tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74466051723786923152024-03-14T05:30:22.811-07:00Karibu Kenya!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-46637744132564225322013-06-04T00:50:00.001-07:002013-06-04T00:51:41.864-07:00My Time is Coming to an End...<br />
It is crazy to think that these are my last three weeks in Kenya. Time has literally flown by! I definitely have mixed emotions thus far regarding coming home. It will be great to see my friends and family as well as share my experience here with everyone at home but it will also be so sad to leave. It seems that I am leaving just when I feel like I have finally found my niche. I have amazing friends and family in Kenya and I am so grateful for each and every one of them. <br />
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Me leaving became real this past weekend when we had a going away party for a friend who was doing research from Hanover College. She was only here for three weeks even in that short time I think the bonds and connections you make with people here makes it really hard to leave them. <br />
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I also feel like that it is going to be a big adjustment coming from Kenya back to the states for multiple reasons. I have really gotten accustomed to the Kenya lifestyle which can be described as 'you get there when you get there' or 'polepole' (slowly slowly) (so if I am late to meetings or something please forgive me I am probably still on Kenyan time).<br />
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Another challenge for me will to be telling my story from here but telling it in a way that is encompassing all aspects of my experience and not just one sided (as the video clip from yesterdays blog shows). How can I show you the reality of Kenya in the best way so you can get a better picture.<br />
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These are some of the challenges I am facing as I conclude my time in Kenya. I wish I could stay longer and who knows I might be back here sooner than I expect. I have definitely fallen in love with the country mainly because its amazing people and I cannot wait to share them with you. <br />
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I leave Kenya on June 30th, 2013 and will be arriving in Memphis on the 1st of July<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-88078960037716473552013-06-03T01:14:00.000-07:002013-06-03T01:14:08.415-07:00<br />
The danger of a single story<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg&list=LLdZ5urznawXW_lwhNwymMoA&feature=mh_lolz<br />
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Enjoy! I hope maybe it will make you think as much as it did for me! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-38329724753906844002013-05-07T05:04:00.002-07:002013-05-07T05:09:34.343-07:00It's is best discribed through pictures <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Meet sweet Nancy, she is one of the amazing missionaries that our church has. She is currently working in South Sudan in the area of public health. I am so thankful for her and luck to have had the privilege to get to know her through this conference in South Africa. <br />
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I would also like to introduce you to Bob and Christy, they are and adorable couple serving in the DRC. We were lucky enough to have shared Christmas with them this past December. If you want to be inspired just meet these amazing people. <br />
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This banner was in the cathedral in Cape Town. It's a beautiful prayer for Africa. <br />
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This is one of the wonderful people I met on the way back to Nairobi from Dar es Salam. Her name is Caryn she is traveling to Kampala to start school. Her dream is to be an accountant like her father and to help her mom and brother out of a difficult family situation. <br />
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This was my initiation into the African Divine Church through a prayer and placing of a head scarf which is worn by all members. The meaning of the colors is the blood of Jesus and the green represents earth while the white is the light of God. <br />
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In the center of the picture with the white robe is the Archbishop of the African Divine Church with his mother in the pink and major leaders walking to meet the youth as they are marching to pay their respects to the grave of their founder. <br />
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After paying respects to the founder I marched with the group singing and dancing throughout town (just outside Kisumu town in Western Province Kenya) as we made our way back to the Boyiani Mission Headquarters. <br />
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Some of my great friends who escorted me to town. These children stay at the Archbishops compound so we got to be great friends by the end of my stay. <br />
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The lovely ladies and my great friends at the Archbishops residence. These ladies taught me so many things including how to make ugali and greens. <br />
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On the far left is my sweet Valentine who I helped with Biology and she helped me with Swahili. She went almost everywhere with the Bishop (her father) and me. She was such a blessing to me and I am so grateful for her kindness. <br />
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Sweet kids playing jump rope outside. Yes, they had me try but it did not last long at all. <br />
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'Grand' (the mother to Archbishop) she was so fun and I got to visit her each morning and try to understand her swahili because she spoke no English. <br />
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The girls taught me how to carry the ugali flower on my head, it's much easier than carrying it by hands. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-50995220042150258642013-05-06T01:36:00.001-07:002013-05-06T01:37:11.865-07:00This Past Months TravelsSo many of you may think that I have completely disappeared, please don't worry. I am fine and very much alive. I have so much to share with you since we last talked I hardly know where to begin!<br />
<img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/428640_598338268821_757196140_n.jpg" style="height: 842px; width: 632px;" /><br />
For those of you who are my facebook friends you may have noticed the many pictures from all over the place recently because that has been my life- all over the place! The 1st of April I traveled to South Africa for the Africa Missionary Conference where I had the privileged to get to know many of the missionaries representing throughout the continent. I cannot tell you how rewarding and inspirational this experience was as a YAV. It is so encouraging to see the church working through people and to learn about their stories and experiences. The conference consisted of many discussions about the plans for the mission in the church.<br />
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So after the week of many meetings the YAV bunch decided to stay an extra week in Cape Town to explore I mean really how many other opportunities would we get besides this one to go to the beautiful SA. Compared to Kenya and the little portion of Africa that I have seen, Cape Town is so different! There is orderly driving, pedestrians have actual cross stops and signs where cars stop for you, there are road signs people follow, and the malls are huge (when we went into the V and A on the waterfront I had to ask Nicole if it would be weird for her to hold my hand because my mind was blown at that time). It felt like Europe or I was back home it was so weird. We had a wonderful time exploring downtown. I think my favorite day was the afternoon after going to the District 6 Museum we traveled along the coast and stopped at a nice beach and ate delicious Thai food while watching the sun go down. All in all Cape Town was a blast and by then end we did not want to go home!<br />
<img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/35011_10152756167145637_1582496654_n.jpg" style="height: 720px; width: 960px;" /><br />
But sadly, we had to board the plane to Nairobi where we spent a couple of nights and then Will, Nicole and I decided randomly to travel to Mombasa. I mean you can't live in Kenya for a year and not go to Mombasa. So we hopped on a night bus and landed in the humidity the following morning. Mombasa is beautiful it reminded me of Zanzibar when I was there with my parents. The beaches are gorgeous and we made a few new rifikis at the Backpackers place we stayed at who we went snorkeling with. Then on that Saturday I decided to travel to Dar es Salam with Nicole to see where she and Gina live and work.<br />
<img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/575495_598366202841_713339715_n.jpg" style="height: 720px; width: 960px;" /><br />
So once again got on another bus to Dar and stayed with their host family there. Dar is similar to Mombasa being on the coast with the beautiful beaches but with quite a bit more Swahili. I got to see the girls youth church and even sang in their praise band. We explored a bit of Dar and went to a beautiful beach on my last day there. Sadly I could only stay a short time because the office called me back to do some traveling for work. So I went on another bus ride from Dar to Nairobi- I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to look at your map of Africa so you can see how far this ride really is. It took 18 hours for me to reach Nairobi. The next morning by 11AM I was off to Kisumu another day long bus ride.<br />
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I must say though I have made some great friends on those long bus rides. On the ride to Nairobi from Dar a woman was picked up with a beautiful baby boy who only spoke Swahili (which by the way I am still learning). As she got on the bus with many bags as she was unloading her things I offered to hold her baby. I was sitting their and she was telling me all kinds of things who knows what she was saying because I could not understand her. I just asked her what her name was and a couple other basic things. We shared cookies and at the rest stop while I watched her baby she got me juice and some fried egg thing and we ate together. I do not think I will forget this lady and her generosity. She left before we crossed the boarder to Kenya and another young girl sat down and eventually we began talking. She is a 15 year old girl on her way to school in Uganda. She said that she is happy to go so she can try to make something of herself and help her brothers escape their abusive father. She has a dream to one day be an accountant and possibly go to school in the states. I told her to study very hard and one day maybe it would be possible. She taught me a bit more Swahili and gave me a rosery ring to remember her by even though I would not need anything to remember her by. <br />
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Once I arrived in Kisumu I was met by one of the Bishops colleges who was with his wife and daughters. We drove to Boyiani where the Africa Divine Church Mission is located. I LOVED the Bishop and his family! I had such a rewarding and amazing experience. The following morning I introduced myself to 400 youth at the Youth Conference then was shown around by some of the ADC pastors. I marched (sings and dancing along the road) with the youth after paying respects to the churches founders burial site back to the mission where the retreat was closed (by the Archbishop who I was staying with). The Youth Conference is an annual event the ADC church has and it continues to grow each year which was very encouraging. The Bishop asked me to stay the week rather than leaving on Monday as I had planed so of course I stayed. We traveled so much around the region and I got a feel for a few of their key programs in community development. It was a great experience and I now have another Kenyan family and I hope to visit them again before I head back home. Speaking of, can you believe it is May? When did this happen? Time has really flown by! I will tell you much more about this experience later and put up more pictures for you too!<br />
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I hope everyone is well! I am so encouraged to have emails and letters from the church! It means so much! I cannot wait to see everyone these next couple of months I am sure will fly right by! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-86168083338488835652013-03-18T05:18:00.002-07:002013-03-18T05:24:20.276-07:00More News from Kenya <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello Friends!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope all of you are well! I just wanted to give you a
brief update on last week and what I have been up to recently. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all I would like to say thank you again to my
followers and those that have left me very encouraging comments. I just want to
continue to strengthen the communication between my home and here to help you
to better understand our role in Kenya. It is easy to feel like you have been
forgotten about being continents away and I appreciate the feedback. </div>
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In recent election news, Kenya is anxiously waiting to hear the court ruling from the
election that took place on March 4<sup>th</sup>. As the entire country shut
down with few buses running and most shops closed everyone was glued to the TV
to count results as they came in pole pole (slowly slowly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Odinga the CORD candidate (running against
the President Elect Kenyatta) claims that the IEBC (election committee) was
unfair in its' tallying of results. He claims that much of the IEBC's equipment did not work properly and also mentions various other problems that took place during the election. Odinga is claiming that it would be unjust to not challenge the results especially under Kenya's new constitution. As soon as the ruling is made and peace is present (as it is
currently) then I will begin traveling around Kenya to check in on the people
the OAIC has been training this past year. I will be documenting stories and
learning from their training experiences to determine which of the OAIC’s
methods are most effective. I am really looking forward to this and will keep you updated on my travels.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yesterday was my opening appearance as a praise and worship
leader singing at Christco Central Church near Kibera. To sum up my experience
I just learned the songs the day before including two Swahili songs and the one
that I went home and practiced got changed the day of. Of course I didn’t know this
until I was standing on stage and the song came on. Thankfully I had a tambourine
so I could cover my mouth and hide the fact that I had no clue what was going
on. Don't worry I had help there were many others on stage to back me up too. Needless to say I am looking forward to my next worship leading experience
this coming Sunday. I have really enjoyed Chirstco Church and feel as if it is
a home away from home. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We also started an NCAA basketball bracket in the OAIC
office today. It will be quite interesting considering that I had to explain to
my co-workers what exactly they had to do. I will keep you updated on our
office competition. I’m sure it will be very entertaining. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christo Central Church </td></tr>
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<![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-21804691315579243552013-03-13T05:04:00.002-07:002013-03-13T05:18:44.911-07:00The Kenyan Election + much more <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The Kenyan elections were peaceful and all is almost back to
normal here in Nairobi. The CORD candidate Raila Odinga is challenging the
elections but peacefully in court. The president elect Uhuru Kenyatta could
face challenges as he faces charges at the International Criminal Court coming
in the next months. This past week the entire country of Kenya was stopped as
the results slowly came out and the winner was announced finally after five
days of waiting in front of the TV. Kenyatta needed more than 50% of the vote
and came out with 50.07% just making the cut. It seemed like everyone in Kenya
was glued to the television last week- busses did not run, stores were closed
etc. Everyone was anxiously waiting to see what would conclude the final
announcement. Many were fearful of a repeat of the 2008 election where hundreds
of people were killed in post election violence. Thankfully through the
constant peace preached in church, and many media reminders and the
determination of Kenyans peace prevailed.<br />
<br />
</div>
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I have been living with Phyllis’ husband and Will while she
has been back in the US finding new YAVs and stuff. He has told me multiple
times that he is not responsible if I blow away by the wind because I am so
small. He thinks that I don’t eat enough and is always at the dinner table
telling me to take thirds and fourths during meals. He has been testing me this
past week to see if I can run an African home also and has said that I pass so
that’s encouraging.<br />
<br />
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These past few weeks I have spent a lot of time writing
articles and hanging out with my friends here who are great. I love it here so
much! I am trying to find excuses to stay longer because my friends and I are
trying to cram all kinds of things in. I have so many more families to meet
here and places to visit.<br />
<br />
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Aside from that I have been going to multiple churches
because all my friends want me to visit their churches. So far I consider my
two home churches St. Andrews PCEA and Christco Central Church. I have really
enjoyed both places and feel much at home at both. I am also working with
Christco which is near Kibera (the largest informal settlement in Nairobi) to
get a children’s home set up in that area. This will be to help empower street children
who have lost their family members to provide them with quality education and
skills necessary to survive in Nairobi. I hope that somehow I can manage to help this cause.<br />
<img alt="Slums of Kibera" class="Photo_Right" src="http://www.kibera.org.uk/images/Photos/14.jpg" height="200" width="300" /> A picture of Kibera. <img alt="Kibera, BBC" border="0" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42426000/jpg/_42426539_11.jpg" height="152" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="203" /><br />
<br /></div>
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I have also been helping a young girl named Blessing who is
four years old. She was burnt badly with third degree burns on her face when
she was two. She was at the point where she did not have eye lids and faced
blindness because of infection. We were able to get her treatment at a hospital
in Uganda which provides low cost treatment. They were able to perform reconstructive
surgery for this little girl and since I have been arranging and escorting her
to the hospital here to get her stitches out and go for checkups. Blessing is
doing much healthier now that she can close her eyes, she also now can eat food
by herself and her nose is in better shape than it was previously. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is nice to be able to help make a
difference in this young girls life and ensure she has a future.<br />
<br />
I have also felt a bit discouraged from my church home. I do not really feel supported by them and rarely hear from them. I know that without their financial support I would not be here but it is also nice to have some encouragement especially since I am representing them. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-70833170049106095762013-02-28T02:19:00.000-08:002013-02-28T02:19:01.349-08:00Dear Readers,<br />
I am sorry for the lack of blog posts recently! I have been very busy between work and family coming to visit. If you are interested on what events and happenings I have been up to recently please see the website oaic.org for recent events that have taken place in our organization. Hopefully in the next week I will have some time to post pictures and a bit more of what I have been up to. Hope you are well!<br />
Have a great day! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-55068602878432033752013-01-27T06:29:00.001-08:002013-01-27T06:29:09.650-08:00It has been too long<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">The combination of my sensitive stomach, love of fruit and adventurous behavior recently have made me an excellent target to get some random stomach infection that left me in the hospital vomiting for two days straight. Thank goodness for my host parents who live just up the street from me and the fact that my host dad is a doctor also helped quite a bit. I am happy to say I was taken care of very well for a fraction of what it would have cost in the states. Every time I gagged the first night I was in the hospital there was a nurse that followed me around and said sorry which was possibly like 40 times. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
I am sure you have heard enough of the gruesome details of my hospital experience so I would like to continue with apologizing for my lack of postings recently. The holidays were quite a busy time, we traveled for a retreat to mount Kenya for a safari, I showed a fellow YAV around Nairobi and ate so much food at our site coordinators house. I also have some great news about a new job that I have recently taken on at a local public school in downtown Nairobi. I have begun swim coaching part time along with my position a the OAIC. I absolutely love working with the kids and I can't wait to get to know the teachers at the school better! The whole school seems like one Giant family and it truly helps make the experience worth while. We will soon be going to galas (swim meets) in the area and I will be sure to inform you of the latest news from our program. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
I have literally had the best week ever. Pastor Edward from Family TV (he also put me in connection with the swimming gig) who I connected with before invited me to church at St. Andrews this morning. I spent like five hours in church and in the end of it came out with two new group memberships. One call Friends of God which is a group of youth that sing gospel for churches in the area they were so great to invite me in. I also will start the praise team for the youth church at St. Andrews this coming week. I am so excited about all of it. Not only that but pastor Edward Introduced me to his lovely wife who I am so thankful to have met. We had a great conversation and it was so nice to have another connection in such a great church community here. I cannot wait to continue to worship here! </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
Earlier this week on the way home from coaching I took the matatu home then caught a motor bike back to street where I live I ran into a lovely woman named Sara. We started talking and she told me about her family and she taught me some Swahili as we walked. She asked if I was a Christian and I said yes we talked about how God has blessed her. She asked me if I had a husband I said no and she said you are just looking for the right one. She told me make sure he is strong and faithful so he doesn't leave you for another woman like mine did. She then said she would pray for me that I find a good husband. Now I'm not looking at the moment it just struck me how kind a stranger on the street could be, I just home that we can run into one another soon. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-80213860202914754752012-12-10T04:27:00.000-08:002012-12-10T04:27:29.077-08:00Hello Family!<br />
<br />
I hope all are well! I just wanted to update you on a few of my most recent experiences since it has been a while.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I escorted a Professor and husband to an African Independent Church called the Holy Spirit Church of East Africa. It was a very interesting experience that I wish all of you could be apart of, it will truly open your eyes to a new type of worship and praise. We started the five to six hour service at 11am and began with singing and dancing. Yes people dance, drum and even clap in their all white robes marked with a red cross. The white robes represent purity and the red crosses stand for the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The women and children sit on one side of the church and the men on another. As the worshipers enter the church, they take off their shoes and come to praise God as themselves in this most simplistic manner.<br />
<br />
I got responses from Steve, the former Baptist Preacher and Researcher currently and his wife Professor Karen immediately following the service. I could not agree more with what they said. Steve said, ' It is a great blessing to visit African Churches, whichever church I visit I am blessed so much. I have visited many churches in the U.S.A. and have to say that the African Churches are more joyous. To see the amount of joy these people get from Jesus is inspirational. I wish every American could visit and African Church. Being able to visit an African Church might be the best reason for me to come to Africa. Regardless of the denomination of church here in Africa, there is a strong sense that we are brothers and sisters in Christ. No matter the worship style or language, it is clear that we are one in Spirit.'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92C-N3GaTKrQscK4yjrVAaLOEtwJrTzO5pdoHq2U28L_lZ0Ri4PPaVcKerU2_Xk6act0DkXu47d4WYUjZshf_fZyD2Utr1ybCOEf2sjpwId5eByK-vNqsjEL2iZio2XNEv5t-D8AYTQlY/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92C-N3GaTKrQscK4yjrVAaLOEtwJrTzO5pdoHq2U28L_lZ0Ri4PPaVcKerU2_Xk6act0DkXu47d4WYUjZshf_fZyD2Utr1ybCOEf2sjpwId5eByK-vNqsjEL2iZio2XNEv5t-D8AYTQlY/s1600/photo-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
An interesting part of worship was the fact that visions were talked about by members of the congregation and were interpreted by a profit. One vision for example seen by a man who saw an avocado tree with red berries. The profit would say how this related to what God was doing in their lives at the time. Seeing peoples visions be interpreted might sound ridiculous to us at home, but it is something that we have to respect as apart of their culture and worship. Worshiping here in Kenya is not a task but a lifestyle and fun at that. It is something I look forward to going to where I can feel free to be myself. I truly wish all of you could experience a worship service here in Kenya it would truly open your eyes. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-37804654441146953572012-12-09T22:07:00.000-08:002012-12-09T22:07:59.147-08:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->I have attached below a letter I tried to send via email to my supporters back home. I have pasted it here for those of you who did not provide an email. Thanks so much for your help!<br />
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<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">Dear Family and Friends, </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">I wanted to take this time during the
holidays to thank you so much for your continuous support these past few
months. I could not be here without you and I am truly grateful. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">For those of you who may not ‘blog’ I
have spent the past few months working at the Organization of African
Instituted Churches (OAIC). I am in the programming and communication
department where we are currently in the process of planning for youth from
Nairobi informal settlements to build a peace bench here at the OAIC. The
purpose is to have a visual reminder of peace as we approach the 2013 election
here in Kenya. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">I have had the privilege of meeting and
connecting with so many different people here who have opened countless doors
and helped me get involved in the community. I am hoping to start swim coaching
at Nairobi Primary School in January to further my involvement. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">My Kiswahili is improving slowly through
the help of my ‘Kenyan Mothers’ here at the office. People here have a way of
opening up their hearts to you which helps me to feel at home. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">I spent last Thursday morning on a panel
for a Kenyan talk show discussing the meaning of Christmas which will air
December 19<sup>th</sup>. I will be sure to pass it along to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">I would like to thank you once again for
your support financially and through prayer. I would also like to wish you and
your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Nairobi, Kenya. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">Love, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia;">Catherine Freeland </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">catherinefreeland.blogspot.com </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">oaic.org</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-22973559125565345072012-11-28T02:18:00.002-08:002012-11-28T02:18:37.672-08:00Dear Readers,<br />
<br />
I have recently learned that many of you cannot leave comments for reasons unknown. I will leave my email address if you have any questions or comments feel free. freelandc12@gmail.com<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving in Kenya was great despite the fact that I had to work part of the day. A large group of my colleagues went to Rev. Phyllis house (our site coordinator) and had a huge lunch with turkey, sweet potatoes, veggies and three different kinds of cake. Needless to say I was completely full when I left. It was a great time to get together with my Kenyan family and remember all that we have to be thankful for.<br />
<br />
I have been working with my colleague Will on a Peace Bench Campaign for the OAIC. The purpose is to get youth in Kenya to come together to create a bench to serve as a visible symbol of peace. Last week met with 10 youth from Nairobi informal settlements to start the process. The bench is made of plastic bottles and bags along with some cement. We are working together with the youth and local businesses to gather the recycled material. While constructing the benches we will have discussions with the youth about barriers that prevent us from having peace and what we can do to break down those barriers. The youth are to come back on Dec. 5th to begin the construction process and I look forward to getting to know them.<br />
<br />
See OAIC website for more information if you wish on the Peace Bench (oaic.org)<br />
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Above is an image of the peace bench created in Nakuru about an hour outside of Nairobi. </div>
<br />
<br />
I have recently had a hard time dealing with something that I face on a daily basis. Just about every day while walking home or to the grocery I am asked for money or food. At first I felt compassionate and would sometimes give bread that I had in my grocery bag but as it happened more and more I began to get frustrated. I cannot really explain why exactly I got frustrated at the situation. I think it might have to do with the fact that they only ask white people for money and food. Some even sit and wait for us to walk by. I have thought about what one is supposed to do in this situation and have realized that me giving them food does not really help them at all. It gives into the stereotype of skin color and it encourages them to continue to beg. It is definitely hard to ignore these people that come up to you, but honestly on a missionary salary cannot afford to give to all that ask. It is hard to know what to do in these situations, I guess all I can do is pray for them.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I am supposed to be on a Family TV show which discusses the meaning of Christmas. I am supposed to discuss how Christmas is celebrated at home. I will definitely mention the beautiful decorations, the smiles and singing Silent Night by candle light on Christmas Eve at my home church. I think the music is also something that creates comfort inside me. You cannot listen to Holly Jolly Christmas without feeling jolly! I do however think that we have been sucked into materialism and it seems to get worse and worse each year. I think we get consumed in the gifts rather than the blessings we have right in front of us. I think it takes stepping back to be with family and friends to make memories that will last, rather than a shirt you will grow out of. That is something I am choosing to work on this year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-73605976918227203982012-11-15T05:00:00.001-08:002012-11-15T05:00:35.695-08:00A Humbling Experience in Kisumu Town<br />
<br />
This past weekend I traveled with Caferine my best friend here to her village for her grandma's funeral. I had the privilege of staying with her family for the weekend who taught me so much. I learned Luo greetings and now have four new Luo names (Akinyi meaning in the morning, Achien'g meaning during the day, Truphosa the name of Caferine's grandma, and Atieno). Her family despite it being a sad time for them was so grateful and kept saying how happy there were to have me there. The whole family wanted to build me a semi-permanent house out of cow dung and mud on their land to live. I was honored to be asked back for a longer stay next time and requested by her sisters to bring chocolate.<br />
<br />
The Funeral:<br />
Here like church services are all day processes which start at around 10 with actual burial ending around 3. There is an introduction of family members where many close relatives talk about their lost loved one followed by the actual service lead by the preachers. During parts of the funeral around mid day I noticed people getting up and leaving and later found out they were going for lunch but would soon return. This service takes place on the grounds near the house of the love one where they will soon be laid to rest. I had trouble understanding the service because it was in Luo so I spent much of the time helping in the kitchen prepare food for family members and guests. The most memorable part was at the actual grave site feet away from grandma's house. The singing was beautiful as family said goodbye.<br />
<br />
Village Life:<br />
It was definitely hot where at my new home with few trees for shade. I got to enjoy and learn more cooking of traditional Kenyan dishes over charcoal and firewood. I learned how they fry their fish, make ugali, smashed potatoes, and mandazi. One evening after visiting family we got to ride the boda boda (motorcycles) at night and I swear I have never seen so many stars in my life the sky was gorgeous. What I will take back from this experience is the simplicity in the lifestyle of the people in the village. They do not have much but what they do have they are so grateful for and make the most of it. They live wonderful lives and are true examples to follow.They took such good care of me and made sure I was always alright. <br />
<br />
I wish I had pictures to show you of my experience and eating fish from Lake Victoria with my hands but my memory card was not working. It has since been fixed so expect more pictures soon! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-74549211749373536322012-11-05T00:01:00.001-08:002012-11-05T00:02:13.124-08:00Sunday Service<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> Since many my readers are from my
home church I think that it is important to share with you what a common
service is like here. I will use an example from this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Caferine took me to Thika, a town
outside of Nairobi (about 36 kilometres) for a baptism. We arrived at the AIC
(African Independent Church) about 10 AM to the sound of energetic singing,
drumming and dancing. The singing and dancing featured children, a women’s group
and elders from the church and is my favorite part of the service. I wish I
could take the children back with me to share with you their beautiful music. It is not like at home where you read from the hymnals, the congregation just knows the songs and I just danced and clapped to their inspirational music.<br />
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After
about an hour of singing or more then it was time for visitor’s introduction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time is when all visitors or friends of
the church go to the front and introduce themselves. Take note that everyone
but me spoke Swahili or Kikuyu so I am not even sure when I spoke the
audience understood anything I said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After, from what I understand, the church asked for offering in honor of
the children being baptized to go towards the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Concluding the baptism (which was very
similar to ours just longer) the preacher or ‘bishop’ here delivered his
message. From the translator I understood that his message was simple, ‘that if
you believe in God he will provide for you wealth, possibly not monetarily but
through another measure.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At churches
here, an entire Sunday is spent worshiping and praising God, I admire this
quality because at home if church goes five minutes over an hour then people
get restless. Something after being here and experiencing these worship styles
is hard to understand.The advantage is that congregations are truly family and know one another. It's like a church picnic every Sunday. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
the actual service, there had to be food. It is a Kenyan tradition to eat and
eat a lot! The entire church came for rice, chapatti, beans and potato- carrot
soup. It was great, the entire day was filled with joy and celebration of the
baptism. Concluding the event was tea time where the group gathered around the
circle and introduced themselves and the preacher from earlier would end with
prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The preacher said that their
church was blessed because a white (mizungu) girl was there worshiping with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should tell you that I cannot go unnoticed here;
all eyes were constantly on me especially by the elders and children. The
people in Thika were grateful for my presence and they welcomed me with open
arms as I have been everywhere I have gone. I hope this gives you a bit of insight
into worship. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><img height="438" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzy7sw9voudqHbkm-NELHQnd0YFhB3zsFzmYhJhBsxA8Uj15EypB3Gkxa_Gl8wHZv4kCe8AIQbupQHUKpTbLUMMKosY0X88HlirHFF8qEWOeC9C4Xe4jqVha8ThCC__MEHdOu_uR0BRHE/s1600/thika21.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="700" /></div>
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Next weekend I am going to my friend Caferine’s grandmother’s
funeral. She found out just yesterday that she was burned alive in a house fire
and the causes are unknown. I hope to share this experience with you also. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-16495561151883645402012-11-01T07:08:00.001-07:002012-11-01T07:08:37.473-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry all for my lack of postings. Here is a brief update on what has been going on recently:<br />
ENJOY and feel free to comment! Thanks to those who have!<br />
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I have learned from the past weekends that Birthday parties in Kenya are how we should celebrate them at home. Basically they are all day events, they have bouncy castles or blow up slides for the children to play on while the parents and older youth eat and chat. The two I have been to so far have been so fun and I have eaten so much I can hardly walk out the door. The food is amazing! I promise I will come home knowing how to make chapati, ugali and all sorts of Kenyan delicacies so I can share them with you.<br />
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<img height="245" id="il_fi" src="http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/sports/files/2012/09/stanchart-cut.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="408" /><img height="167" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxBnixnIqIqAlr18WxwZFqyxmtiXghyUKCzTVzp3WEyU-cZR3H6aMXdO4s6yKs6pvanA48TrxVROTPfMVIUF85xvIH6yJldkQqQ4Y3W0qq8HrdgY0ysIs9bvvDVqjWdOIJ8DHrbWlNm0/s1600/nairobi-marathon-2012.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="138" /><br />
This past weekend I got to run the Nairobi Standard Charter Half Marathon with my host dad. It was an amazing experience. Being a runner, it's one of the great races the world has to offer. There were thousands of runners. My favorite part and my inspiration throughout the race was seeing the Kenyan Olympians running (passing) all of the 'average Joe' runners like myself. It was so great to see that many people running for a cause. My host dad gets enjoyment when he tells his friends that I am his first born child. I am also in the process of being adopted by another family two. I think I have like four Kenyan mothers now. Everyone is so welcoming here! <br />
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I am starting to get into a routine at work I have posted pictures on the OAIC website (oaic.org) if you would like to check them out. I will soon be writing stories to come, which are going to be more formal than this blog. We have other projects we are working on like a peace bench for Nairobi area to help promote peace especially approaching election time.<br />
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I have become very adventurous recently through forms of transportation. In Kenya public transport is mainly through matatus which are vans that carry about 15 people or so. The other day while in a matatu heading back from the Westlands area to the apartment (about a 20 minute ride with stops) our matatu ran out of gas in the middle of an intersection. Not to mention matatus do not really follow normal traffic rules. Once they get tired of waiting in traffic they simply go around cars ridding through the middle of the road. So that's where we were stuck in the middle of the road on the wrong side of the road stuck. This stuff happens all the time so two guys got out and pushed the matatu to the side of the road where we waited for the conductor to come with gas.Once the conductor came we proceeded down the wrong side of the road. I had my eyes closed the entire time! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-81908315867070295962012-10-22T00:46:00.002-07:002012-10-22T00:46:45.391-07:00Hello Friends! <div>
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<b>Please feel free to leave comments or questions! I would love to hear what you think! </b></div>
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I spent the past week helping prepare a training conference for leaders in various communities in Kenya. These leaders were asked to change the way they look at their local communities, to see and hear with the eyes and ears of God. As they go home they are to mobilize their communities to work towards solving the issues they deal with on a daily basis. We are all working towards solving problems in a peaceful manner. <div>
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During the conference on Wednesday, our group traveled to a local Nairobi informal settlement called Kangemi, which was previously dealing with the issue of security in an area called Mau Mau bridge. According to the chief, this area was considered the most dangerous in the settlement. So dangerous that people could not safely cross during the day without the fears of being beaten, raped, stolen from or possibly killed. A few leaders that were trained at a similar conference by the OAIC addressed this issue and worked to mobilize the community to approach their leaders and solve this problem. After the community approached the chief they worked together to get security lights which have significantly decreased the crime rate in that area. They are also working towards getting a full time policeman post in that area to further increase the security at this location. This is just one specific example of how a training conference like the one this past week has helped empower leaders and communities to solve major issues. </div>
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The conference was very enlightening as I got to hear the historical injustices that people deal with on a daily basis. It was inspirational to hear the plans of the conference attendees for their future to work together as communities for the betterment of their lives. It is people like these that will be the change for Africa. I am so blessed to have worked with them! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-49993644403232725392012-10-10T00:46:00.000-07:002012-10-10T04:22:45.483-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">"Too often, Africa is still presented as a helpless victim of her own making; a land of unparalleled riches, startling beauty,….of strange and at times primitive tribal customs, civil disorder, armed militias; of child labour, child soldiers, mud huts, open sewers, and shanty-towns; of corruption, dictatorship and genocide. These and other perceptions have framed the world’s response to Africa.This has caused a dangerous psychological process that subtly convinces Africans they are unable to chart their own destiny. Whereas, in fact, tens of millions of African women and men go about their lives responsibly, work hard and educate their children, often without means. These are the real African heroes and the world should hear more about them." - Wangari Maathai </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">In honor of her memorial service I would like to thank and recognize those hard working African people who stand beside me and are working towards the betterment of their communities. </span></div>
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With my host sister this past weekend I went to Nairobi fashion market and worked to promote Nairobi Women Hospital and encourage women to take time to better their health. I helped with registration for taking blood sugar and encouraged women to get the free check ups in honor of breast cancer awareness month! </div>
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I also got to see Kenyan celebrities at the event. Above is Nonny Gathoni the host of The Wedding Show on Citizen TV in Kenya. </div>
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These lovely ladies above organized Nairobi Fashion Market and work on local events in the area. </div>
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Above is a picture taken at Nairobi Fashion Market of a local clothing line. Aren't they beautiful! </div>
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<strong>P.S. To all my followers please feel free to leave comments I would love to have feedback! Thanks so much!</strong></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-12869893634528219482012-10-10T00:30:00.003-07:002012-10-10T04:27:18.283-07:00<br />
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My first day of work at the Organization of African Instituted Churches was AMAZING!!! If you didn't know I am working in the communications department specifically updating the website and writing stories about key events and functions the OAIC is involved in. I will also be starting up a program for youth in the informal settlements to bring them together through sports and other activities. It will be a type of mentor program where the youth can talk out their issues and problems they face to create commonality and friendships across these various locations in Nairobi. Needless to say I am up for a busy yet exciting year ahead. </div>
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My first day of work was spent attending a memorial service for Professor Wangari Maathai the Nobel Peace prize winner in 2004. I was so honored to not only hear my site coordinator preach a message on Professor Maathai but also hear the Vice President, Prime Minister and other influential people in Kenya. If you do not know about this amazing woman than I suggest you read any of her books or just do a little background research. She was an inspirational female leader for all of Africa for her founding Green Belt Movement and various roles in helping conserve the African forests. It was so exciting to be at this memorial service and get a first glimpse of what I have to look forward to in the coming months. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-7371700389991357662012-10-01T02:00:00.000-07:002012-10-01T02:00:29.879-07:00<br />
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Last weekend I marked many items off my Kenyan bucket list. </div>
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1. Learn how to cook Kenyan style </div>
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- Not only did I do this with my new kikuyu momma she taught me how to prepare a complete meal starting with a live chicken. You can probably guess what I am about to tell you next... Yeah we learned how to slaughter the chicken pluck it and then cook. It was organic eating at its best. We learned how to make the bananas (which is similar taste to a potato stew with carrots and thick cream) which is delicious. I also was taught how to boil Kenyan tea with lots of milk and sugar, it gives Sweet tea a run for its money. </div>
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2. See Mount Kenya </div>
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- This beautiful peak is the tallest in Kenya and as we woke up to roosters in the morning we saw the beauty right outside our door. Maybe one day while here I will get the chance to climb it! </div>
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Basically the village was beautiful as you can see from the pictures I have previously posted and a wonderful truly Kenyan experience. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-49977837272916154642012-09-26T02:55:00.001-07:002012-09-26T02:55:13.926-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><div>
Sunday September 16th 2012.</div>
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To give you a quick update on orientation we have spent the mornings studying Swahili with various afternoon activities mixed in to help us better understand the Kenyan culture. </div>
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One of many highlights this past week involved our group traveling to a group home called Shelter Children's Home. This is a community of children from the area who have been abandoned or have lost their family members. As our van pulled up to the administration office many of the children were lining the steps singing in our honor. We all introduced ourselves and walked into a circular room where children of various ages sang and danced welcoming us to their country and culture. These beautiful children are all attending schools in the area. Some who grew up in the shelter <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">are working towards their University degrees. It is hard to describe how special this experience was and how moving and hopeful these children are. They are inspirational and reminded me of how I am in the right place. I am so grateful for them welcoming us into their community and I hope to spend more time with these children this year. I hope these pictures help give you more of an insight from this experience. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">A couple of Saturdays ago my roommate Nicole and I went with my lovely host sister Cafrine to a Neighbors Against AIDS event which she planned. The event was filled with food, Zumba and cancer screening. Nairobi Women's Hospital sponsored the afternoon for communities around the city. It was quite an adventure to say the least. After helping with registration we were encouraged to Zumba dance with about a one hundred other people. Needless to say my host sister said we we tried and she could tell we were off beat and had little rhythm. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> We just looks ridiculous basically. So as if that didn't make us stand out enough when it was time for food we were the honored guests and cut the entire line. So as I was walking back with my food out of no where a bird swoops down and takes the chicken right off my plate in front of everyone in line. So I guess you could say we served as entertainment for the whole event. </span></div>
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The AIDs awareness event my roommate Nicole far left, my host sister Cafrine, me and two Nairobi women's hospital directors.</div>
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<b> The view of the valley after this weekend near mount Kenya. Our group of five spent the weekend in a Kuku village definitely living simply. We helped cook dinner by slaughtering a chicken followed by plucking it and learning how to cook it over a fire. The chicken was good too :) </b><br />
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The beautiful Mount Kenya on Saturday morning. We walked out of our house to this view! </div>
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As we walked around the village we saw several places like this one where corn was being dried by the sun. </div>
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A beautiful waterfall we walked to near our host families village. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-66402453306665109292012-09-19T08:53:00.001-07:002012-09-21T02:01:20.164-07:00Pictures!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://01DCED2A-D41C-40C7-99A3-546DC7BA1252/imagejpeg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-34781613051450810922012-09-19T08:48:00.001-07:002012-09-19T08:48:45.216-07:00I would like to thank my church family for all the support I have received over the past few weeks since I have been home from school.<br />
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Thank you for helping me through this process through your prayers and financial gifts. You are making Kenya possible for me.<br />
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I will be honest the whole trip is starting to weigh on my mind as summer closes. As August 20th gets closer and I become more nervous (as would be expected). It is unbelievable to me that this time next month I will have spent a week in Nairobi. I feel like I just turned 18 again and am about to head off to college. It feels almost like that adventure all over but a bit more extreme. I have so many questions as to what it will be like. Will I like my job there? Will I be good at it? I could go on but you don't wanna read all that...<br />
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Resurance comes from a random recent experience in Indianapolis, IN, I was visiting a friend from school and we took a taxi to their house one night and the taxi driver happened to be from Ghana. Granted that is not anywhere close to Kenya, but I told him about what I was doing and where I was going next year and he said that I would have a great time. Apparently African people like Southerners are quite hospitable so hopefully I find this to be true. We shall see and I will certainly let you know whatever I find out.<br />
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I also was talking to a friend who recently spent six weeks in Africa and knows the guy who was carrying the Olympic flag for Kenya (pretty cool right!) She said she would get me in touch with him and his family. So like typical Southerners do we get connections and I'm already preparing to take some of the south with me through connections to Kenya. :)<br />
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I just wanted to give you a little update since probably more of you from First Pres. have gotten my letter asking for help. Thanks so much to those who are responding in any way.<br />
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If you have any questions or would like to get further knowledge about me or my future travels feel free to contact me or just keep following this blog.<br />
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I hope you all have great weeks and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446605172378692315.post-35798654691377925052012-09-19T08:47:00.000-07:002012-09-19T08:47:32.984-07:00Jambo from Africa! It has officially been one full week of orientation here in Nairobi. I am sure many of you have been anxiously awaiting my first official blog post from my new home. I hope that you find this enlightening as you travel with me through Africa to make a small difference in the world. <br />
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Our first major introduction of course was on prevention of travel diseases in Africa (Don't worry mom I will be fine). The doctor told us all about what not to do so of course we are doing those things. <br />
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I spent this past weekend with my wonderful host family. It was basically a slumber weekend with my new sisters Waki and Shiro. They lived in the city but my host mother took me to her village outside Nairobi. For all you Southerners out there the meaning of hospitality is taken to another level. I was invited in for tea with the entire family and welcomed to come back any time. I know this doesn't sound like anything too different from home but just trust me on this one. The village was beautiful and as we drove back to town the hills of the Rift Valley surrounded us. <br />
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Yesterday (sept. 5th) our group had the privilege of being taken on a personal tour of the informal settlements by a preacher that serves the local community. It was inspirational to hear from various members of the community who have come together to work toward the betterment of their own lives. They were all from different backgrounds and had conflicting ideals. Being a typical Westerner I saw the homes of my fellow brothers and sisters and found them to be inadequate and wanted to help. I found myself asking the question we are here now what can we do to help rather just being present. I realized this once a woman in the village came up to our group and invited us complete strangers into her home and asked us to pray with her. Never the less on the fifth day of this journey I was once again reminded of the presence of God. Regardless of the living condition and the amount of food on her table, this woman still saw how she was blessed by God through what little she had. It is hard for someone like us to see beyond their poverty. Her faith is truly one to admire and this is her home which she is thankful for.<br />
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So today (Sept. 6th) we had our first Swahili lesson they have told us it is an easy language to pick up but I am not so sure about that. I definitely have a long way to go before I actually understand what the words I am saying mean. So needless to say I have lots of work to do!<br />
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Also in Kenya (I am not sure if you know this) they do not typically have washing machines so guess who got to hand wash for the first time today? This girl (see picture to come). It is a lot harder than you think! Plus after hang drying you have to iron your clothes to get all the bugs out. It's a long process. I definitely took for granted a washer and dryer.<br />
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So that is what the news for me. I hope y'all are doing well. I miss you very much and hope that this was fun and enlightening for you to read. Have a great day!<br />
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Love, catherine<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15649853081654019500noreply@blogger.com0