Well my time here in Nairobi is coming to a fast close. It has been such a great experience. Far better than I could have ever imagined. I have had the opportunity to see God work in so many marvelous ways. Sure us interns have had our ups and downs but throughout it all God has been with us every step of the way. It is so hard to believe that it is our last week here and we will be heading home soon. I am sad to leave but at the same time I am ready to return home.
I am sad to leave all of the friends I have been able to make. Being placed in a certain work center in Mathare has allowed me to develop close relationships with a few people. They are so fun to work with and I look forward to each and every day I get to spend with them. Mary, Mercy, Kevin, and Vivian have become like family to me. My personality blends so well with theirs. We will spend time during lunch joking with each other or talking about serious issues. No matter the topic of conversation I am somehow able to relate to the things they talk about. I am also sad to leave Diana. I have had the opportunity to counsel her throughout the course of the summer and I feel we are just forming a good relationship. She is able to open up to me and in return I am able to talk with her and encourage her to stay in school. I believe that within the next two months she will be bumped up to high school. The high school for the children from the slums is separated in to boys and girls. It is a boarding school out in the country about an hour away from Mathare. I am going to miss my new friends but they will always be remembered in my prayers and in my heart.
On the other hand, I am ready to be home again. Being here this summer and witnessing to random people has opened my eyes. At home I have always been comfortable and have not really shared the gospel with people I talk to and that even includes my family. I believe that is, in a way, selfish of me. Just because I have a relationship with God and I know Him does not mean that everyone I come in contact with does. I have realized that people in the US need to hear about God just as much as people in other parts of the world. I do not want to be just going through the motions. I am going to make a change and share the love of God with others and witness to people even if it feels uncomfortable. I feel God pulling me back to the US to share my faith and share His good Word. I have had my eyes opened this summer in ways I never thought they would be opened. Not only have I realized the importance of sharing the Word but I have realized the importance in building relationships.
All throughout his life, Jesus never worried about time. He did not check the sun to see if He was spending too much time with one person or another. He valued the people and made sure they understood why he was on this earth. He went around daily telling stories and making new friends and investing in the people. I want to live a life like Jesus. I do not want to put time in the way of a new friendship. When that new friendship is formed then the door has been opened to be able to share your faith. I believe that we each have our own individual stories for a reason. No two stories are alike so that we can share with others and open the door to conversation and friendship.
Last Friday I was not feeling well and stayed back from work. I was being selfish and blaming God for me being sick. I did not understand why He had called me here just to make me sick and stay behind from work. (Major mistake on my part). This was also the day of fasting. I woke up early so I could start praying and I just had to cry out to God and ask Him why I was sick and why I stayed back. After a couple hours I was feeling a bit better and went to the dining area to do my devotion and drink tea. While I was reading, one of the workers, whose name is Peter, asked me if I was studying. I told Him I was and was able to share my devotion with him. He looked at me and then began opening up to me and sharing his story with me. After he shared I was able to share a little bit about myself with him and then we were able to discuss different verses in the Bible. We prayed and then after we prayed he told me that he was going to change his life for the better and to not continue doing the things he was doing and that he was going to give his life to Christ. A couple days later I saw him working and asked him how he was. He said he has never been happier and that he had spent the last couple days reading his Bible and praying instead of going out. Just when I was feeling down, God brought my new friend Peter into my life. In a way it was a slap in the face that I really needed. It does not matter whether or not I am sick or healthy. If God wants to use me to further His kingdom, He will use me. I am so happy that I was able to make a new friend and that He has given his life over to Christ. God is so good even in the times we feel we do not deserve it. No matter what we do He never changes nor loves us any less. We have been blessed to have such an almighty loving father.
God bless each and every one of you and I thank you so much for your support. Please join me this next week in prayer and in furthering the kingdom of God. When you least expect it God will place someone in your life who He wants you to open your arms to. That could be a new friend or even a family member. Try not to push them away because you are running short on time. Pull them close and invest your time in them. Maybe they just need someone to listen to them or someone to just simply smile and give them a hug.
God Bless!
Alicia
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Jambo! (Hello)
Vipi mabeshty! (This is slang for, How are you my friends?). I hope all is well in good ol' Amurricah and that you all had a great celebration for the 4th. I hear the temperature there is getting nice and toasty. If it helps any, I have been comfortable here in a jacket or cardigan. I checked the temmperature yesterdat around 2:30PM and it was about 60 degrees farenheit! It is strange to think of Africa being that cool but it definitely is and it is a lot better than 100 degrees with crazy humidity.
So now it is time to share some of the fun stuff we get to do here on the nights and weekends. This past week we were able to celebrate the 4th of July with our American host missionaries at their home. They made hamburgers and many other delicious American foods. It was fun to just relax and have a fun celebration with some familiar foods. They even made brownies! It was not just the interns at their home. They had a team of older people visiting from Oregon. They were there to train and do workshops with the teachers, social workers, and CHE trainers of Missions of Hope. The training was such a good experience for everyone, including myself. I was lucky enough to attend and I am glad I was able to because I feel that I learned information that I will be able to use throughout my career as a social worker.
On the week nights, when we get back from work, we are able to hang out and talk to one another. We do not have a television where we are staying so that allows us to have time to open up to each other. We sit up for hours just talking about our days and what we would like to do with our lives. Mostly though, we talk about how our days went and also the people we work with. It is so fun to do this because then we get to know more people than just the ones we are assigned to work with. One of the first things we were able to laugh about was about how much some of the Kenyans eat and yet they are so tiny. They fill their plates as if they are not going to eat for another week (when in fact they will eat again in a few hours). What is even more funny is that they shake their heads at me and tell me I do not eat enough. My plate is less than half of theirs! Also, they are skinnier than most Americans. It is crazy. Also, I do not have to worry about losing too much weight because they make us more than enough food. They are so kind and are willing to give in a heartbeat. It has definitely made me take a step back and realize that that has what we have been called to do.
We have been called to give all that we have and expect nothing in return. I continue to count my blessings everyday because God has blessed me way more than I have ever deserved. I hope that you all have a great week and that you will look in to fasting with the interns and me. If you want more info you can go to previous blogs or to facebook and in the search bar type in Fast for Hope!
God Bless! <3
So now it is time to share some of the fun stuff we get to do here on the nights and weekends. This past week we were able to celebrate the 4th of July with our American host missionaries at their home. They made hamburgers and many other delicious American foods. It was fun to just relax and have a fun celebration with some familiar foods. They even made brownies! It was not just the interns at their home. They had a team of older people visiting from Oregon. They were there to train and do workshops with the teachers, social workers, and CHE trainers of Missions of Hope. The training was such a good experience for everyone, including myself. I was lucky enough to attend and I am glad I was able to because I feel that I learned information that I will be able to use throughout my career as a social worker.
On the week nights, when we get back from work, we are able to hang out and talk to one another. We do not have a television where we are staying so that allows us to have time to open up to each other. We sit up for hours just talking about our days and what we would like to do with our lives. Mostly though, we talk about how our days went and also the people we work with. It is so fun to do this because then we get to know more people than just the ones we are assigned to work with. One of the first things we were able to laugh about was about how much some of the Kenyans eat and yet they are so tiny. They fill their plates as if they are not going to eat for another week (when in fact they will eat again in a few hours). What is even more funny is that they shake their heads at me and tell me I do not eat enough. My plate is less than half of theirs! Also, they are skinnier than most Americans. It is crazy. Also, I do not have to worry about losing too much weight because they make us more than enough food. They are so kind and are willing to give in a heartbeat. It has definitely made me take a step back and realize that that has what we have been called to do.
We have been called to give all that we have and expect nothing in return. I continue to count my blessings everyday because God has blessed me way more than I have ever deserved. I hope that you all have a great week and that you will look in to fasting with the interns and me. If you want more info you can go to previous blogs or to facebook and in the search bar type in Fast for Hope!
God Bless! <3
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
My Family In Christ
Philippians 2:3 " Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself." I have been meditating over this verse for most of this past week. One thing I have noticed is that the Kenyan workers hold very true to this. I have been very fortunate to have been put in an area in Mathare called Kosovo. The social workers there have been such good role models. They are there doing their job because they enjoy getting to know both the parents and the children. Many times they go out of their way to make sure that the families they work with are doing good.
Esther is a CHE worker who I have had the chance to do some house visits with. She was not feeling well one day and yet she still came to work. We were walking back to the center after a few house visits and I asked her if she was feeling better. Her reply was something like, "I am doing much better. I just need to get out and talk with people. That always makes us feel better." Esther is such a good example example to follow. She values others above herself. Every day I love the people here more and more.
A few days ago, and also today, I had the opportunity to go to an American-taught social work training. It was such a good experience and most of the social workers throughout Mathare were able to attend. While at the training I have been able to get to know the social workers I am working with a lot better. I am working with Kevin, Mary, Mercy, and Vivian in social work and Esther is the CHE worker at Kosovo. I am honestly becoming so close with them and it is going to be very hard to say goodbye. I have definitely been blessed. They all like to run and play fight with each other and it is so funny to watch them. They are also very sarcastic so that means that I am fitting in well with that. They are my family in Christ and my love continues to grow for them each and every day.
God Bless!
Esther is a CHE worker who I have had the chance to do some house visits with. She was not feeling well one day and yet she still came to work. We were walking back to the center after a few house visits and I asked her if she was feeling better. Her reply was something like, "I am doing much better. I just need to get out and talk with people. That always makes us feel better." Esther is such a good example example to follow. She values others above herself. Every day I love the people here more and more.
A few days ago, and also today, I had the opportunity to go to an American-taught social work training. It was such a good experience and most of the social workers throughout Mathare were able to attend. While at the training I have been able to get to know the social workers I am working with a lot better. I am working with Kevin, Mary, Mercy, and Vivian in social work and Esther is the CHE worker at Kosovo. I am honestly becoming so close with them and it is going to be very hard to say goodbye. I have definitely been blessed. They all like to run and play fight with each other and it is so funny to watch them. They are also very sarcastic so that means that I am fitting in well with that. They are my family in Christ and my love continues to grow for them each and every day.
God Bless!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
The Ultimate Protector and Provider
At times, situations are not what we would like them to be and that has seemed to be the case throughout this past week. In the midst of all that though it is good to realize that God has things planned out just the way He wants them. It is not about what we want, it is about what He wants for us. I have been shown that I was not called here for my plans or to be comfortable. Our walk as Christians is not supposed to be easy. Times are going to be tough but this is when He expects to turn to Him and look to Him for our strength.Now this does not mean that we are always going to be struggling with things. God also blesses us and allows times t be good. These are times that we will grow to cherish.
We spend quite a bit of time waiting to figure out what we are going to do or what our advisors want us to do. In these many times I have been able to read and pray quite a bit. I find myself looking and talking to God more than I ever have in my life. There are very few distractions here and so it is good to just sit in silent prayer for the people I have come in contact with. It was in one of these silent times that I came across Colossians 4:5-6 which says, "Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace."
God has blessed me so much this past week and I have been able to realize even more how amazing He truly is. This past week started out differently than I could have ever imagined. My good friend Emily, who happened to be on the same internship, was not feeling well. I was able to hang out with her the first couple days of the week. On Tuesday night she was able to go back home and is feeling better now. I am so thankful that she was able to return home safely. By Tuesday night I was wondering what the rest of the week was going to turn out to be like. After pondering it for a while I just had to give it to God. It does not matter what I think or what I want to happen. What does matter is that God has it all planned out along with the rest of my life. It is so encouraging to know that our Perfect Creator is in control of my life and that He will never put me in danger. He will ALWAYS protect me and provide for me.
The end of the week was definitely a gift for God. I was introduced to Diana, a girl whom I get the opportunity to counsel the rest of the summer! Our first meeting was a little shakey because I was so new to her and we had never met before. I was definitely discouraged but then asked God for his guidance and counseling and at our second session she was able to open up a little more to me. We need to let ourselves go and let God.
The people of Mathare are helping me more than I could have ever imagined. I am learning more each and every day. In Romans 12:13 it mentions sharing with those who are in need. Coming in to this I was selfish and thought that I was going to help all the people who are need here. Maybe I should have taken a step back and realized how needy I was and how they are going to help me. God is changing my life through this experience and through these people and I would not have it any other way.
ATTENTION: Our fasting date has changed but it would be great if you are sill able to fast with the interns. If you have no clue what I am talking about I mentioned it in my previous blog. The new date for this is just the next week on Friday July 13, 2012. Thank ya!
In Him,
Alicia
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Therefore, Humble Yourselves Like Children
Week one in Mathare has flown by. We started out our time going through orientation in five different departments. The departments are Community Health Evangelism (CHE), Spiritual Development and Counseling, Social Work, and Microfinance. It was great to see how all of the different departments are helping people in such different ways.After the orientations, I was placed in social work for half the time I am here and in counseling the other half.
The Kenyans we are working with have been very welcoming. Last Friday the host missionaries, Keith and Kathy Ham, had us over for dinner and they made us spaghetti and meatballs. It was fun to get to know them and hear about what all they do. Mary and Wallace Kamau are the nationals who started Missions of Hope International (MOHI). They have a huge heart for people and genuinely care for each individual they come in contact with. I have not had much time to talk with them but they have invited us over for dinner tonight. Our group as a whole will get to know them better and hear more about how they decided God was calling them to start MOHI.
Over the last few days I have been able to spend some time with some amazing children. I got the opportunity to teach them songs and games and in return they taught me some songs and they also taught me how to dance.It was great to see the excitement they had in their faces. They are so innocent and joyful even after all they have seen and lived through. Seeing and realizing this reminds me of the verses in Matthew 18:3-4 which says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Our minds have been corrupted by the things of this world and God has called us to humble ourselves like these children in the midst of it all. It literally breaks my heart to see a child so hungry that they have to resort to eating styrafoam or plastic and they think nothing of it. These children are running around giggling and singing joyful songs. They are the ones who truly know what it means to be humble.
This has shown me that I don't need worldly possessions to make me happy. If I hand everything over to God He will take care of it in the best way possible. The people of Mathare are welcoming and very kind and it is going to be a changing summer being able to get to know these people more and getting to talk with them. God has called each and every one of us to the places we are and there is a specific reason He has called us. I am excited to see where God is going to take us interns this summer and what He is going to reveal to us.
Ok supporters, I need your support. One of our interns has an idea and the rest of our group realized that it was a good idea. We have decided that in a few weeks we are going to fast from food all day and we would like for all of you to join us. We are going to fast from sun-up to sun-down on Friday, July 6th. If you are not able to fast the whole day maybe you could fast a meal, the TV, music, or even your cell phone. The reason for doing this is so that we will be reminded to pray for the people of Mathare and really focus on God during the times we would regularly eat. I just ask that you please consider and pray for this to see if this is something you would be willing to do. Also, please continue praying for our team and the people of Mathare.
Until next time, God Bless!
In Him,
Alicia
The Kenyans we are working with have been very welcoming. Last Friday the host missionaries, Keith and Kathy Ham, had us over for dinner and they made us spaghetti and meatballs. It was fun to get to know them and hear about what all they do. Mary and Wallace Kamau are the nationals who started Missions of Hope International (MOHI). They have a huge heart for people and genuinely care for each individual they come in contact with. I have not had much time to talk with them but they have invited us over for dinner tonight. Our group as a whole will get to know them better and hear more about how they decided God was calling them to start MOHI.
Over the last few days I have been able to spend some time with some amazing children. I got the opportunity to teach them songs and games and in return they taught me some songs and they also taught me how to dance.It was great to see the excitement they had in their faces. They are so innocent and joyful even after all they have seen and lived through. Seeing and realizing this reminds me of the verses in Matthew 18:3-4 which says, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Our minds have been corrupted by the things of this world and God has called us to humble ourselves like these children in the midst of it all. It literally breaks my heart to see a child so hungry that they have to resort to eating styrafoam or plastic and they think nothing of it. These children are running around giggling and singing joyful songs. They are the ones who truly know what it means to be humble.
This has shown me that I don't need worldly possessions to make me happy. If I hand everything over to God He will take care of it in the best way possible. The people of Mathare are welcoming and very kind and it is going to be a changing summer being able to get to know these people more and getting to talk with them. God has called each and every one of us to the places we are and there is a specific reason He has called us. I am excited to see where God is going to take us interns this summer and what He is going to reveal to us.
Ok supporters, I need your support. One of our interns has an idea and the rest of our group realized that it was a good idea. We have decided that in a few weeks we are going to fast from food all day and we would like for all of you to join us. We are going to fast from sun-up to sun-down on Friday, July 6th. If you are not able to fast the whole day maybe you could fast a meal, the TV, music, or even your cell phone. The reason for doing this is so that we will be reminded to pray for the people of Mathare and really focus on God during the times we would regularly eat. I just ask that you please consider and pray for this to see if this is something you would be willing to do. Also, please continue praying for our team and the people of Mathare.
Until next time, God Bless!
In Him,
Alicia
Monday, June 4, 2012
Deuces America!
After sitting through meeting for the past five days, the team is now packing and flying out tomorrow. We leave the place we have been staying around 9:00 AM and our plane is scheduled to take off at 12:25. After all of the preparation and information we have gone through we are now a little more prepared to take this journey the Lord is leading us on. As more time passes I find myself experiencing almost every emotion you could possibly imagine. I have noticed that over the course of these five days the Lord has really softened my heart and has allowed me to see how important it is to ask for help sometimes
For most of my life I have been the person to jump right in and help someone in need. If someone needs a person to listen to them I am willing to listen no matter what they need to say. Something that God has really laid on my heart is that even though it is good to be the one who is there for others, it is ok to let others be there for me and help me out. This is something that really hit me hard. For some reason, it has always been hard for me to ask for help. I want to do things on my own and be the tough person. This is not a good attitude to have because God did not intend for us to do things on our own. God intended for us to build each other up and when we are struggling to ask others for help. Especially when in a different culture, a person is going to need help physically and emotionally, and spiritually. The Mathare Valley team is filled with amazing people who have all been given different gifts and talents. Already, we are able to go up to one another and ask for help or offer our help whether that be in a task or praying for one another. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
In saying this, I ask that you be praying for our team in our travels and also when we arrive in Mathare Valley. Also, I ask that you please keep the other interns in your prayers as well. There are 37 interns all together and all are going to many different places across the world. We cannot do what we need to do without the help of our supporters nor without the help of God. I thank you all so much for your prayers and support! Please continue praying throughout the summer.
For most of my life I have been the person to jump right in and help someone in need. If someone needs a person to listen to them I am willing to listen no matter what they need to say. Something that God has really laid on my heart is that even though it is good to be the one who is there for others, it is ok to let others be there for me and help me out. This is something that really hit me hard. For some reason, it has always been hard for me to ask for help. I want to do things on my own and be the tough person. This is not a good attitude to have because God did not intend for us to do things on our own. God intended for us to build each other up and when we are struggling to ask others for help. Especially when in a different culture, a person is going to need help physically and emotionally, and spiritually. The Mathare Valley team is filled with amazing people who have all been given different gifts and talents. Already, we are able to go up to one another and ask for help or offer our help whether that be in a task or praying for one another. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
In saying this, I ask that you be praying for our team in our travels and also when we arrive in Mathare Valley. Also, I ask that you please keep the other interns in your prayers as well. There are 37 interns all together and all are going to many different places across the world. We cannot do what we need to do without the help of our supporters nor without the help of God. I thank you all so much for your prayers and support! Please continue praying throughout the summer.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Today is THE Day!
Ok everyone, it is finally here. Today is the day that I get to meet my fellow interns who I will be spending my summer with. I head out today at 2:30 and will meet up with my group in Indianapolis. I am so excited I can barely sit still. I am all packed after a couple days of adding and taking away different items. I have been so antsy the last couple hours and find myself just walking around my house to keep myself under control.
I do have a request that I would like you all to pray for my friends who are traveling to Indy to meet for orientation. They are all traveling from different states. Some are driving and others are flying. So I just ask that you keep all of us in your prayers for safe traveling and also throughout the trip.
Again, I just want to thank you so much for all of your prayer support. It has been such a blessing to be able to partner up with so many different amazing people. I am so blessed to have you all in my life! I am not sure when I will be able to update my blog again but keep checking in. Feel free to write any comments or questions you may have. I will be more than happy to answer anything!
God Bless
I do have a request that I would like you all to pray for my friends who are traveling to Indy to meet for orientation. They are all traveling from different states. Some are driving and others are flying. So I just ask that you keep all of us in your prayers for safe traveling and also throughout the trip.
Again, I just want to thank you so much for all of your prayer support. It has been such a blessing to be able to partner up with so many different amazing people. I am so blessed to have you all in my life! I am not sure when I will be able to update my blog again but keep checking in. Feel free to write any comments or questions you may have. I will be more than happy to answer anything!
God Bless
Saturday, May 26, 2012
It's Almost Here!!
Hello friends!
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to do my second post. No need to fear though, I did not forget about it.
The last couple of months have flown by so fast I can hardly believe it. I leave in five days to start my orientation and meet the rest of the interns who will be going to Kenya and also other different countries. I am getting excited and the fact that I am going to Africa is finally sinking in. I have gotten vaccinations and prescriptions and I believe that is what is making it sink in more. Also, I have started the process of getting everything I will be needing together. Below is a picture of all of the items i may be taking.
I want to thank everyone so much for the support they have given me through gifts and prayer. I was able to meet my goal amount and even exceed it! I have been so blessed and God has definitely shown me that this is where he wants me this summer. God has opened this door for me and I am so thankful that He has been there for me every step of the way. In the song "I Will Follow" by Chris Tomlin I believe it fits my thoughts and feelings for the Lord. HE sings, "Where you go, I'll go. Where you stay I'll stay. When you move, I'll move. I will follow you. Who you love, I'll love. How you serve, I'll serve. If this life I lose, I will follow you." No matter where I am I want to follow the plan God has for my life. I believe that He will open and close many doors throughout my life and will help guide me to where He wants me.
Again, I just want to thank you all for your prayers and support you have blessed me with.
In Him,
Alicia
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to do my second post. No need to fear though, I did not forget about it.
The last couple of months have flown by so fast I can hardly believe it. I leave in five days to start my orientation and meet the rest of the interns who will be going to Kenya and also other different countries. I am getting excited and the fact that I am going to Africa is finally sinking in. I have gotten vaccinations and prescriptions and I believe that is what is making it sink in more. Also, I have started the process of getting everything I will be needing together. Below is a picture of all of the items i may be taking.
Again, I just want to thank you all for your prayers and support you have blessed me with.
In Him,
Alicia
Saturday, March 10, 2012
The Start of Something New
It is time for my first blog! I know my trip is still about three months away but I could not wait to start my blog. As the time draws closer I continue to grow more and more excited each day. I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to do this internship.
I began my support raising two weeks ago and immediately I have been blessed with financial support from a few people. I am grateful for the help and more importantly for all of the prayers. Tomorrow I will be giving a presentation to my home church, Ogilville Christian Church, to share with them this opportunity. I am both nervous and excited for the presentation. I know God will speak through me and allow me to say what I need to.
That is all I have for now but I will try to post at least every other week to keep everyone updated on different situations.
God Bless!
I began my support raising two weeks ago and immediately I have been blessed with financial support from a few people. I am grateful for the help and more importantly for all of the prayers. Tomorrow I will be giving a presentation to my home church, Ogilville Christian Church, to share with them this opportunity. I am both nervous and excited for the presentation. I know God will speak through me and allow me to say what I need to.
That is all I have for now but I will try to post at least every other week to keep everyone updated on different situations.
God Bless!
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