Safely Home and Thanks

We arrived home safely on July 4, exhausted and joyful from an incredible journey. We traveled over 20,000 miles (round trip) to embrace a community extremely different - yet beautifully similar - from ours. The Nambale Magnet School was welcoming, loving, and filled with life. The outpouring of love from their students to ours was overwhelming. We witnessed deep pain, deep strength, and deep faith in our ten days there, and then we got to witness the vast beauty of God's creation on safari a couple of days later. We witnessed the abiding presence of Christ in everything we did, and in everyone with whom we interacted. 

We are eternally grateful to God for giving us this opportunity, and we are grateful to all of the people who have prayed for us and for the school during our time away. We are also grateful to those who were able to support our journey financially, and for those whose outpouring of generosity will lead to more great things at NMS in the form of a substantial financial donation (keep contributing!). We all hope that this is just the beginning of our relationship with the Nambale Magnet School in Western Kenya; instead of "Goodbye" we instead told the kids "See you soon."

God is good all the time. All the time God is good, and that is nature; Wow! God is Great!

Journey home

We are safely in Zurich and waiting for our flight to San Francisco. We can't wait to see you all!

Day 10: Maddie

Today we woke up feeling bittersweet. We were excited as always to get to work painting and playing with the kids, but we couldnt help but feel sad about the fact that it was our last full day at the school. We ate  breakfast and met Dr. Marangi outside for our last session of painting. We worked on a new wall, getting down the base coat as well as finishing up the lower half of the guest house. It was another fulfilling day of productive paint work. 

After lunch we took a little bit of time to rest before joining the kids at recess. We played tag and soccer for a while before we grew tired and joined some of the younger kids who were waiting in the shade for their parents to pick them up. While the boys (Joey, Duncan, and Bayard) were running around with kids on their shoulders, we had our hair braided for the last time. During this process we were surrounded by kids with papers and pens who wanted us to give them our contact info to stay in touch, which we did. It was hard not to feel like some kind of celebrity signing autographs with a bunch of people crowding around you like that. After our hair was done we played some more tag and soccer before the kids had to head back to their rooms. 

Later that night, after dinner, the kids started singing their usual worship songs and I noticed that I was able to sing along to almost all of them. After the songs we prayed, and then Gama got up to say a few words to the students and to us as well. He thanked us for coming and being with the kids, but what stuck with me most was how he said that were not saying "goodbye", were saying "see you next time". Afterwards, Evalyn said a few words and then it was back to the rooms for the kids and us as well. A lot of kids, particularly the P5s, wanted us to join them in their classrooms to hang out with them. I was in one class that asked me to teach them something from America. I thought about it and settled on what I believe to be the single most important thing these kids should know about: basketball. Using the blackboard, I taught them about the NBA and all the different teams and players. I taught them how to play the game itself and what big things had taken place in the basketball world recently. Most importantly, I taught them that out of all the teams in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors should be their favorite. 

After "class" and what felt like a thousand hugs goodnight, I said goodbye and went back to the guest house. There, Dr. Marangi, Evalyn, and Gama were assembled with everyone. Both Evalyn and Gama said a lot of nice things about us and the work we had done both with painting and with the kids. They each called up Mike and Riley and presented them with beautiful art pieces made by the Paint Doctor as a thank you. The pieces were each a black background with designs mounted on in straw, each depicting african women at work. They were very intricate and the craftmanship was striking. 

As a group we talked about what we had taken away from the experience at the school. Each of us agreed that experience had been inspiring and life changing; one that we would never forget. A few of us mentioned coming back to the school in the future; after all, it wasn't a goodbye, it was a see you next time. 

Giraffes!

On safari

Safari sunset

Power Play

Our breakfast companion

Beginning our journey home

Day Eight: Ginny

Another great day that began with Mike's "wonderful" singing and lots of fried eggs with toast. I am definitely getting tired of eggs and toast each day but I remind myself that the people living all around us don't even get that much each day. We finally moved to paint on the dormitory and dining hall. It was in the direct sunlight and therefore extremly hot so we took lots of breaks for water and tea. While working on the window sills Mike entranced us with a 15 minute long bad joke that's punch line left much to be desired. Afterwards we headed into town because Tuesday is market day. (also Saturday) We felt a bit like zoo attractions as we were paraded throught the market which was far busier than usual. Many of the vendors wanted us to take their photo with their wares. We were interested by the fact that most vendors were selling the same exact products. On the way back some people bought bracelets and sodas. Though we felt rather guilty that we had not bought more, the goods were very cheap and although $5 would mean little to us it could mean the world to someone else. Back at school we enjoyed more conversations and time with the 7th and 8th graders. We wished that the other kids could have been there as well since we only had 3 days left. We exchanged contact information in the hope that we could stay in touch. Through the sporadic power outages we ended our day with a hectic albeit fun game of cards.

Trying sugar cane

School Prizes

Sports day

Sports Day

Dinner! Rice and beans.

Day Seven: Maddie

Today started off as usual; slow wake up and chaotic breakfast In the kitchen. After everyone was dressed and ready to work we met Dr. Marangi outside to start painting. We mixed the paint and learned some more vocabulary words about paint. We learned that the components of paint are water, oil, pigment, polymer, and resin, all of which are important to the quality of the paint. Afterwards we got to work painting a new section of wall that was on a different building. In the middle of painting we had our usual morning tea and had Dr. Marangi join us inside. Looking at our finished work at the end of the day it was evident that it had been our most productive day of work. 

After we were finished painting we had another delicious lunch and then got ready to go into town. Gama, the head teacher, had agreed to be our guide and after meeting up with him we set off to town. As soon as we left the gates of the school we were being stared at like celebrities. The town of Nambale was small but full of people moving around and going about their business. There were some fruit stands selling pineapples and watermelon and we bought one of each. We strolled around town for a while, looking at all the people and the goods each shop offered. There were people on the street selling all kinds of street food that smelled so good and was very tempting to buy. There were women with fish sizzling in hot pans of oil, and kids selling twirly pieces of fried bread and samosas. We gave in and shared a bag of fried bread with Gama. They were delicious and we enjoyed them on our way back to the school.

Later that evening we had another delicious meal and played 12 rounds of Oh Heck before heading off to bed. In our debrief conversation at the end of the day we found a new inspiration and message for the documentary that we will be making and sharing with St. Mary's. We all became very excited about it and are looking forward to sharing it with everyone.

Day 5: Duncan

Today was sports day. We woke up bright and early to make our selves a breakfast of fresh scrambled egg. At this point Joey and I (duncan) are the only ones residing in the Karibu house. We meet up with the rest of our intrepid travelers and prepare for the sports and activities that we were sure to face. Every visitor was divided into one of four student teams: nyati (water buffalo), ndovu (elephant), symba (lion), chui( leopard). Riley and I were placed on nyati. Our first task was to assist a teacher and help paint all of our teammates with facepaint/warpaint. After that was finished we ran in as a group shouting chants and getting hyped for a day of good hearted competition. Sports happened, and eventually we came to the most exciting part: Mike's moment in the sun. It happened suddenly and unexpectedly during the faculty versus parent soccer game. While all of us youth knew that Mike's prowess on the field was unmatched, we didn't know how truly impactful he would be until the game started. The game was pretty standard until the second half. Mike came off the bench to sub for Joey and that's when something truly magical happened. Almost immediately the faculty teammates rifled the ball to Mike. At that moment it seemed that the world stopped spinning. There was total silence. All that existed or ever would come to be was the ball and the goal. Clouds parted, lighting a shining path to the goal. Mike scores. He also scored later on, which was cool. After sports day was done it was time to clean up. Coincidentally it was also time to rain. Ginny, Maddie and I forged forward to pick up litter in the middle of a monsoon. After the typhoon made its rounds, the rest of the posse made its way to stay at the Karibu house. We were united. It started to rain again. To pass the time we made a scarecrow out of a pineapple and called it Pineapple Jim. It scared Mike. Dinner came and went and the posse started a very weird game of cards. Our leaders got frustrated at our lack of seriousness and we decided it would be best if we all just called it a night.

Day Six: Bayard

As we learned yesterday, Sundays at the Nambale Magnet School differ from usual school to a day centered around rest, worship, and chores. Our day started with Duncan and Maddie making eggs and toast for the group, (in the process using twenty-five eggs) and then went into the Nambale church service. The service centered around clapping and singing songs, led by an 8th grade student named Alpha. Mike had an excellent sermon about spreading the love of God, and James followed with a lesson of Saul. The girl P7s and P8s then presented a song about loving God. Kristin ended the worship with a prayer followed by the Lord's prayer. After church the students did their chores, cleaning up the school and doing laundry. Me and my brother were given the chore of cleaning the guest house and the dishes. After the chores we spent the time in relaxing in the Karibu (guest) house. During our lazy afternoon the girls got their cornrows rebraided. Later Michael, Riley, and Ginny went to Nambale town. They didn't find a lot to buy, but instead found a crowd of people wanting to have their photos taken, one who wanted Michael to take his photo back to America. Joey and I went to play volleyball with the students later in the afternoon, a legendary experience. Our night ended with a second spirited game of Oh Heck (which gave birth to a slew of Scottish accents), and was eventually won by Joey and Virginia. The end of the day was what any Sunday should be: a day of relaxation, worship, and preparation of the week.

Day Three: Ginny

We started our day in the 8th grade class with a highly informative lesson on the American Government by Mike and Riley. The Kenyan students were especially curious about the comparisons between our government and theirs as well as how they could be involved if they ever moved to America. At tea time there was an awards ceremony for the children who scored the highest on their state exams. The lower school winners recieved a pencil and the upper school winners recieved two pens. After class we returned to our painting, we did detailing work in black and green. A painter working with us named Ian suprised us all with his extensive knowledge of American rappers and the Illuminati. After painting, the talented Dr. Merangae gifted us bracelets in the colors of the Kenyan flag, each adorned with our names. In the afternoon the boys did their laundry and hung it on a line while entertaining their posse of young boys. The power remained allusive throughout the day so dinner and evening devotions were done by flashlight and gas light. At 7pm we joined the 7th and 8th grade classes for their evening lesson, the teachers humored us Americans and gave an elemetary level lesson in Swahili. We all ended or day in the anticipation of Sports Day on Saturday. 

News Flash!

News Flash! Mike Scores Two Goals during Parent-Teacher Football Match on NMS Game Day. Whole Kenyan Countryside in Shocked Disbelief, As Is Mike. More News to Follow.

Day Three: Virginia

        Yesterday was probably the most eventful days of our time we have spent here. We got off on a slightly earlier start than usual so we could all come to the usual meeting space (the balcony of the cafetria) and have our morning discussion before we started to paint the guest house. To my surprise it is not going to be painted white it was just the first two undercoats. Dr. Marangi (meaning paint doctor in Swahili) whom seemed like he didnt really like any of us turned out to be one of the most genuine people you could meet. He and Ian - one of the Doctor's helpers - guided us through the steps on how to paint correctly. We added water to the paint so it was not so concentrated but we added a little bit too much water so we made sure to do extra coats when we painted. 

         The kids would stare at us while we painted but they quickly resorted to huddling over the top of the metal part of the well. My curiosity got the best of me for I found myself putting down my paint brush to go see what was happening. They were collecting and frying termites by the heat of the sun to eat as a snack. Mike, Joey, Duncan, Riley and Maddie were brave enough to try one but I was too scared to even touch one so I put myself to use by helping the kids find the termites in the field.

         Around lunch time we and a  group from Connecticut presented our gifts to the school and in return we recived an act of gratitude shown by a series of claps that an eighth grade student led. After the school meeting we had the chance to spend time with the children. Stella, Maddie and I showed the kids how to limbo and then we were requested in an instance game of net ball. We then gathered around in a circle and told them the story of Nemo, as well as singing some echanching songs of worship. After our energy was restored half of the group played soccer and the other half played other games. Some of the kids were very amused by my hair so they all started to braid it. It was very hot yesterday so we easily grew tired. Then we recived dinner which was fish with the head still attached. The people here are so kind and the kids are so genuine and energetic, which is so nice to see in a community where they do not have a lot. 

Power outage

The power is out, but they have lighted lamps and the NMS kids are singing their nightly devotional at the top of their lungs. Pretty awesome.

In the cafeteria

Day 2: Stella

I started off day 2 by waking up around 8, with the night before consisting of some pretty weird dreams, but im not going to go into detail on that. It was a slow morning considering we were all still jetlagged. Finally, all of us (Riley, Ginny, Maddie, Virginia, and I) were up and ready to start the day. A few of us took showers, with them being either burning hot, or freezing cold because there was no adjustment handle, you had the heat on or off. Then, I had a mini banana, made some toast in a pan and put some pineapple jam on top. (I still have mixed feelings about the jam) Since we were staying at the director of the school, Evelyn's house, we got picked up and drove the short drive to the school. Once there, we got geared up in our coveralls, ready to paint the newly built guest house. Some of us with rollers, some of us with brushes, we started to paint the undercoat. After a few hours, when we were all pretty tired from painting and being in the sun all day, it was time for lunch. The meal we had consisted of rice, beans and corn, lentils, beef, watermelon and pineapple. After lunch, we were waiting outside, and I went to the bathroom. Then I proceeded to get stuck in there for a few minutes, and when I finally got myself out, I went outside only to find that the group had left me. After a few minutes of looking and asking around, someone pointed me in the right direction, and I met up with everyone by the classrooms, about to join a few of their classes. Virginia, Maddie, and I went into the 8th grade math class. It was really interesting to see how different their class was from my 8th grade class, just this this past school year. The class started by the teacher walking in and all of the students standing up in unison and reciting a greeting to the teacher. After that, we learned about buying, selling, and profits. It was cool to see the different way they solved equations, and to teach them the way that we do it. It was also cool to see how interactive the teacher was with the students. Every once in a while the teacher would say something like "are we together?" And the students would respond with a "yes" all at the same time. He would also have them finish his sentences about what they just learned. After the teacher left, we, being Maddie Virginia and I, each had a students who  gathered around us and we started to talk. First we just had some small talk, "do you like the weather?" Or "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Then they asked me what my best subject was and I said spanish, so they asked me to teach them some. Then I asked them to teach me some Kiswahili. After we exchanged languages, we decided to exchange some dances and songs. Then we all went down to the field got our hair braided while we sang miley cyrus and played until dinner time. After dinner we had a group meeting about our day and then we all went our separate ways to bed. When we arrived at our home for the time being, we got ready for bed and tucked our mosquito nets in. We read for a little bit (mom, if you are reading this, I'm not reading the book you told me to) and then turned our lights off to get a good night's sleep for the day ahead.

From,

Stella

Day 1: Joey

Before I start talking about my experience in Kenya so far, please excuse my writing quality. I am writing this on a cell phone while playing Kenyan kids. Im still getting over the fact that I'm on the opposite side of home. Kenya, so far, is awesome. I'm going to skip talking about all the traveling we did because it was what you expected it to be- boring and terrible. So we arrived at the Nambale Magnet School around 12:00 pm and we were warmly welcomed by Evalyn, the founder of the school. We were told by Evalyn that we were going to be given a days rest so we could be prepared for tomorrow. This was a relief considering we were all exhausted. However, we were also very anxious to start our adventure so we started playing with the kids who happened to be at reccess. I was surprised by how excited these were to see us and I noticed that the simple pleasures made these kids very happy. By just waving and smiling made them extatic. We played for a while and then got a tour of the estate while the kids were in class. The tour of the place was cool and I was very impressed. Apparently, a lot of there food is grown on the estate. The school estate has chickens, pigs, cattle, and a massive garden. After the tour, we had tea time (thank you England) and I got to talk to a group of 5th graders. To my surprise, they enjoyed discussing politics in Kenya and in the US. We then had dinner, which was delicious and reflected on the trip so far. We hit the hay after dinner and got a good night's rest.

Arrived at NMS

We arrived safely at NMS yesterday, and were welcomed immediately and thoroughly. More details are coming, but in the meantime, here's a picture of a soccer game with 3- and 4-year-olds.

Safely arrived in Kenya

We are thoroughly exhausted, but excited and safe in a (really nice and very secure) hotel in Nairobi. Tomorrow: to the Nambale Magnet School! Zzzzzzzz....

At SFO, getting our boarding passes!

Packing for Kenya

We leave in 19 hours! What have I forgotten?