Hey team!!
Well, it's been a busy weekend. Wifi is spotty in Nakuru and we just got time to get photos uploaded and videos too!
To start, I'll go over the week/weekend. We left for Nakuru on Sunday, and woke up ready to go Monday morning to Virginia home. We had an entire half day to play with the kids and got to perform skits for them about the bible. They sang for us and it was a great time bonding with them and talking about God. I met a little girl named Joy. She was just that: a joy!! She was quiet and didn't smile but clung to me and buried her head in my shoulder most of the time... until I figured out that when you spin her around she smiles :) this smile of hers lit up my life- I mean that!! Made a day in the heat (aka like 75 degrees) totally joyful :) We then went to Ergaton University and were able to do door-to-doors and just share with several girls. It was so cool to meet students at a different university and see their experience.
Tuesday we started out at Virginia home but we got to teach classes. I taught science and english- which was funny because I learned in that class more than the students. It's been a while since middle school!!! Then we left and had to say bye for the last time, which was really hard. We then went to a high school and taught there in classes about a certain verse which was really cool. Such a difference in ages of students!! I loved sharing with these high schoolers and answering questions they had. Last, we went back to Ergaton. But not to go door-to-door, we had time with the Kenyan interns to share our memories and just thank each other for all the experiences. This was super painful, and hard, because it was the last time we would see the Kenyan interns. Basically, I cried my eyes out. But I think it was a good emotion in that the Lord really helped form strong bonds even cross-culturally. I physically hurt over the idea of leaving... I have to keep telling myself that God is in control. But it doesn't make it any easier. We headed back to Nairobi after this.
Today was a chill day because we were planning a get-together with students we encountered from Kenyatta University. 4 girls came, and it was great to say our final goodbyes to them as well as special ACO staff members. I was out of tears at this point but it wasn't fun to say bye :( We are now packing because we have SAFARIS for the next 3 days!!! Then back to Texas.
I will try to post more later, but for now here's links to the photos from the past week and a half!!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2202034780008.2072824.1521480464&type=1
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2202455350522.2072829.1521480464&type=1
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Back to Nakuru!
Headed back to Nakuru! Last week in Kenya :( will update when we get to the house there
Friday, June 22, 2012
Friday
Wow! busy day! we started with our classes, doing our spiritual discipline of submission, then went over Romans 7 and did our quiet time!! That went pretty slowly for me, since I slept in today (not a running day) and was pretty groggy. We then had lunch and prepared to shop- and that we did!! We went to the Masai Market and spent about 2 hours walking around a huge parking lot with hundreds of tents. I left still forgetting things I had wanted to get... so more shopping tomorrow!!! My room will be african forever :) Other than that, a very calm day filled with naps and reading as we prepare to leave for Nakuru. Prayers for safe travels on Sunday!!
Also- be in prayer for Mombasa... we aren't there, but it's on the coast of Kenya. US Embassy released this:
http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/mssg_062212.html
kwaheri,
Molly
Also- be in prayer for Mombasa... we aren't there, but it's on the coast of Kenya. US Embassy released this:
http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/mssg_062212.html
kwaheri,
Molly
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday
Today I worked some really awesome thoughts. I was thinking about this week, and how relaxed it has been. I love it, and I feel used by God, but I had that gnawing feeling that during my down time I could be doing something. As I was thinking about this, I got super tired. First, I realized that the Lord has really made me lay down and rest while i've been here. I normally don't nap, but I nap here pretty much every day. I go to bed early and wake up at 7ish. My sleep schedule is regulated by my body and not homework. So I have accepted rest and am reallyyyy enjoying it!!
Second, that gnawing feeling. I was acknowledging my enjoyment of rest, and thinking about scheduling, and then I thought about this: This is the life of a missionary. Not the ease and rest part, but from day 1 Tom said he wants us to see the life of a missionary. It isn't going out all the time and drilling wells and making shoes etc, it's going where you feel called and doing His work each day. So for those who live where they serve, they spend time at home. Like we work and spend time at home, missionary work IS their JOB. So they wake up, go out at some point in the day and spread Jesus's name, and come home for the day, spend time with their families... it isn't a constant race to spread Jesus' name or solve the worlds issues, it's being in alignment with God and going where you're called, while living your life. What a job!!
So we went back to Kenyatta University, and I made an effort to see a girl i've been praying for in the past few days. She isn't a believer, or she was, but she fell deep into sin and doesn't feel worthy of His love and forgiveness. Anyway, it was amazing to hear that since I talked to her she started praying every day, and felt a difference. She wasn't ready to rededicate her life, but she is moving in that direction. I fully intend on continuing to pray for her, as well as let the local womens ministry know her name and dorm number and have them pursue her as well. It made my heart glow seeing God working hard on her!! She said that people keep coming and coming sharing the gospel with her, pretty much daily. Jesus wants her baadd!!
So that was amazing. I have been blessed by her and love seeing God so clearly. We then came home to a wonderful dinner with some local family friends and enjoyed fried chicken, salad, beans, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet tea and some leftover cookies!!! The epitome of deliciousness :) The rest of the night was bonding with the girls, as well as resting more. I have quite a headache- so prayers that goes away!!
Tomorrow we go to the local market- SHOPPING!!! We get to look at all the african art and gifts for friends and see what we have money to get :) prayers for wisdom and good bartering skills!!
Kwaheri,
Molly
Second, that gnawing feeling. I was acknowledging my enjoyment of rest, and thinking about scheduling, and then I thought about this: This is the life of a missionary. Not the ease and rest part, but from day 1 Tom said he wants us to see the life of a missionary. It isn't going out all the time and drilling wells and making shoes etc, it's going where you feel called and doing His work each day. So for those who live where they serve, they spend time at home. Like we work and spend time at home, missionary work IS their JOB. So they wake up, go out at some point in the day and spread Jesus's name, and come home for the day, spend time with their families... it isn't a constant race to spread Jesus' name or solve the worlds issues, it's being in alignment with God and going where you're called, while living your life. What a job!!
So we went back to Kenyatta University, and I made an effort to see a girl i've been praying for in the past few days. She isn't a believer, or she was, but she fell deep into sin and doesn't feel worthy of His love and forgiveness. Anyway, it was amazing to hear that since I talked to her she started praying every day, and felt a difference. She wasn't ready to rededicate her life, but she is moving in that direction. I fully intend on continuing to pray for her, as well as let the local womens ministry know her name and dorm number and have them pursue her as well. It made my heart glow seeing God working hard on her!! She said that people keep coming and coming sharing the gospel with her, pretty much daily. Jesus wants her baadd!!
So that was amazing. I have been blessed by her and love seeing God so clearly. We then came home to a wonderful dinner with some local family friends and enjoyed fried chicken, salad, beans, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet tea and some leftover cookies!!! The epitome of deliciousness :) The rest of the night was bonding with the girls, as well as resting more. I have quite a headache- so prayers that goes away!!
Tomorrow we go to the local market- SHOPPING!!! We get to look at all the african art and gifts for friends and see what we have money to get :) prayers for wisdom and good bartering skills!!
Kwaheri,
Molly
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wednesday
Well, today was great. This was my schedule: We woke up, had breakfast, did our quiet time class, then had an hour and a half class on Islam, then had lunch, thennn we all took long naps until about 5 when we woke up to go to a local school track and playground. Well, some of us. The rest of the group stayed at the house to watch lord of the rings. So we had an extremely chill day that was so needed- a day of rest!!
I read through some of my old posts, and I feel as if I have been merely stating what we have done each day and not much about what i'm learning. There is value in both, but I need to balance it out better. Since today is a chill day I am going to post what I have been processing and learning as well as events.
I came to Africa expecting it to be similar to my last trip, which was more of a touristy-mission time. I have been challenged here, with being bold, being vulnerable, and also being weak at the same time. I have had struggles with people here that I can only understand to be satan putting a filter on their eyes, because it all involves misinterpretation of what I say. I have shared my testimony and had to really practice not glorifying my sin. I have learned the basics of Christianity that I didn't know before. I know an outline, but not the in depth stuff that is the gospel. I have learned about conviction, and how it happens to everyone but is different for everyone. I have struggled knowing what conviction is acceptable, because if you don't feel convicted of murdering, is that justified? If you aren't glorifying God with whatever you are doing, but don't feel the need to change, is that ok? Then the question is raised as to what is glorifying, or who decides what is glorifying. The problem with that is that two choices may be glorifying, but our job as Christians is to do the thing that MOST glorifies God. Back to the question above, who decides what is glorifying? Well, God of course. But the bible outlines it perfectly. There are certain struggles that I can't seem to understand. Here are some of the things I struggle understanding in other people and therefore struggle with judgment, when I've seen these struggles in my own life while I've been here: (note: this is my own conviction!!I'm not being manipulative and posting about people I know, this is stuff i'm learning. Just a friendly reminder!)
We spent some time by an outdoor fire tonight and Tom told a scary story. When it came to a close, I offered to tell a real story about spiritual warfare... and the idea was immediately shot down. I shut myself down because I wondered if I had offended anyone, and then I asked if ghosts were of the Lord... I decided they're not, so I said to the group that if ghosts aren't of the Lord, it's demonic. I can't imagine Jesus finding humor in fear and spirits for those He loves. So in reality, even ghost stories are spiritual warfare in a sense. I am unsure about what my full thoughts are on this, but would invite anyone else to comment on what they define 'ghosts' and 'ghost stories' as. Do they invite demonic influences in? Are they already demonic from the start? Are they classified as spiritual warfare? Is it glorifying to talk about things that have potential to make you look away from God because of the distraction of fear?
Anyone and everyone can comment :)
We are in bed now, some girls watching lord of the rings and others asleep, journaling, etc. I am thinking about sleep since I will be getting up to run in the early AM. We go back to Kenyatta university tomorrow to do follow up! Prayers for movement in the lives of new Christians we have encountered.
Kwaheri,
Molly
I read through some of my old posts, and I feel as if I have been merely stating what we have done each day and not much about what i'm learning. There is value in both, but I need to balance it out better. Since today is a chill day I am going to post what I have been processing and learning as well as events.
I came to Africa expecting it to be similar to my last trip, which was more of a touristy-mission time. I have been challenged here, with being bold, being vulnerable, and also being weak at the same time. I have had struggles with people here that I can only understand to be satan putting a filter on their eyes, because it all involves misinterpretation of what I say. I have shared my testimony and had to really practice not glorifying my sin. I have learned the basics of Christianity that I didn't know before. I know an outline, but not the in depth stuff that is the gospel. I have learned about conviction, and how it happens to everyone but is different for everyone. I have struggled knowing what conviction is acceptable, because if you don't feel convicted of murdering, is that justified? If you aren't glorifying God with whatever you are doing, but don't feel the need to change, is that ok? Then the question is raised as to what is glorifying, or who decides what is glorifying. The problem with that is that two choices may be glorifying, but our job as Christians is to do the thing that MOST glorifies God. Back to the question above, who decides what is glorifying? Well, God of course. But the bible outlines it perfectly. There are certain struggles that I can't seem to understand. Here are some of the things I struggle understanding in other people and therefore struggle with judgment, when I've seen these struggles in my own life while I've been here: (note: this is my own conviction!!I'm not being manipulative and posting about people I know, this is stuff i'm learning. Just a friendly reminder!)
- Teasing. I love teasing people but when it is constant cutting down teasing, I don't see how that is uplifting at all or glorifying in any way. I think there is a difference between teasing and making fun of someone, or even pointing out things that upset someone else and slathering it with loads of humor. Now my roommate, Reagan Sinclair, is a wonderful woman of God and is the epitome of a teaser. But she never mocks, makes fun of, or even points out things that upset someone. She is silly, and may sarcastically say 'go away' or something like that but always clarifies the humor. Maybe that's what I need to change, tease, but clarify love. We are called to LOVE!!! I guess I try to keep it simple and do that alone without wrapping hurt in love, but that may not be the same feelings of the person I'm in contact with.
- Exclusion. I can not STAND exclusion. It is something that just shakes me to my core with anger. This falls under the command to love, but I was excluded from so many things in my childhood and am very scarred from that (thanks a lot Highland Park) but am the person I am because God worked in that. Despite His work, I wouldn't wish it upon everyone. So I make every effort to not only include everyone, but be REAL with them. I fail at this a lot, i'm not perfect, but man do I make an effort. The problem with this is that satan puts goggles on people i'm around so that they think i'm not being genuine, or i'm trying to be better than them, etc. The reality is I'm going out of my comfort zone to understand a person who I am a stranger to. This desire with people is NOT of me, it is strictly from the Lord. I pray that God sends angels to defend the perception of what I do when I do this, because the only issues I've had with people in my life is misconception of this joy of mine.
- Ignorance. Tonight at dinner we discussed things about Catholicism, and what it means to be Catholic and the beliefs behind the things that other denominations criticize. It really bothers me that people criticize so frequently and don't know anything about what that 'idea' is all about. This isn't strictly to Catholicism, I mean in life. So a bunch of the girls had experiences with Catholics that didn't know what the Catholic Church was about, and that was very sad to me. I don't know much, to be honest, but I respect Catholicism as much as the next denomination. It got me to thinking about how someone might view myself, as a 'non-denominational' christian. I would hope they wouldn't base Christianity off my life choices and actions- because I am imperfect and am going to sin and fail for the rest of my life. And yet, I take one persons life and apply it to their denomination? Why is it ok for me to do it but not them to me? This was all a quick revelation, and I decided I want to learn more about denominations and why they group together, etc. Because I have decided my feelings about groups based off one person in the past, and that is so ignorant to the 'group' ideals and beliefs, as well as incredibly disrespectful.
- Missed opportunities. I hate walking away from a situation knowing I was supposed to do something or ask someone about something and I didn't. God sets divine appointments, and I feel I think too much or over analyze and then regret. I know that i'm a part of God's plan, and there's nothing I can do to mess His plan up, but man do I feel Him encouraging me to be more like Him next time. I hear Him tell me to not rush, slow down, ask questions, listen more, and encourage encourage encourage.
We spent some time by an outdoor fire tonight and Tom told a scary story. When it came to a close, I offered to tell a real story about spiritual warfare... and the idea was immediately shot down. I shut myself down because I wondered if I had offended anyone, and then I asked if ghosts were of the Lord... I decided they're not, so I said to the group that if ghosts aren't of the Lord, it's demonic. I can't imagine Jesus finding humor in fear and spirits for those He loves. So in reality, even ghost stories are spiritual warfare in a sense. I am unsure about what my full thoughts are on this, but would invite anyone else to comment on what they define 'ghosts' and 'ghost stories' as. Do they invite demonic influences in? Are they already demonic from the start? Are they classified as spiritual warfare? Is it glorifying to talk about things that have potential to make you look away from God because of the distraction of fear?
Anyone and everyone can comment :)
We are in bed now, some girls watching lord of the rings and others asleep, journaling, etc. I am thinking about sleep since I will be getting up to run in the early AM. We go back to Kenyatta university tomorrow to do follow up! Prayers for movement in the lives of new Christians we have encountered.
Kwaheri,
Molly
Tuesday
Tuesday
Well, Tuesday was an adventure. One thing I haven't mentioned is the different schedule since the Kenyans are in Nakuru. We get to sleep in now, with breakfast at 8:30 and then we don't start till 9 (YAHOO!!). We were encouraged to still wake up and start quiet time at 7, and so I've been doing that with running so early anyway. So we start at 9, and we go over our quiet time packets we have, and then application of spiritual disciplines. We are going through a book called Celebration of Spiritual Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster. It is really interesting, and really breaks down lifestyle choices and how we as Christians can choose to practice these spiritual disciplines to have spiritual growth.
AAnyway, it was cool to understand the first one, Meditation, and then the second one, prayer. We went over the biblical aspect of prayer, and then went into Mr. Foster's book. Tom asked us to start like we did in meditation, with worship and then meditating over scripture, and then to write a list of 20 people that we want to pray for, and next to their name write specifics to pray over. THEN, we added immediate family and did the same next to their names. THENNN we were to write out our prayers for all of these people, word for word. Later in discussion it was shown that this was to help us focus. When you pray in your head, it's hard to keep your mind in alignment with His. So this, though giving lots of hand cramps, was very helpful. It took about 6 pages of paper for me to write out all of my prayers, and I almost quit halfway through... but He urged me on when I asked if He wanted me to stop or not. That was awesome, and especially since 3 girls had come to Christ the day before, we all needed major spiritual preparation to go back and see these people who had just made the biggest decision of their lives. Heading to campus was great. One of the other interns let me go with her to visit two of the three girls who accepted Christ. They were so interested in what God was teaching them, and in just the process of being a Christian. It was cool to see the newness of Christ again :)
We left there, heard tons of stories of how God worked in conversations and headed home. When we got home, we were greeted with a delicious dinner of chicken pasta (aka pasta for me), and salad. Movie night was supposed to happen, but we all got caught up in talk of spiritual warfare and talk over the day's activities. It was a great night, and the Lord refreshed me and wiped away all insecurities before sleep. So cool to feel God so clearly!!
I will post about todays activities tonight :) so far it's a day of rest for us, and we are all excited!!!
Kwaheri,
Molly
Well, Tuesday was an adventure. One thing I haven't mentioned is the different schedule since the Kenyans are in Nakuru. We get to sleep in now, with breakfast at 8:30 and then we don't start till 9 (YAHOO!!). We were encouraged to still wake up and start quiet time at 7, and so I've been doing that with running so early anyway. So we start at 9, and we go over our quiet time packets we have, and then application of spiritual disciplines. We are going through a book called Celebration of Spiritual Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster. It is really interesting, and really breaks down lifestyle choices and how we as Christians can choose to practice these spiritual disciplines to have spiritual growth.
AAnyway, it was cool to understand the first one, Meditation, and then the second one, prayer. We went over the biblical aspect of prayer, and then went into Mr. Foster's book. Tom asked us to start like we did in meditation, with worship and then meditating over scripture, and then to write a list of 20 people that we want to pray for, and next to their name write specifics to pray over. THEN, we added immediate family and did the same next to their names. THENNN we were to write out our prayers for all of these people, word for word. Later in discussion it was shown that this was to help us focus. When you pray in your head, it's hard to keep your mind in alignment with His. So this, though giving lots of hand cramps, was very helpful. It took about 6 pages of paper for me to write out all of my prayers, and I almost quit halfway through... but He urged me on when I asked if He wanted me to stop or not. That was awesome, and especially since 3 girls had come to Christ the day before, we all needed major spiritual preparation to go back and see these people who had just made the biggest decision of their lives. Heading to campus was great. One of the other interns let me go with her to visit two of the three girls who accepted Christ. They were so interested in what God was teaching them, and in just the process of being a Christian. It was cool to see the newness of Christ again :)
We left there, heard tons of stories of how God worked in conversations and headed home. When we got home, we were greeted with a delicious dinner of chicken pasta (aka pasta for me), and salad. Movie night was supposed to happen, but we all got caught up in talk of spiritual warfare and talk over the day's activities. It was a great night, and the Lord refreshed me and wiped away all insecurities before sleep. So cool to feel God so clearly!!
I will post about todays activities tonight :) so far it's a day of rest for us, and we are all excited!!!
Kwaheri,
Molly
Monday, June 18, 2012
Monday
Here is the link to the photos from this past week!!!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2190056440557.2072574.1521480464&type=3
We are sad here in Nairobi, because the Kenyan interns are setting up their home in Nakuru and are staying there to start their ministry (their internship is a year long one). So this week we are in Nairobi, alone, without our Kenyan friends :( My heart=broken. But, it's been an awesome week of honesty, love, and laughter with the other American interns. I had a hard week learning that I was isolating myself strictly to the Kenyans, and wasn't dividing attention enough to value EVERYONE on the trip. I also learned a lot about patience, and how my ease at confrontation is great, but it doesn't mean it's better than not being confrontational. Anyway, had a great time figuring myself out as well as learning about others.
Today we started out the morning with the JOY of sleeping in until 9. But, of course, I run... so I got up at 6:50. But my allergies and the altitude got me today, so I ended up doing more of a walk around the new neighborhood and just learning my new route. Tomorrow morning I will start to run with a Great Dane named Jasmine... should be interesting trying to keep up. But today was great! We did our quiet time and discussed what meditating is, and I learned tons. Then we were told to go do it, which was SUPER hard for me. Meditating involves turning your brain off and focusing on the word... and that is something I have never been good at doing. We went to Java House for lunch, and I had the pleasure of sitting next to Tom and Kerry at one end of the table. Y'all, this couple rocks. They are down to earth and REAL, as well as genuine and kind. I love any time I get to talk to them, one on one or together. The other day I got to have a short chat with Tom where he discussed the differences between missionaries and different trips he's experienced, I was just hanging on every word because I know this is a rare opportunity to get to ask these kinds of questions. Then today I really felt led to ask Tom about his dad, and I did. We talked the whole time about his dad, his mom, who they are and what they were like as missionaries, personality traits, passions... I bet it was hard to talk about, but it was really cool to further understand why Tom and Kerry are the way they are.
That is one of my passions. Asking questions, trying to understand, and encouraging by showing interest. I am incredibly interested in the stories here in Kenya, and I couldn't have imagined a better conversation to have at lunch. I told them later, and I want to emphasize this, but I value them as people, as parents, as missionaries... I admire them and I ask questions because I want to know more about who they are and why they are who they are. Complicated sounding, I know, but when you value someone, you show them. I can only hope my showing interest as well as my respect for them encourages them. So it was a wonderful convo. We then went to Kenyatta University to share, and I ended up spending over 45 mins in one room sharing my testimony with a girl who wasn't a believer, and her two friends who were. This girl, lets call her Emily, said she believes God exists but she just lives her life. It isn't a relationship. I learned quickly that the Kenyan idea of being saved and then unsaved has to do with backsliding after you accept Christ. This girl was just that, and my testimony really knocked that idea out of the park. I found myself pausing to think when I was talking, and feeling words still come out of my mouth and knowing it is the Holy Spirit speaking through me. Such a cool feeling. When I met up with the rest of the girls, turns out THREE girls came to Christ as a result of His work through us today. Such an amazing blessing to see God clearly working.
We came home to a wonderful enchilada/burrito dinner with chocolate chip cookies and a birthday cake after!!! It is so nice to come back to a HOME with home-cooked food and smiles and hugs from a great family. We then proceeded to have a mini dance party, and now I am in bed, thinkin about sleep, and then a run in the morning! Wish me luck :)
Kwaheri!
Molly
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2190056440557.2072574.1521480464&type=3
We are sad here in Nairobi, because the Kenyan interns are setting up their home in Nakuru and are staying there to start their ministry (their internship is a year long one). So this week we are in Nairobi, alone, without our Kenyan friends :( My heart=broken. But, it's been an awesome week of honesty, love, and laughter with the other American interns. I had a hard week learning that I was isolating myself strictly to the Kenyans, and wasn't dividing attention enough to value EVERYONE on the trip. I also learned a lot about patience, and how my ease at confrontation is great, but it doesn't mean it's better than not being confrontational. Anyway, had a great time figuring myself out as well as learning about others.
Today we started out the morning with the JOY of sleeping in until 9. But, of course, I run... so I got up at 6:50. But my allergies and the altitude got me today, so I ended up doing more of a walk around the new neighborhood and just learning my new route. Tomorrow morning I will start to run with a Great Dane named Jasmine... should be interesting trying to keep up. But today was great! We did our quiet time and discussed what meditating is, and I learned tons. Then we were told to go do it, which was SUPER hard for me. Meditating involves turning your brain off and focusing on the word... and that is something I have never been good at doing. We went to Java House for lunch, and I had the pleasure of sitting next to Tom and Kerry at one end of the table. Y'all, this couple rocks. They are down to earth and REAL, as well as genuine and kind. I love any time I get to talk to them, one on one or together. The other day I got to have a short chat with Tom where he discussed the differences between missionaries and different trips he's experienced, I was just hanging on every word because I know this is a rare opportunity to get to ask these kinds of questions. Then today I really felt led to ask Tom about his dad, and I did. We talked the whole time about his dad, his mom, who they are and what they were like as missionaries, personality traits, passions... I bet it was hard to talk about, but it was really cool to further understand why Tom and Kerry are the way they are.
That is one of my passions. Asking questions, trying to understand, and encouraging by showing interest. I am incredibly interested in the stories here in Kenya, and I couldn't have imagined a better conversation to have at lunch. I told them later, and I want to emphasize this, but I value them as people, as parents, as missionaries... I admire them and I ask questions because I want to know more about who they are and why they are who they are. Complicated sounding, I know, but when you value someone, you show them. I can only hope my showing interest as well as my respect for them encourages them. So it was a wonderful convo. We then went to Kenyatta University to share, and I ended up spending over 45 mins in one room sharing my testimony with a girl who wasn't a believer, and her two friends who were. This girl, lets call her Emily, said she believes God exists but she just lives her life. It isn't a relationship. I learned quickly that the Kenyan idea of being saved and then unsaved has to do with backsliding after you accept Christ. This girl was just that, and my testimony really knocked that idea out of the park. I found myself pausing to think when I was talking, and feeling words still come out of my mouth and knowing it is the Holy Spirit speaking through me. Such a cool feeling. When I met up with the rest of the girls, turns out THREE girls came to Christ as a result of His work through us today. Such an amazing blessing to see God clearly working.
We came home to a wonderful enchilada/burrito dinner with chocolate chip cookies and a birthday cake after!!! It is so nice to come back to a HOME with home-cooked food and smiles and hugs from a great family. We then proceeded to have a mini dance party, and now I am in bed, thinkin about sleep, and then a run in the morning! Wish me luck :)
Kwaheri!
Molly
Sunday, June 17, 2012
This weekend!!
This weekend in a nutshell was wonderful. We started our
weekend by packing up the old home that we were renting and moving to a new
home that will be ACO’s permanent home. That was interesting, and I found
myself turning more and more into my mother in a packing and cleaning house
mode. I carried things that were too heavy, I lifted the wrong way, and I
allowed my arm to hurt pretty much the entire time (For those who don’t know, I
was diagnosed with Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy.. don’t google it, but basically
my nerves in my arm around the surgery site are messed up and cause lots of
pain in my entire arm). I found myself frustrated with how slowly the process
was going, and as I worked several of the Kenyan interns and a few of the
American interns started to help, too. I was having a pretty discouraging day,
and it was nice to get some energy out with physical exertion. Once the moving
truck was packed, we hopped into the car to help unload once we got to the new
house. Unloading is a lot harder for me than loading, especially since my arm
was having some intense pain at this point, but I really enjoyed hanging out
with the rest of the guys (I was the only girl helping at this point, everyone
else was still at the compound) and working alongside them. I find a lot of joy
in serving like that, especially adults and even more so parents. I know they
have enough going on, and I find so much joy in doing small things that go
unnoticed that make their lives easier.
We woke up the next morning and headed to Nakuru. First off,
we saw the Great Rift Valley- SO COOL!!! Google it- it’s a geographical
landmark. We continued on to Nakuru, and first went to a cool rooftop
restaurant to get pizza. A little piece of American food!! It was beautiful,
and we had some great intentional conversation at our tables. We set up at the
house in Nakuru. To clarify, this is also owned by ACO. The original founders
of ACO lived in Nakuru, and so when they retired they left the house to be used
for ministry. What a blessing this house is!! It has a beautiful garden and
just amazing stone work on the outside… I just really loved my time there. It
was beautiful!! So we slept there that night after a few hours of reading harry
potter and laughing. I woke up at around 6ish, and got up to go run. It was
different than my runs in Nairobi. Let me set this up for you: In Dallas Texas,
elevation is 403 ft. Nairobi, 5450 ft. Nakuru, 6109 ft. Talk about a
difference!! Running has been so interesting here, it’s so dang hard to breathe
but I can feel my body adjusting which is an interesting thing to observe. So
my run in Nakuru was cool, I got to chat with Julius (the night guard at the
house) and get to know him, as well as greet many Kenyans on their way to
classes and work. I also met a kitty with really green eyes, and that was cool!
We then prepared to leave for the Virginia Home, a local orphanage that ACO
does a lot of work with. It was amazing. The students there are so innocent and
beautiful, and hearing some of their stories are heartbreaking. I wasn’t aware
of any AIDS cases, but I’m confident there were some there. It’s pretty common
for parents that have aids to leave the newborns at the hospital. Whether it be
financial or emotional, the goal is to either give the kid a better chance at
survival or it is to just get rid of the burden. Either way, I’m glad they are
at Virginia Home. The time spent there was so fun, and photos will be posted
soon. Then we went straight from Virginia Home to picnic at a local safari
area, and were charged by many many baboons. One actually hopped in the car
trying to steal food, but we had a big African man with a whip guarding us. The
whip doesn’t hurt them, just stings a bit- trust me, I checked. Next we went to
Ergaton University. We were given an hour to go wherever we wanted and share
the gospel. We went to a dorm right next to a river (beautiful!!!) and knocked
on one door, and ended up staying the entire hour. It was an awesome group and
I really loved hearing the Nakuru-student perspective on things. We then went
straight to another restaurant for dinner, and headed home for the evening.
To clarify, restaurant eating isn’t a luxury we have, it
actually is the only way to cater to both Kenyan interns as well as Americans,
and with the value of the American dollar, it’s cheap! So it was a great day
filled with God and sharing His word.
Sunday, today, AND Fathers Day, was a day of travel. We left
at around 9am and headed back to Nairobi, getting lunch along the way. There is
a resort half way inbetween the two cities so it was fun to stop there and look
around at the animals at the resort, as well as get slightly burned :)
Now we are all in bed, exhausted and ready for tomorrow. We
are going to be heading to campus tomorrow and practicing real application of
what we have been learning in our classes. So this week will be challenging-
but great!!!
Be looking for a link to photos on this post!!
Kwaheri,
Molly
Friday, June 15, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday **edit**
Ok! Today is supposed to be quite a day! We are going back to treeside school for the mentally handicapped, then we are going to play field hockey with the group we played with last week, thennn we have girl/guy bible study!
*update* field hockey was canceled since the girls have tests right now. *update*
So today will be full. I am really struggling with motivation and just energy in general. Physically I feel fine, I could go for a run!! But I feel lazy and I think Satan is attacking me in that. I need prayers for an active mindset!! Also I am slightly discouraged. Coming from A&M there is TONS of radical stuff going on!! And I almost feel ashamed to talk about them because Satan tells me that everyone thinks im making it up, or just trying to impress people. For example, today I talked about a guy at A&M who was participating in a thing called the 'Daniel Fast'. He did it for 50 days, but without any food or water. When I said this it was IMMEDIATELY rejected and mocked under the breath of several people here to do ministry about His miracles. It's ironic, but I understand the feelings of doubt. Believe it or not, but with God nothing's impossible. Fasting is great! It is used so that when you crave food you pray.. But another way is to see how the Lord sustains you. That's the thing I find amazing that people don't believe. Jesus can put nutrients in your body that you don't consume. He put an embryo in a virgin, He takes brain tumors and destroys them, He takes skin conditions and heals them, He repairs lost limbs, eyesight, hearing... He does all of that... What is so shocking about Him giving us what we need nutritionally?? I am frustrated not only at the lack of faith in people, but the fact that I myself still struggle with it even when I experienced it first hand.
Anyway, I am going to contact this guy and get his side of the story. Be looking for another post added to this one tonight!
Kwaheri!
Molly
**update**
So today was great! I love how I'm constantly not feeling energized but as soon as I get to the ministry place we are going to, I am charged. I can feel the prayers you guys are sending my way!! As for the fasting stuff, I still haven't heard back from Jeff. I'll keep you posted. But I had several cool conversations with girls here today. Mary Beth singled me out and was intentional and it really turned my day around. And I got to talk with Alyssa about the fasting thing and that was super encouraging. Jesus took discouragement and turned it into encouragement. Whoop!! So we went back to Treeside like I said above. It was really fun today :) we arrived there at around 2, and left at around 5ish. It was a wonderful time of growing relationships with the kids, and playing volleyball and frisbee. It was REAL fun. Not sit in a room and sing songs fun, but interacting with kids who see the sky as the limit. I am now excited to go back more than ever to continue having fun with these loving kids!! We took tons of photos, here is the link :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2190056440557.2072574.1521480464&type=1
So God works in awesome ways. Tomorrow we are moving into the Stickneys new home. They have been renting in the compound we are in now, but tomorrow night we will be in a really nice area (US Embassy recommends it) in a HOME with electricity and a huge yard... it's gonna be awesome. But, I must say, I'm going to miss the compound. It's really big, open, and pretty. I've set up my little area and all. But God wants us at the house so we will enjoy the time in the compound and the time at the house. So it will be a day of classes, then moving, and just bonding :) :) This weekend: Nakuru!!
Kwaheri!
Molly
*update* field hockey was canceled since the girls have tests right now. *update*
So today will be full. I am really struggling with motivation and just energy in general. Physically I feel fine, I could go for a run!! But I feel lazy and I think Satan is attacking me in that. I need prayers for an active mindset!! Also I am slightly discouraged. Coming from A&M there is TONS of radical stuff going on!! And I almost feel ashamed to talk about them because Satan tells me that everyone thinks im making it up, or just trying to impress people. For example, today I talked about a guy at A&M who was participating in a thing called the 'Daniel Fast'. He did it for 50 days, but without any food or water. When I said this it was IMMEDIATELY rejected and mocked under the breath of several people here to do ministry about His miracles. It's ironic, but I understand the feelings of doubt. Believe it or not, but with God nothing's impossible. Fasting is great! It is used so that when you crave food you pray.. But another way is to see how the Lord sustains you. That's the thing I find amazing that people don't believe. Jesus can put nutrients in your body that you don't consume. He put an embryo in a virgin, He takes brain tumors and destroys them, He takes skin conditions and heals them, He repairs lost limbs, eyesight, hearing... He does all of that... What is so shocking about Him giving us what we need nutritionally?? I am frustrated not only at the lack of faith in people, but the fact that I myself still struggle with it even when I experienced it first hand.
Anyway, I am going to contact this guy and get his side of the story. Be looking for another post added to this one tonight!
Kwaheri!
Molly
**update**
So today was great! I love how I'm constantly not feeling energized but as soon as I get to the ministry place we are going to, I am charged. I can feel the prayers you guys are sending my way!! As for the fasting stuff, I still haven't heard back from Jeff. I'll keep you posted. But I had several cool conversations with girls here today. Mary Beth singled me out and was intentional and it really turned my day around. And I got to talk with Alyssa about the fasting thing and that was super encouraging. Jesus took discouragement and turned it into encouragement. Whoop!! So we went back to Treeside like I said above. It was really fun today :) we arrived there at around 2, and left at around 5ish. It was a wonderful time of growing relationships with the kids, and playing volleyball and frisbee. It was REAL fun. Not sit in a room and sing songs fun, but interacting with kids who see the sky as the limit. I am now excited to go back more than ever to continue having fun with these loving kids!! We took tons of photos, here is the link :)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2190056440557.2072574.1521480464&type=1
So God works in awesome ways. Tomorrow we are moving into the Stickneys new home. They have been renting in the compound we are in now, but tomorrow night we will be in a really nice area (US Embassy recommends it) in a HOME with electricity and a huge yard... it's gonna be awesome. But, I must say, I'm going to miss the compound. It's really big, open, and pretty. I've set up my little area and all. But God wants us at the house so we will enjoy the time in the compound and the time at the house. So it will be a day of classes, then moving, and just bonding :) :) This weekend: Nakuru!!
Kwaheri!
Molly
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tuesday
And yet another adventure!!
I went to bed pretty early last night, so my body clock decided to not sleep in. I woke up at 5 WIDE AWAKE and ready to face the day. So, as opposed to going back to sleep, I facebook messaged Kyle (it was 9pm in Dallas) and chatted with him for a while. I knew I was getting up to run, and tried to convince myself to just do it earlier, therefore showering earlier, and therefore going to sleep between the shower and class. This seemed to be a good plan, and 40 minutes later I rolled out of bed to run. I started at like 5:45, and it was super cool. Nairobi is a veryyy busy city. It's a huge city as well! But when i got up to run, besides some guards doing their walk arounds, there was hardly any sound. Even the obnoxious birds that I can't help but like weren't up. There is a part of the path that I run that is my favorite. There is a section of trees that has some Citronella Chilean Trees (smells like citronella, aka no mosquitoes woo) and right past it is some sort of tree that produces neon purple flowers. This is as cool as it sounds, and when it's dark at 5:45 am, it's even cooler. They seemed to glow in the darkness. I took that as a 'time to start shining' moment with Jesus.
I knew that He would do something similar to that on my run, because today was a big day. God let my insecurities slide yesterday, but not today. First, classes were great. Minus the first one, the guided quiet time... I fell asleep multiple times. I haven't ever felt THAT drowsy. I felt as if I had taken a benadryl... which is strong for me. So, in between guided quiet time and story telling classes, they had decided to do a short worship. I took this opportunity to answer what I felt like was a call from God and I hopped in bed for 20ish minutes. This was JUST what I needed to rejuvinate. Oh, and breakfast helped too :)
Following a struggle with sleepiness, we set up the plans for the rest of the day. Today we would be going to do 'discovery ministry' where we just go on a university and 'discover' what God wants us to do. I am comfortable with this because it means just finding someone and talking with them. When Jane, my Kenyan partner (we were grouped into twos) mentioned going door to door like w were going to do the day before.... I was nervous all over again. I had prepared for easy conversation.. not the one thing I was relieved that I didn't have to do!! But I said that it was fine, and pretended to not be nervous.
We went to a 'hostel' aka dorm, that was all girls. There wasn't any time for prayer or anything. Jane walked up to a door and knocked. I was taken aback but didn't feel the fear I had just felt. Turns out the first group we talked to were in a religious studies class together. I asked them to talk about the controversial stuff... maybe not the best idea for right off the bat conversation... but it struck up some good knowledge and added room to ask what they thought about the gospel. The next room was two girls that have struggles with peer pressure and conformity at school, and I was able to share my own testimony through that. The 3rd room was a Muslim girl, who we simply asked about her own faith and left it at that since she had a class to go to. The last room was a room filled with born again Christians that struggled with peer pressure and just avoiding non-believers and 'clubbing' people. The Lord spoke through me (literally at some points I didn't have control over my words) and convicted them of not loving like Jesus did. Who did Jesus hang with? The lepers, the gentiles, the poor... Why do we turn away?
We were so in depth in conversation that we ran past the time we were supposed to be meeting the group. I'd say that's a win :)
And of course, nothing better than returning to the compound to be greeted with chapati and a movie night- Out of Africa!!!
Bed time now :) i'll try to post more later!
Kwaheri!
Molly
I went to bed pretty early last night, so my body clock decided to not sleep in. I woke up at 5 WIDE AWAKE and ready to face the day. So, as opposed to going back to sleep, I facebook messaged Kyle (it was 9pm in Dallas) and chatted with him for a while. I knew I was getting up to run, and tried to convince myself to just do it earlier, therefore showering earlier, and therefore going to sleep between the shower and class. This seemed to be a good plan, and 40 minutes later I rolled out of bed to run. I started at like 5:45, and it was super cool. Nairobi is a veryyy busy city. It's a huge city as well! But when i got up to run, besides some guards doing their walk arounds, there was hardly any sound. Even the obnoxious birds that I can't help but like weren't up. There is a part of the path that I run that is my favorite. There is a section of trees that has some Citronella Chilean Trees (smells like citronella, aka no mosquitoes woo) and right past it is some sort of tree that produces neon purple flowers. This is as cool as it sounds, and when it's dark at 5:45 am, it's even cooler. They seemed to glow in the darkness. I took that as a 'time to start shining' moment with Jesus.
I knew that He would do something similar to that on my run, because today was a big day. God let my insecurities slide yesterday, but not today. First, classes were great. Minus the first one, the guided quiet time... I fell asleep multiple times. I haven't ever felt THAT drowsy. I felt as if I had taken a benadryl... which is strong for me. So, in between guided quiet time and story telling classes, they had decided to do a short worship. I took this opportunity to answer what I felt like was a call from God and I hopped in bed for 20ish minutes. This was JUST what I needed to rejuvinate. Oh, and breakfast helped too :)
Following a struggle with sleepiness, we set up the plans for the rest of the day. Today we would be going to do 'discovery ministry' where we just go on a university and 'discover' what God wants us to do. I am comfortable with this because it means just finding someone and talking with them. When Jane, my Kenyan partner (we were grouped into twos) mentioned going door to door like w were going to do the day before.... I was nervous all over again. I had prepared for easy conversation.. not the one thing I was relieved that I didn't have to do!! But I said that it was fine, and pretended to not be nervous.
We went to a 'hostel' aka dorm, that was all girls. There wasn't any time for prayer or anything. Jane walked up to a door and knocked. I was taken aback but didn't feel the fear I had just felt. Turns out the first group we talked to were in a religious studies class together. I asked them to talk about the controversial stuff... maybe not the best idea for right off the bat conversation... but it struck up some good knowledge and added room to ask what they thought about the gospel. The next room was two girls that have struggles with peer pressure and conformity at school, and I was able to share my own testimony through that. The 3rd room was a Muslim girl, who we simply asked about her own faith and left it at that since she had a class to go to. The last room was a room filled with born again Christians that struggled with peer pressure and just avoiding non-believers and 'clubbing' people. The Lord spoke through me (literally at some points I didn't have control over my words) and convicted them of not loving like Jesus did. Who did Jesus hang with? The lepers, the gentiles, the poor... Why do we turn away?
We were so in depth in conversation that we ran past the time we were supposed to be meeting the group. I'd say that's a win :)
And of course, nothing better than returning to the compound to be greeted with chapati and a movie night- Out of Africa!!!
Bed time now :) i'll try to post more later!
Kwaheri!
Molly
Monday, June 11, 2012
Well, we didn't go door to door. We went to the Kenyatta University campus, were ready to go, and then the guy we were meeting with said he had planned something else. When he told us this, many of us breathed a sigh of relief and one of the Kenyan students, Lilian, said 'Praise Jesus!!!' and we all laughed. Some made fun of those who were most relieved, others claimed it was 'God's plan'.. we all laughed so hard at how relieved we were.
On the other hand, God was convicting me of it at the same time. As funny as it was, I should be bold in my faith! I shouldn't be so worried or nervous. My nerves tells God i'm not confident in the Holy Spirit. So... Sorry God :/ With that conviction comes action though, so I plan to practice sharing the gospel with a person here on the compound. It isn't a speech, but God gives us social skills to introduce the Word without scaring people off. I need to work on that. It's easy with close friends, but I need express the joy I feel because He loves me! I feel it, now I need to share it. The Great Commission isn't an option. We learned that in our Romans study (It related to Romans 5). Jesus didn't say 'If you feel confident enough that you wont mess it up, go tell people about me'. or 'only if you are a good christian should you go tell people'. No, He said that we should GO, and make disciples. But He doesn't stop there!! He also says He is sending a helper. He knows we are insecure and scared. But He knows He is way above that!! The helper is the Holy Spirit, which is God in us. How lucky we are!!
Anyway, tonight was a cool night in the meeting we went to. it was a meeting of the students in the Medical Society that are forming a Christian organization on campus. They recently held an event, and wanted to go over comment cards and just how it went in general. The coolest part was the start of the meeting. They announced that they planned for 70 people to come, and over 200 students came. Jesus? I think so. They went over comment cards and over half asked for info on small groups as well as organizational info. People are SO receptive here. Why shouldn't they be? It's a free gift!! Why can't other countries get that???
Anyway, it was really cool to be around these soon-to-be-doctors that are devoting their lives and careers to God. They so desire eternal life. America shields us from that idea. The Africans walk with Jesus because of what He provides. Americans trust Jesus because it's 'socially acceptable' and live a Christian life that isn't abundant. The difference is so huge... It isn't like those that don't understand an intimate relationship aren't going to Heaven, if you truly believe, you are!! But they are missing out on such a deep and loving relationship with the One who created us. I spend time with God every day... one on one... it's just part of my life. He is with me always. Do I act like it all the time? No. But I know He is with me even when i'm a jerk.
AAAANYWAYYYYY- it was really cool being convicted today. I have seen my emotions go up and down while I've been here. From happy to sad to judgment to fear to anger... All over the place. But I can tell when I allow God to work in me. I can feel it and I can emit service and love like no other... THATS abundant living. Enjoying the gift He gives me.
So we are back at the compound. The cook made chicken pasta tonight which was delicious. But- he made the same pasta without the meat for me :) i'm so blessed!!
Kwaheri!!
Molly
On the other hand, God was convicting me of it at the same time. As funny as it was, I should be bold in my faith! I shouldn't be so worried or nervous. My nerves tells God i'm not confident in the Holy Spirit. So... Sorry God :/ With that conviction comes action though, so I plan to practice sharing the gospel with a person here on the compound. It isn't a speech, but God gives us social skills to introduce the Word without scaring people off. I need to work on that. It's easy with close friends, but I need express the joy I feel because He loves me! I feel it, now I need to share it. The Great Commission isn't an option. We learned that in our Romans study (It related to Romans 5). Jesus didn't say 'If you feel confident enough that you wont mess it up, go tell people about me'. or 'only if you are a good christian should you go tell people'. No, He said that we should GO, and make disciples. But He doesn't stop there!! He also says He is sending a helper. He knows we are insecure and scared. But He knows He is way above that!! The helper is the Holy Spirit, which is God in us. How lucky we are!!
Anyway, tonight was a cool night in the meeting we went to. it was a meeting of the students in the Medical Society that are forming a Christian organization on campus. They recently held an event, and wanted to go over comment cards and just how it went in general. The coolest part was the start of the meeting. They announced that they planned for 70 people to come, and over 200 students came. Jesus? I think so. They went over comment cards and over half asked for info on small groups as well as organizational info. People are SO receptive here. Why shouldn't they be? It's a free gift!! Why can't other countries get that???
Anyway, it was really cool to be around these soon-to-be-doctors that are devoting their lives and careers to God. They so desire eternal life. America shields us from that idea. The Africans walk with Jesus because of what He provides. Americans trust Jesus because it's 'socially acceptable' and live a Christian life that isn't abundant. The difference is so huge... It isn't like those that don't understand an intimate relationship aren't going to Heaven, if you truly believe, you are!! But they are missing out on such a deep and loving relationship with the One who created us. I spend time with God every day... one on one... it's just part of my life. He is with me always. Do I act like it all the time? No. But I know He is with me even when i'm a jerk.
AAAANYWAYYYYY- it was really cool being convicted today. I have seen my emotions go up and down while I've been here. From happy to sad to judgment to fear to anger... All over the place. But I can tell when I allow God to work in me. I can feel it and I can emit service and love like no other... THATS abundant living. Enjoying the gift He gives me.
So we are back at the compound. The cook made chicken pasta tonight which was delicious. But- he made the same pasta without the meat for me :) i'm so blessed!!
Kwaheri!!
Molly
Sunday/Monday
Sunday Funday? So accurate. Sunday was great. We all had a late night so the Stickneys allowed us to sleep in. This meant I got a longer run! I ran for about 3 miles and walked 1, so that is an improvement. Still difficult, but improvement!! We then went to lunch with a friend I met in Uganda last year who happened to be in Kenya for a few weeks. That was awesome, and I was very encouraged by it!! The rest of the day was very calm, and consisted of a lot of down time, which was much needed!!
Today was the usual- Classes from 7-1. I love these classes because I am able to focus in a way that I never have before. It helps that I enjoy learning about my creator, but I have some sort of control over my ability to drift off into dreamland that I don't have normally. It's also wonderful, because I learn TONS. We go over topics every day to help us minister well, and it has really taken all the information I've learned and put it into an organized set of information. I'm loving this!!!
Today we will be knocking on doors at a local university. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I have been feeling pretty insecure in my faith today just because I am being vulnerable and not defending myself well from Satan. Prayers needed for confidence, love, and motivation!!
I will post an update on this after we get back at some point. Unless I decide to sleep... which is really sounding great right now.
Sorry for the boring post, no giraffes this time!!
Kwa Heri!!
Molly
Today was the usual- Classes from 7-1. I love these classes because I am able to focus in a way that I never have before. It helps that I enjoy learning about my creator, but I have some sort of control over my ability to drift off into dreamland that I don't have normally. It's also wonderful, because I learn TONS. We go over topics every day to help us minister well, and it has really taken all the information I've learned and put it into an organized set of information. I'm loving this!!!
Today we will be knocking on doors at a local university. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I have been feeling pretty insecure in my faith today just because I am being vulnerable and not defending myself well from Satan. Prayers needed for confidence, love, and motivation!!
I will post an update on this after we get back at some point. Unless I decide to sleep... which is really sounding great right now.
Sorry for the boring post, no giraffes this time!!
Kwa Heri!!
Molly
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Photos link
here's the link to the photos from my last post!!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2186860040649.2072506.1521480464&type=1
here's a fun video!!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2186884241254
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2186860040649.2072506.1521480464&type=1
here's a fun video!!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2186884241254
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Friday's post and saturdays adventures!
What a day!! Today was planned to be pretty calm, and that
it was. I started my day as I do every other day running. Or I guess I should
clarify- trying to run. The altitude here is the same as Colorado which is hard
enough, but on top of that it is rainy season now and it gets humid every other
hour. So it just so happens when I try to run I’m getting a smaller amount of
oxygen and I’m breathing in a lot of water molecules in the air. This is no
excuse though! I am in Kenya, the country of runners. Seriously, look at the
past few White Rock Marathon winners in Dallas… you will see a big group of
Kenyan’s at the top of the list. It is pretty cool though, I see competitive
runners running up and down highways here in Kenya. I like to see these
Africans using their God-given running abilities and getting rewarded for it.
But man, do I wish I had the body type that they did!!!
Anyway, I ran about 2 miles. I had been running 3 in Dallas,
so I’d say I’m getting better. But the thing is in Dallas the runs are pretty
easy. Here they’re SO hard and I have to walk a few steps on the corners of the
circular route and sometimes stop to breathe. But, I’m building up. I can’t
expect my body to function in a different environment the same as it does
somewhere else. I’ve also been enjoying asking God for strength during my runs.
Every time I get super exhausted (not huffing and puffing exhausted, but about
to fall over exhausted) I ask God to get me to a certain corner or spot, and
each time my pace picks up and I am able to get there quickly. It’s kinda like
playtime with God :)
So, that was great! Starts my day off well and is followed
by a hot shower. Then we did our classes starting at 7 and ending at 1. Today
for our Romans study we actually got to discuss our time at Kenyatta University
yesterday. This led to a long discussion about culture differences. For
example, when I was talking with students yesterday I found myself talking AT
them a lot and not with them. That, or they just looked at me after I asked a
question for some time before answering. We discussed how Kenyans are generally
quiet, in that they enter friendships with no trust and then build trust.
Americans enter friendships with trust until that trust is broken. It’s so
different and hard to understand each side for each group, but it was cool to
see the reactions of how we do things and how Kenya does things. We also talked
about male-female relationships. Deborah, one of the Kenyan interns, said ‘In a
marriage men are the dominant ones and are leaders. Women attend the functions
the men do, but they are not allowed to speak. Their voice isn’t heard or
respected, and it is disrespectful to speak in public with your husband with
you’. How sad…. Women here are so low on the priority list. I was told that
even the women going to school are doing it to get a job, yes, but after you
get married you do as the husband does. So if his job is in one city and yours
is in another, you move to his job and you travel to your own. The majority of
women, though, go to school and get a job, but once they’re married they’re in
the kitchen and are providing for the husbands. Despite their hard work and
effort into becoming educated, they’re forced into the ‘wife’ role. I was also
told that Kenya is stuck in the 1950’s version of America, aka they’re 60 years
behind us. So when you think about relational things between cultures, women
and men, kids… think 60’s and you got it. So we went over all of that today and
I learned tons about the culture here, which was awesome. I don’t understand it
but I will respect it.
I feel like in the past I’ve been shielded from the real
stuff about countries, especially ones in Africa. This stuff is real life to
these people and what’s shown is the tribes and lions. Life is happening here,
people’s careers are happening here. PEOPLE ARE HERE! They work hard if not
harder than we do to survive and be successful. That, and they learn how to
drive a car like a mad person. Two important things in life ;)
So today was pool day. There is a local resort called Safari
Hotel & Casino. You can use the pool and slides for about 300 shillings a
person, so about $4 per person. It is just what I said, a resort, so the pool
is more like a bunch of gorgeous pools connected with rock slides and tons of
trees and birds… just gorgeous!! I was going to get in the water but decided to
stay out after the other girls left, and ended up getting the wonderful
opportunity to talk with Kerry Stickney. I really enjoyed this, every minute of
this. It helps that Kerry is personable, but even moreso that she is genuinely
interested in what you have to say, what you are thinking, and how you
interpret things. Everything we have discussed is always followed up with the
question of what God convicts you of. There isn’t any reason to do anything
unless it’s of the Lord or it glorifies Him. I have really learned this truth
from Kerry and I’m so grateful for it!! So we had some good girl time and then
it started raining, so we ended up under an umbrella table with the other 3
girls and Kerry’s kids. This was also fun, and really just nice to relax and be
calm. We left with no tan lines, but we had a good time despite it.
Tonight was game night and pizza! It was epic. We had 4 game
stations going, and you had one member of your team at each one and you
rotated. Judging on how many games each person won, each team added up their
points and the winners got the best prize ever: ICE CREAM!!! Well not tonight,
but for Sunday night. The losers had to clean dishes. Long story short, my team
got 50 points. The other teams were in the 300s. Woops. My hands are nice and
soft from the water J
It was a really fun time filled with laughter and just fun between two
completely different groups of people. I feel like I really was able to just
relax and be my ridiculously-competitive-but-humble self. Plus, we got pizza
and my favorite: BLACK CURRANT FANTA!! These aren’t available in the states…
which is a sin… but if you ever get to try one, DO IT. Jesus drinks it.
Now it’s bed time! Tomorrow will be ridiculous- will consist
of going to a Kenyan museum, feeding giraffes, and playing with orphaned baby
elephants. SO. COOL! Expect tons of photos. Oh, and as for those videos I
promised you… follow these links!
Saturday
Oh my goodness. Today rocked!!! We started the morning with the Karen Blixen museum which was really interesting. Then we did the super cool stuffs like hang out with giraffes and elephants. No joke! We went to a giraffe conservation place where you can feed them, and yes, I did put a piece of food in my lips and yes, I did kiss the giraffe. I will post a link to the photos asap!! It was so awesome seeing God's creation up close and personally, and was just in awe of how amazing it is. We have been studying Romans and God's creation being proof of His existence. Seeing twisted trees that are 95 years old, or seeing flowers that are only able to grow in Kenya. It was gorgeous and it also was just eye opening to the rest of the world and what we appreciate where we live. This was great, and then we went to the elephant orphanage.
This place was so cool! Your entry fee allows you to 'adopt' an elephant for $50. American money converts really well currently, so $50 is a good amount for elephant care. The cool part was each elephant has their own worker that lives in the stall with them. Their beds are lofted of course, but these workers stay with the elephants their entire lifetime. It is really cool to see how the elephants attach themselves to the workers and are really very skiddish. I didn't know such a large animal would be so timid, but apparently that's the case. The babies are attached to a 'blanket' that is hanging, because it reminds them of their mother. That was very sweet. After you would stay at the stall for a while, they would come up to the doors to sniff you and let you rub their trunks, etc. That was super awesome and really eye opening to the trust issues that we as humans have and how it is the same with some animals. The workers there told us how 'human-like' the elephants are in their personalities and emotions. It was strange how you could look in the eyes of an elephant and see that they were looking right back at you, observing you, deciding if they wanted to trust you.
Today was just wonderful. I really got some good time with the American girls that I haven't gotten to have, and was able to see God over come exhaustion, fear, and even intestinal issues (go accidentally eating a cm-long piece of turkey). I am learning, and observing, full reliance on Him in every aspect. I can't do it without Him!!!
I will post a link to the photos ASAP! I need to go thru and delete some bad ones before I post them :)
Kwa heri!!
Molly
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Weekly schedule, and Wednesday and Thursday
Wow. What an adventure the last two days have been!! I plan to write chronologically, just to keep things in the right rhythm.
Also- during the mornings we have 3 back to back 'classes'. The first one is a guided quiet time with discussion of a devotional we are doing as a group. The second is a class with a local missionary on how to tell biblical stories in a 'storytelling' form. So we literally take stories in the bible, and learn them in a way that's interesting, and exciting. This isn't to say the originals aren't, but who really likes being read word for word long stories from thousands of years ago? Not me, anyway. The last is a study over Romans we will be doing all month. I have done studies over Romans before, but none like this. Tom (the director of ACO) is leading it and applies it to everything we are doing as WELL as life in the US. The morning schedule looks like this:
7:00- Guided quiet time
8:15- breakfast and chai tea
9:15- Storytelling
10:30- break and lunch
11:45- Romans Study
Wednesday
Wednesday was special. There are exciting days, fun days, scary days... today was special, and sweet. We had the opportunity to go to Treeside Special School For Mentally Handicap. They forgot the 'the', but this is Africa so that's what it is. This school is what it says- for the mentally handicap. I am going to be honest and say I don't usually interact with the mentally handicap in the US, much less in Africa! I was really nervous about this on the drive over, and those fears didn't ease up when I arrived. I don't think it helped that I had to potty REALLY bad as well. I expected the love I felt, and the importance of physical touch wasn't a secret... But I just wasn't prepared. I felt like I was finally 'comfortable' around the time we started to leave. But, the face I put on during the main part of the time turned from a forced face to a genuine face. I saw a clear example of God acting in a situation that I felt like I was being 'fake' in. He replaced my fear with love, and that's all the kids at the school wanted. God took my numbness and transformed it! So cool. Now, my fear and discomfort wasn't to say I didn't enjoy myself. I want to be a therapist, and I absolutely enjoy being uncomfortable and confrontational with the world. I enjoyed the challenge and really grew from it. The kids sang us some songs at the end of our time together, and we prayed over each other. They asked as we left for us to come back with 'cookies and sodas'! Nothing would make my heart happier :) I then was able to get a Kenyan phone that uses 3g internet (super cheap here) and can make my own wifi hotspot, so I will not have to rely on a local missionary's wifi as well as the weather (we have to sit outside to use their wifi).
Thursday
Thursday (today) was also eventful. We started the morning as a regular day, and finished up with the instructions that we would be meeting at 2 (we had a nice break) to do our 'discovery' ministry. This is basically a ministry we seek out, and participate in the rest of the month. Turns out this was not what we were doing, it was actually going sharing at a local college, called Kenyatta University. We were tricked! I was actually really nervous about this as well, but i prayed God would take over. He did, to an extent, but man did I see how unpracticed I was with walking up to people and just asking them about their lives. This is what I want to do for my career, and I was nervous! I did get to talk to two girls, Liz and Joan, and get to know their stories. They asked me questions (as if I was super smart or something) and told me how much they appreciated my company. I plan to see them again! One thing you (audience) can be in prayer over is for Liz's brother, James, who is a recovering alcoholic with a kid, but isn't a christian. He is falling fast she said and she knows he isn't a believer, and the reality is setting in that He would go to hell. Prayers for salvation and for his family to continue working in his life!!! Also, Joan was diagnosed with a skin condition called Vitiligo in September of 2010 (her freshman year) and is having treatment, but it's really putting a damper in her walk with God. She doesn't understand why this is happening and is confused. I loved getting to share with her about my tumor, and feeling the exact same as she does. This was encouraging for both of us, but doesn't make it easier for her. You can't even really tell she has the condition, but it bothers her. We then took what we call 'party busses', which are big bus-taxi things that blast reggae music and have lots of metallic and bright colors inside, back to the compound and finished with a night of card games with the Kenyan students. God is SO good and is providing! Check this link to see pictures of this week so far, and soon videos!
photos
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2184655265531.2072456.1521480464&type=1
Also- during the mornings we have 3 back to back 'classes'. The first one is a guided quiet time with discussion of a devotional we are doing as a group. The second is a class with a local missionary on how to tell biblical stories in a 'storytelling' form. So we literally take stories in the bible, and learn them in a way that's interesting, and exciting. This isn't to say the originals aren't, but who really likes being read word for word long stories from thousands of years ago? Not me, anyway. The last is a study over Romans we will be doing all month. I have done studies over Romans before, but none like this. Tom (the director of ACO) is leading it and applies it to everything we are doing as WELL as life in the US. The morning schedule looks like this:
7:00- Guided quiet time
8:15- breakfast and chai tea
9:15- Storytelling
10:30- break and lunch
11:45- Romans Study
Wednesday
Wednesday was special. There are exciting days, fun days, scary days... today was special, and sweet. We had the opportunity to go to Treeside Special School For Mentally Handicap. They forgot the 'the', but this is Africa so that's what it is. This school is what it says- for the mentally handicap. I am going to be honest and say I don't usually interact with the mentally handicap in the US, much less in Africa! I was really nervous about this on the drive over, and those fears didn't ease up when I arrived. I don't think it helped that I had to potty REALLY bad as well. I expected the love I felt, and the importance of physical touch wasn't a secret... But I just wasn't prepared. I felt like I was finally 'comfortable' around the time we started to leave. But, the face I put on during the main part of the time turned from a forced face to a genuine face. I saw a clear example of God acting in a situation that I felt like I was being 'fake' in. He replaced my fear with love, and that's all the kids at the school wanted. God took my numbness and transformed it! So cool. Now, my fear and discomfort wasn't to say I didn't enjoy myself. I want to be a therapist, and I absolutely enjoy being uncomfortable and confrontational with the world. I enjoyed the challenge and really grew from it. The kids sang us some songs at the end of our time together, and we prayed over each other. They asked as we left for us to come back with 'cookies and sodas'! Nothing would make my heart happier :) I then was able to get a Kenyan phone that uses 3g internet (super cheap here) and can make my own wifi hotspot, so I will not have to rely on a local missionary's wifi as well as the weather (we have to sit outside to use their wifi).
Thursday
Thursday (today) was also eventful. We started the morning as a regular day, and finished up with the instructions that we would be meeting at 2 (we had a nice break) to do our 'discovery' ministry. This is basically a ministry we seek out, and participate in the rest of the month. Turns out this was not what we were doing, it was actually going sharing at a local college, called Kenyatta University. We were tricked! I was actually really nervous about this as well, but i prayed God would take over. He did, to an extent, but man did I see how unpracticed I was with walking up to people and just asking them about their lives. This is what I want to do for my career, and I was nervous! I did get to talk to two girls, Liz and Joan, and get to know their stories. They asked me questions (as if I was super smart or something) and told me how much they appreciated my company. I plan to see them again! One thing you (audience) can be in prayer over is for Liz's brother, James, who is a recovering alcoholic with a kid, but isn't a christian. He is falling fast she said and she knows he isn't a believer, and the reality is setting in that He would go to hell. Prayers for salvation and for his family to continue working in his life!!! Also, Joan was diagnosed with a skin condition called Vitiligo in September of 2010 (her freshman year) and is having treatment, but it's really putting a damper in her walk with God. She doesn't understand why this is happening and is confused. I loved getting to share with her about my tumor, and feeling the exact same as she does. This was encouraging for both of us, but doesn't make it easier for her. You can't even really tell she has the condition, but it bothers her. We then took what we call 'party busses', which are big bus-taxi things that blast reggae music and have lots of metallic and bright colors inside, back to the compound and finished with a night of card games with the Kenyan students. God is SO good and is providing! Check this link to see pictures of this week so far, and soon videos!
photos
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2184655265531.2072456.1521480464&type=1
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Technical Difficulties
Hey everyone this is Kyle signing in for Molly.
She's having some issues with her internet connection over in Kenya and asked me to let y'all know that she would be posting tomorrow so get excited. I'd also like to ask you to keep her in your prayers as she is over in Africa.The Lord has already done some awesome things since she's been there and I know the Lord will keep using her while she's there.
Thanks and gig 'em
Kyle
She's having some issues with her internet connection over in Kenya and asked me to let y'all know that she would be posting tomorrow so get excited. I'd also like to ask you to keep her in your prayers as she is over in Africa.The Lord has already done some awesome things since she's been there and I know the Lord will keep using her while she's there.
Thanks and gig 'em
Kyle
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The Kenyans are coming! The Kenyans are coming!
Well, I guess I should edit this now, the Kenyans are here! The Kenyans are here!
This internship is super cool, not just because of how I get to work with God here, but because just as the American students are interns, there are students in Kenya doing the exact same internship. Not like we are ministering to them, they are going with us out of the compound and knocking on doors at the local university too. It's awesome to see the difference between us, and how they are from here and know Kenya and have similar fears and insecurities. They are the same, and are absolutely hilarious!!! Tomorrow we will start our internship officially. This means we will wake up and do classes on things like how to share the gospel in story telling, and how to do a quiet time, how to tell a testimony, etc. We then will be going to a orphanage that is for mentally handicapped children, which will be AWESOME!! Then we will be going to a local university to knock on doors and share with people and just build relationships. I can't wait to actually start this process and dive into uncomfortable situations. Not that I enjoy them, but I know that I'll grow through them. I know I will be challenged and leave the situation being better than I was, and will laugh at my original fears. Today I was asked why I decided to come here, and I really had to think about it. I feel like I came to be bettered. Like its all about me. But I can't decide if it's wrong to come to allow God to work in my own life, while working in others. I don't see myself doing much to better the people here, and if I do, it's not of me. I'm here to love and be loved. Now my job is to wait and see what God will do :)
Kwaheri! (goodbye)
Molly
This internship is super cool, not just because of how I get to work with God here, but because just as the American students are interns, there are students in Kenya doing the exact same internship. Not like we are ministering to them, they are going with us out of the compound and knocking on doors at the local university too. It's awesome to see the difference between us, and how they are from here and know Kenya and have similar fears and insecurities. They are the same, and are absolutely hilarious!!! Tomorrow we will start our internship officially. This means we will wake up and do classes on things like how to share the gospel in story telling, and how to do a quiet time, how to tell a testimony, etc. We then will be going to a orphanage that is for mentally handicapped children, which will be AWESOME!! Then we will be going to a local university to knock on doors and share with people and just build relationships. I can't wait to actually start this process and dive into uncomfortable situations. Not that I enjoy them, but I know that I'll grow through them. I know I will be challenged and leave the situation being better than I was, and will laugh at my original fears. Today I was asked why I decided to come here, and I really had to think about it. I feel like I came to be bettered. Like its all about me. But I can't decide if it's wrong to come to allow God to work in my own life, while working in others. I don't see myself doing much to better the people here, and if I do, it's not of me. I'm here to love and be loved. Now my job is to wait and see what God will do :)
Kwaheri! (goodbye)
Molly
Saturday, June 2, 2012
sorry for the delay...
So, i'm guessing you all assumed I made it safely!!! We haven't had much access to wifi but it will be more consistent soon. So, until that takes place, I'm gonna update you several days at once!!
For starters, traveling was... traveling. I really don't remember a lot of it due to my new experience with melatonin, but it went by pretty quickly and was smooth enough to get through Kenyan customs where I met Tom's wife, Kerry. I was met at the bottom of the stairs by Alyssa (one of the girls doing the internship), Tom (the director), and his two kids. It was a nice welcome after such a whirlwind of a 20 hour travel time. I was taken to the Stickney's home, got some grub (delicious I might add) and then was shown where I'll be living for the next month. It was hard because it was dark and raining at this time so I wasn't really able to get a feel for the compound we are in (surrounded by 10 ft walls). My room seemed super empty and I'm not gonna lie, I was kinda sad and down and feeling pretty lonely... Satan used this time to attack me and questioned why I was here, what led me here, etc. So as opposed to dwelling in my sorrow, I took that time to set up my room. I got things up off the floor and hanging from the bunk bed, put my clothes under my bed (they stay in the bag), took out my shoes and just unpacked as much as I could. Tom explained to us that this is as close to being a missionary as we are going to get, and he was right. There aren't drawers or hangers or anything. It is a room with concrete walls and a bunk in it. (Mommy, it's OK to not unpack... I don't really have a choice here haha). So, I eventually fell asleep and hoped to get over some of this jetlag.
The next morning Alyssa and I woke up and were served eggs, oranges, pineapple, and toast, all freshly made by Hellen and Sam (workers at the compound). Such a treat and of course, I enjoyed some Chai Tea (super common here). AAANYWAY, it was a good start. Then three other girls that are interning showed up, as they had a later flight, so that was cool to meet them. They are Cambry, Carly, and Erika. They set their stuff up and had some food, and prepared for a busy day despite getting off a plane that morning. Our day wasn't super busy, but it became kinda hectic pretty quickly. We were asked to help host a concert/karaoke/talent show/worship service with one of the missionaries on the compound, so this consisted of us standing around and waiting for jobs. I struggled a bit with not feeling used by God, but I knew that he was working!! Turns out everything that could go wrong, went wrong. The band canceled, the equipment wasn't working, the tea and food wasn't what she ordered, the guards weren't directing people to the right places, and since it's 'africa time' the college students in Kenya that were coming to this event showed up 45 mins late. Being on time isn't a big deal here, and I am definitely struggling with that. On top of all that, it started pouring rain. On the equipment, musical instruments, and the guests! We ended up moving the entire party into our cement housing and enjoying some echoing speakers and loud music. Everything that went wrong, did go wrong, but God made it work. He intended for us to go inside so we could get to know everyone better. I made tons of friends and even someone who said he wanted to marry me and move to America to be my husband as his 'work'. Don't worry, Kyle, I informed him of you... but he said you're in America and you'd never have to know. Classy, huh? It was a great night of music, dancing, worship, slam poetry, spoken word, and choreographed dancing to explain God's love. Super simple, and more fun than the original party. That ended at around 9:30, and then things got crazier. Multiple times during the party the power went out, leaving us in a pitch black room with no windows. We found the breaker box and flipped the switch, but all the equipment was just too much. We turned off some lights and it worked for more time in between shutting off. After the concert, this continued!! We would be in the bathroom and the lights would shut off, again leaving us in darkness. Then we heard something else... thunder... It started raining AGAIN!! So we were stuck in a black building with no light and with rain all around us making it darker outside... Next thing we knew the Stickneys pulled up in their car, grabbed our mattresses and we were in their house on the floor with electricity and blankets :) They didn't want us being 'uncomfortable' in darkness while we slept... So basically we are princesses :) we stayed up until about 1am laughing about our days events and conversations with the Kenyans, and how we said things right or wrong, etc. It was a blast!!
Today we woke up and had breakfast, followed by a meeting about what to do and not do, and what to expect and not expect, how to deal with situations and what we are looking at doing for the next month. This was followed by cleaning, eating lunch, and then we played field hockey with some girls from a local school. this is funny to me, as I'm not super coordinated, but I made the girls laugh and that's always good. Anyway, tonight we went to dinner at a place called Java House, which is basically a kenyan restaurant with american food. It was DELICIOUS!!!! Was nice to have familiar food made in the same way as 'home'. Now I am planning on getting a phone that has internet and can be a wifi hotspot so I don't have to depend on weather and daylight to use my computer. Should be great!!!
Until next time,
Molly
For starters, traveling was... traveling. I really don't remember a lot of it due to my new experience with melatonin, but it went by pretty quickly and was smooth enough to get through Kenyan customs where I met Tom's wife, Kerry. I was met at the bottom of the stairs by Alyssa (one of the girls doing the internship), Tom (the director), and his two kids. It was a nice welcome after such a whirlwind of a 20 hour travel time. I was taken to the Stickney's home, got some grub (delicious I might add) and then was shown where I'll be living for the next month. It was hard because it was dark and raining at this time so I wasn't really able to get a feel for the compound we are in (surrounded by 10 ft walls). My room seemed super empty and I'm not gonna lie, I was kinda sad and down and feeling pretty lonely... Satan used this time to attack me and questioned why I was here, what led me here, etc. So as opposed to dwelling in my sorrow, I took that time to set up my room. I got things up off the floor and hanging from the bunk bed, put my clothes under my bed (they stay in the bag), took out my shoes and just unpacked as much as I could. Tom explained to us that this is as close to being a missionary as we are going to get, and he was right. There aren't drawers or hangers or anything. It is a room with concrete walls and a bunk in it. (Mommy, it's OK to not unpack... I don't really have a choice here haha). So, I eventually fell asleep and hoped to get over some of this jetlag.
The next morning Alyssa and I woke up and were served eggs, oranges, pineapple, and toast, all freshly made by Hellen and Sam (workers at the compound). Such a treat and of course, I enjoyed some Chai Tea (super common here). AAANYWAY, it was a good start. Then three other girls that are interning showed up, as they had a later flight, so that was cool to meet them. They are Cambry, Carly, and Erika. They set their stuff up and had some food, and prepared for a busy day despite getting off a plane that morning. Our day wasn't super busy, but it became kinda hectic pretty quickly. We were asked to help host a concert/karaoke/talent show/worship service with one of the missionaries on the compound, so this consisted of us standing around and waiting for jobs. I struggled a bit with not feeling used by God, but I knew that he was working!! Turns out everything that could go wrong, went wrong. The band canceled, the equipment wasn't working, the tea and food wasn't what she ordered, the guards weren't directing people to the right places, and since it's 'africa time' the college students in Kenya that were coming to this event showed up 45 mins late. Being on time isn't a big deal here, and I am definitely struggling with that. On top of all that, it started pouring rain. On the equipment, musical instruments, and the guests! We ended up moving the entire party into our cement housing and enjoying some echoing speakers and loud music. Everything that went wrong, did go wrong, but God made it work. He intended for us to go inside so we could get to know everyone better. I made tons of friends and even someone who said he wanted to marry me and move to America to be my husband as his 'work'. Don't worry, Kyle, I informed him of you... but he said you're in America and you'd never have to know. Classy, huh? It was a great night of music, dancing, worship, slam poetry, spoken word, and choreographed dancing to explain God's love. Super simple, and more fun than the original party. That ended at around 9:30, and then things got crazier. Multiple times during the party the power went out, leaving us in a pitch black room with no windows. We found the breaker box and flipped the switch, but all the equipment was just too much. We turned off some lights and it worked for more time in between shutting off. After the concert, this continued!! We would be in the bathroom and the lights would shut off, again leaving us in darkness. Then we heard something else... thunder... It started raining AGAIN!! So we were stuck in a black building with no light and with rain all around us making it darker outside... Next thing we knew the Stickneys pulled up in their car, grabbed our mattresses and we were in their house on the floor with electricity and blankets :) They didn't want us being 'uncomfortable' in darkness while we slept... So basically we are princesses :) we stayed up until about 1am laughing about our days events and conversations with the Kenyans, and how we said things right or wrong, etc. It was a blast!!
Today we woke up and had breakfast, followed by a meeting about what to do and not do, and what to expect and not expect, how to deal with situations and what we are looking at doing for the next month. This was followed by cleaning, eating lunch, and then we played field hockey with some girls from a local school. this is funny to me, as I'm not super coordinated, but I made the girls laugh and that's always good. Anyway, tonight we went to dinner at a place called Java House, which is basically a kenyan restaurant with american food. It was DELICIOUS!!!! Was nice to have familiar food made in the same way as 'home'. Now I am planning on getting a phone that has internet and can be a wifi hotspot so I don't have to depend on weather and daylight to use my computer. Should be great!!!
Until next time,
Molly
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