Dreaming of Africa

Please forgive the length of this entry.  I having been dreaming of Africa, both at night and during the day. Here are some of my reflections.  **7-30-10 Updated with a few photos**

Back from Africa and yet not all here...  I dream of Africa.  Of the faces of the children; the patients; the nurses and doctors; the heat and humidity; the lack of running water...and soap.

I dream of green grams (“dengu”), chapati and talapia;  half cakes and mandazi at the Daga Hotel; stealthy monkeys racing across tabletops to steal bread from your plate...

I dream of hippos gracefully maneuvering their enormous bodies outside the water; lion cubs and moms playfully rolling in the tall golden grass - then vigorously feasting on a newly killed wildebeest.  I dream of giraffes slowly and gracefully walking through the savannah...babies hiding in the bushes...popping just their heads out to have a look around, safely covered by the foliage.  I dream of elephants casually grazing on grass...families of them...communities.

I remember the zebras - strikingly beautiful in their contrasted stripes, wandering comfortably in the Masai Mara and then in an instant they break into a full sprint, running beside topi, wildebeest, gazelles and more.  The wildebeest on their annual migration from Tanzania to the Masai Mara where grass is plentiful...thousands and thousands of them...lines in the distance like safari ants - until you get closer.  I remember the warthogs with their babies...mom first, followed by two to three young: they march into the tall grasses where all you can see is the top of mom’s tail as it points skyward.  The hyenas...more attractive than portrayed in the Lion King...mouths bloody from a recent meal and then a smile breaks out and you see their white teeth.  It does look like they are about to laugh!  Jackals small enough to hide in your backpack (but never get through customs!)... and tree tops filled with vultures waiting and watching for their next meal.

I am drawn back to the people.  Children in white shirts with bright white teeth smiling against their dark brown skin running alongside our vehicle, pointing and smiling as they sing out, “Mzungu, mzungu - How are you?”  It is very endearing.  They are always happy to see us.  Children carrying heavy loads of sticks or grain or gallons of water on their heads...walking long distances between home or market and school...yet never complaining.  Always offering a smile and an enthusiastic greeting:  “Mzungu, mzungu, how are you?”

There are so many orphans and vulnerable children.  They don’t seem to know what they don’t have and so they are grateful for any act of kindness.  We organized a birthday party for a group of 21 children around the theme, “You are Special”.  Reading and acting out the story of the same name by Max Lucado, the children were completely attentive...not a sound was made aside from the occasional giggle when our acting seemed silly.  We distributed colorful gift bags of clothes and shoes, handpicked with each child in mind.  As the children went into a classroom and changed into their new clothes, they came out with new spirits as well as new clothes.  Their smiles were ear to ear and they walked with their heads higher and their shoulders back.  It was beautiful.  

Esther, Juliana, Geoffrey, Steven, Little George, Agnes, Anna and her sister, Asha, Bob, Charles, Daniel, Elizabeth, Emmanuel, Evans, Faith, Fred, Geoffrey O, Gloria, Ida, Jeremiah, Kristine, Marvel, Maurine, Michael, Robert, Roselyne, Timothy, Vivian, Clare... and many more. 

I go through my day...back to work at AT&T.  I am grateful for my job as I know many who are unemployed, and yet my mind wanders with the seeming irrelevance of this world.  Parallel universes...

I am constantly praying.  Thinking of those I met and loved.  The national volunteers are amazing.  These are men and women, many of whom are former patients of Care & Compassion...risen from the bed, as we often say...who are now giving back the gift of life they received.  They work very hard, for little or no compensation other than the knowledge that they are making a difference in the lives of their neighbors.  I lift them up in prayer...

Julie, Lillian, Margaret, George, Don, another George, Paul, Lydia, Washington, another George, Eunice, Ruth, and more...

I think of Desmond, driving the Land Cruiser over pot-holed dirt roads (cow trails really) to get to the homes of patients and check on their well being.  We nick-named the Land Cruiser, “Mr Toad’s Wild Ride” for good reason.

Marieke and Anne...two dear young women from Holland who stole my heart.  They came to Kisumu to volunteer for CHI about ten months ago and are still at it.  I was privileged to join Marieke, a registered nurse, on many visits to Russia Hospital and several homes in the village of Manyatta.  She is a quiet, beautiful woman, whose heart for God and those who are sick radiates all around her.

Anne is Marieke’s cousin.  Except for their love for God and passion to do His work, they are as different as night and day.  Anne is playful and outgoing.  She’s been working to add more schools to those in which CHI can minister to orphans and vulnerable children.  Anne shares her love and bright spirit everywhere she goes, whether ministering to children or adults...  We had great fun as she tried to teach us the Dutch way to say common phrases.  This inevitably led to hilarious laughter as we failed hopelessly!

I pray for the patients, all of whom are HIV positive... Robert (teetering on the brink of life and death), Arthur (Kaposi’s Sarcoma throughout his body), Joseph (suffered a stroke; risen from the bed...and getting stronger by the day), Claudia (a new believer), Mildred (a young girl who could barely breathe...risen from the bed!), Maureen (four year old orphan living with her aunt), Fiona and her son, Robert, Jane (suffering from TB and neuropathy), Pamela (bed ridden with shingles when I saw her, now risen), Lawrence, Veronica, Frederick (now home with the Lord), Samuel, Christine (and her daughter, Lucy), Beatrice, Lillian (and her 2 year old son, Timothy), Rosemary (with huge bed sores that are down to the bone...risen from the bed!), David (risen from the bed!), Anna (Pamela’s mother), Eunice (a young girl and new believer), Elizabeth (a new believer), Mary (a new believer), another Pamela (a new believer), another David, Alice, Rosalyn (now home with the Lord), another Jane (now home with the Lord), Grace (now home with the Lord), Paul (arms covered with ulcerous spots), George (a young boy at Russia Hospital), Dennis, another David (at Maseno Hospital), another Rosemary, Salome, Kennedy (severely anemic...blessed with blood donated by a CHI volunteer - and amazingly turned out to be HIV negative!), another George (father of six; deceased since I came home...), Margaret, another Lillian, Rose and Little George, Richard (with a severe skin condition - also amazingly turned out to be HIV negative!), Phoebe and her son, Zedediah, another George (a new believer with Kaposi’s Sarcoma and debilitating neuropathy), another George (from Ohero...recently had his leg amputated), Mary Jocinta, and all their families...

I cannot forget Denise, Mama Joskey, Pastor Martin, Mama Phillister, and all the staff of CHI.  Or the other new believers, like Edwin Omondi the tuk-tuk driver, or Catherine, a teenaged girl who accepted Christ after Sunday services at the Christ Church of Kisumu.  And of course our special “stars”...Mary and Jessica who are staying in Kisumu through August.  Bless and protect them all.

I love the way the names of the Luo tell something about their birth.  Here are some examples...  You will notice baby girls start with “A” and baby boys with “B”.

Amondi: Baby girl born in the morning 

Achieng: Baby girl born in the day time 

Adhiambo: Baby girl born in the evening

Atieno: Baby girl born at night

Awuor: Baby girl born to a glutton  (who would admit to that?)

Awino: Baby girl born wrapped in cord

Omondi: Baby boy born in the morning 

Ochieng: Baby boy born in the day time

Odhiambo: Baby boy born in the evening

Otieno: Baby boy born at night

Obilo: Baby boy born to craving

The children from the Manyatta Ministry Care Point...

Pamela is HIV positive and had a bad case of shingles on her leg when I saw her.  She could hardly move.  Her children are Macrine Adhiambo, Lavende Atieno, Christopher Ochieng, and Beckam Odhiambo.  Thaddeus Otieno is an orphan who lives with his Aunt Pamela in Manyatta.

Lillian is HIV positive, with osteoporosis in her hip; she needs a hip replacement that she will never get and she is grateful for the crutches CHI provided so she can move about.  Her children are Aphline Amondi and Brigit Awuor.

Jane is HIV positive and was suffering from TB when I met her.  Worse than that, the medicine she was taking for TB resulted in severe neuropathy in her feet.  Fortunately we were able to provide her with vitamin B-6, which relieved the neuropathy and the firey burning sensation in her feet.  Now she can tend to her children: Jackline Achieng, Hilda Awino, and Diona Adhiambo.

Margaret is Aunt and “Mama” to Maurine Achieng, Faith Obilo, and Neema (which means grace) Angeline.  Maurine is 4 years old and HIV positive.

Elizabeth’s children...Lamech Ochieng, and Emmanuel Ochieng.

Susan’s children... Jeremiah Otieno, and Agnes Adhiambo.  Agnes is a sweet young girl who is HIV positive and a CHI Care & Compassion patient. 

Joseph had a stroke.  The mother ran away.  The vulnerable children left behind are Stacy Atieno and George Omondi.

And Kevin Echagwe...parents / caregivers unknown.

I remember the rhythmic sound of whack, whack, whack, whack... as the gardener, folded at the waist, cut the grass each morning with a machete.  And the crunch of gravel as the guard walked around the property at night...

I am so grateful...

Maseno Hospital - Women's Ward

Here are some photos that go along with these memories:

Pamela, Nathaniel & Kennedy

George and Rosemary

Nurses at Maseno Hospital

Transporting a patient

Laundry & garden at Maseno

                        

In Christ's love,

Pamela

We are back

Hello to all!  On Saturday evening Laura, Pat, Tanea and Pamela arrived safely in Sacramento after about 33 hours of traveling.  Needless to say it is good to be home.  I know we all left part of our hearts in Kenya with our new friends... 

Please continue to pray for Jessica and Mary who remain in Kisumu through mid-August.  Pray also for Anne and Marieke, our dear friends and awesome missionaries from Holland; for Desmond, Denice, Pastor Martin, Mama Joskey and all the other regular CHI staff, along with the national volunteers, patients and children.

We love you all!

Blessings,
Pamela

Another Brother

     Last week a few of us went to a local market. I met a man named William. I bought a few crosses from him to give to patients. Him and I made a connection, so when we went back to the market a few days later I wanted to go say hi to him even though I wasn't going to buy anything. He asked me what I was doing in Kisumu. I told him about our OVC program, CTW, and the HIV patients that we work with. I proceeded to tell him that our main focus is to spread the Gospel of Jesus. I then asked him if he was saved. As many Kenyans he said he was Christian but he was very unsure of his salvation. I asked him if he would like to accept Jesus into his heart and he said yes. Just as we were about to do the prayer Tanea walked up. William accepted the Lord with Tanea and I by his side. We told him that there was a party going on in Heaven. He was so happy and full of the Holy spirit. He kept saying how happy he was that he did not have to wonder or worry anymore about what was going to happen if he died. He said he did not have to fear anything anymore. Tanea then gave him her cross that she was wearing and I gave him a pocket testament. All three of us were on a high like no other.
     The Next Friday I went to see how William was doing. I brought him a New Testamate. He pulled out his pocket testamate and said, "I want to show you something." He pointed to John chapter 11. There was nothing written there but he was showing he how far he had read. William loved reading the word and was so excited to show me how far he had gotten. I wrote some verses in the front of the New Testamate bible and he also wanted me to write something, anything in the pocket testamate so he could refer to it. Another reason for my visit was to invite him to church. At our previous meeting he said he does really go to church and doesn't know of a good church to go to. The church we have been going to here is wonderful and reminds me a lot of Christ Community. I brought the form that the church gave us the week before with the name on it. I gave it to William and told him that we would be there and would love it if he came.
    Sunday...After much prayer William showed up at church. There was no address on the form so he called the number on the paper and found out where it was. While we were there he told us that he has been telling his friends about Jesus and everything that he is reading. He said he enjoyed himself at church and would like to come back again next week. At the end of the service he wanted to find the pastor's wife, the woman he talked to on the phone. He gave her one of his crosses that he sells in his shop and another one for the pastor. God is amazing. He answered this prayer in such a huge way. William is the first person that I have met here with such little biblical knowledge and he has such a large hunger for the Lord.

Pray that William will continue to seek the Lord. Pray that he will continue reading the word and continue growing in his understanding of Jesus. The impact that he can have on the community is TREMENDOUS! More then we can even imagine. I have yet to meet someone here who is not open to the word of God.

PRAISE THE LORD GOD!

Jessica

William Tanea and I right after he accepted the Lord.

Leaving Kisumu...

It is bittersweet, writing this last blog from the living room of CHI-K in Kisumu.  We have all had such an amazing time, serving the Lord and creating deep friendships  (rafiki-ships!).  Last Friday we had a dinner for many of the patients and yesterday we hosted a lunch for the local (National) volunteers.  Here  is a photo of our lunch table...it reminds us of the great feast we will have one day in heaven with all these precious people...

This is the Care & Compassion team in front of the Land Cruiser that takes them all over the region as they serve people with HIV-AIDS in their homes.  (We've nicknamed the Land Cruiser, "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride", because it is ALWAYS a wild ride as we travel the roads of Kenya...)

And just so you know...we learned how to dress smart, which means "African".  This is what we wore to Church on Sunday!  Several of us had beautiful new dresses made here in Kisumu.  (For more details on the great day we had in Church see the blog entitled, "Another new sister in Christ".)

Here is a video of the theme song for Choose To Wait.  We LOVE this video and have lots more to share in the days and weeks to come...

Love & blessings to all from the STARS over Kisumu team!

Another new sister in Christ!

Jambo!

Yesterday we attended Christ Church of Kisumu, which was fantastic.  It has a very similar feel to CCC...very loving and welcoming; great praise and worship and solid biblical teaching.  Near the end of the service they did an altar call.  I had been looking all around at each face and praying for anyone who didn't yet call Jesus their Savior, while at the same time trying to remember the faces of all these brothers and sisters in Christ.  I noticed a young woman near the back of the Church.  She had a small baby sleeping against her chest.  I saw that she barely raised her arm (not above her head) when the pastor asked if anyone wanted to be prayed for to receive Jesus.  But she didn't go forward.  So when the service ended I made a bee-line for her!

The pastor had just reminded everyone to greet the visitors (they had us on stage earlier...) so she was very happy to meet me when I went to see her.  I drew close to her and asked her if I had correctly seen her raise her hand.   She said yes so I asked her if she wanted to give her life to Jesus.  She nodded her head, yes, so I suggested that we find a spot to sit down and talk.  It was so beautiful!  We went through a bunch of scripture in the bible...so she would see that these were God's words, not just mine.   Then she repeated after me as we asked Jesus into her heart.  I can't tell you how amazing it was!  Her name is Catherine and she was SO excited!  The Holy Spirit filled her up immediately.  She was glowing!  I asked her if she had a bible at home and she said, no, so I found the local pastor and introduced him to my new sister in Christ and asked him if he could find her a bible.  We hugged all around and I introduced Catherine to Mary and Jessica so they can follow up with her over the next 7 weeks.  Then Jessica gave her the cross from around her neck, making her smile even bigger.  God is so good.

This is so real.  Life and death.  Eternal life and death...  I feel incredibly privileged to be doing this work.  God is so good.  Mungu Aku Bariki!  (God bless you!)

My love to all...
Pamela

Jambo from Punchinello (Tanea)

Well, as I was processing most of this trip I have countlessly asked what God's purpose was for me here. I have seen his hand working constantly, but with me, I am finding my plans are not always God's.

God has been working hard in my heart. I can feel him mending heartstrings as well as tearing some apart that have been hardened by nature.

I am finding blessings here in moments I never would have thought to be where I would find them.

I knew coming here that this trip was going to be for me, but I have to humble myself and accept that God wanted me to change more than I knew.

"The grass is greener on the other side"
My heart was broken and my eyes were opened this week when talking to Omondi, the Tuk Tuk driver. He asked me if I was ready to go home. He went on to tell me about how America is next to heaven and he wishes to one day get to go to America. This broke my heart because if he could only see through my heart at that moment he would know how much I truly saw the effects of Sin on these people. The children here play on the most beautiful playgrounds (Trees, hills... etc.) The people are beyond welcoming and so beautiful that I could only think that this place is closer to heaven then anywhere I have ever been. It was then that I saw the similarities and the effect Sin has on us people... (America)

I went on to tell Omondi about homeless in america (the tenderloin, and skid row... where Jr. high at CCC ministers to) and he found it really hard to believe what I was saying.

"Ignorance is Bliss"
America believes our grass is greener, and we want to share our green grass with the dying fields. I, as an "American", had the thought that I was coming to share my green grass and I would be bringing back a clump of dry dead grass to encourage more people to come to this country to share more green grass.

I have now found that in the midst of our ignorance I will be bringing back rich lush GREEN grass.

There is nothing here that I can't have in America... There is nothing in American that someone can't have here... For HAVING is not something that is perishable... For the Lord is SO good that he has presented us ALL with the oportunity to accept Him and be presented to him in The TRUE land of Oportunity one day.... For this is the reason I love him...

I love the Lord for the people here that I have met... I can only pray that if I don't get to come back to Kenya they will be at the feast in Heaven one day... Until then, I will wait upon the Lord.

I finished my conversation with Omondi and by the end I asked Him if he was going to be focused on getting to America... His reply, "No, just Heaven..."

I invited Omondi (who would usually sit in his tuk tuk waiting) to come in and help us with VBS. I pulled out my bible and he reached for it. I asked him is He had one and he told me not an English version which he really wanted. I told him I would give him mine before I leave. He sat reading my bible the whole time and then joined us for some games with the kids.

**********************************************************************************

I wanted to touch on the "You Are Special" skit we did. I was SO blessed to get to play Punchinello. These pictures are from the rehearsal and Pam got to videotape the actual version. During practice, when ELI (Laura) propped Punchinello on the work bench to tell him that all his dot's don't matter... I thought about the idea of truly looking into my makers eyes and hearing the same words. ELI (Laura) had tears streaming down her face and I could tell that this is truly how God sees his Children. He weeps over the terrible  things we feel because of the pain others cause us. I love my maker!!!!

And here is Lillian teaching... (What she does so great!) This is my new BFF... She has told me countless times that she will cry when I leave... I think she doesn't realize how much I will miss her... She is such a beautiful woman with a heart of love for the Lord. (She calls me her mentor, but I would love to be more like her!)

Here is Julie, I told her that God put me on 2 walks with her so that she could minister to me. I dound myself on a walk through the trees with her on the way to one of the schools. She reminded me that we are blessed to be able to walk to share what we love the most, the gospel. This woman is an AMAZING woman of God. She has 5 kids and I talked about her in my other blog.

Oh, Happy, happy birthdays!

No, that was not a "typo"!

Today we all went to the Nyahera Ministry Carepoint. We celebrated birthdays with 21 children! These are the OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) children that are ministered to regularly by Christ's Hope. And our Mary is twenty-one years old today!

Happy Birthday Mary!  (taken the previous Saturday when she  had her corn rows...but before Tanea got hers!)

Games were played by adults and children. Statue dodge ball is great fun! Then we gathered in one of the classrooms.

We had a wonderful time of singing led by volunteer Lillian. Introductions were made by Pastor Martin. The Stars Team acted out the story You Are Special from the book by Max Lucado read by Mary and interpreted by volunteer, Julie.

This is Tanea acting out Punchinello from the "You Are Special" story.  She did a great job!  You can also see her corn rows though here they are called, Obama Braids!

The children all received individual gifts of new clothes including shoes! They were very pleased and all of them put them on immediately! The clothes and shoes had all been selected by Mama Joskey and her helpers. And they all fit beautifully! Imagine the childrens' smiles and joy and pleasure in being made to feel special! And then we all shared a scrumptious meal of chapati, rice, kuku (chicken), pineapple and juice. This meal was also a gift to the children and was prepared on site by Mama Felista and some local women. Oh my! The smiles and full tummies were such a blessing to us! Blessed to be a blessing! Again!  Below are photos of Mama Joskey with many of the children.

And after some of the team left for another Ministry Care Point in Manyatta, a suburb of Kisumu, the rest of us stayed behind to spend some sweet time with the children. Photo opportunities galore! Mama Joskey gathered them by family unit in all their finery. She has such a huge heart for OVC!

And now for one of the most remarkable updates about how God is working...

Remember R. that we told you about early on in our visit here? Well, talk about a faith builder! You will recall that she went to stay with Paul and Lydia at their lovely home. She was very "down" at the hospital in Maseno and I had helped Marieke care for her. Please look closely at the photo here taken by Pamela just in the last day or so. "A picture is worth a thousand words."

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O LORD, my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."  Psalm 40:1-5

Mungu aku bariki

Pat

New Experiences -- Posted by Laura

Where to Start???

|--Sharon--|

I met a woman in the hospital today, she’s about 30-years old. Her name is Sharon.

Like most others she’s quite ill and alone… no visitors… abandoned. We talked for a while about the emptiness she was feeling. I shared that there was a time in my life where I had felt empty, too… but, now I live with Christ in my heart and now I am full with the love of God.

I shared with her that God says in the Bible, "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door, that God will come in with him and dine with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20).

She asked Jesus into her heart and her face changed from hope-less to hope-filled. It was a beautiful time! When we left, she was smiling and saying "Praise the Lord!” :)

Next to her is another women that we’re ministering to… she was eating on the floor between beds. It’s no longer allowed to bring meals in to the patients… the reason for this is that they are sometimes poisoned by the person bringing the food. Her dish had a chicken leg with the foot attached. Not the part of the leg with meet, but the part below that. Nothing is wasted here.

|--District Hospital--|

Yesterday afternoon I spent some time at District Hospital. There where prisoners cuffed to their beds. They were along side three patients that I sat with and ministered to.

|--Patrick--|

The first one was Patrick, and his sister Benta (who was caring for him). I’m not sure exactly what was wrong, but he was afraid of some kind of spirits around him. He was swinging his fists in the air to try and keep them away. His tongue was out and he kept making sounds and noises like something was inside him.

What do you do in a situation like this? Nothing different than with the other patients… pray! So I prayed the name of Jesus over him again and again, saying Psalm 23, Matthew 6, The Lord’s Prayer, and Romans 8:38-39, which says, "Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Death can’t… life can’t… angels won’t… all the power of hell itself can not keep God’s love away… Our fears for today… our worries for tomorrow… no matter where we are, high above the sky or in the deepest ocean… Nothing can ever separate us from the love of God, which was demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for our sins."

At first he became more upset and his sister had to hold his arms and legs down. I asked her if I could give him a cross necklace, and she told me to put it around his neck while I was praying for him. So I did… and his tongue got further out of his mouth and he got even noisier.

Benta told me that just before I had done that, he had wanted me to leave. I couldn’t understand because it was not in my language… she just told me to keep praying. Then things calmed down some and I sat with and talked with her. I could have stayed all day, but it was time to see the next patient. I’m still not sure what to make of that whole thing; it was something new to me.

|--Austin--|

Austin was next on my “rounds.” His father. Lucas, was also needing to hold him down! Lucas’ wife was crying at the bed. Austin needed medicine to help him, which I was more than happy to help him with.

Austin was on his way to work one day and just collapsed. Ever since then, his mind and body are not working in coordination with each other and his mind is overcome with fear.

I prayed with Austin and his father, and during my prayer he was calm.

I often pray for patients with my eyes open… looking deep into their eyes and gently rubbing their head, face and arms. I’ve discovered that praying this way seems to make a connection for the patients here… Eyes meeting each other, and touch, helps bring peace and calm in the middle of the pain.

With Austin, I put a wooden cross necklace around his neck as I prayed for him.

Last year, I had given many of the same type of necklaces to patients as a reminder that God loves them, and is always with them, that they are valuable, and that they are never alone. I didn’t have as many this year to give away… I wish I had more.

|--Leonard--|

There was another thing that happened… I’m trying to understand.

There was a man named Leonard in another bed. His mother, Wilfred, and his father, Rofile, were sitting on the bed next to him. George (CHI worker) told me that Leonard was unable to walk and it was obvious that something was clearly wrong with his mind, too. He just kept saying numbers. 1 2 3… 1 2 3… 1 2 3… 3 4 5… 5 5 5… 5 6 7 8 9 10… 11 12… on and on he would go…

After watching him for a while… I went over and sat with his mother and father. I asked them if I could pray with him and give him a cross necklace. They were very happy for that.

I went and sat on his bed with him and looked him right in the eyes… he just kept repeating 1 2 3… 1 2 3… 1 2 3… And I thought to myself, what do I do now? All this guy does is say numbers… So, I decided I decided to speak “his language” … and I joined in… and together we kept saying 1 2 3… 1 2 3… 1 2 3…

At this, Leonard smiled… and so did I. Well… he got louder and louder… and we went on together to 4 5 6… etc.

Then I broke away from the counting and said, “God loves Leonard” …and he smiled even more… then he repeated to me, "God loves Leonard.”

I said, “Leonard is valuable” … he smiled even bigger… and got even louder as he repeated back, “Leonard is valuable.”

And on it went through all of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepard” … “I shall not be in want...”

Then “Jesus loves me” … and he said it again and again. At this, he became more and more excited. I was pointing to the heavens as I said it… and Leonard pulled his arms out and did the same…

Then I crossed my arms… and he crossed his. Then I pointed to myself… and he pointed to himself.

Leonard and I became quite a scene… and quite the attraction… everyone in the ward was watching us at this point. And he was becoming more and more excited. At this point I took a step back because he began trying to move his legs and it was all becoming a bit much for me to be part of.

Suddenly, Leonard stood up and started walking around… saying "I am walkin’ in Jesus… I am walking in Jesus." He was so excited and moving around so much that I had to step back even further… a couple of beds away… and I sat down and watched.

My eyes were big… my mouth was hung open… and everyone in the ward was looking the same! To be honest, I didn’t know what to make of the whole thing… At this point I didn’t know what to do or what to say… I just sat there staring… and I was a little shaky, too, at this point… again, this was a totally new experience for me.

While I was sitting there staring, George (CHI) came and sent me to another man to pray for, Odero.

|--Odero--|

Odero’s daughter was sitting with him when I walked up to them… I began to pray for Odero's health and for his daughter Alice.

I was still in a bit of shock from the whole Leonard thing… and I wasn’t as focused on them as I usually am… but, it was a good time of prayer.

At this point I was suffering from “experience overload” and my head was still trying to take in my earlier interactions with patients.

It’s been a strange day for me.  I feel a little funny talking about today’s happenings because it’s so outside of my "norm.” I even feel a little strange sharing the day with people here because what had happened was so different from anything I have known.

But, I feel like if I don’t say anything, I’m not being very true to God… and if I do say something, well, it could be very difficult for people to understand… (which I get, because I’m still trying to make sense of it all myself).

Soooo… I guess as we say… "it is what it is" and I thank God for the blessing of being a part of such things… even if they’re a bit overwhelming.

Thank you, God… thank you, God… that you are good. Thank you, God… that you are faithful even in ways that I don’t understand. Thank you, God… that you are awesome… huge… powerful… and amazing. Thank you God, thank you...

xoxo Laura

A Blessed day of ministry

Yesterday was a pure blessing. I was able to go and so hospital visitations with Laura, Marieke one of the Dutch volunteers, and a national volunteer.

FIRST VISITATION
During the morning visitation we got to see Mildred who has been one for CHI's patients for a while. She is a 15 year old girl with a heart problem. The first time I saw her she could hardly breath. She couldn't talk to us and she did not want anything to eat or drink. When we went in she loved the gatorade that Laura brought her and was not only sitting up in bed but holding herself up by the elbow. Then Laura played thumb wars with her. She was wearing a special cross that Laura had given her before and loved our prayer time.

In the next room was sweet Lillian. She is extremely thin and a very high fever. Even her arms were on fire. Once we held her hand and brushed her face she gave us a big smile. Her mother was there with her and was so happy that we prayed with Lillian. Lillian loved our company and was so calm by us being there with her.

When we were about to go see another one of our patients and elderly man asked us to come see his wife. She looks as if she may have had a stroke. She was drooling a lot, but as soon as we prayed and talked with her and would smile a lot. Offering love and affection to the patients means the world to them.

After that we saw Sharon. Sharon is going to be in my heart forever. She is 20 but looks about 15 years old. She is HIV positive. Sharon got saved yesterday. Praise the Lord! Laura walked her through the Prayer. Even though Sharon barely speaks English she kept saying Praise the Lord! Sharon was so full of the Lord and filled with the spirt in that moment. That morning Pam had given me a wooden cross to give out to someone when the moment felt right. So I told Sharon that this cross is special and that she is special. I told her that it means she is forgiven and she is free and that she will know that god is always with her. Sharon was overjoyed.

We then saw Beatrice who has been in the hospital for a while but is getting much healthier. She was there with her mother and Beatrice was sitting on the floor eating Ungali (tradition African food similar to corn meal) and chicken feet. I found out that she was on the floor because cooked food is not allowed in, because people have been poisoned before. Once we talk with her I knelt down and prayed with Beatrice. Her English is very good she during my prayer she was very into it and feeling God's presence.

SECOND VISITATION
After that visitation we wanted to get more crossed hand out so we went and bought about 15 each.

Once we got there we went to see Mildred but her bed was empty. It is always a nervous feeling, because you never know if they have passed away. After talking to a doctor we found out that she had been discharged. That was such a blessing because some patients can be discharged but in there for weeks because they cannot pay their bill. That is a praise that Mildred is out of the hospital.

When we came back and saw Lillian she was much more excited than before. We gave her a cross and her and her mother kept saying God bless you. I read her some scripture and Dawn our National would translate. I would tell her how much God loves her and He will keep His promises to her. She loved listening to the word.

When I went and saw Beatrice she was looking healthy and sitting on the edge of her bed. I told her about the special cross I was wearing and asked if she would like to have it. When it put it on her she said she would never take it off. I also gave her a pocket testimate which thrilled her.

Then I saw Sharon. When we found out that no one comes to see her Laura told her that she would be leaving to go home but that I was going to come bug her all that time. She got the bigger smile on her face. Sharon was so happy we came back to see her again. I also read her some verses that we translated and I told her how special and loved she was. I cannot get her huge gorgeous smile out of my mind. It was amazing to see her face light up with the word of God. The importance of his love and faithfulness spoken to her.

The most blessed part of this is to build the relationships with the patients. Even to come back twice in one day made them understand that we did not forget them and that we care about them. Laura is so gifted in ministry and her heart for the Lord and his people is so huge. It was so awesome to learn from her yesterday. I hope I can carry some of that with me the rest of the Summer.

Praise God we have another sister with us in Heaven, Sharon

Jessica

Full Circle -- Posted by Laura

Here are some updates on some people I’ve written about earlier.

|--Feebe and Zeddidiah--|

Okay... yesterday was another God-filled amazing day... I was able to go back and see little Zeddidiah and his mother Feebe at Maseno hospital again. (I first introduced you to them in one of my previous blogs: Saturday, June 12, 2010).

As a reminder... Zeddidiah is the little boy that I bathed outside of the hospital in a little tub of water. He’s 3-years old, but can’t stand or walk due to malnutrition.

Today... His ear and nose are still oozing and his cough is still there. Just like the last time I visited he was sitting on the edge of his mom’s (Feebe) hospital bed... pants wet... bed wet.

His mother was struggling to reach for a banana to give him because it was too far away from him to get on his own... I set him up with the banana. They had no water to drink so I gave the bottle of Gatorade that I had brought with me for the day. It was good to be with Zeddidiah and Feebe again.

|--Rosemary and Paul--|

Rosemary was able to go home! Very exciting! She was going home with Lydia (a woman who had been caring for her at the hospital).

It wasn’t until we reached Lydia’s home that I realized who Lydia was. She is married to a man named Paul... a patient that I had been visiting last year on my trip here. At that time he was very ill and their marriage was in a difficult place.

To drive up and see that Lydia’s husband was Paul... and that he was doing well... and even more... that they were now having patients in their home to care for... this was an overwhelming moment and gift for me to see!

This is a great testimony to the work and difference that CHI is making here in Kisumu! Not just caring for people, but modeling for people that all of us should care for others.

|--Mary--|

Later in the day we drove to a woman’s home... her name is Mary. I had spent time with Mary last year, as well.

Mary is unable to use her legs... she sleeps and stays on the floor of a small home. I remember that last year she was suffering from terrible bed sores. This year they were healed, but I could see that a new one was beginning.

I asked if I could sit with her for a minute... she smiled very big and said she would like that. So I sat on the dirt floor next to her and we talked.

The sun had already set, so it was very difficult to see anything because of the darkness. But I could see her eyes and her teeth when she smiled. And she smiled a lot.

Together, we played "thumb wars" ... and laughed... and held hands... and talked about Jesus... and prayed. It was a beautiful reunion!

I can’t even describe the feeling of how thankful I am to see some of the people I had visited last year still alive! Nearly all I had seen and spent time with last year had died.

After my special time with Mary I went back to the truck... I sat in the back and sobbed... my face drenched in tears... my thoughts conflicted...

Picture it... for 6-years now... year after year... month after month... day after day... hour after hour... second after second... Mary has laid there in that small space... on that dirt floor...

And she’s content. In that situation... she’s content?! And more than that... she’s actually full of joy and peace!

It’s so far beyond me and my strength to imagine being in her situation.

I’m amazed... I’m humbled... I’m broken... And I sobbed.

|--Jane--|

I also shared with you about Jane in a previous blog (Saturday, June 10, 2010). If you remember, I visited her in the hospital... and she had asked Jesus into her life as I sat by her bedside. What a moment for her, and me!

I just learned that Jane has passed away.

At first... the news of her death took my breath away. I had to concentrate on breathing in... then out... then in again.

Jane was still so young and beautiful... she was one of the many who just didn’t have a chance! The battle was too great.

I remember the pain she was in and the sweet conversation we had about Jesus... and I picture her now, in heaven... where her pain is gone... her sorrow is gone... her tears are gone... and I breathe a sigh of thankfulness for the time I had with her.

My heart is blessed to know where she is, and to know that I will be with her again... and with all those that I had fallen in love here who have gone on to be with our Father in Heaven. There is great joy for me in this. What a day of celebration that will be!

|--Rosalyn--|

Rosalyn has also died. She was another sweet woman in Russia Hospital was quite ill.

I didn’t really “know” her... as she lay in her hospital bed I wasn’t sure if she could hear me or even understand me... there was no response to my words of comfort. It was clear that she had no one... all alone.

Even so... I sat with her for a minute, and prayed for her... I ended my brief time with her by praying Psalm 23 into her ear... and then it came... after my “Amen” ... she quietly whispered... "Thank you” ... and my heart was pierced.

|--Our Team--|

There is so much emotion in this place... but, it’s not all tragic.

On the lighter side... the Team is doing great! God has really blessed us, and I am very thankful.

Two of the gals now have "corn rows" in their hair, and one with extensions! We’re all enjoying the work here and getting on well together as a Team.

The Kisumu Team (the missionaries that live here) is really great, both National and International workers.

I am thankful for the opportunity for these two Teams to work together to serve the Lord together in Kenya. Thank you to both Teams!!!

xoxo Laura

George, George and George

Three Georges...

I have discovered here that if you can't quite remember someone's name, but you guess it is "George", you will be right about 75% of the time!  It is funny how many George's we meet!  They are volunteers here, previous patients, new patients and each of them have become very dear.

One of the most wonderful parts of this ministry I've observed is the way God is still performing miracles right before our eyes.  There are people here who we thought for sure were going to die over the last weekend...and they are alive and well...sitting up in bed, eating full meals; we even took one of them home today.

Then there are others who, a year ago, were so sick with AIDS and other illnesses (TB, malaria, deep bed sores, cancer...) no one knew if they would survive.  Yet in the last 2 days I have met 3 of these people, and they are healthy, active and giving back to their community by serving with CHI.

One example is a man named Washington.  His smile is completely contagious.  He has faced death and risen from the grave.  Yesterday I did ministry with him and it was amazing!  We told him about a new patient who is currently in a state very similar to how Washington was a year ago.  Immediately, Washington's response was to say, "I am going to visit this man and tell him my story.  I am going to tell him he can rise up from that bed and be well.  He must take his medicine and he must believe he can get well.  Look at me!  I am healthy now and fat like a pig!"  Then he laughed very hard.

Then there is Paul.  Paul was so "down" a year ago I don't believe many thought he would live.  Today he is healthy and strong, farming sorghum and beans, and seeking out those in his community that are sick and in need of CHI's care and compassion ministry.  He brought us two or three new patients yesterday...including, you guessed it...another George!  Today, Paul and his lovely wife, Lydia, opened their home to a woman we brought home from the hospital.  This was a woman Pat referred to as "R." in an earlier blog, who we did not expect to live through the weekend.  God is so good!  Sadly, R. does not have anyone in her family willing to take care of her deep wounds (bed sores), so Paul and Lydia opened their hearts and home...giving back the gift of life they themselves received.

And of course there is George, the newest volunteer at CHI.  He went out with us yesterday doing Care and Compassion visits.  I really saw him shine when we visited a man who is HIV positive (just recently tested) but not yet on ARV drugs.  This man, another George (!), listened intently as George (the volunteer) passionately described how he had been worse than this man 5 years ago but was determined to live.  He told him, "You must sign up with a clinic and start your ARV drugs!  You must take them everyday and do everything you are directed to do!  Look at me.  I am now healthy and strong and able to work!"  Today we saw the new patient George at a clinic while we were there with someone else.  He had taken George's advice to heart and was following through.  I predict one day he, too, will be encouraging others to take control of this disease.

There are SO many other stories and I have SO many beautiful pictures, but I will stop here.  The days are long and fulfilling.  This country is beautiful and the people are even more so.  It is hard to be away from family and friends, but I can hardly imagine not coming back here.  Maybe I can bring a bunch of you with me next time!!!

Love & prayers...
Lala salama (sleep with peace)
Pamela  (pronounced in Kenya as "Pa-MEL-a")

Habri Yako

My past week here has been spent mostly with the kids working in OVC (Orphans and Valuable Children). There is too much to even put in words let alone a blog. All the people are so happy that we are able to teach the word of God to their children.

The program that we have been teaching is the ABC's of God. Last week we taught that "God is Jealous" and this week we are teaching that Jesus is King. We teach the kids a song, memory verse and bible story. Last week I taught from 1 Samuel 5 as an example of idols.

The first school that we visited was very welcoming. The kids were so excited that we were there. They basically fought over who was going to hold our hands. Even though they only had a bench to sit on or two to a chair they were so well behaved. Once we were done with the lesson we got to play with the kids for about an hour. They loved learning songs and games and just being in our presences.

The next day we vistited a school that was about thirty minutes away, which seemed to be in the middle of no where. It was in the hill side of the most beautiful part Kenya that I had been yet. The school was started by a pastor and his wife. They started the school because they had so many children from their neighborhood at their house all the time. The school had Noah's Arc paintings on the wall. It was such a nice Kenyan school. When we got there they sang us two welcome songs including this little light of mine. These children were very welcoming and open to us. They loved one of our main OVC songs. "Jesus loves me, Jesus loves all of us"

Saturday we did two ministry care points. The second one was in Manyatta at a school. We got there early so we had extra time to play with the kids before the lesson. I got to know the kids and let them get comfortable with me. Then we played drums and I danced around with some of the kids. I also brought a mirror and some of the kids laughed and were amazed at looking at themselves. Once we starting teaching the lesson and singing some kids from outside came up to the window to watch and listen. Eventually they came in and sat with us. The kids from the ministry care point are either orphans or have parents who are patients in our care and compassion program. It was so fun to love on these kids and hang out with them. When we were leaving they just stood with us until we got on our matatu to leave. They didn't want to go home. They just wanted to be around us.

Yesterday and today along with teaching VBS we have been trying to find new schools to teach our Bible lessons. That has been such a blessing for my faith. Every school that I have been to so far (about 8) have been desiring to have the word of God spoken to their kids. They want us to preach in their classes, and the only issue they have is making time for us to come in. It is such a contrast to the way it would be in the states. The people here want and need Jesus and are so much happier because of it. It is so refreshing to see the lifestyle they live.

Pray that we get more schools to teach Bible study!

God is Good!

Jessica

Little Juliana, Mildred and Robert -- Posted by Laura

We're not exaclty sure how old Juliana is. When she came to Christ's Hope International (CHI) she was malnutritioned and quite ill. Our best guess is that we think she's about three... although she is unbelievably small for a three year old.

When I first met Juliana the first thing I noticed was that she was the opposite of what you'd expect a 3-year old to be... happy, giggly, bouncing around, and curious about everything in sight. Not Juliana... she was distant and lost in an expression that never never changed.

In my attempt to engage with her I picked up a small ball and sat down in front of her to play catch... She was very good at the game, but her expression never changed... it was as if she was just going through the motions. We played for a long time. I smiled... and laughed... giving it all I had... but still... no expression from Juliana.

I wasn't giving up! I pulled out a bag of finger puppets that we had brought here with us... and a small mirror.

The first finger puppet was a beautiful butterfly... and I slipped it onto my finger... finally something... I could see that Juliana really liked that! So, I loaded up my fingers with more puppets... and soon all the children were captivated at my impromtu show... they all gathered around as if the puppets were real, live characters... then they'd run away from the puppet that looked like a snake... :) It was so amazing watching their little faces as they "listened" to the puppets...

And with the mirror... the happy expressions they made when they looked at themselves in the mirror was an incredible gift... Joy! Joy! Joy!

But... still not much with Juliana.

At this point she became my "mission." I pulled her up on my lap... face-to-face... and slowly started to bounce her on my knee... and kiss her hands and cheeks. Then... it happened... there it was... the connection!!! A huge smile!!! :)

I laughed with her... while at the same time my eyes welled up with tears. You know what it's like... I'm guessing you've been at this place before, too... experiencing a release of great joy, but sadness at the same time. I wasn't done yet!

I started to do a small tickle... and Juliana's giggle became contagous... and we were overcome with the kind of smiles and laughs that come from deep inside the gut.

Then... there was "peak-a-boo" ... and she now became the instigater and I was playing along! She would hide behind my chair and come around front and laugh... then run away... and come back again... then do it all again... and again... and again... never getting tired of it... as if each time was the very first time for her.

And for this brief moment in her life, Juliana had escaped from her shell... without a care in the world... feeling completely safe... completely cared for... just living in the moment... finally, she was a 3-year old little girl!

After our play time she clutched on to my leg for the longest time as I gently stroked her face and arms.

And the tables were unexpectedly turned. Now... I was the one without expression... lost in my thoughts... withdrawn into my own kind of shell... and I was deflated as I thought about where and what Juliana was going back to when our time would come to say good-bye.

Juliana is burned into my mind and will be in my heart and prayers always...

|--Mildred--|

Mildred is a young girl of about thirteen, I would guess. Although she, like Lillian, also looks much smaller than a thirteen year old. Others on my Team have shared about her in their blogs.

Mildred was so sick... I can't even tell you... so sick that we wondered if she would even survive. We prayed and prayed.

I sat with her in the hospital... her breathing was so labored. Because of the language barrier I couldn't communicate with her verbally, so I tryed to play a game of "thumb wars" with her... but, there was very little response.

I left the hospital that day wondering what she made of the whole thing... "who is this crazy stranger, a "mazungo" (white person) no less... sitting at my bedside... taking my hand and doing some goofy thing with my thumbs?"

A couple of days passed and I went to see her again. This time she was sitting up on the hospital bed in a beautiful yellow dress. :) I was floored!

I sat on the bed with her... and prayed for her... and then... reached over and picked up her hand... clasping it with mine. One more attempt at a game of thumb wars. This time... she smiled... and went right to it! She not only played, but she beat me both times, ha! :) It was as if she had been practicing for two days... and her smile stole my heart as we played that silly little game...

I found and interpreter... and I told Mildred about the small wooden cross with a small silver ring on it that I was wearing around my neck.

I told her that this particular cross was very dear to me... because my husband had given it to me before I left to remind me how much he loves me... and that he would be with me while I was in Africa.... and it was also to remind me that God loves me... and is always with me wherever I go.

I asked Mildred if I could give her this very special gift... to remind her that God is always with her... and that she is very valuable... and that God knows her name... and loves her very much. This became another God-moment and a sweet, sweet time with Mildred.

|--Robert--|

There are so many, many stories, but, I'll close my time with you today by telling you about a young man named Robert.

I stayed "home" at the CHI house yesterday to help care for a patient who is staying with us. His name is Robert... and it's likely he wont make it... but our prayers are hopeful.

Robert's bed sores are so deep and large... one with absolutely no skin remaining is on his hip and joint. Trying to desribe it to you... it looks like the exhibit that's in the States on the human body... the one showing the inside of the body with no skin. As he moves his leg... I can see every thing working inside of his leg.

He has three large, deep bed sores... one on each hip and one very large one on his tail bone. His wounds need to be cleaned and bandaged each day, which is an excruciatingly painful process for him... my stomach and my head sometimes swirl and I get hot as we help him... I believe from seeing him in such pain.

The Kisumu missionaries who live here are so good with him... as they are with all the patients! I spent a long time with Robert yesterday... we bathed him and I worked on his feet (they're so bad) for a very long time... soaking them... scrubbing them... trimming his toe nails, then covering them with Vaseline. Then I would share lots of memory verses with him as I rubbed the back of his neck, arms and head. He can be a little ornery at times... I guess I would be too... but, he would often hold my hand as I sat with him. Again, I am blessed with another sweet, sweet time.

Blessings, Laura
Psalm 23