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Today was our first full day in Kisumu. This morning was pretty relaxing and we worked on lesson plans for the afternoon. We spent the afternoon at the youth jail. Some children are there because they have committed actual crimes. Other children are there because they have lost both parents to AIDS and are wandering the streets because they have no place to stay. Boys and girls are housed in the same facility and the ages range from 4-18. It’s quite a mix and as you can imagine there are many stories coming out of this place. As we loaded in the van to leave, we saw a teenage boy being brought in by the police.
At the center, we broke into two groups. Ashley and Suzanne went withGeorge, a local staff member to teach a Choose to Wait lesson with the older children. According to both girls, George is an amazing teacher. He spoke to the kids about how valuable they are and used stories to demonstrate their worth. At first, the teeenagers didn’t agree that they were valuable but by the end of the lesson a few of them had changed their minds. When the youth were asked about their prayer requests, an overwhelming majority wanted to leave the youth jail and return to school. What a contrast from American students. Amanda, Laura, and John stayed to work with the younger children. The Choose to Wait program has 8 P’s that teach God’s plan for sex. We broke up the eight principals and talked for a couple of minutes on each. We had fun singing with the kids, but they didn’t get too involved in Father Abraham…other than to laugh at us. Amanda did an example with glitter and glue and the kids went nuts. They kept scraping the glitter off her hands and pretty soon it was on faces and arms all over the place!
Ashley was able to go on Care and Compassion run this morning. She went with Annelien (a Dutch volunteer) and Jacob (local staff member). She visited homes of four CHI patients and was able to pray over them. Ashley was overwhelmed by the response to her visit. The people were so excited to invite her in because she represented another person who truly cared about them. She was then invited back to Jacob’s home for some lunch and was able to meet some of his family.
Outside the CHI compound is a plethera of activity. There is music blaring all day (which for us is fun, for those who live here on a daily basis it isn’t as enjoyable). John, Ashley, Suzanne, and Amanda were able to take a walk with Denise (a local staff member) to see the street. There are lots of vendors on the streets and kids. We attract a lot of attention and are often pointed at and called Wamunzgo (I actually don’t know if that’s how you spell it). The little kids are hysterically funny when they see us. They get big grins and ask how are you. When asked back they say they are fine. We don’t think they actually know what they’re saying which makes it even funnier.
New Experiences: Sugar Cane. Thanks to Blake (from the Iowa team). We had to chomp the outside to get to the good stuff. Some funny pictures, but unfortunatly not on my camera because the battery was charging at that point.
Tomorrow, we are getting up at 6AM for a boat ride on Lake Victoria to see hippos. Tomorrow (Saturday) is African Children’s Day. It is a big deal for the kids. In schools, they put on programs and run the day. We are going back to the Remand center to play with the kids.
Prayer Requests: Suzanne’s luggage is still not in her possession. She just went to the Kisumu airport, but it was closed. She’s being a good sport, but pray that she is able to get her luggage tomorrow. Also, both Suzanne and Ashley are both homesick and struggling with communication with loved ones. They were able to talk with their loved ones tonight, but are still having a some difficulty being away from home. John would like prayer for his family at home that would be safe and protected. He would also like prayer for safe travel for the team. Laura is thankful for a great team. She feels like we are a family and wants to send out love to her family and friends at home. Amanda’s praise is for technology working so that everyone can keep in touch with their families and for the daily encouragement letters from friends and family. Keep praying for my mom that she doesn’t worry the entire time that she is here. Please pray the hippos don’t upset our boat!!
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beautifularethefeet 
I’m so glad you’re there and doing well. Praying for you all!
Comment by Stacie@HobbitDoor June 13, 2009 @ 2:12 am