Friday November 15

Howdy do!

Life is good at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hope I am missing out on snow back home=)

Let me give you a little insight into my evening...

Before I go to bed I must perform the following duties in order to kill all bugs/mosquitoes in the room.

THERE IS NOTHING WORSE than the zzzzZZZZzzzz of a mosquito passing your ear just as you are dosing off. Even with anti-malaria pills I am not a fan of sleeping with mosquitoes.

Routine:

1) Kill all bugs in sight.

2) Turn room light off, turn bathroom light on... Mosquitoes follow light.

3) Close bathroom door and trap any mosquitoes inside=)

4) Turn iPhone on and wait for a couple more bugs to "appear" near light of phone... note: stay close to light switch

5) Quickly turn on the room light and repeat step one.... KILL EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!!

6) Enjoy the zzzzz of slumber.

Tomorrow, I will be meeting Brother Jimmy in Nairobi and he will take me to his home. I am speaking at his church in Machakos Sunday... Planning for title to be "Make Way for Liberty!" (Text: Rev 5 and story of Arnold Von Winkleried) ... I will try and get some video of the service to post on the blog.

God is moving amazingly here and I probably am only seeing the tip of iceberg. Not this Sunday, but the one after, I will taking a service just for all the local youth... I am excited about this since I have really got a burden for them (I can explain when I get back=).

I also gave business advice for the first time today=) An acquaintance of Brother Wanjaria owns a bakery and is revising his business model to make it more profitable. Just in case you didn't know, I love doing that sort of thing=) We are gonna meet again next week for more advice and he is gonna pay us back by showing us how to make yoghurt... I CANT WAIT!=D

Whoever thought that I would be witnessing to Americans in Africa?!?!

Well it happened today. Brother Leonard had come in contact with several American medical volunteers that were on a church youth trip. I went to visit it them (about 40min drive from Kikuyu (home)). They were the first North American's I have seen since getting here and so it was nice to talk about American sports as well as talk fast, without worrying about language deficiencies=) After that, I witnessed to them of the Message for over an hour and they had many questions. Who knows where it will end... Got contact info and are planning to get together with them again. Also, some of them are not medical students but rather just pray for those in the hospitals. I am planning on joining them to do that one of these days. 

I know I am being guided by "an unseen hand," and your prayers are having a real effect.

These are Masai singers/dancers at the public market Thursday.

I really enjoyed talking to all the vendors this time since I am a lot more comfortable with pushy sales people than last week=)

Early this morning, Friday, I went to Michelangelo (the recreational facility) and studied for Sunday service in Machakos. Then Brother Wanjaria and Brother Leonard (pastor) took me for a drive.

Saw a few of my relatives along the roadside=)

This is a Catholic Church built by Italian prisoners of war in 1942. 

Inside the church.

This is where I studied and where we had dinner. It is called the Sunset Deck at Michelangelo. Brother Wanjaria has several employees working at Michelangelo... He pays them approximately $2 USD equivalent per day (an average wage for a general worker here).... and they work HARD in the heat.

Wednesday November 13

Top of the day to you all,
Beginning to miss home.... just a little=)
But am really feeling part of the town and local community.
I haven't done a lot of "tourist" type stuff but really enjoy experiencing what the locals do on an everyday basis. But, I am planning a few day safari to go see the animals in the wild.

OH! I HAVE THE WORST NEWS! My rationing management committee are getting fired for their poor use of goods. I have finished 80% of my granola and health bars and am not half way done my trip!! AAAHH! If I die from this calamity, I want a cedar casket and my mom to sing at my funeral=D jk jk.... Just means I will need to eat more peanut butter and honey=)

The pic above is the big news at Tigoni right now. The "nursery" is where the premature babies are. Even before the infection started we would have to scrub hands/arms and put on slippers prior to entering the nursery. Now, several of the babies of an infection that is contagious and so alert is high to not spread it around the hospital.
I have seen all sorts of horrible cases (some don't fit the standards of this family-friendly show), but one stands out. A young boy that was born with his hip and knee joints facing his back. In other words, his calf (lower leg) extends away from him instead of behind him and his toes face behind him. If you haven't noticed, I have mostly been working with children. I love paediatrics 100 times more than the general ward. Next week I may start working more in the maternity and surgical departments, but I love the kids and the kids love me.... obviously, who doesn't like playing soccer in the hospital!?! haha
Also, a volunteer at our compound, named Carris, got some sort of infection/bite in her eye. They both swelled up to where she could barely see light when she opened her eyes. Had everyone a little agitated  about bugs=) But they are a protein-saturated snack for me=D

I also attached a short clip of myself and several other young people singing a special at church last Sunday. For now, I am scheduled to speak at Brother Jimmy Kilonzo's church this Sunday and then Brother Wakhanu's the Sunday after that.

November 10 Sunday Service

Hello all,
First off, thank you so much for all your words/emails of kindness and prayers for the service today. Was amazing. I lost my voice.... surprise, surprise=)
I spoke out of Rev. 6:1-8, Ezekiel 37:1-12, Joel 1 and 2, 1 Cor. 15:54...
Title: "Last Enemy Conquered: Death."
Taught them "Give Me Jesus" song and sang a special with young people, "In Christ Alone."
I have a feeling this is gonna turn into a ministering trip=/... but I am fine with that=)
Watching amazing lightning storm right now=)

Studying Saturday on my bunkbed=)

Pastors back office. Finally, printed notes off 10 minutes before I used them. Not gonna lie, was getting a little nervous.

First time I ever thought I needed a tablet.

Left to Right: Boaz, Kelvin, Yours Truly, Jerry, Paul

 Couple pics of me speaking... taken by Paul.

At the end of service Paster Wakhanu came up and spoke for a couple mins... challenging the youth especially. From the pulpit he asked how old I was. When I said 18, everyone gasped=) After, they all said they thought I was 25!!! At that rate, I will look 95 in ten years!! LOL

More pics/video

A 1 minute video of kids at hospital is also added to videos tab.

Pictures

Pics of Michelangelo recreational/restaurant facility.

One of the schools the Wanjarias started.

The Wanjarias. In front of their lovely home.

My little pal at paediatrics trying on my hat=)

Playing with paediatrics burn patients.

 Thought the kids would like this one... ok, we're all kids at heart=)

Brother Kamwati speaking Wednesday at Nairobi theatre. They have midweek service at theatre due to traffic and better location.

 Tigoni Hospital.... one of the outdoor hallways that connect wards.

Incubator room. Babies under 1500 grams.

Butcher shop... you can see my reflection in window... Very smooth walk-by photo... the butcher had told me not to take pic of him so I had to be discrete=)

One of millions of banana stands=)

Friday November 8

Howdy,

Before I give you a LONG boring update;-) I will share the most VITAL and important information.

Below is my BNLRM "Bare-Necessities-of-Life Rations Management." So far I have consumed:

Over 4.2lbs of peanut butter

.6 lbs of honey

18 boiled eggs

Over 1 lb of protein powder

Approx 12lbs of granola/granola bars (running low…. only 10lbs left)

In other words, LIFE HAS BEEN GOOD!

Both the last two days I have been in a matatu (bus) that has broken down. A true African experience! Also, went to a Masai Market (outdoor) where they had traditional African dance and music as well as lots of street shops. I would've taken pictures and video but I was tired of being "sold" to…. Being white and being dressed in medical scrubs sets you up for being a salesperson magnet=)

You gotta watch the latest video! I am now volunteering at Tigoni Hospital, which is much bigger and has many wards/departments. I have mostly been working in the paediatrics and maternity wards. A volunteer from Sweden is also at Tigoni. Her friends gave her a whole suitcase of clothes to give away. We have made a special connection with the 8 children in the burn unit. The mothers have to stay with the children and many are at the hospital for weeks. Watch the video and see the mothers showing off the new clothes we gave them=) I have never seen so many happy people in a hospital room. We like to make the kids and mothers happy there because the extreme pain the kids have to go through twice a day. That is when we have to clean the burn wounds and apply cream. They scream like they are insane and it is so hard to watch. I got a video of all the children during the infamous screaming time but I didn't include on blog…. this is a family show=) Today I also bought the kids a bunch of bubbles and a soccer ball (watch in video). It truly is "more blessed to give, than to receive." The mothers were all hugging us and crying. As we left the room they came running after us and insisted we take something in return… their lunch (7 tangerines and 2 bananas). We refused but they stuffed them in our backpacks=)

Sorry if last paragraph didn't make sense. Words can't describe the experience. One word: humbling.

One of the mothers came from Masai. In Masai they misuse the girls very young and force them to marry around age 10. She escaped on foot as a girl and is studying to be a journalist and is also actively rescuing other girls from Masai. Told us many stories.

I also went to the Wanjario's house today. They attend the Kikuyu church where I am speaking Sunday and picked me up from Tigoni Hospital at lunchtime. They showed me their house, informed me on taking a safari, had lunch, and then I and Brother Wanjario went to Michelangelo. Michelangelo is a large piece of property Brother Wanjario has turned into a recreational/restaurant business. It was AMAZING! He is business and architecture extrordinare! We talked a lot about business and industry in Kenya. I learnt SO much. The facility is incredible and is close to the hospital. We discussed his plans to make it into an overnight accommodation for business conventions. The Wanjario's treated me like their son and are very hospitable. I will be going to Michelangelo to have devotions, study, and just relax in the tranquility while enjoying the amazing views of the valley. 

I have lots of stories, but can't fit in blog=) 

Dr. George, from Wema Hospital, found out that I speak at churches. He calls me Dr. Preacher now=) He thinks that is awesome, since he is choir director at his church=) All volunteers think I am kinda nuts going to church or fellowshipping almost every evening=) Not to mention, 5 of them are atheists=) Very interesting conversations… we get along though, so I don't hold anything back=) Our housekeeper, Ann, went to clinic today for her medication. Dr. George told her I was a "preacher." She respects me a whole lot more now=)…. Previously, she was sort of a pain and didn't like me getting home late, eating lots of food, exercising early=)

I see where is coming from though….. I am BIG pain for such a SMALL guy!

Planning on speaking Sunday on "The Last Enemy Conquered: Death"

Starting to miss y'all but am feeling at home and am positive I have a little Kenyan blood in me=)

Tuesday November 5

Just a quick update.

A few days ago a boy (about 7-8 yrs old) came into the clinic.

Let me warn you…. the following paragraph contain scenes of graphic pain and horror. Viewer discretion is advised=)

The boy had been thrown into a fire at school. Both his legs and back were burnt VERY badly. He came in and the wounds were open, dirty, and oozing. I had to clean him up because the doctor was busy doing surgery. One of the hardest things I have done so far…

The poor kid was in incredible pain when he came in. I had to put betadine (antiseptic) on the wounds and clean them out with gauze. Touching the burn only compounded the pain and he screamed historically. I had a couple of the other volunteers hold him down so I could clean and then bandage all the wounds.

I did Facetime for BCA senior devotions the other day. My dad's subject was "Do We Have it Too Good?' After seeing kids like this one at the clinic I have to say "Yes, we do." My little issues and problems don't mean a whole lot in comparison.

Also, helped Dr. George take a large growth out of mans ear. Very interesting. The guy just sat in his chair. One shot of local anesthetic, 30 minute operation, 10 sutures…. The guy must have been in serious pain but all he did was curl his toes. HIGH pain tolerance! Learning how to suture was cool.

I am getting ready for Sunday service… my study desk is my bunk bed. Looking forward to it! Still not 100% sure on the subject.

Volunteers here are pretty awesome. Makes me feel better about the future of the world=) lol

They are very giving and caring. A couple of the guys bought a welding machine for one of the older orphans so that he can make a living for himself and his siblings. The girls just bought 40 pairs of shoes for all the young orphans. Another of the orphanages is ran by an old grandmother and ran out of money for food last week. Volunteers pitched in to go grocery shopping for them.

Tomorrow evening, I will be going to Nairobi for a church fellowship. WIll post some pics of the believers.

I will post a video on Sunday with everything else that has been going on this week as well as video of Brother Kamwati's church, our special, and my speaking.

Later! And thank you for your prayers.

Sunday November 3

Hello to all!

Yesterday, Saturday, I went into Nairobi and hung out with some of the young people the whole day.
We sang and fellowshipped and then sang a special this morning at church.

Today I went to Brother Kamwati's church. We went early because Brother Kamwati wanted to have some fellowship before the service. Had a great time recalling past memories of when my father and grandfather were in Africa. He sends his greetings to Brother Byskal, the Okellos, and everyone in Cloverdale. They have very special place in their heart for Bibleway and Brother Byskal especially.
The young people there know every singer on BrideMusic.org and I was questioned about family lineage, height, shoe size, social security numbers, etc, etc, etc=)

The church is very large and the sanctuary is full. They also have a large hall in the basement that allows people to watch the service on screens. They have plans to build another church that will meet their needs better.

By the way, security is EVERYWHERE. For instance, at the mall, there is security to check vehicles and pedestrians before going into parking lot. They even have metal detector wands. Then inside the mall parking lot there are guys in uniform and automatic weapons. Then before you go inside the mall you are checked again by security with metal detectors and all. Also, most stores within the mall have a security agent that keeps an eye on the entrance.
The church is no exception. Before going on church property security uses the metal detectors and checks backpacks and purses. There were 4-5 men in uniform that had rifles in the church entrance as well.

I greeted the people for several minutes before the preaching. A lot of them have been asking a very open-ended question: "How is Kenya different from Canada?" So, in my "exhortation" I said that "It's the SAME devil, with the SAME tricks, with the SAME temptations. But, thanks be to God that we serve the SAME powerful God!" They liked that answer a lot while they laughed and applauded.
Went out to eat and had some authentic African food with Jerry (18) and Kelvin (22). When we are in the city they act like my body guards and always tell me to stay close=)

Wednesday we will be having a church fellowship at Brother Kamwati's and then Sunday I will be speaking. This morning the sermon title was "I am the Bread of Life that Came Down from Heaven." It was great... BESIDES ONE THING. He walked all over what I was planning to speak on next Sunday. I had studied the manna in Exodus while on the flight here... gonna have to go to plan B=)
I will put a video up end of next week... internet is sort making uploading a pain=)
I will miss being in Cloverdale for the Sunday services! God bless

PS-- We saw a solar eclipse this evening. Covered almost half the sun. VERY COOL.

This is after church during choir practice. The building is very tall and has this carved into the wall.

The sound board is in a room behind the platform. I spoke with Kelvin and hope to help them reposition the sound booth in the balcony so that the specials and sound isn't such an issue.

Brother Kamwati had me sit in front. This is left side of congregation.

Middle

Right side.

Side view of church

I didn't workout Sunday but certainly practiced my isometric squats using this African-style toilet!=)

I would guess there is about 1600 or so in sanctuary and then several hundred more people downstairs watching the service.

Friday, November 1

Howdy everyone!

The boy I mentioned a few days ago has ascending paralysis. This means that the paralyzed nerve starts in feet and goes up the leg. Now he can't control his knee joint. We are treating him with steroids. He should be fine but he definitely had us puzzled for a while.

2 births happened this morning in the clinic. I was late and only caught the end of the second one.

Sonna is another volunteer. She did CPR on a young boy yesterday for 3 hours and then he died suddenly. She was pretty distraught about it.

I am getting pretty good at drug injections but even better at washing my clothes and hanging on clothes line:) haha

A lady came into clinic today with very late stage malaria and was shaking uncontrollably. Hopefully she pulls through. We get several malaria and HIV patients each day. 

Giving kids injections is so hard! They scream like they are dying and we have to hold some of them down:/ I plan on going to a larger hospital next week, Tigoni Hospital.

Sunday I will be going to Brother Kamwati's church and hopefully will be going to Brother Jimmy Kalonzo's church next week.

Lord willing, I will be speaking twice on the Seven Seals with the young people in the weeks following.

Last night, Thursday, had a wonderful mid-week service at Kikuyu church. Brother Anthony spoke on "Have You Recognized Your Message?"

Before....

During...

AFTER.

Yep, those are all mine:) All I can say is thank God for mothers.... And washing machines!=)

African sound system:) if only our's was this simple!:)

That is one big bull horn. Brother Anthony preaching Thursday Evening in Kikuyu.

I walked to church (just a few miles). Everything is safe here as long as you are cautious and it isn't dark outside.

Wisdom Tooth extraction:) I won't complain about my wisdom tooth extraction anymore=D

What do you do when there is no mirror? I feel an iPhone commercial coming on:)