Today I woke up bright and early, excited about what God was going to do. I started the morning with a devotional, went on the roof, played some guitar, and prayed. God was real and present this morning. Then time for a cold shower...no water...I prefer cold water to no water, expecially when you have to get lathered up before to conserve water. So with soap all over and shampoo in my eyes I had to use a small bucket to do the deed and save some to assist with the toilet flush. Oh how WE americans have NO clue how blessed we are.
After some breakefast, thanks to Auntie Carol, as Zach calls her, Pastor Richard and other men came over and we had a prayer meeting. Afterwards we split up into two vehicles to tackle different ministry events. Pastor Richard, Zachary, and I went down the road to visit Zach's Aunt Felistas and Alan, her son. He is sick so she asked us to come, lay hands on him, and pray. Zach asked me to lead the prayer. It was a very emotional humbling experience as we were sitting in their one room place with string and sheets separating the maybe 15 foot square area into rooms. After I prayed she thanked me... her Joy was inspiring and her smile lit up the dark room. I goofed around with Alan until I got a smile and a chuckle which blessed my soul.
Zach and I can't help but sing the entire time we are in the car, which is for a long time between points due to horrible road conditions, horrible driving and even the people who expect the car to go around them as they walk in the middle of the lane. (In fact, we actually hit a lady today but thankfully she was just grazed and was ok. I knew it would happen. You have NO clue how bad it is. Hope you get to see my videos!) Anyway, Zach has been bombarding me with Swahili and even helping me re-write some songs into Swahili.
Like "I am a friend of God" by Philips, Craig, and Dean:
Mimi Rafiki Ya Mungo, Mimi Rafiki Ya Mungo, Mimi Rafiki Ya Mungo, Annanita Rafiki. Try singing it if you know the tune...not very easy.
On the way to church we stopped at Pastor Ezekiels church, in a small village, to get some musical items for the revival. While they did several children came up to the car, so I got out and grabbed my bubbles. They had no clue what it was that I had but when I made the bubbles they giggled like it was Christmas. More and more children came from afar to chase and bust the bubbles, giggling the whole time. We are going to go back but didn't have time to stay long.
Finally after 2+ hours to what took us 20 minutes the other night we made it to Word Evangelical Gospel Ministries which meets in a small storefront which requires a generator for lights. They let me speak breifly and sing the special after an awesome worship service in Swahili. I sang/played "How Great Thou Art" which went well as after a few choruses they chimed in. Quick singing learners! Pastor Ezekiel preached and then asked me back up to close the service in prayer.
A very long but blessed day. I'm writing this tonight, 11pm, because we have an early start in the morning. Thanks again for the prayers, keep them coming as we are trying to be a light in a very dark part of the world.
In Christ,
KYLE
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Mzungu Amongst Us...
Mzungu (pronounced Mazoongoo) means White Man in Swahili...Well there was definitely a crazy Mzungu in Nairobi yesterday. One of Zachary's friends Francis brought his car to the slums to pick us up and ride into the city. He is letting us use it all week, as once we were in the city he took public transportation back home. WOW.
The ride into the inner part of the city was about the scariest, craziest, and most stressful thing I've ever been a part of. I didn't breathe for what seemed like minutes several times. The Public transportation do their own thing and often pass you in the oncoming traffic lane only to dart right back in front of you because of that oncoming traffic. Like it is a surprise that someone is coming. Cars and People alike do not respect the vehicles...and when I say people I mean sooooo many people. I video'd... We almost seriously wrecked 5 times and almost ran over like 20 people easy. We finally made it to a parking garage that we were able to park in thanks to Francis knowing a security guard there. This was no less stressfull though as it is one way up and down and as we started up (much steeper than the parking garage downtown Chattanooga) a SUV came flying around the corner and no joke came 2" from hitting us head on. We then had to jocky back and forther to get past each other and our mirror literally toucherd their vehicle. The floorboard now has a permanent Chaco imprint from my feet. Ha.
Once we made it to the city I learned the meaning of Mzungu...I literally was the only white person that i saw the entire ride in and the entire 4 hours we were down town. I mean, I know I'm in Africa and all but downtown Nairobi I figured would be different. We ate lunch and the whole time I was there I was the only Mzungu. Not one time though did I feel strange though. Everyone smiled and was happy to have me. It was definitely not like home in the same situtation. Zach took me around and showed me the city, just taking it Polo Polo (slowly-slowly) as he said since it was my first day, though God blessed me with NO jet lag. It was a nice time to catch up with him and get to know him even better which will allow us to minister together much better the rest of the week.
On way home went to a shopping mall in a pretty nice section of town, had to pay to get in. There I saw 3 Mzungu, 2 europeans and 1 american. Ha. I wasn't excitied but almost saddened that there was the only place I saw them. Anyway, there was a Java Shop so we stopped got a shake and got on WIFI. I was able to upload some pictures and even use 'Hey Tell' to talk to some people. I didn't think about that. If you don't know what it is, it is like a Walkie Talkie over the internet. This allowed me to talk and hear almost instantly from people without using the phone, as I didn't get an international package on my phone. Nice to be able to hear from Kathy's class (as she was at school), Kevin, Allen & Billy from work, and even Woody (who was in class).
We finished the night at home. I gave Prince, Zachs 5 year old son, the present I brought him. Talking, Moving Thomas the Train. He was super shy at first and even asked if he could NOT open it in front of me. Once he opened it thought he opened up and until made to stop for bed non stop followed it around the floor with big eyes and a big smile. Very cool.
We have a full day today which I will write about tomorrow. I'm going to finish out with some Swahili phrases that I've been taught (of course I may not spell them right but am spelling them as they sound which should be helpful for you to pronounce):
Jambo - Hello
Tafidali - Excuse Me
Asanda Sana - Thank you very much
Quahary - Bye
Wapi Cho - Where is the toilet?
Bwana Yesu - Lord Jesus
Mfalimay Yesu - King Jesus
Baba Mungu - Father God
Bwana Asifeway - Praise the Lord
Nompenda Yesu - I love you Jesus
Mocozi Yesu - Savior Jesus
Thanks for your prayers...keep them coming.
In Christ,
KYLE
The ride into the inner part of the city was about the scariest, craziest, and most stressful thing I've ever been a part of. I didn't breathe for what seemed like minutes several times. The Public transportation do their own thing and often pass you in the oncoming traffic lane only to dart right back in front of you because of that oncoming traffic. Like it is a surprise that someone is coming. Cars and People alike do not respect the vehicles...and when I say people I mean sooooo many people. I video'd... We almost seriously wrecked 5 times and almost ran over like 20 people easy. We finally made it to a parking garage that we were able to park in thanks to Francis knowing a security guard there. This was no less stressfull though as it is one way up and down and as we started up (much steeper than the parking garage downtown Chattanooga) a SUV came flying around the corner and no joke came 2" from hitting us head on. We then had to jocky back and forther to get past each other and our mirror literally toucherd their vehicle. The floorboard now has a permanent Chaco imprint from my feet. Ha.
Once we made it to the city I learned the meaning of Mzungu...I literally was the only white person that i saw the entire ride in and the entire 4 hours we were down town. I mean, I know I'm in Africa and all but downtown Nairobi I figured would be different. We ate lunch and the whole time I was there I was the only Mzungu. Not one time though did I feel strange though. Everyone smiled and was happy to have me. It was definitely not like home in the same situtation. Zach took me around and showed me the city, just taking it Polo Polo (slowly-slowly) as he said since it was my first day, though God blessed me with NO jet lag. It was a nice time to catch up with him and get to know him even better which will allow us to minister together much better the rest of the week.
On way home went to a shopping mall in a pretty nice section of town, had to pay to get in. There I saw 3 Mzungu, 2 europeans and 1 american. Ha. I wasn't excitied but almost saddened that there was the only place I saw them. Anyway, there was a Java Shop so we stopped got a shake and got on WIFI. I was able to upload some pictures and even use 'Hey Tell' to talk to some people. I didn't think about that. If you don't know what it is, it is like a Walkie Talkie over the internet. This allowed me to talk and hear almost instantly from people without using the phone, as I didn't get an international package on my phone. Nice to be able to hear from Kathy's class (as she was at school), Kevin, Allen & Billy from work, and even Woody (who was in class).
We finished the night at home. I gave Prince, Zachs 5 year old son, the present I brought him. Talking, Moving Thomas the Train. He was super shy at first and even asked if he could NOT open it in front of me. Once he opened it thought he opened up and until made to stop for bed non stop followed it around the floor with big eyes and a big smile. Very cool.
We have a full day today which I will write about tomorrow. I'm going to finish out with some Swahili phrases that I've been taught (of course I may not spell them right but am spelling them as they sound which should be helpful for you to pronounce):
Jambo - Hello
Tafidali - Excuse Me
Asanda Sana - Thank you very much
Quahary - Bye
Wapi Cho - Where is the toilet?
Bwana Yesu - Lord Jesus
Mfalimay Yesu - King Jesus
Baba Mungu - Father God
Bwana Asifeway - Praise the Lord
Nompenda Yesu - I love you Jesus
Mocozi Yesu - Savior Jesus
Thanks for your prayers...keep them coming.
In Christ,
KYLE
Monday, October 10, 2011
Praise God, I made it...Night 1.
Hello everyone from Kenya! What a long travel but well worth it.I believe.
Zachary works at the airport and so he was able to meet me at my gate and walk me through the airport and us catch up while in line for my Visa. Had no problems, in fact because he knew people they didn't even go through my bags, just waved me through the line. Praise God, as I had a lot of stuff to give the kids that I wasn't sure how they would take that.
We made it to Zachary's house at 12:45am Monday... wow... what a ride, which could be a blog all to itself, ha. When I got here his wife, Agnus, had a bunch of food for us: Chicken, Rice, Cabbage, and their form of Pita Bread. All awesome. I ate it without drinking anything though because I fear the water. Going today to get some bottled water. We stayed up until after 2am catching up. I slept in the bottom bunk of a bunk bed with a mosquito net all around me. He lives in an apartment in the "slums" as he called it last night. There was a gate with barbed wire that we passed through tho so I feel completely safe.
I got up this morning about 9am (2am your time) and took a cold shower but I did have a bucket of water that they heated up so I could have some hot water. Quite a humble adjustment to say the least. Not sure what all the day is going to have but I'm super pumped. I feel completely rested and ready to go...no Jet Lag whatsoever at this point. Praise God!
Thank you all for your prayers...keep them coming as the Mission for Christ has just officially began!
In Christ,
KYLE
Zachary works at the airport and so he was able to meet me at my gate and walk me through the airport and us catch up while in line for my Visa. Had no problems, in fact because he knew people they didn't even go through my bags, just waved me through the line. Praise God, as I had a lot of stuff to give the kids that I wasn't sure how they would take that.
We made it to Zachary's house at 12:45am Monday... wow... what a ride, which could be a blog all to itself, ha. When I got here his wife, Agnus, had a bunch of food for us: Chicken, Rice, Cabbage, and their form of Pita Bread. All awesome. I ate it without drinking anything though because I fear the water. Going today to get some bottled water. We stayed up until after 2am catching up. I slept in the bottom bunk of a bunk bed with a mosquito net all around me. He lives in an apartment in the "slums" as he called it last night. There was a gate with barbed wire that we passed through tho so I feel completely safe.
I got up this morning about 9am (2am your time) and took a cold shower but I did have a bucket of water that they heated up so I could have some hot water. Quite a humble adjustment to say the least. Not sure what all the day is going to have but I'm super pumped. I feel completely rested and ready to go...no Jet Lag whatsoever at this point. Praise God!
Thank you all for your prayers...keep them coming as the Mission for Christ has just officially began!
In Christ,
KYLE
Saturday, October 8, 2011
So it Begins...for real...
Shalom! As I sit here in the ATL airport having made it thru check in and security check with no problem, it finally sinks in that today will be the last normal day for weeks and quite possibly for the rest of my life. I have no clue what all God is doing or going to do in me and those that He places in my life over the next few weeks. I know that I want to be humbly aware of His presence and be tuned to the Holy Spirit for whatever may come my way. Possibly as soon as sitting next to someone lost and being able to share Christ and lead them to Him. I just want to be used and share the joy that I have in my heart only because of Christ.
Am I nervous? For those who know me know that it takes a lot to make me nervous. I don't feel nervous about serving Him in anyway He affords, I'm not even nervous about not knowing what all is going to take place in this time of service. But rather I'm nervous that I will somehow miss an opportunity of what He wants to change in me! I wholeheartedly feel after spending some time last year with these wonderful Kenyan people that God is going to use them to bless me & affect me way more than I will be able to do anything for them. I want so much to be open to the Holy Spirit in new ways that I never thought possible.
I pray that I just be open to whatever God is going to do an act accordingly and be changed accordingly. Please pray to that end with me!
In Christ,
Kyle
Am I nervous? For those who know me know that it takes a lot to make me nervous. I don't feel nervous about serving Him in anyway He affords, I'm not even nervous about not knowing what all is going to take place in this time of service. But rather I'm nervous that I will somehow miss an opportunity of what He wants to change in me! I wholeheartedly feel after spending some time last year with these wonderful Kenyan people that God is going to use them to bless me & affect me way more than I will be able to do anything for them. I want so much to be open to the Holy Spirit in new ways that I never thought possible.
I pray that I just be open to whatever God is going to do an act accordingly and be changed accordingly. Please pray to that end with me!
In Christ,
Kyle
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Getting Pumped...
I am so excited to see what God is going to do in and thru me over in Kenya. I was reminded last night of a video I took in the Garden of Gethsemane last year where the Kenyans broke out into song after taking the Lord Supper and having a prayer meeting. This just lit my fire. The guy in the video with shaved head and blue-white shirt is Zachary, whom I will be with in Nairobi.
I don't have time to say much right now but wanted to share this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
I don't have time to say much right now but wanted to share this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
It's great to have Godly friends...
Tonight started as just another game night meant for food, fun, and fellowship...which was a complete success having 12 people, great Italian food, and big & small group games! Shout out to Madison for her great Spaghetti Caserole, Casey for her drinks & Pumpkin Bread, Amber for her Brownies, and Kevin for the ice!
The night ended up including a considerate prayer send off by these new friends! It was a very sweet time of encouragement and excitement through them gathering around me as I was on my knee. They laid their hands on me and prayed for safety, direction, passion, and power through Christ. They have no clue how much that helped ease my heart and soul as this is all happening so fast. Thank you so much Kevin, Amber, Alora, Joel, Jessica, Sarah, and Casey. It's so awesome to have you guys in my life now!
I know that the others wouldve joined if we would've done that before they left as well as I know some of you would have too! Please continue to pray for me!
In Christ,
Kyle!
The night ended up including a considerate prayer send off by these new friends! It was a very sweet time of encouragement and excitement through them gathering around me as I was on my knee. They laid their hands on me and prayed for safety, direction, passion, and power through Christ. They have no clue how much that helped ease my heart and soul as this is all happening so fast. Thank you so much Kevin, Amber, Alora, Joel, Jessica, Sarah, and Casey. It's so awesome to have you guys in my life now!
I know that the others wouldve joined if we would've done that before they left as well as I know some of you would have too! Please continue to pray for me!
In Christ,
Kyle!
Kenya, here I come!
As you may know I have been praying about Kenya for a long while now...as far back as 2004 when I met missionaries to Kenya...even back in 2000 when I read about Missionary David Livingston that traveled all throughout Africa...all of this came to an Apex last October when I met some guys whom I had no idea would become such blessings and encouragements and brothers to me over the last year whom are Kenyans. While in Israel last year we spoke of opportunities to minister in Kenya and that dream has now became a reality. I just got my ticket for this coming Saturday the 8th. Praise God!
The Itinerary in jist:
Atlanta (Sat @ 12:25pm) to Newark to Brussels to Nairobi (Sun @ 10:25pm)
Nairobi to Mombasa (Mon 17th)
Mombasa to Nairobi (Sun 23rd)
Nairobi (Sun 23rd @ 11:25pm) to Brussels to Newark to Atlanta (Mon 24th
More information to come soon...I just wanted to PRAISE GOD and thank you for your prayers and interest! Now to get back to work...as I have tons to do at TennRand...as well with Kids at Calvary...and preparing for the trip.
If God has laid on your heart at any point to support me then please let me know. God has taken care of me and will continue but if you feel led I don't want to keep you from blessing me or the Kenyans that I meet.
In Christ,
KYLE
(Preacher Hawk)
The Itinerary in jist:
Atlanta (Sat @ 12:25pm) to Newark to Brussels to Nairobi (Sun @ 10:25pm)
Nairobi to Mombasa (Mon 17th)
Mombasa to Nairobi (Sun 23rd)
Nairobi (Sun 23rd @ 11:25pm) to Brussels to Newark to Atlanta (Mon 24th
More information to come soon...I just wanted to PRAISE GOD and thank you for your prayers and interest! Now to get back to work...as I have tons to do at TennRand...as well with Kids at Calvary...and preparing for the trip.
If God has laid on your heart at any point to support me then please let me know. God has taken care of me and will continue but if you feel led I don't want to keep you from blessing me or the Kenyans that I meet.
In Christ,
KYLE
(Preacher Hawk)
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