We had a good mix of fun and work today in Kenya! We started the day off snorkeling as a team. For a lot of people, it was their first time snorkeling, and they really had a great time! We had some experienced people with us, which really helped some people have a good time!
After snorkeling, we showered and headed off to Bomani, for a special lunch. The cook Ann at the school, made us an amazing lunch that can be compared to none. We were all amazed, especially Caleb, he LOVES the food here!
We were also able to visit the government school in Bomani. It was an eye opening experience for many on the team, to say the least. We were able, as a church, to present the school with new desks for their teachers. Many of these classes have over 100 children in them, and some meet in rooms with concrete floors and nothing else. This is a community that obviously, and deeply loves their children. Please be praying for their efforts, as they continue to try give hope for these children's futures.
We then met with our Class 7 friends, to prepare for VBS. You can pray for us as we have VBS tomorrow in Vipingo, and the following day in Bomani. God is going to do great things.
Amber:
Jambo!! This morning our team started off with going on the beach, glass bottom boat riding, and snorkeling in the Indian Ocean! It was such an awesome experience to be swimming out in the ocean and seeing all the different fish just swimming inches away from us and the coral too! We actually got stuck out there for a while on the boat, but it was so beautiful having the time to really just look out to the world and see what God has created all around us After snorkeling we were off to Bomani to be with Class 7 Students today, we were teaching them the bible stories, drama, games, and crafts so they can help us with the little ones tomorrow! I was part of the craft crew and loved having the students explain back to me the meaning of the bracelets we were making. That on one side it shows the love of America and then the other side the love of Kenya and then God uniting us together as one love, <3 so cute. Before we went to Vipingo to teach those Class 7 Students, we had the chance to stop at the government school. It was very sad seeing children behind a gate wanting to come to school, but just the fact that we were there put smiles on their faces. I also loved that even though we weren't in one of our Bomani or Vipingo schools, we all went out to those kids with the love of Jesus and put so many smiles on their faces as well! We jumped right in with, taking photos, videos, and hearing them sing! It's crazy to learn that only half of the students academically will be able to go to high school and only 15% of those kids will be able to afford it. I just loved being able to make a difference in all of their lives and watch them perform. They even had this Chinese jump rope thing they did and I think quite a few of us were amazed at how good they did it, and how we wouldn't be able to be that good. Afterwards, we went to Vipingo and taught Class 7, it was right about the time they were going to be let out of school so we got to be with all the children in the end before we left which was super fun! I learned today that they start school at 6:30 and don't get out until 5:00, that's almost 11 hours! Crazy! Well today was definitely life changing and I loved everything about it, can't wait for tomorrow!
Thank you for following along this God adventure with us, and praying for us along the way!
Ashlyn