Thursday, June 28, 2007
I am waiting
The Internet around here run like molasses uphill so there is more I could not convey but I will slap the computer a couple more times to see if it works. I need to figure out a way to upload videos because it has been all the rage. Peace
Week one
Thursday 6/21
So I survived my first day at Rohi. Lesson 1: always be prepared for anything. A speaking opportunity lurks in the dark and could strike at any moment. Anyone who has ever gone will say the same exact things. Today 5 minutes before the PE class I was told to put on my “soccer clothes” and teach a “skill to one of the classes. Uhhhhh what skills I got skillqzz? Aparently I got em. So I played volleyball with class 8. The kids catch on quickly and volleyball is probably one of the only sports I can keep up with them. Soccer um I could make the 4 year olds team.
Other than that my day was spent connecting with the staff at Rohi. I met with them today and had tea and Madazi which I guess could hold a candle to a donut without sugar. Afterwards the staff meets for prayer.
The kids are obsessed with digital cameras (thanks Suzi) they wanted me to take solo shots of them all day. Striking a pose and very important, get a full body shot. So it may look like I have OCD but I assure you…
Still no sign of elephants or Lions
Friday 6/22
Another day at Rohi and it started the same shaking the hands of the staff. My right hand is in permanent shake mode. If anyone gets near me I will shake their hand.
I taught some more PE classes (class 3 and 6) I played hackie sack dodgeball with the class 3. They play the game with one on each side and a couple kids in the middle and if you get hit you go to the ends. I taught basketball with class 6 They seem kinda bored so I decided to show me some moves. Show me your moves. Then it became fun.
They have chapel on Friday afternoon. Which if any private school did 2-hr chapel on a Friday afternoon starting at 2:40 students might file for child abuse. Eventually I will probably have to speak at one of those.
Afterward I had about an hour forty before I had to go. I didn’t know what to do with myself. It was raining so I walked outside and soak in Kenyan rain. I walked to the other side and saw Job. One of the cool kids, I will put a picture up to show you but I started to talk to him and Gideon and then it progress and I met the funniest kid, Aaron ( I have video of this kid so watch out). And like all sweet kids he has got the moves. So basically that our hour was spent dancing with class 4 and talking about the effects of gravity upon a gut.
Weekend
This weekend I cannot forget. Once I have saw the kids on the streets it makes the kids at Rohi. I would try to explain with word but that wouldn't do it justice. However since they gang leaders won't let us take pictures I will resort to words. We entered the alleyway and instead jump screaming you don't belong here. As I look into the eyes of the kids you would see Peter Pan's youthful- no- rules- nature but see a desperate child. Picture a mother bear protecting a cub, a kid protecting his bottle of glue while sucking it like a baby sucks on a pacifier. We gave then the word and then we placed bread down on the ground and the kid swarmed; punching and kicking, kicking and biting. No bag could hold this bread and withstand the rage
It is something you can only see for yourself.
Monday 6/25
My week starts once again and I am ready to teach some more PE. All I can say is I have a lot more respect for my teachers now. Dealing with a class of 30 kids I struggle to keep them all focused.
This is the last day I will give a run down and whatever I feel necessary I will say but the picture are more interesting so I will post them.
So I survived my first day at Rohi. Lesson 1: always be prepared for anything. A speaking opportunity lurks in the dark and could strike at any moment. Anyone who has ever gone will say the same exact things. Today 5 minutes before the PE class I was told to put on my “soccer clothes” and teach a “skill to one of the classes. Uhhhhh what skills I got skillqzz? Aparently I got em. So I played volleyball with class 8. The kids catch on quickly and volleyball is probably one of the only sports I can keep up with them. Soccer um I could make the 4 year olds team.
Other than that my day was spent connecting with the staff at Rohi. I met with them today and had tea and Madazi which I guess could hold a candle to a donut without sugar. Afterwards the staff meets for prayer.
The kids are obsessed with digital cameras (thanks Suzi) they wanted me to take solo shots of them all day. Striking a pose and very important, get a full body shot. So it may look like I have OCD but I assure you…
Still no sign of elephants or Lions
Friday 6/22
Another day at Rohi and it started the same shaking the hands of the staff. My right hand is in permanent shake mode. If anyone gets near me I will shake their hand.
I taught some more PE classes (class 3 and 6) I played hackie sack dodgeball with the class 3. They play the game with one on each side and a couple kids in the middle and if you get hit you go to the ends. I taught basketball with class 6 They seem kinda bored so I decided to show me some moves. Show me your moves. Then it became fun.
They have chapel on Friday afternoon. Which if any private school did 2-hr chapel on a Friday afternoon starting at 2:40 students might file for child abuse. Eventually I will probably have to speak at one of those.
Afterward I had about an hour forty before I had to go. I didn’t know what to do with myself. It was raining so I walked outside and soak in Kenyan rain. I walked to the other side and saw Job. One of the cool kids, I will put a picture up to show you but I started to talk to him and Gideon and then it progress and I met the funniest kid, Aaron ( I have video of this kid so watch out). And like all sweet kids he has got the moves. So basically that our hour was spent dancing with class 4 and talking about the effects of gravity upon a gut.
Weekend
This weekend I cannot forget. Once I have saw the kids on the streets it makes the kids at Rohi. I would try to explain with word but that wouldn't do it justice. However since they gang leaders won't let us take pictures I will resort to words. We entered the alleyway and instead jump screaming you don't belong here. As I look into the eyes of the kids you would see Peter Pan's youthful- no- rules- nature but see a desperate child. Picture a mother bear protecting a cub, a kid protecting his bottle of glue while sucking it like a baby sucks on a pacifier. We gave then the word and then we placed bread down on the ground and the kid swarmed; punching and kicking, kicking and biting. No bag could hold this bread and withstand the rage
It is something you can only see for yourself.
Monday 6/25
My week starts once again and I am ready to teach some more PE. All I can say is I have a lot more respect for my teachers now. Dealing with a class of 30 kids I struggle to keep them all focused.
This is the last day I will give a run down and whatever I feel necessary I will say but the picture are more interesting so I will post them.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Here?
So I arrived in Kenya. Sigh of relief. I am paying per the shilling right now and I forgot my flash drive with pictures. arggh. As far as the animal count goes: babboon (but the butts weren't blue), gazzelle, monkey and zebra.
During the week, I work at the school, teaching PE, meeting people, people and more people. If I wasn't on the clock I would be more specific but please continue to pray becuase strength is a luxury. Also pray as I shake more hands and see more faces to reach them; much of life is still foreign. Day 5 and health is still good. Thank God
During the week, I work at the school, teaching PE, meeting people, people and more people. If I wasn't on the clock I would be more specific but please continue to pray becuase strength is a luxury. Also pray as I shake more hands and see more faces to reach them; much of life is still foreign. Day 5 and health is still good. Thank God
Monday, June 18, 2007
Keep me in your prayers
Through the years I have learned prayer is more than saying nice words that make us feel better about ourselves. God moves through prayer. So please pray
Above all else, have my eyes intensely fixed on Christ
Live off God's strength alone and give 110% to this trip
Connect and relate to the kids (and adults) at Rohi
Grow in the area of Leadership
God would guard me from distractions
As time goes on I am sure this list will change and I will try to make request more specific.
Above all else, have my eyes intensely fixed on Christ
Live off God's strength alone and give 110% to this trip
Connect and relate to the kids (and adults) at Rohi
Grow in the area of Leadership
God would guard me from distractions
As time goes on I am sure this list will change and I will try to make request more specific.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Where are we
I love the smell of summer, more specifically the sensation of feeling a hot June day because as a child that same smell meant freedom from the sweat of school. Cheers to days where there were no commitments; summer break. Well this summer break has not hit me yet. I'm going to Kenya. Soon, very soon these word will have meaning but until then I will elaborate of structure of my adventure which I can assure you will be a far cry from the actual experience.
What will I be doing? Where will I be staying?
I received an internship at an orphanage/ school in Nakuru, Kenya. My specific task is currently unknown but I will report it soon. Throughout the duration of my stay, i will be housed by missionaries Dave and Kimberly Shields. This alone causes reason for excitement because I have a first hand account of life in the missionary field. Also, the last two weeks are spent in the bush.
What do I know about the orphanage now?
The orphanage houses around 150 boys and about 30 girls. The student attend classes three months on and then one month off. During this month, the children are allowed to go back into their family environment (provided it is safe). The goal is to integrate them back into their environment without leaving them a mess.
When will be leaving?
June 18th i begin traveling to Kenya.
When do I return?
Lord willingly I will arrive back in San Jose on August 12th.
To conclude, I would urge you to pray for me. This experience will only be what it is because of God. Thanks to all those who supported me financially. I appreciate you more than words can say and i will do my best to update this blog weekly.
What will I be doing? Where will I be staying?
I received an internship at an orphanage/ school in Nakuru, Kenya. My specific task is currently unknown but I will report it soon. Throughout the duration of my stay, i will be housed by missionaries Dave and Kimberly Shields. This alone causes reason for excitement because I have a first hand account of life in the missionary field. Also, the last two weeks are spent in the bush.
What do I know about the orphanage now?
The orphanage houses around 150 boys and about 30 girls. The student attend classes three months on and then one month off. During this month, the children are allowed to go back into their family environment (provided it is safe). The goal is to integrate them back into their environment without leaving them a mess.
When will be leaving?
June 18th i begin traveling to Kenya.
When do I return?
Lord willingly I will arrive back in San Jose on August 12th.
To conclude, I would urge you to pray for me. This experience will only be what it is because of God. Thanks to all those who supported me financially. I appreciate you more than words can say and i will do my best to update this blog weekly.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
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