That's what I actually thought when we finally arrived at the Jomo airport! It's not Whoville, but I always reference either songs or children's literature... It truly was a homecoming for me & the others who have been here before.
It is Good Lord to be Here is the old Lutheran hymn that ran through my head when we arrived at the Luther Guesthouse. Seeing Lorna and Pastor Dennis was energizing to the entire team. Much needed sleep & a great breakfast fueled us up for the day's events. There is a young lady, named Alissa from Concordia Irvine, who is serving in Kawangware with street children. She reminds me so much of Amanda (see her Blog in the link section) in her zeal for serving the "least of these".
The team & I spent the day at Springs of Life School, which is now named Lutheran Academy. This school has been imprinted on my heart since my last trip here. There is a new school building and restoration happening to the previously burned old school building. One of the projects we will be working on is painting & decorating the "Baby Class" for the 2 1/2 -3 year olds; in reality most of the work will be done by Rockie with artistic input on the decorating end by the rest of us :)
I was thrilled to work with several teachers today & especially the Class 1 & Class 2 teacher; which is Kenya's version of 1st & 2nd grades. I took dictation stories from the children & we worked on reading their stories. The children were very excited to see their own words in print! Some students stayed after school for almost an hour to get another story writing time with me. Some children sang a song that is just like the Tooty Ta song we sing in my 1st grade class in Michigan! I took lots of pictures & videos ;) I taught them the All Around the World song I got from a Hong Kong International School music CD; can't get any more cross-cultural than that!
Looking forward to a Massai village tomorrow; not looking forward to the two hour drive on the "real Kenyan" roads ;P I'm so excited for Sunday because I'll finally get an opportunity to worship at Springs of Life Lutheran Church in Kibera!
Stay tuned for more... Good Night Firstgradeland, Gary & Caleb!! OX
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Thanks be to God! Safe arrival...answered prayer already. Be salt and light.
ReplyDeleteSoli Deo Gloria,
Phyllis
Love you,sister!
ReplyDeleteHope we can connect! Love ya.
ReplyDeleteI'm stoked I got a mention in your blog :) I can just imagine you singing your heart out with those kids! I can't wait to exchange stories with you either on Skype, Facebook, email...or God-willing face to face!! Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love to you...I know you'll pass it along to those you meet.
ReplyDeleteBe well! Love, your sis Claire.
Hi mom! I'm so glad you are doing what you love- In Kenya! I think your decision to go back to Africa was definitely a good choice. Dad and I miss you.
ReplyDeleteLove ya, Caleb :D
hi Mrs. Nelson I am so glad that you got to bond with the Africans. I hope you are having a good time. We all miss you.
ReplyDeleteLauren B.
Hey Mrs.Nelson it's Laurel how is it in Africa?
ReplyDeleteAre you having fun? Well we miss you here! Tell every one that I say hello!When are you coming back?
Love,Laurel
Hi Mrs. Nelson Hope you are having an awesome time! Is goat meat good? When are you coming back We all miss you.
ReplyDeleteSincerely Drew baboo
I looooove the name We Are Here, We Are Here, We Are Here.It sounds like you are having soooooo much fun!I wonder what you are doing right now. Well I have to go now,so Bye!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Madalyn F
P.S. i love the name "we are here, we are here, we are here"....
ReplyDeleteit must feel great for those people that they have nice missionaries looking after them and caring for them. it is also good to know that great missionaries like you care for these people so they can go to gods kingdom.
ReplyDeleteHow many people are there in the class you teach? Is it dangerous or safe ther? I hope you have a wonderful time there taeching them about the word of God. Can't wait till you get back to teach again, the first graders realy miss you! Max K.
ReplyDelete