I Made it Back Safely=)

I realized that quite a few people have been following the blog that are not at Cloverdale and wanted to let you all know I did make it home safely=) I am sure you all lost sleep over it! LOL
I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and support before, during, and after the trip. I will never be the same man and have been changed both in character, values, and perspective. It's cliche, but it certainly was a life-changing trip and we have it too good in North America... not that I am complaining, I highly enjoy running water and electricity=)
I have had some amazing jet lag and did a workout at 3am Monday morning and 3am Tuesday morning=)
Good to be home!
Thank you again, your prayers, love, and support have meant so much to me.
ASANTE! (Thank you in Swahili)

LAST DAY IN AFRICA!

LAST day in Africa!

It has already been 6 weeks since I got here! And tonight I leave Nairobi and head home.

They tried to convince me to stay a little longer and wait for their youth convention later in December, but home is where the heart is... And no matter where I go in the world, home is in Blaine, WA, USA:)

Last night I spoke on "Birthrights to the Hidden Manna"... I was tired but had great time. I actually stayed behind the pulpit most the time:) I then  went to a brother's house, Tonnie Muli, for dinner and spent the night there as well. Today I am going to Brother Tonnie's dentist practice and then headin back to Kikuyu to pack my luggage. Today will be filled with lots of running and exercise to get ready for the next 30 hrs of sittin on plane and in airports... Oh and will be busy finishing my peanut butter and honey:) this evenin I will be going for dinner at Pastor Wakhanu's house and then leaving for the airport. 

This has been an amazing trip! I know it is cliché... But it has certainly been a life changing experience. I could write a thesis on the way it has changed who I am.... But I won't:) I have never been super patriotic but I certainly love North America more after this trip. I realize the little blessings that we have that I have always taken for granted... Things like good roads, safety, and reliable electric to name a few. Seeing the pain and poverty of the children at the hospitals was an unforgettable experience, not to mention all the medical stuff I learnt and how their healthcare/medicine is different here.

I guess I can tell you all something I have kept secret for a while. I didn't share on the blog because I didn't want to get anyone worried... And send me "come home!" emails:)

On my third week here I was robbed on the matatu (public transport). They took my external hard drive (with 320gb of school/speaking docs) and cash by distracting me. Last week, I got robbed again by the same gang... This time by force. I guess its not really by force though, Its not like i was gonna fight them anyways... I have heard too many at-gunpoint stories to do that:) They got my iPhone, which by the way was nearly brand new:) So forgive me for being deceptive when I said I was having "technical difficulties" and couldn't put pics/video up.... Truth is, I got my phone stolen:)

Honestly though, it was just part of what made this trip life changing and will cause me to enjoy the feeling in US where I am not constantly on guard in public. I wasn't "mad" after getting robbed.... Ok, take that back... I was for about 10mins after my phone got stolen:) I realized it was just Satan, and he was not happy with me:) First two weeks I didn't speak here. The week after I spoke the first time, I got robbed:) Then a few weeks later, I started preaching 3-4X per week and got my iPhone stolen. Thanks be to God, we have started a revival and nothing makes me happier to think the Devil loses sleep over me:) Now you know why I always said I could feel your prayers; it was times like this that could've got ugly.... Thank you SO MUCH!

The youth have really been challenged, especially by the few youth services we had. They are really stepping it up and being musicians, sound/video guys, and song leaders. Last night Jerry, 18, sing led for the first time.

I look forward to being in Cloverdale and if I am dozing off in church Sunday, do realize that I am arriving Saturday night, am on an 11hr time change, have got a combined leas than 20hrs of sleep this whole week, and spoke 5 times in the past 8 days:) haha

See you all soon!

Wednesday December 4

Hey everybody! I only got 3 more days in Africa! Truly bittersweet:) Looking forward to homemade salsa, ice cream, muffins, granola etc etc... Oh and seeing you guys too:) 

First off, sorry I don't have pics/video:( I have had some "technical" difficulties but will show you them all when I get back. I got awesome pics of beach and Bro Ken got a lot of pics from Sunday trip to Machakos.

So, once again plans changed, and I decided last minute to go to Diani Beach. Some of the other volunteers were heading there and I felt more safe being in a group. We left Monday at 9pm on bus from Nairobi. Arrived in DianiBeach 9am Tuesday morning. Was expecting to stay there till Thursday but got a call from Brother Kamwati asking me if I would take the Wednesday night service. So I spent 10hrs in Diani and then got back on the bus and came back to Nairobi. The bus ride was fun... Or interesting:) on the way, we had to wait for over and hour because road closed due to armed robbers laying spike strips on road ahead. On way back, were delayed due to mechanical issues... If you saw the buses you wouldn't be surprised. The stay in Diani was short but just what I needed. Was able to relax in the over 90 F weather and get my voice back. Something about palm trees that soothes the nerves and warms the soul:) Diani is like a whole other world compared to Nairobi... Lots of white people (mizungu's) and not nearly as much crime/theft. Stayed for the day at a place called Southbeach Backpackers which was super cool... Pics will do better job of describing it. The ultimate chill out and do nothing place:) (not to mention hanging out with my monkey relatives:)....took a long jog on the white, sandy beach which was nearly disserted. Note to fellow vacationers: running in ankle deep water and having your feet sink 10-12 inches in sand is a GREAT workout!:) 

This evening I will be speaking at Brother Kamwati's and then tomorrow night in Kikuyu. I haven't slept much last two nights from bus rides but feel much stronger after relaxing yesterday. 

Has been a great stirring here, especially in the youth.... All the youth are getting me a couple shirts and then putting their signatures all over them :) Best souvenir ever!!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday in Cloverdale!

Pics from Machakos service on Sunday...

Above are the ministers during the service.

Brother Jimmy interpretted for me.

 Southbeach Backpackers Resort

Life is good in Africa=) 

Diani Beach=)

Sunday December 3

Every Service is getting better! I got a ride to Machakos this morning very early. It was about a 1.5 hr drive from Kikuyu and I was chauffeured by a very nice couple that was just married not too long ago. The level of respect they have here for ministers (I guess I had been put in that catagory on this trip:) is very high and make sure I am always comfortable. Service started at 9:30... there is a real stir among the young people and the pastor said some were already in church at 7am praying and getting ready. Once again, had amazing service. The people pull hard on the Word (and the minister:) and before the service my throat was already hoarse from services this last week. Someone must be praying because my voice was stronger at the end of speaking than before. As I write this though, it is hoarse again:) nothing a little tea can't fix:) We had wonderful afterservice and time of praise/prayer. I decided to not go to Uganda or to Dianibeach. But they have already made me promise to come back:) In Machakos they have had a miracle of two weeks of rain...they had been in a famine/drought and had come to desperate place. They called all the local ministers together the last Saturday (2 weeks ago) I was there and had a prayer service for rain. It has rained nearly everyday since! After the service we went for some food... when I am fellowshiping here with the ministers I hardly say anything... I just try to shut up and listen/learn from them as they speak about the Word:) Brother Jimmy for instance has preached since he was 16, pastored since he was 18, and been a pillar for years. I have 2 more services before I return on Wednesday and Thursday. I leave 12:40am Saturday...arriving in Seattle at 8: 40pm Saturday.... The first 4 weeks here I was at hospital 40+ hrs each week... but last week only went once to get ready for services. This week I plan on studying and hopefully goin on a safari in Nairobi. I should be able to get some pics/video up soon since Brother Kenn had (brother who drove me from Kikuyu) had a Camera during service. See y'all later.

Friday December 1

Hi everyone! 8 more days in Africa...=/
I am going to be on the road a lot till I leave and pretty busy so pardon me if the updates are few or delayed.
Had a wonderful service last night in Kikuyu... Just pray my voice holds out. I have a service Sunday. Not sure about my little vacation to Diani Beach now=) Brother Busaboze from Uganda has been trying to find a way for me to fly over there for some meetings during the week, but I think I am just gonna have to come back to Africa another time=) If I dont go there, there are a few churches that have asked me to speak around Nairobi. Tomorrow I am going to an authentic African Wedding!!! should be crazy fun=)
Thank you for your prayers... Satan is not happy with the stirring going on here and is fighting hard.
Till next time.... Maybe next week.

Wednesday (almost Thursday) November 27

Incredible?!:)
I just finished speaking in a suburb of Nairobi, called Gachie.
As we were driving three Paul said that Gachie is one of the most unstable towns in Kenya... Ya, that helps the nerves!:)
The story of how I heard about this church is amazing.  Basically, if my laptop hadn't broke, I would've never met the church or spoke tonight. Long story:) Then right before speaking I got an email from my dad which had been sent to him from Bro. Bus (Busabozi) in Uganda. In his email Bro Bus mentioned a "little fellowship in the suburbs of Nairobi" that he had preached at... There are about 50 church's around Nairobi according to Brother Kamwati..... I was just about to speak at the one he mentioned!
So I spoke for 30 mins or so and then for next 45 went off my notes completely. I have never spoke the way I did tonight.... Ever! Have never sweated so much either.... Or been so hoarse after (surprise surprise:) they want me to speak again... Maybe when I get back from Diani Beach:) I am still claiming my 2-day vacation!:)
Some pics are included and I will have some video up soon that Paul took. I also audio recorded the service for our housekeeper to listen to:) she is gonna get an earful:) Now it's time to get rested and then get ready for tomorrow's service.

In front of church... Seated about 40 inside building and then pepl were standing outside... Probably didn't have a hard time hearing me:)

People knew how to pull on Word... Really not a surprise we had the service that we did.

This is for Brother Kyle. See, I am wearing a suit:)

Don't worry, it comes off after the opening scripture:)

I try to cover every bit of real estate along the isles and platform:) haha

Fellowship with brothers after church for tea. Kenya tea leaves are AMAzing

Wiped!:)

This is last weekend at the youth meeting in Kikuyu.

Man in back and center is Brother John Wakanu... Pastor of Kikuyu church

Just chilling... Waiting on "Africa time":)

Some of my very good friends... Acting BIG:)

This is last Sunday at youth service.

My one suit and couple pairs of dress clothes are 

Definitely getting over-used... Most have been 

Sweated in profusely at least twice:)

People don't seem to care about their smell or 

Dirtiness:) hahaha just kidding mom.

Wednesday, November 27

Hi everyone, just a quick update.
Today I am not volunteering at the hospital. Rather I am studying for this evening (Wednesday) service. I will also be speaking Thursday (tomorrow) night as well as Sunday.
Planning to speak on "Appraisal of the Sacrifice" this evening.
"Despising of the Nazarite Vow" tomorrow evening.
And "Make Way for Liberty"  on Sunday morning. Read the small print at the bottom!
Then I will be going to DIANI BEACH !!!
I have mostly been in the house last couple days but I did get you all a picture to see!............ BREAKFAST!!!

Unfortunately I haven't been able to put video up of speaking yet... But here is a pic if the notes I am working on for tomorrow evening. Behind the scenes:)

I made the pic small on purpose:) Am scheduled to take YP service Friday at CBW after I get back and I might use some of these notes:)

BYE!

***Subject and titles are all subject to change and leading of the Holy Ghost. This is a preview only, has no legal binding power, and is not set in stone. Thank you for kind understanding.***

Monday... November 25

This is the hospital I worked at today, Mpshah Hospital, in Nairobi. Dr. Collins is a young doctor and believer. He showed me around the whole hospital. This hospital is much larger than Tigoni or Wema, where I have been previously. It is also much more equipped and modern... Has dialysis machines, a CT scanning machine, and an onocology center.

This is Urs Truly and Marriam. Marriam is the person I was with most the day today. I did a lot of triage work today for emergency/ward patients.

Bad news today was that to fix my computer here is gonna cost a fortune. So I am just gonna do it myself once I get home. No videos anymore though:(
The GOOD NEWS is........

That's right! I had the BEST MANGO in the world today! Above is a picture of my handiwork's finished product!:) ........ Looking back on my posts it seems food keeps coming up... Hmmm

So I don't have a computer but have at least 3 more services to speak. So all those notes I had on laptop are old news.... But that's fine, last Sunday I had to use handwritten notes and we had an incredible time!!!:)  Am scheduled to speak this Wednesday and Sunday and maybe another one on Thursday or Friday. Hopefully can take a few days off volunteering to study... And practice my handwriting;) I always carry one sermon'a worth of notes in my backpack... Just in case:) Next week is gonna be a well-deserved vacation! Haha
Good bye one and all! And happy early thanksgiving you Americans!

Sunday November 24

Wow!
Am having a great time here!
This morning took a bus very early in morning to Nairobi and attended Mbotela church, Brother Kamwati's church. There have been a couple deaths in their church lately. One man fell off a bridge and drowned in water. Another lady, today, was swept down a river and died... Leaving a young family behind. There were 4 wedding/engagement announcements just in this mornings service!!!
Then we quickly drove and I spoke a meeting to Kikuyu youth and all youth in the area. Had a MARVELOUS time!
I haven't spoke that way ever. Got right down to where the youth are living and left my notes for most the time:) After the service, the pastor asked me to speak again... from the pulpit:) talk about on the spot, it's not like I am gonna say no then:) but I would speak tomorrow in the drop of a hat if I had the opportunity=) A few weeks ago I taught them "Give Me Jesus" song. I think it's the youth'a new theme song and we have sang it every service. Today it went very good with the after service since I finished the service asking "so what shall we do with this Jesus called Christ?" Quoting Pilate when Jews were choosing between Barabbas and Jesus. Give me Jesus!
More pics to come. Hopefully my computer gets fixed tomorrow.

Some of the young people during after service.

Studying in pastors study. Door on right goes out to pulpit.

The notebook on the left should look familiar Brother Kyle:)

Pics

Sorry pics are a little out of order. Just posting these on the bus on the way to church.

One of graduates

Cooking breakfast for a house full of bachelors:) at Paul's house... Although Paul may be leaving the "bachelors clan" soon=) (sorry Paul, I know you will read this:)

Graduation ceremony

I would guess 5-8 thousand people were at the graduation.

Doesn't take much to be happy:) Toys R Us wouldn't do well here with toys like this

Business school for graduation

West gate mall. Where the terrorist attacks were a few months ago.

Paul's grandfathers home. A farm

Sorry, I couldn't help but include this picture:) it is coming US thanksgiving and peanut butter definitely ranks high on the "thankful for" list! Haha