Kristopher in Kenya

My son, Kristopher, went to Africa with his father and I.  We were so happy that we could experience this trip and our mission work together.  He was such a big help on the trip to me especially (will tell more about that on a future blog) and worked so hard on the many projects that we completed at the orphanage.

Here are a few pictures of the work and he also worked on the orphanage's computer lab.  He really felt comfortable in that environment.  He is a computer engineer, so that was his element.

He also had a chance to play soccer with the children and just have a fun time with them.

Health and Education

One team member was a teacher.  She prepared worksheets for the school children and they were very excited to receive the bright colored notebooks.  These children were happy to be in school and were very well behaved for their teachers.

Another team member was a nurse and she did well checks on the children in the orphanage.  They were so very interested in the nurse's stethoscope and very excited to get a sticker when she was finished with the exam.

I sewed crayola caddies prior to the trip and handed them out to one of the classrooms.  The children were very appreciative. 

Projects

While in Kenya, our team worked on and completed several projects.  The team built a base for a rain barrel and built gutters on the school for the rainwater to pour into the barrel.  This is the third rain barrel for HOHH.  Currently there is not a well on the property and so additional rain barrels are very helpful.

Another project was building a bigger kitchen.  They currently have a small building that houses a wood burning stove. The team worked really hard all week and I know this new kitchen will be greatly appreciated.

House of Hope Home

Our team worked at the House of Hope Home (HOHH) the first week.  The picture to the left is the school at the orphanage.  The school is K-3.  Several students are from outside of the orphanage and they pay a small tuition.

The picture to the right is the back door of the orphanage.  The small building is the kitchen.  The food is prepared over a fire burning stove.

This is one of the five 2-year olds at the orphanage.  Sweet Ruth.  It is lunchtime and she is digging into her rice and beans.  Notice she is layered with clothes.  It is Winter in Kenya, and she is very cold even though it is in the 70's.  Perfect weather for the team. 

Kenya Trip

This sign greeted us when we went through customs in the Kenya airport.  We had arrived.

Our first night we stayed in Nairobi at Mayfield Guest House.  This is me under my mosquito net.  I am so tired -- did not sleep very well on the flights over.  From Wash DC to Brussels was 8 hours and then Brussels to Nairobi was 8 hours.  A lot of hours in the sky.  The Guest House (picture below) was very nice and several other families were there more long term than our team.  One night in Nairobi and then on to Naivasha.

Gone and Back

I've been away from blogging for a few weeks.  On July 6, I headed out on a Mission Trip to Kenya.  Yes, Kenya Africa.  My first time over the ocean and the first time off of North America.  I will try to chronicle a few highlights of the trip over my next few blogs.  It will actually be hard to put into words.

The picture to the left is my husband holding two of the two-year olds at the orphanage that we worked at for most of the trip.

To the right, I am reading to two of the children. They just finished with their baths and are bundled up with layered clothing.  It is Winter in Kenya in  July and they are freezing.  The temperatures were in the 60-70's most of the day.

Our team consisted of five 20+ year olds and two 50 year olds.  My husband and son were on this trip with me which was so very helpful, plus I really enjoyed having this experience with them.  We had one teacher, one nurse, two in college (one for mechanical engineering and the other for ministry), my son who is a computer engineer, my husband who is the team leader, and myself.  The team worked very well together and each person used their gifts and education to play an important part to the team.

The picture of the team is taken at a high point over a beautiful valley and river near Naivasha.

More stories to come.

4th of July

Happy 4th of July!  After church tomorrow, my daughter and family are coming to our house and my son is already here.  We're looking forward to our whole family being together again. 

I bought a few sparklers and a couple of parachutes for my granddaughter.  It will be fun to see how she enjoys the fireworks in our backyard as well as the big fireworks downtown.

Our menu for the afternoon meal is:  Brisket, slaw, corn on the cob, black bean casserole, deviled eggs, veggie tray, fruit, tea and lemonade. 

Recipes:
Black Bean Casserole
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 stick, butter
1/3 c white syrup
1/3 c brown sugar
Grease 9x13 pan or casserole dish.  Saute onion and pepper in butter.  Combine beans, syrup and brown sugar.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Cole Slaw
Dressing:  1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup oil, 1/3 cup vinegar (white), 2 packages Ramen Noodle Seasoning.  Put in fridge for one hour or overnight.
Slaw:  Package of slaw (including carrots, purple cabbage and green cabbage), Ramen Noodles (crumbled), Glazed almonds (about a handful)

Deviled Eggs
6-8 hard boiled eggs
1 t vinegar
2 T salad dressing
Salt
Pepper
Paprika

Cut eggs in halves.  Take out the yolks and mash with fork until fine.  Add above ingredients, except paprika, and make a smooth mixture.  The yolks may need a little more moisture and you can add a little more salad dressing.  Place the mixture back in egg whites and sprinkle with paprika.

Have a wonderful 4th and enjoy the celebration of our great USA.