And pictures, pictures, and more pictures. Most of the photos are flying around on facebook right now and the stories are already being shared. And they are all incredible!
The team members are all back to their prospective homes and are getting settled back in after a long shower and a good night's sleep.
Be sure to join us at the Kenya Party this Wednesday.
Wednesday, July 15th. Please join the team as they share what and how God provided for them during their trip. Join us in the Worship Center from 7 - 8pm on the 15th. Childcare will be available on site.
Until next year... So, do you have your passport???
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
On the way home!!
We heard from Kirk in London. All were doing well and ready to be home. They got to meat up with Andrew Guru in Nairobi for about 20 minutes before they left and Tori & Aubrey's Compassion visit went well along with several other connections that were made between sponsors and their children and a few reconnections with those from last year's trip.
The team got a lot done on the library but weren't able to complete it. Kirk feels confident that it will be completed soon just as the floors were last year.
Many on the team are already planning to figure out how to save for next year. Perhaps you will join them.
Plan to attend the Kenya Party and hear all the stories and see the pictures.
Wednesday, July 15th. Please join the team as they share what and how God provided for them during their trip. Join us in the Worship Center from 7 - 8pm on the 15th. Childcare will be available on site.
The team got a lot done on the library but weren't able to complete it. Kirk feels confident that it will be completed soon just as the floors were last year.
Many on the team are already planning to figure out how to save for next year. Perhaps you will join them.
Plan to attend the Kenya Party and hear all the stories and see the pictures.
Wednesday, July 15th. Please join the team as they share what and how God provided for them during their trip. Join us in the Worship Center from 7 - 8pm on the 15th. Childcare will be available on site.
Friday, July 10, 2009
No news is good news, right? #2
So, the team should be in London in about 4 hours or so. Their flight is schedule to arrive at 6:45am London time. Then they are scheduled to arrive on Texas soil at 4:15pm Texas time!
Be praying for a safe trip home and that there are no travel issues.
Please keep Tori & Jakeb in your prayers as they leave Saturday afternoon from Nairobi and travel through Qatar back to Singapore. They will be back in Singapore on Sunday afternoon (early Sunday morning, Texas time).
Be praying for a safe trip home and that there are no travel issues.
Please keep Tori & Jakeb in your prayers as they leave Saturday afternoon from Nairobi and travel through Qatar back to Singapore. They will be back in Singapore on Sunday afternoon (early Sunday morning, Texas time).
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Friday in Nairobi
No word from the Kenya team from yesterday. We were told that they probably would not have internet access at Sweetwater. Hopefully we'll get a phone call at some point. It is now around 4am in Nairobi and they are scheduled to leave for London at 11:45pm Kenya time. They are scheduled to arrive home in Houston at 4:15pm on Saturday.
Today they are scheduled to go to Java House and Giraffe Center. Tori and Aubrey will also be getting to meet their Compassion child that they have co-sponsored for about 3 years now. He will meet them at Java House and get to go to the Giraffe Center as well.
Then all but Tori and Jakeb will go clean up and head to the airport for their journey home. Tori and Jakeb will head back to Singapore and there is only one daily flight out so they will staying an extra night and leaving on Saturday. Those goodbye's between friends will not be fun either!
If anyone has stories or pictures they've recieved from this trip to post on the blog, please send to Andrea.
Today they are scheduled to go to Java House and Giraffe Center. Tori and Aubrey will also be getting to meet their Compassion child that they have co-sponsored for about 3 years now. He will meet them at Java House and get to go to the Giraffe Center as well.
Then all but Tori and Jakeb will go clean up and head to the airport for their journey home. Tori and Jakeb will head back to Singapore and there is only one daily flight out so they will staying an extra night and leaving on Saturday. Those goodbye's between friends will not be fun either!
If anyone has stories or pictures they've recieved from this trip to post on the blog, please send to Andrea.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Message from Dedee
Day three at Endana was good, not much construction done, but LOTS of good interaction with the children. We got out the kites and the children LOVED them....Lots of good pictures, but the internet is very slow here.
The children's team spent the day in the classrooms doing NOah's ark, lanyards and singing and having a great time. Early this afternoon we experienced a little piece of heaven at Sweetwater....took a bus sight tour and saw lots of cool animals. Part of the team is on a night Lion tracking as I type. Several are going in the morning for the lion tracking.
Thursday morning, we will have the closing and goodbyes at Endana...pray for the hearts of those who will have a hard time getting on that bus. After that we will travel to Segera for baptism and goodbyes. We will spend the night at the Mountain Lodge near Mt. Kenya and then travel to Nairobi on Friday morning. Thanks for all the prayers... Dedee
The children's team spent the day in the classrooms doing NOah's ark, lanyards and singing and having a great time. Early this afternoon we experienced a little piece of heaven at Sweetwater....took a bus sight tour and saw lots of cool animals. Part of the team is on a night Lion tracking as I type. Several are going in the morning for the lion tracking.
Thursday morning, we will have the closing and goodbyes at Endana...pray for the hearts of those who will have a hard time getting on that bus. After that we will travel to Segera for baptism and goodbyes. We will spend the night at the Mountain Lodge near Mt. Kenya and then travel to Nairobi on Friday morning. Thanks for all the prayers... Dedee
Wednesday Update
Jambo!
The team spent the morning at Endana continuing with the various projects. Work on the library was a little slow, but we are making progress. Kirk brought a bunch of kites and we had fun flying them with the kids. It was very windy so the kites didn't last long, but they were very impressed. It is going to be VERY difficult to say goodbye tomorrow.
After lunch, we checked into Sweetwater Tented Camps and spent the afternoon on safari. We saw lots of great animals and everyone really seems to be enjoying themselves. This is such a beautiful place.
Some of the team will be going on night safaris and lion tracking expeditions before we leave in the morning. We will say goodbye to our friends at the primary and secondary schools with a closing assembly and then we'll head over to the Segera Mission. We will have the chance to purchase jewelry and other items made by the locals, followed by baptisms in the river. Zach G. from our team is going to be baptized, along with some of the Kenyans that stepped over the line of faith on Sunday! We can't wait. It will be a great day.
Keep praying. God is working.
Aaron
The team spent the morning at Endana continuing with the various projects. Work on the library was a little slow, but we are making progress. Kirk brought a bunch of kites and we had fun flying them with the kids. It was very windy so the kites didn't last long, but they were very impressed. It is going to be VERY difficult to say goodbye tomorrow.
After lunch, we checked into Sweetwater Tented Camps and spent the afternoon on safari. We saw lots of great animals and everyone really seems to be enjoying themselves. This is such a beautiful place.
Some of the team will be going on night safaris and lion tracking expeditions before we leave in the morning. We will say goodbye to our friends at the primary and secondary schools with a closing assembly and then we'll head over to the Segera Mission. We will have the chance to purchase jewelry and other items made by the locals, followed by baptisms in the river. Zach G. from our team is going to be baptized, along with some of the Kenyans that stepped over the line of faith on Sunday! We can't wait. It will be a great day.
Keep praying. God is working.
Aaron
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday Update
The 2nd day serving at Endana was really productive. Everyone seemed to really find their groove today. Team members were using their gifts at the clinic, building the library, teaching in classrooms, and just loving on kids. We are worn out, but it is a good tired.
One of the sweetest parts of this trip has been the deepening of relationships from last year. There is a true friendship and partnership developing here. For example, Jennifer M. really connected with a woman named Ann. Ann now works and lives in a different community far away, but when she found out that Jennifer was with our team, she took the day off from work, paid for a taxi, and walked an hour and a half each way just to reconnect. There are lots of other stories of growing friendships and I know there will be more. It is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ living and working together in unity.
Tomorrow, the team will cut off work a little early and head to Sweetwater for a safari. We even got an early taste of the local wildlife on our way back to the hotel today when our bus driver chased down a wild ostrich.
Thanks to all for your prayers. God is truly doing something special here.
Aaron
One of the sweetest parts of this trip has been the deepening of relationships from last year. There is a true friendship and partnership developing here. For example, Jennifer M. really connected with a woman named Ann. Ann now works and lives in a different community far away, but when she found out that Jennifer was with our team, she took the day off from work, paid for a taxi, and walked an hour and a half each way just to reconnect. There are lots of other stories of growing friendships and I know there will be more. It is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ living and working together in unity.
Tomorrow, the team will cut off work a little early and head to Sweetwater for a safari. We even got an early taste of the local wildlife on our way back to the hotel today when our bus driver chased down a wild ostrich.
Thanks to all for your prayers. God is truly doing something special here.
Aaron
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday Update
Today was our first day on sight at Endona... After a short introduction we started work and time with the children. We did a skit and crafts with 5 of the eight classes. We were exhausted and ran out of supplies, but the kids had fun. The rest of the day, our students and Jason, Jennifer C. and Kim played and talked with the kids.
Lynn, Jennifer M. and Tamara had a good day working with Lucy in the clinic at Segera Mission.
The construction on the library went well. We had great participation from the community members. This year several of the men helped unlike last year. We were able to get all the walls up today and will continue construction tomorrow. Will try to send some pictures of the construction tomorrow.
Everyone should sleep well tonight. We are tired from all the hard work.
Kirk
Lynn, Jennifer M. and Tamara had a good day working with Lucy in the clinic at Segera Mission.
The construction on the library went well. We had great participation from the community members. This year several of the men helped unlike last year. We were able to get all the walls up today and will continue construction tomorrow. Will try to send some pictures of the construction tomorrow.
Everyone should sleep well tonight. We are tired from all the hard work.
Kirk
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Photos!!
These are from the first couple of days of the trip. Reunions and play time at Havilla and worship at Endona. 
Sweet Reunions and Powerful Moments
We had an incredible day worshiping at Segera Mission and Endana today. Our team divided into two groups. Most of the team walked an hour from the Mission to the Endana Faith Chapel. Our team members introduced themselves and many of them shared a favorite scripture. I preached from the book of Nehemiah and we all enjoyed singing and dancing with the congregation. The team members from last year recognized lots of familiar faces. It was a sweet reunion.
The rest of the team attended church at Segera Mission. Crispo invited Tony to share a message and other team members were able to play with the nursery school children. We all really enjoyed worshiping with our Kenyan brothers and sisters this morning.
After lunch, Phoebe, a staff member from Brightpoint for Children, introduced many of the sponsored children to our team. I can't describe how meaningful it was to meet the kids we have been praying for, writing to, and supporting. I am so thankful for the ministry of Brightpoint.
Later, we traveled with Crispo to a "preaching point." Preaching points are evangelistic, open air meetings with tribal people in remote locations. We were warmly greeted and joined the people in dancing and singing praises to God. Despite the language barriers, we worshiped together as one. I gave a brief message based on the parable of the lost sheep and Dedee and Tori led us all in Amazing Grace. After a brief invitation, about 10 people walked forward to step over the line of faith. It was a powerful moment.
Tonight, the team is relaxing back at the Sportsman's Arms. The teenage boys have been trading away clothes and hats in exchange for souvenirs. Hopefully, they'll come back with a few clothes left. Thank you for your prayers. We're having a great trip! Tomorrow will be the first day at the Endana Primary School. We're looking forward to working alongside our friends to build the library.
Aaron
The rest of the team attended church at Segera Mission. Crispo invited Tony to share a message and other team members were able to play with the nursery school children. We all really enjoyed worshiping with our Kenyan brothers and sisters this morning.
After lunch, Phoebe, a staff member from Brightpoint for Children, introduced many of the sponsored children to our team. I can't describe how meaningful it was to meet the kids we have been praying for, writing to, and supporting. I am so thankful for the ministry of Brightpoint.
Later, we traveled with Crispo to a "preaching point." Preaching points are evangelistic, open air meetings with tribal people in remote locations. We were warmly greeted and joined the people in dancing and singing praises to God. Despite the language barriers, we worshiped together as one. I gave a brief message based on the parable of the lost sheep and Dedee and Tori led us all in Amazing Grace. After a brief invitation, about 10 people walked forward to step over the line of faith. It was a powerful moment.
Tonight, the team is relaxing back at the Sportsman's Arms. The teenage boys have been trading away clothes and hats in exchange for souvenirs. Hopefully, they'll come back with a few clothes left. Thank you for your prayers. We're having a great trip! Tomorrow will be the first day at the Endana Primary School. We're looking forward to working alongside our friends to build the library.
Aaron
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Saturday in Nanyuki
A few travel details first.
The trip went well. No lost luggage. Jet lag is not bad. Tony began feeling a little under the weather before they left Houston so please pray for him. A few of the 1st timers mentioned that Nairobi was more gorgeous than they expected. They have been told that Segera is much different, though, in terms of landscape.
They took a group picture at Havilla and tha will get posted as soon as they get a strong enough internet connection. Now, here's a message from Aaron.
This morning, after a restful night and breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi, we made our way to the Havilla orphanage. It was so good to see the kids from last year's Daraja Choir. They are precious. As soon as we pulled up, they greeted us with big hugs and bright smiles. Some of them have really grown since October. They asked about our families and even remembered Kathy Peter's dog. We were also able to tour their brand new home. They just moved in this week! It is a 3 story building on a 1/2 acre lot. The first floor has rooms, bathrooms, and storage space for the boys. The 2nd floor has the same for the girls and the 3rd floor is for Joseph and Solamae and their birth kids. I was very impressed with the quality of construction. It is such a huge blessing for them.
After our initial greetings, we spent time helping them with their daily chores. The guys carried wheelbarrow loads of manure up the hill to the garden and the girls chopped up cabbage. They also have a new stereo system and we had a blast doing the Cupid Shuffle and the Electric Slide with the kids. At the end of the morning, we pulled up some benches and all the kids performed a few songs for us.
I am so grateful that God has given our church the opportunity to build friendships with people here. The same kids that carved Halloween pumpkins at my house last Fall were introducing me to their favorite cow today. These beautiful children are more than just great performers in a traveling choir. They are dearly loved children of God and I get to call them friends. What a blessing!
Tonight, we're looking forward to dinner and resting at the Sportsman's Arms. In the morning, we'll split up and go to church at the Segera Mission and a church in Endana. I can't wait to worship with our Kenyan friends.
The trip went well. No lost luggage. Jet lag is not bad. Tony began feeling a little under the weather before they left Houston so please pray for him. A few of the 1st timers mentioned that Nairobi was more gorgeous than they expected. They have been told that Segera is much different, though, in terms of landscape.
They took a group picture at Havilla and tha will get posted as soon as they get a strong enough internet connection. Now, here's a message from Aaron.
This morning, after a restful night and breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi, we made our way to the Havilla orphanage. It was so good to see the kids from last year's Daraja Choir. They are precious. As soon as we pulled up, they greeted us with big hugs and bright smiles. Some of them have really grown since October. They asked about our families and even remembered Kathy Peter's dog. We were also able to tour their brand new home. They just moved in this week! It is a 3 story building on a 1/2 acre lot. The first floor has rooms, bathrooms, and storage space for the boys. The 2nd floor has the same for the girls and the 3rd floor is for Joseph and Solamae and their birth kids. I was very impressed with the quality of construction. It is such a huge blessing for them.
After our initial greetings, we spent time helping them with their daily chores. The guys carried wheelbarrow loads of manure up the hill to the garden and the girls chopped up cabbage. They also have a new stereo system and we had a blast doing the Cupid Shuffle and the Electric Slide with the kids. At the end of the morning, we pulled up some benches and all the kids performed a few songs for us.
I am so grateful that God has given our church the opportunity to build friendships with people here. The same kids that carved Halloween pumpkins at my house last Fall were introducing me to their favorite cow today. These beautiful children are more than just great performers in a traveling choir. They are dearly loved children of God and I get to call them friends. What a blessing!
Tonight, we're looking forward to dinner and resting at the Sportsman's Arms. In the morning, we'll split up and go to church at the Segera Mission and a church in Endana. I can't wait to worship with our Kenyan friends.
No news is good news, right?
Last year it was a few days into the trip before we started really getting some good updates. So hang in there, I'm sure we'll have something for you soon! This is one of those "no news is good news" moments. On that note, if anyone hears anything from a team member, feel free to email Andrea.
This is what is on the devotional schedule for today. Pray for the team as they study this passage and search to answer the questions. Be praying for Josephine as she prepares to share her story with the team on Monday.
1. Why did Jesus care that his disciples were unified?
2. With whom did Jesus want the disciples to be unified?
3. What are some ways we can seek to be unified as a team this week during our trip?
God, we thank you for creating us to be in relationship with one another. We confess we often do our own thing, seek our own interests, and miss the blessing of sharing in unity with one another. Help us depend on you and offer ourselves to one another. Unify this team, oh Lord, and make us a witness to your love for the world. Show us your heart, your desires, and your ways, that we may find union with you through your Son, Jesus Christ. And let your Spirit work in us through us as we serve. Amen
This is what is on the devotional schedule for today. Pray for the team as they study this passage and search to answer the questions. Be praying for Josephine as she prepares to share her story with the team on Monday.
Unity of the Body
John 17:20-23 (The Message)
20-23I'm praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are— I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.
John 17:20-23 (The Message)
20-23I'm praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind— just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are— I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.
1. Why did Jesus care that his disciples were unified?
2. With whom did Jesus want the disciples to be unified?
3. What are some ways we can seek to be unified as a team this week during our trip?
God, we thank you for creating us to be in relationship with one another. We confess we often do our own thing, seek our own interests, and miss the blessing of sharing in unity with one another. Help us depend on you and offer ourselves to one another. Unify this team, oh Lord, and make us a witness to your love for the world. Show us your heart, your desires, and your ways, that we may find union with you through your Son, Jesus Christ. And let your Spirit work in us through us as we serve. Amen
Friday, July 3, 2009
They're in Nairobi
Somehow, I missed their call and I slept with my phone turned up and right beside me. But since they called, I will assume the entire team is settled in for a good night's sleep in Nairobi right about now. It's currently about 1:45am on Saturday, July 4th, in Nairobi.
The call shows it came through at 3:25am Saturday Singapore time so it would have been 2:25pm Friday Texas time which would have been 10:25pm Friday in Nairobi. Confused? ME too... Blogging from a different time zone may take some tweaking. We'll have to find a good time to communicate via phone when everyone is awake. :)
Tori & Jakeb did arrive safely from Singapore and got there about 7 or 8 hours earlier. Moses picked them up from the airport and took them to the hotel and they were getting to visit with Josephine. Tori's suitcase was smashed up and sorted through but other than that, they arrived safe and sound. Tori & Jakeb got to go back to the airport with Moses to pick up the team. What a fun reunion that probably was if the BPF team was awake enough to smile.
Happy Texas Independence Day! May those in Kenya be open to experience the Ultimate Independence and those whom He's sent be willing to share and may all be protected wherever their journey takes them today.
The call shows it came through at 3:25am Saturday Singapore time so it would have been 2:25pm Friday Texas time which would have been 10:25pm Friday in Nairobi. Confused? ME too... Blogging from a different time zone may take some tweaking. We'll have to find a good time to communicate via phone when everyone is awake. :)
Tori & Jakeb did arrive safely from Singapore and got there about 7 or 8 hours earlier. Moses picked them up from the airport and took them to the hotel and they were getting to visit with Josephine. Tori's suitcase was smashed up and sorted through but other than that, they arrived safe and sound. Tori & Jakeb got to go back to the airport with Moses to pick up the team. What a fun reunion that probably was if the BPF team was awake enough to smile.
Happy Texas Independence Day! May those in Kenya be open to experience the Ultimate Independence and those whom He's sent be willing to share and may all be protected wherever their journey takes them today.
Made It To London
The team are on the plane leaving London headed for Nairobi. They had a rushed change in London but everyone made it. He said everyone is doing well.
Tori & Jakeb have cleared Doha with ease and are well on their way to Nairobi. They should arrive there a couple of hours from now. A driver will be picking them up and taking them to the hotel where the rest of the team will be coming about 7 or 8 hours later.
Tori & Jakeb have cleared Doha with ease and are well on their way to Nairobi. They should arrive there a couple of hours from now. A driver will be picking them up and taking them to the hotel where the rest of the team will be coming about 7 or 8 hours later.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
I'm Going to Kenya!!!
The team is on their way and are scheduled to arrive in London at 7:40am London time. I'm sure some of them if not all of them were thinking, "I'm going to Kenya!!!"
If my calculations are correct, which is doubtful because I'm blogging from Singapore and trying to keep track of 5 different time zones, they should get to London in about 8 1/2 hours from now.
There are two team members, Tori & Jakeb, who have left from Singapore and are stopping off in Doha, Qatar before they arrive in Nairobi where they will join up with the rest of the team. They will arrive in Nairobi several hours ahead of the team and wait for them not so patiently. :) They are very anxious to see their Texas buddies!
I hope to hear from Kirk when the Texas team arrives in London. The Singapore stragglers will also let me know when they have arrived.
Pray that their flights are going well, no one gets sick, everyone rests well and their pilots are completely awake!
Note: In case you're wondering and perhaps confused, this blog administrator is a member of BPF who has recently moved to Singapore and who is the mom of Tori and Jakeb. It's pretty cool that a person can live in Singapore, blog about people from Texas who are headed to Kenya! What a big, small world we live in.
Doing Something
The team leaves today! Ready or not, here they go. Some have been packed and ready for days and others have probably been up all night and may have even made that midnight trip to Walmart. :) Continue to pray that their departure and journey all go without issues.
For everyone who believes in Christ, how we live out our faith will look different from day to day. But as the scripture says below, faith and works go hand in glove. Faith just doesn't work without doing something.
For this team, their "doing something" takes them to Segera. For some of us staying behind, our "something" was helping some of them get there and praying for them along the way. All of us can make a difference somehow, somewhere. It doesn't have to be in Kenya or even across the ocean. We must do something and then do something else after that.
Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department."
Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.
James 2:14-18 (The Message)
BPF Kenya Team 2009 - We love you and are praying for you from several different time zones so we've got you covered! Now, go do something!
For everyone who believes in Christ, how we live out our faith will look different from day to day. But as the scripture says below, faith and works go hand in glove. Faith just doesn't work without doing something.
For this team, their "doing something" takes them to Segera. For some of us staying behind, our "something" was helping some of them get there and praying for them along the way. All of us can make a difference somehow, somewhere. It doesn't have to be in Kenya or even across the ocean. We must do something and then do something else after that.
Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department."
Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.
James 2:14-18 (The Message)
BPF Kenya Team 2009 - We love you and are praying for you from several different time zones so we've got you covered! Now, go do something!
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