Sabbathical

Buru Buru

International Christian Center -Walters’ Home Church

Nairobi Stadium – kids in the Nairobi Junior Soccer League

Carnivore

We started off the day with a 7am wake-up call from Wes, “It’s a beautiful morning here in Kenya!”  It was so beautiful, we ate breakfast outside, then headed to Buru Buru for a 45 minute clinic with a few of Walter’s teams to get a little muddy before church (especially Ashlie—she had a little tumble in the mud!)  Our bus got stuck in the mud as we were leaving and all the kids rushed over to help push it out and it only took one shove with all the hands helping—the power of teamwork!   We went to Walter’s home church at International Christian Center (ICC).  It was a cool experience—the people seemed to be so open and honest during worship and I really enjoyed that.  Everyone was just doing their own thing for God, not worried about what others may think.  The pastor was awesome too, he reminded us what a true steward was and that everything we have comes from God.  Immediately following, we met the ICC basketball team and presented them with some jerseys and basketballs.  Some of the guys on the team were so tall, and two of them were on the Kenyan National Team.  Our guys challenged them to a game on Wednesday, and with Big Phil’s moves we are sure to dominate them!

Grabbed a quick bite of pizza before we hit the Masai Market, which was absolute craziness!  The vendors swarmed around us the second we set our eyes on one of their items.  It took a while to figure out the bartering system, but by the end I was wheelin’ and dealin’!

Then it was back to the Nairobi Stadium, where we coached and played with the kids in the Nairobi Junior Soccer League.  A bunch of the boys who toured us through the slums were in the league.  They were all so good, and such great boys, and it was heartbreaking to think that they would be heading back to the slums when we were done.  I bonded with one in particular; his name was William.  He is such an awesome kid and great soccer player.  He has so much potential in all areas of his life—he is so positive, self-motivated, and a natural leader.  I am so thankful that Walter has put together this league to create opportunities for boys like William to fulfill their dreams and not be set back by their living conditions.  Walter’s mission is one of a holistic approach: teach them sports, keep up with the boys’ grades, and teach them about living and playing for Jesus.  The league is much more than just soccer; it teaches the boys how to live the right way.  It was so sad to leave there today after building relationships with so many of them, but encouraging to know they are in such great hands.  I thank God for what He is doing here in Nairobi.

Tonight we went to a restaurant called the Carnivore.  The name definitely fit—the waiters brought around several selections of meat on a sword.  It was awesome!  There was an unlimited amount of chicken, beef, turkey, pork ribs, lamb, crocodile, camel, and ostrich meatballs.  Mmm, so good!  The meal lasted about three hours and the fellowship was great.  I noticed how much more interaction was taking place without the presence of cell phones or ipods to distract us.  It was a nice reminder that we can still have great conversations face to face, instead of via text!!  (A little exaggeration, but you get what I mean!)  I wish we could remember that when we get back to the states, where there are so many more distractions.

I am so thankful to be able to come on this trip.  It is only halfway through and I have made some amazing friendships already and know they will only be strengthened by the end.  I love the people here and the slower pace of life.  I have learned so much in the few days I have been here and can see God working in unbelievable ways.

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and donations.  They go farther than you know.  Just wanted you to know we are praying for you all too and hope you are blessed as much as us by what we are doing here.

Baraka!

Kate Harris