TravelStream™ news feed for member kenyamission on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/kenyamission en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 06 Aug 2007 09:49:52 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1186406040/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1186406040/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1186406040/tpod.html Mon, 06 Aug 2007 09:49:52 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Acworth, Georgia, United States

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We cannot express our thanks to everyone who were praying ceaselessly for us. We were surrounded by a great cloud of witness. What an amazing experience for each one of us to actually see God's Hand at work in Kenya. We were surrounded by the most loving, God Fearing, caring beautiful people. the out pouring of love was at times very overwhelming. The Kenya Connection team worked very hard to make us welcome and comfortable. the food was delicious and we could definitely have a cook off. I am hoping to get the recipes so I can share with Acworth the Taste of Kenya. Everything is grown organic...lost of garlic and sauces. The children of Kenya are absolutely precious. Not a toy in sight and have such incredible joy. The singing takes your breath away..choke back the tears. It is quite unbeliveable that we have over 500 for VBS with just the minimal crew and it was a great success. Reba and Mcgee are miracle workers. Kenyan church service was amazing and the offering was suprising to all of us. Very old testamnet in my opinion. They brought in what they could offer from the fields, and farm and auctioned them off. Andy and I got Sugar cane! Reba is still sad she didn't get the chicken (live) hee Hee!!
The Kenya Connection children are such a blessing . To be able to have such a connection and be able to meet each one was very special. We support these children with many different challenges and we got to visit first hand with them and see our support at work. What a wonderful ministry Kenya Kids has turned into . Thank you for Humphrey and Daniel and Louise for all their hard work in organizing this ministry.
We all thank everyone for your love and prayers during our trip and look forward to sharing a slide show on Aug 19th. So please feel free to come to service and bring friends. All are welcome. God Bless you! In Christ , Leslie and Grace Norden
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1186031880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1186031880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1186031880/tpod.html Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:59:41 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dear Friends,
We are on our way home, most of us passed out on the plane from Nairobi to Amsterdam. We have had a packed week and a very emotional and hard time leaving Kenya Behind. We have bonded as a family here with Humphrey's team and very hard saying good bye. We never felt in danger and felt loved beyond words. Humphrey's home and the people of Kenya are living exampes of what Jesus would like us to be. The loved poured out on us was very overwhelming. The children are absolutely beautiful. Not a toy in sight and joy ceaselessly pours out of these sweet children. Amazing week. The orphanage updates: Ceiling in big bedroom complete..2 bedrooms completely mudded, septic system dug, pluming and showers installed. Only 1 more ceiling needed to be done (We didn't have a generator the last day..so I had to saw by hand wouldn't my father be proud!) We loved going to church with Humphrey and was quite blown away with offering...sugar cane, chickens, bannans..felt like Old Testament!! Kenyas praise and worship very openly and was an overwhelming service.


On Wednesday we headed to Nairobi and we went and saw the baby elephants. Then we went to the giraffes and Kesley, Grace, Abby, Reba, Mcgee, and lotsof the others french kissed a giraffe. There tongues are very slimy and rough. After we did that we headed to eat lunch and after that we went to see the orphan animals of Kenya zoo we went on a private tour and we went behind the sences and got to pet a real live adult cheetahs in their habitat. Also we saw lions at feeding time, we got to feed a ostrich, monkeys, and hipppo. While we were in Nairobi Humphrey's childern Abigail and Alex stayed with us. Here are pictures!!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185623280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185623280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185623280/tpod.html Sat, 28 Jul 2007 08:10:39 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Nairobi, Kenya

As I mentioned in the previous update, the team is doing well and staying healthy. There have been some problems sleeping and adjusting to the time zone. Its good to have our favorite nurse, Julie, there to take care of those types of things.

Grace said the food has been very good. Breakfast has been porage most morings but they've also had eggs, saugsage and toast. The people of Chuka don't drink the coffee that is grown locally but typically drink tea. Lunch and dinner has been just as good. Chicken, mashed potatos, rice, maize have been the staples. Grace said it was different but all very good. Leslie mentioned several times how the people from Chuka and the lodge have went out of their way to welcome them and have "rolled out the red carpet".

The team was able to meet the area govenor and spent time with him discussing their plans. He expressed his sincere thanks and has committed to supporting their effort. The team also met with a local women's group who has committed to proving and cooking for the children (2 wonderful and surprising blessings!!).

As we've all witnessed, our blessings continue to come in from the place that you hadn't anticipated they could come in from. Last night, we were having desert at my brother's house and were catching up with Bari's (Jack's wife) father Martin. After hearing the story of Humphrey, the mission and the orphanage he's offered his support and wants to sponsor the orphanage. He has a radio show out of Dallas and has offered to spread the word and let Dallas Texas know what this is all about. As Kevin G mentioned in one of church camping get aways, "at times we find outselves in an absolute downpour of blessings".

As you can imagine, this has been a very emotional time for the group. Leslie has been overwhelmed, excited, blessed and energized all at the same time. I can absolutely feel her heart 10,000 miles away and can only imagine her and the group wrapping their arms around the children and becoming a great big family. I have to confess, I worry about Leslie convincing the airliness that all the children are really hers and bringing them home to Acworth and knowing Lesie, she'd figure out how to make it work.

I'll end my rambling here. Leslie did call using Dickson's phone and I suspect that is the best means to contact the group. If anyone has news from the group to pass along, let me know, I'd be happy to update the travel log. God's speed and God bless!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185622020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185622020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185622020/tpod.html Sat, 28 Jul 2007 07:42:54 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Nairobi, Kenya

Good morning - this is Eric, Leslie's husband providing a bit of an update. The group lost their internet connection and have not been able to update the log. Leslie lost her phone and reception has been poor for the other phones, so hang in there, I'm sure we'll here more through the week. & nbsp;

This will be a rambling as I have an odd collection of items to pass along, so lets get started.

The group wanted everyone to know that they are praying for Larry Atkin's heart procedure and hope all is well.

They were able to get the generator working and spent time in Nairobi looking for a van, I'm not sure if they purchased one or not.

The group has spent a lot of time working on the orphanage, roof is one, working on the electric and the ceiling, wonderful progress has been made.

VBS has been a real hit. The group started with 100 children and its exploded to 650 children for many locations. As there is no regular available transportation, many of the children walk through the mountainous terrain for hours.

Leslie and Grace have mentioned many times what wonderful hearts the people of Kenya have and how beautiful they are.

Grace and Leslie met Mercy who is the 12 year old girl that we sponsor. We did not know it but the child that Charlie Fisher and his family sponsor is her sister (Linet). Leslie prepared a package for Linet as well. The meeting was very emotional for all. Mercy has a limp and needs medical follow up. She called Leslie momma and Grace her sister. Many, many tears of joy flowed. Leslie wishes they only had more time together.

They also had a gathering of many of the children that have been sponsored and their friends. The children dressed up, sang songs and welcomed them all so warmly. In all 88 children were part of the visit mainly from the town of Cheera.

Grace has spent time with Abigale, Humphrey's daughter. She is on break from school. Her english if great and her and Grace have really hit it off.

Grace has been in charge of recreation for the young children. They all love the games they're playing and can't seem to get enough.

Grace described the town of Chuka that helped me get a clearer picture. The town is hilly. There is a small intersection with 1 gas station where everyone sets up their market and gathers to socialize. Grace and Lesie have repeated over and over how wonderul, beautiful and amazing the people are; I only wish I could be there with them. In fact the Grace's biggest surprise has been just how special the people of Kenya are.

As this is getting lengthy, I'll end here and pick up with more details in another log.

Eric Norden
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185222900/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185222900/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185222900/tpod.html Mon, 23 Jul 2007 16:44:34 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Nairobi, Kenya

Jumbo! Ubana Esefiway (spelling check tomorrow!!) This means Helllo and Praise the Lord in Zahilli
We have arrived safe and very sound in Nairobi. We were greeted by Humphrey's group and was very blessed...a couple of tears ! We are staying tonight in Nairbobi and leaving first thing in the morn for Chuka. The lodge is very quaint..reminds me of Bed and Breakfast of Europe.
I am feeling very blessed as one would feel standing next to a great Muirwood or Redwoods of California. Humphrey's team are Spritual Giants and God is moving and working miracles. Humphrey preached almost the same message I have been planning to teach for my woman's bible study. God is Great and HIS grace is sufficient for today!! We have VBS plans mapped out and the advance team have worked tirelessly in laying a very organized foundation for our mission. God bless you at home you all were prayed for tonight in Africa.
God Bless you all...good night for now

In Him,
Leslie Norden
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185068220/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185068220/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185068220/tpod.html Sat, 21 Jul 2007 21:38:09 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Nairobi, Kenya

Hi All!
I just talked to Cindy and I am SO jealous that we are not there yet! You would not believe all that they have already seen/done/planned! I will try to get it all in below......(Laura, please post this to the site). Both she and Reba sounded so happy and excited and were literally bubbling over with information!
Today, Cindy, Reba, Dickson and Chuck met with Humphrey's team and they tweaked the schedule some. Changes: VBS will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday but not Monday. On Saturday, it will last for 4 hours instead of 2. Humphrey is expecting 400 kids so Reba asked that we bring more VBS supplies--haha!! We will do what we can with what we have and God will handle the rest, you know? We will do the Women's Bible Study at Humphrey house in Chuka on Monday night. Hellen is hosting and Leslie is leading the study. Hellen said that the women there are sooo looking forward to this! They also planned out what we will do at the orphanage each day so we are SET, PEOPLE!!!!
Nairobi is totally amazing per Cindy. It is the most bustling place she has ever seen...people EVERYWHERE....all kinds of people from all over the world. She said that they went to the financial district and really stuck together but it was not scary at all. The saw the 2nd largest slum in the world-----1.2 million people in a 3 mile radius. I know that sounds crazy but I wrote it down when Cindy told me. Truly unbelievable and sad. Some of the children that are sponsored live there.
They have everything worked out with the vans/drivers, etc. and will meet us at the airport on Monday.
Today they went to a place that is home to orphaned animals. Reba and Dickson french KISSED a giraffe and held a chimpanzee! Would have LOVED to have seen that! But the most amazing thing were the children that they saw. First they saw a huge group of children ages 4-7 or so and they all ran up to our group and wanted to see them, touch them and kiss the palms of Reba and Cindy's hands. Cindy said it was a wonderful experience and if she had to come home right now....just that one event was worth it! Then they saw a 2nd group of kids who were even younger and they did the same thing!! Cindy just kept saying how beautiful and precious the children were.
Ok Layla and Jennifer ---FOOD.....Cindy said that it is delicious and that we will NOT lose weight while there....of course that may change once we get to Chuka...we'll see. The Mayfield House has filtered water in the rooms and in the kitchen.
WOOOOHOOOOO!!! Let's GO!
God Bless all of you and thank you for your continued prayers.
Louise
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185038280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185038280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1185038280/tpod.html Sat, 21 Jul 2007 13:20:24 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Nairobi, Kenya

UPDATE JULY 21, 2007
From Cindy Turner:
Good Morning Team!!
Just a few things....please don't worry about bringing more VBS stuff, we have already been working on that and thought we would give beanie babies to the younger children only. We will get it all worked out so no worries, you have enough going on with your packing etc. and all we have over here is time to focus on this so don't worry about it one bit.

The part about Dickson and Reba is TRUE!! They are the wild ones, Chuck and I didn't participate but did have a good laugh. The giraffe sanctuary was at the Karen Blixon house which is the place that "Out of Africa" is written about. The chimpanzee part got lost in translation between Louise and I because it was actually a CHEETAH. It purred. Imagine that. This was an animal orphanage and they said it was docile from being with people all the time and not in the wild but it seemed to be drugged a bit too. It was full grown.

I'm completely amazed that we have internet access but know that it is two PC's shared by about 55 - 60 people.

Humphrey has three additional ladies joining us on Monday too so we are going to have to squeeze in a little because the Mayfield House is at capacity. We are in twin beds with two beds to a room. On Monday we'll have additional rooms of course and two of them have space for two of the ladies and I wanted to see if Layla and Grace would consider sharing a bed so the other woman will have a space? Thank you girls!!

To Ms. Abby....please remember the sign for the big picture collage for the orphanage, it is really coming together and Humphrey and his team are highly impressed with it. Thank you Abby!

To Michael and Kesley.... Our VBS time on Saturday will include a break out session for youth who have just completed and are going into the 8th grade. Humphrey really wanted Michael to spend time with this age group so we put Michael and Kesley over this session and will rearrange the rest of us accordingly. Saturday will be a long day of VBS. I just want you guys to have a heads up and not be surprised by this.

Can't wait to see you here in Nairobi!!

In Him.
Cindy

UPDATE JULY 20, 2007
From Cindy Turner:

Greetings from Africa!!

There is internet service here at the Mayfield House but you do have to wait in line for it. Reba and I got up early so we could beat everyone to it this morning.

A few things.....In Nairobi, you will go all the way through luggage claim before we can meet up with you (rest of the team). We will be waiting outside for you, required to do it that way. Can't wait to see you!! Humphrey and his friends are incredible. Alice and her husband Sam, both customs folks were very gracious as well and I'm very thankful we had Sam on the inside to greet us.

We didn't sleep well on the first leg of the trip but did on the second and the view from the plane was incredible, especially when you cross into Egypt....desert for ever. It's too bad that you land in the dark and we will be taking off in the dark, will do that differently next time if there is a choice.

To clarify the carry-on weight...because I got this wrong...it's 30 pounds. I did 14 pounds and Reba almost flogged me to death. I don't for the life of me know where I got 14 pounds from but would like to apologize to everyone for that.

Got to go, others are waiting to use this
In Him,
Cindy
____________________
From Louise Mell:

"I just talked to Cindy and you would not believe all that they have already seen/done/planned! I will try to get it all in below. Both she and Reba sounded so happy and excited and were literally bubbling over with information!

Today, Cindy, Reba, Dickson and Chuck met with Humphrey's team and they tweaked the schedule some. Changes: VBS will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday but not Monday. On Saturday, it will last for 4 hours instead of 2. Humphrey is expecting 400 kids so Reba asked that we bring more VBS supplies--haha!! We will do what we can with what we have and God will handle the rest, you know? We will do the Women's Bible Study at Humphrey house in Chuka on Monday night. Hellen is hosting and Leslie is leading the study. Hellen said that the women there are sooo looking forward to this! They also planned out what we will do at the orphanage each day so we are SET, PEOPLE!!!!
Nairobi is totally amazing per Cindy. It is the most bustling place she has ever seen.people EVERYWHERE..all kinds of people from all over the world. She said that they went to the financial district and really stuck together but it was not scary at all. The saw the 2nd largest slum in the world-----1.2 million people in a 3 mile radius. I know that sounds crazy but I wrote it down when Cindy told me. Truly unbelievable and sad. Some of the children that are sponsored live there.

Today they went to a place that is home to orphaned animals. Reba and Dickson KISSED a giraffe and held a chimpanzee! Would have LOVED to have seen that! But the most amazing thing were the children that they saw. First they saw a huge group of children ages 4-7 or so and they all ran up to our group and wanted to see them, touch them and kiss the palms of Reba and Cindy's hands. Cindy said it was a wonderful experience and if she had to come home right now..just that one event was worth it! Then they saw a 2nd group of kids who were even younger and they did the same thing!! Cindy just kept saying how beautiful and precious the children were.

Ok Layla and Jennifer ---FOOD...Cindy said that it is delicious and that we will NOT lose weight while there..of course that may change once we get to Chuka.we'll see. The Mayfield House has filtered water in the rooms and in the kitchen. WOOOOHOOOOO!!! Let's GO!
--Louise

From Dickson Lester:
Jambo! Mungu abariki! We had on on really incredible day today. We started process of getting the Vans for our tavels secured, men went to General motors headquarters to see about other transportation. We met at great length on the final touches of the VBS schedule. We took drive to see local animals. School children blew us away by running up to us and kissing and hugging our hands and singing and shouting good wishes. It was such on on special moment and they were soo excited to see us when they didn't even know us. Soooooo loving and caring. I caught some of it on Video. God gave us many Blessings today. Reba Cindy and I got kissed by a Girafe! Their kiss is like an anticeptic according to keeper.

From Nairbi with Gods Blessings + Our love
Cindy, Reba, Chuck + Dickson
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1184909700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1184909700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kenyamission/kenyamission/1184909700/tpod.html Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:43:16 -0400 The Kenyan Connection Mission Trip 2007

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Acworth, Georgia, United States

Just a brief note - http://www.mhchurch.com/kenya/mission_trip will be updated daily with e-mails sent from us in Kenya and other information, so be sure to check there as well! As of now, Reba, Dickson, Cindy and Chuck are in Nairobi, beginning their first day in Kenya as we go to bed!
God's Grace and Peace to you all,
Jennifer Harris
"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" -Jeremeiah 32:27
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Nairobi, Kenya

hey everyone,
I am attempting to be a computer wiz and trying to make it easy to communicate while we are on our mission trip. This is all you need to do to see the latest and pictures from over in Kenya. You can reply and we will get your messages as a group. Please feel free to forward this onto others!
User id: kenyamission
password: humphrey

Thanks for your continued prayers and support!
leslie norden
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Nairobi, Kenya

Here are some Pictures of the orphanage and Humphrey Kanga standing in front of the outside. We will be working on the inside building rooms, mudding the walls, adding the bathroom ect. We are so very excited.


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