seeing beyond the challenges

Over the past few weeks, I have really enjoyed getting used to village life. There are many things that could be seen as challenges (squatty potty, no running water, cold bucket showers, bug bites, dirt everywhere, no internet, not eating supper til 8pm, and of course the language barrier) but God has given me a spirit of embracing the life I get to live in the village! As I scanned my journal from the last few weeks I noticed a recurring theme. At the end of each day I praised the Lord for another day that I didn't think could top the day before. So many times throughout my days I wish I could capture the conversations, relaxed lifestyle and all the smiles and laughs and enable each and everyone of you a chance to experience it, even for just a day!

Since I can't transport you all here, I will do my best to bring you into my world through pictures. Here are some of the things I'm embracing and loving by getting to live in a village!

School

As part of each lesson, the kids are chosen to come up and participate to show they are retaining what is being taught. Dama uses a stick to match 4 triangles with the number 4. When she did it correctly we break out into song, "Well done well done try again another day, a very good girl, a very good girl, keep it up keep it up!" I love the positive reinforcement.

Once the upfront lesson is done, the kids are given something to write or draw in their books. Here, the teacher I team teach with, Salena, is grading the work of Joel & Jimmy.

Who needs a desk? Sweet Evelyn finds her spot on the floor right in front of me and does her best to complete what has been asked of the class. She is one of the many who doesn't understand my English at all... but as soon as I speak Swahili, she responds with a big smile and is excited to complete what I've asked of her.

Emily & Pili are enjoying break time and a cup of porridge (uge in swahili). Break time is about 30-45 each day. The kids are allowed to run around for a bit and then called together to drink a cup of uge. For some kids, this may be their only meal of the day. The two teachers, Salena & Elizabeth, and I enjoy a cup of uge each day after the kids have been served. It's made with corn flour and water and heated until it gets to a porridge consistency... and it's actually quite tasty!

Shamba work

On more than one occasion, the kids and adults of the church have come together to help take care of the Shamba (I think the English word is garden or field lol). This particular day the kids were given tools to cut the weeds and trees that had overtaken the field so that donated trees could be planted. These people are hardworking! After I put the camera down I was given a panga (big knife) and did some whacking down of plants myself, however, I found the best job for me was going through and picking up what others had cut down and carrying it to the pile!

Samuel begged me to take his picture! I told him "unafanya na nitataka picha" - you work and I will take your picture. Samuel lives off the dirt road that I take to get from my house to the main road and he spends most of his days on our property. He is in the school where I teach but in the other class. He is just a fun kiddo to be around!

Every afternoon you will find Peter (black and red shirt) and Shadrach out in the Shamba tending to the sukuma, spinach, and most recently, the mchicha...my favorite! I usually help by carrying water back and forth or walking around with a pitcher and helping to water. Within a few weeks we won't have to buy these three things in town, we will just walk out to the Shamba and pick them!

I mentioned above that we spent an afternoon clearing some of our fields to prepare for tree planting. Well I got to plant my very own tree! I mixed the dried manure with the soil, carefully placed the tree down into the hole, and in this picture I am packing the soil/manure mixture around the tree. In approximately three years the Church in Chumani will be able to eat mangos off this very tree!

I'm a proud planter! A few days later I got to help plant about 10 more during our school time. We encouraged the kids to help participate and I even let a few get down in the hole, place the tree and pack the soil/manure mixture around it. For these kids, this is a lifelong skill!

Relationships with kids

I've mentioned before that I absolutely love when I step off the matatu (returning from a food run to Kilifi or a visit to Malindi) I hear chorus' of "Daniella! Daniella!" from the kids. Here are three proud carriers of my things as we walked back to my home. From left to right is Amos, Annette & Agnus. They smile and giggle and fight to hold my two hands as we make the 200 yd or so walk back.

Eating with my hands delicious food!

When served ugali it's just not right to use a spoon. On my plate is also mchicha (my favorite greens) and mbuzi (goat). You see the spoon in the corner of the picture? That was used as a knife to cut the ugali... everyone ate with their hands for this meal. And unless we are served rice I eat with my hands. (I also must note that I'm currently writing this post in Nairobi where there are lots of food options available to cook but I'm eating wali and mdengu (rice & green grams! I think I belong in village life)

Afternoon spent outside

Every afternoon a serious game of soccer (football as they call it here) is played out on the field about 20 yards from my front porch. Anywhere from 20 to 50 kids come and it's intense! I usually sit off to the side and take pictures or practice my swahili with those who aren't playing. This is one of my favorite parts about living in a village; these kids are active outside running around and I get to be apart!

God's protection from sickness

And let me tell you what you can't see going on is there is no air conditioning system in this butchery or where the meat is stored. No gloves or hand washing has been done. Who knows when the last time the knife, cutting or weighing surface has been washed and the smell! I have to give God all the glory because it can only be because of Him that I haven't gotten sick at all! My family washes all their vegetables with tap water (aka dirty water) and I have gotten in trouble a few times because I haven't "washed my hands"...with the dirty water before eating. A few times I have come from my room and I just sit down. They immediately ask, "have you washed your hands?" and my response is, "with soap!" we all laugh but inside all I'm thinking is, we should all be doing so!

And lastly, I think this picture summarizes village life in every possible way.
Surrender. Freedom. Friendships. Hardworking hands. Peace. Joy. Community. and God's love. 

I hope I was able to give you a small glimpse into why I can say I love village life so very much! Admist the challenges there is way more to praise God for that they quickly fade into the background. These kids have it so much worse than even I do and yet their smiles and joy they carry shows that happiness doesn't stem from money or electricity or television. They are rich in so many ways and I am beyond blessed to get to live amongst them and share life with them. 

Back row: Pili, Emily & Samuel.
Front: Alex

Embracing village life

I am embracing the lack of internet! Through the Bible, books I’m reading, and even comments from home that I can get through my email and FB on my Kenyan phone I’m reminded that internet = distraction from the ministry around me. But the many trips to Kilifi this week weren’t a waste! I went Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday all to try to solve the internet issue. Each time I learned a new place to get something, met a new person, and just got comfortable being in Kilifi. I have the route memorized using buildings along the road and large trees to let me know how close or far we are away. I also know the stops the matatu will make once it enters Kilifi before I should get out. Mama Mary is who I go see if I need to buy fruits and vegetables and she is very willing to help me with my Swahili. I know where to go to get the matatu and how much to pay for each trip. I shake my head at people, but don’t make eye contact, when I hear, “Mzungo! Mzungo!” and just keep walking. Overall it’s a cute little city and has ocean views!

 Friday I went back to Kilifi with my Kenyan Mama to look for some thin shirts to wear here. After washing my t-shirts (and my Kenyan Mama did most the work J) we decided I needed a few “Kenyan” shirts to 1. Be cooler and 2. They are easier to wash! Success! I also got two more lesso’s to wear… I love them! I’ve gotten very comfortable wearing long skirts. I think it may feel weird to wear restricted pants on my legs again… and skirts make it way easier to go to the bathroom over a hole in the ground! Another thing I’m embracing!

This Sunday I will travel down to Mombasa with my Kenyan Father to attend an AIC church there. He is scheduled to speak and I get to go with him! Afterwards I will take a matatu back to my village on my own and he will go to visit his brother. I’m looking forward to seeing Mombasa and getting comfortable with another city along the coast. I actually enjoy doing things without them right next to me because I’m more able to use my Swahili. A lot of people along the coast do know English, especially in the shops, but those in the village where I’m living really don’t.

My free time this last week has been spent with the kiddos! They love having their picture taken! Here are a few attempts… you can see the pushing and shoving being done!

And Friday night, here was where my evening was spent… so beautiful in so many ways!

God is so good and faithful! He provides only what I need and I’m embracing what He has provided! There are amazing people here that I get to live life with and the kids make my heart melt! I love when I come home, I barely get out of the matatu and the kids are yelling from across the street, “Daniella! Daniella!” I’m getting their names down and each time I get it right their face lights up! There are well over 100 names I’m trying to get so when I do get it right they love it… and I do too! I am forced to use my Swahili around the kids and it is coming along great! I usually say something and then continue with “ndiyo/hapana” yes or no. Here are some pictures from one of my language lessons this last week.

It started out as a pretty small group.

This is one of the story pictures; all the pictures on the
table are objects and such I have learned in Swahili
and was reviewing with the kiddos.

In action. If you can tell there are a few pictures in my face. They would stick
many different ones and bring them closer until I said it.

I was focused!

The group at the end!

Such a great week! Can't wait for what this next week holds... School starts Monday, your prayers are greatly appreciated!

First week in the village!

This week has been full of so many blessings, discoveries, and new beginnings. I have done much!

Sunday am, I arrived in the village at 5:30am. You can read about my first thoughts, here.

After church and lunch in the village, my escort D and took a matatu up to Malindi where I then spent two nights and almost two full days with my mentor and her husband. That time was very relaxing; we walked the streets of the city, did a few last minute shopping needs, walked the beach next to the Indian Ocean J and had gelato! It was beautiful.

Tuesday afternoon, the three of us traveled down to the village to drop me off and give them an opportunity to see where I would be living. We, of course enjoyed chai together and chatted about ministries around the coast. We then said our goodbyes and I was left here!

First thoughts: what have I gotten myself into? Can I really live here? Will I ever get use to the bugs in the house? How will I cope with dirt everywhere?

Showering = a basin of water and a small cup to pour on myself (aka no running water).

Bathroom = squatting over a hole in the ground (a bit shocked at first I have to admit).

Sleeping = tucking my net securely in between the bed frame and mattress and using a Kanga (not a blanket) because it’s hot. Sleeping also involves spraying my net with bug spray before entering to ward off any unwelcomed guests that may have taken up residents on during the day.

Playing = dirt, small words (with motions to get my point across) & sometimes a ball. Lots of laughing, smiling, handshakes  & high fives!

Eating = drinking chai! Breakfast: bread & bananas. Lunch: rice or ugali and some greens usually. Dinner: rice, ugali or chapati served with greens or potatoes, chicken or goat in a tomato broth. And for good measure, add some more chai, oh and dinner is served between 8-9pm… I try my hardest to not fall asleep at the table!

Wednesday through Friday I joined the church in participating in their VBS. All the classrooms are “outside” and all the kids sit on some form a bench. I was amazed at how well they “sat” and for as long as they did… even the little ones! Recap: Wednesday, during VBS, I sat in the 7-9 year old class, which had 42 kids on their roster. Wednesday evening I made their refurbished previously used scanner/printing work and we/I set off in making them photocopied booklets for the kids to color. However, we ran out of ink and weren’t able to finish. So Thursday morning I went with Father J about 30 minutes south to Kilifi where we attempted to fix my internet modem, made copies, and picked up a few things at 3 different stores. Friday, I walked the throughout the property with the mission to take pictures of a VBS in a village setting. Success! The camera helped me to bridge the gap between the kids and myself. I quickly learned “mcono chini!”- hands down! and “pamoja” – together. (sidenote: the kids here don’t understand English at all)

Each day, the VBS concluded with lunch served to the kids. After lunch, most if not all the kids stayed on the property to hang out and play together. This was definitely my favorite part! I joined in a few organized games of football (soccer here), received a few Swahili lessons from the kids, and laughed a lot (many times at me).

I still can’t believe I get to be here. In so many ways it feels like I’m dreaming. There are truly no words to describe how joyful I feel inside as I’m surrounded by all the children. It makes my myoyo(heart) so happy! The biggest struggle I’ve had is my internet modem not working. I want to communicate with all of you at home what is happening and it has been very challenging to not get to as much as I would like. FB on my phone is incredible slow and uses what patience I have left at the end of the day to convey my thoughts in 180 characters or less. I pray I can get a new one soon!

At times this last week I felt as though learning Kiswahili would never come. I would listen to a conversation and get very little, I would tune out when I hadn’t a clue what was being said, and then get frustrated that I wasn’t getting anything. When I try to listen, I do catch words that I know and I can usually tell who is being talked about or the general topic, but I still have a long way to go. The kids have been awesome in helping me learning, mostly because we can’t communicate any other way. Friday, after they overheard a phone conversation in English, they were eager to sing “Create in Me” with motions as I had taught them it briefly on Wednesday. Their faces lit up as we sang together, “create in me, a clean heart Oh God, that I might serve you, create in me, a clean heart Oh God, that I might be renewed. So fill me, and heal me, and bring me back to you, create in me, a clean heart on God, that I might serve you.” We then spent the next 30 minutes or so translating it into Kiswahili! I loved it! That then turned into an hour and a half or two hour Swahili lesson learning commands, directions, and more. They were so incredibly patient with me, saying things over and over until I pronounced it right and what I love about their teaching is that they don’t know English so they never speak it! I tried forming a few sentences and they laughed if I got it wrong but did what I asked if I said it right. “ninakuhitaji kusimama mstari” –I need you to stand in a line. I formed that one all by myself and was thrilled when they did what I asked! Oh I really can’t wait to see how the Lord will continue to show Himself in power and patience as the learning process continues.

Tomorrow (Sunday) we are scheduled to attend church where we will have the closing of our VBS and then travel a bit to visit another church nearby. I’m sure this will make for a blog post in and of itself. I will do my best to document through pictures to share with you at home! “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good and that is His nature and that deserves a high five!”

And here's a few of my favorite pictures! Enjoy!

Eating breakfast... fried bananas & nhugo and of course tea! That's my Kenya Mama
behind me, Mama Joyce.

Most of the family. Their daughter Grace to the left, in front is Peter (he wouldn't
turn around!) Mama Joyce across and Father Joseph.

The first night I was in the village I made their printer work and we made coloring
packets for all of the kids for the VBS. I printed and then we formed an assembly
line. That's Shadrach across the table. He's another Pastor for the church and lives on
property with us.

During the VBS on Wednesday I taught the kids the song, "Create in Me"...
we have since learned most of it in Swahili as well.

This is how we wash our hands before every meal. They don't know what
soup is here.

The food is ready for the kids. Green Grams are in the pot and Ugali on the plates.
They fed over 100 kids each day and all the food was provided by members of
the Church.

6 yr old Agnus carrying Kadzu. This is very normal to see around here!

Athismun in the yellow shirt is the best language teacher! He is so incredibly
patient with me. If I don't understand he's usually around and I will call him
over to help me. He's also a character! Very entertaining!

Bahati & Salem... a precious picture!

Meet Priscilla! She was sitting on my lap and I was bouncing her up and down.
She was laughing so hard and its hard to tell but so was I! That's Steven
behind us, he didn't want to play soccer so that he could sit with me and teach
me Swahili.

My first impressions...

 I arrived at my new home around 5:30am Sunday morning, July 25th. Here's a recap/my thoughts and pictures are at the bottom. You're welcome Amy!! :)

Ok so the bus... my escort and I boarded the bus at 7:45pm on Saturday night. We sat in VIP seating which meant our seats reclined and our feet went up. We made many stops through out the night, dropping people off at what seemed like the middle of nowhere but they knew where to go. When I do the bus again, I will not sit in VIP seating because the front is noisy and they are constantly turning the lights on and off. The screeching of the brakes reminded me that I was Kenya where in any vehicle they speed and then brake just before they need to. :)

We arrived at "my stop" at exactly 5:30am, praise Jesus because I had to go potty so badly! I got off, looked left and right and literally just saw roads and trees. Where in the world am I??? As the bus drove away all light dissipated and it was dark, I mean dark! And then two men approached us... thank goodness D, my escort recognized them. We walked about 100 yards or so back down the street and turned off down a dirt road. I could see nothing, including what I was walking on. About 50-100 yards down the dirt road we turned again, walked another 20-30 yards and approached my new home. I was then welcomed by the Pastor and his wife to a house with no electricity (it came back on though)... welcome to Kenya!

We thanked God that we made it safely, I was shown the bathroom (oh I was so happy to see the hole in the ground!) and my bedroom, I crawled into my mosquito net and passed out!

I woke up, showered, enjoyed bread and chai and then went to Church. It was a beautiful youth run service completely in Kiswahili. I loved that I got a lot of what was being said and used my Kiswahili Bible to study John 15. Having studied John 15 last summer, I was quite aware of the words in English which made understanding that much easier. I sat in the front of the Church between the Pastor and his wife who both leaned over often to help me understand what was going. Church lasted 2 1/2 hours, but it was very alive and worshipful.

We enjoyed wali and kuku (rice and chicken) after Church and then D and I set off for my few day stay with my mentor and her husband in Malindi. A matatu picked us up on the road in front of my house, with a few stops dropping and picking people up, we made it to Malindi in just under an hour. Within an hour of being at the house, we were walking along the beach!! Pictures don't really do it justice, the colors of blues and greens are just gorgeous.

Tomorrow afternoon, we return to my village to drop me off where I will stay from now on. As "rough" as it might be, I am so excited for the challenges and blessings that are to come. God is so good to give me complete peace as I look forward to living in the village and getting to know the people there.

Here are a few prayer requests:
*Settling. Continue to pray for me as I settle in and get used to village living. The pastor and his wife have taken me in and made it very clear that I am one of their children. Pray for relationships and that I would be able to be apart of their family and not treated as a visitor.

*VBS/School starting. Wednesday through Friday of this week I will help out (as best I can) with their VBS and then in one week I will begin teaching alongside the two teachers in the school house. Pray for wisdom in how I can help in both of these opportunities.

*Language. You can continue to pray for Kiswahili acquisition. I feel I have a good foundation but with God's power, I pray I can become much more fluent quickly. The kids really don't know English, and my heart is to connect to those kids, which means I need to be able to speak their language.

Here are some pictures of my home I took just before I left for Malindi and of the beach here of course :)

My home!

My bed, I love that I'm next to the window, the breeze is amazing considering the heat!

My desk. That towel hanging off is what I used to dry off after
my shower. I now have towels that are a bit bigger. :)

The ceiling of my room. It's hard to tell but that is all open so you can
hear what's going on in the hallway and bathroom next door.

And this is what is on the other side of that wall. The far hole
is the toliet and the open area in front of that is where I shower.
It's quite warm here so the cold water is actually really nice
and wearing a skirt makes it easy to go to the bathroom. 

Here's my school where I will be teaching. The kids saw me taking
the picture and all ran to the front to get in it. So cute! It's hard to tell
but it's really just one room that can be divided into three.

If you walk out of my house and turn right you see the school, if you turn
right and walk on this pathway, just passed the blue building you can see
a bit of stone... that's the church below. I love my one minute walk and
Church that starts at 10am!

The Church building. The breeze was amazing and I love that birds
fly in and out throughout the service. 

And here begins the walk to my home. What you see in front is the main
street that I got dropped off on and where I go to get the matutu to go into town.

When you turn off of the road above, this is the "driveway" into my home.
That is my house at the end of the road and they have quite a bit of land and I love that
kids hang out here a lot!

At the edge of the driveway, I turned around and here's the view.
You can see the school house in the distance and then the church
is to the right in this picture.

And from the house, here's the driveway to the road. Such a beautiful place!  

Here's a picture of the bus I took from Nairobi to my village.
(photo credit...google images)

And the beautiful beach! This is a ten-fifteen minute walk from my mentor's
house! So beautiful!

Walking along the beach. I loved the green next to the blues/teals.
If you look at google maps and type in Malindi, you can see the
reefs of which I am referring to.

And our walk ended at a gelato place! I'm in heaven!
Cheesecake and Caramel flavored... I spoiled myself with
two scoops because I'm going to be "living in a village"
and won't have access to ice cream... or at least that was my
excuse for the day!