Kenya 2019

Quote of the day: From Daniel after Joe Tried to impress Daniel with an awful excuse of a magic trick involving a coke bottle and a table cloth “But where is the trick?” We’re one week in to our Kenya trip, and we’ve had a great time so far! Today we visited the Dolphin academy primary school, where we gave the teachers classroom resources and sports equipment, as well as playing football, netball, parachute games, and various other group activities. We were also given a tour of the classrooms, and were shown the changes they have made to the computer lab since the last Kenya group left. (The room has been split up into two classrooms, which are used for years 1 and 2) Everyone really enjoyed today - thank you for your prayers and thoughts. The staff building in dolphin academy Eddie showing off his netball skills Sophie teaching the children how to use a parachute The children of dolphin academy are very interested in Eddie (or just the football) ...

Quote of the day: From Sam when seeing Sophie’s origami fish has a flat face: “I’m not judging you, I’m judging your fish.” A mostly indoors day for most people today. To begin with, Sam L, Sam F, Eddie, Geoff and Joe went out to Eastgate church, and then Sam F and Joe visited an all girls school, where they preached and were heavily “encouraged” to sing in front of 800 students on a moments notice. They went for amazing grace, and they girls loved it. The day was concluded with some origami lessons from Sophie, and an early night for everyone! Please pray for all of us, as some of us have been struggling with illness for the last few days. It hasn’t hit the moral of the group too badly, as we have all been supporting one another, however your thoughts would gladly be appreciated. Eastgate church Joe preaching in Eastgate Joe preaching (again!) to the girls at the school Sam and Joe overwhelmed with all the attention!

Quote of the day: From Myla discussing quote of the day on this blog: “I’m trying to make sure I don’t get in quote of the day.” Better luck next time, Myla! Today we started the day with a lie in (at last!) and lounged around until 2 o’clock, when we went on a walk. We had a look at the animals at Daniel’s house, and we played with a rugby ball in a green area nearby Daniel’s house. We also visited Lanet Church - or rather the people of Lanet Church, in the home of one of the members! Geoff preached about being a cheerful giver, and we prayed for the communities of Kenya and the UK. Naming the chickens outside Daniel’s house. Holly exerts her inner athlete in a game of catch. Joe and Holly enjoying a siesta back at Daniel’s. Geoff preaching to the people of Lanet Church.

Quote of the day: From Sophie when trying to explain the blood system: “One side is like, oxygenated, and the other is deoxygenated” Much more chill day today. We visited the local clinic and were shown around all the rooms and procedures that they perform. We also met a lab technician called Albert, who explained to us how they will use the blood analyser, which we gave them. After we visited the clinic, we went to Dundori christCo church, where we heard Joe make up a sermon on the spot (again) and prayed for a man who came to know Jesus that day. We finished the day with a game of cards, and a big meal. We’re all quite tired but have enjoyed the day :) Albert showing us how to use the microscope

Quote of the day: From Daniel after seeing Joe’s ostrich selfie: “ahh- Joe is the leader of the Ostriches.” What a day! It’s felt like we’ve done 3 days of activity in less than 24 hours. We started the day at 5:30 (not the greatest time to wake up), but we visited the equator. We walked up a mountain (in the blazing heat), and saw snakes and scorpions. We had a tour of Lake Baringo on two speedboats, where we saw hippos, every bird you could imagine including ostriches and eagles, and who could forget LOTS of crocodiles. Despite one of the boats engines refusing to start up while we were in the middle of the lake (twice!) we got loads of great photos and had a wonderful time. And this is forgetting the most memorable event of the day - visiting the island on Lake Baringo, and providing the locals with maize, vegetables and clothes. Using a translator between us, we spread our love of Christ through the island, and experienced a culture of people we’ve never seen before. Finishin...

Today’s quote comes from Sam Felton when he was preparing his breakfast: “What’s in the eggs?” Today, Sam Felton, Holly and Sophie travelled to Nakuru Worship centre while Sam Lettington, Eddie and Myla went to christCo Church.  We worshiped with the lively congregations, and discussed our testimonies for as long as 3 hours! We also enjoyed the company of the children at these churches, who played with us and listened to our discussions about the Bible.  Sam, Holly and Sophie video called Plume Avenue Church back in Colchester, and talked about their experiences so far. We have all had a fantastic time in the churches of Nakuru, and we are blown away by the energy and passion put into the worship and prayer of all the church members. Plume Avenue take notes! Nakuru Worship Centre. Sam, Holly and Sophie making sure they’re video call ready for Plume Avenue Church. Sophie receives a warm welcome from the children of Nakuru Worship Centre....

Baboons, zebra, giraffes, the African Rift Valley, busy roads, bicycles everywhere, mangos, chips and chappos! All these in our first 12 hours of being in Kenya. It feels a little like our senses have been assaulted with sites, sounds, smells and tastes that we have never encountered before. We are already learning that flexibility is the name of the game as we slip into the culture that surrounds us. We have been warmly welcomed by Daniel, his family and his team. Give thanks for a safe journey, an easy passage through customs and an incredibly friendly, faithful group of Kenyan friends. Please pray as we head off to church tomorrow. Joe, Holly, Sophie and Sam F, go to Nakuru worship centre and Geoff, Sam L, Eddie and Myla go to Dundori. Pray for the words to say and a closeness to God as we worship in another culture. In the airport - ready for the flight! Our mutatu (minibus) which we have used to travel around Kenya so far.