From Rags to Stitches...

We, as mzungu's, cannot begin to wrap our minds around the kind of life they live.  We can go, we can feed, we can talk to them, we can clothe them... but then we go home.  We go to our warm house, with a pantry FULL of food, and sleep in a bed with plenty of cover under a roof keeping us from the harsh elements.  

This past week as we went about our usual visit to Kawangware to feed the street boys we took a few extra items.  We'd been collecting clothing for the boys for a few months now and the RFBC team brought so many that we finally had enough for everyone.  We had maybe 10-12 pairs of shoes so not enough to give them all "viatu".  We called them back one by one to receive their new [to them] clothes.  We were able to give them at least 2 t-shirts, 2 pairs of pants/athletic shorts and most got socks.  Some of them immediately threw their arms around our necks saying "Tank you! Tank you so much!"  Like an American kid seeing new toys on Christmas morning--they couldn't wait to try on their new clothes.  They started throwing off their jackets and pants leaving them in the floor.  Teri and I just stood there starring at some of their clothes.  I picked up one little pair of shorts and looked at Teri.  

Her eyes began to fill with tears.  With the Holy Spirit's prompting I found myself collecting these filthy clothes most westerners might have found repulsive.  I made sure they understood that if they gave me their clothes I would wash them but they would have to do without them for 1 entire week.  Before I knew it, I was loading up 2 huge bags of clothes that made a vile odor in the car.  It was a familiar smell to me and yet

 one I was unacquainted with at the same time.  The familiar smell was one of the past.  What was it?  I know- it was the smell of my homeless patients that would come into the ER.  The unfamiliar smell, I couldn't quite put my finger on.  Maybe it was the combination of sewage, glue, sweat, oil, mud, and dirt on their clothes.  I gave all 4 loads some time to soak.  In fact I soaked then changed the water 4 times.  Then I washed them in the washer, each load twice, with an extra scoop of soap and bleach for colors.  The outcome: a stained/dirty washer and a humbled heart.  As I contemplated whether or not I should wash them for a third time with 2 extra scoops of soap, I concluded that no matter how much I soaked and washed their clothes in fragrance or dried with with many drier sheets- that smell would not go away.  Then it hit me.  That smell is the smell of the people Christ came to save.  These are the very ones that Jesus was caught eating with.  Is was fascinated with the thought that that might actually be a beautiful smell to him.  

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (mark 2:17)  

I wondered when the last time was they had their clothes washed.  Maybe this is a new ministry... simple, huh?  Washing clothes.  

I was listening to a song today by Hillsong that I hadn't really paid close attention to.  As a matter of fact you've all heard it in a 100 Christian

 songs.  The line says this "I'll give you everything I AM".  So I was thinking.  What am i?  I am a housewife, daughter, sister, missionary and nurse.  But what else am i?  What can i do?  I am a knitter and a tailor!  (Okay- so I'm not great at it but I can do it).  So if I'm going to give Him everything that i am- then how can I glorify HIM with those?  

Well, just maybe I can sew some street kids clothes!   

I knew as soon as I saw those little shorts I could repair them!  Today I sewed the pieces that were repairable like the little pair of shorts in the picture above.  Can I tell you that I have never received joy in sewing like I did today sewing those clothes.  I really enjoyed making my niece a smock out of a khanga, but let's face it- she has tons of other clothes.  I got the privilege of repairing clothing that is among very few possessions.  I got the privilege to pray of every article of clothing; that one day th

ey might notice that someone stitched up their clothing because they are wanted and loved ENOUGH.  They are loved by a Savior who wants to sit at their table and eat with them! 

Amani ya Juu

After being here for almost 8 months I just now- FINALLY visited Amani ya Juu (higher peace).  I have heard so much about it and I'm so thankful I got to go today.  Honestly, I didn't know that much about it.  I thought it was some sort of sewing project for women with AIDS.  I found out today that it is so much more than a sewing project.  

Most of the women are marginalized and must carry the burdens of poverty, corruption, and war.  The intent of this project is to empower women phycially and spiritually in these unjust conditions. 

We got there early enough to join their devotions and prayers.  What a treat!  After that they welcomed us and introduced themselves to us.  They went around the room and about 30 women told us their names and where they were from.  About half way around a lady said "Hi, my name is Lucy and I'm from Southern Sudan."  Of course my ears perked up as I have learned so much about Sudan in the past couple years.  (I have actually been to a forum where I was in the same room with a man from Darfur.  I wanted to talk to him so bad- but never got the chance.  I feel like I know many people from Sudan from the books I've read)  Afterwards all the women came and hugged and hugged us.  I have never felt so loved as a visitor!  Finally- Lucy and I made eye contact.  We walked toward each other- she was beaming.  I told her how sorry I was for her home country; how I have wept for her people and for the war that continues there.  I told her that I have been praying for Sudan and reminded her that God has already won the battle and He IS there... in the midst of that war.  I was a sobbing mess by this point and she began to cry.  At this we decided to just hug for a while and cry.  It felt good.  A perfect stranger- but sisters in Christ meeting for the first time.  I got to hear just a little of Lucy's story.  She fled Sudan with only her husband.  Now- she has 5 beautiful children in Kenya. 

[For those of you who are like myself 2 years ago and know little to nothing about the war in Sudan- here is a paper I wrote a while back for a quick/ simple picture on what Sudan has been enduring.]

Later I found out that Amani ya Juu started with 3 women.  Two from Sudan and one from Rwanda.  Among those 3 was Lucy.  Now it has grown to 50 women from 18 different ethnic groups all across central and eastern Africa.  A sister center has been established in Kigali, Rwanda to meet the many desperate needs of women in this war torn country.  A portion of the start up costs for the project was provided by the women of Amani Ya Juu in Nairobi through the savings of their proceeds.  The project in Rwanda is also self-sustaining and promotes the same philosophy and mission.   

Tye Dying... or "bateek".  This is fascinating.  They make their own fabrics by taking a stamp and dipping it in hot wax then press a pattern on the fabric.  After it dries they dye it Then wash it in cold water so the wax falls off.   

Lucy on my right and Monik from the Congo on my left.  She has only been in Kenya 4 years.  Don't you just wonder what all these women have been through in this lifetime?  

Another lady (not pictured) fled from Rwanda during the genocide where she lost her grandparents among other family members)

Us girls with our Amani Loot!  In the background there are about 98729457 families (white) with their adopted kenyan children.  This must be the place for play dates.  Just smidgen of jealousy in my heart.  (But it's good jealousy... if you can have that.)  
My purchases today:  ( I know it is backwards- that is the way Mac's do things).  It's a sign for the front door that says "Karibu" (Welcome). 

I was really excited.  Not only was the purse super cute and going to a great cause but it was on sale!  It was originally 2,200 ksh.  THEN it was marked down to 1690 ksh, THEN marked down again to 840 ksh!!!  Some of you might be laughing that I'm being frugal to charity... but remember- missionary here: still have to be careful with the $$.)  PS- got my pink shirt in Kibera for about $1.   :)    

So this leads me to my next question.  Most of you ladies have been to pampered chef, tupperware, candle parties- right?  Well, there is such thing as an Amani Ya Juu party.  Only- it goes to a much better cause.  What you do- is someone hosts a party and Amani Ya Juu distribution center in Washington D.C. sends you 70lbs worth of Amani stuff.  Your friends come and buy.  You send the $ to Amani and then send the stuff that didn't sell back to D.C.  It doesn't cost you a dime.  If you want you can specify that you want all purses or all childrens stuff.  So if we threw a party would you guys be interested??  Let me know if you'd show up so we can decide to do one when we get back.  :)  Or you can simply go to the website- pick and order.  But the party would be a great way to see, touch, and smell the cuteness!   

Hey Mzungu... want my baby?

I have a post for either the adoption blog or here... but it won't do the it justice without the pictures and our internet is just too slow to upload pictures.  I've tried twice to upload then overnight and it's not working.  So I'll just tell you about what happened to Shauna and I today.

Rich isn't feeling so hot today.  He has some stomach problems and I will leave it at that.  He's pretty miserable.  CT, Shauna and I went to church then came home to grab a bite to eat.  Rich was really wanting some sprite and I need to get some bread and what nots at the store.  So Shauna and I drove down the the Nakumat.  I parked in the back for some reason.  I NEVER park in the back because of all the Hawkers.  They drive me bonkers some times b/c they NEVER listen to me!  But now that I can speak a bit more Kiswahili- I was able to forcefully yet politely get my point across.  We then went in and did our grocery shopping and got in the checkout line.  A little 2yr old boy and his mother were behind us in line.  Little fella was babbling about something as he played with our buggy (Shauna thinks it's hilarious that I use the word "buggy" instead of grocery cart).  Here is what happened next:

The boy's mother: Brian, get out of there!  

Shauna: Oh it's okay.  Kids get into things sometimes.      

Mother: Do you want him?

Shauna and Lindy: (trying to give courtesy laughs)

Mother: Seriously, he's 2- do you want him?

Shuana and Lindy: (still hoping she's kidding) Oh Brian- you certainly are a cute boy.  

Mother: You can have him for free.  Life in Kenya is very hard and I cannot take care of him.  

Shauna: Uh... okay.

Lindy to Shauna: Gez.  Tell her to drop him off at New Life Homes if it's really that bad.  Somebody will adopt him who WANTS a child.  (Mind you- both the mother and boy are 1.  Shopping in a grocery store and 2. dressed well.  They both look nicely kept.)

Shauna to Lindy: Seriously?  You want me to tell her she can drop him off there?

Lindy to Shauna:  Yes- and I'll give her directions.  

Shauna tells Mother.

Mother:  Great.  Can I get directions?  

Lindy:  Go straight at Yaya. Turn right then left.  You can only drop off your child between 8-6 M-F.  (Wow- it sounds weird saying that.)

Shauna and I proceeded  to the Chemist to get Rich some drugs then walked out to the car.  As we approached the car, here comes Mom and Brian.  

Mother:  Can I get directions again?  You are sure you can't take him?

Lindy: Sure.  (I write down directions)  No, as much as I would LOVE to have you child, it would not be legal for me to just take your child.  

Mother:  I understand.  Things are just so hard here.  I don't have money or a job.  Thanks for the directions. 

So- a mother tried to give us her baby today...  

That always makes for an interesting day.  

Poverty does terrible things to people.  

I've also seen those in poverty keep their children and do whatever it takes.  

another question answered

Alright Chasity.  You opened a can of worms, girl.  You get the award for best questions asked!  Your reward: I'll send you a ciber oreo cookie for an ear.  (You're welcome)

First off, I will start everyone with her questions.  Answers follow:

How hard is it to sit and watch all that is around you and realize how well America has it?

Very hard at times.  But we cannot dwell on what America has that third world countries do not.  We all have one thing in common.  We all need the same loving Savior.  

I can remember coming back from my first mission trip when I was 19 and walking into our brand new wal-mart.  I'm not sure how my mom put up with my attitude.  I was literally draging my feet and grumbling about America.  Hopefully I've come a long way from that girl.  (I guess we'll see when we come home next month!)  

I used to sit around feeling guilty for being born in America.  But what does guilt do?  I've learned a couple things: 

1. Be grateful, not guilty.  Guilt won't lead you to move.  

2.  What it means to embrace my ethnic and cultural identity as part of who God has created me to be.  There are positive aspects about my culture that I need to claim.

Some people tell me I shouldn't minister outside the country because people in America are just as poor as those in Africa. Do you agree?

Simply put: NO WAY!

There are needy people in America and there are MANY that need ministering to, but America is NOT as poor as Africa.  In America, even the homeless have somewhere they can go to get a meal or a bed for the night.  Here in Africa where can they go if they haven't had a meal in days?  Have you ever seen a child walking around in America that looks like this?  

I sure haven't.  Know why?  Because you can walk into ANY ER in the US and no matter what your problem is- you can be treated.  Whether you have money or not.  You can even make up a problem to be seen as a patient and get a meal to eat!  Not to mention we have the luxury of clean water.  Access to medical help and clean water alone nullify the word "poor" and "America" being in the same sentence.

A friend of mine took 6 weeks off work to go to Darfur last year to provide medical relief to the oppressed people of Sudan.  (I owe it to Ashley for my broken heart for the Sudanese.  As she was the first to teach me of the heinous acts of an ancient civil war going on still)  I can remember Ashley telling me what one co-worker said to her about her going to Darfur. As I recall she expressed how she didn't feel it was right for Ash to go to other parts of the world when there were people right here in the Appalacian Mountains who needed help.  Guys, this person is a christian!!  I can't think of a more unbiblical statement.  "Righting wrongs and serving those in need is at the VERY HEART of Christ's ministry and, in fact, the heart of God.  There is an outrageous misconception- that the idea that ministry to the poor is for the select few and not central to the call of every Christian.  Not everyone is called to move into the inner city or give up the security of a corporate job, but EVERY Christian should get his/her hands dirty in the struggle in some form or fashion." (Jeff Killibrew- Desire street ministries, N.O)  

If you are a follower of Christ who have yet to actively get involved in a local ministry which you have DIRECT contact with those in need; if you have never "smelled" and "tasted" real poverty, then you are missing a huge part of the experience of being a follower of Christ.  Until you have come close enough to those who are truly suffering to hug them, speak words of encouragement to them, to touch them, you have not experiences all of what God offers His followers.  

God wants you to start ministering in the very town you call home.  But your involvement doesn't stop there.  It is a blessing to step foot on foreign soil- to see, touch, smell, and taste what God is doing around the world.  I want to encourage you all to go on a short term mission trip at some point.  It will surely bless your socks off.  

I have a high school teacher who is unable to "go" to foreign soil, but she might as well be here.  Her heart is here- no doubt.  She has been such a huge source of encouragement to us.  To the point of giving what she doesn't have.   

Keira told me about a line she had read in a John Piper book and I gotta tell you, I LOVE IT!  He said you can do either of 3 things. 

1. You go 

2. You send 

3. You're disobedient  

Simple as that.  It's part of the great commission and no one is omitted from that. 

A lot of words to answer that question, but what can I say- missions is my heart and soul and I can say the same it true for Chris.