photo updates...

our sweet little family...Hannah, Kelsey, me, Paige, and Tyler

The lovely mountains on the way to Marsabit

this one reminded us of The Lion King

Home sweet home :)

Sweet little girl at Isaka Muro 

the volcano pit...incredible sight! 

Kargi Primary School

The children at Kargi Primary School

The next day we were in Kargi we were asked to help out in the Kargi Primary School. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into. We arrived at the school with Barry (one of the mission interns in Kargi). We met the other teachers and devised a plan.  They told us that we were going to tell the class a story and that it couldn’t be a bible story…so the five of us gathered up and began to pick our brains, trying to remember all the stories we were told as little kids. We came up with the well-known fables, “The Three Pigs” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

Hannah and I went with Stella, Paige and Kelsey with Barry and Tyler was on his own to fend for himself haha. Stella informed Hannah and I as we were walking over to the classroom that she teaches English for class four.  Class four could have children anywhere from the ages of 10 to 16. Though their Primary School is set up similarly to ours in that they have K-8 and after class 8, they move on to Secondary School (if they pass the national standardized test). However, their school system differs in MANY ways, but one specific thing is that the children can enter school at any age and if they cannot pass one grade they could be stuck in that grade for several years (which is why there are sixteen year olds in the fourth grade!).

Stella had over 120 kids in her English classroom! The children were stacked on top of each other, seating several at a desk and even a few on the floor in the front of the classroom so they could see the what was written on the board. Stella handled her classroom very well. They seemed to respect and listen to her well. Though once Hannah and I entered the room, it caused a bit of disruption. Once they calmed down we introduced ourselves and begin telling our stories. We were very animated, acting out the characters of the Big Bad Wolf and Goldilocks. The children loved it! They laughed and clapped in unison for us. After we completed our stories we had nothing left to say…the teacher looked at us like we were supposed to complete the lesson for that day and she informed us that we had 80 minutes left to do whatever we wanted! Hannah and I looked at each other puzzled. So we continued, flying by the seat of our pants. We were relieved when we heard the sound of the bell, alerting that it was the end of class. We finished up and as we left, the children immediately swarmed us. They looked as us as if we were aliens and all of them wanted to touch us. The grabbed our hands, arms, anything they could get their hands on, and examined our skin so intently. Since half of them were my size and bigger, I could not escape the crowd of children surrounding me. Until a little boy (he must have seen I was in distress haha) grabbed my hand, shouting things in Swahili and began to move the children out of the way. I was free at last!

This experience was extremely eye opening. For as long as I can remember I have desired to work on the mission field and potentially live overseas one day. The reason I chose the profession of education was so that one day I would be able to utilize this skill in another country. Saying, “I want to move to Africa and be a teacher” takes on such a new light to me than it did before this experience. Not that I see it in a negative light by any means. I’m thankful that I have experienced the reality of it, instead of some fantasy made up in my mind.

"In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living from the gospel...for though I am free from all, I have made myself a servent to all, that I might win more of them."
1 Corinthians 9:14,19

first time in the desert...

beautiful view on the way to Kargi

We traveled to Kargi Wednesday afternoon…leaving almost three hours later than anticipated (which is how I have found that most things work in Africa). Time in Africa is looked at much differently than in America. In the States we are so consumed with “time,” living by the clock, from one event to the next. But here, the majority of the people don’t even own watches.

Anyway…we traveled to Kargi with nine people crammed into a Land Cruiser that is made to seat up to 5. As we ventured out of Marsabit into Kargi, you notice an immediate change in the landscape. The land is completely dry, as if the ground has not seen a drop of rain in years! Instead of fields of grass or wild flowers (that we’re used to seeing on the side of the road), there are fields of rocks in every form and fashion. The only plant that grows is one made of thorns. The thorns are close to the size of a toothpick and are too tough to even break by hand.

As we arrived in Kargi, the rain began to fall. This was a miracle! It had not rained in this area for over a month. It was so refreshing! I don’t think I have ever seen so many people excited about the rain. The people have to travel for miles to retrieve water from their wells. And the pools or wells of water are most likely contaminated with arsenic or some other kind of parasite harmful to their health. Also, the tribes that inhabit Kargi claim the different bodies of water; therefore, only individuals from those specific tribes are allowed to use the water. While we were in Kargi, two of the tribes (the Gabra and Rendille) were fighting against one another…over water. Isn’t unbelievable? Something that is so common to us in America is so rare and treasured here in Africa. Can you imagine individuals being killed over water? And people dying because they are not hydrated? Or become ill because the water is not clean enough to drink?

That night, we headed back to the compound, which is a house surrounded by a barbed wire fence. We had a guard named Algo who kept watch throughout the night. We were very thankful for Algo! We could not sleep inside because it was so hot, so we had to make our beds in the front yard. We each had a cot along with a sheet that we held on to for dear life, because if we didn’t the wind would carry it away. The stars were beautiful! I have never seen so many stars in the sky in my life! They illuminated the sky (because there was no moon). It was strange because the moon didn’t rise until 2 o’clock in the morning. I can honestly say that I saw the complete rotation of the night, sleeping a total of about two hours that night. We woke up to the Muslim call to prayer-which was kinda scary and disturbing. Shortly thereafter, every rooster in the village was crowing and the sun began to rise.

"And they sang a new song, saying,


'Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, 
for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God 
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
 and You have made them a Kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'"

Revelation 5:9-10

ONE God.

“There is no God but ONE. For although there may be so-called gods in heaven and on earth-as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”-yet for us there is ONE God, the Father, from whom are ALL things and for whom we exist, and ONE Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are ALL things and through we exist.”

“…However, not all possess this knowledge.”

1 Corinthians 9:4-7

This passage reigns true for most people here in Marsabit. The majority of the peoples believe in idols, gods (the sun god, moon god, etc), their values, their ethnic group (which each have their own belief systems)…they cannot grasp and have never known the concept that God and Christ Jesus are ONE and is the ONE who created all things into existence. And that this God provides life and hope that surpasses their daily circumstances.

Sunday we went to a Borana church in one of the villages out in the country. It was so beautiful because they were singing in their native tongue with such joy and passion. It was so neat to think that we worship the same God and He understands us all!! After, we ate at a restaurant with our translators and some of the other members of the church. We ate surprisingly “normal” food…chicken, chips (fries), and rice (which reminded us all of Christmas because they seasoned it with nutmeg haha).

Monday was the first day that we met with our translators. Our translators are such a huge blessing! It was so encouraging to hear their stories of how they came to know Christ and to share our stories with them. We went to the village, "Isaka Muro" to check on how and if they are using the water filters correctly they were given in December. We had the opportunity to share the gospel with each household and it was such an incredible blessing. It was kinda awkward at times but our translator (Mary) revealed much of the cultural tension and awkwardness. We used "Creation to the Cross," which is a method of sharing the gospel with someone who has never heard. C2C introduces God as the creator and "Most High God" above all other gods (since most cultures have some sort of "god"), Jesus (as a man and the perfect sacrifice), sin (which broke the relationship between us and God), and the process of salvation. S has revised this method to better reach the peoples here. The peoples can relate with the stories of Abraham and the Prodigal Son as well as Jesus (but only as a prophet), so we utilize these stories to make connections and then further explain them in relation to Jesus being the perfect sacrifice and that that sacrifice had to be made in order for our relationship with God (our Father) to be restored.

There are many Muslims here so our beliefs and stories contradict what they are taught and believe. God has the power to change their hearts! Please be praying for the people here-that God would begin to work in and open their hearts so that they might receive the truth of the gospel. S and M (the missionaries we're staying with) are so amazing! They are so wise and I have already learned SO much from them. I honestly don't know how they do it here sometimes...being away from home...their family...in a place of complete darkness and depravity. It definitely demonstrates that God is who and what they place their hope in every day.

We returned to Isaka Muro yesterday and shared the gospel with five houses!! Two of them were already Christians (which was so encouraging!) but the others were Muslim. They said what we shared with them definitely made them think and that they would compare. All we can do is be obedient to boldly speak and allow God to work in their hearts. It is not our words that can convince them, only the Lord who can draw them to Him. We are to be laborers for Christ, planting seeds in God’s harvest fields (Luke 10:2).

We leave for Kargi today! I'm excited about going to Kargi because it will be so different and the people there, I hear, are amazing! It is pretty dry and hot, much like the desert.

Much love and prayer for all of you!

-Anna

first days in Kenya...

I cannot even begin to describe the feelings that rushed through my veins as I stepped foot on African ground and it has been quite the adventure since that moment. The five of us were anxious as we navigated ourselves around the Nairobi airport, through customs, and onto the mounds of bags to claim our own. Through the crowds of unfamiliar faces we were so thrilled to see the faces of sweet S and M.

The first two nights we stayed in Nairobi at a place called Hampton House, which was very similar to a hotel (this is luxury compared to anything else we will be experiencing in our time here). During those two days we were exposed to the city of Nairobi, which is unlike any other conventional city you might think of. The traffic was insane, bumper to bumper, people constantly cutting each other off, and honking their horns...there were many times I was just holding on for dear life! All I have to say is that I'm glad that we had an experience Kenya driver :). We drove by Kibera, which is the largest slum in Africa! It was so heartbreaking to know that in that small area between 800,000 to a million Kenyan residents live in starvation, malnourishment, disease infestation…and most importantly, in dying need of a Savior, which provides hope and freedom from captivity. We also met with Paul who is a Pastor in Nairobi and who also heads up the WASH (Water and Sanitation Hygiene), which we will use to assist the people in the villages. Paul's passion and love for Christ and the people here was so encouraging to see.

The next morning came very early as we began our journey to Marsabit. Surprisingly, I could not get a wink of sleep for the entire ride there because I was so captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya. We went from the city to the green, lush farmlands to the countless mountains ranges to the dry, colorless desert. We were so excited when we finally saw a Zebra, which S later informed us was an endangered species Zebra and they are rarely spotted. When we finally arrived to the place where I will call "Home" for the next six weeks, the five of us piled out of the packed (literally bags surrounding every part of me) safari vehicle with huge smiles on our faces ready to be introduced to our new surroundings. We have two precious guard dogs at the house named Judah and Mkulu who have quickly become companions. Today, we went into the town of Marsabit with S to meet a few friends of his and of course they all welcomed us with open arms. We visited a few nearby villages to check on their water situations. It has been so interesting to learn that many of the problems the people here face could be easily solved if they would be willing to share and give freely. However, it is part of their culture to prize ownership (much like our own culture in America) and to keep it all for yourself and those closest to you. If a water well or “choo” (the African outhouse) is located on or near a family’s property, it is natural for them to claim it has their own and not allow others in the village to us it. S is trying to teach the people here that these resources are for the whole villages utilization. This fact is a strong indication that these people need the love of Christ, which would bring much resolution to the struggles that they face. Sorry this was kinda long and not too terribly interesting but I promise there is more to come! I also hope to get some pictures up at some point to share. Please continue to keep me, my team, S and M, as well as the people who we will encounter in your prayers. I look forward to sharing what the Lord will be teaching me through this experience. Love you all!

“And also for me, that words may be given to me in the opening my mouth BOLDLY to PROCLAIM the mystery of the gospel. For I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak!”

Ephesians 6:19-20

why I am going...

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS!"

Romans 10:14-15

God has instilled a passion in my heart for missions and to minister to the lost. Specifically, the past three years Africa has been placed in my heart. Since last summer I have been praying about going to Kenya this summer and waiting for God to give me direction. However, once I came to grasps with the fact that God has COMMANDED us to GO and share the Gospel, I did not need to wait around to be "told" to go. He has already given me an answer and that is to go! The Lord has called us, as Christians, to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, I pray that the Lord will use me as His vessel to preach the good news to those who have not heard His name.