Habari family and friends!
So much has happened since my last post! Each day is SO packed here in Kenya! We have been travelling all around the area from the city of Nairobi to "up-country" (the rural areas) for church and to visit a children's home. I have been bonding with my team mates, diving into scripture and preparing my heart for my upcoming three week assignment with a partner. Yesterday, excitement ran high as Brian Lee revealed where we would be going! Places ranged from the city to the country side, to the shores of Lake Victoria. Everyone had their own expectations, including me...but just when you think you have it figured out, Jesus has his own MARVELOUS plan!
My jaw dropped and WOW, I was totally shocked about mine! I was assigned to the slums of Korogochowith my previously mentioned friend, Darnell. Didn't expect that one at all!! First of all because Darnell and I get along SO well, we figured we would be partnered with someone with a different personality in order to be stretched and learn how to relate. Secondly I came to realize that I had an embedded expectation of going "up-country" (to a rural area) as the Kenyans say and squishing dinner-plate sized spiders! I had heard so many stories from my best friend Maureen Leonard about her time in the countryside, that I subconsciously figured that I would be in a similar situation with somebody random. Darnell and I were the last pair to be assigned, and the shock and excitement was mutual.
Korogocho is one of the major slums hugging the edge of Kenya's capital city, Nairobi. It is home to over 200,000 people living in extremely substandard conditions. It is known also for the huge amount of trash and rubbish everywhere and namely its giant trash dump in the center of the slum ...the source of many diseases. We will be staying with Pastor Alfred and his wife Elica in their compound in Korogocho. We will be working with young men rehabilitated from slum life and in the process of pursuing lives as pastors. We will also partner with refugee women who are learning to support themselves by making jewelry and bags among other things. The church is also attached to a small clinic where we will help out. I have heard that there is a chance of working with primary school students, and at risk teenage girls from the slum. Darnell and I will also fill in as guest pastors for the three Sundays we are here at several churches in the slums! We will be preacher women...I'm so excited! I will know more details soon, seeing as I will be there with Dar tomorrow! Slum ministry...who would have thought!
I am scared, excited, still shocked, nervous, expectant, and so anxious to see how God will choose to use me and work in me! Pray that God will turn my fear into faith and that I will be able to boldly share about the hope that God has offered me, and extends to everyone...the world over.
Can you believe it?! I'm still reeling, but with a giant smile on my face. I'm soaking in the fresh air and greenery in the hills right now, because there will be a SERIOUS lack of it where I'm going. Pray for strength and a well-spring of renewing life within me! Just that one day in Mathare Valley left me drained...I need the strength and compassion of the Lord!
I will have twice weekly internet access and here is the address of where you can send me an actual letter...
Kenya Global Project
Bess Brownlee
P.O. Box 781
Ruaraka 00681
Kenya, AFRICA
Talk to you all soon!
Bess
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Kenya, oh Kenya!
Habari friends and family!!
I am alive and well and in KENYA! Firstly Bwana asefiwa!! Jesus is Lord, asefiwe amen! Right now I am in Nairobi, the capital doing a day in the city with the Global Project 2009 team. It feels like I have been here for weeks, yet time is flying by....WEIRD, it is the Africa time warp!
I guess I should tell you where we have been staying! It is a beautiful worship retreat in the highland hills out side of Nairobi called Watakatifu Wote Senta. There are flowers and greenery everywhere. There are small simple dorms which we share with one other person, with beds and mosquito nets...let me tell you, those things take a little practice to get right. I spent about half an hour sewing up rips in it and trying to tuck it in well around my bed, haha...mambo sawa sawa (everything is ok!) I have become an expert at "bucket showering" haha! Kenya is experiencing a drought right now, so we are doing all we can to conserve water. We get up at 7:15 for Morning Glory, we hear a word from one of the students (I was the first to volunteer to go...I have no idea what got into me :) I read 1 John 3:16-18, which Mo had given to me in a letter...perfect timing by the way for that verse...read on.) We then have breakfast and head out for the day's activities around 9am, return home for dinner around 6pm, talk together about the day in small groups, and then have acoustic worship lead by Americans and Kenyans together with much dancing! I love it here, it is so different, but it makes me feel alive! Africa!
The Global Project team, headed by Brian and Debbie Lee of Missoula, MT (i LOVE them!!) is amazing. Students from all over the US, and 5 Kenyan students as well. I have found a kindred spirit in my room mate for the first part of the trip...Darnell. She is from Tennessee, and has the sass to prove it! She is HILARIOUS and has an amazing heart for Jesus. She encourages me, laughs with me and prays with me. How she and the others are blessing my time here, without a doubt!
God is teaching me so many things and it is so easy to learn because I am in a new place with nothing familiar but the love of Jesus. The food is new, but delicious! Lots of carbs...but it is ok, because we walk A LOT. All the water has to be boiled, and I haven't felt the slightest bit sick yet, thank Jesus!
We have done so many things it is hard to describe them all in detail. Our time yesterday was the most indescribable so far...but I will do my best.
We visited one of the largest slums in Kenya yesterday Mathare Valley, it is hard not to cry again when I think about it. We bused into the slums, about an hour from WW in the hills. It was hot, and jam packed with people! We met up with Pastor and Mama (all older women are called Mama here) Karow at their church in Mathare. We took a prayer walk for about an hour through it, greeting all the people and high-fiving all the filthy/adorable kids. We visited the tiny, dark, reeking home of Mama John, a woman living with HIV. She warmly invited us in to her pitch black house, made out of tin sheets and plastic sacks...lit with one kerosene lamp. She told us of her love for the Lord and her joy in his promise of eternal heaven.
Mathare is home to over 600,000 people in a few square miles, open sewage flowing down the trash filled roads. Brian Lee talked to us afterward when we were feeling overwhelmed and dejected by the immensity of injustice. He reminded us that every person matters, we shouldn't try to fix the whole thing, it is impossible...but our culture is so "fix it" driven. We need to step back and look at God's heart for the people. Meeting each persons needs, first with Jesus, then with the basics. Little by little, inch by inch, hope and love will spread. Only through the love of Jesus is this possible! Pray for Mathare Valley! Do not forget the least of these, do not turn your back away from injustice, meet it head-on with the hope of God, and a compassionate heart!
We then went to the children's home, Sanctuary of Hope, that Debbie Lee helped to start and visited with Pastor and Mama Karow. The Karow's lead a church/school/day care/and clinic in Mathare Valley Slum, and head Sanctuary of Hope (one and two). We met the kids and they sang some really great songs for us and played with us. All of these children were orphans taken out of Mathare Valley as toddlers. What a great work the Karows are doing! Keep them in your prayers!
We have about a week left at WW...then off to 3 week assignments! I have no idea where I could be sent! It could be anywhere from the city to the country...I like the excitement of the unknown...which is basically every day out here :)
This may be my only update for a few weeks...we learned we may not have access to internet or phones, depending on where we are sent! But you never know! So I wanted to make it a long one, so you can savor it! We have had literally no access to any technology...which I like...we are such slaves to it in the US! Try turning off your cell phone today and take a walk out side or hand write a letter...it will free you!
Know that Jesus is blessing me and keeping me safe, healthy and teaching me SO many things. He is doing a good work in all of us, thank you Jesus! I am well fed, well rested (under mosquito nets...hehe, they are fun!) and well loved by a mighty Father.
Continue to pray for the team and I, the power of pray is HUGE and so essential to our relationship with God. Look for his blessings in all aspects of your life...maybe just the fact that you don't have to boil your water before you drink it, or that you have shoes on your feet! I am thinking of all of you, and miss you all dearly!
Many blessings and love from Kenya,
Bess
I am alive and well and in KENYA! Firstly Bwana asefiwa!! Jesus is Lord, asefiwe amen! Right now I am in Nairobi, the capital doing a day in the city with the Global Project 2009 team. It feels like I have been here for weeks, yet time is flying by....WEIRD, it is the Africa time warp!
I guess I should tell you where we have been staying! It is a beautiful worship retreat in the highland hills out side of Nairobi called Watakatifu Wote Senta. There are flowers and greenery everywhere. There are small simple dorms which we share with one other person, with beds and mosquito nets...let me tell you, those things take a little practice to get right. I spent about half an hour sewing up rips in it and trying to tuck it in well around my bed, haha...mambo sawa sawa (everything is ok!) I have become an expert at "bucket showering" haha! Kenya is experiencing a drought right now, so we are doing all we can to conserve water. We get up at 7:15 for Morning Glory, we hear a word from one of the students (I was the first to volunteer to go...I have no idea what got into me :) I read 1 John 3:16-18, which Mo had given to me in a letter...perfect timing by the way for that verse...read on.) We then have breakfast and head out for the day's activities around 9am, return home for dinner around 6pm, talk together about the day in small groups, and then have acoustic worship lead by Americans and Kenyans together with much dancing! I love it here, it is so different, but it makes me feel alive! Africa!
The Global Project team, headed by Brian and Debbie Lee of Missoula, MT (i LOVE them!!) is amazing. Students from all over the US, and 5 Kenyan students as well. I have found a kindred spirit in my room mate for the first part of the trip...Darnell. She is from Tennessee, and has the sass to prove it! She is HILARIOUS and has an amazing heart for Jesus. She encourages me, laughs with me and prays with me. How she and the others are blessing my time here, without a doubt!
God is teaching me so many things and it is so easy to learn because I am in a new place with nothing familiar but the love of Jesus. The food is new, but delicious! Lots of carbs...but it is ok, because we walk A LOT. All the water has to be boiled, and I haven't felt the slightest bit sick yet, thank Jesus!
We have done so many things it is hard to describe them all in detail. Our time yesterday was the most indescribable so far...but I will do my best.
We visited one of the largest slums in Kenya yesterday Mathare Valley, it is hard not to cry again when I think about it. We bused into the slums, about an hour from WW in the hills. It was hot, and jam packed with people! We met up with Pastor and Mama (all older women are called Mama here) Karow at their church in Mathare. We took a prayer walk for about an hour through it, greeting all the people and high-fiving all the filthy/adorable kids. We visited the tiny, dark, reeking home of Mama John, a woman living with HIV. She warmly invited us in to her pitch black house, made out of tin sheets and plastic sacks...lit with one kerosene lamp. She told us of her love for the Lord and her joy in his promise of eternal heaven.
Mathare is home to over 600,000 people in a few square miles, open sewage flowing down the trash filled roads. Brian Lee talked to us afterward when we were feeling overwhelmed and dejected by the immensity of injustice. He reminded us that every person matters, we shouldn't try to fix the whole thing, it is impossible...but our culture is so "fix it" driven. We need to step back and look at God's heart for the people. Meeting each persons needs, first with Jesus, then with the basics. Little by little, inch by inch, hope and love will spread. Only through the love of Jesus is this possible! Pray for Mathare Valley! Do not forget the least of these, do not turn your back away from injustice, meet it head-on with the hope of God, and a compassionate heart!
We then went to the children's home, Sanctuary of Hope, that Debbie Lee helped to start and visited with Pastor and Mama Karow. The Karow's lead a church/school/day care/and clinic in Mathare Valley Slum, and head Sanctuary of Hope (one and two). We met the kids and they sang some really great songs for us and played with us. All of these children were orphans taken out of Mathare Valley as toddlers. What a great work the Karows are doing! Keep them in your prayers!
We have about a week left at WW...then off to 3 week assignments! I have no idea where I could be sent! It could be anywhere from the city to the country...I like the excitement of the unknown...which is basically every day out here :)
This may be my only update for a few weeks...we learned we may not have access to internet or phones, depending on where we are sent! But you never know! So I wanted to make it a long one, so you can savor it! We have had literally no access to any technology...which I like...we are such slaves to it in the US! Try turning off your cell phone today and take a walk out side or hand write a letter...it will free you!
Know that Jesus is blessing me and keeping me safe, healthy and teaching me SO many things. He is doing a good work in all of us, thank you Jesus! I am well fed, well rested (under mosquito nets...hehe, they are fun!) and well loved by a mighty Father.
Continue to pray for the team and I, the power of pray is HUGE and so essential to our relationship with God. Look for his blessings in all aspects of your life...maybe just the fact that you don't have to boil your water before you drink it, or that you have shoes on your feet! I am thinking of all of you, and miss you all dearly!
Many blessings and love from Kenya,
Bess
Saturday, June 6, 2009
There is no I in Team!
Hello family and friends!
I have been in NYC for the last two days, exploring the city with my wonderful uncle Brian Brownlee. We have had a marvelous time, and he hasn't let me pay for anything, stinker! I love you uncle B, and yes, I will try NOT to get malaria :)
Today I meet the rest of the Kenya global project team in Queens for a little orientation and then on Sunday we fly out! First to Brussels, Belgium, then on to Nairobi, Kenya...AFRICA!
Everything has been running so smoothly, it can only be God at work, His plan & timing are perfect...I need to remember that everyday. Please continue to pray, Jesus is listening and loves when we talk to Him honestly with the true desires/worries/joys of our hearts.
Love you all, and I can't say thank you enough! THANK YOU for all your support!
Blessings,
Bess
I have been in NYC for the last two days, exploring the city with my wonderful uncle Brian Brownlee. We have had a marvelous time, and he hasn't let me pay for anything, stinker! I love you uncle B, and yes, I will try NOT to get malaria :)
Today I meet the rest of the Kenya global project team in Queens for a little orientation and then on Sunday we fly out! First to Brussels, Belgium, then on to Nairobi, Kenya...AFRICA!
Everything has been running so smoothly, it can only be God at work, His plan & timing are perfect...I need to remember that everyday. Please continue to pray, Jesus is listening and loves when we talk to Him honestly with the true desires/worries/joys of our hearts.
Love you all, and I can't say thank you enough! THANK YOU for all your support!
Blessings,
Bess
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Up & Away!
I can't believe it is TIME!
Tomorrow I will fly to New York City, holy-moley! I will spend an evening and a full day on Friday with my uncle Brian Brownlee exploring the city (I've never been there before!) and then meet up with the rest of the Kenya team on Saturday!
I can't wait to meet the whole group and start getting to know the people I will share the next 7 weeks with! They are coming from InterVarsity chapters all over the country. We will also be joined by several Kenyan IV students once we touch down in Africa.
The months leading up to now have been so filled with love and support, and I have all of you to thank for that. God also used it as an opportunity to show me that He can do amazing things if I will let him. How else could I raise over $4800 in three months? No other way.
Continue to be in prayer, the power of prayer is HUGE!
Blessings,
Bess
Monday, May 25, 2009
the cup over-flows
I hope all of you had a great long weekend...I sure did!
Wonderful, praise-worthy news...I have exceeded my fund raising goal of $4700!!!! WOW!
Thanks are in order to ALL of you, and of course to Jesus, through which all things are absolutely possible! There is no other way that that money could have come my way.
Right now I am in full-on preperation mode...there is still so much to do before hand! I got all my shots, finished taking my typhoid meds, and am starting my malaria meds next week. I have my last day of work coming up this Saturday, and my last day of interning at the Ravalli Republic newspaper in Hamilton, MT (until I come back) on the 2nd. I still have some supply shopping to do, lots of reading, preparing short bible discussions, sermons, and stories, among other things...oh yeah, and I have to move out of my room so my subletter can move in! WHEW!
Please continue to pray, pray without ceasing as God calls us to! I have a lot to do, but of course God will take care of me if I continue to trust in Him. Have a blessed week everyone!
-Bess
Wonderful, praise-worthy news...I have exceeded my fund raising goal of $4700!!!! WOW!
Thanks are in order to ALL of you, and of course to Jesus, through which all things are absolutely possible! There is no other way that that money could have come my way.
Right now I am in full-on preperation mode...there is still so much to do before hand! I got all my shots, finished taking my typhoid meds, and am starting my malaria meds next week. I have my last day of work coming up this Saturday, and my last day of interning at the Ravalli Republic newspaper in Hamilton, MT (until I come back) on the 2nd. I still have some supply shopping to do, lots of reading, preparing short bible discussions, sermons, and stories, among other things...oh yeah, and I have to move out of my room so my subletter can move in! WHEW!
Please continue to pray, pray without ceasing as God calls us to! I have a lot to do, but of course God will take care of me if I continue to trust in Him. Have a blessed week everyone!
-Bess
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Moving right along!
In less than a month, I will be in Africa....oh my goodness!
Everything has been falling into place by the grace of God. I got all of my shots (ouch) and my prescriptions for malaria and typhoid. And, not by chance, the money from the art show and the rummage sale was just enough to cover that! What a blessing.
I also want to thank Florence Carlton Community Church, and their missions committee for their continued support and prayers. I come from such an amazing place, and am so thankful to call FCCC the place where my faith began.
Well I'm off to tackle my last final, then I will be done with my junior year of college! WOW.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers and thoughts.
Love and Blessings,
Bess
Everything has been falling into place by the grace of God. I got all of my shots (ouch) and my prescriptions for malaria and typhoid. And, not by chance, the money from the art show and the rummage sale was just enough to cover that! What a blessing.
I also want to thank Florence Carlton Community Church, and their missions committee for their continued support and prayers. I come from such an amazing place, and am so thankful to call FCCC the place where my faith began.
Well I'm off to tackle my last final, then I will be done with my junior year of college! WOW.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers and thoughts.
Love and Blessings,
Bess
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Fundraising Update
Hello family and friends,
I come bearing good news! God has poured out blessings on me, and through Him and all of your generous giving I have nearly met my fundraising goal! WHAT A BLESSING!
As you all know, the amount needed to be raised for the trip was just over $4700, and I am very near that goal. Plus, I have set aside some of the cash funds to pay for immunizations and extra expenses along the way.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your amazing support. Please continue to keep my in your prayers and thoughts as the departure date gets closer!
Important Dates...
May 8 : Immunizations
June 4 : leave for New York City to meet the team
June 7 : depart NYC for Kenya!
Blessings,
Bess
I come bearing good news! God has poured out blessings on me, and through Him and all of your generous giving I have nearly met my fundraising goal! WHAT A BLESSING!
As you all know, the amount needed to be raised for the trip was just over $4700, and I am very near that goal. Plus, I have set aside some of the cash funds to pay for immunizations and extra expenses along the way.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your amazing support. Please continue to keep my in your prayers and thoughts as the departure date gets closer!
Important Dates...
May 8 : Immunizations
June 4 : leave for New York City to meet the team
June 7 : depart NYC for Kenya!
Blessings,
Bess
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