Internet access remains an issue, but here are the latest updates from Brittany as the team wraps up their trip at the game preserve ...
JD

We are here and this place is AMAZING! I have NEVER stayed somewhere so nice! The food is literally gourmet. I wish you could see what I see. The monkeys definitely have no fear of us, haha!

We went on Safari -- soo cool!! Saw a lot of animals for our first night. A leopard sighting is rare and we even got to see one! It's storming but is beautiful. Tonight some Masai will have a show and dance for us!

There are sooo many neat things here! Its cold because of the rain and they have the big fireplace going. Its ambient and sooo cozy! The rooms are luxurious - compared to what we've been living in. It's like...a resort, but its not TOO touristy. Just right!

This was the PERFECT way to end the trip.. and in a way, recover! Lol.

At 9pm we're watching some Masai people do a dance show!! We saw ostriches, cape buffalos, giraffes, gazelles, elephants, etc. No lions or rhinos yet but we DID see a leopard which is a rarity! Also saw a buncha lazy cheetahs. The most beautiful birds and butterflies.

Trust me when I come back I'll probably be very different... And for a while I'm sure everything will start with the phrase "Well in Africa..."

Brittany

Update from Brittany

Internet/Electrical issues continue to hamper the team's internet access, but did get the following texts from Brittany...
JD

Friday - "Couldn't blog, internet is down goin to bed. Going to an orphanage and a wedding tomorrow! Update ya then love ya all."

Saturday - "Went to an aids orphanage event - it was amazing! It was fun. Also had dinner at the Bishop's house. Today was a wonderful way to end our time in Meru. We will go to church in the morning and head to Nairobi Immediately after. Then headed to Masai Mara on Monday!

Sunday - "In Nairobi finally. The traffic is truly INSANE! (Lol) people are switching across the highway and driving into oncoming traffic. We have finally passed that" We haven’t had electricity at night, and right after eating supper I will probably go to bed. I don't thing this place has a computer.

Update from the Kenya Team

Got a text from Brittany today.....
The area they are in is experiencing some electrical problems so they haven't been able to provide an update today. But the team are doing well and looking forward to their visit to the Masai Mara.
JD

25 June, 2009; 9:00pm Kenya Time

Just when I think it can't be anymore powerful than what we have already experienced God moves among us and we are once again awed and amazed. We have bathed in God's grace all day today. It began at the Methodist Hospital in Maua just about an hour east of Meru. We met the missionaries we support there Bill and Jerri Savuto. Their hospitality was once again overwhelming. After a short time with them I felt as though I had known them forever. They welcomed us into their home, fed us, introduced us to another Methodist mission team from Sherman, Texas, gave us a tour of the Hospital and the ministry there, and then introduced us to two young men who were orphaned along with their brothers and sisters by Aids. Their stories alone were miraculous stories of just how present God is in this place. Through a program at the Hosptial their lives and the lives of their brothers and sisters were saved. They are both now very successful and their families have been restored. After a full 3/4's of a day at the hospital we headed to the Lanyru church. I had visited this church before. We were greeted at the gate once again with singing. They welcomed us and shared with us the building of their new church which had been started as a result of our first visit there. They were so incredibly proud. The children at the school shared a poem with us from memory. Brittany shared some inspiring words with the whole community. They have 550 students in their school. They consumed us. It was.......I just can't find the words. We shared tea with them and worshipped with them in their old clap board, dirt floor church. They gave us Kenyan tea to take home with us. We shared gifts with them. We shared food with them because their area has been in a five year drought and starving. They were very excited. We left with our hearts full of joy because they were joyful. You would have never known they were hungry. You would have never known they were poor. We came home and shared supper once again tired but inspired and certain that the grace of God is alive and well in the world. What else could any of us possibly ask. God is good! I am coming to learn the power and meaning of that in a way I never have before. Looking ahead I begin to anticipate our leaving. I am already beginning to grieve. These people are my family. I thank God for them and all they have shared with me. I will share again tomorrow with you. Next up is you know who. I am really glad I don't have to follow her tonight. Bill, Dottie, and Jo say hi. I miss you all.
Grace always,
Pastor Travis

Welllll hello there! Once again, another exhausting but totally AMAZING day!
I handled the whole hospital thing much better than I thought, but some of it was still heartbreaking. We got to meet the Savutos, who are absolutely wonderful! "Sister" Jerri took us on a tour of the hospital and boyyyy did we learn a lot! The amount of people they have to be ready to serve is about 1,000,000. About 18 die a week. Some bodies are even brought in and never picked up. And guess what? The only people citizens are willing to bury (must be on their land) is people that were married. So all childrens' bodies are disposed of somehow. Any bodies at the hospital are thrown into a pit (at night) where EM, a natural degradable substance, is poured over them. I can't really comprehend that....but it's simply what they have to do. Cremation is absolutely unacceptable here. Anyway, the #1 problem in the hospital is malaria. Next up is diabetes and guess why? Kenyans seem to love American food and they are all now having a problem with maintaining their healthy diets! Hypertension is also on the rise. The hospital also has the only eye surgeon in Eastern Kenya. Their dentist recently died so they have one that works part-time, and they sure are thankful for it! Another obvious problem is HIV/Aids. They advertise prevention methods all over the hospital and have a progressing program for the patients. There are currently 3,000 enrolled and 1,300 being treated. They also provide free testing. Their nursing school is doing well and a lot more is being taught. Some of the previous students weren't ever taught certain processes like dialysis! One of the problems in the hospital is that of machinery. Most of the machines they have are hand-me-downs and are hard or impossible to repair. The hospital also receives about 100-110 patients a day in a 60-bed ward. Even in the maternity ward people are forced to double up...meaning 4 people to a bed (mothers and babies). Miraa (a common drug/narcotic) is becoming a bigger problem, causing violence as well as other issues...hmm sound familiar? ...........well Pastor is telling me to move on :) Gosh there is SO much to say!

Next, we went to the church and WOW that was something else! The children treated me like a rockstar and were bewildered by just getting to touch my hands! The leader of that church asked me to say a few words to the congregation and afterwards the Sunday School teacher told me the class had prepared a poem to recite! It made me feel so special! Afterwards we went to the "old" church and had tea and arrow root (yuck). After doing some praying and talking, etc...they said they had a gift for us! The gave us EACH a 1lb bag of tea from the factory! Here these people are...amidst a FIVE-YEAR drought, with nothing to their name, and at least an 8km walk to the nearest store...giving US a gift! The spirit, hospitality, and presence of God's love was inspiring and surprising. Just when I though I couldn't be any more amazed by this place, I am once again proven wrong! After we gave them the maze, the thankfulness and graciousness of those people was just something beyond explanation.

Well, it's getting late and we have a big day tomorrow so I'm going to end it here. We're lucky to have the chance to blog because for the past three days the power has gone out at dinner. :)

Ohhh, the ways we have been blessed here. Can't even begin to explain. What we've expressed on here is just a mere glimpse. We would add pics but this is a dial-up connection. ;)

Please pray for Joy, from Grapevine...she got pretty sick tonight.

Love and miss you all,
Britt

24 June 2009; 8:00pm Kenya Time

Well today was pretty unexpected, to say in the least. When we were going to meet the Evangelists, I honestly had no idea what TO expect, but if I DID have an expectation, what happened today definitely wouldn't have been it.
First off, let me say, that the Evangelists are WONDERFUL people. They are out in the middle of nowhere, amidst a terrible drought, and still find ways to see their lives with a positive outlook. They ask for little which in turn makes me want to give them even more. The first church we visited was in an incredibly small, dirty room that they were RENTING! The second church was using what looked like a school classroom, but even again it was still small and not fit for people to have church or for expansion to take place. The third church was truly in the boonies...and the ride there was what our driver likes to say "rock n' roll". We roll up to a group of people standing around and guess what? They were waiting for us to worship, but I didn't see a building. They worship God under a tree! How different! Better yet, they were Masai! It was so neat because they find their traditions and culture to be of high importance and are very consistent! Honestly, if I could, I would LOVE to worship like that. I really can't adequately explain what that was like but it was truly life-changing. All they asked for was a roof for the tree during the rainy season. How many of us can say we are that humble and that appreciative of what we have? Some of these people walk 5 "kilometers" or even more to "church" and sometimes we're too tired or too lazy to even drive to our church! It was really a big eye-opener and I will never look at church or worship services the same. They included us, once again, as their brothers and sisters in Christ. We sang their songs with them and danced their dances....ugh I just can't explain!!!!!! This church started with 3 women and a few children, and has expanded to many more, all throughout. It is remarkable how these people are spreading the Word and love of God, even in the most remote and hopelessly desolate areas.

Either way, today was overwhelming once again, but in the most incredible way. Learning about the way these people worship and experiencing that was amazing. It was weird...we were out in the middle of NOWHERE but found people that share the same devotion we have, maybe even more.

Weird, but intriguing.
Tomorrow we visit the Maua hospital. Let's see how we handle this!
Thanks again for y'alls support and love!
-Brittt

How do I follow Brittney's words. What has been a burden is at least now shared with others. This place with its wonder, grace, and its great and overwhelming need is hard to forget. I needed this trip. I know it may sound selfish to admit but it becomes so easy to get lost in our culture. This place provides perspective as well as reminds me of why the church and I exist, to serve God. I can't explain any better than Brittney already has what happened today. However, people worshipping under a tree and sharing the love of God with a bunch of strangers is just hard to explain. I find it hard to believe myself hours later as I write these words that it actually happened. Maybe they just need God and God's love more than I do. I don't know. What I do know is that it is amazing to see, feel, hear, and experience such love, devotion, faith, and joy. We left food for them. There is no water. And yet, they were worshipping God under a tree singing loudly how much they loved God and joyful and complete their lives were. Coming home was time for reflection. I am still haunted by what I experienced today. I really felt these people as different as they were from me were my brothers and sisters in Christ our Lord. I need to quit tonight because I am still processing what all of this means. I have never in my life experienced anything like this. I give God thanks for all of this. I give you thanks for this. Thank you for allowing me the privilege and opportunity to come to this place and be in the presence of all that God is doing in this strange and mystical place.

Grace always,

Travis

Sooo today we started off doing manual labor. Again. But today was much easier, just had to move rocks. :) However, the workers' job was pretty much still the same. A boy named Peter, age 15 (same as Keegan from Grapevine) had shoes that had holes in the toes and were in terrible shape. While the workers took their lunch break, a couple of people from our group went to Nakumatt (Wal-Mart) and Whitney (Keegan's Mom) bought each worker a pair of working gloves. Keegan, having befriended Peter, ended up giving his pair of shoes away to him. It was a good day for Peter! We also gave each worker a new t-shirt, either with an American logo or a Texan one. The thankfulness and joy expressed in their eyes made everything we've done these past two days completely worthwhile. After lunch we went to the passion fruit place, which I found out has grown significantly since it was started...two years ago, thanks to the Kaaga Synod. It is absolutely incredible how much they produce...even coffee! To see the work of these people is inspiring and comforting. Because of the support of the Methodist Church, a few families have been able to become self-sufficient, which is becoming an important concept here. After visiting the farm, we spontaneously went to a local orphanage. I had begun preparing myself for the visit to the Aids Orphanage we will go to on Saturday, but was definitely not prepared for this. We first took a tour of the beautiful place, and then saw the children. They sang for us and a few of the women, including me, had the most difficult time keeping our emotions in. Looking around I began to notice that these children had broken flip flops, mismatched shoes, clothes with holes...need I say more? You see it on TV or hear about it, but to truly experience it right in front of your face, while listening to their harmonies and watching their bright faces, is in every way overwhelming. I fought hard to keep the tears back, but once the children left, I couldn't keep it in any longer. The retired Bishop overseeing the orphanage discussed some issues with us, that were incredibly heartbreaking. Some of their supporters are giving them an ultimatum...they will continue supporting the orphanage, but must get rid of some of the children. I absolutely CANNOT comprehend how that's even a consideration!? To take a child off the streets and give them a home, something they can call their own, a network of "brothers and sisters" in Christ, and give them a hope they could only dream of...and send them RIGHT back, is outrageous. These children find places to sleep on the streets and make homes out of paper...then the cops demolish these "homes" and chase them away. There is NO way I can understand ANY child going through that. I mean, these children are any age!

Ugh, that's the end of my ranting for now. The worst part about it is, this isn't the half of what I am going to see. I ask for all of your prayers in keeping us all strong and steadfast with this trip. That we may be prepared for what else is to come in the week and that we can find ways to help these most-deserving people.

We love you and miss you all.
-Britt

Well what can I say after Brittany's witness to the power of this day. There is just too much to share. Those who have joined me for this trip are beginning to understand how overwhelming all of this is. I have never been with so many people who have so little who complain so little and seem so happy. There are many times I just want to ask them according to my culture and what we think is so important how can you be so happy? It makes me wonder. Our mission team has been so great! They have had long days and been exposed to much but have been real troopers. We are learning so very much. The passion fruit farm that Brittany mentioned above was begun from a loan from the Methodist Church. It began with one family. I could not believe how much it had expanded and how many people were now involved. It is a clear example why I feel so committed to the work being done here. They make such a difference in the lives of people who are poor and now through the work of the church have a chance. The orphanage we visited was just an experience that I cannot find the words to describle. When former street children starting singing in harmony words about how good God is and that God is working in the midst of living I just will never forget that sound and that sight. God was indeed working through them. Many times the most powerful and memorable expressions of God's love in my life have been through such broken and hurting people. This was certainly no exception. I am tired after a long day but it is an incredible good tired. I don't mind being this kind of tired. God has been very good to us today. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We feel them so present with us here. Tomorrow we go to see the new church starts out on the edge of the synod. It will be another long but good day. One thing I am learning here is that the presence of God does indeed bring meaning and purpose to all of life both the scarce and plenty. Brittany and I will see you tomorrow. We miss you!

Grace always,
Pastor Travis

June 22, 2009 7:56 pm Kenya time

Well we are finally here. The trip was long and interesting but worth it. I really can't describe what it is like for me to be back among these great friends I have made here. Bishop Muriuki hasn't changed. God's vision for the church here as articulated by him is amazing as well as so comprehensive. It almost overwhelming because of the great need. Being back here has convinced me more than ever that this is the right time, the right place, and for the right reasons that we should be involved in this partnership with the Kaaga Synod of the Methodist Church here. I have only been here two days and I have already been so inspired and empowered related to what God is doing here. I will not try to speak for the others on the trip. I will let them witness to it in their own way. Yesterday I preached one of the churches near Meru. The place was packed with people outside the door. The service was 3 and half hours long and it felt like 30 minutes. The 40 member children's choir sang and I just can't even begin to tell what it was like to listen to them. They are all so welcoming and hospitable. I feel like I am with family when I am here. God is in this place in a way I have never experienced. It is such a mixture of inspiration, witness, faith, joy, thanksgiving, and great poverty and need. I am so excited our church is here. Our investment is distributed here in so many ways. Our dollars go so far to making such an impact and difference. I also believe our prayers are powerfully answered here in the ongoing work that is being done. I am so proud of our church for being willing to risk such an investment in a place and a people so far and so different from us. As I worshipped with them yesterday though I realized more than ever that they are indeed our brothers and sisters in Christ! Today we visited the biotechnical agricultural center. It helps to teach small farmers how to get the most production from the land so that they can be self sufficient. To know that the Methodist Church is doing such work among such poor people to help them to have a better life is awe inspiring. Tomorrow we will be working at a construction site and then visiting a passion fruit farm that was started with a micro loan from the synod. It has now grown to where it has made several families self sufficient. Families who before the loan were poor and didn't know where their next meal was coming from. This is the work of the church! Well as usual I have been long winded. I am now going to step aside and let Brittany say a word or two. Keep us in your prayers. We will be updating daily! We want each of you to sense and experience as much as you can what God is doing here from moment to moment. I miss you all and will see you soon.

-Hey guys! Wow, I don't even know where to begin with explaining how this trip has been for me so far! There is SO much to cover, and I don't want to say too much and spoil anything! So I'll just keep it simple ;). Well, today we did some manual labor stuff...and I must say, it was pretty primitive! I asked if they had machinery to do the things we were doing, along with the workers, and the supervisor said they did, but if they used the machinery, these people wouldn't have jobs! And what I did wasn't NEAR what the workers were doing. They mixed concrete with rocks, water, and shovels. That's it. And to level the area they were pouring the concrete onto? A hammer...to beat the rocks down into the ground and make them flat. It's hard to explain but you will better understand when we show you pictures. Either way, it took FOREVER and I learned a lot from it. I doubt that I will complain about doing any type of work very soon...or procrastinating. Anyway, this experience so far has be humbling in every sense of the word, and, funny thing is, it has only just begun. The trip up here turned us into monsters, but after a few days of rest, we have recovered...for the most part ;). Nairobi was an interesting place, and because it was a city, it was easier to begin adjusting. The trip to Meru was tiring because of all the things to see. The equator was interesting, to say in the least. Ask me about that later :p. We were welcomed to the Thiiri Cultural Center (Thiiri meaning "peace", the place we are staying) very warmly and oh my gosh, if only I could BEGIN describing how beautiful it is! This area is so lush and the colors are so vibrant! Yesterday was our first full day, and as exhausting as it was, it was just as magnificent. The church service is something neither I, nor Pastor Travis could ever adequately describe...but we can sure try. A few of the old men that work for the church all called me "Juju", meaning granddaughter in Swahili. It was always "Juju this.." or "Juju that..". Just the sense of family and companionship there was comforting and inspirational. It didn't matter that we were foreigners...we were one of them. They made us feel so special by their hospitality and graciousness. The children were absolutely fascinated with us! In fact, anywhere we go, they always give us big smiles and wave. It is the most precious thing! Anyway, this is pretty long so I'm going to cut it off for now, but, let me just say this...the presence of God in this place is overwhelming. I questioned some of the aspects of coming on this trip but now that I am beginning to experience Meru, those questions have been answered, in a plethora of ways. I am already in awe of the wonderful people and wonderful ways God influences their lives, and can't wait to see more of it within the week. Thanks for your support and prayers...we will update you tomorrow! It has been a blessing so far and I really do hope you all can at least try to understand what we are experiencing. Bishop Muriuki is incredible and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us!

Love you all!
-Britt :)

The Team Arrives Safely in Kenya

We look forward to receiving updates from our mission team in Kenya - provided of course they can find internet access. We have gotten word back (by cell phone text) that, after a lenthy journey, the team have arrived safely and are getting settled in.

The team will be visiting the new library that we helped to fund in the library where Bishop Muriuki's wife, Catherine teaches. The team will also present over $5,000 from Salado United Methdodist Church that was given during this year's Pentecost offering. These funds will be used in the construction of a new church, continued support of the school, and new support of the work our missionary team, the Savutos, are doing at the Methodist Hospital in Maua.

Please check back here often for periodic updates from the team.

JD