Deepening Roots '09

This weekend was our training program with the students that served as a culmination for the 6 weeks of ministry here. The focus of the training program was deepening the roots of our faith and the theme verse was Colossians 2:6-7:

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Our desire for the weekend was for the students to be able to grow in their faith and understanding of a life living for and serving Christ. There were 28 of us with about 16 students, most of which that we have worked with the entire time here, but a few that weren't involved in the ministry at all. As the mission team here this summer it has been our job to plan the entire retreat including scheduling, registration, and working with the camp. We stayed at this retreat center a little bit outside Nairobi in Kabete called Word of Life. It was so nice to get outside of the hussle and bussle of the city and get into the peace and quiet of nature. During the weekend we were blessed to hear from Paul Kimani, a Navs staff member whose ministry focus is the Muslim population of Nairobi, especially Somali Muslims. He was an amazing speaker and did an excellent job helping the students to begin to grasp what it means to be a follower of Christ. On top of the large group sessions we had two breakout sessions which the team was in charge of running. The focus of the two sessions were on the Word and Prayer, and Fellowship and Witnessing. The team divided into groups of three and we lead the students in these two workshops. It was really encouraging to see their interaction and answers through out the workshops because they were very discussion oriented. Throughout the weekend I was really able to spend time with Arnold and Tony, the two guys I have met with while over here and really got to connect with them and strengthen our relationship together. I was also able to talk with Steve G, the student that handles our finances, and who has served with the past 4 Penn State teams, which was so great. Saturday night we ended everything with a giant bonfire, American style, because we brought smores with us from the states, the students had really mixed feelings about them, but we definitely enjoyed them...

It was a long and tiring weekend, but it was so great to spend with all the students and to finally get some fresh air.  I guess its kind of bittersweet though, because the retreat sort of marks the end of our ministry here and this last week has just been wrap up and hanging out before we head out.  On Monday I was able to spend some time with both Arnold and Tony.  I was able to go to Tony's house and meet his family and younger siblings, there are 8 in all!  Monday was also Arnold's birthday so I took him out for some ice cream and we talked and shared about the summer and the trip.  

Tuesday we went back to the school and orphanage in Kibera to drop off the remaining items and the guitar we had for them.  Greg's parents were gracious enough to give us a couple hundred dollars to buy school supplies with so we went shopping before we heading out there and were able to buy so much.  We got hundreds of writing books, pencils, sharpeners, backpacks, books, and cookies.  The school and orphanage were so thankful and appreciative with what we gave them.  It was great to see the children again and to play around with them and see their smiling faces.  The older kids even put on an Africa song and dance which was so sweet.  It is so amazing to see these children who have so little, be thankful and so joyous through everything they are going through.

This post has kind of been a week in the making, so it is now Friday and the team is two days away from heading back to the US.  Tonight we are going to Nick's Aunt's house for a big dinner and then tomorrow we have the farewell party with the students.  I cannot believe its all coming to a close, I don't think I have been able to process it all...It has been such an amazing trip that has challenged me so much and left such a large impact on my life.  I have really loved being here and experience the people and culture of Kenya, but I think at the same time I am ready to go.  Nick, Sacha, Hiliary, and Brett leave to go back on Sunday night and then me and Greg leave for our travels on Tuesday.  I am not ready to have to leave the team though.  It has been such a blessing having them here and getting the chance to lead them.  I can't believe that we have been together and planning this for 10 months!  We have grown so close together and spent so much time together, I truely love them, and will miss being with them so much and experiencing Africa with them all.  Its hard though, thinking that we will all not come back together...

Starting on Tuesday me and Greg are going to be spending 3 weeks traveling around Africa.  Not sure how much internet time I will get during it to update, but I will try as much as possible.  But here is the itinerary:

Tuesday, 7 July: Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa (Overnight Layover)

Wednesday, 8 July: Fly to Livingstone Zambia (Victoria Falls)

Sunday, 12 July: Fly back to Johannesburg and then to Cape Town, South Africa

Sunday, 19 July: Fly back to Johannesburg and then overnight to Cairo, Egypt

Saturday, 25th July: Fly to Amsterdam, Detroit, and then State College

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support throughout the six week mission here in Kenya.  And thank you for your email responses and encouragement.  I could not have done it without all of you.  

In Christ,

Chris