When I first came to Kenya I witnessed people struggling with unemployment and idleness, those problems still exist, but for the last year and half I have been able to see people gain hope through education and job training. The country of Kenya was improving in so many ways, now its fate is spiraling toward chaos.
Since my return to Nairobi we have experienced times of relative peace (at least in the areas we live and work), yet what started as an election dispute has turned into country wide tribal clashes. We continue to ask ourselves when it will end.
Everyone has been affected in one way or another. A teacher's family, who live upcountry, evacuated their home due to raider attacks. A friend in Nairobi is left with nothing after his home was broken into and all of his belongings stolen. The brother of a Light and Power board member was told by his Pastor to leave his home and land quickly. The following day the Pastor and his gang burned the home following a promise of money to build a larger home on the same land. Students stuck in Western Kenya returned to Akiba weeks late famished and tired. From Kisumu to Nakuru and most recently Naivasha and Nairobi, homes are being burned, shops looted, and people displaced.
The newspapers write of the attacks, the burnings, the curfews, the killings. When will peace come? Raila Odinga refuses to become Kibaki's prime minister and Kibaki rejects the idea of stepping down. However, peace talks continue with Kofi Annan and his team of negotiators on hand. Is this the answer though? It seems the anger of the people is no longer about ODM or PNU, but about land distribution, unemployment, and revenge. Church this past Sunday was a venue to talk about solutions- stop blaming others, get involved, and look at other tribes in a positive light- everywhere you go conversations are about the current situation.
One positive thing I witnessed was Jamhuri Park- an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp. We visited the camp where displaced families from Mathare and Kibera stayed. Hundreds of volunteers joined hands to serve food, offer blankets, provide counseling, and receive donations. An organization called the Alliance of Churches ran the camp. The group consisted of various Christian denominations, which formed solely for the purpose of helping those affected by the post-election violence. Unfortunately, the government closed the camp last week.
Overall, people are at a standstill as the economy plummets. We continue with teaching, encouraging, and planning because to do otherwise would admit that this country is falling apart. I am not from the Kikuyu or Luo tribe, I do not understand the rationale for the violence, but I will keep on listening to the cries of the people. My love for this place and people go on.
Keep praying!
Anne
*I am doing fine and call people before I leave in the morning to make sure things are safe in Kangemi and Kawangware. Akiba School and Light and Power Centre are open and in fact the board held a Light and Power planning/strategy day last Friday. We are looking into options for the young men at the Centre to move onto other trainings. Personally, I am also excited about Akiba graduates receiving sponsorships to attend University and various training colleges. Progress continues in small ways despite the challenges this country
faces.
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 14
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Update #13
One of the greatest things about working in Nairobi is visibly seeing the many blessings before me. By removing the distractions and stepping back from the constant schedules, we can see blessings in almost everything. This past month I thank God for showering me with people that serve as blessings in my life and in turn offer me encouragement.
Yesterday my friend Katie returned to the States after spending three weeks with us. Katie served on my discernment team when I began to pray about the opportunity to serve in Nairobi. It was wonderful to show her this country and for her husband to share in the experience for a week. In the coming weeks we will spend time with two other friends from The Falls Church. I thank God for blessing me with visitors who have a willingness to serve.
This month we revisited the Gitao coffee farm and I spent quality time with Edith Gitao, the manager of Akiba School. This woman continues to amaze me. We have developed a relationship build on trust and I truly consider her my "Cucu"- grandmother. I thank God for blessing me with friendships that teach the value of wisdom.
Just over a year ago we moved into the new Light and Power house. With limited bag orders this past month we worked on cleaning the house in preparation for renovations- we spent our days scrubbing and sanding walls as we hope to soon repaint the inside of the place. The transformation that continues to occur in this place is incredible. Despite a lack of orders, the guys still show up at the Centre to read books, spend time in fellowship, and work in whatever capacity they can. The young men also visited one of the remaining Nairobi IDP (internally displaced people) camps this month, helping to serve those who were forced to flee their homes. There willingness to look beyond themselves touches me deeply. Two former Light and Power leaders (Hassan and Abdi) returned to Gatina for a brief period of time this month. I played soccer with Hassan again and the other guys in the Gatina area. It was encouraging to hear about Hassan's advancement in the military and Abdi's job opportunities after completing pharmacy school. I thank God for blessing me with brothers who respect my role to help them.
We visited Mudzini Kwetu last weekend and I was amazed at the growth of the young girls. They continue to mature and develop unique personality traits. When I first visited Mudzini in Dec. 2006 there were 24 girls, they now cater for 33 children. The committed staff and loving children make this place so dear to my heart. I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to continually visit Mudzini and see the compassion given to each child there.
Most importantly, thank you to all of you who continue to read my updates and support me in this work.
As I reflect on the past month, I can't help but also look forward and be reminded of my few months remaining in Kenya. I am saddened by the thought of leaving. I think the word that summarizes my time here is joy. Pure joy! I love the people, the ministries, and even the driving in this place. The Lord has blessed me with an intense time of happiness. The poverty and struggles of families weigh on you, yet I remind myself- "Anything is possible if a person believes." Lord, I do believe.
*The latest political update is that a peace agreement has been signed and a shared government will begin. We praise God for bringing forth this resolution. The pains caused by the clashes will take time to heal, but the agreement is a good start. Thankfully, churches are gathering together for a caravan of healing and reconciliation that will begin March 7th-17th, traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi, then Nakuru, and on to Kisumu and Eldoret. Pray that people may have a heart to truly forgive.
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 13
Yesterday my friend Katie returned to the States after spending three weeks with us. Katie served on my discernment team when I began to pray about the opportunity to serve in Nairobi. It was wonderful to show her this country and for her husband to share in the experience for a week. In the coming weeks we will spend time with two other friends from The Falls Church. I thank God for blessing me with visitors who have a willingness to serve.
This month we revisited the Gitao coffee farm and I spent quality time with Edith Gitao, the manager of Akiba School. This woman continues to amaze me. We have developed a relationship build on trust and I truly consider her my "Cucu"- grandmother. I thank God for blessing me with friendships that teach the value of wisdom.
Just over a year ago we moved into the new Light and Power house. With limited bag orders this past month we worked on cleaning the house in preparation for renovations- we spent our days scrubbing and sanding walls as we hope to soon repaint the inside of the place. The transformation that continues to occur in this place is incredible. Despite a lack of orders, the guys still show up at the Centre to read books, spend time in fellowship, and work in whatever capacity they can. The young men also visited one of the remaining Nairobi IDP (internally displaced people) camps this month, helping to serve those who were forced to flee their homes. There willingness to look beyond themselves touches me deeply. Two former Light and Power leaders (Hassan and Abdi) returned to Gatina for a brief period of time this month. I played soccer with Hassan again and the other guys in the Gatina area. It was encouraging to hear about Hassan's advancement in the military and Abdi's job opportunities after completing pharmacy school. I thank God for blessing me with brothers who respect my role to help them.
We visited Mudzini Kwetu last weekend and I was amazed at the growth of the young girls. They continue to mature and develop unique personality traits. When I first visited Mudzini in Dec. 2006 there were 24 girls, they now cater for 33 children. The committed staff and loving children make this place so dear to my heart. I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to continually visit Mudzini and see the compassion given to each child there.
Most importantly, thank you to all of you who continue to read my updates and support me in this work.
As I reflect on the past month, I can't help but also look forward and be reminded of my few months remaining in Kenya. I am saddened by the thought of leaving. I think the word that summarizes my time here is joy. Pure joy! I love the people, the ministries, and even the driving in this place. The Lord has blessed me with an intense time of happiness. The poverty and struggles of families weigh on you, yet I remind myself- "Anything is possible if a person believes." Lord, I do believe.
*The latest political update is that a peace agreement has been signed and a shared government will begin. We praise God for bringing forth this resolution. The pains caused by the clashes will take time to heal, but the agreement is a good start. Thankfully, churches are gathering together for a caravan of healing and reconciliation that will begin March 7th-17th, traveling from Mombasa to Nairobi, then Nakuru, and on to Kisumu and Eldoret. Pray that people may have a heart to truly forgive.
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 13
Friday, November 30, 2007
Update #12
Another update from Nairobi...
This past month I spent more time with the Light and Power guys. I have such a heart for these young men and enjoy getting to know about their families, struggles, and dreams. Five of them ran the Nairobi half marathon a few weeks ago- their first (Pictured on the left). They all beat me by over an hour! Kenyans are fast and as I learned on our practice run they are like energizer bunnies. They took me on a "practice" run that turned into a trial 21km race. Thankfully, one guy would stay back with me and go at my pace, but between the hills and fumes from matatus, buses, and cars I was ready to collapse by the end. 
Then, this past weekend we took a trip to Fourteen Falls in Thika. We try to do one activity with Light and Power every month- whether it is a soccer game or a trip somewhere. They jump at any chance to get out of the Gatina slum. At Fourteen Falls we did a bit of hiking and exploring- it was a wonderful day and they were disappointed when we had to return to Nairobi (Pictured on the right).
By the end of this month the guys at Light and Power will have made over 4,000 bags in November alone! It is incredible to see the hearts and lifestyles of these young men change and at the same time the business grow. I continue to struggle with the idea of combining a ministry with a business, but realize that by offering people a tangible hope through consistent income you are allowing them to comprehend an everlasting hope in the Lord. We haven't had any thefts lately and things seem to be stabilizing. They recently completed a 1,000-bag order for the UN and are currently working on Christmas bags- thanks to a graphic designer in America who gave us the idea. We will be bringing them home in December, so if don't feel like dealing with wrapping paper and tape- let us know-it will be great way to support the young men at Light and Power.
The Akiba School year is coming to a close on November 30th. The class 8 and Form 4 (senior) students will finish the National Exams this week. I will give my Form II students their final exam next week. This month I spent any free time tutoring those struggling in class. It has been my prayer this entire year that they would change their mindset about math. I hope they have seen the importance of this subject. We just finished a chapter on statistics and with the Kenyan presidential election underway right now it served as an opportunity for them to see the application of math. They learned about pie charts, bar graphs, sampling, etc. and Saturday's newspaper highlighted the recent polls, demonstrating everything they just learned.
This past month I spent more time with the Light and Power guys. I have such a heart for these young men and enjoy getting to know about their families, struggles, and dreams. Five of them ran the Nairobi half marathon a few weeks ago- their first (Pictured on the left). They all beat me by over an hour! Kenyans are fast and as I learned on our practice run they are like energizer bunnies. They took me on a "practice" run that turned into a trial 21km race. Thankfully, one guy would stay back with me and go at my pace, but between the hills and fumes from matatus, buses, and cars I was ready to collapse by the end. Then, this past weekend we took a trip to Fourteen Falls in Thika. We try to do one activity with Light and Power every month- whether it is a soccer game or a trip somewhere. They jump at any chance to get out of the Gatina slum. At Fourteen Falls we did a bit of hiking and exploring- it was a wonderful day and they were disappointed when we had to return to Nairobi (Pictured on the right).By the end of this month the guys at Light and Power will have made over 4,000 bags in November alone! It is incredible to see the hearts and lifestyles of these young men change and at the same time the business grow. I continue to struggle with the idea of combining a ministry with a business, but realize that by offering people a tangible hope through consistent income you are allowing them to comprehend an everlasting hope in the Lord. We haven't had any thefts lately and things seem to be stabilizing. They recently completed a 1,000-bag order for the UN and are currently working on Christmas bags- thanks to a graphic designer in America who gave us the idea. We will be bringing them home in December, so if don't feel like dealing with wrapping paper and tape- let us know-it will be great way to support the young men at Light and Power.
The Akiba School year is coming to a close on November 30th. The class 8 and Form 4 (senior) students will finish the National Exams this week. I will give my Form II students their final exam next week. This month I spent any free time tutoring those struggling in class. It has been my prayer this entire year that they would change their mindset about math. I hope they have seen the importance of this subject. We just finished a chapter on statistics and with the Kenyan presidential election underway right now it served as an opportunity for them to see the application of math. They learned about pie charts, bar graphs, sampling, etc. and Saturday's newspaper highlighted the recent polls, demonstrating everything they just learned.
Students at the Akiba School
I have also spent some of my time connecting various organizations/groups together. There is a HIV/AIDS community group connected with the Anglican Church in an area called Kuwinda. The women here recently went through an arts and craft training for 5 weeks and learned how to make beautiful necklaces out of recycled products. I am working to connect their Board with organizations that already have an established marketplace for selling.
As ministries begin to close and wind down for the Christmas holidays, Amber and I will head to Mombasa at the beginning of December. As my family joined in throwing a pre-Christmas party for the girls last year, Amber and I will try to continue the tradition at Mudzini Kwetu.
I look forward to seeing most of you when I am back in America for Christmas! I still wake up each morning with a joy to serve and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be in Kenya. Thanks for your emails and notes of encouragement.
-Anne
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 12
As ministries begin to close and wind down for the Christmas holidays, Amber and I will head to Mombasa at the beginning of December. As my family joined in throwing a pre-Christmas party for the girls last year, Amber and I will try to continue the tradition at Mudzini Kwetu.
I look forward to seeing most of you when I am back in America for Christmas! I still wake up each morning with a joy to serve and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be in Kenya. Thanks for your emails and notes of encouragement.
-Anne
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 12
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Update #11 - Recent Pictures from Kenya
Below are some pictures from our time in Kikambala. Thanks to all who donated swimming suits or bathing costumes as we call them in Kenya! The girls looked so cute in them.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Update #10
Dear Friends and Family,
This update should have gone out about two weeks ago- sorry for the delay. Life has been extremely busy since we returned to Kenya September 5th. Our initial arrival at the Nairobi airport reminded me of the disorganization and corruption so prevalent in this country. As I went to pay for my visa I was told my $50 bill would not be accepted because it was printed in 1996, a common year for counterfeit bills. Thus, I was forced to pull money out of the ATM (in shillings) then exchange the shillings back into dollars to pay for my visa. All of this, so they could put my money in an open box- no cash register- no computerized receipt.
Overall, my return here has been marked by progress, yet confrontation with the same obstacles. This past month God has convicted me of the fact that I need to commit more time to prayer. Prayer for the ministries we are serving at, the people we are working alongside, and all of God's blessings. Trying to get back into the swing of things, I lost sight of my purpose to love God first and foremost. I am in awe of how He has protected me thus far, how He has kept me in good health, and how He has given me strength to overcome daily frustrations. There is so much to be thankful for. Being in America for a month made me realize how much I love the guys at Light and Power Centre and my Form II students at Akiba. They are my passion and have been my focus for over a year now!
Within the first week of our return, one of the leaders at Light and Power Centre was released for inappropriate behavior and a succession of thefts followed by lies. It is hard to see people go, but a leader must be an example to others and this guy failed in that area. On the brighter side, the Centre is seeing progress in all areas. Bag orders have consistently been over 3,000/month for the past 3 months. Five out of the nine guys signed up for the matching funds savings program. This is a program requiring them to set aside at least 10% of their bi-monthly salary for skills training courses (driving school, college, etc). At the point of withdrawal their savings will be matched either 50% or 100%, depending on the length of their participation in the program. The Saturday Children's Program now has over 50 kids attending. The guys have truly taken ownership of this program. They lead the children in games and songs, followed by a puppet show of various bible lessons. It is wonderful to see the adults in the community stopping by to see why there are so many children at the Centre. Also, thanks to a contribution by one of our board members, five of the guys will be participating in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. On October 28 th, they will run the ½ marathon with me and the board member who supported them to run.
Teaching continues at Akiba. I have 39 students this term and have tried to be more strict with them about completing homework and staying in during break times for tutoring if they performed poorly on exams. It is a constant challenge with them though as I try to have them learn concepts versus the memorization techniques taught to them in the past. Hard to believe that there are only five more weeks left in the 2007 school year at Akiba.
During midterm break from school, Amber and I traveled to Kikambala to visit the girls at Mudzini Kwetu. We both look forward to these trips so much. The girls at the home are full of energy and incredible happiness. Our trip included spending time with the staff, taking the girls to the beach, and pushing them over and over again on their new tire swing. When I visited in July there were two new additions to Mudzini- a set of 9 month old twins- who were appointed by the court to stay at Mudzini until their mother was capable of taking care of them. They were both malnourished when they arrived and had been mistreated by their mother. Unfortunately, Macharia (the boy) was admitted to the hospital a few days before we arrived. We visited him in the hospital, which was quite an experience. Outside the building there were hundreds of mothers with their babies waiting to see a doctor or to receive medication. In the "private" children's wing the mothers had the role of the nurses. Someone from Mudzini stayed with Macharia each night and gave him water through his feeding tube. This morning we received the sad news that he passed away. During my time in Kenya, I feel like I constantly hear about a death in someone's family. However, this was the first time that the impact of death really hit me.
Kenyans don't have all the American resources, yet they make the most of what they do have. The majority of Kenyans live in a world different from ours. It is not the world that must change, but the people in that world. Even if I can't relate all the time, I have come to accept this world. As we were driving along the coast, the sites to my left and right no longer struck me as something different. I have accepted the rows of mud huts, the children walking home from school (probably at least a 3 mile walk), the women carrying timber or water on their heads, and the men sitting idle. There is so much I wish to change in Kenya, but change in this country will only start with incredible transformation in people's heart.
As I continue to serve at various ministries during my second year, I appreciate your support and prayers.
In Christ's love,
Anne
www.kenyaconnection.org
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 10
This update should have gone out about two weeks ago- sorry for the delay. Life has been extremely busy since we returned to Kenya September 5th. Our initial arrival at the Nairobi airport reminded me of the disorganization and corruption so prevalent in this country. As I went to pay for my visa I was told my $50 bill would not be accepted because it was printed in 1996, a common year for counterfeit bills. Thus, I was forced to pull money out of the ATM (in shillings) then exchange the shillings back into dollars to pay for my visa. All of this, so they could put my money in an open box- no cash register- no computerized receipt.
Overall, my return here has been marked by progress, yet confrontation with the same obstacles. This past month God has convicted me of the fact that I need to commit more time to prayer. Prayer for the ministries we are serving at, the people we are working alongside, and all of God's blessings. Trying to get back into the swing of things, I lost sight of my purpose to love God first and foremost. I am in awe of how He has protected me thus far, how He has kept me in good health, and how He has given me strength to overcome daily frustrations. There is so much to be thankful for. Being in America for a month made me realize how much I love the guys at Light and Power Centre and my Form II students at Akiba. They are my passion and have been my focus for over a year now!
Within the first week of our return, one of the leaders at Light and Power Centre was released for inappropriate behavior and a succession of thefts followed by lies. It is hard to see people go, but a leader must be an example to others and this guy failed in that area. On the brighter side, the Centre is seeing progress in all areas. Bag orders have consistently been over 3,000/month for the past 3 months. Five out of the nine guys signed up for the matching funds savings program. This is a program requiring them to set aside at least 10% of their bi-monthly salary for skills training courses (driving school, college, etc). At the point of withdrawal their savings will be matched either 50% or 100%, depending on the length of their participation in the program. The Saturday Children's Program now has over 50 kids attending. The guys have truly taken ownership of this program. They lead the children in games and songs, followed by a puppet show of various bible lessons. It is wonderful to see the adults in the community stopping by to see why there are so many children at the Centre. Also, thanks to a contribution by one of our board members, five of the guys will be participating in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. On October 28 th, they will run the ½ marathon with me and the board member who supported them to run.
Teaching continues at Akiba. I have 39 students this term and have tried to be more strict with them about completing homework and staying in during break times for tutoring if they performed poorly on exams. It is a constant challenge with them though as I try to have them learn concepts versus the memorization techniques taught to them in the past. Hard to believe that there are only five more weeks left in the 2007 school year at Akiba.
During midterm break from school, Amber and I traveled to Kikambala to visit the girls at Mudzini Kwetu. We both look forward to these trips so much. The girls at the home are full of energy and incredible happiness. Our trip included spending time with the staff, taking the girls to the beach, and pushing them over and over again on their new tire swing. When I visited in July there were two new additions to Mudzini- a set of 9 month old twins- who were appointed by the court to stay at Mudzini until their mother was capable of taking care of them. They were both malnourished when they arrived and had been mistreated by their mother. Unfortunately, Macharia (the boy) was admitted to the hospital a few days before we arrived. We visited him in the hospital, which was quite an experience. Outside the building there were hundreds of mothers with their babies waiting to see a doctor or to receive medication. In the "private" children's wing the mothers had the role of the nurses. Someone from Mudzini stayed with Macharia each night and gave him water through his feeding tube. This morning we received the sad news that he passed away. During my time in Kenya, I feel like I constantly hear about a death in someone's family. However, this was the first time that the impact of death really hit me.
Kenyans don't have all the American resources, yet they make the most of what they do have. The majority of Kenyans live in a world different from ours. It is not the world that must change, but the people in that world. Even if I can't relate all the time, I have come to accept this world. As we were driving along the coast, the sites to my left and right no longer struck me as something different. I have accepted the rows of mud huts, the children walking home from school (probably at least a 3 mile walk), the women carrying timber or water on their heads, and the men sitting idle. There is so much I wish to change in Kenya, but change in this country will only start with incredible transformation in people's heart.
As I continue to serve at various ministries during my second year, I appreciate your support and prayers.
In Christ's love,
Anne
www.kenyaconnection.org
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 10
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Update #9
Dear Friends,
As I prepare for my second year in Kenya, here are my reflections on the last year.
Looking down from the second story of Akiba School, I see class three students playing jump rope and class one chasing each other around the uneven concrete courtyard. Every time I become frustrated with my surroundings or the Kenyan culture, I take a step outside and look down in the courtyard. I remind myself of the joy found in children- their innocence to the world around them. The loving nature of children and their carefree spirit 
remind me to take time to invest in people. And even if you don’t see change, you know that you tried your best to influence, motivate, or help someone. Pictured above: After school with some of the primary students; To the right: Morning assembly at Akiba School
The past 10 months spent in Kenya, God has shown me the limits of my capabilities and the possibilities of His.
I entered this experience not sure where I would be staying, what I would be doing, or how God would use me. The first couple of months were spent getting to know people and settling into this new place. We came with the mission of serving The Falls Church partner ministries in Nairobi and God has led me to help at two places in particular: Akiba School and Light and Power Centre. I think the most important thing I have learned is that God uses all past experiences to prepare you for the future ones. My accounting and business skills gained in college have helped at Light and Power. The brief teaching experiences I have been exposed 
to have equipped me to have patience with my math students at Akiba. It has been incredible to see how God orchestrates people, places, and experiences together. Pictured above: One of the "slum" areas where we work; To the right: Children from the Light and Power Saturday Program
You all are the reason I am able to continue to experience so much. Because of your support, God is molding me into the person he desires me to be and showing me the direction he wants for my life. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you for your support. I remember the moment God called me back to Kenya- I was overcome with emotions- crying and feeling such a strong sense that this was the step I was supposed to take. However, it wasn’t until each of you encouraged me in the process and felt the need to contribute that everything came together.
I look at what I have done this past year- serving people through teaching, tutoring, coaching, and helping, but the most important thing God has done is to allow me to learn. Learn about another country, another culture, another group of people. Through the work I am doing in Kenya, God continues to teach me something new about his nature. Recently, I have been taught about what it means to be a child of God. So as I enter my second year serving in Kenya, I return to the courtyard. I return to the image of a child and I see joy and freedom. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made, we are all able to experience that freedom- not constrained by the problems of this world, but free to pursue our passions and use the gifts the Lord has given us. Our time on earth is brief and the journey not always easy, but I am excited to see how God continues to weave each of our lives together. Thanks for allowing God to carry out his purposes for my life and may we each continue to exemplify Jesus in all we do.
Grace and Peace,
Anne
Ways to stay involved:
As I prepare for my second year in Kenya, here are my reflections on the last year.
Looking down from the second story of Akiba School, I see class three students playing jump rope and class one chasing each other around the uneven concrete courtyard. Every time I become frustrated with my surroundings or the Kenyan culture, I take a step outside and look down in the courtyard. I remind myself of the joy found in children- their innocence to the world around them. The loving nature of children and their carefree spirit remind me to take time to invest in people. And even if you don’t see change, you know that you tried your best to influence, motivate, or help someone. Pictured above: After school with some of the primary students; To the right: Morning assembly at Akiba SchoolThe past 10 months spent in Kenya, God has shown me the limits of my capabilities and the possibilities of His.
I entered this experience not sure where I would be staying, what I would be doing, or how God would use me. The first couple of months were spent getting to know people and settling into this new place. We came with the mission of serving The Falls Church partner ministries in Nairobi and God has led me to help at two places in particular: Akiba School and Light and Power Centre. I think the most important thing I have learned is that God uses all past experiences to prepare you for the future ones. My accounting and business skills gained in college have helped at Light and Power. The brief teaching experiences I have been exposed to have equipped me to have patience with my math students at Akiba. It has been incredible to see how God orchestrates people, places, and experiences together. Pictured above: One of the "slum" areas where we work; To the right: Children from the Light and Power Saturday ProgramYou all are the reason I am able to continue to experience so much. Because of your support, God is molding me into the person he desires me to be and showing me the direction he wants for my life. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you for your support. I remember the moment God called me back to Kenya- I was overcome with emotions- crying and feeling such a strong sense that this was the step I was supposed to take. However, it wasn’t until each of you encouraged me in the process and felt the need to contribute that everything came together.
I look at what I have done this past year- serving people through teaching, tutoring, coaching, and helping, but the most important thing God has done is to allow me to learn. Learn about another country, another culture, another group of people. Through the work I am doing in Kenya, God continues to teach me something new about his nature. Recently, I have been taught about what it means to be a child of God. So as I enter my second year serving in Kenya, I return to the courtyard. I return to the image of a child and I see joy and freedom. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made, we are all able to experience that freedom- not constrained by the problems of this world, but free to pursue our passions and use the gifts the Lord has given us. Our time on earth is brief and the journey not always easy, but I am excited to see how God continues to weave each of our lives together. Thanks for allowing God to carry out his purposes for my life and may we each continue to exemplify Jesus in all we do.
Grace and Peace,
Anne
Ways to stay involved:
- Continue to pray for the effectiveness of our ministry in Kenya
- Consider becoming more involved at Akiba, Light and Power, or other ministry partners by donating clothes, calculators, books, or consider helping a boy at Light and Power to attend technical school or college- email me at astoehr@gmail.com if you are interested
- Continue to financially support the work we are doing through Kenya Connection- www.kenyaconnection.org click on Donations for more information
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Update #8
My first trip to Kenya was life transforming- my eyes were opened to a new world. This past week I had another eye opening experience as I traveled to three places in Northern Kenya- Marsabit, Kamboe, and Sagante. I met people of different tribes, learned about the upcoming circumcision ritual (which only occurs every 15 years), and soaked up four amazing cultures. Through it all, I learned that God teaches us through people- people who live a different life yet share the same hope in the Lord.
Samburu women in their “everyday” wear
The trip started with a flight in a 5-seater plane. We flew over the many buildings in Nairobi- the skyscrapers and tin roofs common in slum areas. The further we traveled the more desolate the land became- dried up rivers, craters, and no development for miles. After the 1.5 hour flight, we landed in Marsabit- a windy, dusty, and dry place. Most of the women cover their heads and instead of Kiswahili I was introduced to the local tribal language called Borana.
Aerial view of Nairobi slums
The landscape as we flew to Northern Kenya
The second day I traveled with Bishop Todd McGregor and a group from Florida to a village called Kamboe. Kamboe experienced extreme famine in the mid 1990s- where most of their livestock died- but now with the help of USAID a source for water has been found. The houses are manure huts and the day spent herding cattle and goats. Amazingly, there is school in this remote village that in the past 4 years has become one of the top primary schools in the Province. The students wake up at 4:30 to begin studying and the benefits from their dedication are being seen. It was encouraging to see the importance of education in such an isolated place.
Children from the Komboe village
I am back in Nairobi feeling unsettled in my once comfortable environment. Nairobi is a bustling city- the complete opposite of huts and long walks to the get water. Sometimes the city consumes us and we get wrapped up in material things, in success, and in doing something. God has opened my eyes to just being- just experiencing- and just learning. The Samburu people are living a pure life- a life without drugs, alcohol, or other Western influences. Yes, they have many challenges, but they have a culture rich in love and living as a community. Many people in Kenya wish to go to America, yet I want to stay here and continue to learn. Life is about finding joy and hope and I think if we remove the distractions around us we can truly become what God desires us to be. We can become people who love one another unconditionally, who pray without ceasing, and who honor God with our lives.
Other happenings:
Anne
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 8, PICTURES FROM UPDATE 8
Samburu women in their “everyday” wearThe trip started with a flight in a 5-seater plane. We flew over the many buildings in Nairobi- the skyscrapers and tin roofs common in slum areas. The further we traveled the more desolate the land became- dried up rivers, craters, and no development for miles. After the 1.5 hour flight, we landed in Marsabit- a windy, dusty, and dry place. Most of the women cover their heads and instead of Kiswahili I was introduced to the local tribal language called Borana.
Aerial view of Nairobi slums The landscape as we flew to Northern KenyaThe second day I traveled with Bishop Todd McGregor and a group from Florida to a village called Kamboe. Kamboe experienced extreme famine in the mid 1990s- where most of their livestock died- but now with the help of USAID a source for water has been found. The houses are manure huts and the day spent herding cattle and goats. Amazingly, there is school in this remote village that in the past 4 years has become one of the top primary schools in the Province. The students wake up at 4:30 to begin studying and the benefits from their dedication are being seen. It was encouraging to see the importance of education in such an isolated place.
Children from the Komboe villageI am back in Nairobi feeling unsettled in my once comfortable environment. Nairobi is a bustling city- the complete opposite of huts and long walks to the get water. Sometimes the city consumes us and we get wrapped up in material things, in success, and in doing something. God has opened my eyes to just being- just experiencing- and just learning. The Samburu people are living a pure life- a life without drugs, alcohol, or other Western influences. Yes, they have many challenges, but they have a culture rich in love and living as a community. Many people in Kenya wish to go to America, yet I want to stay here and continue to learn. Life is about finding joy and hope and I think if we remove the distractions around us we can truly become what God desires us to be. We can become people who love one another unconditionally, who pray without ceasing, and who honor God with our lives.
Other happenings:
- A group with Hands on Hands from Florida spent time with us at Akiba. We had a great time painting the outside school walls with a map of Africa, Kenya, and other pictures to be used for learning purposes.
- Took a 14 hour bus trip to Uganda to go white water rafting. It was great to see another East African country- one that seemed safer and not quite as corrupt. Rafting the Nile River was quite an adventure, especially as we entered the last class 5 rapids (called the Bad Place), flipping and being tumbled through waves and rocks was an unforgettable experience.
- Our roommate Michelle has returned home. It was a real encouragement having her here. It is easy to become consumed in ministry work and forget about the people you are working with. Michelle allowed us to again find joy in what we are doing here.
- I will be home August 2nd through the beginning of September. Please let me know if you will be in the Northern Virginia area. It will be great to see people and catch up on your experiences in the past 10 months.
- Also, I am starting to fundraise for my second year in Kenya. I appreciate all of you who have supported me through emails, prayers, and finances this past year. An official support letter will go out in August, but in the meantime you can visit www.kenyaconnection.org
Anne
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 8, PICTURES FROM UPDATE 8
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