Today was something else. I think I could blog for about 3 hours and not get to everything that happened. We all went to so many different places and worked with so many different people that it's just impossible to get all the stories on here, and all of these things were happening simultaneously.
So, what I'll do is try to give you an overview of the day and then if you want more details, you'll have to ask us in person when we get back. I hope that'll suffice tonight!
It started off like the other days...a morning session with the group, praise and worship, filled with the Spirit, a few tears and a lot of love (oh, accept we were served porridge for breakfast and Omar couldn't stop talking about the story of the Three Bears). Then, we broke off into our groups and the fun began. Once again, a bunch of us went to Kibera to work with the high school students. They were a blast. A bit quite a first, but they warmed up pretty fast. We had a music session, an AIDS/HIV class, an art project, physical education and a writing class. I'd like to share a little about the writing class for a couple of reasons. First, because I was leading it with Julie and I witnessed first-hand what these kids are capable of and second, because of what these kids are capable of! We asked them to write a letter to their teachers and to tell us what they are thankful for. I'm just going to give you an example of one of them:
"I am Alfred. I live in Kibera. My hobby is football. I like playing in my leisure time. I really enjoy playing with some of my friends at home and even at school. My great challenge that I would like to introduce is that God is everything in this world. We can remember during the crucifixion or nailing of Jesus that we should be hopeful."
"I can remember that tragic road accident on Mbasa Hwy where all of my parents died. I am very guilty, although Jesus is my personal saviour. I love Him greatly. May God bless you abundantly. My teacher at school is very excited because of the discipline that I have instilled. Thank you."
All of these letters touched our hearts - these kids are so thoughtful and smart. I was overwhelmed with their joy and the hope they carry with them in spite of the situation they're in. We're going to make copies of them and put them into a book for the teachers and principals at Soweto Academy.
Ok, so the rest of the team was scattered at different colleges and high schools in Nairobi coaching basketball to hundreds of people. One group worked with a deaf team! It was a blessing to have Kim on our team, because she knows how to sign! God really works miracles. All the coaches had a great day.
So, two of our guys (John Marcum and Ritchie McKay) and two AIA staff members (from Nairobi and Uganda) were involved in a car accident on their way to one of the basketball clinics. Don't worry though! They are all ok. Just a little shaken up and sore. The craziest thing about it was that after they crashed into the ditch, about 100 Kenyans flocked to the car and peered in at the guys to see if they were ok. The thing about it was that the reason they were asking and looking was because if they weren't ok, they would have stripped them of their clothing and taken all of their possessions. One police officer showed up, asked if they were ok and then left! It really gave us ALL perspective of how different life is here in Nairobi.
Earlier today, Matt had the opportunity to meet a guy who was 7'5"!!! He's pretty excited about it, but has no clue how old he is or what grade level he's in. The cool thing about it, was that Matt was able to share the Gospel with him. He's from Tanzania so Matt had a Sudanese man translate what he was saying - just another way we're seeing God bring us together and make this world seem like it's not that big. And, just a side note, this guy can dunk without jumping.
In the meantime (or maybe a little earlier than the accident), Omar, Tyler, Artie and David met Miss World Kenya. This woman was gorgeous and just competed in the Miss Universe Pageant. If I can talk one of them into giving me one of their pictures with her, I'll include it here.
Following all of these shenanigans today (and I'm sure many others), we all met at David and Martha Nyamu's home for dinner. Martha is a saint for putting up with all 23 of us and making an amazing dinner (and enough to feed John Marcum even though he showed up late).
Wow - what a day. I still can't believe all of the mini miracles we're witnessing. Can't wait to share more tomorrow, but now it's time for bed!
Swahili phrases-of-the-day:
- Nico Poa = I'm cool
- Tu Cheze basketball = Let's play Basketball
- Bwana Asifiwe = Praise the Lord
God Bless,
Carie
PS - Tyler would like to say "hi" to Kirstyn.
