Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Electricity in Kipkaren, AIDS campaign and more
I (Adele) just walked into my home after a marathon couple of days for all of us.
When the team got back from Sudan on Wednesday, they were happy to take showers and drink lots of fresh water. Wish you could see them devour the ice cold watermelon I gave them as they were heading to take showers... Later, we sat on my porch and chatted about their experiences. You'll want to ask them MANY questions when they get home. They have lots of stories to tell!
The team had both shrunk and grown. Micah, Kevin and Jen had gone straight to Nairobi, and Tammy joined the group from LA. She arrived on Wednesday night.
On Thursday morning, we headed to Kipkaren. They were welcomed by the Kipkaren children, after which they had tours of the centers. They were in Kipkaren on a historical night: The first night ever that there was electricity in the area! (Other than that from generators or solar panels.)
On Friday morning, we headed out bright and early to a nearby town for an AIDS campaign. It was in a small village where people are still very afraid of talking about HIV/AIDS, so the crowd was a bit smaller than usual (maybe 1500 as opposed to 3000+). More than 400 people got tested, of which 7 were HIV+.
The afternoon's events were interrupted by heavy rains, but about 30 minutes later, the soccer team was back on the field and the crowd back in their positions, cheering. Then followed the prize giving, after which we headed home. The Salvation Army Band from Kitale was still playing their hearts out by the time we pulled out and headed back to Kipkaren. (A band from Nairobi was also present, but not the usual band we have. They didn't play as much since it seemed like the very rural crowd enjoyed the Salvation Army guys more than they enjoyed the city boys!)
The band from Nairobi had a concert for the kids from the children's home after dinner (ask the team about it--I headed home for some down time), and then, BAM! there was a massive thunder storm and heavy downpour. It was wonderful! But the lightning hit something, and now there's no power in Kipkaren again... Power should be back soon!
Today, the team had some much-needed down time. They came to Eldoret to walk around the market, buy postcards, relax at Poa Place (poa means "cool"), the local hang-out for families. (It's a swimming pool and playground for kids.) I was not with them since I joined Laban and Angelina Rono's 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, followed by a birthday party for 35 of our kids in Ilula.
Tomorrow, the team will participate in church activities in Kipkaren, then go for some home visits. On Monday, they'll come to Ilula where they'll visit the ELI Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. Jervaun leaves on Monday evening. The team will spend the night at Ilula and will try to connect via e-mail at that time.
On Tuesday, they'll head back to Kipkaren, see the ELI clinic, and on Wednesday, they'll get to be a part of a Children's Ministry event at Kipkaren.
Thursday's back to Ilula. They fly to Nairobi early Friday morning to spend the day in the city (shopping & seeing touristy things), and then they'll be off, home-bound!
Please keep them in your prayers this week. I'll upload photos to my Flickr account later this week. I just realized that the USB cable for my camera is in Kipkaren... Sorry you can't see photos right now.
When the team got back from Sudan on Wednesday, they were happy to take showers and drink lots of fresh water. Wish you could see them devour the ice cold watermelon I gave them as they were heading to take showers... Later, we sat on my porch and chatted about their experiences. You'll want to ask them MANY questions when they get home. They have lots of stories to tell!
The team had both shrunk and grown. Micah, Kevin and Jen had gone straight to Nairobi, and Tammy joined the group from LA. She arrived on Wednesday night.
On Thursday morning, we headed to Kipkaren. They were welcomed by the Kipkaren children, after which they had tours of the centers. They were in Kipkaren on a historical night: The first night ever that there was electricity in the area! (Other than that from generators or solar panels.)
On Friday morning, we headed out bright and early to a nearby town for an AIDS campaign. It was in a small village where people are still very afraid of talking about HIV/AIDS, so the crowd was a bit smaller than usual (maybe 1500 as opposed to 3000+). More than 400 people got tested, of which 7 were HIV+.
The afternoon's events were interrupted by heavy rains, but about 30 minutes later, the soccer team was back on the field and the crowd back in their positions, cheering. Then followed the prize giving, after which we headed home. The Salvation Army Band from Kitale was still playing their hearts out by the time we pulled out and headed back to Kipkaren. (A band from Nairobi was also present, but not the usual band we have. They didn't play as much since it seemed like the very rural crowd enjoyed the Salvation Army guys more than they enjoyed the city boys!)
The band from Nairobi had a concert for the kids from the children's home after dinner (ask the team about it--I headed home for some down time), and then, BAM! there was a massive thunder storm and heavy downpour. It was wonderful! But the lightning hit something, and now there's no power in Kipkaren again... Power should be back soon!
Today, the team had some much-needed down time. They came to Eldoret to walk around the market, buy postcards, relax at Poa Place (poa means "cool"), the local hang-out for families. (It's a swimming pool and playground for kids.) I was not with them since I joined Laban and Angelina Rono's 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, followed by a birthday party for 35 of our kids in Ilula.
Tomorrow, the team will participate in church activities in Kipkaren, then go for some home visits. On Monday, they'll come to Ilula where they'll visit the ELI Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. Jervaun leaves on Monday evening. The team will spend the night at Ilula and will try to connect via e-mail at that time.
On Tuesday, they'll head back to Kipkaren, see the ELI clinic, and on Wednesday, they'll get to be a part of a Children's Ministry event at Kipkaren.
Thursday's back to Ilula. They fly to Nairobi early Friday morning to spend the day in the city (shopping & seeing touristy things), and then they'll be off, home-bound!
Please keep them in your prayers this week. I'll upload photos to my Flickr account later this week. I just realized that the USB cable for my camera is in Kipkaren... Sorry you can't see photos right now.
Adele Booysen
Communications Coordinator
Empowering Lives International
Cattle Camps
This is what they call the “The cattle camps.” We walked for a couple hours to get there. Many of them have never seen white people so a lot of the children where watching from afar. But they eventually came around. I did not know the camera was in the black and white mode; sorry about that.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
African Hunter
After interviewing the children we saw some vultures about fifty feet from us so I gave the camera to Tim and decided to be “African Hunter.” Then I was thinking, “What kind of animal did this and why is it only 500 ft from our tent?”
Sunday Afternoon
After church we were walking back to the children’s home during the mid afternoon. During the afternoon, we were going to rest, but crowds of children showed up, so Ellie, Jervaun, and Jen spent the afternoon entertaining them.
The Ladies are dancing!
On Sunday late afternoon the ladies wanted to come over to teach our ladies to dance. Jennifer had a swarm of children around her while Jervaun and Ellie danced. Understand this, it is still over a hundred degrees outside! “Ellie’s Sudanese moves”
Walking to church
After church we were walking back to the children’s home during the mid afternoon. During the afternoon, we were going to rest, but crowds of children showed up, so Ellie, Jervaun, and Jen spent the afternoon entertaining them.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Just landed: VIDEO
This is the video from when we had just landed in Southern Sudan. The runway we were supposed to land on was too muddy so we landed a hour south on a dry runway. This is the tribe that met us at the plane. They are the most loving people and they helped carry our luggage to a compound of another mission group. There, they welcomed us, gave us drinks, shelter from the coming rain, and offered us a place to spend the night if our ride did not show up to pick us up. They showed us their facility where they are building a hospital funded by “The Lost Boys” and they really wanted to us to stay but our transportation showed up. The big truck was our transportation
We are home
We arrived home on Friday afternoon after 2 uneventful flights. Thank you for your prayers for safe travel. We are working on putting together the message for Sunday. Please continue to pray for the rest of the team as they work at an AIDS/HIV campaign and children's outreach programs in Kenya this weekend.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
We are on our way home
Wednesday morning we left Sudan and arrived in Kenya in late afternoon. It was very sad for me to say goodbye to some great friends that I made. It was very exciting, however, to get on the plane and be given a small bottle of cold water! We dropped most of the team off in El Doret, including Ellie, then we flew to Nairobi. We are staying at a missionary guest house called "Mayfield." It is similar to a bed and breakfast and we've met several interesting missionaries from all over Africa who are here for a rest. We will fly out late tonight and arrive at LAX Friday afternoon. We will continue to update the blog with information about the rest of Ellie's trip and video clips from our trip. Kevin and I will be sharing about our trip during the Sunday services. Thank you for your prayers for this trip, and continued prayers for the rest of the team as they minister in Kenya.
Not for a 1000 cows!
Please continue to pray for Ellie as this coming weekend she will be working with the Empowering Lives teams at the tri annual aids screening weekend. This will be a full weekend as well as a emotional time for a lot of Kenyans as they will find if they have Aids. Either answer is emotional. Paul you need to be PROUD of Ellie she is a trooper.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Last Night in Sudan
From Jennifer, via satellite phone:
(About 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Sudan)
This is our last night in Sudan. We'll be flying out tomorrow.
We've met lots of the orphans. We had a good time teaching the kids at the school yesterday.
Today, we visited a cattle camp, and also spent time with more kids.
It's been very hot. The temperature for the past two days was 118--it was 105 in the shade. We're very tired, but feeling good. It's been a great trip. I'm sad to leave.
________________
PLEASE PRAY:
1) For safe travels on the trip back to Los Angeles
2) That Kevin and Jennifer will be able to make all their plane connections, and that their travel will be smooth
3) That God will give them wisdom as they think about their experiences, and will provide them good words to share with everyone
(About 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Sudan)
This is our last night in Sudan. We'll be flying out tomorrow.
We've met lots of the orphans. We had a good time teaching the kids at the school yesterday.
Today, we visited a cattle camp, and also spent time with more kids.
It's been very hot. The temperature for the past two days was 118--it was 105 in the shade. We're very tired, but feeling good. It's been a great trip. I'm sad to leave.
________________
PLEASE PRAY:
1) For safe travels on the trip back to Los Angeles
2) That Kevin and Jennifer will be able to make all their plane connections, and that their travel will be smooth
3) That God will give them wisdom as they think about their experiences, and will provide them good words to share with everyone
300 Cows for Ellie? Tempting, but ...
From Kevin, via satellite phone:(About 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Sudan)
A personal message for Ellie's dad, Paul:
Ellie received three marriage proposals today. The three would-be grooms are offering you up to 300 cows for your daughter's hand in marriage.
Paul, if that's OK, I will do the wedding tomorrow, and then you'll receive 300 cows. (laughs)
It seems like a lot of men have been proposing to Ellie--I think she's getting tired of it!
Seriously, Ellie's doing really well. She's been enjoying her time here.
Sudan Update: Finishing up
Today was another great day in Sudan. The team is doing well.
Today held a day full of activities at the Empowering Lives School. If you can, imagine all of the children meeting under a large roof, no walls, no desks, no classrooms separating the children... The teachers have separated the children into groups then the teachers walk around the large area with chalk boards teaching the children. There was a segment of time that ELI staff Dan Davis took the teachers to another area and had discussions with them and a time of encouragement.
The rest of the team had all of the children during this time playing jump rope, games and using parachutes. They loved the parachutes! To end the team's time at the school they had a great time of prayer with the teachers.
After lunch there was a break for anyone who needed some rest time to rest. A few joined in on the construction at the children's home. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the team's last full day in Sudan. We will be getting up early to hike to the local cattle camp. Some of our children that attend the school live in the cattle camp. The team will be able to gather some of the stories and see the reality of these children's lives.
Today held a day full of activities at the Empowering Lives School. If you can, imagine all of the children meeting under a large roof, no walls, no desks, no classrooms separating the children... The teachers have separated the children into groups then the teachers walk around the large area with chalk boards teaching the children. There was a segment of time that ELI staff Dan Davis took the teachers to another area and had discussions with them and a time of encouragement.
The rest of the team had all of the children during this time playing jump rope, games and using parachutes. They loved the parachutes! To end the team's time at the school they had a great time of prayer with the teachers.
After lunch there was a break for anyone who needed some rest time to rest. A few joined in on the construction at the children's home. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the team's last full day in Sudan. We will be getting up early to hike to the local cattle camp. Some of our children that attend the school live in the cattle camp. The team will be able to gather some of the stories and see the reality of these children's lives.
Adele Booysen
Communications Coordinator
Empowering Lives International
Monday, April 16, 2007
"Sweet" Sudanese Dancing; A Marriage Proposal
From Jennifer, via satellite phone:
(About 8:30 a.m. Monday in Sudan)
We had a great church service yesterday. We had a women's meeting; three women from our team shared, and a nurse talked about some women's health issues. Then we had a great afternoon playing with the kids. Some randomly showed up here while we were resting. We had a lot of fun.
The weather here is very hot!
The ladies here taught us how to dance Sudanese-style yesterday. Ellie has learned, as one person describes it, "some sweet Sudanese moves." Ellie is making a lot of friends and having a great time. Some men offered 100 cows for her! (laughs) We turned them down. Most of the men on the team have had women offer to marry them, too.
We've met five of the orphans so far. We're going to meet more today. Today, we're going to the school to work with the teachers and the children.
_________________
PLEASE PRAY:
1) For opportunities to meaningfully interact with the orphans
2) For the team's continued strength, good health, and energy in these final few days in Sudan
(About 8:30 a.m. Monday in Sudan)
We had a great church service yesterday. We had a women's meeting; three women from our team shared, and a nurse talked about some women's health issues. Then we had a great afternoon playing with the kids. Some randomly showed up here while we were resting. We had a lot of fun.
The weather here is very hot!
The ladies here taught us how to dance Sudanese-style yesterday. Ellie has learned, as one person describes it, "some sweet Sudanese moves." Ellie is making a lot of friends and having a great time. Some men offered 100 cows for her! (laughs) We turned them down. Most of the men on the team have had women offer to marry them, too.
We've met five of the orphans so far. We're going to meet more today. Today, we're going to the school to work with the teachers and the children.
_________________
PLEASE PRAY:
1) For opportunities to meaningfully interact with the orphans
2) For the team's continued strength, good health, and energy in these final few days in Sudan
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Another update from Don via Amy:
Thank you so much for your prayers. We have had a great day! The team is doing great, everyone is in good spirts and feeling well. We held the Pastor's meeting today from early morning until about 4pm. Don, Dan Davis and Julius shared in the teaching times, the team did a drama for the pastors. There were about 40 Pastors in attendance. They are so very hungry for teaching and have requested please for more. They would love to have a week long seminar several times throughout the year. The worship times throughout the day during the meeting were incredible. After the Pastor's meeting Micah, Ellie & Dan Davis took a two mile hike to the cattle camp. It was hard to take in all that they saw - you enter a different world. Don, the Robertsons, Triers & Steven met with three orphans and were able to hear more of their story. Each of their parents were killed by militia. Tomorrow the team will attend two church services in the area and then after lead meetings with the women and the youth. It will be a full day! Thank you for your continued prayers. God is so good!
Adele Booysen
Communications Coordinator
Empowering Lives International
Team Shares at Sunday Services; Temps Hit Triple Digits
From Kevin, via satellite phone:
(About 2 p.m. Sunday in Sudan)
We just finished our Sunday morning services. The services average about four hours! Everyone from our team--including Jennifer--had the privilege of speaking in front of the members of this Sudanese church. [Jennifer's a bit shy about speaking in public.]
Jennifer spoke at a women's ministry and shared her testimony with women after the service. They had a great time--she did a wonderful job. The other women on our team also shared.
We had the privilege of meeting some of the orphans. We're going to meet the rest of the orphans on Monday.
It's now 98 degrees in the shade and 104 in the sun. We are exhausted, so we're taking shelter in a barn. It's 98 in here with a slight breeze. Please pray that we'll continue to keep our strength up in this hot weather, and that we'll continue to stay hydrated.
(About 2 p.m. Sunday in Sudan)
We just finished our Sunday morning services. The services average about four hours! Everyone from our team--including Jennifer--had the privilege of speaking in front of the members of this Sudanese church. [Jennifer's a bit shy about speaking in public.]
Jennifer spoke at a women's ministry and shared her testimony with women after the service. They had a great time--she did a wonderful job. The other women on our team also shared.
We had the privilege of meeting some of the orphans. We're going to meet the rest of the orphans on Monday.
It's now 98 degrees in the shade and 104 in the sun. We are exhausted, so we're taking shelter in a barn. It's 98 in here with a slight breeze. Please pray that we'll continue to keep our strength up in this hot weather, and that we'll continue to stay hydrated.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Beautiful Weather, Beautiful People
From Jennifer, via satellite phone:
(About 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Sudan)
It's Saturday morning. We're in Sudan. We had a little trouble getting here; our flight couldn't land because it was raining and the landing strip was too muddy. So we landed about an hour away.
We were very impressed with how the people there greeted us. They took us to a compound where we could stay until we were able to get a ride back to the area where we're staying.
The weather is perfect: It's been in the 80s and overcast, which is wonderful. Kevin got a good night's sleep for the first time last night, so he's feeling much better today.
An update from Ellie: She's says it's very much like her time in Ethiopia. She's really enjoying it.
We're all doing a lot of spiritual processing. Right now, we're going to a meeting with 20 pastors from the area. Many of them walked a long distance to get here this morning for this meeting. They're very excited to have us here.
We're going to be meeting with the orphans later today, so hopefully we'll have an update on that tomorrow.
The people are very welcoming and open. It's just been amazing how the people have welcomed us. They've given us tons of food; we don't have any lack of food and water. We're having a great time!
(About 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Sudan)
It's Saturday morning. We're in Sudan. We had a little trouble getting here; our flight couldn't land because it was raining and the landing strip was too muddy. So we landed about an hour away.
We were very impressed with how the people there greeted us. They took us to a compound where we could stay until we were able to get a ride back to the area where we're staying.
The weather is perfect: It's been in the 80s and overcast, which is wonderful. Kevin got a good night's sleep for the first time last night, so he's feeling much better today.
An update from Ellie: She's says it's very much like her time in Ethiopia. She's really enjoying it.
We're all doing a lot of spiritual processing. Right now, we're going to a meeting with 20 pastors from the area. Many of them walked a long distance to get here this morning for this meeting. They're very excited to have us here.
We're going to be meeting with the orphans later today, so hopefully we'll have an update on that tomorrow.
The people are very welcoming and open. It's just been amazing how the people have welcomed us. They've given us tons of food; we don't have any lack of food and water. We're having a great time!
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