It is so wonderful to be back in Ilula. Since I was last in Ilula in December 2005 my relationship with the Lord has deepened immensely. I now know what it is like to live every moment with God. That was a concept that the Kenyans had taught during my first trip and over the last year and a half I have worked hard figuring out how to live every moment with God in the western world. So I was excited when God led me back to the place where he first truly taught me what it is like to be with him all the time.
As I approached Ilula, the children were all lined up and singing their welcome song. At first I was a bit nervous that they didn’t remember me because they were so shy. However, after the numerous speeches and prayers, they all came running to me. “Nikole, do you remember my name? Do you remember when we played kickball? Remember when I chased you with grasshopper?” – They were delighted when I could answer their questions.
I sank right back into the life here. Getting up early to serve chai, peeling potatoes for lunch, napping in the afternoon, and devotions at night. Devotions are some of my favourite times: I call it "goosebump time." It is the most moving experience to have fifty African children singing at the top of their lungs in a small gazebo where the sound just echoes. I get goosebumps every time. The children can repeat memory verses by the dozen. They have the most amazing memories. Something that I strive to acquire.
God has given me a heart for the older girls. I see so much beauty in them. It’s an inner beauty that can only be achieved by God. His light just shines through them and I continue to pray that they grow up to be mighty women of God and the best they can be in Christ. I am excited to see what God has planned for their lives.
It is a known fact that white people don’t have nearly as much rhythm as Africans. Even if we are clapping on the beat, it still looks funny compared to the Africans. One night I was in one of the girls room and they were mimicking the way white people worship. It was hilarious because they hit it right on. They began to sing their own worship songs, singing and dancing all around the room. All of a sudden, one of the girls burst into tears. The Holy Spirit, in that moment, had touched her. It went from mimicking wazungu to actual worship. Thank you Lord for showing this girl how real you are and touching her heart in that moment. I walked home crying because I felt so blessed.
My journey has barely begun and I have already learned a lot about the Kenyan culture. I am thankful that God has given me a heart for this nation and I pray that I fulfill the mission that he has brought me to Kenya for.
Asante sana, Yesu!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Ilula Directors' Update | April 2007 (Exerpts)
Holiday School Vacation & Children Coaching
Children attended school for two weeks extra coaching with the rest of the children from the community from the senior classes. They were also able to help around the home by doing gardening, taking care of cows and did lots of chores on their compound.
We still have the problem of school bags. The children, parents and teachers have been praying for all the children to get school bags especially during this wet season of the year.
Over 40 children had their uniforms and shoes replaced because of size and aging.
Renovation of Parents’ Huts
Parents’ huts were renovated. Putting up ceiling boards and repainting was done. The parents and their children were extremely grateful and appreciated the work. The funds however are exhausted leaving one hut, David and Priscah’s ceiling in their hut not constructed nor repainting done. The prices of goods went up from last year’s budget we made.
Parents on Annual Leave
The 24 children of Philip and Ruth were taken care of by the assistant parent (Peris) and Nelson and Dorcas (in addition to caring for their own 26.) It was the first time we did that to cut the cost of having to hire an extra couple for the two weeks they were away. It worked well and the children were happy and disciplined though we do not know how it will be when they will be fully in adolescent stage.
Visitors
We had a group of 4 women including Professor Margaret Kamar from Moi University visit the children donating jackets to all the children including the biological children.
Jens Bergmann from Germany and Michael Maito made a one-day visit to the children’s home.
Some visitors from DRC Congo and Mumbai, India visited the children’s home while attending training at Ukweli Training Centre.
A team of 8 from California lead by Don Rogers visited the children’s home before and after going to Sudan.
Sunday School
The Sunday school teachers held an evaluation meeting and to talk about current and future challenges.
25th Wedding Anniversary
The children’s home directors Laban and Angelina Rono celebrated their silver jubilee anniversary in the month. It was well attended and a blessing to the couple, their children and all who attended. The kids, too, learned a lot from it as it was seen from them writing to their sponsors that their "grandpa and grandma" celebrated their anniversary.
Birthday Celebrations
A birthday celebration was organized by Adele and the house mothers for those kids who had their birthdays between January and April. They cut a cake and received cards. About 35 kids celebrated their birthdays by sharing a cake prepared by Mary and Ruth. We will be celebrating birthdays once a month for the children celebrating in each month.
Borehole
We are planning on digging a borehole on the orphanage property. The orphanage would benefit from having not to pay for city water for both irrigation and washing purposes.
Child Sponsorship and Letters
Some children received e-mails and some letters brought to them by Don Rogers. It was a month busy with writing lots of letters to be taken to the US by Don Rogers. Over 80 letters were written by children to sponsors. All the letters and email replies were taken back to the US office by Don. Three children received cards and gifts from their sponsors brought to them by Adele. They wrote thank you letters.
It’s great and motivating to see and read what the kids learn and share to their sponsors every time they write to them. They love sharing every simple thing they learn daily in their lives. It's amazing that most sponsors even know or have read about their kids’ teachers yet they haven’t met them.
Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden is green with vegetables since the long rains have begun. The children from the western wing harvested sweet potatoes from their imitation vegetable beds behind their huts and they were happy for their as they copy and duplicate what is done at the training centre.
Children attended school for two weeks extra coaching with the rest of the children from the community from the senior classes. They were also able to help around the home by doing gardening, taking care of cows and did lots of chores on their compound.
We still have the problem of school bags. The children, parents and teachers have been praying for all the children to get school bags especially during this wet season of the year.
Over 40 children had their uniforms and shoes replaced because of size and aging.
Renovation of Parents’ Huts
Parents’ huts were renovated. Putting up ceiling boards and repainting was done. The parents and their children were extremely grateful and appreciated the work. The funds however are exhausted leaving one hut, David and Priscah’s ceiling in their hut not constructed nor repainting done. The prices of goods went up from last year’s budget we made.
Parents on Annual Leave
The 24 children of Philip and Ruth were taken care of by the assistant parent (Peris) and Nelson and Dorcas (in addition to caring for their own 26.) It was the first time we did that to cut the cost of having to hire an extra couple for the two weeks they were away. It worked well and the children were happy and disciplined though we do not know how it will be when they will be fully in adolescent stage.
Visitors
We had a group of 4 women including Professor Margaret Kamar from Moi University visit the children donating jackets to all the children including the biological children.
Jens Bergmann from Germany and Michael Maito made a one-day visit to the children’s home.
Some visitors from DRC Congo and Mumbai, India visited the children’s home while attending training at Ukweli Training Centre.
A team of 8 from California lead by Don Rogers visited the children’s home before and after going to Sudan.
Sunday School
The Sunday school teachers held an evaluation meeting and to talk about current and future challenges.
25th Wedding Anniversary
The children’s home directors Laban and Angelina Rono celebrated their silver jubilee anniversary in the month. It was well attended and a blessing to the couple, their children and all who attended. The kids, too, learned a lot from it as it was seen from them writing to their sponsors that their "grandpa and grandma" celebrated their anniversary.
Birthday Celebrations
A birthday celebration was organized by Adele and the house mothers for those kids who had their birthdays between January and April. They cut a cake and received cards. About 35 kids celebrated their birthdays by sharing a cake prepared by Mary and Ruth. We will be celebrating birthdays once a month for the children celebrating in each month.
Borehole
We are planning on digging a borehole on the orphanage property. The orphanage would benefit from having not to pay for city water for both irrigation and washing purposes.
Child Sponsorship and Letters
Some children received e-mails and some letters brought to them by Don Rogers. It was a month busy with writing lots of letters to be taken to the US by Don Rogers. Over 80 letters were written by children to sponsors. All the letters and email replies were taken back to the US office by Don. Three children received cards and gifts from their sponsors brought to them by Adele. They wrote thank you letters.
It’s great and motivating to see and read what the kids learn and share to their sponsors every time they write to them. They love sharing every simple thing they learn daily in their lives. It's amazing that most sponsors even know or have read about their kids’ teachers yet they haven’t met them.
Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden is green with vegetables since the long rains have begun. The children from the western wing harvested sweet potatoes from their imitation vegetable beds behind their huts and they were happy for their as they copy and duplicate what is done at the training centre.
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