Kenya Trip 2010

The eagle has landed.

2010-07-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Just got word that the team has landed in o'hare. The transport team is on route for extraction. Should have every one home around 3:30.

See you soon.

This just in!...

2010-07-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

The Team is back on the original schedule.

Turns out the whole thing was a prank for us folks back home. Just kidding!

The word is that somehow, someone, somewhere, was confused and made a mistake. At least that's what I got from the brief call Jessie made to me.

I guess prayer helps after all. ;)

Be prepared for your loved ones return to church around 3:00 - 3:30pm.

New Flight Itinerary

2010-07-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

It is 11:15 here in Nairobi. We are having supper in an airport restaurant as we wait for our 3 a.m. departure. For Lynette: the flight was delayed because the airplane was delayed coming to Nairobi from Amsterdam. They had technical difficulties and had to change planes. I'm glad they are more concerned about safety than time schedules!!

Here is the new itinerary for the team:

Nairobi to Amsterdam

KL566

Departs Nairobi at 3 am

Arrives Amsterdam at 10:15 am

Amsterdam to Minneapolis

DL247

Departs Amsterdam 1:15 pm

Arrives Minneapolis 3:25 pm

The group will off load their luggage and clear customs here.

Minneapolis to O'Hare

DL2207

Departs Minneapolis 5:10 pm

Arrives O'Hare 6:37 pm

The group will only need to pick up luggage at O'Hare so they should be ready to be picked up by 7:15 pm and head to church. I would estimate the time to arrive at church to be around 9 pm. I'm sure the drivers will have cell phones so the group can call to let their ride know a more accurate time.

Thanks so much for praying for us as we make this journey. See you soon!

On a lighter note, here is this weekend's (spoiler alert) video recap of the 2010 Kenya Mission Trip:

2010 Kenya Mission Trip recap

Note: You may need a Facebook account to view.

Team Kenya's departure delayed

2010-07-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Good Morning fellow citizens of the Kingdom, this is Anthony Velasco signing in with some breaking news.

My source tells me that there is a delay for the Mission Team in Kenya, which in turn will cause the team to miss their connecting flight. The team should still arrive on Friday, only a few hours later than anticipated.

However do not fret, my informant has told me that the head honchos are working diligently to make sure the team arrives back safe and sound. But prepare yourselves, rumors are that the precious cargo of Kenyan souvenirs, which we wait in anticipation for, may not arrive as the team does. :(

Further updates will continue as the story develops.

2010-07-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Dancing with the Masai when we toured their village.

Tsavo National Park

Babies, babies everywhere! These elephants crossed the road in front of us. TOOOOOO CUTE!

Giraffe with elephant in the back ground. We got to watch giraffe cross the road in front of us and behind us. It was so cool!!

Great view from Voi Safari Lodge!

Safari

2010-07-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Very early Monday morning the group left for safari. Breakfast was at 5:30 and at 6:30 we began our 2 hour drive to Tsavo. Our first game drive is actually on the way to the lodge. We enjoyed many animals and the Savannah terrain. The last couple of years they have been in a drought, but it has rained there this year. The vegetation was more green and the red dust was greatly reduced.

We have not been to Voi Safari Lodge in 2 years and were pleasantly surprised that they have done some renovating. The view is as spectacular as ever. Voi is on a hill and you can see for miles. At the bottom of the hill there are a couple of watering holes that attract the animals. There are almost always elephants there. There are steps down to that level and a blind from which we can observe the animals up close. It is very cool!

There is a late afternoon drive and a late supper. During supper some lions came to the watering hole. We enjoyed watching them until some elephants chased them off. That was funny!

We have seen a LOT of very little baby elephants. So cute!!

This morning we had an early morning game drive before breakfast and it was the best one we've ever had. We saw a lot of lions and enjoyed watching them for a long time. There were 2 males, 3 females and a couple of cubs. We actually got to watch them stalk some animals and then watched one of the young lions try to kill a smaller animal. He didn't succeed so mom stepped in and finished off the task. It was incredible watching them!

All too soon it was time to pack up and return to Mombasa. One the way home we stopped at a Masai village. One of the tour guides told us about this village. They are trying to raise money to build a new permanent school building so they were giving tours of their village and talking about their lifestyle. So, we went. It was fascinating. We learned so much.

On the way home we stopped at the wood carver and did our first souvenir shopping. That was fun! Pat, we thought of you.

It was late afternoon when we arrived back at Neptune. We checked back in and enjoyed a hot shower to wash off all the red dust from safari. It's been a relaxing evening for a pretty tired crew of people. In just 2 days we will be on our way home. Homesickness is growing. Thank you to each of our loved ones who have supported us in so many ways in this trip! We appreciate you more than we can say!!!

Tomorrow we travel to Tiwi. It is south of Mombasa. The trip with narration by Jim Horne is an experience in Kenya's history and diversity. We will visit a center that is fully developed to see into the future of the centers we support.

Good night from Kenya,

Denise

2010-07-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ann and Jessie had the kids act out the story of Noah and the ark. Jessie was Noah as was one of the kids. There were family members, a boat (fabric), animals (masks), waves/water (long strips of blue fabric), the sun, an olive branch and a rainbow made out of colored fabric. The kids really enjoyed it!

2010-07-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Awards ceremony after the soccer tourney in Vipingo. You can get an idea of how big the crowd was.

These young soccer stars were thrilled to receive some soccer shoes from America!

What a fun picture of Liz and her new Kenyan friends...young and old!

Jordan enjoyed reconnecting with a little girl that touched his heart last year. Her name is Prudence. It's amazing how these little ones latch on to us and find us in a crowd of thousands year after year!

This young man became Austin's shadow during the day on Saturday. Pretty good picture of the photographer by the photographer!

2010-07-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Lynn with 2 new friends.

The final piece of luggage arrived late on Thursday evening so we could give our team mates in Vipingo our team shirt.

Austin giving out MANNA shoes. Believe it or not, she really is happy!

2010-07-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tricia giving out MANNA shoes.

It's not all hard work. Austin and Jordan were having a little fun here.

Kevin and Jessie made balloon animals for a small, but demanding crowd of kids. Kyle pumped as fast as he could to keep up with Jessie as she made the animals.

Lori was doing some childcare the Kenya way!

2010-07-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Liz shares shares her sunglasses with some giggling children.

Carly is doing bubbles for the children outside the wall during out time with the kids in the center on Friday. This is always tough for us, but the entire community gets to join us on Sunday for a big party!

Lunch! Enough said.....

Amy playing with the baby class in Bomani. these littles ones are so precious!

2010-07-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Luanne brought gunny sacks to have races. The kids loved it!

Grace and Ben joined our trip as dental professionals. They gave check-ups, cleaned teeth and did many extractions. Lynn changed professions for a few days and did dental assistant work instead of nursing. These professional all did great work!!

David showing the kids how to use the bouncing balls. They have a handle and the kids would bounce all over!

Austin taught the kids a game they loved and I'm sure they will continue to play. It is called speed ball. He did a great job running this center!

Sunday

2010-07-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

This morning we attended Crossroads Fellowship in Nyali. It is the contemporary, English speaking church Jim Horne pastors. They celebrated their 8th anniversary with a big day. The auditorium was packed and they had lots of activities on their grounds for the children. Most of the team helped with the children's activities.

We went back to the hotel for a quick bite to eat and a change of clothes before heading to Bomani for the community outreach. We were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd and began with a baptism service. Our own Rosie was baptised this year. That was a great moment!

There was a short ceremony dedicating the new building built for the grade school classes. Then the highlight was the volleyball tournament. We fielded 2 teams. One of the teams was in the final with the team from New Life Center. We lost in a very close and fun game.

Ann and the team of cooks made a great supper for us before we left. It's the first time we've stayed until after dark, but Peter, the area MP, told us that it would be fine so we stayed to eat.

When we arrived back at Neptune most of the team walked down the beach to get ice cream. It was a fun excursion!

Early tomorrow morning we will head for safari. We will be gone until Tuesday afternoon. I hope to get some pictures up tonight. We'll see if the internet cooperates.

Denise

2010-07-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

The staff at Vipingo gave each of the women congas. This is all the girls in the Kenya team: Fox River and Vipingo.

Jessie with a group of people who were given MANNA shoes.

Lori giving a little girl a pair of flip flops. They both look really happy!!

Guy putting MANNA shoes on a little boy in the village.

2010-07-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Joy & Nora washing dishes. Can you imagine washing over 250 bowls like this?

Luanne with some of her kids. I think she might just take some of them home with her!

Kevin is helping feed the kids in Vipingo. We ate at the centers with them and really enjoyed the food.

2010-07-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Tracy teaching the children how to brush their teeth. She did a GREAT job! The kids brushed their own teeth as she went along and they did a great job following her directions and learning what to do to keep their own teeth healthy.

Carly is out in the village inviting the children to come to the celebration on the weekend. The kids in Kenya love her as much as she loves them!

Lori is helping wash dishes in Vipingo. I think she was in need of a back massage today!

Austin is helping the children wash their hands before lunch. What a servant he has been on this trip!

2010-07-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

Ann reading the story of Noah and the Ark. After they read the story she and Jessie acted the story out with the kids and lots of costumes. It was so cute!

Brooklyn hanging out with the kids in Vipingo.

Amy helping the children finger paint. The paint was made out of pudding. I'm not sure they have ever done that before, but they loved it!

Dr. Art looking at a child's foot. The medical and dental clinics have been awesome. They saw a LOT of kids and did a great deal of good. We are already dreaming of how we can expand this area of opportunity!

Friday and Saturday

2010-07-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

The internet continues to be a challenge. I apologize for not getting pictures up or being able to post last night. It is a great blessing to all of us to know that you are keeping up with what we are doing and praying for us!!

Friday we spent the day with the children at New Life in Bomani. It was another fun day with some pretty special people. The team was able to go into the surrounding community to give away MANNA shoes. They also enjoyed a pick up volleyball game before we left. We never seem to have enough time.

We returned to voyager to clean up quickly before going to have dinner with some of the church members from the church Jim Horne pastors. We had a traditional Swahili dinner and some good fellowship with them.

Today, Saturday, was the outreach/community celebration in Vipingo. We didn't go out to Vipingo until 11 a.m. so the team had the opportunity to sleep in or enjoy some time on the beach.

The soccer games at the tournament were exciting. There were acrobats, a bounce house, camel rides, volleyball games, face painting, choirs singing and so much fun! There were thousands in attendance. It was incredible. The team did a GREAT job helping where needed and spending time interacting with the kids and our new friends in Vipingo. It was very sad to say goodbye at the end of the day.

Our days have been very busy. The team has stayed healthy and in good spirits. Please continue to pray for us as we continue to share the love of God in Kenya. We are grateful for your support!

Denise

Thursday in Vipingo

2010-07-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Today we began bright and early. Breakfast was at 7:30 and we loaded the bus at 8 am to begin our busy day. Our bus rides have been good. We take time to pray together and then have one of the missionaries tell us their story and the story of the center we support. Today we heard from Bruce O'Neal about the story of MANNA Worldwide. It is a joy to partner with them in Kenya and Nicaragua.

When we arrived in Vipingo the children were waiting to for us. They had a sign that welcomed us and they sang a song just for us. We went into the church building for a short presentation from the kids. They sang and recited their gratitude to God and to us. There were a lot of tears in the audience during this very special time!

We planted a tree and grabbed our supplies for the fun with the kids. I'll do my best to post some pictures later that include some of the fun things we did.

During this time we were privileged to have our first medical and dental clinic. A dentist and her assistant came from MANNA and a nurse who has a lot of mission field medicine experience. They partnered with Art, Rosie, Tracy and Lynn to run a medical and dental clinic. It was amazing! We are asking God to help us expand this ministry in the future.

After feeding the kids and eating the lunch of ugali and delicious cabbage we played with the kids during their recess time while Donna met with the teachers. She loves them and they love her. She brings supplies for them and loves on them in a way that touches my heart deeply.

In the afternoon the team went into the village to invite people to the celebration on Saturday. One of the groups brought the MANNA shoes they sold and gave them away in the village near Vipingo. It was very impactful for them. I'll do my best to get some of those pictures on too. A special thank you to all those who purchased the shoes. What a blessing they are to all who received them!!

We enjoyed some relaxing time in the center before we had to get ready to go. The medical/dental clinic was still seeing children. We had another pick up volleyball game and many just spent time with the kids.

Before we left the center presented us with gifts. The had a beautiful elephant carving made for Guy and congas for the women. They had a gift made for the men, but it wasn't ready so we will have to find out about that on Saturday.

We arrived back at our hotel around 6:30, cleaned up, had dinner and have enjoyed a quiet evening.

Our last piece of missing luggage finally arrived tonight. What a blessing! It contained some supplies we really needed for tomorrow and the weekend.

Tomorrow we head to Bomani to have fun with the kids.

Denise

Wednesday in Bomani

2010-07-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

The team spent the morning sleeping in, unpacking or exploring their new surroundings. Neptune is a beautiful hotel on the Indian Ocean, but it does take some getting used to that the beds are hard, you don't always have hot water and the water could stop flowing at any moment....yep, even when you have shampoo in your hair!

We had an orientation meeting with both missionary families, ate lunch and headed for New Life Center in Bomani. Our first stop was the government free school. We were greeted by the head of their school board and local officials. We had the opportunity to look around the school and present them with a gift of desks for 2 classrooms. They were very grateful and we are glad for the developing friendship.

We were then greeted enthusiastically by the children in the center we support at New Life. They sand as we entered the center and we enjoyed the smiles and bear hugs from the teachers and workers as the children ran into the church to prepare to sing for us.

We enjoyed their presentation, met Pastor Allan (the pastor who started New life & oversees the center) and Pastor Abraham (the pastor of New Life Church). We toured the property seeing the newest 4-classroom building that houses grades 1 - 3 and the adult literacy program. That building was built to add a 2nd story and the steps are in place so we were able to climb up to the 2nd floor to enjoy a different view of the property.

We had a treat from our beloved Ann, the matron of the center, and then spent some free time with the kids. On Sunday we will play in a volleyball tournament so we had a fun pick-up game with some of the staff before we finally had to tear ourselves away and head back to town.

Our plan was to exchange money and do some shopping at Nakumatt (the Kenya version of Walmart). However, we left late and the banks were closed. Pastor Allan said, "I know a guy...." Allan is respected and well known in the community. It was a banker that was willing to stay open for Allan. It was not a simple project....everything takes longer here in Kenya! But, we did get the money changed and did a little shopping before arriving back at Neptune at 8 pm for supper.

After supper we had a meeting to prepare for our first busy day tomorrow. Most of the team headed to their rooms by 10:30 or so. I think they were all ready to sleep well!

Thursday we will be in Vipingo. Thanks for your prayers!

Denise

Back on-line

2010-07-22T10:59:00.001-07:00

I'm so sorry I haven't been able to blog! We've had a bit of trouble connecting to the internet for 2 days, but I'm back on-line now and will try to catch up.

Denise

The 2010 Kenya Team Has Arrived!

2010-07-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's 2 a.m. here in Mombasa. Everyone is checked in and all the luggage has been delivered to their rooms. The team is getting settled and looking forward to a good night's sleep!

The 6 who are ticked separately because they are staying for an extra week had some trouble checking in, but once they got that straightened out the rest of the trip went smoothly. Just 2 pieces of luggage were delayed, but should arrive tomorrow.

I'm so glad to have the team here! Thank you to our loved ones and friends who are praying for us as we begin this incredible journey. We appreciate you so much!

Denise

Sunday Morning Service & Monday in Mombasa

2010-07-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning Guy preached at Crossroads Fellowship in Mombasa. As he was preaching a huge storm moved in. It was almost like being in a hurricane. The wind blew and the rain poured down on the steel roof of the church. The noise was thunderous! It's probably one of the worse distractions I've ever seen. However, Guy gave the gospel message and 4 people responded with a profession of faith. Praise God!

It rained so hard that the worship team sang and the people waited until there was a lessening of the down pour and they decided to try to get to their cars. Some were on foot. I'm not sure how long they waited.

It rained for most of the day, but before the sun went down the rain stopped for a bit. Guy and I were able to take a long walk on the beach. The rain started again so we were wet before we returned to the motel, but it was very nice.

Monday we spent our final day with the missionaries and one of the national pastors here. Tomorrow, Tuesday, Guy & I are flying to Nairobi with Jim Horne to look at some unique MANNA ministries in that area. We will surprise the group by meeting them in Nairobi and flying back to Mombasa with them.

On Wednesday we will begin the itinerary with the group.

Thank you to all who have prayed for us and are praying for the safe arrival of the group!

Denise

Kenya Team is on their way!

2010-07-19T15:56:00.001-07:00

Just a snap shot of some of the team members chillin' at the airport waiting to depart on their first flight. As I write this they are in the air on their way to Kenya. I cannot wait for them to arrive!!

Denise

Guy's Jogging Partner

2010-07-19T08:36:00.001-07:00

This is my Kenyan "pacer." I thought I could find one that I would not have a problem out pacing on my run. WRONG!!!! I think Kevin could run TO America!!

Kevin picked up with me at about a half mile unto my run and for the next 3 miles he pulled me along (except for the time a soccer ball took him out when we were running through a beach soccer game, but it only took him a moment to recover and there he was again pulling me along in his relentless pacing!).

His reward was a small tip and a large Coke which lit up his eyes and showed off his bright smile that Coke would covet on a billboard!

Even a workout in Kenya can bring joy and relational opportunities.

Guy

(From Denise; next time Guy said he is running the other way up the beach!)

Bible Institute Graduation Pictures

2010-07-19T08:10:00.001-07:00

Foot washing ceremony at the graduation.

Guy preaching....well, reading scripture here....at the graduation. I love this picture. He is so animated!

The five Bible Institute graduates with Jim Horne, Guy, Greg Wendall (mssionary who oversees the institute) and Pastor John (the pastor of the church in Vipingo).

Bible Institute Graduation

2010-07-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 5 young men graduated from the Bible Institute Fox River supports in Vipingo. Guy had the privilege to speak to the graduates. He encouraged them to use the opportunities God has given them. What a joy it is to be a part of this ministry. These 5 men and those who have gone before them have and will extend the gospel as a voice of hope, known by love, and living by faith.

Graduations don't happen a lot in these villages so it was a special event. The most incredible part of the ceremony is when each graduate washes the feet of someone who has invested in their life as a symbol of the servant leaders they desire to be.

Please stop today and pray for these men. Pray that God will bless their ministry and bring fruit from the gospel they will present to the people in their villages and churches.

Thank you for being a part of this ministry. God is growing these leaders who will in turn lead many to Christ because you have been willing to give generously!

Denise

Kenya Pastor's Conference 2010

2010-07-16T15:57:00.001-07:00

Pastor's Conference 2010

2010-07-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'd like to share some of the over flow of joy from the pastor's conference. Over 125 pastors representing over 13,000 church members attended this year's conference, most traveling for many hours.

I cannot begin to express the gratitude and excitement that these men shared as God wonderfully worked in our lives and challenged us through His Word. I taught from Philemon about risk and it became a defining theme for each of us.

When I shared the gift of the books we provided for them they erupted with spontaneous gratitude in applause and cries of thanks. As I shared your willingness to help and bless them they just beamed with encouragement!

One other thing that was mentioned as a highlight for each of these servants of Jesus was the community and friendship they experienced in the follow-up breakout sessions. That was something they must have never experienced before. They definitely want to take this discussion idea back to their churches.

To all who contributed and prayed to make this conference and resources possible I would like to say a big ASANTE SANA! (Thank you in Swahili)

Pastor Guy

2010 Kenya Team

2010-07-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

On Monday, July 19, the 2010 Fox River Kenya team will begin their journey to Mombasa, Kenya to work in the centers and villages of Bomani and Vipingo. Please be in prayer as they prepare to travel and as they make this trip.

Safe Arrival

2010-07-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Late on Tuesday night Guy and I arrived safe and sound in Mombasa, Kenya. The trip went well but sure kept us on our toes. We arrived at our departure gate at O'Hare just as they were boarding. Our connection in Amsterdam was a tight one so we were a bit concerned when weather delayed our departure by 30 minutes. However, a stong tail wind (I think directly from the breathe of God!) helped us make up the time in the air so when we landed in Amsterdam we had 1 hour before the flight to Nairobi departed.

A kind airline attendant moved us to the front of the plane before landing so we were able to disembark quickly. The 2 airlines we flew were not partners so we were unable to get our boarding pass in Chicago. That meant having to get our boarding pass before going to our gate. There were automated check in machine right outside our gate so everything fell in place for us to print our boarding passes and get in line for security and then on the plane for the 2nd leg of the flight.

We anticipated some down time during the layover in Nairobi, but that time was eaten up by an hour wait to receive our visa and go through immigration and then time looking for the 3 pieces of luggage that did not arrive. The line to report missing luggage was so long that we ended up getting permission to open the file in Mombasa and headed off to get on that connecting flight before they closed the gate. The one bag we had was the last one on and we arrived at the gate as they were loading the bus for the short drive out to the airplane.

The last flight, as the other 2, was uneventful and we arrived in Mombasa on time. It didn't take long to report our missing luggage and collect the 1 piece we had left. Missionaries Bobby Bechtel and Jim Horne met us at the airport and drove us to our motel. We were thankful for the opportunity to stretch out in a bed to sleep.

This morning we awoke to the beauty of Africa and the sounds of the voices of these people we have come to love so deeply. Last night I spoke briefly to Pastor Mark and told him that we made it home safe and sound. I had to correct myself, but in truth this place is like a 2nd home to us. We love this land and these very special people.

Guy spoke at the Bible Institute today. Afterward we had lunch with the Bechtels and the Hornes. We laughed and talked and enjoyed catching up with our good friends. I even got to hold little Dylan Bechtel for the first time. What a little treasure he is!!

During lunch the call came that our luggage had arrived. YEA! Guy and Jim went to collect it so I am spending a bit of time alone in this beautiful place. Pastor Allan stopped by. He is our loved friend and pastor here in Kenya. It was a joy for me to visit with him!

We will enjoy some down time tonight as we adjust to the time change and get ready for a couple of busy days as Guy will be teaching at the pastor's conference tomorrow and Friday. A special thank you to all of you who have prayed for this event and donated the money to make the resource books available to these dedicated servants of God. We appreciate your partnership more than we can say!

I will post as I can...........and will try not to be so log winded. :)

Thank you for your love, prayers and support in allowing us to be your ambassadors in Kenya!
Denise

Shoe Unto Others

2010-04-19T18:28:00.001-07:00

"Shoe Unto Others" is a campaign to provide shoes to the village children in Kenya while raising funds for Kenya team members.

Here are the details:
*purchase a pair of shoes for $20
*fill out a tag with your name on it to be delivered with the shoes
*the Kenya team member will take the shoes to Kenya and give them out
*pictures will be taken of the children with their new shoes
*know that your kindness made a difference in the life of a child!

If you are interested in purchasing shoes stop by the Kenya table in the gym at Fox River Christian Church after the weekend services or contact Denise at dconn@foxriverchristian.org.

2010 Kenya Team

2010-04-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Fox River Kenya Team is preparing to go to Mombasa, Kenya July 19 - 30.