We loaded up early this morning and headed to Ilbissil where we met Pastor John. When we arrived we had to climb a small hill to get to the house we would be staying at on the following night. As we rounded the last corner, the house was significantly different. The property was gated, there was a front porch, and a butler greeted us at the front door. This house was very different from the Maasai hut we had seen the day before. The house had running water and toilets (We have become very thankful for both). Later we found out that this house belonged to a judge that now lives in Nairobi. Once we arrived, we had a second breakfast and finalized our plans for the day. The original plan was for us to buy the supplies to pour a concrete floor for a church in a nearby town. Sadly, we were not able to get the money wired in time for the supplies to be ordered. We decided that we would purchase all of the supplies and allow the men in the community to pour the floor.
So we set out to see the church/ school that we would be helping. On the way to the church we had to pass through a Maasai market. There're was people everywhere! I am very glad we have a skillful driver! I was scared that we might hit a cow-- or even worse, a person!
When we reached the church, their were about 15 children playing outside. The children were very young (maybe between 3 and 6 years old). Unlike all the other children we had met thus far, these children seemed to back away from us. They were not familiar with "muzungus", or white people, and therefore they were afraid of us. There teacher spoke to them in Massai and they slowly started towards us. Every child came up to us and bowed their head. Pastor John explained that in the Massai culture it is tradition for the elderly to touch the head of the younger child as a way of blessing. We followed tradition and blessed every child. Even after their blessings, the children still seemed hesitant to interact with us. So we did the only thing we knew to do-- we gave out stickers!
We toured the one room church. It was made of tin and seemed to lean to one side. It also had a poor gutter system. It seemed like the gutters were suppose to catch rainfall and move the water to a black storage container at the back of the church. But it clearly was not accomplishing its purpose.
Though this church was different from American churches... it was a church. Maybe the pews weren't great and the floor was made of dirt, but this building was still the House of God and a place of worship. These people have absolutely nothing and yet they still come and worship the Creator of the Universe. Though the building would not suit many in the United States, these people truly understand that the reason for church was not for looks of grandeur but for the glory of God.
I am not sure that the children understood what I was teaching, but I pray that we helped plant a seed that one day will blossom for the Lord. I hated that I was not able to completely communicate to the children in their language. However, I believe that God used Pastor John to help me :)
After our lesson it was time to teach them a game. We attempted to play Duck, Duck, Goose but it did not work as well as we hoped. The children did not understand what they were supposed to do, so we asked them to teach us a game. And much to our surprise the teacher, Florence, removed her shuka (shawl) and stretched it out to make a rope. Then she drew a line in the sand and split the children into two groups. They were playing Tug-a-War!!
Next, Jacob lead the children in a game of follow the leader. They totally understood this game and loved it. Jacob ran around pretending to be an airplane and a rabbit. The children laughed and laughed. He even tried to teach them some of the dance moves he had learned the day before. The children continued to play for a while and then showed us a few more games.
So we set out to see the church/ school that we would be helping. On the way to the church we had to pass through a Maasai market. There're was people everywhere! I am very glad we have a skillful driver! I was scared that we might hit a cow-- or even worse, a person!
When we reached the church, their were about 15 children playing outside. The children were very young (maybe between 3 and 6 years old). Unlike all the other children we had met thus far, these children seemed to back away from us. They were not familiar with "muzungus", or white people, and therefore they were afraid of us. There teacher spoke to them in Massai and they slowly started towards us. Every child came up to us and bowed their head. Pastor John explained that in the Massai culture it is tradition for the elderly to touch the head of the younger child as a way of blessing. We followed tradition and blessed every child. Even after their blessings, the children still seemed hesitant to interact with us. So we did the only thing we knew to do-- we gave out stickers!
We toured the one room church. It was made of tin and seemed to lean to one side. It also had a poor gutter system. It seemed like the gutters were suppose to catch rainfall and move the water to a black storage container at the back of the church. But it clearly was not accomplishing its purpose.
Though this church was different from American churches... it was a church. Maybe the pews weren't great and the floor was made of dirt, but this building was still the House of God and a place of worship. These people have absolutely nothing and yet they still come and worship the Creator of the Universe. Though the building would not suit many in the United States, these people truly understand that the reason for church was not for looks of grandeur but for the glory of God.
After our short tour Tim, Laban, and John (along with some other Maasai people that needed a ride) loaded into our truck and headed to the market to purchase the flooring supplies. Martha (our cook) began to prepare lunch, and there we were, the rest of the group, left to interact and teach the children--- which was looking like a more difficult task every minute. We had forgotten our story cards and children's bible in Kajiado. I had some salvation bracelets that we had planned to give out to some of the children at the childcare center. We decided to give out the pre-made bracelets to the children at the school. As we tied the bracelets onto the children's wrist...we could see their fear start to vanish.
I explained to Pastor John that each bead on the bracelet had a meaning and that I would like to tell the children what each bead meant. Since the children did not speak English, I had my first experience with a translator. (Below is a sample of the code- as you can see this explanation was meant for older children). It was difficult to provide good examples that the children would understand, while using a translator. Thankfully God provided all of the words and explanations and we made it through.
- BLACK - Sin is what separates us from God. We choose to disobey God. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
- RED - Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, paying the price and penalty for our sin. He provided the only way to God. "But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Roman 5:8
- WHITE - When we become a Christian God cleanses us from all unrighteousness and washes us whiter than snow." But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins. And in Him is no sin." 1 John 3:5 "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18
- BLUE - One of our first acts of obedience is to publicly confess our faith through baptism. " So then, those who had received His word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls.." Acts 2:41 (NASB)
- GREEN -We must now grow as a believer in all areas of our life. Looking at Jesus as our example. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." 2 Peter 3:18 NKJ
- GOLD - If we have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we have the promise of a home in heaven.” In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. “ John 14:2-3
I am not sure that the children understood what I was teaching, but I pray that we helped plant a seed that one day will blossom for the Lord. I hated that I was not able to completely communicate to the children in their language. However, I believe that God used Pastor John to help me :)
After our lesson it was time to teach them a game. We attempted to play Duck, Duck, Goose but it did not work as well as we hoped. The children did not understand what they were supposed to do, so we asked them to teach us a game. And much to our surprise the teacher, Florence, removed her shuka (shawl) and stretched it out to make a rope. Then she drew a line in the sand and split the children into two groups. They were playing Tug-a-War!!
(Pastor John is in the gray and red sweater)
Next, Jacob lead the children in a game of follow the leader. They totally understood this game and loved it. Jacob ran around pretending to be an airplane and a rabbit. The children laughed and laughed. He even tried to teach them some of the dance moves he had learned the day before. The children continued to play for a while and then showed us a few more games.
After that we had a story time. All of the children sat in a circle and listened as Pastor John translated our stories. Regina told the story of Noah's Ark, Carrie told the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and I talked about the Days of Creation. The children were very attentive and seemed to enjoy story time.
Once story time was over, we helped Martha finish cooking lunch. She made mandazis. They are similar to sopapillas (just without cinnamon and sugar). Martha is amazing-- she could set up a kitchen anywhere!! We cut some fresh fruit to have with them. It was so delicious. Before we ate we fed all of the children at the school. And we still had plenty left over--so we blessed people with food as we drove out of town!
We headed to a primary school to sing songs and give a message. When we got there we all gave introductions. Of course Jacob had to make the kids laugh . He said (in Swahili), "My name is Jacob and I am from America. I want a potato". The children laughed and laughed. We started off with some songs and then Jared gave a short message (He talked about Daniel and Esther). As we were leaving, we felt like celebrities. The children ran to us and simply wanted to shake our hand or give us a hug. As we were leaving the head teacher joked about us coming and teaching at the school....What an amazing opportunity that would be :)
We drove back to Kajiado--we seem to be getting used to the slow pace life :) Our truck doesn't go over 40 mph. The night consisted of more fellowship and a delicious dinner (once again). The pastor's family came over and we spent our last night is Kajiado with lots of laughter! :) 
We are sad to leave Kajiado but we are so thankful that God brought us here! Please continue to pray for the children at the center. We know that God is the Ultimate Healer and that His plans are perfect!!
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