Are you waiting for anything?

www.buckheadchurch.org/messages

Click on Waiting Room.

Enjoy Jeff Henderson speaking about God's truths that are sometimes hard to wait for.

"When you don't know what to do, my hope is not what or when, but Who."

Summer-time fun and boo-boos

Well, it's Summer alright.

It's H-O-T hot. We bought a small pool to keep in our yard again this year for the kiddos to play in. Believe me when I tell you that there is NO WAY that I am taking an almost 3-year old and a 17-month old to the pool by myself. Scott and I took them today after church, and it was overwhelming how much work was involved!

Here's Ella Beth playing in the pool. The pool has a small slide that Ella Beth likes to go down over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over...Whew, she wears me out!

 

Landon was happy climbing over the "wall" that separated the slide area from the pool area. 

 

He did this over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over...My kids sure are repetitive aren't they?!?!

 

Something else that seems to be on an unfortunate repeat cycle is Ella Beth's injury. To her head - again - none the less. I am seriously starting to wonder how many times she can injure her head before permanent damage is done. Literally right after I snapped these pictures, Ella Beth (who had been wearing water shoes but took them off for some unknown reason) slipped. Her feet went right out from under her, and she landed on the concrete smacking the back of her head. She was honestly knocked silly. We were very concerned for a few minutes that she had a concussion b/c no knot formed. She couldn't stand; she couldn't answer simple questions...like, "What is your name? When is your b-day? How old are you?" She wanted to go to sleep, but of course we wouldn't let her. She finally came back to normal after about 25 minutes.

Well, as if that wasn't bad enough...

 

...Ella Beth decided to go and fall slap on the front of her head later the SAME day. Geesh! Who would have ever thought that this tiny cutie would cause me so much stress due to head injuries. We had come outside after dinner to play and were cleaning up the toys. Ella Beth was supposed to take her bike into the garage while I chased the last ball over the yard (Landon thinks it's funny to throw them everywhere when it's time to put them away!). Well, she decided that she would stand up on her bike. She didn't fall off...she fell OVER the front of her bike -- and landed on her head. I mean, what else is there? Certainly not a knee or elbow. Unheard of around here.

This latest injury is right over where she had stitches just 8 short months ago. Her scar appeared to be open a bit (couldn't tell exactly due to all the blood - nice, I know). We will just have to wait and see if we have a new scar, the old one comes back worse...or maybe all new skin will grow and it will be like it never happened.

Until next time, at least. Crazy girl! At least she keeps her spirits up. :)

Kenya, day 6 & 7

(I am shortening my last Kenya post to combine my last two days there.)
===

Thursday, 6/24 8:48 p.m. (Kenya); 1:48 p.m. (GA)

I am in bed sick. 3 of us have had the tummy sickness, and I am thankful to be lying down right now b/c my stomach is churning. Ugh.

Today was our last day in Ngaamba. It was beautiful, and it was hard. I spent time teaching 4th and 5th graders how to make a bracelet that represents Christianity. We taught each other fun songs and dances - it was a blast! I introduced myself to the class as Kanini, and the students loved it! I have truly embraced my Ngaamba name!

After teaching, we went to visit two families' plots. Poverty was severe - 8 people living/sleeping/cooking in an 8'x12' mud hut. I did meet a baby boy who was the same age as Landon; he melted my heart as he laughed while I played peek-a-boo.

Afterwards, Ngaamba South gave us a goodbye celebration. Their philosophy is to let us go so that we can come back. They desperately want us to return -- I'm pretty sure we all want to. We sang praise songs to each other. Our group sang "Amazing Grace," and I couldn't stop thinking about how I surely need God's grace much more than the people of Ngaamba. Yes, they have tempations and sin - but I must be worse off in that department. Their faith is so strong -- unwavering --yet their surroundings are unbearable to all of us. I feel that God must surely be proud of His precious people in Ngaamba.

As we left the village, the children were running to the bus to send us off. The kids I taught were calling out "Kanini!" "Kanini!" It was the highlight of my day. I was sad to go; sad to leave a precious little girl named Wiuwa, but my heart as been changed forever. A part of my heart will always live in Africa.

I leave yearning to already be back.

I have mixed emotions as I leave; I want to be home with my precious family (who, by the way, I love and appreciate even more), but I know exactly why God called me to Ngaamba, Kenya. I needed to see faith in action; total, unwavering faith in a God who does not always reveal Himself to us in the ways we want. I went to Africa to "help" those in need, but they ended up helping this American girl, Kanini, much more.

I need Africa more than Africa needs me.

Thank you, God.

Wiuwa posing for a picture with me. I love this sweet girl.

Kenya, day 5

Tues. 6/23 12:21 p.m. (GA); 7:21 p.m. (Ngaamba)

What a day. Warm shower this morning -- much better than the cold one this evening! I had to 1/2 way wash the filth off...I'll wash the rest off in the morning when the warm water is back on.

This morning we went back to the school site and moved a few more bricks. Men from the community who are skilled laborers came to work on the building. Therefore, we climbed Mt. Marwa - wow! what a hike. It was awesome to have a mountain view of God's creation. Absolutely spectacular! I am so thankful that despite their oppression God has given amazing beauty to the people of Kenya.

(Me, Nicole, Angie, & Melissa - nice sweaty gals!)

Despite enjoying the amazing beauty, we also experienced first-hand one of the hardships the people of Ngaamba face. That mountain was difficult to climb and we had each other for help and water to drink - we had nothing else to do but climb. The people of Ngaamba climb that mountain daily with cattle and goats so they can find food for them to eat. Also, a person within the smaller communities is designated from each family to get water daily. This person must walk, pump water, and carry it back --45-50 lbs. It is an 8-hour chore that must be done daily. Experiencing just a fraction of what that chore entails today really helped me (and the team) gain perspective. We understand better the difficulties Ngaamba faces, and our hearts have been changed.

Today, Nicole and I said good-bye to Damatus. As we did, she asked us to please not forget Ngaamba; don't forget to pray for her, the church, adn the school. She wants to have hope in our prayers being answered. May I not forget to pray -- and may I finally learn to pray on my knees so that my mind is not distracted by Satan. There is no time to be distracted when the needs of Ngaamba are NOW.

(Damatus and me. Such a beautiful woman. Damatus is one of the leaders w/in the community which is why she has such a nice outfit. However, her house looks the same as everyone else's.)

My take-aways from today:

1) My faith is so small, whereas the people of Ngaamba have amazing faith. They pray in complete praises of God, where we pray (mostly) with ourselves in mind. They have every reason to beg God for blessings, yet they simply praise His holy name.

2) God is showing me that all people are the same. We all love to be recognized, we all love to laugh, we all h ave insecurities, we all have wants...but mostly we all need the salvation of Jesus. In that need, we are all equal.

Kenya, day 4

Sunday, 6/21 - 11:34 p.m. (GA); Monday, 6/22 - 6:34 a.m. (Ngaamba)

It's early, and I'm feeling tired after a night of waking up a lot. However, once again praising God for a hot shower! I believe He understands what a huge blessing having hot showers are to the team, and we are all in appreciation. We are still praying for our luggage to arrive -- day 5 without it. It was a lot harder to get dressed this morning than I thought it would be because I once again had only two options: Outfit 1 - the t-shirt and jeans I traveled in; Outfit 2 - the t-shirt and long skirt I've worn to the village. Both are a little (ha!) dirty and a tad stinky; do wish I had extra socks and under garments! (That would surely get an "Amen!" from the team as we all would like those!) I chose my t-shirt and jeans again b/c today is a work-day in the village. I hope to help build school walls today -- I came here to work and help out as much as I can, so I'm ready to get at it!

Here are our feet after working yesterday...now do you see why we didn't want to put on the same socks?
(Nicole's feet are on top, mine are on bottom)

I once again miss Scott much more than I was prepared for. I love that man! A few members of the team have commented that "it's awesome [I] miss Scott more than I miss my kids." But, it's very true. While I miss Ella Beth and Landon, I yearn for Scott. Today would be such a fun day working along side him. Yesterday was Father's Day, and I got to chat with him for 8 minutes! It was great for my spirit. I'm still replaying that call in my head as I get ready for the day. Here I go---

--

 

We went to Ngaamba and worked! We carried bricks that the women had made, a quarter-mile to the site where the school walls were being built. They were heavy, weighing about 15 lbs each. At first, I only carried one at a time. I talked with some of the women from the village as we walked and they asked me if this was "hard work"? I told them it wasn't too bad. I asked them the same, and here is their response: "It is hard, but we have inspiration. Our children have the opportunity to better themselves through education, and that inspires us to do this work." Wow! From that moment on, I carried 2 bricks at a time!

While we were working, the women were so concerned about "Kanini" being tired and working too hard. They would stop my teammates and talk to them about me. When they found out that I was a mother, they were shocked and tried to convince me that I didn't need to work so hard. It really got a bit comical as the morning went on! I loved their compassion, but I loved working beside them even more. We made great bonds today.

After working, we had lunch; then we played! The children had been waiting anxiously in their school classrooms all morning because they knew that they were being dismissed early to play outside with us. For lunch, the children have porridge - which is simply made out of corn flour and water. It amazed me that the children had the energy to play and exert so much energy. I'm learning that God provides enough for them; He doesn't promise us for extra, but He promises us enough.) We separated into small groups and formed teams for volleyball, soccer (the most popular), kickball, beach ball toss, tug-of-war, and singing. I tore my fingernail off playing volleyball - lots of blood and pain. Praying for protection from infection because we had to "re-apply" my nail and wrap it up. It has since reattached by the blood drying. (Getting queasy thinking about this again!) Needless to say, I didn't play volleyball any more. I walked around taking pictures of our team interacting with the children. Everyone had a blast! I also got to spend time with some preschool children who were watching from the sidelines. It is here that I first met Wiuwa, the precious little girl who still has part of my heart with her in Ngaamba. After I took pictures, I sat with Naomi, Susan, and Damatus. They braided my hair - loved that!

 As I talked with the women, they were surprised that I found them, their children, and Africa so beautiful. They long to leave because they think life would be better. Some things would be better, but their faith could never be as strong. David, our bus driver, asked me to always remember Ngaamba and the people there. He asked me to pray for them, rain for their crops, and for their survival - for them to live. It was a moment that tugged at my heart. They know that their lives are in jeopardy, and they have seen more than their fair share of tragedy. I will pray for them, my rafikis (friends); Lord, bless them and keep them under your grace.

--
My two take-aways from today:
1) It's not about what others don't have; it's about the responsibility to do what I should with what I DO have.
2) Their Bibles aren't that old (maybe 3 years), yet they are worn out from use. Why doesn't my Bible look like that?

Kenya, day 3

Sun. 6/21 -- 11:09 a.m. (GA); 6:09 p.m. (Ngaamba)

So far today has been amazing - but more on that later!

        Animals we've seen already:
            giraffes!!!, zebras!, gazelles (they are literally everywhere), crested cranes, ostrich, vervet monkeys, antelope

(Giraffes standing on the side of the road. Pic obviously taken through the opposite window.)

(The giraffes ran off when we stopped the bus. Can you see what they were protecting? Such a cute baby!)

It's now "later" and time to continue:

We went to church in Ngaamba today. Such an amazing experience. The sounds of worship were incredible, and the love of the Lord through the eyes of the people in Ngaamba was indescribable.

We had an hour of prayer (singing and in words), and hour of worship (the roof was raised!), and an hour of preaching. Jamie Hardenbrook, the leader of our team, spoke of Moses and the burning bush. He reminded us that God has heard our cries; He has not forgotten our needs. It was humbling how such  a strong message could be so relevant to all of us there this morning.

At the end of the service, everyone in our team received a Ngaamba name. Mine was "Kanini" which means: the little one. (They thought I was hilarious. Apparently, they have never seen such a "small adult" before. This name stuck, and everyone called me "Kanini" for the rest of the week.)

After church we quickly ate lunch (I had a Luna bar from Jamie and Melissa); I wish I wasn't so picky, but it wasn't my time to try new things in Kenya!

Once lunch was over, 10 ladies (including me) spent time in a ladies Bible study/devotion with 14 ladies from Ngaamba South. It has been and probably will be (which I can say now that it was 100%) the greatest time I have spent in Kenya. The women sang with us -- we all sang "Amazing Grace" at the same time. Tears filled our eyes as we sang of God's love, mercy, and grace while they sang in Kaamba (their language) and we sang in English. We love the same God. He is a BIG God! Susan, one of the women who we grew close with, shared with us how her youngest brother (#11 in her family) is a theif and how she is praying for him to change. He has been a theif for many years, and despite severe consequences, he has still not turned his life around. Susan has not given up hope, and she prays for him daily. Amy led our devotion by reading the story from Matthew 8:23-37, of the diciples being afraid during a storm while Jesus slept on the boat. We were all reminded that God is controll. Always, and in all ways. Amy shared how her husband lost his job in April, and b/c she's a single mom, there have been times of stress wondering "where are provisions going to come from." However, they always do. Some come at the last moment, but they always come...God is in control. It was, again, such a relevant passage of scripture to all of us and a great reminder that our Creator is always in control. 

I feel my spirit lifted and made new by worshipping God together with the women of Ngaamba. They don't want us to forget them -- how could we? They want God to remember them -- how could He not?

It struck me that the people in Kenya (especially in the village of Ngaamba) are very close in circumstances to the people that Jesus interacted with while He was on this very earth. He worshipped with the poor, He ate with them, He prayed with them. I feel honored to have done the same today.

My take-away from today (and probably this entire trip) is this:
        To us, God has not given the people of Ngaamba very much; to them, He has given them everything.
That is quite a perspective, isn't it?

***
Oh yeah, I had HOT water for a shower this morning! I thanked God at least 10 times!!! Still no luggage, but we're all hanging in there. I mean, we all stink, so no one can tell that I do. :)

Kenya, day 2

Sat. 6/20 - 10:30 a.m. (GA); 5:30 p.m. (Ngaamba)

Morning entry:
We finally arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, around 6 a.m. this morning -- however, our luggage did not. I am trying to get my spirits up, but am struggling because I am FAR outside my comfort zone. The poverty here is oppressive; filth is everywhere. I long for home. (WOW...that was honesty, eh?)

(This picture is taken from our bus (window closed) of a market on the side of the road.)

I am really searching for what God is teaching me -- vanity, pride, disinterest, selfishness, all the above?

Evening entry:
We went to the village of Ngaamba today and spent a few hours. the children chased down our bus, about 100 of them, because they were so excited to see us. The women of the village are precious! They served us a feast of topas (fried flour tortillas), fried pancakes, chicken, tea, and fruit. I tried not to be too picky, but I didn't eat much.

 

 

(Just a little tired after 3 days of traveling! Don't know why this is underlined...)

The children from the school within Ngaamba-West all sang to us by their grade levels. It was amazing to hear them sing of their faith - their belief in God and Jesus, their unwavering love for our creator. I was humbled. Could it be that their faith is so strong becasuse they rely on God for everything? My own faith is weak in comparisson.

I am looking forward to spending the day at church tomorrow with the people of Ngaamba. I expect my faith to grow.