Africa Mission Trip Day 2

Day 2 – First Day visiting Kibera

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

For the most part every one said they slept well last night. We met for breakfast at 8:30 AM but several gathered a little earlier for chitchat. It was at first light that we actually got to see where we were staying.

The coffee was a big hit for those that enjoy coffee (me personally … well, I am not mature enough for coffee yet.) Breakfast was good. We enjoyed a variety of fresh fruit (pineapple and watermelon) and a few cereals. Lucas’ favorite was Wheatabix (he says to think dehydrated hash brown, I don’t think he will eat it again in the morning). We also had fresh eggs, I believe most had theirs scrambled. We also had a couple other foot items representing the various cultures that have influenced Kenya. One was a samosa, which is an Indian breakfast item. It was basically a pastry with meat and spices inside. The other was a beignets which is an English breakfast item. Think doughnut without a hole and no glaze. After breakfast we had a brief orientation with Sandy and Karen before heading out for Kibera.

When we left our gated Guest House we were able to see much of Nairobi for the first time. What I noticed in our van was really how quiet it was as people were seeing what they would later realize was middle class Nairobi. It was about a 30 minute drive from the Guest House to Kibera. One of the comments at the end of the night about the day was their surprise that “we were just driving down the road, made a right turn and their was Kibera.” Kibera is the 2^nd largest slum in Africa and the largest urban slum in the world. The most common word as we pulled in to Kibera was “wow.”

Shortly after pulling in to Kibera we were greeted by multiple armed guards that meet every Western group that visits in the Nairobi area. We were able to visit both New Hope Academy and Kibera Bible Baptist Church while at Kibera this morning. You have to walk across a bridge to enter the part of Kibera near the school. Shortly after we walk across the bridge we entered the gate for New Hope Academy. I would say 100% of us were humbled immediately upon entering the school. You could not take a step without mobs of children grabbing your hands or giving you hugs. They were genuinely excited that someone, anyone cared enough to visit them. For those able to be at North Park on Sunday, June 30 you will be able to hear many of these stories.

After making our way across the school campus we met in a small room for another orientation and were allowed to meet Pastor Simon (the pastor of Kibera Bible Baptist Church), Festus (the school’s headmaster) and several others including all the teachers of the school.

From there we walked about a quarter mile through Kibera to the new location of the church. The last group trip from North Park saw the new church building’s foundation being laid. God has definitely blessed with a beautiful church building … slum or no slum.

Our group separated at this point. Tammy, Angel and Donna stayed behind and attended a memorial service at the church for two ladies that had worked with Biashara. This was an emotional time as they experienced first hand how those living without much hope in this world handle death.

The rest of the group drove about 20 minutes across town to help serve in a sports camp for the 6-8 graders from New Hope Academy. This camp was an extreme treat for these students. They had to walk about 30-40 minutes from Kibera to attend the camp but for many of them it is the only time they even get to play on an open field with grass. A great reminder of how we take the smallest things for granted.

 

We were able to eat our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the bus ride over before. The sports camp then lasted from 12:00 – 4:00 PM. Our team was divided amongst the several hundred kids participating. This was a great opportunity to get to know some of the kids on a personal level.

The ride back to the Guest House after the sports camp was pretty rough. Can I just say that jet lag was in full affect for all of us. We were able to see rush hour traffic and we did not enjoy it. Think I-45 heading north between 610 and the Beltway on a Friday afternoon with only one lane open. Yeah, that pretty well sums it up.

After we got back to the Guest House a few rested, but were not encouraged to sleep, while others practiced The Redeemer Drama. This was the first time for the entire drama team to be able to work together and first time using the props. I am looking forward to seeing how God uses this drama over the next couple weeks.

At 6:30 we met up in front of the Guest House to head out for dinner. We were promised that after eating modest lunches we would greatly enjoy dinner. That was definitely the case tonight. We drove to a very modern mall and ate dinner at Bangkok Chinese Restaurant.

We ordered “for the group” allowing everyone to sample a variety of foods. It was delicious. A few people braved some African drinks. Craig particularly liked the “Bitter Lemon”.

After dinner we finally went where most have been anticipating upon arrival … Nairobi Java House. We were all treated to our choice of coffee, smoothie, or milkshake.

Upon arriving back to the Guest House we met for a while reflecting on the day. It was great to hear how God had worked in individual’s lives. One of our prayer requests was for “changed lives.” That is beginning to happen. We now sit in the lobby just spending time together getting to know each other better and building memories. There are so many laughs and great stories. This has already been a great trip with so much more to come.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day and a long day. We will leave around 9:00 AM and probably won’t return until around 9:00 PM. Please continue to pray for God’s wisdom, blessings, and guidance. Tomorrow will allow for many more one-on-one opportunities. Pray for changed lives.

Until tomorrow …