This blog is on hold until at least March 2009.
I have made a personal decision to commuincate only by email for now.
Hope to hear from you! Lauris
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Life Kenyan Style
Ordering from a Menu – the list may be long but, like travel in other parts of the majority world, only a few items might be available on any given day and the very tastiest item of the day may not be listed. So (Sa sa) it is best to ask for a recommendation and dialogue a little before you place an order. We have enjoyed some particularly tasty chicken stews. It is customary to eat with your hand – I must confess I still prefer a spoon or fork. This leads me to hand washing.
Hand Washing – In many restaurants and in private homes you are offered the opportunity to wash up … a jug of water and some soap or perhaps sliced lemon or lime appear and a basin held beneath your hands while the water is poured for your wash up. I like it! There is such a sweet attitude of servant hood that goes with this. After the meal, the same courtesy is offered.
Drinking chai – I have grown fond of drinking chai here – a thermos (usually very large) containing steaming hot milk arrives at the table along with tea bags and instant coffee. I stick to the tea. The Kenyan sugar is lovely and chai is usually consumed sweet. I may have to take this habit home with me! Sometimes the chai comes premade in the thermos … it is a real treat.
Greetings – Kenyans are very friendly people and there is plenty of time to shake hands and greet each other. I particularly love to offer my hand to the little ones who shake it and say ‘mzuri’ meaning fine. We were in church on Sunday and a very small boy (maybe 18 months old) came up to Ron to be held…. Very sweet. Some of the children are rather terrified by our white skin. Some cannot wait to get their fingers in our grey hair!
Time – there is North American time for some things, Kenyan time which is less definite and Swahili time which is totally different …. It keeps things interesting!
Courtesies – Kenyans ask about your well being and your family regularly and genuinely want to hear from you. Mothers are given a special place and to be introduced to an adult person’s mother is special. We have met some lovely mothers.
Age – I cannot do well guessing peoples age here - life is hard for many and a person of 50 might look so much older to me. I will not guess! Many women have their first child in their teens. The carry heavy bags on their heads, a baby on their back and other items in their hands. I cannot.
Driving – Drive on the left, right, or best side … drive beside the road or off on a track through the sand, through river beds ….. and in Turkana you will average about 35 Km/hour. We pray before we set out and give thanks when we arrive….. it is an adventure for sure!
Post Comments - sorry we have been unable to read your post comments but we will as soon as we have a good enough connection! We have posted a few photos on flickr if you care to look. Again not all have captions due to internet limits. But we HAVE internet!! Yeah!
Hand Washing – In many restaurants and in private homes you are offered the opportunity to wash up … a jug of water and some soap or perhaps sliced lemon or lime appear and a basin held beneath your hands while the water is poured for your wash up. I like it! There is such a sweet attitude of servant hood that goes with this. After the meal, the same courtesy is offered.
Drinking chai – I have grown fond of drinking chai here – a thermos (usually very large) containing steaming hot milk arrives at the table along with tea bags and instant coffee. I stick to the tea. The Kenyan sugar is lovely and chai is usually consumed sweet. I may have to take this habit home with me! Sometimes the chai comes premade in the thermos … it is a real treat.
Greetings – Kenyans are very friendly people and there is plenty of time to shake hands and greet each other. I particularly love to offer my hand to the little ones who shake it and say ‘mzuri’ meaning fine. We were in church on Sunday and a very small boy (maybe 18 months old) came up to Ron to be held…. Very sweet. Some of the children are rather terrified by our white skin. Some cannot wait to get their fingers in our grey hair!
Time – there is North American time for some things, Kenyan time which is less definite and Swahili time which is totally different …. It keeps things interesting!
Courtesies – Kenyans ask about your well being and your family regularly and genuinely want to hear from you. Mothers are given a special place and to be introduced to an adult person’s mother is special. We have met some lovely mothers.
Age – I cannot do well guessing peoples age here - life is hard for many and a person of 50 might look so much older to me. I will not guess! Many women have their first child in their teens. The carry heavy bags on their heads, a baby on their back and other items in their hands. I cannot.
Driving – Drive on the left, right, or best side … drive beside the road or off on a track through the sand, through river beds ….. and in Turkana you will average about 35 Km/hour. We pray before we set out and give thanks when we arrive….. it is an adventure for sure!
Post Comments - sorry we have been unable to read your post comments but we will as soon as we have a good enough connection! We have posted a few photos on flickr if you care to look. Again not all have captions due to internet limits. But we HAVE internet!! Yeah!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
DODGE BALL
One of the few PE activities I was reasonably good at a young girl was dodge ball. If you don’t know the game, half the class stood in a circle throwing a large ball at other half of the class who were inside the circle trying to ‘dodge’ the ball. It was not rocket science to excel at the game but it was an achievement for me none the less.
I thought of that game as we were discussing prioritizing the tasks before us. Just as in doing business at home in Canada there are urgent tasks, important tasks, busy work tasks and curve balls ( I was never good at dodging those ones). We want to give our best to the relief work we came to help manage. We want to be wise in the use of our time. We want to invest in encouraging and mentoring the wonderful promising bright lights of Kenya – well at least a few of them.
Kenyans are a fascinating people and I have great fun trying to adapt my North American accent to be clearly understood. Many Kenyans speak at least 2 languages – often 3 and sometimes additional local dialects on top of that. I am not particularly good at picking up languages. I have to concentrate on my English pronunciation, realizing how I often run one word into the next and drop endings!! I am improving. I try to use a little Swahili.
I love how Kenyans take time to warmly greet each other – looking at you with an big smile and recalling the last time you met. I love the custom of stopping in somewhere just to greet a person you have previously met. I love how even very small children will come to shake your hand. I love being wished a ‘safe journey’ and ending a conversation with ‘sawa sawa’ which loosely translated is something like ‘OK’ or ‘it is all good’.
I love buying vegetables in the local market and often gladly pay the first price I am given because it is an OK price in my eyes and it helps out the vendor. Sometimes we barter seriously; sometimes we barter and they pay a higher price because we want to…it is all part of living in another culture.
I love coming back to the house where we are stay in Eldoret and looking at the photos of the coast of Vancouver Island which we left on the walls here last year in December …. I love thinking about our family, friends, neighbors and church .. I love connecting with people here too and knowing that a part of us will always belong to Kenya!
I thought of that game as we were discussing prioritizing the tasks before us. Just as in doing business at home in Canada there are urgent tasks, important tasks, busy work tasks and curve balls ( I was never good at dodging those ones). We want to give our best to the relief work we came to help manage. We want to be wise in the use of our time. We want to invest in encouraging and mentoring the wonderful promising bright lights of Kenya – well at least a few of them.
Kenyans are a fascinating people and I have great fun trying to adapt my North American accent to be clearly understood. Many Kenyans speak at least 2 languages – often 3 and sometimes additional local dialects on top of that. I am not particularly good at picking up languages. I have to concentrate on my English pronunciation, realizing how I often run one word into the next and drop endings!! I am improving. I try to use a little Swahili.
I love how Kenyans take time to warmly greet each other – looking at you with an big smile and recalling the last time you met. I love the custom of stopping in somewhere just to greet a person you have previously met. I love how even very small children will come to shake your hand. I love being wished a ‘safe journey’ and ending a conversation with ‘sawa sawa’ which loosely translated is something like ‘OK’ or ‘it is all good’.
I love buying vegetables in the local market and often gladly pay the first price I am given because it is an OK price in my eyes and it helps out the vendor. Sometimes we barter seriously; sometimes we barter and they pay a higher price because we want to…it is all part of living in another culture.
I love coming back to the house where we are stay in Eldoret and looking at the photos of the coast of Vancouver Island which we left on the walls here last year in December …. I love thinking about our family, friends, neighbors and church .. I love connecting with people here too and knowing that a part of us will always belong to Kenya!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Blessed in Turkana Country
We have been to greet the people of Turkana (many of whom are still pastoralists) in a dry arid region in northwest Kenya , and more specifically the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who call Turkana their ancestral home. They are amazing, adaptable and perseverant, welcoming us warmly and politely. They are ingenious at making a house out of the simplest of materials … they have many basic needs: food, irrigation, hope, schools….. hunger is an on-going serious problem and much of the land is unforgiving. Thousands live in camps.
We have travelled on long bumpy hot roads , seen an outstanding brilliantly colored rainbow, watched dik-diks and wart hogs scoot across the road, and observed the shepherds with their goats or camels. We have seen evidence of elephants and heard how they trample the crops.
We have met many of our local partner representatives and are getting to know some of them more personally. There are many stories among the IDPs – hard to fathom stories… as well as stories of the goodness of churches and well wishers.
The newspapers are still full of news relating to the post election violence, Keyans are still working through what happened and the evidence is widespread ….. here in Turkana we do not have to look far.
We are eagerly anticipating the beginning of food distributions – the lorries will be challenged by the road conditions…. very challenged! Please pray for safe passage!
We are happy to be here. We are blessed! Blessed in Turkana country!
We have travelled on long bumpy hot roads , seen an outstanding brilliantly colored rainbow, watched dik-diks and wart hogs scoot across the road, and observed the shepherds with their goats or camels. We have seen evidence of elephants and heard how they trample the crops.
We have met many of our local partner representatives and are getting to know some of them more personally. There are many stories among the IDPs – hard to fathom stories… as well as stories of the goodness of churches and well wishers.
The newspapers are still full of news relating to the post election violence, Keyans are still working through what happened and the evidence is widespread ….. here in Turkana we do not have to look far.
We are eagerly anticipating the beginning of food distributions – the lorries will be challenged by the road conditions…. very challenged! Please pray for safe passage!
We are happy to be here. We are blessed! Blessed in Turkana country!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Back in the Saddle Again!
It is good to be back in Kenya – to renew friendships and to face new challenges.
Life is interesting and Africa makes it even more so! We are anticipating our responsibilities with lots of questions and excitement as well.
Regrets? Probably one -- I did not bring our digital SLR which we found attracted much attention and was somewhat cumbersome. So I need to adjust to using the small camera which we got using Aeroplan miles.
We are still in Nairobi – working out a plan for a quality vehicle to drive and delving into the details of the relief project. We should be in Turkana by Tuesday experiencing a whole new world.
Nairobi is cool with much needed nightly rains. Ron has been off to the Toyota dealership, the bank, & the Canadian embassy. I hope to experience a little more of the city on Saturday.
We will have the same house in Eldoret that we had last year which is very suitable for our purposes. Everything Turkana still feels like a mystery!
Tomorrow is a holiday in Kenya so getting all the needed work done before we head out looks a little questionable at the moment ….. time to prioritize.
In between times we are enjoying connecting with people at the guest house who serve in a multitude of ways.
Our National Relief Manager will head out for 2 weeks in Canada and the US as a speaker and attendee at the IRM conference in Michigan. It will be an amazing experience for him and dream come true,
Bless you all and stay tuned for some more descriptive colorful events!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
PRAYING PLANNING PACKING and PLAYING
The phone rings and it is time to break out into overdrive – we leave home in 9 days! Destination Kenya after a brief stop in Ontario. What to do first??????
We need to pray.
We need to plan.
We need to pack.
We need to play!
Play? Spend time with friends and appreciate the things you can do at home that will not be part of your lives for some months – like exercising at the pool, tea time with friends, long safe walks any time of day, bible study with dear long time friends, racquetball with John and so on.
Will we miss these things? – yes. Are we happy to be going? – yes.
The project on which we will volunteer is in north western Kenya among the Turkana people who are living in harsh and unforgiving conditions. We will oversee food relief and will stay until the end of February …
As we plan, prepare and pack we begin to re-focus our mindset.
For example, We are driving along the highway following a vehicle with a unassembled Rubbermaid shed on the roof. We are reading the description on the box as we sit at a red light and simultaneously it strikes both of us how this mere shed suddenly looks like a sophisticated home !
Adventure and many challenges lie ahead. We are privileged to be able to participate. Old friends and new ones await – we’re coming - but first we pray, plan, pack and play!
We need to pray.
We need to plan.
We need to pack.
We need to play!
Play? Spend time with friends and appreciate the things you can do at home that will not be part of your lives for some months – like exercising at the pool, tea time with friends, long safe walks any time of day, bible study with dear long time friends, racquetball with John and so on.
Will we miss these things? – yes. Are we happy to be going? – yes.
The project on which we will volunteer is in north western Kenya among the Turkana people who are living in harsh and unforgiving conditions. We will oversee food relief and will stay until the end of February …
As we plan, prepare and pack we begin to re-focus our mindset.
For example, We are driving along the highway following a vehicle with a unassembled Rubbermaid shed on the roof. We are reading the description on the box as we sit at a red light and simultaneously it strikes both of us how this mere shed suddenly looks like a sophisticated home !
Adventure and many challenges lie ahead. We are privileged to be able to participate. Old friends and new ones await – we’re coming - but first we pray, plan, pack and play!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
ANTICIPATION
So much has happened in our lives but posting blog entries has (sadly) not been a priority. We have had many wonderful visitors and adventures with family and dear friends. Thank you all for who you are and all you mean to us. You are truly amazing.
A new adventure is appaearing on the horizon. Details to follow if it comes into fullness!
A new adventure is appaearing on the horizon. Details to follow if it comes into fullness!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Going to the Sun Road
Going- to- the- Sun Road, Glacier National Park Montana July 26, 2008.
Ron takes the opportunity to travel with 8 of the YWAM Montana TESOL class from Flathead Lake to Logan Pass on the Going-to-the Sun Road……for a taste of the mountain scenery of NW Montana.
The route followed by this legendary mountain road was identified in 1911, and construction was completed in 1932……and remains today much as it was in 1932. Vehicles longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited. The dramatic (and narrow) 2 lane cliff-hanging climb to 2025 metre (6646 ft.) Logan Pass is breath-taking…….jagged peaks, waterfalls, lush valleys, lakes, inviting trails.
The weather is sunny and warm with light winds……more snow than usual following a severe winter and cool spring.
This is a perfect day for a short hike and we share the trail with tourists from around the world. From shorts and flip-flops, to full-on mountain gear…..a diverse bunch.
The short hike to Hidden Lake from the parking lot at Logan Pass involves a pastoral stroll on pavement and boardwalk, several traverses over slimy snowfields, scrambling over a narrow scree face, and an encounter with a family of mountain goats on the winding trail…….fulfilling one of Ron’s fantasies since childhood. Every direction is a photo-op….the ‘cathedral’ of rocky cliffs surrounding Hidden Lake……the marmots in the rocks…..the big-horned sheep on the horizon…..the ground squirrels looking for lunch……the mountain meadows. Wow. A place to contemplate, to reflect on God’s handiwork and to “be still and know that I am God”. A difficult place to leave.
We retrace our route…..realizing that there remains a lifetime of exploring and pondering available here.
A break for a Montana huckleberry shakes on the way, then home for supper.
Ron takes the opportunity to travel with 8 of the YWAM Montana TESOL class from Flathead Lake to Logan Pass on the Going-to-the Sun Road……for a taste of the mountain scenery of NW Montana.
The route followed by this legendary mountain road was identified in 1911, and construction was completed in 1932……and remains today much as it was in 1932. Vehicles longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors) are prohibited. The dramatic (and narrow) 2 lane cliff-hanging climb to 2025 metre (6646 ft.) Logan Pass is breath-taking…….jagged peaks, waterfalls, lush valleys, lakes, inviting trails.
The weather is sunny and warm with light winds……more snow than usual following a severe winter and cool spring.
This is a perfect day for a short hike and we share the trail with tourists from around the world. From shorts and flip-flops, to full-on mountain gear…..a diverse bunch.
The short hike to Hidden Lake from the parking lot at Logan Pass involves a pastoral stroll on pavement and boardwalk, several traverses over slimy snowfields, scrambling over a narrow scree face, and an encounter with a family of mountain goats on the winding trail…….fulfilling one of Ron’s fantasies since childhood. Every direction is a photo-op….the ‘cathedral’ of rocky cliffs surrounding Hidden Lake……the marmots in the rocks…..the big-horned sheep on the horizon…..the ground squirrels looking for lunch……the mountain meadows. Wow. A place to contemplate, to reflect on God’s handiwork and to “be still and know that I am God”. A difficult place to leave.
We retrace our route…..realizing that there remains a lifetime of exploring and pondering available here.
A break for a Montana huckleberry shakes on the way, then home for supper.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Ron's new profession
King of the Stir Fry!Other Thoughts and happenings
Pete Brownhill arrives today (Mar 16th) and it is Shirl’s birthday tomorrow. (she is here now). Hopefully we will find time this week to squeeze in a 3 generation photo. Thomas (8 months) is crawling full speed but prefers walking. He can stand on his own for a few seconds and pushes himself to the standing position whenever possible. A fun stage.
Yesterday Lauris went on a photo shoot with Ashley (a school of photography leader) and friend Laura. Such fun! We went to a small town called Captain Cook - Ron went on a kayaking trip out of the same area to hang out with the dolphins and had an awesome time. He got in the right water with the dolphins and also went snorkeling. Good times.
Right now I have laryngitis – I suppose as a blessing to others! Ron has a plugged ear – so we are 2 funny old geezers trying to hear each other! It’s a bit exhausting!
This past week we were challenged to be reflectors of Christ’s love in the world and not to have a spirit of religion (i.e. governed by rules) – lots to think about….. it is so easy in all areas of life to judge others in light of your own ideas. So we are reminded to focus on the character of God, to seek out Jesus ways and to reflect Him back to the world. A tall order - especially if we try to do so in our own strength. Fortunately we don’t have to.
Kona weather – this is pretty perfect weather – I gather the temperatures don’t vary much from season to season but the humidity does… I relay enjoy being out in the evening in a tee shirt and shorts. Delightful. We have only 2 more weeks in the kitchen – the time to leave is coming too fast! But on the other hand we will see family and friends at home and have Thomas and Jen and Caleb for 2 weeks! Lots to look forward to. It will be fun to introduce the Nanaimo cousins.
Kenya – we follow the news in Mount Elgon where we served and where there is a big military operation underway. I shutter when I think of the trauma the innocents are experiencing. I can't get the picture out of my mind. Perhaps we will get to go back and help make a difference there.
Spring is coming soon to Nanaimo - I hope it is well established by April 1st!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Sweet Moments
Little Man on the Move
A little chopping never hurt anyone! Sheila from Washington State is next to me.
SWEET MOMENTS
Sweet Young Spirit
A young girl about 7 years old came into the kitchen while we were cleaning up after lunch and asked if she could pray for us. In appreciation for the work of the kitchen crew she quietly and confidently asked God’s blessing on us. What a sweet moment!
Cruise Ships
A number of cruise ships come regularly into port here in Kona. They usually depart but literally sailing off into the sunset. It is such a beautiful sight – one did so on a beautiful clear evening a few nights ago and me without my camera!. None the less - What a sweet moment!
DTS Outreach Returnees
We went last night to an informal evening with students who just returned from Cambodia, Columbia. Vietnam and China. We talked to them – mostly very young ones 18 / 19. They spoke with great excitement of all that saw and heard. A frequently used phrase was ‘life changing’. More sweet moments!
Tattoos and Piercings
I saw a young man approaching the kitchen area yesterday very ‘decked out’ with tattoos and piercings. He was singing and waving his arms. No - he was not on drugs – he was singing the doxology! Another sweet moment! God looks at the heart.
Your Sweet Moments.
I hope you are having sweet moments in your life too.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
WHAT A RIDE!
I can say that about a lot of things right now!! What a ride!!
Starting at the obvious – Harpuna Beach – watching whales on a perfect sunny day with waves big enough to knock me down (twice) but … once I was out past where they broke it was such fun to rise and fall on the swells in the warm salt water – what a ride!
Listening to Rya’s story – Rya is from Tajekestan – she told her story about how she came to be in Kona – amazing! Briefly she became a Christian as a young teen but this was not good in her family’s eyes. She was beaten beyond recognition and her life was threatened. A couple of years later, she was in her church when it was bombed. She survived but returned to help those whose clothes had been blown off when a second bomb went off burning her over 90% of her body and exposing the insides of her brain. She died and saw Jesus but asked to return to earth to serve Him. He agreed and she came back to the excruciating pain of her injuries. The doctors said she would not live but she did – she is now fully healed except for a small scar on her head.
She wanted to study at Oral Roberts University but had to get better English skills. She enquired about ESL in Kona. But instead she was allowed to enroll directly in a discipleship training program (this is not normative) …. She had the means to travel to Moscow and apply for a visa which she received. She borrowed some money from a friend and flew to LA. She tried to get a flight to Hawaii but was short of funds. As she was getting help on the internet to find a cheaper flight, someone heard of her plight and paid her way…. So here she is.. what a ride!
By the way – an offering was taken to pay off her debt and send her on outreach – that will be another amazing ride!
Day of prayer and fasting – There were many amazing speakers, testimonies and declarations - Caleb talked about how battles are won or lost in the heart . I had time to examine my heart and God spoke to me about many things. A number of scriptures came to mind about mercy, about feeding the hungry … like Isaiah 59 – one part reads “spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed’ …. I pray for more opportunities to do that very literally… what a ride!
Sitting on the shores of the ocean outside at a church service with waves crashing, praising God and being led through scripture at a seeker sensitive but not watered down examination of the word. What a ride!
Hearing about Mission Building opportunities all over the world - this is for both those who are adventuresome and for those who are less adventurous. www.missionbuilders.org. What a ride!!
It’s all good. Very good!
Starting at the obvious – Harpuna Beach – watching whales on a perfect sunny day with waves big enough to knock me down (twice) but … once I was out past where they broke it was such fun to rise and fall on the swells in the warm salt water – what a ride!
Listening to Rya’s story – Rya is from Tajekestan – she told her story about how she came to be in Kona – amazing! Briefly she became a Christian as a young teen but this was not good in her family’s eyes. She was beaten beyond recognition and her life was threatened. A couple of years later, she was in her church when it was bombed. She survived but returned to help those whose clothes had been blown off when a second bomb went off burning her over 90% of her body and exposing the insides of her brain. She died and saw Jesus but asked to return to earth to serve Him. He agreed and she came back to the excruciating pain of her injuries. The doctors said she would not live but she did – she is now fully healed except for a small scar on her head.
She wanted to study at Oral Roberts University but had to get better English skills. She enquired about ESL in Kona. But instead she was allowed to enroll directly in a discipleship training program (this is not normative) …. She had the means to travel to Moscow and apply for a visa which she received. She borrowed some money from a friend and flew to LA. She tried to get a flight to Hawaii but was short of funds. As she was getting help on the internet to find a cheaper flight, someone heard of her plight and paid her way…. So here she is.. what a ride!
By the way – an offering was taken to pay off her debt and send her on outreach – that will be another amazing ride!
Day of prayer and fasting – There were many amazing speakers, testimonies and declarations - Caleb talked about how battles are won or lost in the heart . I had time to examine my heart and God spoke to me about many things. A number of scriptures came to mind about mercy, about feeding the hungry … like Isaiah 59 – one part reads “spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed’ …. I pray for more opportunities to do that very literally… what a ride!
Sitting on the shores of the ocean outside at a church service with waves crashing, praising God and being led through scripture at a seeker sensitive but not watered down examination of the word. What a ride!
Hearing about Mission Building opportunities all over the world - this is for both those who are adventuresome and for those who are less adventurous. www.missionbuilders.org. What a ride!!
It’s all good. Very good!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Lots of thoughts and directions
Sometimes my mind seems to go many ways at once – it has been that kind of a week :
Kenya – the country is at the tipping point – there is all the election and political inputs which have resulted in chaos and destruction – there is disease which takes hold especially of the weak and the young – there is hunger and homelessness – there are families torn apart – there is fear and hatred - there is also potential. Changes have to come from within the country. No matter how much money the world pours into Kenya – the real changes will have to come from within. Heart changes. Loving as Jesus loves.
Friends – Friends are a gift from God and we are so blessed.
Don and Joan took time out from their vacation in Honolulu to come and visit ….Drinking Kona Coffee by the sea and walking on a lovely beach….
Neil and Anita have been vacationing here on the Big Island and we have had the opportunity to visit and chat and sight see … always a joy
Dave and Laura are coming in a few days …. Lots of anticipation and excitement to see them and hear their stories of Brazil, South Africa, India, Thailand and more --- I am so thankful anticipating time together
Ukuleles – guess what – they really do play ukuleles in Hawaii – even in the kitchen at the U of N - Sam will sometimes pull out his ukulele as we are finishing up our work duties – got to love that. We enjoy the serving in the kitchen and the many people of all ages with whom we work or talk to – God is working here in so many people and preparing Christians everywhere to join together and complete the great commission.
Caleb Jen and Thomas – it is such a treat to be close by – walking about with Thomas is like having a celebrity in our midst. He is so smiley and relational that he has a following at age 6 months! His body is small but he is a ‘big’ man on campus! It is a blessing to talk to students in the Megacities DTS who re being challenged and inspired – I wonder how their lives will be changed by this experience.
Rain – it has rained twice since we have been here – as in sheets of rain and wild thunder …. Apparently it has not rained for months so the rain is much needed and s very dramatic! “When she rains, she pours!”.
Kona coffee – hand picked and very tasty – some coffee is 100% Kona coffee but much is blended … It is becoming my weekend treat. Harry, who runs the kitchen, grew up farming coffee - a coffee plant is about 16 feet high – the ones we saw at high elevation in Kenya were smaller – Maybe 10 feet. There are places here where you can tour and learn about coffee.
Weekends – we have had 2 weekends here and both have involved a breakfast out and beaches. Kona has a small swimming beach beside the pier but you have to drive to get to most – we have found one sandy beach but it is a long drive. Fortunately Mission Builders band together and head out regularly so we should get to enjoy a variety of locations. This is a popular spot for cruise ships which island hop – Kona is a petty quiet place but the shops are hopping when a couple of big boats unload 6000 people into the town!
Movie – we can get movies from the library here and we watched ‘I Am David’ this week – a very moving story – if you get a chance to watch it, let me know what you think of it. It is based on a novel. Anyone read it?
Challenges – I could hear a bit of the teaching on listening to God today as I was setting up buffet lines and washing tables. I am thinking about how I am so busy talking and doing instead of listening. There will be a time of fasting and praying here soon – I want to listen. You may hear soon of something called the Call to All. I will write about it as I learn more. Youth with A Mission is an exciting ministry and our experience at the Perth base has been a delight – we look forward to having the chance to sit on a DST class or two.
Emails – thanks so much for the emails – Keep them coming please – bless you for taking the time to write!
Kenya – the country is at the tipping point – there is all the election and political inputs which have resulted in chaos and destruction – there is disease which takes hold especially of the weak and the young – there is hunger and homelessness – there are families torn apart – there is fear and hatred - there is also potential. Changes have to come from within the country. No matter how much money the world pours into Kenya – the real changes will have to come from within. Heart changes. Loving as Jesus loves.
Friends – Friends are a gift from God and we are so blessed.
Don and Joan took time out from their vacation in Honolulu to come and visit ….Drinking Kona Coffee by the sea and walking on a lovely beach….
Neil and Anita have been vacationing here on the Big Island and we have had the opportunity to visit and chat and sight see … always a joy
Dave and Laura are coming in a few days …. Lots of anticipation and excitement to see them and hear their stories of Brazil, South Africa, India, Thailand and more --- I am so thankful anticipating time together
Ukuleles – guess what – they really do play ukuleles in Hawaii – even in the kitchen at the U of N - Sam will sometimes pull out his ukulele as we are finishing up our work duties – got to love that. We enjoy the serving in the kitchen and the many people of all ages with whom we work or talk to – God is working here in so many people and preparing Christians everywhere to join together and complete the great commission.
Caleb Jen and Thomas – it is such a treat to be close by – walking about with Thomas is like having a celebrity in our midst. He is so smiley and relational that he has a following at age 6 months! His body is small but he is a ‘big’ man on campus! It is a blessing to talk to students in the Megacities DTS who re being challenged and inspired – I wonder how their lives will be changed by this experience.
Rain – it has rained twice since we have been here – as in sheets of rain and wild thunder …. Apparently it has not rained for months so the rain is much needed and s very dramatic! “When she rains, she pours!”.
Kona coffee – hand picked and very tasty – some coffee is 100% Kona coffee but much is blended … It is becoming my weekend treat. Harry, who runs the kitchen, grew up farming coffee - a coffee plant is about 16 feet high – the ones we saw at high elevation in Kenya were smaller – Maybe 10 feet. There are places here where you can tour and learn about coffee.
Weekends – we have had 2 weekends here and both have involved a breakfast out and beaches. Kona has a small swimming beach beside the pier but you have to drive to get to most – we have found one sandy beach but it is a long drive. Fortunately Mission Builders band together and head out regularly so we should get to enjoy a variety of locations. This is a popular spot for cruise ships which island hop – Kona is a petty quiet place but the shops are hopping when a couple of big boats unload 6000 people into the town!
Movie – we can get movies from the library here and we watched ‘I Am David’ this week – a very moving story – if you get a chance to watch it, let me know what you think of it. It is based on a novel. Anyone read it?
Challenges – I could hear a bit of the teaching on listening to God today as I was setting up buffet lines and washing tables. I am thinking about how I am so busy talking and doing instead of listening. There will be a time of fasting and praying here soon – I want to listen. You may hear soon of something called the Call to All. I will write about it as I learn more. Youth with A Mission is an exciting ministry and our experience at the Perth base has been a delight – we look forward to having the chance to sit on a DST class or two.
Emails – thanks so much for the emails – Keep them coming please – bless you for taking the time to write!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Kitchen-ing 101
Kitchening 101
Hey – I’ve invited 700 for lunch – hope you can handle it – and by the way they’ll stay for dinner.
I have to admire these people who run the food side of life here at the University of the Nations. I think the kitchen was designed for about half the number now being fed – but somehow it all works out.
Besides it isn’t really about the food – it is about the people whom God is calling and teaching and the plans he has to use them in many ways around the world – it is about the stories of what He has done in the past and is doing today and will do in the future. It is about healing and breaking down and building up. Which brings me back to the lettuce.
A couple of cases of romaine to cut and clean and spin for 4 minutes in my new favorite toy, Get it well chilled and set it out to feed the people God wants to use I wonder where that nutrition will end up…. Asia? Africa? Europe? North America? South America? Who knows? Keep the people well nourished so they can concentrate on what they are learning.
Working in the kitchen can look like lots of different things … barbequing several hundred pounds of beef, racking up 179 pizzas for baking, or trying in vain to open the door of the large freezer and finally getting help form the ironman! Lots of people here are into the triathlon / ironman thing.
Now picture the dishes – plenty of dishes.
Some times it is slow in the kitchen and sometimes it is hard to keep up! At the end of the day I am always tired and I think dehydrated. This week I will try to consume much more water … speaking of water … I am thinking of the next blog it will be about weekends!
Hey – I’ve invited 700 for lunch – hope you can handle it – and by the way they’ll stay for dinner.
I have to admire these people who run the food side of life here at the University of the Nations. I think the kitchen was designed for about half the number now being fed – but somehow it all works out.
Besides it isn’t really about the food – it is about the people whom God is calling and teaching and the plans he has to use them in many ways around the world – it is about the stories of what He has done in the past and is doing today and will do in the future. It is about healing and breaking down and building up. Which brings me back to the lettuce.
A couple of cases of romaine to cut and clean and spin for 4 minutes in my new favorite toy, Get it well chilled and set it out to feed the people God wants to use I wonder where that nutrition will end up…. Asia? Africa? Europe? North America? South America? Who knows? Keep the people well nourished so they can concentrate on what they are learning.
Working in the kitchen can look like lots of different things … barbequing several hundred pounds of beef, racking up 179 pizzas for baking, or trying in vain to open the door of the large freezer and finally getting help form the ironman! Lots of people here are into the triathlon / ironman thing.
Now picture the dishes – plenty of dishes.
Some times it is slow in the kitchen and sometimes it is hard to keep up! At the end of the day I am always tired and I think dehydrated. This week I will try to consume much more water … speaking of water … I am thinking of the next blog it will be about weekends!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
KONA 1
Kona View
Thomas at 6 months!What is bigger than a breadbox, smaller than a Volkswagen beetle, and is Lauris’ new favorite toy? It’s a bright green electric salad spinner the size of a cement mixer! Handy for preparing salad greens for 700!
Life in the kitchen from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM is many things – like hard work and sore feet – but more so it is working together with people from all over the world to further God’s purposes …. Both Ron and I are enjoying the opportunity to serve and being part of the Mission Builders team who have come to give all they are – flat out and flying! Some are young and some are – well – not so young – but all are here willingly and enthusiastically and God has reasons for it all. One fellow was in Kona on a cruise a year ago and came to see the YWAM campus – returning this year on his vacation time from work to serve through Mission Builders. One lady has come for 13 years! Some of the Mission Builders are Korean students who took the ESL course and stayed on to serve.
We have the personal joy of being with Jen, Caleb and Thomas – what a treat to meet here while they are busily leading a Discipleship Training School…. seeing them ministering and hearing Caleb preach – playing with Thomas who is so full of sweet smiles and enjoys people just like his mom and dad. …Caleb’s father Pete was here last weekend and we all headed out to the beach and for supper at Bubba Gump’s. (M-m-m good shrimp!)
Our accommodation is comfortable and the meals on campus are generous, tasty and varied. Hale Ola is home to about 100 Mission Builders!
We find ourselves still praying for Kenya a lot – for the nation and for the people whom we hold dear. We cannot forget and would not want to forget.
Now about the Big Island – the weather in Kona is amazing – sunny and hot. There is much black lava on the beaches and rather strange looking black crabs … moonscape-ish! I always enjoy palm trees and beautiful floral. The aroma of Kona coffee is never far off ….
There is no public transport and things are a bit spread out so it will take some time to know the town. We have just been here 6 days and have a few favorite walks…. Mostly along the water front where there is a small swimming beach. We go back and forth to campus in YWAM vans.
Friends Neil and Anita from Vancouver are here and we had a nice day together exploring part of the island and finding a nice lava beach. Don and Joan will be here this weekend and Laura and Dave soon arrive for a month as Mission Builders! We are blessed!
Right now I am listening to some kids having a game of tether ball outside our window. The laundry is almost done and the ceiling fan has us comfortable and relaxed! It is good here in Kona. I am thinking on the worship service we just had and thankful to have come!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Kenya - Our Hearts Are There
It is heartbreaking to hear about all that has happened in Kenya since our departure on Dec 19th …. How can anyone comprehend the turmoil and the suffering? …. a lack of integrity in the presidential election process is the trigger; the underling tribalism and corruption are so pervasive and are so much at the root of the problems….. impediments to true democracy.
Honesty, transparency, accountability…. these were the watch words of the CRWRC project we were privileged to serve on…. These were the characteristics we saw in our co-workers …. These are essential for justice and mercy to abound.
Now Kenya reels in pain……suffering from a deficiency in the building blocks for true democracy: honesty, transparency and accountability……. from the top down.
There is a quote that says: Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice (Marin Luther King perhaps?). Such justice is more than stopping the demonstrations in Kenya…..much more.
There is another famous quote from the bible:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14
In a country where the Christian faith is very wide but not always very deep, we met many amazing authentic Kenyan Christians from who had much to teach us.
Please pray for Kenya in light of the above two quotes. The people need true peace, justice and mercy in an atmosphere of honesty, transparency and accountability.
We love the people of Kenya and God loves them even more.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
A LOT
A lot has happened since the last post - covering an enormous range of emotions
- saying good-bye to our project coordinators - amazing people who have blessed us greatly
-saying goodbye to some precious pastors
- visiting Lake Nakuru National Park where we saw white rhinos and tons of flamingos and buffalo
-saying goodbye to our friends in the Nairobi office whom we greatly respect
- saying goodbye to Chris and his family and to Ben whom we we would live to serve alongside again - they taught us so much
- saying goodbye to the gang at the guest house - what a rich variety of experience and involvement in making the world a better place. So many goodbyes. I am not too fond of goodbyes.
- flying over the desert , the Mediterranean and the Alps - a wonderful view of God's magnificent creation
- a couple of hours in old town Amsterdam in the cold winter air exploring the canals and the classic architecture
- flying back to Canada and being greeted by dear friends
- arriving a few days before Christmas to many welcome home blessings from loving people
- Christmas - the wonder of God's provision in the Christ child, dinner with family on Christmas eve and with other family on Christmas day - delicious abundant food
- sitting with the fire on and remembering Africa just a few days prior and connecting by phone with many loved ones
- hearing the news of election problems in Kenya and subsequent horrors and trying to find out if those we love in Kenya are OK
- celebrating the new year with a special Kenyan focus - what a blessing - and visiting my dear friend Nanci who amazes me daily
- anticipating going to serve with Mission Builders in Hawaii very soon
- emotions - a lot has happened this past month. Sometimes I just have to stop and try to re work it all in my mind and my heart - it seems a part of my heart is still there in Africa.
- saying good-bye to our project coordinators - amazing people who have blessed us greatly
-saying goodbye to some precious pastors
- visiting Lake Nakuru National Park where we saw white rhinos and tons of flamingos and buffalo
-saying goodbye to our friends in the Nairobi office whom we greatly respect
- saying goodbye to Chris and his family and to Ben whom we we would live to serve alongside again - they taught us so much
- saying goodbye to the gang at the guest house - what a rich variety of experience and involvement in making the world a better place. So many goodbyes. I am not too fond of goodbyes.
- flying over the desert , the Mediterranean and the Alps - a wonderful view of God's magnificent creation
- a couple of hours in old town Amsterdam in the cold winter air exploring the canals and the classic architecture
- flying back to Canada and being greeted by dear friends
- arriving a few days before Christmas to many welcome home blessings from loving people
- Christmas - the wonder of God's provision in the Christ child, dinner with family on Christmas eve and with other family on Christmas day - delicious abundant food
- sitting with the fire on and remembering Africa just a few days prior and connecting by phone with many loved ones
- hearing the news of election problems in Kenya and subsequent horrors and trying to find out if those we love in Kenya are OK
- celebrating the new year with a special Kenyan focus - what a blessing - and visiting my dear friend Nanci who amazes me daily
- anticipating going to serve with Mission Builders in Hawaii very soon
- emotions - a lot has happened this past month. Sometimes I just have to stop and try to re work it all in my mind and my heart - it seems a part of my heart is still there in Africa.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)