GO Kenya Mission Trip 2013, Masai Mara National Reserve, Narok (2026)

05/06/2014

Super stressed right now. We got some great news yesterday...but to get to that finish line A LOT of things have to fall in place REALLY fast!

The good news - Paul and I got the email yesterday we had been waiting for...we were selected for the Philippines Mission Team!

The bad news - we have to fund raise $7700...and when your family/friends are the same...that becomes really hard. AND the trip is Oct. 13-24 (which is literally 2 days before Paul's store inventory...so God will need to help with him getting approval for the days off).

So I am asking all of you for prayers! Asking that God make his will so evident that even I can't miss it. Also, please pray for God to let you know if you are meant to help us in our fundraising quest.

We should know by tomorrow if Paul can get the days off. If so, the fundraising craziness starts!!

04/09/2013

These are the animals that we saw when we were going to/from school, medical clinic, air strip, etc

08/08/2013

Journal - July 30th/31st - Time to go home
- Today we start our travels home. It is strange. The first week was intense and felt long, but the second week was more low key and flew by. And here we are flying home.
- When Anthony showed up to drive us to the airport I saw he was wearing his cross. It made my heart so happy!
- I had this scarf with butterflies on it, and butterflies have a special place in my heart. When I packed it two weeks ago, I knew "my butterflies" were meant to stay in Kenya. It took me until today to realize who to give it to though....to Anthony to give to his wife.
- And yes, Dixon was still wearing the hat Paul gave him the night before.
- Dixon called us over to say goodbye. He reached in his pocket and pulled out 4 bracelets. He explained he wanted us to have those, one for each of us and 2 for our kids back home. How sweet and unexpected!
- As we were checking out of the lodge, Paul asked the deskman if there was anything else they needed. He asked if we happened to have a bible. Paul said "yes" and went and got his bible and gave it to him. It turns out he had given his bible to a boy that needed one, but that left him without one.
- With that we headed to the dirt airstrip to catch our flight to Nairobi. When we got there we went back to Grace House for a a few hours. This was our time to repack, change clothes, some took showers...and get ready for the upcoming long flights. Then it was to the bus and one last stop at Java House and then to the airport. (Traffic was worse than LA rush hour!) Flight was at 10:50pm out of Nairobi.
- As we were driving to the airport in Nairobi it started raining. Kirby, who was on our team, said Kenya was crying because we were leaving. (We were also crying...)
- Our layover in Dubai was a few hours. Then it was off to our final stop LAX.
- By the time we landed in LAX we had been traveling for about 22 hours.
- Through customs, then shuttles back to the church, final team prayer and then home.
- What are we looking forward to? A hot shower, ice in a drink, our bed
- Now to try to process everything that happened. So much happened in 2 weeks...that it feels like we were gone longer than that. While at the same time it feels like we just left.
- How do we tell our story? How do we answer the question "How was your trip?" How do we deal with all the emotion we are feeling? How do we do justice to the beauty of the Kenyan people and the giggles and love of the children?

08/08/2013

Journal - July 29th - Our last day in the Mara
- This is our last day here, which is bitter sweet. I wish we had more time with the Masai. They are so young in their Christian walk. I feel we could help them.
- After many days of traveling and working, for our last day we get to relax and enjoy a Safari. 7am is our start time, back for lunch, then back out at about 4pm.
- During the morning safari we saw a lot! It was still early and cool, so the big cats were out. We saw 3 Cheetahs that had taken down a small Wilder beast. Then we saw 2 grown male lions, who took their turns eating a larger Wilder beast they took down. We saw Hippos, Crocodiles, Gazelles, Zebras, Giraffes, etc. The biggest "WOW" was we saw "the great migration happen". We literally saw a group of Wilder beast crossing the river while Crocodiles were "in wait". Three Wilder beast were taken down by the Crocodiles as they trying to cross. It was just like "the great migration" was have seen on National Geographic! Pretty crazy.
- In the early evening we went back out on safari. Our goal was to find a Rhino but that was not to be. Instead we were blessed and got to see another male lion and then a little way down we saw two mothers (lions). One just watched us and looked to have one cub. The other had five cubs. They rolled around and played with each other, she licked/groomed them and then rolled over for them to nurse. It was like we weren't even there. Pretty cool!
- When we got back we got a final picture with Dixon and Edward. Paul gave Dixon his big straw hat. Dixon wore it all night (he said it made him look older...LOL)!
- I gave my cross to Anthony. I thanked him for sharing with me. I told him I knew he believed and I felt one day he would be "born again". I am not sure if he will keep wearing it, but I hope he will and think of God and his path.
- After dinner we sat in a circle and everyone shared a "moment" from the trip. It was heart felt. It helped to make all the things/personalities/challenges I was feeling become so small in the scope of things. Thank you God for reminding me of what matters.

08/08/2013

Journal - July 28th - Day 2 of VBS at Mara
- This morning started with going outside the gate with Dixon again for the sunrise. This morning we went in a new direction (East). Dixon took us to the land where his village was as a boy (1992). He showed us a scar on his knee. A lion attacked him when he was young and hearding cows from the park back to the village. He killed the lion with his knife. As we were walking back Dixon invited us to come to his village tomorrow. It was very touching.
- Church was quite the experience! Unlike the states, church goes on for hours on end! When we got there it had already started and they were singing. The Pastor was very passionate! The original Pastor (started the Christian Church 20 years ago) even got up and spoke. He was an older Masai Man. I felt this was good because the younger Masai men could see it was okay (especially Anthony - our driver - who we had been talking to about Jesus). Pastor Daryl spoke (w/translator) also spoke, which was amazing.
- After that we went to the town and helped with 4 Baptisms. It took forever to get the water into the pool. The water came from the well, but the pressure was low and we had to filter the water (to make sure it was clean). It was worth it though...the passion those kids have and the huge smiles on their faces when they came out of the water...WOW!
- Then off to the school. Even though it's Sunday the kids were coming to see us. We finished VBS with them and then played some soccer again - kids vs us...Kids demolished us (3-0)...LOL! (We never had a chance, they were so good!) Paul tried to jump in the air to hit the ball with his head and down he went...hurting his knee again. At first we all thought he was faking it to get the kids attention off the game so we might have a chance to score. It didn't work and he was really hurt. Uh-oh...
- After being schooled at soccer we went to the place where the well is to be drilled. You see the school doesn't have any source of water. Crossroads has committed to helping to get a well drilled, so they can have water. All of us, even the kids, made a circle around the place and prayed for water.
- Before leaving the school the girls did one last performance for us. It was a great way to end a wonderful day. We were then presented with gifts from the Masai community. All of the gifts were handmade by the Masai women. Then the leader of the Masai Community came to thank us for all we had done. We didn't feel like we did much. Instead we were the ones that felt blessed by the kids!

08/08/2013

Journal - July 27th - Mara Public School and Medical Clinic
- I got to help with the Medical Clinic, while Paul got schooled by the kids in soccer (They were very good!)
- After lunch we went to a Masai Village. We got to see them dance, jump (part of the male tradition) and an inside peak into their world. They explained their culture and we even got to go into one of their homes. It was surprising how clean and organized it was! The houses are built by the women, made out of wood, leaves and cow dung. (waterproof) Very sturdy!
- All of this was 180 degrees from the slums.
- The women do all the bead work - so talented!! The men do all the carving and weapons. They are poligimists. The more cows (which is like $) the more wives.
- Every chance Paul could get, he would go outside the gate with Dixon (head of security at our lodge).
- Dixon has been trying to teach me the Masai language. He gets a good laugh out of me trying to say things. He keeps trying to help me learn it though.
- Today at the end of the day, we went to see Dixon and were surprised when he motioned for me to come over. He and some of the other Masai had spent the day writing down English to Masai translations of some of the most common words and phrases. So cool! I told them I had homework and would study it tonight. They jokingly told me they would test me in the morning.

07/08/2013

Journal - July 26th - Travel Day to Masai Mara
- Today we took a plane to the Masai Mara. The Masai people use to be fierce warriors, but now they are more keepers of the land (Safari) and raise cattle.
- We flew on a small plane (about 10 seats), so the team was broken out across a couple of planes. This was the first time I had ever heard "You are the 2nd stop" like we were in a taxi and not an airplane. And yes, we did land to drop off a couple, then took off again to go to our destination. The landing strips were dirt and the jeeps were just sitting on the side waiting to pick us up (like in Raiders of the Lost Ark). Since we were in such small planes, we flew low, so Paul got some great pictures!
- When we landed, there was no terminal, just a dirt landing strip and men with Jeeps. They loaded us up and took us through their land showing us native animals, their villages (in distance) as we made our way to the Lodge we would call home for the remainder of our time in country. The first animal we saw as a leopard (female with a kill). Anthony, our driver, told us we were lucky because leopards are very rarely seen.
- We arrived at our camp ground/lodge and it was literally a tent with a closed in floor. We only have electricity (by generator) and hot water (man stoked fire to heat water) between certain hours. Our camp is surrounded by an electric fence (to keep the animals out). From our tent door we can see the fence and on the other side of it is a stream/river. We have been told that at night the animals come to the stream to drink. Should make for some interesting noises at night!
- I saw a yellow butterfly at the camp ground while we were walking around. You see, to me a butterfly is a sign of rebirth...and a yellow one reminds me of my Papa. It made me smile.

07/08/2013

Journal - July 25th - Our last day in Kiamaiko
- Today was a day of ups and downs. We were so happy to see all the kids again and love on Boniface. We were sad too because we knew it was our last day to them too. The heart breaking art is not knowing if we will ever see him again. Even if we come back next year, it doesn't mean he will be there...or any of the other kids that we met and bonded with.
- Today we focused on blessing all the kids though. We got to give them new sweaters and socks (all 1300+ of them). You can't imagine how excited they were for new socks!!! They giggled and ripped off their old socks and eagerly waited to put on their new socks. Their sweaters went from these tattered things to nice clean, thick, new sweaters. We kept some of the strings used to pack the sweaters and wrapped them around our wrist to remember the moment.
- We also go to cook and serve them hamburgers (1300+).. It was so cute because they didn't know how to eat them. you see they had never had hamburgers before. A teacher literally had to show them how hold a hamburger and how to bite into it.
- We were also able to give Boniface new school shoes. he was so excited! Even though they were a size too big, he still wanted to wear them. Paul gave him a pair of his socks, so he could double sock and make the shoes fit better.
- At the end of the day there were tears all around (kids, team members, etc). We had Boniface put his hand on his heart and feel his heart beat. We told him that we will always be right there. Anytime he missed us or needed us, he should feel his heart beat and know we are there. We reminded him that God is always with him too! That he needed to go to school because that is where our letters would go. He pinky sweared that he would.
- We will miss him so much! I hope he makes it...

07/08/2013

Journal - July 24th - VBS Day 3 Kiamaiko
- Today started out tough because I was sick (stomach issues, tired/low energy). We think it was the malaria pill + allergy pill that didn't mix. As of end of day I feel much better though and actually ate dinner.
- In the morning we did VBS at the other Kiamaiko facility (lower campus where the little kids are at - Pre-K to 2nd/3rd grade). We had been warned about how the school was literally shanties and the surroundings. I wasn't ready for literally what I saw. It broke my heart! Paul had to remind me that they were happy and didn't have the comparison point we did.
- In the afternoon we did "bring in the light". We visited 2 homes. The first home, she was born again and passionate about Jesus. her prayer request was for her Grandmother who has breast cancer. The second home had 4 ladies, who were not born again but did believe. After we finished sharing and asked them if they would like to commit themselves and make God their Savior...they all said Yes!!! They were in search of hope and answers. God brought us to their door and we were able to share what they sought.
- I found myself today wishing I had more versus memorized, so I could share "on the fly". I know the concepts of many verses (how I translate them) but I can't quote them. I felt like so many people we met wanted literal verses they could go back to and read over and over again when they get lost.
- We also had a chance to play with Boniface again. He has the cutest dimples and giggle!

07/08/2013

Journal - July 23rd - VBS Day #2 Kiamiako
- Today seemed a little more relaxed. The children remembered us and we knew what to expect in the slums today. The day started pretty quick with VBS and the breaks were longer. The children had so much fun while playing the games and singing.
- When Boniface's class came out for games he ran right to Paul and just waited to be next to Paul. We both had a lot of fun. Paul and I got split up today during VBS. Paul stayed in games and Sara got to help with crafts.
- The crafts were done in the classrooms. One classroom had over 100 kids in it! (It was about the size of 1 1/2 bedrooms.) I couldn't believe it!. The other class' were 50-75 kids. Some classrooms you had to walk through to get to the other classroom. And in the US we complain about having 30+ kids to a teacher. Here they are just happy to have a safe place to go to and learn.
- We got to spend a lot more time with Boniface today! When he came out he ran and jumped into my arms. In less than 1 day he had that much faith in me, that I wouldn't drop him - instead I would hold him tight.
- After VBS we had a choice: bring in the light or be part of an experiment with the community. Paul wanted to do that - so we did! Our job was to be on the other side of the wall, in the street, and use the evangi-cube (visual way to show them God, Jesus and his gift to us) after the puppet show (on the wall) was done. At first I was nervous...I have never thought of myself as an Evangelist with friends, let alone strangers...in a foreign land. The show drew a big crowd. When it was over I was surprised how many adult men had surrounded us, curious. It started with Ernie saying "Sara why don't you share the cube with this gentleman." Everything moved so quickly after that. Person after person coming up, crowding in to listen, adults kids and teenagers. At the end I had the opportunity to share the cube with 4-5 men and pray for them. None gave their life today, but hopefully this was a seed that was planted that ultimately will bring them one step closer to our Abba.

06/08/2013

Journal - July 22nd - Day 1 VBS at Kaimaiko
- This school is in the middle of the 2nd largest slums of Nairobi. We were warned that this area was primarily Muslim and would feel much different than the Pangani slums we visited on July 20th. And they were right. It was cold and dark feeling. No one waved or smiled at us. We definitely did not feel welcome.
- Inside the school walls the kids were kids! Excited to see us, huge smiles. They gave us necklaces and sang for us when we arrived. So cute, so precious! Then Joseph, head master, told us they have been waiting for us since we left the last time - a year ago! They had been waiting a year!! I can't imagine that.
- When Paul woke up this morning he prayed to God and asked him to bring Boniface to school today. While riding on the bus and just before arriving he told me "I feel he will be here today." There was no doubt in his mind God had answered his prayer. Later we asked Joseph if he knew Boniface. He said "Yes" and left to check to see if he was there today. he returned with the news Paul already knew, Yes...Boniface was there! Next thing we knew Boniface came out! Paul and I were filled with so much joy! I picked him up and swung him around in circles and he just giggled and giggled some more! The lord has truly answered our prayers and we look forward to what else he has in store for us!
- We were part of the games rotation in VBS. We went in planning on just playing noodle tag but instead wound up doing that plus learning some of their games like: balance the ball, dance with a friend and police chase (or at least that is what it sounded like...lol). it was so much fun. Imagine about 5 of us with about 100 kids, pure fun, dust flying, running, smiling and laughing. (5 rotations - we got our workout!)
- After lunch it was time to go into the slums and do "Bring in the Light". There were 3 of us and 3 Social Workers. We were told to stay close to them and if they told us it was time to leave we were to go (b/c they can read the people). And no matter what, we were to be back by 3:15, b/c we all had to leave before 4pm for safety reasons. The 1st house we went to was a single Mom with a couple of kids - one sick on the bed. Her house (shanty) was literally about 5'x5'. It smelled like urine (sick little boy and they don't have diapers)...it broke my heart. She shared she had "backslide" with Christ. We shared God's message of salvation, but she still wasn't ready to commit. We prayed with and for her: her family, healing on her little boy and financial help. She did agree to let us put in the "light" (skylight) so she could look up and be reminded of God's light and love. The 2nd house was a married couple with one small child. They both claimed to be Christians. We prayed for them, especially for Peter's work which was a long distance away. It was then time to leave the slums for the day.
- We were blessed and invited to Mary and Wallace's house (they run Mission of Hope) for dinner. Surprise - it was Mexican food...it was sooo good!
- Tomorrow we go back to Kaimaiko for Day 2 of VBS!

GO Kenya Mission Trip 2013

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