Update from Seth

At the end of last years trip, Meredith, staff of Transformed International, asked the team if any of us would be interested in supporting a child through one of their food/school programs. Because I had spent the entire week seeing how much kids truly needed food, I quickly agreed and was given the chance to choose the child I would support. I chose Maron, at the time he was 7 years old. I was given the opportunity to go and meet Maron the following day. Marons mother had died a few years earlier due to sickness. However his father, Maron has never met. Now Maron lives with his grandmother, with his sister Selil and an older brother.

Fast forward one year and yesterday I was given the opportunity to go and see Maron. (Keep in mind the majority of those who sponsor kids rarely get to actually see the kid. So I have really considered this a blessing.)

Faith, Kristy, Brenna, Mark and myself went and visited Maron, Selil, and their grandmother. When we arrived Maron was out playing so his grandmother went to find him and we were left with Selil. Selil has a form of mental retardation where it has limited her ability to hear, see, and have proper use of her limbs. As the team was sitting observing her I had to hold back tears. I questioned over and over again why God would allow such a beautiful and innocent child to be born with such deficiencies. To me it just doesn't add up and has been something that I have continued to wrestle with.

Those tears quickly turned to joy once Maron and his grandmother returned. In came a boy, just 8 years old, who has maybe just the clothes on his back, with the biggest smile I have ever seen. And that smile quickly disappeared when he realized four "mazungoo"(white person) were staring right at him. You would be freaked out too!

We were able to ask Maron a few questions through Mark translating. He looked very healthy and is doing great in school. I truly have considered it a blessing be able to meet Maron face to face.

I really hope you that have followed out trip via this blog have felt like a part of this experience in Kenya. We really wouldn't be hear without your support both financially and through PRAYER. Thank you so much!!

In Him,

Seth

snapshots

i haven't pulled my camera out of my bag but once or twice in the last week since i set foot once again on african soil. i didn't want to experience things through any sort of lens or barrier. i wanted to simply take snapshots in my mind's eye and hope that the most important things would be so impressed on my heart that i wouldn't need a photograph to remember them. since i won't have any pictures to show (except for the ones that the rest of the team will inevitable post on the fb) i thought i could use this post to share some of my mental pictures with you.

a few days ago, when we went to the veronica home to mud the hut, there was one little girl who left an imprint on my heart. when i exited our matatu the first girl to grab my hands after the traditional kenyan handshake, and not let go, was something special. she told me her name was lina. her head was shorn. her smile was white and brilliant. she had more eyebrows than a girl her age usually has. and, to top it off, she had sparkly eyes. i'm such a sucker for sparkly eyes. lina was wearing a white dress with a gold sash that was could have been some eight year old american girl's flower girl dress in its previous life- before it was worn and torn and discarded, only to be treasured by this lovely girl in the africa. lina's chin came up to my belly button and she held my hands tightly. but not too tightly. and our fingers were interlaced. the warmth of her hands in mine, the warmth of her eyes and her smile... that is a moment i treasured. i wish you could have held lina's hands.

this afternoon we went to the in step house, the baby house, the miracle house. after the tour, and the traditional chai we were unleashed on the children, or i should say that the children were unleashed on us. right now there are 81 children living under the care of jeff, carla and a handful of aunties. i had the opportunity to hold baby gloria today. gloria is probably four weeks old, but there is no way to know for sure because she was found abandoned in a maize field. gloria has some significant scarring on her hands, arms and neck because by the time she was discovered, abandoned and alone in a field, the insects had descended upon her. gloria slept in my arms the entire time i held her. she smelled like warm oatmeal, chocolate lip gloss and diaper. her hair was soft and curly, and her fingernails were the smallest fingernails i have ever seen. i honestly didn't know that fingernails could be that small. although she was sleeping i made her hold my fingers, because you can do that with babies. i wish you could have held her fingers.

it's late now. and i'm exhausted. i will try to get on here one more time to get a few more snapshots posted... but i just can't do it tonight :) thanks for understanding.

xoxo

janell

From Kenya With Love

Love has changed my heart in Kenya. Specifically, the love that radiates from the children that Transformed International sponsors. To see a child with so little, embrace life with such joy is an inspiration for how I want to live my life. I did not know what to expect as I arrived in Kenya and by the grace of God have gained a valuable perspective on how living simply can enrich your relationship with our creator. Away from all the "noise" of my American lifestyle, God's direction has been much more clear and he has been challenging me to listen to him more and more. For instance, this morning, it was his will to have me travel to Matunda and Eldoret, but I really wanted to go with another group to visit a few children's homes. I decided to listen to God and I had wonderful Kenyan experience. First was a boda boda ride (which is a bike with a seat attached to the back) to Kitale to shop for one of Transformed Internationals families. It is not every day that I am one of two white people in an entire town, which is a little intimidating. Then, off to the farm land of Matunda on a Piky Piky (motorcycle). For those who have never been to this area of the world, most of the roads that we traveled on are dirt and filled with holes. It makes for a wild motorcycle ride. The countryside of Kenya is breathtaking, unlike the cluttered towns and cities. After we made our delivery, we got into a van and were overstuffed for a long bumpy ride to Eldoret. Out of the country into the city. I thought Kitale was intimidating. In Eldoret we had lunch and picked up a van full of scarfs to bring back to the states, where they will be sold to raise money for a home and school for a group called the Neema girls. I not only got to experience Kenya in a whole other level, but also got to get to know one of our Kenyan friend's, Derek, much better. Simplicity and listening to God are just a few things that I gained from this trip to Kenya that I hope to integrate into my life from now until our Father in Heaven welcomes me home.

May you all walk with God today and everyday, John

Priceless Smiles

Hello All!

Today several of us went in the villages with Ann, TI's social worker, to visit some of the children they sponsor and to deliver more of the clothes that we purchased the other day. I personally was looking forward to stepping into peoples' lives and seeing them in their homes with their families. It was such a joy to see how excited the children and their families were and to see the pride that they had in sharing their homes with us. Most of the homes were made of mud and had floors made from cow dung, but they were so clean and well kept (they were also warned that we would be visiting so I imagine that they put a little more into their homes for the occasion). The children each received a new church outfit and some second-hand clothes which they modeled for us. For the majority of the kids these were the first new clothes they had ever received and they were very shy about modeling them for us, but were obviously excited too! At each home we prayed with the families and that was such a moving experience for me. To be among people who live in such desperation, yet to know that our God is a God of love, compassion, peace, provision and joy brought such hope to my heart and reminded me of his continued faithfulness. At the times when I have felt so broken and hopeless for these people He has shown up in a smile or a story of redemption and has made it so evident to me that He reigns and is redeeming His people! What a blessing and honor it has been to be able to tangibly share His love!

Tomorrow is our last day here with TI and I think that we all are feeling a bit sad at the prospect of leaving, but I know that I will leave with renewed knowledge that our God is truly a faithful God and that His love brings hope and joy!

Joy to you all,

Kristi

Update from Seth

Being able to return to Kenya for another trip has been such an awesome experience. Everything seems the same...we are continually stared at, everyone wants to marry one of the girls, the kids hang on you like a jungle gym, and the food is amazing. This trip has been somewhat different then last years in that the guys and girls have not spent as much time together.

Yesterday the guys( John, Luke, Seth ) had the opportunity to help construct two mud huts out at the Veronica Home; where there are 14 kids and 2 parents, Ben and Veronica.

Doing construction in PA and doing construction in Kenya are two totally different experiences. For instance, to dig the footers for the two huts we used our hands. That is just one of the many differences in our cultures.

Then today(Thursday) we returned to finish working on the huts. Saturday the entire team will go and "mud" the huts. I am not really sure what consists of mudding, so I am sure that it will be and adventure as well.

I think one of the greatest experiences of this trip has been watching my little brother interact with the kids, my friends, and the culture. I remember when he called me about a month prior to us leaving for Kenya asking if there was still room go. I was a little nervous and anxious about him coming mainly because I didn't know how he would react to some of the everyday experiences here...Much to surprise he has loved every minute of it. And it truly has been a blessing being able to serve alongside with him.

And lastly but certainly not least is seeing how the Lord has answered so many prayers, even within a few days of us being here. Martin, one of the kids at Veronica Home was on the verge of dying last year when our team left Kenya. He had contracted TB, Menongitis, Chicken Pox and on top of that was just told he had HIV. Honestly, I, along with others did not think he was going to survive. Thank goodness my faith didn't decide his life because he Jesus healed him and is now one of the healthiest looking kids at the home. He is full of life, smiles and energy.

That is all for now. Hope you all are doing well!

Seth

Update from Brenna

Being my first time in Kenya, it has been quite the experience for me. We have been here for 3 days and one of our troubles (as girls, and some boys) has been sleeping. Last night at 1 a.m. we woke up together pondering our wide-eyed dilemma. Today, we are fighting to stay awake in hopes of a good night rest this evening. This should be easy considering our day. We were instructed to be ready at 8:30 for a morning of clothes shopping and an afternoon with the Shimo girls. I don't think we were all aware of the seriousness attached to the shopping trip. The girls met Ann (the TI social worker) in town and began our journey. As we walked up to the first shop, Ann pulled out her notebook with names and needs of 21 children. We were started to understand that we would be blessing these children with a whole new wardrobe (according to their standards). We perused through the lightly used clothing and chose outfits, addressing Ann for affirmation that they would be "perfect" for that specific child. After cleaning out this particular shop we made our way through a few more shops to finish their gift of, 2 shirts, 2 shorts, 1 church outfit, 1 jacket, and 6 pairs of underwear. Ignorant to how often they received this, I learned that this was a very special occasion. By 1 p.m. we were hungry and worn out from shopping and ready to head back for chicken and chips (chicken and fries) with the Shimo girls. This was the first time some of us met them. They all graciously greeted us and remained reserved and shy for quite a while. When the Shimo girls were engaging in conversation with each other I observed their attitude and all seemed so peaceful. I soon became curious how old they were; they rattled off 15, 16, 17, 18 and with children as old as 6 years. I marveled at their maturity and how maternal they've become. Although, when we played with the children the girls were able to transform into children themselves. It was joyful to see. Tomorrow we will be with the Neema girls celebrating "Children's day" in the town. The rumors are that this consists of the school children performing songs and dramas.

I am learning to be content in what I have and have been seeing God show up in children all around me.

Thankful for this opportunity.

Smile,

Brenna (for the team)

WE'RE HERE

Hello All.
We arrived in KENYA on Monday evening after 2 smooth flights. After last year, it was great to have no problems with travel or luggage. We spent the night in Nairobi, had a great breakfast together as a team with Daniel, Mark, and Derek and headed out on a 6 and a half hour journey across the country. Last night was our first evening in Kitale with the whole Transformed International team. We stayed awake long enough to enjoy a delicious pasta dinner prepared by Meredith and spent a few hours at a community group with other christians living in Kitale. It is always a beautiful experience to sit with other believers and worship, pray and be a part of encouraging one another. I am confident that the Lord has already begun to work in each of our hearts as we experience seeing Christ at work within each of us in a new place.

Today we had a cultural training and then the girls headed to town to do some shopping before joining the NEEMA girls. The boys went off to the Veronica Home to begin building a mud hut. As usually there is always something happening around here. Today, it was transportation. Vehicles are being "arrested" and taken in by the police as a way of making money, so we had to drive and try to avoid police checks so that we could get to and from the places we all needed to be.
The girls had a great day with the NEEMA girls. The neema ladies are always shy at first but after showing us the shamba (garden) and a quick round of frisbee, they were all warmed up. We ate lunch together, played a round of UNO, painted and finger nails and then it was time to go. :( Time goes by way too quickly. I love seeing how healthy the girls look, to see them smile and laugh, to watch them learning to give and receive love. The NEEMA house is one of my most favorite places to be. I was excited and blessed to watch Brenna, Janell and Kristi jump right in asking the girls question, playing games with them and laughing with them.

Well, I don't have much time to write, but wanted to let you all know we have safely arrived and are excited to be here!!! Thanks to all of you who helped us get here and who are praying for us!

Pray for:
-good rest
-health
-safety travelling
-a work in our hearts
-that time would SLOW DOWN while we are here

Tomorrow the boys will be building and the girls will be shopping for clothing to distribute and spending time with the shimo girls and their kids. We will update again when we can. The internet is down, so it may be a bit before we can write again, but we will do our best to get some photos up tomorrow.

Faith (for the team)