They loved it!  It's so heartbreaking seeing the ones that are SO hungry.  I took video of little girl (Sylvia- whom you will find out more about later) who had her whole plate gone in a matter of seconds.  The other kids had only taken a few bites.  I stood there saying "we have no idea what it's like to be hungry."  I used to correct people in the states that would say "Man, I'm starving."  I encouraged them to choose another word.  But even to say "Man, I'm hungry" seems a disservice to those who REALLY are.  There are 3 children in particular that have really stolen my heart at the school.  They are Paul 4, Brian 7, and Sylvia 10.  Big sister cares for her little brothers from 5am (when mom leaves) until 8pm (when she returns from work).  As you will see from the pictures, all 3 (esp Brian and Paul) are malnourished and not growing properly.  Paul and Brian are EXTREMELY small for their ages.  Thankfully their suffering has been taken note of and they receive extra food from the teachers to take home.  We are all pretty sure the food they get at school is the only daily meal.  Thankfully Elizabeth Beaver and Macie Huddler also have a heart for these kids.  They are helping to provide them with FOOD and CLOTHING!  I have been doing an awesome bible study recently, learning more about Christ's compassion and what true biblical compassion is.  I think it's pretty cool that a 4 and 7 year old have Christ like compassion (Deut 10:18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him FOOD and CLOTHING.)  So much so that they are dedicating their birthday parties to raise money and awareness b/c they realize they aren't in NEED and other children are.  So girls, hopefully these smiles in these pictures are enough "thank you" for your hearts.  You made Jesus smile really big today!!

Keira and Kyle.  He loves all his new "Mazungu" (white) friends.

I want to show you these next 2 pictures so you can compare.  Think of a 7 year old you know.  Now look at this 7 year old.  This is my sweet Brian I spoke of above.  Do you see how I can hold him on my hip?  He's tiny!

This is his little brother Paul. He is 4 and, of course, even smaller.

I will try and post a few more pictures in the morning...

Pastors, Mamas, Chapatis, and Babies.

Where to start!  Goodness- we have been very busy these past few days.  We welcomed our first official guest to the Livingstone House on Monday.  He is actually on our Only Servants ministry board.  He has been away from his family and home for a month now as he has traveled through the Congo and other various places in Africa to hold pastor conferences.  He uses these conferences as an opportunity to teach pastors how to effectively evangelize their people.  This particular conference was held in Kibera Slums at Berith Church (connected to one of the pastors home).  

I got the incredible privilege of getting to know 2 of the pastors wives better through helping them prepare and serve meals.  The conference was free to the pastors (supported by Rev. Glenn Clark).  They were fed like kings.  The people apparently don't eat like that all the time.  It started Wednesday and ended Friday- 8:30am-4pm.  Since I was busy helping cook, drying dishes, and playing with wee ones- I can only tell you about my experience.  Chris will be writing more about the conference later today or tomorrow.  

I had such a blast with these women and children.  They taught me so much: how to make chapatis and real Kenyan tea, I learned some key Kiswahili words,  I learned many children songs- along with the macarena  (preschool style).  

This is Mama Toni making Chapatis.  Those things can't be good for you.  She put like 4 TBS of oil on each side of the chapatis.  Just before I ate one they told me that I was "not slim like in January." Yes!  I love gained lb's!  I mean- if they keep making me eat Chapatis- what do they expect?  

Mama Barnabas (or Beatrice) making the stew with baby in tow.  Man, he's so cute!  I took about 100 pictures of him.  (Please note the oil in her left hand... yea they put it in everything)  She and I laughed and laughed.  I think she may just be my African Soul Sista.  She may just be that national "good friend" I've been praying for.  Her smile is so contagious.  Her Husband is also one of the pastors that this ministry supports.  What a precious family!

Yep, that is a knife Barnabas is about to insert into my right thigh.  He was "helping" us cook, but I think it was just a ploy to snatch the knife and come after me.

He finally warmed up to me after playing cars with him for a few hours.  (He kind of reminded me a little of Sam Hearn- I mean obviously not the skin color.  I think it might be his big sweet eyes.)   

The ladies washing dishes.  I wish you could really see the charcoal grill thing under the wash pot along with the steam coming up from the pot.  I mean, if my hands had been in that dishwater I might have screamed like a little girl.  Thankfully I got to dry.  :)  

It's really cool how they call each other by their first born.  Like my mom wouldn't be Pat- she would be "Mama Matthew".  Beth would be "Mama Levi."  If you refer to some of them as their real name- others may not know who you are talking about.  They just call me "Auntie."

I will post pictures of the preschool kids and neighborhood children later- as this is getting rather lengthy.  

You asked for pictures....

Chris and I got to experience an African Graduation today.  It was to start at 10, but since Chris was speaking we got there about 9:30am.  African time is a little different than American time.  We thought it was going to be 2 hours... in actuality it was to be 5 hours.  It didn't begin until 1130.  The PA system showed up about 12 and the programs came at about 1245.  That's the way they do things here, I believe.  It was very interresting.  Silly us, we thought it would start at 10, be over by 12 and we could go eat and get a few things done.  Not the case.  We finally ate and drank our first meal of the day at about 5:45pm.  Whew!  We've got to get our bellies used to this!

After they recieved their deplomas there was no waiting until all had recieved theirs.  The families immediately got up and went to their graduate.  They adorned them with garland.  (See picture below)  It was really very sweet.  The families we SO excited!

The lighting was bad inside, so not many pictures came out.  But there is something about this girls' silhouette I just love!  She was singing praise songs and you can see kibera in the back.

22 grads

Looking out the door of the building.  This is the edge of Kibera.

Chris with the pastors from Kawangware.  (Opps!  We left his dress coat!) 

We were totally cracking up at Timothy's hat.  Isn't that HA-larious?  I wish you could see the top of it.  He got the privilege of wearing it b/c he's the principle of the school.  

Had to take a picture of this billboard.  Every time we drive by we say hello to Thad Howell.  Doesn't it look just like him?  Being a pilot on his cell phone makes it no question. Love ya Thad!  (click picture to enlarge... yea- still looks like him... even really big)

How funny is this?  The Kenyans are all about Obama.  They are selling Obama shirts in several locations.  Since he has family that are Kenyans they are all about him.  We have had several people ask us "Are you voting for Obama?"  

"The wait is on"- what in the world is that supposed to mean?

So I was a little obsessed with this cute little bowl thingy.  I played with it almost the whole dinner.  It was pepper on one side, salt on the other.  It had this darling little spoon in which you used to season your food.  I gotta get one of these.  Notice I had my own little chiminea too!  I was lovin' it!  (again, click picture so you can see my precious little salt and pepper bowl.  Now you're ALL going to want one)

8 years together and he's still dating me.  I love him!  He even switches

desserts with me when I don't like mine.  Pretty sure he loves me too!  ;)