Matatu Experiences

A matatu is one of our public means of transport here in Kenya. It looks a lot like a minivan. Today I was with my friends here in Nyahururu and decided to go into town to get fresh veggies from the open market. We decided to go by matatu! =) We walked out to the road and got in one that was just beginning to fill with people. We waited till it was filled and began our journey down the road. It seemed like every few minutes we were stopping to pick up more people. Remember we didn’t start driving down the road till we were full. The vehicle only holds 14 people, but we soon had 19 adults squeezed in. My friends and I were in the very back of the vehicle. At one point in our journey we hit a large bump in the road and the tailgate sounded like it was going to fall off. Just as we got even with a gas station the vehicle died and we coasted into the gas station… slower than a turtle. Thankfully we were on a small slope and we coasted in or we would have had to all get out and push. =) The driver pulled up to the pump and had them put in a 100 shillings worth of gas, the equivalent of $1.25. That would take us the rest of the way to town and him back where he would pick up more passengers and repeat the process. We reached town and unloaded. Daniel told Kenia and me to be careful and not cut ourselves on the spare tire sticking out from under our seat. As we got out I looked down and the spare tire was already shredded with little wires sticking out. All I could do was laugh. Everyone should ride a matatu at least once in their lives. It is quite the experience!!!

2010

My days have been filled with good fellowship as the end of 2010 approaches. My family has a tradition of baking different types of breads and cookies to give our neighbors and friends for Christmas. This year I was able to start that tradition in my hometown, Nanyuki! The next week I went down to Nairobi and spent Christmas with the Konnerups who adopted me into their family. =) I had a wonderful Christmas as I celebrated the birth of our Savior with several other missionary families.

To celebrate the New Year I went to visit another missionary friend in Nyahururu. I baked an apple pie and last night we took it to Pastor Philip’s family and to another one of my friends from their church. We had a wonderful time of fellowship as we drank tea and ate apple pie. It was their first time to have apple pie! As the evening progressed we ate a delicious dinner prepared by his wife, Gladys, played a game of Phase 10 and discussed plans for the New Year. The date was set for the 2^nd part of the Sunday School Seminar and we started plans for the first Vacation Bible School of Nyahururu Bible Baptist Church! =)

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Jesus, the greatest man in history, had no servants, yet they called Him Master. He had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. He had no medicine, yet they called Him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they ...crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. Do you know Him?

Christmas With the Orphans

I went out yesterday to Naibor to have a little Christmas celebration with our orphans. I wanted to do something with them that my dad did with my siblings and I when we were kids. We would gather around in the evening time and he or my mom would read us a Bible story or missionary story. Instead of showing us the pictures they would give us paper and have us draw a picture of the story using our imaginations.

So the orphans and I gathered around in the main room of the house. I read the Christmas story out of my Swahili Bible. Each child had a piece of paper and drew a picture of their favorite part of the Christmas story. After they finished drawing I passed out cookies that I had made for them. I made my favorite cookies…molasses cookies. The looks on their faces was hilarious! Here in Kenya they believe molasses is only for cows. Once the children took the first bite it was just a matter of seconds before the cookies were gone. =)

Today I went out to Timau to our boys orphanage. I didn’t get to spend as much time with them, but it was fun bringing smiles to their faces!

Little Chopoo came into the room crying. I called her over and set her in my lap. I don't know why she was sad, but I soon had her smiling. She stayed in my lap the whole time.

Does She Know How?

Yesterday I went out to visit our “all boys” orphanage in Timau. The last time I was out there I had challenged them to memorize 1 Corinthians 10:31. I promised them a surprise if they could say it to me the next time I came. I did not tell them when I was coming. They all knew it by heart and were ready to say it to me!

They were preparing lunch when I came so I decided to stay and eat with them. I helped wash the dishes from that morning so we would have something to eat with. It was quite an experience! I have washed dishes many times, but out in the rural areas of Kenya it is done with the dishes on the ground, a little cold water and bar of soap. =) The boys all gathered around to see how well I could wash. They soon realized I could do it just like them and went on to do other things. Dennis is one of the orphans. He is 6 years old and quite a character! He is becoming my little tag along buddy which I don’t mind at all. =)

While I was out there I did a surprise room inspection. I felt like a parent as I checked their rooms. I gave out a reward for those that had their beds made and clothes folded. After that, they all looked determined to do better. As I got ready to leave I assigned them James 1:1-2 to memorize. They immediately ran and got their Bibles and started working on it. I haven’t told them yet, but I would like to see them memorize all of James 1. As they memorize we will discuss what the verses mean and how they can be applied to our lives.

Pictures

Showing the kids how to use their toothbrushes and toothpaste. =)

Thanksgiving

I am so very thankful for the many wonderful things God has done for me and for the people He has brought into my life! I am so thankful God has allowed me the privilege of being a missionary here in Kenya!

I had the opportunity to spend my Thanksgiving in a way I had never done before. Today was the closing day for the school I teach Bible in, that meets in the Baraka Baptist Church in Jua Kali. We average 60 Maasai children in attendance. Each week I have seen looks of excitement, amazement and awe as they hear true stories from the Bible for the first time! Last week they smiled and giggled as I shared with them that God knew their name and the number of hairs on their head. =) Over the weeks I have taught them short songs in Swahili and English. They have really enjoyed singing “God Made Me” and “Jesus Love Is Sweet and Wonderful”!

I wanted our last day together for 2010 to be special so I planned a small Christmas party for the kids. With the help of a friend I was able to teach the Christmas Story in Swahili using flannel graph. Because these children have nothing to eat at school the Lord has allowed me to be able to take bread and bananas each Friday when I go teach. Today I took bananas and red sprinkled sugar cookies! It brought joy to my heart as I handed out the Christmas cups to each child. As I explained what was in their cups the teacher translated it into Maasai. When she told them about the toothbrushes and toothpaste they really began to giggle. I asked her why they were giggling. She said because they don’t have toothbrushes and toothpaste and they were happy. We proceeded to show them how to use the toothbrush and toothpaste which only brought on more giggling and laughter. =) I was sad as I watched them walk away through the Kenyan bush land to their mud homes. I pray that I might see them all again come January when school starts. God’s little children!