Home safe and sound

Diane and Grace are still in the air heading west, but everyone else is back home safely. Four flights and over 10,000 miles in the last day and a half, so we were all a little ripe, and very tired. I think we all miss the kids at GCC already. Everyone has expressed an iterest in returning as well. We will try to have a presentation about our trip during a church service at Grace Community Church on July 26th. Stayed tuned and we will try to keep this blog updated. thanks for following. I'll try to recap more later, but I am too tired now to write anything of any value at this time.

Sorry for the lack of posts. Poor reception in our safari tents. having a great time. seeing lots and eating more. 1 last game drive before we head back to Nairbi to be with the kids for the aftrernoon, then off to the airport for our flights back to Seattle.

Flight Correction

The flight information given below is incorrect. The team arrives at Seatac this Friday on Northwest Air, Flight #215, at 1:53 PM.

Day 10 - Rest

After a very full day on Sunday with the church in Langata, Nairobi, our team spent today (Monday) resting and doing a little shopping. After an exhausting schedule and many hour of ministry, I'm sure it was a much appreciated and well deserved rest!

It is now 5:45 Tuesday morning, and pretty soon they will be getting up to tkae a small plane west of Nairobi and over the mountains to the Masi Mara for a couple days of safari and debriefing. On Thursday afternoon they will return to Grace Children's Centre in Langata where they will treat the children to a pizza party before heading to the aiport to board their flight home.

If you would like to join me at SeaTac in welcoming them back, their flight comes in this Friday at 1:58 pm, Alaska #29.

Good morning from Kenya. Although it is saturday evening in America. it is sunday morning here. we are slowly preparing for church. it is an all day event for kenyans. last week we were done about 4pm. Should be a good day.
We have two more days to receive emails before we are off to safari. So far we have only had a few. Pastor Kirk has been encouraging us, but the team would love to hear from you. Sports, weather, traffic, anything! the address again is cmiacotr@wananchi.com . Have a great day.

I wish you could hear what I am hearing right now. My team has been asked to do some songs in church tomorrow. With all of the talented women on the team it sounds angelic. Kyle and Luke can hold their own too.

Day 7 - Sports Camp Part 1

Well I just got a phone call from the team, but it was a quick call because we were cut off I think due to a low battery on their end. I did manage to hear enough to know that all were well but tried from a long and fulfilling day of ministry. You can read more about it in Gary's posting below.

Tomorrow it's sports camp part 2 which will include many children from the surrounding community. Please pray that many kids turn out, that sports camp goes well and with minimal injuries, that the Gospel is well communicated, that children come to know Christ, and that everyone has a great time!

Until tomorrow.

Kirk

Sports day today. WOW!!! How exhausting. 200+ grade school kids were planned for then we had the extra blessing of including what seemed like 100 pre primary kids too. I can herd cats, but this seemed like herding snakes. Our eventual goal turned out to be just to keep them moving and not crying. I think we succeeded with rocks for soccer goals and tires and balloons for frisbee targets. Only a few cuts and scrapes. After walking home we were thrilled to find Diane beginning to feel better. Now it is my goal to try to find a way to arrange cold sodas for my team for dinner time. We shall see. Tomorrow is sports day for the coomunit youth. Should be interesting. might be 60 kids,might be 200. Thanks for the emails Bonnie, Jeff & Seth.

Day 6 - The Reuben Slums

I just got off the phone with our team and all are doing well. Well... mostly. Diane hasn't been feeling well and stayed back from ministry activities today so she could rest and get her strength back. It's almost 9:00 at night in Nairobi and the team is reflecting on the events of the day.

Today they went to another slum in the Reuben area of Nairobi. Having been there myself, it is easy for me to envision the thousands of sheet metal shacks built ouside the walls of a factory. The shanties are built by men in hopes of one day getting a job in the factory. For most, that day never comes.

The CMIA ministry in this slum is another Church on the Rock and Grace Children's academy. The church meets on Sundays (I believe the only church in this slum) and the school educates and feeds 200 children who live in the slums. The meal the children eat at school is typically the only meal they eat in a day. In fact, the financial support of a friend of mine up in Snohomish makes this daily meal happen for all these kids. It's amazing to see the tangible difference that the monthly contribution of one person can make!

The teachers are excellent, gifted, well educated people who love Jesus Christ and work for CMIA. Although they could receive more pay working for a government run school, they have a heart for these children in the slums to be educated (there is no other school here) and to know the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ. For this reason, CMIA is considering a "teacher sponsorship" program (similar to child sponsorship), so they can better care for these wonderful teachers.

Today our team spent time with the children in the Reuben school... giving them candy, making balloon hats and animals (like the picture above), encouraging the teachers and workers, and learning about the ministry.

More tomorrow.

In Christ,

Kirk

If what we see and what we share can be of a little help, that is worth it. If we can be a small encouragement to the preachers and teachers who live in the slum and work with these children every day, then it is worth it. If the teens on our team get a little different world view because of it, it is worth it. I know that CMIA is making a difference. One year ago some children were pushed up the hill in wheelbarrows to get food. now they can all run up the same hill. That's all for now. today we visit a different slum with a larger CMIA school that over 200 children are educated and fed for free.

so far my biggest issues today have been not getting too much water on the bathroom floor during my shower and shaving while working with a fogged up mirror. now i am about to choose from several options for breakfast and i will probably eat too much. a huge contrast from visiting the Kibera slum yesterday. this is the largest slum in Africa. up to 1 million people living there. no running water and no sewer system. CMIA works in a tiny area that is home to 1000 school age children. they have the resources to feed 700 per day now. for probably the price of a grande latte the other 300 could be fed. I don't fool myself that we are actually working here. we drive up, play with the kids, take some pictures, say God bless you and drive away. We are witnesses.

Day 5 - the Largest Slum in Kenya

Day 5 is coming to a close for our team. I just spoke with Gary on the phone. He and Luke had an amazing experience ministering up in Garrissa for a couple days while the rest of the team continued to minister with the children in Langata. They have since rejoined the rest of the team.

The power was out at their living quarters (daily occurance in Africa), and so the team was sitting in the dark playing cards and chillin' before going to bed (I heard a little cheer in the background as the power came back on).

Today the team went to Kubera, which is the largest slum in Nairobi. You might remember that the riots in Kubera were a focal point in world news after the results of last year's presidential election were announced. The Church on the Rock and CMIA school in Kubera responded during this crisis by feeding destitute children who's needs became even more critical during the riots. Some children were so weak from malnutrition they had to be brought to the feeding station in wheel barrows. Since that time the church and school have continued to feed the slum children. Right now they are preparing and serving food to 700 children every day and still turn away about 300 a day. They do their best to rotate the children so that everyone gets a chance to eat. Our church's support of CMIA helps make this significant ministry happen.

So today our team visited the slum and worked alongside members of the church and school to feed the children. As you can imagine, it was truly a powerful opportuity to serve the Lord and others in this humbling way.

More tomorrow!

Kirk

Wild day I have been having while everyone in the states has been asleep. I can't tell you too much now, but it includes camels, dik diks, a drought, helping feed 400+ children, a bomb threat, having directions given to us by which cow to follow and a trip to prison. Gotta go. Have a great day.

On the road this morning. started @ 5:15. Luke and I will be visiting a school and feeding station with David Hatley. The others will be working at GCC all day. They will be visiting with the primary school students and start some projects that will take several days to complete. I hope you got word of our special day @ the Kererapon church in the Ngong hills. While I preached, the others put on a fantastic childrens program with 3 minutes notice to prepare. Yesterday was a wonderful tiring day.

A Full Day of Ministry

I received word from the team today and they had a very full day of ministry. It turns out they did not worship with the main Church on the Rock in Langata, where the orphanage is located, as I thought. That will be this next Sunday. Rather they spent the day with one of the sister COTR church, a village church in one of the outlying rural areas. Worship services in these areas tend to be less western and more tribal in nature and quite exciting. I guess the service didn't get done until 3:30! Afterwards they spent the rest of the day in ministry and are now back at their dorms and sound asleep (it's 12:15 AM in Kenya as I write this).

Be praying as the team has a very full day ahead of them tomorrow.

happy independence day in america. i havent been able to update our pastor yet so i will update a little here now. diane and grace have joined us. we had a great time with the orphanage kids yesterday and it is sunday now and i am getting ready to preach at a small rural church. still have some prep to do. have a great night

OK.. I've got an update

I found my phone afterall, and I did have a voicemail from Gary. Everything is exactly as I had posted below. But here are some additional details:

* After the team prayed for Ashley, she feels fantastic!

* During lunch they ate near some bug zappers. So while Kenyans do not celebrate the 4th of July, our team was able to enjoy the snap, crackle, and popping sound of the bugs. How patriotic of them.

* During lunch they were also able to enjoy watching some monkey's chasing a cat around.

* Diane and Grace Arrived in Nairobi listerally just a couple of hours ago. So they missed the first day's events, but at least they've arrived safe and sound.

* by 9:00 PM (11:00 AM our time) the team was exhausted and went to bed while Gary went to the airport to pick up Diane and Grace.

* After church tomorrow the team will be having lunch. After lunch they team will be doing an outreach at a city park with some of the members of the Langata Church. Very cool! So be praying for this.

More tomorrow.

Kirk

First Full Day In Kenya

Happy 4th!

I haven't heard from our team since they arrived, but no doubt it's been a bit of a whirl-wind since they arrived and likely did not get settled in until late at night. It's also likely that Gary has tried to contact me to give me an update on the team as well as on Diane and Grace. But I left my phone in the car, and my son has the car. :(

So... if all things went as planned, they got up this morning and, after devotions and breakfast, went to the main CMIA orphanage in Langata (Karen district of Nairobi) to tour the facility, meet the children, and receive an orientation from the Hatleys. At the end of the day, they probably went back to the dorms where they are staying, rested up, had dinner, and then spent some time in worship, in Scripture, and in and prayer. Perhaps they spent a little down time before heading off to bed, which is probably where they're at now. As I write this it's about 10:35 PM in Nairobi.

Tomorrow morning about 7:00 (9:00 PM tonight for us) they'll wake up, have their quiet times, eat, and head off to worship with Church on the Rock in Langata. Each of the team members will get a chance to share something in the worship service, and I believe Gary may be preaching! So be praying for them.

During the worship service, the team will also be presenting the pastor with a plaque as a gift from our church to their church as a symbol of our relationship in the Lord.

I'f I receive any word today, I'll make sure to post another update.

Bye for now.

Kirk

They've Arrived! Well... almost.

Jambo Team, and good morning.. or good evening!

From Gary's post, and the flight tracker I've been watching, it looks like you arrived safetly in Nairobi and it's now about 8:15 PM your time as I write this (10:15 AM). You're likely still in the process of getting bags, leaving airport, etc.

We'll be praying for your jouney to Langata and for Grace and Diane to get their flight from London. I bet they went to watch Wimbledon.

Watch out for wandering giraffes! Give me a call when you get a chance... though I know you have your hands full. Give our love to everyone and to our loved ones.

Kirk

Wheels down in nairobi. Diane & Grace stuck in London.

About to board in Amsterdam for another 9 hr flight. We will sleep in Kenya tonight.

Their Off!

Well... not quite.

Hey everybody. It's 12:15 Pm on July 2 as I write this, and we just got back from seeing the team off at Seatac. The team is through security and going to board their flight very soon. they will take off at 12:55 PM and arrive in Amsterdam in 9 hours and 45 minutes... about 10:40 PM tonight (PST) or 7:40 AM on July 3 in Amerstand. They will then leave Amerstam 10:15 AM (about 12:45 am PST) and arrive in Nairobi at 7:25 PM July 3 Nairobi time (9:25 AM July 3 PST).

I should be hearing from the team within a couple hours of landing. But if I don't, it's only because they are in the midst of shuffling from the airport to Langada where they will be headquartered and will contact me as soon as they can.

Please be praying for the health of the team (Ashley has had a poor reaction to one of her meds and isn't feeling great), and for safe arrival of the team and of the luggage.

Check this blog again late tomorrow morning for more.

Christ is All.

Kirk

At seatac waiting for the first leg of our flight to Amsrerdam.

Wake up call

I woke up to the the tap, tap, tap of short little claws on my nose, and surprisingly pressure packed paws on my chest. This is my cat Jicama's way of insuring that yesterday's dinner is not his last meal. He does this at 5:30am every morning, give or take no more than 1-2 minutes, no matter what time of year it is.
We all have habits and routines. Some good, some not so good. In just a few days the habits and routines of everyone on our Kenya team will be obliterated. In fact as this trip approaches, they have most likely changed somewhat already. For the last week or so, I have been beating my "alarm clock" by 1-2 hours each day, as the to-do list for the trip swirls in my head. So for today, my usual wake up call was quite welcome. I'm not sure if this means that things are close to being in control, or if the 5+ hrs of driving to pick up my daughter from camp...twice yesterday had anything to do with my level of fatigue (that's another story).
I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone responds to the changes that occur during the 16 days we are gone. I am eager to see how those changes affect our routines and habits when we return.

6 days and counting

As the leader of this team, I have been preparing for the trip for close to two years. In earnest for more than 1 year. Now we are down to the wire of making sure all of our last minute arrangements are in order, and building networks to keep all of you informed while we are away. I have to tell you that today is a bit of the "calm before the storm", I think. That cross between excited anticipation, and all out last minute panic. I look forward to this weekend as a good busy one, of getting all of our gear packed up, and a few last minute shopping trips for the things you realize you really want to have along, or ministry supplies that you really want to provide. I imagine that between Monday and Thursday, the all out panic will set in, to have everything on the home front in order before heading to the airport. With the whole family going, all the details regarding the mail, paper, bills, dog, and cat, will culminate in the last few days.

1 week until we leave!

One week from right now our team will be waiting to board the first of two 9+hour flights on our trip to Nairobi. Everyone has passports, vaccines, sunscreen and insect repellant. Still a lot of last minute things to do before we can relax into our crowded airplane seats. Please keep our team in your prayers, and continue to follow along with this blog to hear about our day to day activities while we are in Kenya.

Gary Marshall

Follow along as we prepare and travel to Kenya

This summer our team of 12 from Grace Community Church will travel to Kenya to work with Christian Ministries in Africa. This is a multi-generational team with four parent-child families represented and two who have worked on previous CMIA trips.
We have a very busy 2+ weeks planned. Our team leaves from Seattle on July 2nd will return July 17th. One main focus of our trip will be facilitating a sports camp for more than 100 school children as an outreach to the local community surrounding the Langata orphanage. We will help in teaching and ministering to school children who live and attend school in the two largest slums in Kenya. Some will preach, lead worship and take part in the education of the children residents of CMIA. Others will assist in the care giving ministries for resident children with HIV/AIDS.
In addition much needed school and medical supplies will be delivered to the school children at the refugee community of Garissa. This school was made possible with funds donated by Grace Community Church members in 2007.