All this to say, this post is gigantic, but chock-full of pictures to keep you interested.
We began Wednesday morning at the Mavuno Church staff meeting. After taking tea and cake, we headed off to lunch and, evidently, photo shoot (because nothing says 'photo op' like a 3-restaurant mini-mart!)
Natalie, Emmanuel and Zury

Chamarrecc: Day 1
After lunch, we headed over to a local slum area behind Mavuno. In the middle of homes, small shops and the largest garbage heap I have ever seen, sits Chamarrecc Children's Centre. This small primary school would be ours for the next 36 hours. We had been told that we would replace the tin siding on two buildings (which house the classrooms), paint both the inside and outside of each classroom, and concrete one of the classroom floors. There was a lot of work to be done in little time.
Preston



After a while, it became clear that the boys excelled at this stage of the job and many of the girls were simply getting in the way. So many of the girls joined me to play while the rest helped with small jobs when the boys allowed. Soon after, the team had found a decent day one stopping point and everyone began to play.
Freddy...he was the star of that neighborhood

Chamarecc: Day 2
We knew what was left to do and we arrived at the Centre ready to work. I've been on enough home-building trips to Mexico to know that, typically, at the end of the first day, there are few who stick to working while the rest sit, complain, or run around with kids. (I know, I'm totally the pot calling the kettle black.)Our team was amazing! Kaye split them in to two new teams and they began working within five minutes of arrival. And they did not stop all day! Our leaders wandered around taking pictures and video, jumping in when we could, enforcing water breaks or sunscreen application.
What a great day!
Eric, Preston and Dida










Filthy and paint-covered, we said our goodbyes to the people of Chamarrecc and headed of to a special dinner at Carnivore. We had finished the project an hour ahead of schedule, so we arrived with time to spare before our reservation. Lucky for us, there was an outdoor playground.
Courtney and Eric






Finally, it was time to eat...and we were ready. Some of us more than others. Carnivore is a meat bar. You get a hot plate and a lazy susan of assorted sauces and they send out the meat. You choose what you would like and eat until you are stuffed. Once your table declares surrender, you lower the white flag on the center of your table.
Michelle and Kaye



The van ride home was hilarious. Everyone was incredibly stuffed and I was almost asleep (so I was pretty grumpy), but the students played the pun game all the way home. The word was "beef" and my favorite was Allan's: "This Sunday, we need to play that song in Beef Flat!" Oh, I am so proud!
During debrief we shared a few of our stories and then talked about some of our weaknesses with a partner and prayed for God to be our strength. It was so fun to sit back and watch the freedom and authenticity in these week-old relationships.
Yesterday, we had an early, early morning. Breakfast at 5am for a game drive. Four jeeps and 23 people...it was a beautiful morning! We saw tons of animals (no pictures here)...after the drive, we had a lazy day. Naps, showers, swimming and the Americans taught some of the Kenyans (and one Zimbabwean) to play American football.
We also attended a Hip-Hop concert at a local High School and had a really late dinner at Pastor Grace's house...but I think those can be shared in another post.
Ready for the morning game drive:
Allan, Angel, Max and Moreen


4 comments:
Amazing! Incredible! Unbelievable! I LOVE being part of this trip with you and the team!! :)
Beef for I say anything just know that I loved this latest epic post...the longer the better works well...
your photos are outstanding...
when will you have results of your interview Friday?
Just wonderful, the only thing is, one has to experience it, the real satisfaction.
hello, my name is Amy and i think its incredible how God is using you and your team to reach out to fellow Kenyans. Be blessed
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