As Saturday neared its end one of our “Adventurous Nine” was affectionately kicked off the island and sent back home. With her torch dimmed and tears in our eyes we left Tica at Jomo Kenyatta, leaving us four more days to the next elimination (where I have a hunch all but “The Enforcer” will also be kicked off.)

Sunday was a very typical Kenyan Sunday, and oh how fun it was! We woke up bright and early and all piled into our little green car (minus my dad and evan) and drove across pot holed filled, speed bump galore, insane Kenyan roads to the church oasis*. My mom was able to lead the choir for a final time in Kenya. Jacob gave a sound talk to the choir (telling them that really the point is not for them to hear themselves) and the rest of us talked with the rest of everyone hanging around before church began.

Service was just as Kenya, Fun, and Exciting as I remember. There weren’t as many drunk guys hanging out, though we did have our fair share. Song service was lively with people dancing, white guys clapping, and Chris slightly perturbed. One thing that is very apparent in Kenya services is the love of praising God. Few people do the white guy shuffle most really do break out in a jig. More than that though just watching people’s faces their smiles and their sincere heartfelt praise no matter the song. It is genuine, like my grandpa says “When your problem is bigger than your pride you will reach out to touch His garment.” Many (not all but many) of those in the church realize that our God is bigger than our problems and they really are reaching out to touch His garment.

Dad preached a holy ghost sermon and at least 5 people went down to the altar for salvation. It was a tremendous service.

After church we had a Jesus people wedding. Both couples had been “together” for many years but after a series my grandpa preached on marriage they wanted to do it right. There were many differences: both brides wore playschool tiaras, they walked to Kenya jig before the service, they didn’t like to kiss each other, the family of the bride sprayed cologne in the audience, they had them sign the marriage license at a table at the altar while everyone watched, the bride then opened up his jacket and put in a second copy of the license in his jacket pocket, and really many more too much to name.

Then we had a fellowship lunch. Delicious.

Saying goodbye was not easy, so I really didn’t, but rather “see you later”, and a smile and a wave. I love Kenya. It is a part of me, more than even my left arm. I love the church, oh and I love the people! We still have three more days, thankfully!
*Church Oasis: a shining white tent with one flat Acacia tree (or as I like to call it Zaceheus tree) standing tall in front. Bright green bushes lining paths around the plot. Beautiful flowers livening up the plot. And the best part, people, smiling people dressed in their Sunday best bustling around the church practicing for choir, sitting in adult and children’s Sunday school, talking to one another, laughing, and showing a complete peace in where they are.
-The Negotiator

Sunday was a jam-packed day. We had a holy ghost filled, Pentecostal service. The Jones family had a chance to express their goodbyes to the church, which made it easy to see that they weren’t saying goodbye to their church, but more, their family and home. Pastor Paul preached a powerful message on the myths about sin, and I’m happy to report that the altars were full! God is really moving in this church. Then, just when you think it cant get any better, we got to see an old fashioned Jesus people wedding! There was not one, but two couples ready to honor God by marrying. Good food, good fellowship… What an awesome day it was.
-Camelbak

Sunday was always the best day of the week. I got to speak to the praise team and the sound crew on how to help the service and eliminate problems they might have. Then after the service we had two weddings in a row. It was very different but was pretty cool. Later on we got to fellowship with all of the church. The sad part was we had to say our goodbye to the members.

- Out on a Limb

Morning. Petting Cheetah.

Afternoon. Eating lunch at George and Moreen’s.

Afternoon. Tea at Monica’s.

Afternoon. Mid day shopping.

Evening. Tasting the Kenyan cuisine.

What they have to say:

We got to fellowship with many church members. These people were vary welcoming and were on fire for God. Later on Pastor Safari took us downtown. He took us to a jersey shop where we got soccer jersey. It was a great day.
-Out on a Limb

My trip is nearing its end and I am so thankful for what I’ve experienced during this time. We have packed so much into each and every day that we’ve been here. I don’t know how we’ve done it! We have done it all, from the “touristy” stuff to visiting the slums of Nairobi and just the everyday life in Kenya. What a joy it’s been to visit the homes of the people from the church. Everyone we have visited has been so gracious to open up their home and feed our “army of nine”!  I love listening to the powerful testimonies of these people. It really shows how God is moving here in Kenya. I feel honored and privileged to have been able to have this experience of a lifetime, something I will never forget.

-Tica

This difference between a hello and a glance tells the difference between the overall attitude of a culture.

(yes I made up this very profound statement all on my own, and now I will explain)

Jess and myself are staying in another house walking distance from where my parents and the guys are staying. Staying with us is a teacher from the school, and then another couple that are also visiting Kenya. We have been living in the same space for a week now. Every morning we typically see one of these three housemates we are living with. I would say that about 1 out of every 5 times we see them we get a glance. And about 1 out every time we have seen them we have actually gotten a smile and maybe a couple words without us speaking up first. Does this make them rude, I guess not really, after all they are American and we do like our space, you know that “personal bubble”.

Now let me give you a view of another culture.

As jess and I leave our house in the morning to go to where my parents are staying we are first greeted by the outside Kenyan guard. This man who doesn’t know us one bit, has really nothing in common with us, has no idea who we are, and is really only there to work for us, right off gives a great big morning smile with a huge “Habari Asabuhi?” (Good Morning) We then pass through 2 more gates where both the guards give us a big wave. Then I walk into my kitchen and the house girl (who doesn’t even know my name) also says “Good Morning, Did you sleep well?” Then for lunch we have had the great opportunity of visiting Kenyan’s homes. Many of them have near nothing, their kitchen, bedroom, living room, and really every room is in a 10 X 10 tin square. Yet when you walk in they smile and talk to you even though they are embarrassed of their English and don’t know how to treat you. They just want to talk. While we are bargaining at the Maasai Market, the trick to getting the best price is really to just stand there and create small talk – they LOVE small talk. They want to know who you are, genuinely just because they want to talk to you.

Kenyan’s compared to all British, Australian, and American people are really gems! They are friendly. Truly friendly. They are a rare people in my eyes, and people that make want to remember that even when I am on American soil I still need to take time, just say “Good Morning, Did you sleep well?” because those little good mornings sometimes are what determines the rest the other person’s day.

-The Negotiator

Visited Rift Valley

Then to Lake Elementaita (near Nakuru)

Then lake naivasha

Then Home

Observations of the passengers:

“To the right we have hippos, to the left giraffe, if you look up you will see King Fisher birds with their catch of the day.” Said our tour guide on Lake Naivasha today. We had the opportunity to take a small trip into Kenya’s beautiful countryside. And oh how beautiful it is! I really don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere as gorgeous as Kenya, between the animals luscious green trees and bright open skies there is no where that even compares. I was overwhelmed while we were driving to our destinations with complete gratitude.

We drove past many typical villages. Here you see little kids walking by their lonesome at 3 years old barefoot. You see old woman carrying piles of sticks on their backs 5 miles and further. And one big thing that my mom and I were discussing is that really here, there is very little pleasure in a Kenyan’s life. While this is relative still the locals work so very hard day after day and they never get the pleasure of simple things like getting to put their hands under running water, or flushing a real toilet, or being able to sit in a car to go somewhere. Even many village churches wear their people down with religion and 10 hour long Sunday services (literally).

That is one really big thing that has been incorporate into our church is that church overall is a time to SERVE God! Its not just a religious ritual where you go, warm a phew, pay tithe, say a prayer and amen. Church is the Body of Christ! Here we make don’t just make friends but gain family members. Just like Kezzie, who I talked about in the last post, so many Kenyans have found refuge in the Victory World Outreach. They have found peace through Jesus and it has also given them something in life to truly enjoy. You see this when people stay after church just to fellowship. And when a meeting, outreach, or any event is called they are all eager to be involved!

We had a great day today! God was smiling when He made Kenya, that is for sure! I feel blessed to be able to visit here, blessed to be who I am, and simply all around extremely blessed!

- The Negotiator
What a great day we had today! We visited what I would argue as one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Rift Valley!! As the day went on I thought how wonderful a Creator to make something as beautiful as this for us to enjoy. From the beautiful views to the pink sea of flamingos on Lake Elemetaita to our boat ride with the hippos on Lake Naivasha.

I’ve noticed since I’ve been here that the Kenyan people are very resourceful in everything they do. They seem to have a use for everything. With how hard life can be here it is so encouraging to see the people of the church be content and have true joy in what they have. Because they have found the most wonderful gift they could ever receive, the gift of Jesus Christ, a Savior to a lost and dying world. How exciting it is to see God moving in the hearts and lives of the people here in Kenya.

Every day is a new adventure full of wonderful experiences of a lifetime. What an amazing God we serve!

- The Tica

(pictures are giving us issues – after we get back i will be adding pictures to the individual blogs and removing these little “sorry no pictures” sentances)

Events of the day:

Walking around downtown (including visiting a fragrant fish market)

Eating at the youth leaders home – Jacob and Abigail

Half of us rode a couple matatus across town

Visiting a Maasai Market (where some of us took some time to share the Gospel)

In more detail:

Today was an amazing day. We got to have a lunch at Jacob and Abigail’s. This is the couple that is getting married on Sunday. They were very welcoming and happy to see us. As we ate Jacob told everyone his amazing powerful testimony. It touched my life to hear about it. After, we prayed for the two that God would bless them and keep them in his hands. Later on we got to shop for a while and during that I got to pass out tracts. It was the most memorable part of today.

-Out on a Limb

The day started off with a walk downtown. We were mobbed by salesmen, engulfed by the stench of dead fish, and beaten down by the rough riding matatu. The part most worth mentioning, however, was eating lunch at Jacob and Abigails’ house. What an amazing couple our church has raised up! Jacob went from being involved in drugs, drinking, stealing, etc., to being a holy ghost filled, Godly example. Imagine, a former thief is now a fire starter group leader, a song service leader, and quite possibly another home grown pastor ripe for sending out! This church is moving in God, and as much fun as I’m having here, it’s exciting to see the powerful progress they are having.

- Camelbak

As many of you know I began the Sunday School in Kenya and ran it for the four years we lived in Kenya. Two years into our time here God sent me a very faithful worker, in perfect time, to help me with Sunday School. Kezzie is a gift from God, really just what I needed. She joined Sunday School and choir and after a while in choir she ended up getting out because she wanted to be able to devote more time in to the Children’s ministries. This is very unusual for anyone, to want to take herself out of a public ministry to be more behind the scenes! She learned things quickly and always did exactly what I asked and more. I knew when it came time for me to leave Kenya that the Sunday School was left in good hands. Kezzie while very smart and great with children still has had a very hard time finding a good job. She works right now at a preschool making about $62 a month. Still she is one of the happiest most joyful woman I know! Her friends, her family, her everything has become Victory World Outreach. She has no where else to go and no one else to genuinely love her. I know she has learned many things from our church and now God is using her to do great things in the children, and this chain will continue!

- The Negotiator

The people here in Kenya truly are amazing. They really have touched my heart in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Whether walking through the slums or driving through the center of Nairobi you can really feel such a need for God in the lives of these people. It has been really touching to see the places where Pastor Paul, Emily, Alainna, Evan & Reese spent a portion of their lives here in Kenya. God has used them in such a mighty and awesome way to build his church here in Kenya. Just to think of how 4 years ago there was nothing more than a piece of land filled with rock and now there is a beautiful white tent filled with hundreds of precious people serving God. How great is our God!!

- The Tica

Daniel (aka – Traveling Gnome) I have been recently reminded that since Friday we have a new addition to our group, Daniel. Daniel was aquired at the maasai market by my mother. She bargained hard and named him after the sales man. He now resides by the front door watching all traffic that comes through and scaring away our enemies. Really though he has become the mascot of the trip and a dear dear friend.

How the day went:

- Church

- Eat

- Open Air

- Home

In the eyes of the beholders:

If I had to sum up sunday in one word, it would be tiresome. we started the day with plenty of good gospel preaching. Evans did an excellent sermon in the adult bible school on having joy. then, Pastor Paul, after a thunderous welcome, talked about being a good congregation. We ate a delicious lunch and ended the day with an exciting open air meeting with live drama, music, and I even got to preach. It was an amazing experience. Im looking forward to seeing what else God has for us. He has just begun!

- Camelbak

today we went to church and it as a blast. what i like the most is the people. they had a heart for god and love to preach the gospel. i met many people that just took me in and welcomed me to the church. than came the crusade that josh did a great job preaching the gospel to people. it was a day that i won’t forget.

-Out on a Limb

I love Kenya, I really do! I love the smell, flowers, roads, driving, food, places, worthless trinkets, but most of all i love the people and our church! There is nothing as good as walking through that black gate to see the smiling faces of those that without Christ wouldn’t have a reason to smile. Today I got to see about 400 of those smiling faces grinning from ear to ear happy as could be. Church was just how i remembered it with many new faces! I had the opportunity to do sunday school and see many kids that i spent so many hours with. Then after that final prayer we headed over to baba efraim’s home where we had some very delicious food (you know the kind that makes you wanna slap your grandma), and a great time of simple fellowship! And then on to the open air, totally my element and probably my favorite thing of kenya, josh preached mightly well and it was all around a great open air! Now we are back at rosslyn ,where we are staying. Not too tired, but not too awake either :0). overall…i love kenya!

-The Negotiator

Wow! What an amazing adventure this has been thus far!! Today all of us packed into the car and headed off to church early this morning. (Thank goodness for the good nights of sleep I have gotten!) Church was such a wonderful blessing to be a part of. It’s hard to put into words. We started off by attending the morning adult and children’s Sunday school. I was able to watch Alainna teach which was such a joy! Those kids are so precious! Church started with a beautiful song service. I always enjoy listening to praise and worship in other languages. The people here have such a kindness about them and it was great to meet everyone. After the morning service we had an astounding Kenyan lunch at a couple from the church’s house. The food was spectacular and had such a great flavor. Maybe I can learn to cook Kenyan? ☺ We then ended the day with the much anticipated open air. It was such a great experience and so great to interact with the locals. I’m so looking forward to what is ahead of the “adventurous nine” have ahead of them! What a privilege it is to be here in Kenya…I am loving it!

-Tica

Still working on the picture situation…tune in tomorrow

Everyday of their adventure was marked with great memories, unforgettable experiences, and stories to tell for a lifetime. Here, you will find those stories – as they happened (or at least for one perspective.)

Before I leave you to these day by day stories let me introduce you to the traveling 8, who then became the “Adventurous Nine”

“The Adventurous Nine”

Pastor Paul (aka – Praying Mantas) The wisest one of the group, and quite surely in the country, he leads us – telling us where to go and keeping us from the biggest (and smallest) of dangers. He imparts wisdom in every step he takes to all those who will grasp it and if you follow closely enough you will become his wee grasshopper.

Emily (aka – Mamma Care Bear) Watching out for our stomachs, well being, attitudes, and making sure that in everything we do we are having the times of our lives Mamma Care Bear is one of the most crucial members to our trip. She is there when you need her, even when you think you don’t and if your stomach ever starts to give a rumble, no fear cause she has something to feed you near by!

Chris (aka – The Enforcer) With an accent like his he gets what he needs from the locals and with a strict tongue he keeps the boys in line (which is much needed). While he recently had a run in with King Tut the elephant leaving him in a cast, he is still a very active member of the group greatly adding to every memory made!

Jess (aka – Tica) Fluent in Spanish, she somehow ended up in Kenya, but oh how glad we are! Fitting in to the crowd perfectly (or maybe the crowd fits into her) if you are ever having a dull moment she is the one who will spruce it up, make you laugh, and most always looks very pretty doing it!

Josh (aka – Camelbak) He has been seen traveling the streets of Africa for the second time this year. Easily seen towering above the houses of Nairobi, his accent confuses the locals even though he tries really hard. Accents and all he is still very cool.

Alainna (aka – The Negotiator) Always there for a good laugh. And turns every situation for the better. Negotiates with the locals very well using her bits of Swahili – we only wish she wouldn’t have accidentally called that woman ugly.

Jacob (aka – Out on a Limb) The only member of the group never to have crossed over American borders, we still don’t know what we would do without him. Easy going, up for anything, and the friend whos always there – and he LOVES KENYAN FOOD!

Evan (aka Instigator) Not really a trouble maker but always looking to stir up the situation. A moment gone boring, add instigator, a moment gone very interesting! You never know what he’s gonna do next but one things for sure we don’t know what we’d do without him!

Reese (aka Tag-a-long Polly) There wherever you go she is always along for the ride with a smile too! Having fun in every situation even when it means walking for hours, being bored, and eating food she doesn’t really like – she does it. Shes cute, shes tag-a-long Polly!