This just in from Jeff.....
It is 10:50 and everyone has gone to bed except me. It has been a very good day!
First,
let me go back to the start of our journey. We all made it to the
Seattle airport
with plenty of time to spare, so we were able to relax, get some food
and visit with each other before getting on the plane. Most of us were
scattered about the economy section of the aircraft. Martha and I found
seats at the complete last row, which meant we were close to the
restrooms, galley, and closet that was used frequently by the flight
attendants. But being close to the galley, I was able to visit with a
few of the attendants, who were incredibly friendly and helpful. I told
one or two of them about our trip to visit orphans and children in
Kenya, and they expressed excitement about our adventure. I guess we
really impressed them, because later on in the flight, two of the
attendants presented us with three bags full of toys and goodies for the
kids. I was so impressed and thanked them over and over! The Emerites
flight on the Boeing 777 was a wonderful experience (at least as
wonderful as one could expect being stuck in a 200 foot long metal
tube with 250 passengers for 15 hours).
Getting
through customs in Dubai was easy enough--and we all got a laugh out of
how serious the gentleman working in the passport control looked. Not a
word was spoken, and we each took notes to see if any of us were able
to raise even the slightest smile on the young man's face.
It
was a little after 9pm when we got to our hotel, and six members of our
group wanted to take a night tour of Dubai. So we grabbed dinner at the
hotel restaurant--outstanding food by the way!!--and while three of us
settled in for the night, the rest of the crew took off for a two hour
tour of the city.
The
next morning, we had a fairly leisurely start, made it to the airport
in plenty of time, and passed through passport control with ease. Our
flight from Dubai to Nairobi was delayed by 45 minutes, because, as we
were told, they were having trouble getting all the luggage on the
airplane. In the end we were told they got most of the luggage on, but a
few bags would have to be sent to Nairobi on the next flight. Of
course, we were all figuring our 23 suitcases and duffle bags were
probably the cause of the delay, and we were prepared to come short on
receiving all our bags upon landing. However, after a lengthy wait,
every single bag arrived, and we made our way out into daylight to greet
a very excited and happy Pastor Joseph to take us to the Children's
Center in Langata.
The
drive was long, what with it being around 5pm on Friday afternoon, the
traffic was terrible. As we drove through town, I was reminded of many
of the unique qualities that make Kenya special. First, we had a early
sighting of five or six wild giraffes, not far from the road. One of our
team members then asked, "Okay, now, when do we see the elephants."
Within less than a minute after he said that, there were elephants!!
Well, not real elephants, but life-sized metal sculpture elephants.
Still, the timing was uncanny. As the traffic came to a crawl (people
were walking past us), we were greeted by many locals, wandering in
between vehicles to sell their wares. Souvineers, trinkets, towels,
blankets, hats, sunglasses, even electronic gadgets. It seemed to be a
heyday for these
salespeople.
At
long last, we arrived at the campus of CMIA (Children's Ministries in
Africa) around 6:30pm. There was the brand new church, all built,
finished and looking beautiful, the white and red school buildings, and
the dorm houses for the kids. Within a minute after our van stopped,
kids started to approach us. By the time the door opened, there were 5,
and over the course of the few minutes we unloaded our luggage, we were
completely surrounded by dozens of children. Children so hungry and
thirsty for love that grabbed any hand or arm they
could find and hung on tight! It was such a sight to see, and feel the
children's love for us! I had at least three of four boys hanging on
to me the entire time, and gave our hugs liberally to any child within
arms reach. They were so happy to see us!! Then of course each of them
had to show us their rooms and their beds. And many of the kids I
recognized, remembered me from 5 years ago! Wow!!!
Each
of us was so blessed to feel the warmth of the children, share their
love--the love of Jesus, and instantly realize, This is why we
came all this way to Kenya!!
Now,
after a good night's rest, we are all looking forward to our first full
day with the children. It will begin with an orientation from our
hosts, Jennifer and David Hatley, then we will have time for activities
with the children!!
I will try sending you a few pictures in the morning. I'm pretty wiped out now!!
Cheers, and blessings in Jesus!
Jeff
