Family Sunday

My last Sunday in Kenya, I went with my friend Max to church. He is doing his ministry work there through his school, Scott Theological College. This was family Sunday and it was really neat. What a great time to honor families, which are an important part of the church. I enjoyed all aspects of the service. And I loved the diversity. They included and honored everyone, leaving no one out!

Max leading the service.

The children singing and doing a drama.

Max interviewing a couple on marriage.

One of the families sharing a song with the congregation.

Worship Time

One thing I love about going to church in Kenya is the music and singing. So full of energy and praise to the Lord. I don't usually understand the words because it is often in another language but the message is clear. I love the openess in praise and the obvious joy in those singing!

Lunch

Since it was family Sunday and church went quite late, till past 4:30, lunch was part of the deal. This is Ugali, which is like the porridge we eat here in Namibia. I love it cause they make it look like cake and that is how they cut it. I have grown to enjoy ugali, maybe one day I will love it... :-)

Church

My second, and last, Sunday at church in Nairobi was great. I went to church with my friend Max. For the first hour I led the Sunday School for the children. It was a lot of fun. We sang several songs. I taught them one in English, we all knew Father Abraham and they sang one song in Swahili. We played a couple of games and then I told a story about the Firey Furnace. Then the older kids did a drama to illistrate obediance in their own lives. They were so well behaved and I enjoyed teaching so much. The other women there were so great and encouraging. What a blessing to be involved in the service instead of just attending.

Saying Goodbye...

The Saturday before we left was the last time we saw Shari. See you next time!!!!!

The craziness that is Nairobi

Traffic in Nairobi

Dinner...Again!

I know it seems like I went out a lot while in Kenya, and I did. While it is quite cheap in some places, I also don't see these people very often so we try to get together as much as possible while I am there. Max, Shari and I went out to enjoy eachothers company. Max and Shari are good friends so I was the odd one out when they needed to engage in some "man talk!" It was fun though. I love hanging out with these guys.

Coffee Again...With Shari

Shari is one of my best friends in Kenya. He is like my brother. We have such a great time together and can talk about anything! After coming back from the conference, I met up with Shari to catch up and enjoy some coffee, of course! We went to a place called BookFirst. They had some live music playing. Shari and I had a great time chatting and listening to the music.

The Conference

The main reason Linda and I went to Kenya was for a conference on HIV in context of vulnerable children. It was three days packed with sessions but they were so good. We talked a lot about the history and medical side of HIV. I learned so much that will be incredibly helpful. We also learned a lot about Mother-to-Child Transmission. Other topics included Resiliancy in Children and Home Based Care. We also talked a lot about partnering with Western Churches and as the pictures farther down show, visiting the Nakuru AIDS Iniative. All the sessions were great but getting time to meet and network with other health workers and children's workers was invaluable. It was great to hear what others are doing and what is working and not working for them. Spending time sharing about what we are all doing and praying for one another was particularly encouraging. Overall, the conference was great and I feel better equipped to minister after attending it. Even though Linda and I are not specifically working with HIV, we come in contact with it on a daily basis. This conference gave a lot of information on how to encourage and support not only those affected and infected but also how to encourage those who are specifically working with them.

Nakuru AIDs Initiative (NIA)

Here is the property of NIA. The first picture is of the building they are in the process of building a structure to help with the training part of NIA. They also have a testing center, a garden, a counseling area and some small buildings for the training currently done. They have a great vision and with their partners in the West, I believe the Lord is going to continue to do amazing things through these people who have such a passion to serve.

Children in the Nakuru AIDS Iniative (NIA)

These children, who live with caregivers, are given food, support and help with their education through NIA. These children are all affected by the HIV situation in Kenya in one way or another. I believe NIA is currently supporting 100+ children.