Arriving at the beginning of October, our teaching schedule has been anything but normal. October is a month filled with holidays, breaks to study for exams, and working to accommodate those taking exams. I taught PE for about a week and then students were not allowed in the courtyard because of noise reasons. I will start that up again in January though. Teaching Math to Form 2 has proved a challenge. In Kenya, students have a negative attitude toward math and half the battle is overcoming those misperceptions. I gave a test and was very discouraged by their results, so I gave a make up exam and 10 students did worse after we reviewed the first test. I struggle with trying to figure out whether I am not a good teacher, they don’t understand my English, or the material is difficult. I am now arriving at school at 7:30 to begin tutoring students and use break times and lunch to tutor as well. I want these students to perform well and figure out the root of the problem. Please pray for my patience and for the students to have “light bulb” moments in class.
Pictured to the left: Some students in one of my favorite classes- grade 3 Teacher Wanderi has been teaching them since grade 1and the students are very respectful and eager to learn. Above: Teacher Daniel, Edith Gitao, and a pastor from Kangemi blessing John (who lives at Akiba) as he prepares to sit for Kenya National exams.
Tulip- Amber and I have decided to visit Tulip Ministry every other Friday. The vision of the center is to give hope to girls who are overcoming abuse and other issues by encouraging them to look beyond becoming pregnant and a victim. The ministry has a variety of programs
including vocational training for 4 girls living at the center, private tutoring so students can sit for class 8 exams, and paying for 30 girls to attend boarding schools. During school breaks, camps are held for discipleship training and fellowship. Mary runs the center and we excited to connect her with Akiba to discuss the successes of the sponsorship program. One thing that shocked me during our first visit to Tulip was the view from their property. Tulip is located in the Korogocho slum, which literally means trash heap. From the Tulip house you can see the mounds of Nairobi trash- no land fills- just trash pilled high with smoke rising in the sky from the burning. Pictured above: Some of the girls (Ruth, Mercy, Naomi, and Brenda) escorting Amber to the mutatu.Light and Power- This is the ministry I am most excited about because there is so much opportunity for growth and transformation. Monday mornings we have board meetings to discuss strategy, roles, problems, and are given updates on the business by the Kenyan guys who lead the center. There are challenges at Light and Power as well. This past week, Boru shared the news that he was taking a translation job upcountry. Boru has been an important presence at Light and Power over the past few years, helping with keeping the books and ensuring accountability. I was beginning to give him accounting pointers and we were planning to work together to do the finances. I have only known him for a few weeks, yet my heart rejoiced and sank at the same time when I heard of his departure. I am so happy that he will have a stable job and be able to help support his family, but at the same time I wanted him to take accounting classes and be a part of the rebirth of Light and Power. He is a perfect example though of how Light and Power can provide hope and change the lives of boys living in the slum.
Nairobi Half Marathon- When we arrived in Nairobi just over a month ago, Sammy mentioned he was running in the half marathon with some of his friends. I pondered it, forgot
about it, and then a week before the race I decided I would run it. My training consisted doing two 30 minute runs the week before- not very extensive. With God’s help though, I was able to complete the half marathon in just over 2 hours. It was great to meet other runners along the way (even came across a girl I played soccer with at Rhodes- small world) and I ran the last 5km with a Kenyan named Patricia. It was such a unique experience to run along side the fastest Kenyan marathon runners for a while (as they lapped me). This was the longest race I have ever done and I will definitely train for it properly next year. Photo: At the finish of the Nairobi 1⁄2 Marathon (with friends from the original Nairobi Chapel now known as Mamlaka Hill)AIM in Kibera- One of the reasons I write to you today is because of the way God touched me my first time in Kenya. This past Tuesday, I had the opportunity to return to the New Adventure School and orphanage where I worked last summer. God stirred up so many emotions in me as I walked the same path into the heart of Kibera through mud and chants of “how are you?” I have great hopes and dreams for Akiba (like a normal playing field and desks that aren’t broken), yet I arrive at this school and they still only have benches and a large room for teaching 4 grades. Is it possible for things to be worse?
It was a joyous reunion though- I had a five minute long embrace with teacher Lucy. I am not sure why God has placed Lucy in my life, but our friendship has withstood the test of time and I was so happy to see her (she even remembered that my mom was a nurse). Lucy is a volunteer teacher at the school simply because she doesn’t want to be idle. She is the oldest in her family and needs money to pursue further education (only finished form 4), yet she doesn’t beg or question why God hasn’t provided for her. She is an inspiration to me! It was also great to visit with the orphanage children and see how much they have grown and matured.
We have started to read a book about desiring God and I pray that I may live each day filled with joy in serving my Lord. Joy in knowing that God has my life already planned out and that he is working in the lives of you and me. Thanks for placing your trust and finances in the eternal work God is doing in Kenya.
More pictures: Mount Longonat
Above, left: View as we walked along the rim of the crater. Right: Still trekking - just a bit wet (Amber, Anne, Dungue, Graham).
Nairobi National Park
Kangemi Slum
Above, left: Shops along our route to school. Right: November has been a month of rain and thus we get to walk through these massive mud puddles each day.
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 3, PICTURES FROM UPDATE 3
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