Some Things Don't Change

Sunday was a really full day, so much so that we were too tired to stay up and blog about it, so in a nutshell...
We went to Oasis church in the morning. It was my first time getting to see the house kids since I arrived so I couldn't wait to see all of them. I dont know if they knew I was back in Kitale yet or if i was going to be at church because they looked so surprised. It had already started when everyone got there so we had to save the catching up for afterward.

Stone and Moses


Evans and Pato


It was surreal to be talking to the boys again, but I could tell they had changed, positively, since the last time I had seen them. Some, like Bram and Evans, spoke better English, others it was their personality.






After church we went to the Kitale prison. I have been to the womens prison many times, but never to the mens. Pastor Steve is in the middle of partnering with the prison to help build them a clean water source.
We spent some time with the male prisoners first and then headed over the womens section, but not before Cassie made some little friends.



The cute prison kids...


After the prison we went over to house 2 to have dinner with them and house 1. This is one of those cases where I dont mind saying
Some things never change, they still love to dance and run around and have fun. Which we were happy to take part in. There are a lot of things I miss about living here, but that had to be on the top of the list.
They definitely still love to dance...






One thing I really loved was that they seemed so much closer as a group. It made me so happy to see how they loved and took care of each other so well. And they were so great being friendly and respectful of Cassie and trying to make her feel welcome.

Stone took over the camera for a while and this is what I found...












Cassie helped serve dinner


Can't wait for the next time!

Mt. Elgon

Today Steve took all of us up to Mt. Elgon, which is about an hour and a half away, to distribute relief supplies of blankets, corn, and of all things maxi pads:) to the community. I hate maxi pads, but they are like gold here.

Cassie enjoyed the car ride. It was a really beautiful.


These kids like the taste of tetanus...


A ton of people turned out for the distribution, which also included a medical clinic from Freda.



As we looked around we notice there weren't many men in the crowd. Steve reminded us that when the clashes happened a year and a half ago, most of the men in the community were killed, leaving the women and kids behind.



Steve called Cassie up and had her help put a blanket on one of the oldest mamas in the village. She especially loved it when they sang and danced because they were so happy to receive the supplies.


A couple of cute mamas...


Matt gave out corn rations.





Cassie loved this baby...


Cute Richard hanging out at the clinic, he's always a hit with the ladies.


On the way home we saw and effective Kenyan way to travel...Don't worry Tooey, Cassie will not be doing this...for a few weeks.

We made it!

After almost 3 days of traveling, my younger sister and I made it to Kitale, Kenya.
She was absolutely amazing during the incredibly taxing trip, probably having a better attitude than I did. We left Long Beach, CA and headed for NY on a red eye, then transferred to a 12 1/2 hour flight to Dubai (longest in my life, can't even imagine how Cassie felt, it only her 4 or 5 flight ever.)From Dubai, we flew on to Nairobi, where we had to spend a the night and then caught a bus for 8 hours northwest to Kitale...We slept 12 hours last night...

Cassies first shuttle ride in Nairobi...


After a restful night we got up and went to Oasis. Pastor Steve and a bunch of college age students (including Chris and Matt) are staying at the compound for the summer. They were having a street kid washing day for all the kids that attend Oasis and live in the area. It was so great to be back and see everyone, it felt like I had never left. They were even more excited to meet Cassie and she got mobbed by all the kids.


She jumped right in and helped direct the medical clinic line.


Our friend and driver Alan...was board


Cassie dug this kids style


Me and the munchkin





Tomorrow we are going to an IDP camp.
Thanks for all your prayers and support, we'll keep the updates coming...

Stress

I'm not really sure why I'm writing this other than to find an outlet to let off some steam.
I woke up this morning and realized how little time i have left before my sister and I head to Africa.
Everything is really overwhelming with everything left to be done not to mention financial stress...please pray!

Team EthiopiaAwesome!

Yes they are...


This was waiting for me when I got home from my last run on the road. God always knows when you need a little encouragement to keep going.
Thank you guys, thank you Melissa for putting it together, it couldn't have come at a better time. I really appreciate and love you all for your support.
Thank you!

I Can't Get Enough...

So I'm going back.
Yep, I know I just got home, but I just can't stay put.
Since I got back I have been getting my house in order, catching up with friends, and, thank god, working...

I know I haven't even let the dust settle on my shoes, but I was invited to co-lead some teams back to Ethiopia with Mocha Club, as I did last summer. I enjoyed Ethiopia and co-leading so much that I couldn't turn it down.

Old classroom in Ambo...the new one is being built now!


Mahalet and Betty


Our Ambo street boys



I also figured that as long as I'm there I can't not stop by Kenya to visit my family in Kitale, so I will be heading there for about a month as well.






I haven't even been home long enough to go through my pictures and put together my "Thank You" gift for everyone who helped me go the first time (I am working on that by the way, coming soon),
So because I dont feel right sending out another support letter asking for more money when I haven't even been able to even thank those who helped me the first time, I am simply soliciting on my blog...thats fair enough right?:)
In all seriousness I do need help raising money to go back this summer, somewhere around $3,000 to be on the safe side, but no where near what I had to last time.








I am trusting that the Lord will provide a way for this to happen again, but I am also trying to work as much as I can to also ease the burden.
For those of you have supported and been with me through this journey, I can't tell you how grateful I am, and words can't describe what a life experience it was, so "THANK YOU!"
and if this next trip is something that you would like to help me out with, email or call me.
You can also simply send a check with my name in the memo line to

963 Missions
Attn: Mocha Club
10440 N. Central Expwy, Suite 122
Dallas, TX 75231

I am working to pay for the Kenya portion of my trip, so the money sent to African Leadership goes strictly to Ethiopia.

THANK YOU again a million times for all you support for making this past year happen and thank you for your support in this forthcoming trip!
I mean who can say no to the opportunity to see these faces?

Adjusting and Anti-Socialism

I've been back for about a week and a half now.
I knew it wasn't going to be easy, and at first I felt disconnected, but I was handling it alright.
Well, reality has sunk in and I can't say I'm surprised. I'm happy to be back and see my family and friends. I just can't reconcile the 2 worlds. Maybe its better that I don't, so I'll always want to be there.
I miss the kids, the voices, the faces, the place
All of this thought is making me to be anti-social. Part of me wants to be and the other part knows it's stupid...again, I'm unable to reconcile.

I'm trying...