Hello, August...

Hey friends!

This week has been wonderful... I'm enjoying spending my last days here with the kids! This week, I've been impressed to pray three specific things for Kenya, and I'd thought I'd pass it along... pray as you are lead! In no particular order:

Rain! It hasn't rained since last week, and MANY crops, especially in central and rift valley province, have been totally scorched by the sun. Already areas of the country are seeing the effects of the shortage, and the government has started talking about importing maize and other foods into the country. Large portions of Nairobi don't have water, since the water sources that usually supply Nairobi are at less than half normal capacity. This week, we have had sporadic water - today there isn't any. Pray for rains, and pray for provision, as much of the maize and wheat is already gone...

The second concerns the spiritual battle here in Kenya, specifically with the Islamic world. The Islamic population is largely concentrated along the eastern coastal region and the north (if you get out a map, you will see why - Somalia, Sudan, and other Muslim nations border Kenya to the north). Currently, Kenya is in the process of creating a new constitution. The Muslims have started requesting that the new constitution include provision of a Muslim court system, in addition to the current system. Currently, the prime minister and the president share power (equally, theoretically) - the Muslims have also said that the constitution should say that if the prime minister or president is a Christian, then the other leader should be a Muslim. Kenya, along with other subsaharan countries, is seeing an increased Muslim presence coming from the north - the portion of Africa which is considered "Christian" is getting pushed further and further south. I'm praying that the opposite would be true - that the truth of the Gospel will begin to push upward and invade the traditionally Muslim countries! This is significant to me - if the Christian population does not begin to fight - pray and go - the influence of Islam will continue further south!

The third is for the judicial system and government. The cabinet and parliament are currently deciding how to handle those who orchestrated and carried out the post-election violence in early 2008. (If you aren't familiar with this story - basically, there was a controversy surrounding the two main presidential candidates in the last election. The results were controversial, and violence began between the tribes of Kenya, as most people supported the candidate who was from their same tribe. Many were killed and several hundred thousand displaced. A power-sharing government was created, giving equal power to the two candidates, one as the prime minister and one as the president.) Most Kenyans don't want the Kenyan courts to try those who are guilty of creating or carrying out the post-election violence because they don't trust the Kenyan courts to get justice... bribery is currently a pretty effective way to get out of most things. And like many other things in Kenya, it all depends on who you know. After investigation from outside sources, several names related to the post-election violence have been given the International Criminal Court, which is normally used only when a country is unable or unwilling to try those guilty of crimes against humanity. So - my prayer is for justice in the Kenyan court system, the end of corruption in the government and judicial system, and for those in power to value truth and justice.

Thanks for joining me in these prayers :)

Other exciting/noteworthy things that have made me smile this week:

- riding home from Nairobi, I saw a sign that said "Norfolk cares. Free water for donkeys!" which I found pretty ironic, given that many humans are currently lacking water. But apparently it was put there because Limuru is notorious for abusing their donkeys... so I guess they wanted to show the donkeys a little love.

- yesterday I picked avocados with Esther. There's an avocado tree behind the house, and we filled a bag with biiiiig avocados... it was glorious. They won't be ripe until after I leave, but the fact that I can pick 15 huge, delicious avocados from a tree in my back yard makes me smile!

- this afternoon I enjoyed a worship time with the kids – they got out a Bible, and the older ones read/translated for the younger ones. We sang and prayed together, and I love seeing how natural it is for them to seek the Lord – I LOVE learning/growing with them!

- for those of you who know of Jack and Paris – they are siblings I met three years ago in Misri. I have seen them each time I’ve returned, and they both have a super special place in my heart. Today, Jack and Paris came to Miracle House to say hi, and they brought their siblings – the oldest, Duncan, whom I have met before, and the youngest (little!!) one, Bryan, whom I haven’t. They took me to their home to meet their mom (their dad was working, so I wasn’t able to meet him), and when we walked in, Paris said, “Mom, we brought Jack’s mzungu!” It was a very special time for me, to be welcomed into this family so fully! It was also good for me to see where they live – Jack and Paris are well cared for, and they have both parents – a rarity in Misri. I’m thankful for that, and thankful for this incredible family that has such a special place in my heart!

Today I had to say goodbye to several of the older primary school children, as I won’t see them next week before I leave, and I’m realizing how hard it’s going to be to leave! This trip has been incredible, and I’m thankful for the family and community the Lord has given me here.

And I’m thankful for you - thanks for your prayers and friendship! I love you all bunches!

Rain, the Madness That is Nairobi, and Other Exciting Things!

HEY friends!

This is just a super quick update... but I have a couple exciting things to share!

First - for those of you who prayed for rain, it DUMPED last night! So, yay GOD! He definitely heard your prayers :) It poured for several hours, for the first time in over three weeks! A coincidence? I don't think so!!! Your prayers ARE powerful and effective!

Secondly - yesterday I was able to go with a friend, a Kenyan national who is a nurse at a Nairobi clinic, to Nairobi and hang around a clinic! It was a wonderful experience... I spent time with the nursing staff, the clinical officer (basically the equivalent of a physician's assistant), the laboratory staff, the pharmacy, and the VCT center (Voluntary Counseling and Testing - for HIV). It was way cool - I got to see the various roles of the health care professionals, experience an African health care setting, and work with patients a little (my favorite!). It was wonderful to be back in the health care setting... I didn't realize how much I missed it! (And now I'm getting pumped for school!) Not to mention the adventure of actually getting to the clinic and home... Nairobi is SO busy - I would have been completely lost if I hadn't been with Edna! There were people everywhere - total craziness, but I enjoyed getting to experience Nairobi!!

This next week I'll be enjoying my time with the MH kids... there's a slight chance that I'll be able to go to Webuye to hang out with the MH fam there - I'm hoping it works out!

Thank you for your prayers! Continue to pray for rain... and as you are lead!

Love you, friends! Thanks for being so faithful to support and encourage me!

...teach me how to hum it, 'cuz I don't know the words yet...

Hey friends!!

The climate here finally remember that it's July... meaning that it's been cold this week! It hasn't rained in the last three weeks, though, and much of Kenya is very dry. There's already talk a food shortages, as much of the maize and wheat in the country has dried up, and many farmers are reporting very small harvests. Kenya has already started importing extra maize in preparation... pray for rain and provision!!!

Life here has been good... I'm sorta dreading August 5th, when I'll be getting on an airplane to head home! I had a touch of a cold earlier in the week, but I'm feeling much better - praise the Lord! I'm thankful that the Lord has kept me so healthy this whole time!

Here is a portion of a journal entry/prayer I had written earlier this week:

I'm thankful that You humble me when I think I've got it all figured out. I'm thankful that You challenge me when I start to get comfortable. I'm thankful that You work marvelous things in spite of my mistakes. I'm thankful that Your faithfulness always prevails, even in sticky/less than fantastic situations. I'm thankful that the world is in Your hands - that nothing happens outside of Your knowledge. I'm thankful that when I have my control-freak-this-is-not-how-I-wanted-it moments, You remind me of Your sovereignty, faithfulness, and unfailing love. And as much as I'd love to hear Your ten year plan for my life, I wouldn't trade this adventure of walking with you for anything. You're teaching me the beauty in adventure and the refinement that comes with risk. Walking hand-in-hand with You over unknown, unseen trails is entirely different than walking through places of comfort and routine, where it is easy to forget I need to hold Your hand to know the way. There, I find it tempting - easy, even - to wonder off, seek my own way, and make my own plans. My path of choice would be direct, straight to the intended destination. Yet Your way often wiggles and zigzags, sometimes seeming to turn completely away from what (in my mind, at least) is the the goal. But this is where Your plan is higher and greater: beauty is often discovered around those corners that seem to be detours. The zigzags and wiggles build faith, the obstacles character. And if nothing else, I'm given the joy of walking with You, of learning to hold Your hand and listen to Your voice, of simply being in Your presence. And when, or if, we get to what I thought was the destination, I know that I will be more prepared because of those detours. Really though, this revelation also exposes one of my flaws: my goal-oriented self tends to miss the beauty in the journey, the lessons in the things that seem, to me, to not be part of the plan. Yet growth happens in the journey. Intimacy is cultivated. I am made to be more fully me - more fully the woman You have made and called me to be. I think You know me well enough to know that if You revealed all that You had for me, I'd probably panic and start planning now. I'd start making lists and phone calls. I'd totally miss the journey - in reality, Your perfect preparation - but I'd be 'ready' and 'organized.' I think You chuckle as You watch me frantically try in my own strength to be good enough or smart enough or worthy enough for the callings You've placed on my life. You smile, take my hand, and lead me to a peaceful place of rest. "Haven't you remembered? I've already called you righteous - approved by God. I knew exactly who you were when i first called you, and I know exactly who you are going to be. I have plans and adventures, yes, but my greatest desire is to give you Myself and for you to be fully Mine." So teach me to find the beauty in the journey. Teach me to seek those lessons You desire to teach me, teach me to listen to Your voice and be sensitive to Your leading. Teach me how to live the 'life of faith' - one day at a time, and truly lived.


Love you all... thanks for your prayers :)



Jane, Dennis, me... being silly :)















ok... THIS one's silly :)












Gideon, George, Njogu, and Dennis... walking to Imani for some recess!














Me and Jack! YAY! I saw him again this trip, which makes me super happy! He's getting SO big!











Jack! With his adorable toothless smile!

Good gifts... and other random thoughts :)

Hey friends!!

Today is a LOVELY sunny day – seriously, it’s beautiful here! It’s actually very much on the warm side… which is uncharacteristic for July, but I love it!

Life here is good – busy, somehow, but I’m loving it! Time is going by so fast: last week the BFI team was here for a day, and it was SO great to connect with them for some ministry time at MH! They had some great things to share/impart to the MH kids, and it was fun to see them jump in with two feet and eagerly desire to learn more! It was also wonderful to connect with BFI friends – even more so ‘cuz we were in Africa!

Recently, I’ve been contemplating: things of value and worth usually come at a high price. But how often do I expect things of eternal value to come easily or without a fight? We are called to pay the ultimate price – to lay down our lives, take up our cross, and follow Him. Yet, so often, I get frustrated when I discover that the things the Lord has asked of me aren’t easy to accomplish. Usually, they require stretching and growing – they are uncomfortable and hard, but in the end SO worth it. Things of beauty and strength, I feel, are produced from refining fires and testing experiences. Strength does not develop from easy tasks; rather, it comes from continually working at something that is just beyond the current skill or strength level. And beauty and purity – they come from refining fires and (sometimes painful) removal of that which corrupts and stains. And is that not what the Lord desires? To give us clean hands and pure hearts? He loves us as we are, but completely refuses to let us stay there… He constantly desires, working with our “yes’s,” to mold us and shape us, making us more like Him. And His ultimate goals and plans are eternal – which means they will often be achieved at a high price. SO – if the Lord is continually desiring to grow me and mold me, and He is constantly asking me to choose that which is in His ETERNAL plan – the road is often hard. Thankfully, though, that’s not the end of the story (whew… if so, I think I would have turned in the towel a long time ago!). He promises to be with me, every step of the way. He promises to equip me to do that which He has called me. He promises to provide, protect, and lead… AMAZING! Each day, He invites me to walk with Him – it’s glorious. Every second, He has been here – He’s NEVER left my side! I cannot say that about a single friend – simply because as humans we just can’t be perfect like that.

So, I’m thankful for the wonderful gifts – the fulfillment of His promises – the Lord sends each day. He sends His joy, His peace, His protection, His strength – and, above all, He sends His presence. I’m loving this life – despite it’s challenges and struggles, despite sometimes wondering how on earth He got the idea that I could do some of the things He’s asked, despite the fact that it is sometimes hard – it is SO worth it. Worth it because I get to love on HIS kids – I love watching them laugh and learn and seek. Worth it because I get to hear story after story of those He has created – it’s amazing to realize that hearts can connect despite continents or languages or cultures. And in the end, I’d rather take the narrow, difficult path and affect eternity that choose the easy road and get by on time.

This has been a semi-random update – but I suppose that a blog is just an online journal… right? Thanks for letting me share my heart – and thanks for praying :) You are amazing, and I’m SO thankful for you! I’ll leave you with this thought from Elizabeth Elliot (from Let Me Be a Woman):

“But we do not choose gifts, remember? We are given them by a divine Giver who knows the end from the beginning, and wants above all else to give us the gift of Himself. This gift for this day. The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived – not always looked forward to as thought the ‘real’ living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.”

Pictures and Stories... :)

OUR LAND!! Miracle House Base Camp in Nakuru... YAY! This photo doesn't really do it justice... the land is amazing, the view is amazing...









Webuye falls with Stephen, Rachael, and Jeremy - FANTASTIC friends!













Carrie and I at Webuye falls!













Best girls... I love these ladies!! Me, Sam, Rachael, and Deanna!












This photo defines our personalities, I think... I love it!




















My Kenyan brother - Stephen! He is on staff at our Webuye location... he is a wonderful father figure for the kids!
















Gilbert! Another Kenyan brother, who is also the guard at MH Webuye - he is also wonderful with the kids!











Laureen (MH Limuru) and her younger sister, Shira! SO stinkin' cute in their matching dresses and shoes!


















A cousin of Benson - cutie!

















Erastus (MH Webuye) with his new toy :)


















Eglah (daughter of teacher Emily at MH Webuye) with Emmanuel, one of the greatest drivers/friends ever! Emmanuel is truly part of our team - he spends so much time with the kids, and they all know him by name!















Rachael with Alex!














Syprose! She was originally at our MH Limuru location, but after the tribal clashes in January of '08, she had to move west. She is now at our MH Webuye location!















Isabella!



















Nancy... smiling up at Jesus :)






















Hey friends!!

Today has been a beautiful, sunny day (uncharacteristic for July), and I’m thinking of all of you State-siders celebrating the Fourth! Happy Independence Day :) Today I’m thanking the Lord for the freedom and rights I experience as a US citizen… I’m learning more and more what it’s like for those who don’t know such freedoms.

Yesterday, Deanna and Sam flew out, and they are almost to American soil. A team of 23 high schoolers was here this week from Calvary Community Church – it was WAY cool to do ministry with them and hear their hearts! They did a couple days of awesome children’s ministry in Limuru, as well as prayer walking. They did an awesome job, and it was very cool for me to get to know them and process with them!

I am now back at Pastor Sammy and Eve’s, trying to catch up on a week of no sleep :) Today I went to Miracle House – the kids already miss everyone, and were asking about Mum Deanna and Samantha especially. They were singing songs they learned this week from Calvary – I love watching them apply the things they have learned! Our oldest girl, Jane, received a Bible and a journal this past week – today I absolutely LOVED watching her pull out her Bible and her notebook (in which she had already written Bible study notes), sit the other children down, and begin to teach them from the Word. WAY cool… pray that Jane continues to grow and seek the Lord!

Today, when I was walking with Francis, he told me about three orphans who have been staying with him for the past three days. They came from southern Kenya looking for an aunt, but have been unable to find her. Francis said that the women in the village tried to drive them out – as street children, they were not trusted. Francis is trying to find someplace more permanent for them to stay, but my heart breaks for these children (in grades 1, 4, and 6) who literally have no one caring for them. Pray for their provision and protection! I would love to say that Miracle House could take them in – but at the moment we need sponsors for the children we have! Pray that we get more sponsors so that we can meet more of the GREAT need in this community!

Random, exciting story – I saw Paris and Jack this past week! I had been looking for them since I came, but had not seen them until last Saturday. I met Paris and Jack in the summer of 2006, and I have seen them every trip since. In 2006, I connected with Paris (then in grade 3 or 4) and Jack (then about 3) separately and found out later that they were siblings. Last Saturday, I saw Jack in a crowd of other kids and called out his name – he smiled but didn’t come right over. He was a little shy, but he came up and held my hand with a smile on his face! He spoke enough English for me to find out that he is in nursery school (kindergarten) and that Paris was at home. I held his hand for a few minutes before returning to Miracle House. A few minutes later, I peaked outside to see that he had gone to get Paris. She recognized me right away and gave me a hug. When I asked them both if they remembered me, they smiled and Paris said, “Auntie Arienne!” I was SO thankful I got to see them, hold them, tell them I love them, and pray over them! Yay, God!

This is getting to be long, but here are some other highlights of my time since I last wrote:
- worshipping with Kenyan believers on Mount Elgon – very cool to realize that we are family since we serve the same Father!
- flying over Misri slum on the way to Eldoret with Deanna – SO cool to see it/pray over it from the air!
- watching our Miracle House kids step into ministry more and more. They have a heart of prayer for their community, and I love watching them seek the Lord and challenge others to do the same!

The next several weeks, I will be spending most of my time in Limuru, but I’m also hoping to spend a week in Webuye. I’ll also be able to update more consistently now that I’m back at Sammy and Eve’s. Thank you for your continued prayers and support… I’m so thankful for each one of you!

A speedy fast recap of two weeks with the team!

HEY friends! The following was written last Sunday (the 21st), but the internet stopped working before I could post it... so here ya go! This week thus far has been incredibly busy... but I've enjoyed getting some admin stuff done with Deanna, flying (!!) to Webuye, and spending time with our kids and staff! Since this was a long update to begin with, I'll just leave you with a recap of my two weeks with the team:



The past two weeks with the team have been amazing/incredible/busy! Last night (Saturday) five of the team made it to the airport and actually on to their plane - they were supposed to leave Friday night, but the airplane that was supposed to 'pick' them hit an antelope on the runway when it was landing... which I still think is hilarious (no one was hurt... except probably the antelope). Only in Africa :)



Today and tomorrow, Deanna and I are getting some administrative jobs done in Limuru/Nairobi. This morning we sent the remaining five team members west to Webuye. Jeremy will be doing pastor training, and Rachael and the girls will be getting lots of paperwork and administrative stuff done, along with spending more time with the kids and working with guardians to complete child files! Depending on how much we get done today and tomorrow, Deanna and I are hoping to fly west tomorrow night or Tuesday.



The time with the team was amazing! We did and experienced so much, I'm having a hard time picking out the things to tell you! We spent time at both MH locations, visited the MH land (!!!!! - more on that later!), ministered in Misri slum, and went up Mount Elgon for evangelism and food distribution. It was amazing to see the team come together and minister together - we had such a great combo of giftings and strengths. And, selfishly, I must say that it was wonderful to be in my favorite place with many of my closest friends! Now I will attempt to give you some of the 'snapshots' of the trip (from my point of view at least!):



One of my favorite moments was getting to walk on OUR land! I had seen pictures, but my feet hadn't actually walked on the ground - it was WAY cool to walk/run/dance on the land and picture doing the same with our kids! The land is beautiful and green and so peaceful... not to mention the breathtaking view. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite places! We spent some time as a team worshiping and praying on the land... which was a super special time for me! It's been amazing to see how He's brought Miracle House in the past three years! And I love how His presence/peace/joy rests there... mmm mmm good!



Visiting Mount Elgon was incredible! Mount Elgon is a region that has had a lot of instability in the past - lots of tribal clashes, so as a result many native to Mount Elgon have been displaced. They are considered an unreached people group as it is fairly remote. This is also a very special place to me because it was on Mount Elgon three years ago that God gave me His heart for the nations! We were able to do two ministry sites and Gospel presentations. At the second site, I was speaking my portion of the Gospel presentation, praying over the people and making eye contact with those in the crowd. I kept making eye contact with one man who was listening attentively. I felt like God was saying, "This one - I want this one to know Me!" I know He feels that about each person, but He let me feel it especially for that man. When Jeremy and Pastor Sammy were leading the response time, I was praying for him specifically. It was obvious by his face and posture that he 'got it,' and when the crowd was invited to respond, he raised his hand indicating that he wanted to know the Lord! I watched and prayed as he prayed to become a follower of the Lord... it was a very cool moment!



One morning in Misri, we went prayer walking with our kids through the slum. We were also going to do a children's ministry time in the afternoon, so we were also inviting all the children that we encountered. It was very cool to see our MH kids praying over those in their community and inviting the children to the ministry time. I specifically remember Joseph Muthiora, who is nine years old, walking in a small housing compound and making a point to lay his hands on each child (there were several) and say "God bless you" as he prayed for them. I love getting to watch our kids minister to those in their community. They are growing up as passionate followers of the Lord! LOVE it!



It was also amazing for me to be at the MH Webuye location! The last time I was here, the team built the building - now there are 36 children! It was so fun to begin to get to know each one of them - I'm still learning all the names and faces! The staff is great, too! They work SO hard, and it's very cool to see the resulting transformation in the children. In Webuye, we were also able to connect with many of 'Pastor Sammy's boys' - many of whom have been our translators in the past. They are like brothers to me and their wives are like sisters... so it was like being with family again!



I could go on and on... God did so much in the last two weeks! Continue to pray for safety, health (we've had a few passing sicknesses, and I have a several pretty large/yucky bug bites), divine encounters, God's best and His will to prevail, and His power to move!



Thanks so much for your prayers - I'm so thankful to know that you all are standing with me!

Part two of the adventure begins...

Hey friends!

I just got back from Miracle House, and I'm all packed and ready to 'pick' the team from the airport tonight!! Pastor Sammy and I leave in an hour or so (ok, let's be honest... it's Africa... probably two hours, maybe three!) to run some errands before heading to the airport! I'm excited to pick up nine more mzungus! The MH kids are excited, too - today they were beside themselves!

I also wanted to let you know that I'm going to have slighlty more limited access to the internet/computers over the next (busy) month. I'll try to update on here when I can, but you can follow the MH team's blog at www.miracle-house.org/blog. The MH blog will be updated frequently with all of our happenings :) I'll be with at least a portion of the MH team until July 3. The MH blog already has a prayer calender, too - so you can follow what we'll be up to!

Thank you so much for reading and praying thus far - know that I feel and appreciate your prayers! Pray for this next leg with the team - for unity, divine encounters, and God to work through/in us in powerful ways!

:)