Category Archives: Kenya

From Kenya #2 …

Yesterday involved a spectacular walk around a good portion of the campus. There were many stunning views. There was a lot of up and down, steps and stepping around rocks. It was a great way for us to get a better picture of the whole campus. We have seen where our grandkids classes are and where our son and daughter in law teach their classes as well.

We have had a few of God’s creatures join us in our bedroom, but nothing harmful or scary, yet. We wear sweats and sweatshirts in the morning and at night, the day is for short sleeves and sometimes shorts. The weather is wonderful.

We have met a few of the other missionary families serving here at this location as well. What a privilege to meet these people who are serving shoulder to shoulder with our kids. We have a much better picture of where they live and serve, some of the challenges they face, some of the people they work with and we have just scratched the surface. What a blessing this trip is for us.

Yesterday had another indoor soccer match, I didn’t play much in this one. There were a couple of other families involved and they were really playing soccer, so I watched, cheered and took some pictures. Today we took a drive to a national park and were able to see quite a few animals. We experienced some real country Kenyan roads and combined with the drive from the airport I am not going to complain about any potholes or traffic problems when I get home. At least not for a few days.

We stopped and ate at a little restaurant in a gas station. We had our choice of Chicken Inn or Pizza Inn. We chose Pizza Inn. The food was great and we sat outside where the views were spectacular. Since we arrived back I have played Gang of Four, Rook, Battleship, Angry Birds and Slamwich. All of that and we still have the evening to go.

We have been getting to know our grandkids better and learning about life in Kenya from our kids. I am so humbled and thankful to be able to be here. Hopefully, I will be able to post some more soon.

Dennis

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From Kenya …

We are beginning our third day with our kids and grandkids. As I sit typing this I can see 4 of my grandkids and hear them interacting I have a smile on my face. The first day was spent traveling to where they live, doing a little grocery shopping, a lot hugging, a short nap, a few games and a very early bed time. When I got to bed I had had about 5 ½ hours of sleep in the past 54 hours. I slept 11 straight hours and made myself get up. After another early bedtime last night I think I may be on Kenyan time. Yesterday we walked around about half of the campus where our kids are serving. It is beautiful. It is very hilly and uneven. Played some games with the grandkids. I participated in an indoor soccer match with much of the family. My wife stayed back and made cookies with her granddaughter. Guess who is sore this morning? Not only did the soccer match show that I am grossly out of shape, but being at 7,000 feet elevation added to my struggles.

I have been reminded several times already that we have many things, and conveniences, that we take for granted and greedily expect in the United States. I have drunk more hot tea already than I have in the past 3 or 4 years total. It will be interesting to see if this carries over to when I return home.

We are very close to the equator which means the sun is hotter on the skin. No big deal unless you are challenged in hair covering on your head. In other words you have a large bald spot. Wishing I had brought a hat. The temperature is wonderful. In the mid-60’s for a high and high 50’s at night. No screens on the windows. I could get used to this, especially since it was 30 degrees when we left Canton on Sunday.

Well I need to do a little stretching. It sounds like there is another indoor soccer match in the plans this morning and this time another family is involved. No way am I missing it, but I might be bedridden before this visit is finished.

Until later.
Dennis

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Monday Morning Musings …

(Ok, this is the third try to post this, it is now Wednesday morning and I am having a cup of tea. I think I got my computer issues figured out. If I really have figured things out I will try to put up a few posts about our trip.)

(It is now Tuesday night in Kenya, just got my computer connected. Since I am typing this we obviously made it, some of our stuff was missing but that is for another post. We have gotten initial hugging done, had our first Kenyan pizza, experienced Nairobi traffic and now about to crash and hopefully sleep all night. I am operating on about 5 ½ hours of sleep the past 56 hours.)

I am typing this sitting in an airport in Amsterdam, so I am not positive whether this is a morning, or afternoon musings for you. My wife and I are about to board our 3 flight since yesterday afternoon on our way to Kenya to spend time with our son, daughter in law and 5 grandkids. This flight is the final leg of the trip. We are so excited to see them, hug them and spend time with them. We haven’t seen them for nearly a year and half since they began their missionary work in Kenya.

Yesterday was a very good day, of course it would have a very good day no matter what since we were beginning our trip to Kenya. But it really was a very good day in the life of our church. On to the musings…

-We focused the whole worship service on grace. The songs, the prayers and the message all focused on God’s amazing grace.

-There were some powerful moments as we looked at grace and took a fresh look at what it means in our lives.

-We had a lot of children yesterday, this area keeps growing and that is very exciting.

-People were very engaged during the message.

-The church gathered around my wife and I and prayed over us for our trip to Kenya. It was a very meaningful and moving moment in our worship.

-I loved observing some people sing a little differently about grace as we moved through our service.

-We had a couple of more visitors in the service. That is always encouraging, especially as we are seeing many visitors transition to become regular attenders and participants.

-We had more in attendance yesterday than we did on Easter Sunday. That is the second time in the past three weeks that has occurred.

-We saw more people step into ministry yesterday.

-I was reminded of how many wonderful people we have serving joyfully in so many areas.

-We got away on time and got to the airport on time. (Thanks Steve and Mike)
-Our luggage all made it in the weight and size guidelines!

We are seeing so many great things happening in our church and it is encouraging and humbling. I will try to blog about our trip a few times, dependent on internet availability. Here’s hoping you are finding something to be excited about this Christmas season.

Dennis

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