First Team Update

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