Mercy Care Centre Summer Trip 2008

Test Post for Annontation

2009-09-29T13:20:00.003-04:00

This is where you would put all the words you wanted on the annonations'.

Note from Group in Tanzania

2008-07-16T14:53:00.002-04:00

I just spoke with Wayne and Carroll and they arrived at the coast today. They have had a wonderful time seeing many animals on another safari. They are happy for some relaxing time at the beach. They will return to Kenya on Sat and then home to the USA on Sunday. Please keep them in your prayers for safe travels!

Last day in Nairobi notes

2008-07-12T16:08:00.000-04:00

Saturday…most of our group headed off for Tanzania, but Bethany, Megan, Toni, Clare, Annie, John and Joy made plans to go to the elephant orphanage. Patrick planned to pick us up at 9:30 so that we would be at the orphanage in time to see the baby elephant parade, baths and feeding. At 10 AM we began to be worried. While we were waiting, we discovered that the hotel had rented our rooms out to others believing that we had gone with the rest of the group to Tanzania.

Bethany negotiated for no little time and managed to get the hotel to just remove a bed from one of the rooms and let us keep the room. We suspect that some of those just arriving would find themselves doubling up in our confiscated bed!

Patrick was delayed because he was finally able to get the books from the airport and was eager to get them to Mercy Care Centre. When he arrived we had just enough time to make it to the orphanage. When Patrick tried to leave the guest house with all of us aboard the car refused to go up the drive way which had an incline. We all got out, walked up the hill and then reloaded to head off toward the orphanage. Every time we came to a hill we all sang at the top of our lungs, “God is so Good” hoping we would make it to the top.

The baby elephants ranging in age from 3 months to three years were playful and eager to be petted and have their trunks blown into. The trainer said that if we would blow into the trunks that the baby would have our scent and would never forget us. That may have been true, or all the Kenyan elephant keepers may have been having a good laugh as visitors from all over the world blew kisses into the trunks of baby elephants.

We also got up close and personal with a rhino. He was not as sweet as the baby elephants, but did remind me of myself early in the morning before makeup.

We went to the national animal park for lunch and had a roasted meat platter with interesting sauces for lunch. We were seated on a covered veranda and were serenaded by some Maasai.

We then headed for the market to buy some gifts including some musical instruments, jewelry and clothing so that we would be prepared to do some programs back home about our Kenya experience in hopes of raising some financial support for Mercy Care Centre.

We made another stop at the Yaya Center to have some samosas (wonderful meat and vegetable pastries with lime juice) and to pick up a few items for the trip home.

Last night we had a farewell dinner with all of the teachers form Mercy Care. We will miss these new friends, but will continue to pray for them when we return to America.

Tomorrow morning we will accompany Patrick to his church in Nairobi. It is the largest Pentacostal church in Kenya. We will not have much time before we head for the airport where we will fly to Addis Ababba in Ethiopia, then on to Rome and finally on to DC. We will be in the air about 17 hours, but we will be losing about 7 hours so it will seem like an even longer trip than it actually will be. Coming over John and I did not experience much jet lag, so we hope that is true returning as well.

So many things here are different than home: the lay of the land, the climate, the language, the food, the dress, the driving rules (there aren’t any!) , but the most important things are the same. Love of the Lord still makes for the strongest bonds between people and a smile still makes everything better.

Last Day at the School

2008-07-12T01:56:00.007-04:00

We said Goodbye to the children today and it was sad! We were taking the teachers to dinner tonight. We paired up and had a great time with our "New Friends".
We got ready and head for the restaurant around 3:30 for dinner. It seems strange to head for a restaurant so early for dinner, but we are in Africa and things move at a different speed. We arrived at the Sahara City, the restaurant, and it was so great. They were cooking our food on ginkgos, small charcoal stoves, and the tables were set up outside. Megan found a playground and was happy as could be. The teachers arrived and we had planned an icebreaker to help introduce each person. We were all so excited to have dinner with them. This was a real treat for everyone. We took turns introducing each other and telling 4 or 5 things about the other. Several of the teachers commented that the loved the activity. The food was served and everyone enjoyed it. Then we just enjoyed time together. Patrick, the principal, did not make it in time to join us. He had gone to the airport to collect the 2 boxes of books we had shipped before we left. He got both boxes by 8:00 and met us as we were leaving. It was a miracle he got the boxes. A few years ago, it took my day 3 days to get a generator we shipped.
The teacher left for home on one bus and we left on another. Megan fell asleep in my lap. The about 15 minutes into our trip, our bus stopped and I looked up to see smoke coming up from the driver seat. Then I hear Joy say, “Fire…Fire! Everyone off the bus!” We all quickly got out of our seats and as we got off the bus, traffic was coming on the side we exited on. Joy stood in the middle of the road and held up her hand and told the car to “Stop!” Toni was one of the first off. She stepped over the side into a mud pit. Her foot was covered in mud. We all got off and we must have been a funny sight… a bunch of white people running off a bus into on coming traffic. I bet a few Africans had quite a laugh. We laughed all the way back to the Guest House. We got back on the bus and all was well. It seems to wires and touched and thus caused a small fire. It is just another African experience! Lucky we all made it home safe and sound!

Day 10

2008-07-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

I feel lucky to be alive. Today Bethany, Megan, and Toni and I went up to the mountains of Lake Navasha to visit Esther’s family. We had a great visit and meal, but it started raining so we left quickly because the road was so bad. We got to the bottom of the mountain and Ester’s sister called to say I had left my passport and cash. SO I finally persuaded the driver to return. We slid all the way up and down. Several times I was so scared, but kept praying and made it back. Thanks for your prayers…I certainly needed them today.

Day 9

2008-07-09T15:14:00.003-04:00

Today was an out and about day. A group from Feed the Children came to the school. We thanked them for all they have done and are doing for the children. There was another trip to the animal orphanage and 2 groups of students went for music and dance competitions. The school seemed so quiet with so many students gone. The team went in many different directions today. Some were involved in the clinic, some went to watch the music competitions, some went to the orphanage, some went on walks around the valley, and some taught classes and enjoyed the children. At the end of the day, we all met together to share a delicious meal at a great Indian restaurant. We are all tired tonight and will try to post more tomorrow.

Yesterday, I found myself with 240 kids alone at the animal orphanage. It was exhausting but they were wonderful and so well behaved. Today was better, I had several teachers and again the kids were wonderful. Tomorrow I am sneaking away from the group and visiting Esther’s family so that will be great! Thanks for your prayers! Love Carroll

Note from Miriam Sauls

2008-07-09T14:12:00.000-04:00

Hello, Miriam Sauls here, the only North Carolinian amongst the Virginians and Aussies. They are all excellent traveling companions, I might add. For my first blog entry, I will include some words here that I wrote upon returning from our safari.

We headed off to the Maasai Mara region for our safari and on our way to our tent camp, we started seeing zebra and giraffe. Then we arrived at the very elegant Fig Tree Camp, with beautiful dining areas and pool and tents unlike what I had in mind. Yes, we zipped in and out of our tent, but they were furnished with very nice mahogany beds and a tiled bathroom with all working plumbing and hot water. It also had a nice open-air thatched roof bar. Not roughing it at all!

We went on our first game drive within an hour of arriving and over the next two days went on 4 game drives and saw lots of lions, elephants, more zebras and giraffes, hippos, a leopard and tons of Cape Buffalo and lots and lots of gazelles, impalas and all kinds of antelopes and hyenas and bat-eared foxes. There were warthogs galore and baboons and amazing birds and we even got in a wildebeast migration! When I say we saw elephants and lions, I mean multiple times and our drivers drove us to within 10 feet of them sometimes. We saw mother and baby lions playing and heard big males ferotiously growl and saw very protective mother elephants with precious babies. The leopard had taken an impala it killed and hung it in a tree and when we found the tree (all the safari drivers either talk by radio about what they have found or stop as they pass on the road, so we had gotten a leopard tip) we only saw the kill, but we caught the leopard the next morning coming down from breakfast.

The grandeur of the landscape and the light at sunrise and sunset and these enormous majestic animals appearing on the horizon is about as thrilling as anything I have ever experienced. Then there are the small moments like getting back to camp and seeing an elephant nonchalantly drinking from the stream by our camp or a baboon racing through camp and the monkeys that got in two of our tents and went after snickers bars and popcorn and makeup! You never, never leave your tent unzipped lest they make a raid. We took a couple of hours to go to a Maasai village near the camp and they sang and danced for us and showed us inside their huts and answered a million questions and it was magnificent. The men dress mostly in red fabric draped around them toga-like, and have lots of shiny necklaces and beading and a big knife in a sheath around their waist and they always carry a walking stick. It is so hard to believe these are not just costumes they put on for our benefit, but we saw village after village of these people going about their daily life, and they were simply beautiful. We even saw them playing soccer in these clothes and the goalie still had his stick.

The only animal we didn't see that we were hoping to see was a cheetah. We didn't see rhinos either, but we knew they were almost extinct in the park (there are apparently only 20 left in the park) so we didn't have any expectations for rhinos. But we really were hoping to see a cheetah in action. Oh well...But yesterday, we took 240 of the school children in buses to the animal orphanage in Nairobi. I was walking around filming and a keeper asked me if I wanted to see a baby lion. Of course I said yes and he took me to a building behind the cages. I snagged George, a great photographer in our group and he came too and they handed us a 3-month old lion to hold. You have to hold it very carefully as it already is interested in nipping. Breathtaking! Then I finally got to see my cheetah. They took out a 5-month old cheetah and gave me a toy on a rope to shake around for it to play with. It played just like a domesticated kitten and was absolutely adorable. But you had to keep its attention on the toy, because it was already too big to want to have it focussed on you. These workers obviously had a racket going - they expected a tip and were very good at using your camera to film you with the babies. But I was more than happy to give that tip. What an experience!

When we got on the bus to go to the animal orphanage, I happened to be on the bus with the 8th grade girls who have a great chorus. They immediately broke into song, with fabulous 4-part harmony and sang all the way there. They were in a regional competition today, but I haven't heard the results. The high school girls also competed today. Some of us went to the competition but we had to leave before they performed - but we heard them rehearsing and they did this beautiful call and response chanting that was out of this world. They were draped in African cloth - they can make the most out of the least little thing.

I continue to appreciate how fun and compassionate and talented the group I am with is. It all feels like a big blessing.

Note from Susan

2008-07-08T14:52:00.000-04:00

Hello again Family and AP, from Susan (and Aderonke). We did our first clinic today, and saw 20+ children. The complaints are typical—they seem to have a lot of allergies, eye complaints, fungal infections, and coughing/wheezing. We did see several skin infections of significance, and were able to treat the children with antibiotics. We lunched on boiled corn and avocados (local), and this afternoon went to a crazy market, packed with people! We bargained and traded for some souvenirs. The time passed quickly. I hope you all are well and will email you!

Love,
Susan

Note from Joy

2008-07-08T14:51:00.000-04:00

Today was parachute day for Joy and Helen. We had brought a parachute to use with the smaller children to teach them their colors and how to work as a team. By the end of the two hours we had about 100 kids running under and yelling out the names of the colors in English and Swahili. While we were outside, Ray continued building shelves for the school and John was at his post in the clinic giving a blessing to each child who had been treated by our two doctors.

This afternoon we went to the Maasi Market which is an outdoor market where hundreds (maybe thousands)…it’s hard to tell due to the levels going up the hill and the circumference of the market…of folks are selling their wares on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

There are bowls and plates and carvings of ebony and bone as well as dresses, paintings, and musical instruments. Even clubs (to keep order) are available. The hardest part is deciding what to buy, then negotiating the price (this is expected and encouraged) and then once a price is determined, trying to come up with the proper number of shillings.

Our team continues to be amazed at the dedication and excellence of the teaching staff at Mercy Care Center. Tomorrow Joy will attend the music competition. The Mercy Care Center will be singing and hoping to place well so they can go to the nationals!

Over the weekend we went on safari in the Riff Valley. In addition to seeing all the animals in the wild (elephants, lions, hippos, baboons, cheetahs, monkeys, leopards, water buffalo, and a host of members of the deer family.

The most interesting thing for Ray, Helen and John and Joy was a visit to the Masai Village. Each village is made up of families. You know the number of families because each family has its own gate in the briar fence used to keep the cattle inside at night.

They are polygamous with each wife having her own house. The houses are made of tree limbs, a metal roof and a coating of cow dung. Inside the house is divided into two halves. Half for the calves and half for the people. The husband and male children in one bed and the mother and girl children in the other bed. When the husband visits a wife all the children over the age of 5 go to another wife’s house for the night. The beds are made of cow hides.

Fire is made by rubbing sticks together over elephant dung. All adult men carry a stick and a knife or sword. They use these things for herding and for defense.

Water is scarce and sometimes families squabble over water rights. From the age of five, the girls carry water and wood for the fires w hile the boys herd the goats and cows. The main diet is cows milk and cow’s blood (cows are bled about twice a month) We did not stay for dinner, but we did get an opportunity to dance with the villagers…men with men and women with women all in a line. The songs tell a story.

There is competition with jumping. The fellows I saw should be recruited for American basketball teams. It is a hard life, but we all agreed that life in the Riff Valley is easier on children than life in the city slums. No one we have met has an easy life here. Unemployment is very high. Salaries are low. Transportation is usually walking.

Driving in Nairobi is thrilling to say the least. Dodging traffic either on foot or in a vehicle is a real talent here. (Today on a walk in the valley with some of the high school students, they pulled Joy to safety several times.)

Today we tried some of the roasted corn (roasted over a charcoal fire) and some fried wheat bread that tastes sort of like a New Orleans style beneits (sp?) Wayne and Carol hosted us all to samosas made of either meat or vegetables and seasoned with lime juice…Great stuff!

Tomorrow morning will come quickly, so the Mission group will be headed for sleep time now. Tomorrow some will be going to the animal orphanage with about 200 of the kids for a field trip and some will go to the music competition. Tomorrow night we will all go out for an Indian dinner and Friday night we will host a teacher appreciation dinner.

We pray for all our friends and family back in Roanoke each night as we know you are praying for us as well. On Saturday Ray and Helen will head for Tanzania. John and Joy will start flying west on Sunday night headed for home. God is good and we are trusting Him each step of the way.

Notes from Helen, Ray, John and Joy

2008-07-07T15:58:00.001-04:00

Hello from Africa!
What an amazing time! We have seen many amazing animals this past weekend…elephants, lions, ostrich, cougars, impala, wildebeests, hippo, zebras, and lots more. The animals and the landscape were as amazing as I had imagined. Yesterday we also visited a Masi village. They sang and danced for us. They also invited us to come into their homes. Amazing!

Then a really time... Carroll celebrated her birthday at the hotel. Some Wasi men came into the dining room marching, dancing and chanting in their native attire. It was an amazing evening for all of us. (We are so grateful Carroll celebrated her birthday here in Africa)

Tomorrow we will go back to Mercy Care Center. We will take some of the children to the animal orphanage. Others in the group will be teaching in different classrooms,

WE now have 2 physicians with us. They will be caring for some of the physical needs of students. John will be praying with each child, as they are about to visit the physicians.

Tomorrow and the rest of the week we will follow similar patterns.

We are grateful for the privilege to share with the children, support the teachers and listen to the vision Patrick shares with us his visions for Mercy Care.

Agape!
Ray, Helen, John and Joy

From Carroll

2008-07-07T13:58:00.001-04:00

We all arrived safely back from the safari with only one flat tire. I enjoyed a great birthday party at the Camp even though my birthday was on March 20th. We all enjoyed a lovely cake and the balloon ride was wonderful. We are anxious to get back to the school and be with the children for the rest of the week. Pray for safety as we take the children to the orphanage-the buses are local.

Love and blesses to you all.

Carroll

From Dr. Susan

2008-07-07T13:57:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to say a big, “Hello” to my dear family and AP, who I hope got the blog address. Aderonke and I begin our medical work tomorrow, and we are looking forward to seeing what kind of clinic we can establish. By the way, I’ve never ‘blogged’ before. We want you to be assured that we are safe and awestruck by this beautiful country. Be on the lookout for incredible photos! All of you need to come to Africa!

Please check your emails, as we’ll send them out whenever we can!

Love very much,
Susan
(and Aderonke standing beside me, laughing)

Sports Day

2008-07-04T14:20:00.006-04:00

It was sports day and we all enjoyed seeing the children show off. The school rents a sports field one time a year to bring the students out of the valley for a day of races and relays. All the children look forward to it and even the parents come out to watch the events. Each of us was assigned to a team. The children were amazing and were so athletic. Ed joined the red team and ran in 2 races. He made us all proud… he even won a ribbon! Ray ran with the male teachers and parents. Who knew Ray was so fast!!!
The children ran races, enjoyed each other and being out of the valley. The winners of each race go medals brought by the Australians and ribbons. The winning team members each got a bottle of soda and a trophy. At the close of the ceremonies, we all went back to the valley for lunch. All the parents joined us for lunch and then we headed home. We told them goodbye until Tuesday. Today we got to interact with the students in a new way. Many new friendships were made and everyone enjoyed the day.
On the way home we ran into a traffic jam and had down pours of rain. Our driver took us on back road to get us moving. Peter, our bus driver, was amazing. He got us home safely and then joined us for dinner. Today also had many moments and here are a few pictures.
Tomorrow we leave on Safari and will not be able to post to the blog until Monday. Thanks for all the comments. We check the blog every night and are encouraged by your supportive words.

Day 3

2008-07-03T16:10:00.002-04:00

So many Great Blessing!
Today was filled with many wonderful moments. I am going to just list a few of the things we experienced.
New shoes for all our students!!!! Thank you so much Rebecca…the students kept saying, “They looked Smart!” Which for them means they look great! We told your story to all the teachers and they were so impressed and thankful!
Susan and Ed did a puppet show for a class. The “Outsiders” or young children who hang around the school really loved the puppets. They enjoyed playing with Ed and the puppets.
Carroll and Helen teaching a song to the Standard 3. They enjoyed Carroll’s singing as much as we all do (ha-ha)!
Ray and his new friends, James and David built our first set of bookshelves for the library. Sawing by hand wore several of them out. Ray had special helpers when he was alone and needed to cut a board. John enjoyed telling Ray what to do!
Hip Hop lessons with Anni and Ed. The students have been asking about our dances and asking for hip-hop. Anni taught them a dance and the Secondary girls really enjoyed the dance. They enjoyed Ed’s show.
Patrick modeled part of the newly made costume for the dance Axi is teaching. They are going to be great! Patrick is amazing in that he is able to be a part of all the ins and outs of the school.
Clare and Anni played soccer and volleyball for the break. They thought it was going to only be a short time, but it turned out to be an hour.
Toni set up the tennis net and showed some students how to play. It was great and a new sport in the valley. I have a feeling she will have more lessons to teach.
Megan, Toni and I read a book to several classes and they loved it. Clare and Anni were a big help in teaching the moves.
Axi worked on the dance most of the day. It is really going well and the dancers are often seen practicing in the school yard!
Joy and Tyler had a great day getting to know a man and woman who live in the Valley. They went shopping, toured the valley, went into the community garden and much more. I think it was a great experience for all involved.
Betsy and Pati visited several classrooms and also continued with the Romeo & Juliet! They are having so much fun.
These are just a few of the things that come to mind. I know each of us has our own moments!
Tomorrow is Field Day!

Notes from Clare

2008-07-03T14:38:00.001-04:00

I’m having an amazing time with the kids from MCC. I’ve known about the school for 5 years now and have supported them both through my church (Community Church Hornsby) and my school (Mercy College Chatswood, another MCC.) So my expectations have been high, and coming into Mathare Valley was almost like coming on to a TV set, that’s how familiar I’ve been with the kids’ faces and the location.

However, nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming welcome the kids gave us, lining the road and singing and dancing to “Welcome, welcome to our school” and “God is so good”. It literally brought tears to my eyes and set a wonderful tone for my stay in Kenya.

Since that first day I’ve tried a variety of activities in the school – handing out t-shirts, reading storybooks, puppet plays, watching lessons and dancing, trying to teach the recorder and even teaching a lesson on Kenyan tribal History (yes, I had to do some homework!) The highlight for me was playing volleyball for an extended break – the group changed from the Form Ones to the younger kids and later some local adults and the Principal Patrick. I love how sport is the same in every country, there are no awkward communication problems and the laughter is infectious.

Of course another great joy is just watching the kids’ faces when they see and learn something exciting – whether it’s touching our white skin, reading ‘Romeo and Juliet’, doing hip hop dancing, shaking jingle bells, being read an Aussie storybook, getting a new pair of shoes, climbing on our bus or watching the men saw a bookcase. Their smiles have cemented a firm place in my heart and I’m really looking forward to what the next week has in store.

Clare Dorey,
Sydney, Australia

Notes from Tyler

2008-07-03T14:36:00.004-04:00

Today Joy and I got to interview a couple of the residents near Mercy C are. We were blown away by their tragedies and troubles. They were surprisingly hopeful, especially with their children. They both stressed they wanted a better life for their children. Despite their hardships, they had a positive attitude. “With the little God gave us, we appreciate.”

Notes from Axi

2008-07-03T14:36:00.002-04:00

The dance is coming along. The students are very bright and respectful. On the first day the dancers were able to perform most of the steps I taught them. The next day, today, the dancer surprised me by remembering all the steps they learned the day before. They always keep a positive attitude even though they have to practice numerous times a day.

Day 3 from Ed Lane

2008-07-03T14:09:00.001-04:00

Go Figure! I was uncertain of my desire to teach entering today (I currently work in radio and plan to for the time being), but that attitude changed within an hour or so this afternoon. Jeff, one of the teenage students at Mercy Care Center came up to me as I was photographing and asked me to come in to his class for a chemistry lesson. I actually thought he just wanted me to sit in and so i was like “sure, why not? This ougtha be interesting.”
After walking into the classroom and seeing the seventeen or so students, I introduced myself to them all and took pictures of them. I was amazed at how two of the students were very camera shy and had what is often called “photo phobia” in the ghettos of America, a fear that pictures taken of you will be used against you in some incriminating way. Anyway, the rest of the students had a blast having their pictures taken and being photographed in different poses. We then talked a bit about life, as I told them that I had just graduated from university (college) in America and now work in radio.
Then the teacher walked into the room. She didn’t mind our talking, but she quickly started showing me their Chemistry textbook. At this point I thought, “Ooooooh, I get it. She wants ME to teach Chemistry? Does she not realize that this was one of my weakest subjects in school?” Well, what can you do, say no to a group of kids so eager to learn? Don’t think so. So I walked up to the board, and for my first classroom lesson I improvised teaching chemistry, turning to our instructor (whose name I can’t remember, which is sad but then again I met like 25 new people in a matter of 10 minutes) to make sure I was making sense to her. She then talked to the students to make sure they understood what I was instructing, which, thankfully, they did.
No really, they did!
I condensed the lesson, trying to make chemistry was as understandable as possible. Heck, I struggled to understand the concepts and information I learned, so I basically sought to present it in a way which they could comprehend. How I did it with Absolutely NO preparation I may not know fully, but God had to help me figure this out, because it meant a lot to the class to find someone who could try to make this fun. Not that the teacher normally didn’t but I’ve been a struggling student and I just used that to their advantage (they’re the ones who really gain here).
As I fielded some questions after the lesson, one of the students asked me how we learn in America. I told him that the tactic which works best for most American students is to take what they learn in the class and then apply it in some “real life” way, whether it be a lab or an internship or just reading a book in light of one’s own life experiences. For chemistry and really any science, the best way to learn is in a lab, which allows the students to actually see the complicated information they are being taught. These kids need the lab equipment, whether it be for chemistry, biology, or whatever, because I can tell them all day about how elements work, but unless they see the process themselves, it’s very hard for them to absorb information. I just graduated this past May and my mind worked the same way. Thankfully, Wayne assured me that equipment was on the way in August, and really it can’t get to these students soon enough.

When I left, they said Asante (yes Philadelphia Eagles fans, I first thought Asante Samuel too) which means thank you in Kenya. They were genuinely thankful for the lesson and actually wanted me to come back Friday. Since Friday is field day, it’ll have to be Tuesday when I return to the class room, but really I too had to part with Asante, because they showed me how fun and rewarding it is to teach students, especially ones who want to learn.

Day 2 From Helen and Ray

2008-07-02T14:14:00.002-04:00

Packing for our 3 week trip in one carry on was a challenge. Getting all my liquids and make up in a one quart zip lock was challenging. We did it.

Proudly we arrived at Dulles to check onto the plane. Just before boarding a man “offered” to take my luggage to make a bit of extra space in the luggage bins. He made the same offer to several of the other women. He assured us our luggage would be in Nairobi when we arrived.

We checked 42 bags of luggage for Mercy Care Center.

After many hours on the plane, we arrived at Nairobi. The airport is wonderful. We pulled luggage and counted and recounted the Mercy Care luggage. Individuals found their luggage.

In the end, we were missing one of the bags for Mercy Care and my luggage! We looked through the stacks of unclaimed luggage. My luggage was not to be found.

Carroll offered that I could look through the “teacher clothes” to find some things to wear. People in our group offered toilet items, hats, and any other needs I had! I have had “really nice clothes”. Yesterday I was able to actually go to a store and buy some “necessary” personal items. Nothing like new underwear!

Today we again went to Mercy Care. Wayne again checked with the airport again. AT dinner tonight I learned that my luggage had arrived!

I have learned that my needs have been provided!

Agape!
Helen

Day 2 From Others

2008-07-02T12:44:00.006-04:00

From Wayne & Carroll
Today was a very sad day. We got news about 10:00AM that Gilbert passed away. Of course this has greatly affected Pamela and Patrick and the school. We all had a great day inspite of all the sadness. The team is stepping in and doing so many wonderful things and the teachers are so grateful. The children are precious and blessing us everyday. Thanks for your wonderful prayer support. God is good and we are so grateful for everything. We are so thankful to have Bethany and Megan here. Megan is really enjoying the children and they love having her here. She taught the kids to do cartwheels today, which is part of the western dance. Blessings, Carroll

From Betsy & PatiWe’ve had 2 days at school. So delighted with kids’ response in the classroom. Yesterday we did an introduction to Romeo & Juliet by having kids act out different characters – We had a Bobble head Shakespeare to introduce the play and yellow swords for Capulet and green for Montague. Kids really got into it. Classroom is 30’ by 10’ – no electricity – 2 windows open onto a very loud courtyard. Everything here is high volume – children everywhere. You can tell street kids from school children by the uniforms. Today we reviewed Romeo & Juliet and students remembered the story – always a positive sign 0 and kids read Act I out loud from an adapted Shakespeare. The kids read well out loud and were so caring to each other when someone didn’t know a word – they jumped in and helped. We were so moved as we watched the children & the teacher examine the books- they held pure magic in their hands – a thing so rare – we have ended the lesson each day with Juliet’s line – “Parting is such sweet sorrow that we shall say good night until it be tomorrow.”

Day 2 from Joy & John

2008-07-02T12:40:00.004-04:00

It is only Wednesday and already we are feeling more at home in Kenya. This morning when I saw that it was July 2nd, I was reminded to pray for all our friends and family back in Roanoke at the Rescue Mission where they are celebrating the 60th birthday of the Mission.

Having worked directly with the poor for most of my life, I was surprised to see the level of poverty in Mathare. The school where we are serving is phenomenal in what they are able to accomplish with so very little. Need to sweep the dirt floor of the classroom...no problem, just go chop down some twigs and make one on the spot. serving the beans for lunch and no table wear, no problem...just use your fingers. Want to to play jacks...rocks are used here (even for the ball!)

Every teacher we have met is passionate and has the total respect of the students. The children are in classrooms built of block and sheets of metal. The rooms are are small and the classes very large. In the pre school where the room is about the size of my office there were 100 students and a teacher and two helpers.

When we arrived, the students lined the road and were clapping, waving, smiling and singing. There were about 400 of them.

Today we went to a giraffe farm and saw the largest giraffe I have ever seen. Helen did not realize that he was coming up behind her and at one point reached down and started to give her a little kiss on the top of her head. I kept walking (at a rather fast pace). I knew I didn't have to outrun the giraffe...I only had to outrun Helen at that point.

In the classes we visited today they were studying algebra, Kenyan history, and reading Shakespear. Helen and I taught music. (You can stop laughing now.)

Ray and John went to buy lumber and hammers to build some bookshelves. They went to Lowes, but Lowes in Kenya is not like Lowe's in the US. Ray had to pick out the lumber from a pile of wood that was about 30 feet tall..which meant climbing up the hill and then pulling pieces to throw down. The wood chosen was then measured by the foot...no two pieces alike!

Construction here is exciting to watch. Scaffolding, even for multi-storied buildings is made at the site by tying vines and sticks together.

The sad part of today was that the founder of Mercy Care Centre died this morning. Father Gilbert, who had visited us at the Rescue Mission twice before went to be with His Lord as the result of a heart attack. We are all very sad for the school and his family.

John led the Bible Study for today. Everyone was very gracious and he managed to do a really wonderful talk from First John about God's love for us. In addition to our group and all the teachers, the service was attended by one goat and one chicken.

We are very blessed to have this opportunity to learn from these resilient people. Their faith is incredible. They are teaching me moment by moment what true piety is about. God is good.

First Day at the School

2008-07-02T00:43:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures from our first day! It was an amazing day and very touching for the whole group.
After a short meeting with the group we headed to the valley. We were welcomed by the students. They lined the sides of the street and wew singing and cheering as we drove into the school. It was very powerful and left all of us speechless.
The day was filled with so many memories and first times, I will try to give you an idea of our day and hope others will add.
We gave out t-shirts and watched as the student's performed. Pati gave a nice speech for the Foundation. The day day was filled with lots of activities. Axi, Megan, and I began the dance and it went great. The students were so excited tobe a part of this. Joy worked with singing, Ray and Wayne figured the wood needed for shelves. Others helped unpack, give out t-shirts, see the school, learn new dances and music, and getto the know the children and teachers.
It was an amazing day and it will be even better tomorrow.

The Trip

2008-07-02T00:41:00.004-04:00

We arrive on time to the Airport. We checked 42 bags, all but 2 were over in weight. We were 12 bags over our limit, but only had to pay for 8 over. We made it through to the gate with no problems. The plane ride was long but okay. All of our bags but two arrived in Nairobi. Maybe they will show up soon. Patrick was waiting for us to arrive and he was so excited to see us all. We cleared customs with no problems. Patrick came to the airport in a bus to pick us all up. It was a good thing since we had so many bags and people. Wayne waited at the airport to pick up Anni and Claire. They arrived safely and we are excited they are a part of our team.
After settling in at the Guest House, Megan tried to go for a swim but it was too cold. We ate dinner and then organized the stuff for the school.
Our bodies were tired but our hearts were happy. We are all anxious to go to the school tomorrow.
Miram arrived later that evening and so until Friday we all have arrived safely!

Technical Glitches

2008-07-01T17:22:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know we have had some technical glitches over the past 48 hours, but we now have them worked out and hope to keep you better up to date from now on. Please check Megan & Toni's blogs for an update and some pictures. We are getting there! Please be patient.

Arrive Safely!

2008-06-30T15:01:00.001-04:00

We arrived safely and will post more in the morning. We had no problems on the flight. Will give all the details tomorrow. It has been a long trip but we are here and ready to begin our work. Sad news came to us tonight. Gilbert Amimo who started Mercy Care Centre with his wife has suffered a heart attack and is in Intensive Care. Please keep him, Pamela, Patrick and their family in your prayers.

John and Joy have made it to DC!

2008-06-28T15:09:00.003-04:00

Bryan and Rosetta have prepared a great lunch for those of us who have gathered for the flights in the morning.

We will be at the airport to fly out on Ethiopian Air at 6AM. Our first leg of the journey takes us to Rome, but we will not be allowed off the plane. Once a new crew has boarded, we will fly on to Ethiopia and then on to Kenya. It will take about 17 1/2 hours if there are no problems with the flight.

We started our malaria medications today. Helen and Joy managed to purchase new hair to take with them to Kenya (Joy now has a pony tail!) We stopped at a book store and John and Ray got some new (new to them anyway) books.

Joy will be teaching music, John will be teaching Bible, Ray will be in construction and Helen will be organizing teams.

Our friend Patrick has gotten word that he now has a visa so he will be able to come to the USA soon! This is great news for the Mercy Care Centre,

Kara and Andrew are also trying to get visas in Baltimore today for their move to Cambridge in September. We hope they are successful.

Tonight we are going to see a show at the Kennedy Center performed by seven folks with disabilities about "Folks with Disabilities."

Yesterday our friends at the Mission had a special time of prayer for us...praying that we had travel mercies, that we were able to be of some help and most of all that we "do no harm" while visiting our friends in Kenya.

Thanks for holding all of us (there are 21 of us) in your prayers.

Ray and Helen are on their way!

2008-06-28T15:04:00.003-04:00

Off to Africa tomorrow morning! We just received our malaria med and a wonderful lunch at Wayne and Carroll's son's home. Tonight we are off to see a play at the Kennedy Center. We may see some of the DC sights tonight as well.
Agape!
Helen and Ray

A Note from Betsy

2008-06-26T15:59:00.003-04:00

My favorite magnet from Alice in Wonderland reads,
“There is no use trying,” said Alice; “one can’t believe impossible things.”
“ I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”—Lewis Carroll
I have discovered that the Queen was correct. Since our trip to Mercy Care in March, many impossible things are happening.
Standing in the animal orphanage in Nairobi, I dreamed of bringing all the students to this magical place. A seven year old named Megan raised a $1000 to make that dream a reality.
Wayne and I watched as students danced for us, a number of them barefoot and we dreamed of shoes. And 10 suitcases full of new shoes arrived from the Hollar family for us to take to the children.
We stood in the dark classrooms and dreamed of computer labs and science labs.
I stood in the one latrine that serves our school and dreamed of more latrines.
Wayne and I watched the children eat Saturday lunch, knowing that our funds for Sat. lunch were going to run out in May. (Feed the Children-- bless them—feeds the students 5 meals a week.) You know what we dreamed.
I listened at the students tell me that their only sports area was the small cement square in front of the school. We dreamed of a grass covered playing field for soccer games.
I looked at classrooms with VERY FEW BOOKS and I dreamed of every student having a reading and a math book.
And we came home to your amazing generosity. Working with the Lynchburg Rotary, we wrote a grant and raised $25,000. We have already had it matched with $12,500 from the District Rotary. This trip we will be working on the dream to get another $25,000 from Rotary International. Our dreams of labs, latrines, sports field and books may soon be a reality.
Many of us have dreamed that Patrick would get a visa and be able to come to Virginia and share his story. Three applications were turned down. On attempt #4, the violence erupted and Patrick was consumed with trying to get food to the teachers and children, not paper work. I believe that God gives us dreams and I am in absolute awe at all the “impossible dreams” that He makes a reality. If I were a betting woman, I would bet on Patrick arriving in Lynchburg this fall. God Bless!
Betsy Garrard

Greetings from Patty

2008-06-26T15:55:00.001-04:00

Greetings, my name is Patty Worsham and I am another Betsy Garrard recruit. I have two wonderful grown sons and a very supportive husband. Two of my greatest joys are my grandsons, Holden and Thomas, who are pictured here with me reading. This is my first year as a Mercy Care supporter and I am so eager to experience the real thing. I am an English teacher at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia, and plan to spend time with the secondary school students and teachers working with their literature and composition classes. Betsy and I have started a student organization, the Mercy Care Council, at E.C. Glass to raise funds and collect materials for the students at Mercy Care. We have blue and white Mercy Care tee shirts for all the students in the secondary school that sport a beautiful logo one of my students designed. We have sent ahead about 500 books we collected to help start a library and through the generosity and hard work of many Glass students and faculty, we have been able to contribute over $4000 to the school and purchase copies of Romeo and Juliet. The Mercy Care Council at Glass also sponsored an “Underpants Olympics” and collected 600 pair of underpants to give to the children at the Mercy Care Center. This trip will be an opportunity to create more ties between the students at Glass and at the MCC. I have received support for my trip from E.C. Glass High School and from the E.C. Glass Foundation, and I look forward to new personal, professional and spiritual challenges on my African adventure.

Toni in Africa

2008-06-23T13:41:00.003-04:00

Hello! I am Toni Sheets and will be leaving my beautiful boys and great husband behind when we leave Saturday for Africa. I feel incredibly lucky that my husband has been supportive of this trip knowing that he will be home with two little men who are a handful @ ages 3 & 7. He is going to take them camping and is taking volunteers for the other days! :-) This will be my first trip to Africa and I can only imagine how this will change my vision of the world and humankind. Bethany Butcher and I worked together for a couple of years and she is the reason that I got involved with the Mercy Care Centre. I will also have a blog at Toniinafrica. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers (& my husband too! :-)

After Bethany told me about the Mercy Care Centre several years ago, we were so moved by the work that was being done there, I brought it up to our vacation bible school volunteers to see if we could collect an offering for the mission work being done there. We have done that for the past 3 years. Bethany, her mom and Megan all came to speak and the children were most moved by the lack of food and having to share pencils. To think in such a short time, so many people have contributed to this wonderful cause and unbelievable things are happening. I can't wait to get there and see first hand how the support from the foundation has made a difference in this little part of the world.

Note from Susan Lane

2008-06-22T21:33:00.000-04:00

Hey, y'all !! When Betsy Garrard first began contempleting a mission trip for Mercy Care, I casually remarked that, if she went, I would go. So....here I am, along with my 22 year old son Edward (a recent college graduate), about to embark on the journey of a lifetime....it truly is, though I might even return......but let's get there first. Not being a teacher or computer wiz or dancer or handy-woman, I wondered what talent I possibly had to use for MCC-----and along came PUPPETS !...Of course, I have never "done" puppets either but it has been fun and inspiring to prepare---so Edward and I hope to present meaningful vignets and some Bible stories to these dear children of God! See y'all at Dulles at 6a.m.!

1,200 "Souls" from a Foot Solider in NC

2008-06-22T20:16:00.004-04:00

Lee Ray, Lydia and I just returned from a wonderful visit with the Browns and the Butchers and Judy and Tim at the Lake. We had received 9 suitcases full of shoes from the Hollar Family - a ministry family/friend of our's from Seminary, to be sent to the MCC and one empty suitcase donated by our friend, Shirley Sorrell, to use on this next trip. We loaded up Lydia's car and off we went with the 600 pairs of shoes to deliver them to the Browns. Rebecca Hollar has spent months collecting these shoes and we count it a blessing to be able to deliver them to the Browns in order that they can bless the lives of the children of the MCC.

We so much would love to be on this trip this summer and know that the 21 going are going to bless so many lives (and you will be blessed also).

We wish the very best to each of you "as you go" to the Mathare Valley and our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Have a wonderful trip and we are excited to hear about your "stories" on the blog and when you return.

God Bless and know we are praying on this side of the "pond".

Love to all,
The Greenes in North Carolina
Lee Ray, Beth, Lydia and Sarah who is serving in Poland

A Few Comments from Patrick

2008-06-22T20:13:00.001-04:00

Carol and Wynne
I am touched to know that once again you will be leading the team to Mercy care centre.This vineyard that you are dedicated to and even bring many workers to work here awaits you.
You touch many people by your love to the needy.You are my personal inspiration as i serve the needy on the ground.
God grand you wisdom as you lead.
My heart felt love to you all
Patrick

ALSO:
It is always to pleasure to know that we are going to host a team from America led by Carol and Wynne.Their dedication and love for this project is overwhelming.I am always humbled to see how the lord has led them to reach out to the needy children of Mathare slum.The children and teachers love them.
My heart is touched further to learn that those who have been here are able to touch base with the activities of Mercy care Centre.I was touched to learn that the Greens have donated shoes to the children of Mercy care centre.This is a precious gift that the needy children will cherish for a very long time.Many of you have contributed in one way or another or send messages of good will.i want you to know that we love you all and although you will not be with us this time we know the lord will tarry for you to visit us next time.
For all those that will be coming,it is a short while and you will be here in God's Vineyard.You are in our prayers and are all looking forward to host you.
The school has just completed the zonal/district music competition and the result was excellent.You will have time to see us perform at the provincail level.The fact that you will be here will make the pupils perform even better.Thank you for choosing to bring a smile to the faces of the needy pupils.
my love to you all
Patrick

June 20, 2008 3:19 AM

Bethany & Megan Butcher

2008-06-13T06:31:00.005-04:00

I am Bethany Butcher and these are my children Megan and Kyle. We are excited about our trip. This will be Megan's 1st trip to Africa. I am Carroll and Wayne's daughter. I grew up in East Africa and this will be my 3rd trip back as an adult. My husband, Charley, is staying home with our son. He is so supportive and I am grateful for all he is doing while we are away and all he is giving up. I am looking forward to seeing Africa and Mercy Care Centre through my daughter's eyes. It will be an amazing trip and a life changing experience for Megan and me. I feel blessed to be a part of such a talented group of people. The work we will be doing will impact lives now and in the future. Seeing a child smile because they know and feel love is an awesome!
Megan worked hard on a project to raise money to take the children on a field trip to an Animal Orphange near Nairobi. She raised about $1,000 for the trip. She sold small wooden animals at church and her school. She also saved change that her Pops help her collect. She is also planning other activities with the children.
Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts as we are in Kenya.
Megan has decided to write to her own blog. For Megan's point of view on the trip, check out her blog at http://megangoes2africa.blogspot.com/.

The Brown's

2008-05-30T20:25:00.003-04:00

We have been going to the Mercy Care Centre since 1999. Each time God blesses us so much. We are both retired. From 1975-1982, we served in Tanzania as medical missionaries so we speak Swahili. Our love for Africa and the people gets stronger everyday.Our two children Bryan and Bethany and their spouses, Charley and Rosette, each have 2 children. So, we have 4 grandchildren-Quentin, Megan, Sasha, and Kyle. Megan will be going with us to Kenya this year. We pray that each person going will be touched and blessed as they serve at the Mercy Care Centre.Also, we pray that those going will make it a lifetime commitment of service. We are excited. This is the largest group ever and I think God is going to protect and bless us richly.

Getting Ready to Go

2008-05-27T22:35:00.003-04:00

It has been difficult getting all the suitcases packed and all the things collected and ready to go. This week Betsy and I are going to repack the books in M bags to send. I am going to try to get the T-shirts from Mr. Patterson in Rocky Mount also. The Walkers are busy getting a dance and costumes ready and Joy is working on a song for the choir competition. We leave in 4 weeks! As the time ticks down be in prayer for the school. They are preparing for the music competition and finishing their last term for the year. We have 21 going this summer so we greatly need your prayers for our safety and travel mercies! Blessings, Carroll