African Adventure, February 2023

 

Cory Captures This Awesome Moment!

Visiting Kenya was an unexpected blessing! We were invited, by our pastor, to visit, MpM, A Place of Life, a mission that rescue babies, run by Dave and Jen Bell. Traveling there involved a nine-hour flight to Istanbul, three hours layover and then a six-hour flight to Nairobi. Long flights were tolerable as we had movies to watch and books to read. We arrived early morning in the Nairobi airport. Since Kevin and I had our vaccination cards we were waved through while others in our team had to bribe their way in. Dave and John (Dave’s long-time employee) met us in Land Rover vehicles, and we rode 19 miles, but about 90 minutes, south to the mission in Kitengela. The main road had speed bumps and rumble strips every so often, to keep traffic slow. The path from the highway into the mission, was chock-full of potholes and craters the size of kitchen sinks, making for a jarring, choppy ride.  The mile and a half stretch took forty minutes in drive time.

The Compound and Our Team

Jon and Cathy Reese greeted us in the team house and showed us our bedroom with our own bath down the hall. Breakfast was waiting for us. The kitchen and dining area became our main hangout during our stay. We soon learned not to use the water for drinking or brushing teeth, and how to wash dishes with bleach water.

Our teammates on this mission were Jon and Cathy, Scott and Emme, a father daughter duo, and Cory, Amanda, Elijah, Lucas and Abi Witmer. We learned to know each other as we worked and played together. Cory led us in a team meeting every evening. The Bells-Dave, Jen, Ethan, Selah and Shaddi-would join us for the evening meal. They resided across the compound in their own house.

The first two nights we were extremely tired but enjoyed exploring our surroundings. The mission is on seven acres, gated and fenced in. Besides the crops planted, the property includes a tilapia pond, a pool for baby therapy and four houses. Great Dane dogs stand guard but were very friendly to us.

The Bells-Shaddi, Dave, Ethan, Selah and Jen

Our Work

The first project we tackled was harvesting some 500 fish to fillet and freeze. Everyone had a job, either entrapping the fish with a net, scraping off scales, filleting or getting the fillets ready for the freezer. Other than childhood memories of fishing with Grandpa, Kevin and I are like, well–– fish-out-of-water when it comes to handling slippery, flopping, dying creatures so, we contributed to the day’s event by helping Amanda in the kitchen, feeling for, and then cutting out any overlooked bones in the now lifeless, closer-to-edible-like fillets. The fillets were then vacuum-sealed and frozen. Fish is a great source of protein for the babies starting to eat solid foods. Supper the next evening was a delicious cookout of fresh fish, breaded and fried just right by Dave.

Our biggest job was to tear down a deck and move it from one greenhouse to another where it would be reconstructed to service the pool. While the strongest among us did the heavy lifting, the rest of us painted. I think we did some painting almost every day we were there. Besides the deck, Kevin, Lucas and I painted a hanging swing. The paint was oil based, hard to work with, and even harder to clean up, but we finished the job during our stay.

In between working on the deck, baby time was scheduled for a few hours every morning and afternoon. We took turns going to play with and feed bottles to some of the 16 babies that were housed in their own building. It was quite an operation to observe as Jen, and the four Kenyan women the Bells employ, juggle infants at feeding times, give baths, and keep the older babies occupied during play time. What precious little people! What an opportunity to bless them and even pray for them as we held them close.

Bathing the Babies

Our Play

Dave made sure we had play time, too! Three days after we arrived, we packed clothes for two nights and drove five hours south to the Kalaguni Lodge in the Serena resort area with acres of uninhabited countryside and unpaved roads to drive through. Our time there included four excursions in Land Rovers, with roof extensions, so we could see out above the vehicle allowing us to watch for animals.  Awesome to see giraffes, elephants, monkeys, zebra, several kinds of antelope, a variety of birds, ostriches and wildebeest! Creator God provided the show for us. The lodge accommodations were pampering and the dining hall buffets had an abundant array of food. From the balcony of the dining area we enjoyed watching animals come and go to a manmade watering hole.

Watching the Mission in Action

The Bells had planned a fun day for families who had adopted their babies over the years. They gathered in a small amusement park for free rides, a luncheon, photo sessions and workshop opportunities, where social workers taught on issues pertinent to families who adopt. Our team helped fasten wristbands, take pictures, and park cars. The Bells were beaming with pride as they greeted parents who had made a family for their babies, and to see the children thriving in their environment.

The Bells work closely with another orphanage, Seeds in God’s Garden, who take any of their babies that are not adopted by two years old. We enjoyed visiting this ministry and all the resourceful ways they generate income and care for the children.

Dear to Mama Bell's Heart

God's Presence at Work in the World

Another outing involved going to a church in Nairobi where the Bells attend. The service was in English with an international attendance and contemporary worship. The songs were familiar, except for the one we learned in Swahili. Afterwards we ate out in a restaurant serving American food and did some shopping in a grocery store, where we found most of the items similar to what we can buy in the States. The market, however, was a new experience of haggling with the vendors to agree on prices. Here we found typical souvenirs like carved animals, tongs, fabrics and hats. We also bought coffee and nuts in the grocery store to hand out when we got back home.

The time passed quickly, and two weeks later we were headed home. We said our goodbyes to the Bells, realizing how isolated they are and how, especially the kids, would miss Emme and the Witmer kids. The Bell children are home schooled, so they don’t have contact with a lot of other youth.

In Istanbul we had a planned 18-hour layover. Because of the recent earthquake in parts of Turkey and Syria, the feeling of grief hung heavy in the airport and city. We carried prayers in our hearts for those who were suffering. The airline gave a free three-hour walking tour of the city and even included a Turkish meal in a restaurant. During the tour, we had a few minutes in the Old World Bazaar to buy some Turkish Delight and a Turkish towel. After our 80-90 degree weather in Kenya, the 40 degrees in Istanbul was quite an adjustment, especially since we only wore sweatshirts.

Istanbul Mosque

Istanbul Vendor

Old World Bazaaar

Safely Home

It was good to get back home and to savor the memories of all we had experienced and seen. This is only a summary of the highlights. The Bells are serving the least of these, and God has blessed their ministry. We are thankful to have been a small part of MpM on this trip.

Known by God

 Summer in Elkhart County, IN, brings the 3rd largest county fair in the nation within walking distance from our house. We frequently get asked if fair week is a nuisance because of traffic, noise and other distractions. Since we can walk to the fairgrounds, traffic isn't a problem getting there. If we're careful about when we drive away or return to our house that week, we experience little inconvenience. Yes, you can hear the screams of carnival ride-goers, music from the big stage performers, and the roar of tractor pull engines. Sometimes a waft of greasy fair food reaches our property as well as the faint sounds of animals lowing in their stalls. For me, it all breeds a feeling of excitement, busyness, and a once-a-year allowance for unhealthy eating. 

Our church gets involved with opportunities for fund-raising with various tasks during the week. Last year I volunteered to work a shift in the ice-cream booth. This year 750 hours of peoplepower went into cleaning the eight sets of restrooms on the fairgrounds. Our church's nonprofit earned a nice amount of cash for our labors. But I've closed my chapter on that job; I'll serve in other ways.

Our church entered a float in the Sunday parade this year. The entry advertised an upcoming sermon series on Godly messages garnered from featured movies. The float had giant movie concession objects and a ticket booth. I was scheduled to walk behind the float, but the day before I had spent five hours of helping someone move, followed by five hours of cleaning toilets, and I needed to give my feet a break.

I decided to view part of the parade, timing my arrival to see our float pass by. I didn't realize several of my grandkids were walking with one of the fire department floats. As they approached where I was standing, I waved my arms until one of them spied me and yelled, "Hi Grandma!" A friend was sitting on another wagon and my flailing arm caught her attention and she called out a loud hello. Finally, our float arrived. I scanned the walkers looking for Kevin. He saw me first and waved. Someone else called out my name.

In the midst of strangers, I was one face among many, yet without saying anything I had been known and acknowledged. It was a moment of connection that no one else around me in the crowd could participate in. 

God says his eyes scan the whole world to strengthen those who are committed to him with all their hearts... 2 Chronicles 16:9 (CEB) No matter who I'm surrounded by, or how many I stand among, God sees me and finds me. His look strengthens me and makes me feel loved. I am never lost from his view. 

I had relationship with those who could pick me out in the crowd. In this case, a look was worth more than a thousand words. Thank you for always seeing me, Father, and for knowing me because I belong to you. Help me to acknowledge those who are vying for my attention. May many be strengthened because we lead them to you, who loves them and sees them.  

Family Trip to Nashville

 It was a long-time coming. Our first attempt to collect the family for a vacation together failed because of Covid. This month, three years later, we eagerly gathered at a VRBO booking in Nashville. Four townhouses side-by-side about five miles from downtown provided our accommodations. Everyone graciously accepted their pre-determined sleeping arrangements; most in a queen bedroom with a private bath, while some cousins slept on pull out couches. Out of 26 members, we only lacked 5. The oldest grandkids were preoccupied with their other-than-parent's lives, and one family had a work conflict which kept one spouse tethered to home.

Each carload arrived around checkin time on Friday; some going straight to lodging, some meeting up at a nearby restaurant, some attempting to join the restaurant group, but abandoning the idea because of busy downtown traffic. We unpacked in our designated houses and flitted in and out of all the other houses to satisfy our curiosity. One house was deemed our gathering place (GP) for evening activities.

Martin's BBQ was the first night's eating choice. The food was great, the conversation spotty as we tried to hear each other in the crowded restaurant. Back at the GP we discussed plans for the next day, and cousins wasted no time in checking out who-brought-what gaming systems and connecting them to the GP TV.  

Breakfast on Saturday was each to their own, although Grandma offered monkey bread and shoo-fly pie at her house. Dan's family had made plans to zip-line, several families went to the zoo and the rest checked out the huge farmer's market downtown. What fun to hear about the adventures at the end of the day! Dan and his crew loved the zip-lining, and one grandkid came back proudly announcing she had overcome her fear of heights. Zoo visitors had petted a kangaroo and experienced a small zip-line ride. After comparing pictures, the "real" zip-liners were quite adamant that the zoo ride was not zip-lining!  

We had pizza delivered for our meal that evening, followed by card games and visiting among the adults. The place was quite a buzz with cheers of winning and electronic noises from the younger crowd huddled around the TV, jerking controllers. 

We finished off the evening with a visit to the Milkshake Bar. The mountainous concoctions were fun and filling!

After a slow wake-up Sunday morning we headed to The Big Bad Breakfast restaurant for brunch. We spread out around three tables, mixing families and kids. (a server's nightmare, but they did a great job). Our next planned visit was the Opryland Hotel and Gaylord Retreat. The inside courtyard there is enclosed and showcases beautiful foliage, waterfalls and paths to wander on. It became the backdrop for family pictures-individual families, Kevin and I with grand kids, the whole group, Kevin and I with our kids and various other combinations. 

Opryland Mills Mall was next door and most of us enjoyed visiting shops, buying souvenirs and killing time-(there were a few who petered out soon after we arrived). Papa/Grandpa Kevin made popcorn when we got back, and we filled the counter of the GP with an assortment of snacks, a group contribution. Then more games and visiting and a before dark Boce game among the men--serious competition when the tape measure is called for!

We visited between houses July 4th morning, enjoying the AC. The weather was hot and humid. but the connecting porches of the houses allowed for some shade when visiting outside. We said goodbyes to Austin and Rowan who left for home in Ohio. After finding a place to park in town, most of us set out on foot to site-see some of the building murals the city is known for. 

The tech savy among us shot a panoramic photo of all of us standing against a long guitar mural. Somehow Kira began the exposure, handed off the camera to Emmanuel while she quickly ran to the end of our line-up so we were all visible in the final snapshot. 

We had called ahead for seating at a restaurant that advertised "hot" chicken, a specialty of Nashville that we didn't want to miss. The place was able to seat us all at one table. The waiter explained the degrees of hotness they offered, and we ordered according to our comfort level. The "mild" chicken on my salad was almost too spicy. A.J. and Auron went for the hottest. We enjoyed watching them sweat and tear up as they struggled to finish their meal. We split up and did various activities after lunch, meeting up again at the GP for leftover snacks and subs from a local Publix. Dan's family had enjoyed another mall trip and showed us their purchases. Nashville boots are the best.

Nashville advertised an elaborate fireworks show downtown, but we weren't interested in crowds and traffic. A bridge overlooking the city was within walking distance from our lodging and we headed that way just as it was getting dark outside. The view was perfect and the display was awesome. The show was 30 minutes of grand finale quality. We weren't close enough to hear the loudness, but saw the colorful balls explode above the skyscrapers. 

Most of us wanted an early start traveling home. Houses were cleaned, luggage packed and we said our goodbyes Tuesday morning. "Let's do it again in 2024!" Kevin and I visited with Josh and Kira awhile longer as they weren't scheduled to fly home until afternoon. We had decided to visit The Ark in Williamstown, KY., spending the night in an Airbnb nearby to celebrate our anniversary.

Arriving at the Ark around 2pm we had plenty of time to roam the three levels of the Ark and enjoy a virtual reality show. The structure is impressive, and the exhibits helped us imagine how the experience might have been for Noah and his family. The Ark is a museum with an abundance of information to read. We found it interesting that the Ark can't be seen from the highway or even from the parking lot. After parking, a bus takes you to a building with shops and an auditorium and only after walking out on the other side of that building do you see the large "boat". I'm glad we can say we've been there. Our night's sleep was in a small cottage in a little village of similar cottages. The little "house" was like a hotel room, with a bed, bath, microwave and small refrigerator. Very innovative and cute.

We had planned on leaving in the morning and stopping for breakfast along the route home. By the time we got serious about stopping we were past lunch, getting closer to home and decided to eat at the Boat House in Winnona Lake. It was a great ending to a wonderful vacation.

Kevin and I reflected on the trip home about how grateful we are for a family that enjoys each other, gets along, values their faith, and has meaningful lives. God has been good to all of us in many different ways. We look forward to our next get together! In the meantime, we'll keep relating, even though not in person. 

Is Banning Books and Blasting Educators the Best Way to Bring Change?

 As I've been praying almost daily for revival, a section on my prayer list for families has stirred a longing for the kind of Christian parenting that I believe God wants for his people. I'm a grandmother now, so I'm not directly training kids, but I've had thoughts about the current political debates about banning books and requiring school professionals to post their lesson series online. There are some who would even limit what teachers can teach or say in the classroom. Besides the moral aspects of this, the restriction on free speech for teachers is very concerning. The profession was already languishing because of low salaries and education requirements that are an increasing burden on teachers. 

What if Christian parents would begin finding or creating curriculum to teach their kids truth and Biblical world view from home? What if they had an open relationship with their children where questions were allowed and kids knew they could discuss things they heard in school with their parents, without parents becoming angry and placing all the blame on educators? What if parents created these kinds of spaces so they could discuss with their kids, why certain books in the library are not good for them to read? What if instead of marching into school board meetings to demand a voice and a change, they would sit down and talk to teachers and hear their concerns and intentions for the kids? Doesn't the best change come when wisdom is applied?

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere." James 3:17 LB

Christian parents should be setting an example of how to love others who disagree with us. Instead of being motivated by fear for their child's future or that they will be led astray from Biblical principles, or that they need to be protected from the current culture, they can be demonstrating how to defend their faith (in love) and how to prepare their children for such times as these, as God prepared Esther or Daniel in the Bible. 

Randy Alcorn's blog recently confirmed some of what I've been sensing. The blog was titled: Don't Feel Sorry for or Fear for Your Kids; Raise Them up to Walk in Faith. Randy posted an article by this title written by Alex Cravens, a dad and youth pastor from Russellville, Arkansas. I'd like to pull out some quotes from that article.

"Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Teach them to walk in faith knowing that God is in control. Empower them to know they can change the world. Don’t teach them to be fearful and disheartened by the state of the world but hopeful that they can do something about it. Don’t be scared for your children but be honored that God chose you to parent the generation that is facing the biggest challenges of our lifetime. Don’t let your fear steal the greatness God placed in them. I know it’s hard to imagine them as anything besides our sweet little babies, and we just want to protect them from anything that could ever be hard on them, but they were born for such a time as this."

I'll keep praying for God to raise up a generation that seeks him and is willing to follow him no matter the cost. That more 12-year-olds will long to "be about their Father's business."

How Are Ukraine, Centrifuge and Covid Related?

 Christian Union ministries has published a book of devotions and prayers for the Lenten season. I was introduced to CU last year as I looked for material on praying for revival. I have found their revival prayer points very helpful in praying for God's Spirit to bring a fresh move on His church in America and on our country.

Day 2 of the devotional compared some of the upset and trials our country has endured through Covid, political dissention, racial tension, and now an uncalled-for war in Ukraine, as a holy centrifuge. "A centrifuge is a rapidly spinning machine whose centrifugal force separates liquids and slings things into a new position and even a new physical state." Could it be that God is spinning and separating out the dross in his people to reposition us for the work he is calling us to? The process is painful, and many have felt the stress and the tearing apart. 

I'm copying from the meditation because I can't say it better:

"When all else is stripped away, we find that our Stronghold still stands! Without a strong storm, one would never know the strength of their structures, without a threatening surge of water, one would never know the strength of the dam. The more our Stronghold is tested, the more we learn of His absolutely unfailing strength and watchcare over His people. Evildoers and adversaries don’t stand a chance against the jealous God of the elect...God will not be mocked by evildoers, assailants, or even plagues."

We see the strength of Ukrainian spirits in the midst of a very strong storm, the beauty of those created in God's image caring for one another with courage and compassion, and the sacrifice and love poured out on the needy by God's family, for one another, and for their neighbors. We believe that evildoers behind this war don't stand a chance against our mighty God who is working out His purposes on this earth. God will not be mocked; evil forces will reap what they sow.

Lord, spin out of me anything offensive to you and may what remains be a new passion for you, for the church and for the world. Mobilize your church here in America to work with your Spirit in prayer for revival and in repentance that keeps us humbly dependent on you.

What About Your Fruit?

 I'm participating in a Bible Study that uses Beth Moore's book, Chasing Vines. Christians are to bear fruit that show God's work and presence in our lives. The Bible lists the fruit of God's Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23--love, joy, peace. patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faith and self-control. Beth asks us to consider what kind of fruit have we seen developed in our lives, in our family or in our church, according to this equation: 

_______+ TIME=_______ Fruit. 

This was an interesting exercise for me. I'll share some equations I filled out.

Legalism +TIME= Underdeveloped, wormy fruit

Fear + TIME= Blossoms that fall off

Prejudice +TIME= Misshapen fruit

Judgment of Others + TIME= Inability-to-ripen fruit

Pride +TIME= Pretty fruit with a rotten core

Anger + TIME = Bitter fruit

Humility + TIME= Sweet fruit

Love + TIME =Perfect fruit

Joy + TIME= Shiny fruit

Peace + TIME =Smooth fruit

Patience = TIME = Perfectly ripened fruit

Gentleness + TIME =Unbruised fruit

Goodness + TIME= Luscious fruit

Kindness + TIME= Bumper crop fruit

Faith + TIME= Everbearing fruit

Self-Control + TIME= Mature fruit

We need to inspect our fruit. Seeing the fruit through God's eyes will allow us to discern its condition.

"We can distinguish between pride and confidence, between self-abasement and humility, between contentiousness and healthy confrontation." Moore.

May God give us eyes to see and to know how to change, either our gardening methods or the soil we're drawing nutrients from. We can pick off and throw out the bad fruit and study how to plan for better results next season.

What Voices Shape Your Thinking?

 I'm becoming more convinced that what we read and who we listen to shapes our views and opinions. We can have a similar world view, Biblical world view, and still disagree strongly with other Christians. Our nation is becoming more politicized and divided, not only between non-Christians and Christians, but between Christians, in small groups at church, and in lunch conversations with friends.

Some of the sources I choose to listen to are encouraging me to appreciate the checks and balances we have in government, to believe God is working for good in our nation and that statistics show some beliefs that are sacred to God's people aren't backed up by facts. 

I am pro-life and very interested in seeing abortion eradicated in this nation. I was surprised to learn that abortion rates have been declining in the nation since it's peak in 1981. (statista.com) That doesn't mean we stop fighting against abortion, and I believe the decline is partly because of state laws that restrict it, so we can make a difference at a state level. This is one heated debate that has driven voters in recent elections. I also realize the importance of other issues and stances of our leaders. I pray for an end to abortion, whether through policy changes, reversed court decisions, elected leaders who will bring change, or the heart of our nation valuing all human life, including the life of the unborn.

Most recently I've been reading about and listening to Christian voices speaking about Nationalism. Extremist views expressed breeds more extremism. Where do we as Christians give our allegiance? I think we'd all agree that our first allegiance is to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom here on earth. Can we love our nation and still acknowledge that our nation has flaws? While we are the strongest and wealthiest nation on earth, should we say that we are the greatest nation? What about citizens of other nations who love their home? Would we let them claim to be the greatest nation?

I listened to the podcast Good Faith today on the subject of Christian Nationalism. David French gave me a new perspective. 1619 brought a spirit of dominance and oppression to our nation---fact. 1776 brought a different spirit, of equality for all and a constitution that works for justice and liberty for all. The conflict of belief about our nation's history is caught between both those spirits and stories. I pray God's people will be salt and light to bring the message of freedom in Christ that will turn hearts towards the value and worth of every human life in our country so that 1619 is our past history and 1776 is our destiny.

I heard a believer criticize our government for caring more about Ukranian borders right now than our own borders and the immigration problem. I want to care for both. The whole world will be affected by what happens to the borders of Ukraine.  My heart hurts for them in this moment.  

May God help us all to get to know his heart for our current culture and how to wield the weapons he's given us to fight the darkness we see. The weapons I see in the New Testament are praise and worship, prayer, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and his love that breaks down barriers and brings a sinner to repentance by kindness. Hatred, disdain for the other side, a "us vs. them" mentality and fear of what may come is not the way God has called us to live. We have a higher calling and the most powerful name to trust in for overcoming. And a mandate to make disciples of Jesus. That should take all of our focus, energy and devotion. I'm always challenged by Jesus' response to his disciples when they find him talking to the woman at the well in John 4. When they are concerned that he hasn't had food to eat, he says that his food is to do the will of the Father and to finish the work the Father has given him. Have you ever had such an intense focus on a project or task that you lost track of time and mealtime didn't matter? Would that there were times I am led by the Spirit to share the good news so that eating would be forgotten. 

Lord, bring unity to your church. Bring a fresh move of your Spirit that would bring revival and repentance. Our ongoing hope is in you.

From the Good Faith podcast:

C.S. Lewis writes, in his book, The Four Loves, about a love of country compared to love of origins, our homes. Lewis says that a love of country can lead to a “particular attitude to our country’s past” that has “not quite such good credentials as the sheer love of home.” We need to understand our full history. “The actual history of every country is full of shabby and even shameful doings … The heroic stories,” Lewis writes, “if taken to be typical, give a false impression of it and are often themselves open to serious historical criticism.”

Holding, as Lewis goes on, a “firm, even prosaic belief that our own nation, in sober fact, has long been, and still is markedly superior to all others... “can produce asses that kick and bite.” “On the lunatic fringe,” Lewis warned, “It may shade off into that popular Racialism which Christianity and science equally forbid.”