change.

This is my last blog post from Kenya, it is bittersweet. Today was my last full day at Teule and I cannot believe still how fast time has gone here. We took the kids to Amboseli National Park today and saw so many animals, it was so fun to be with the kids and hear how excited they were! We spent the whole day driving around seeing elephants, hippos, monkeys, hyenas, water buffalo, gazelles, and zebras. It was a good way to say goodbye to Kenya. Tonight as we finished with devotions, some of the kids sang me a song and then came up and said thank you and how much they loved me. I felt so incredibly blessed to be a part of this whole thing. I feel like I say that in ever post, and that is what I told my kids tonight. That I know they think that I have blessed them by being here, but truly it is them who have blessed me. Every day with them has been a blessing and I have felt so happy since the moment I was back in Kenya. Leaving tomorrow will be so hard, I am not sure when it will sink in that I won't be waking up to Bobby outside my window calling my name, or hearing Risper talk, or my baby David smiling. I told them that even though I am thousands of miles away, I am never that far. I will be always praying for them and I will be back soon. That is not an empty promise either. I am going home early to be with my family, my wonderful grandfather died last Thursday from what felt like a short battle with renal cancer. He is home now though, and he was my biggest supporter of me being here. He even got to skype with some of my kids a month ago and I am so thankful he got to see them. As I leave the blogging world, I am so thankful for all the support, prayers, and love everyone has given the past 4months! Thank you for supporting me and allowing me to be here.

somedays.

The one of the cutest sounds in the world is listening to a child sound out a word. They really concentrate on those letters and try to make out the word! Tonight I went to the boys dorm for preps (homework time) and I worked with Peter Kasyoki. I don't know how else to describe Peter other than sweet. He is so close to my heart and I really love working with him on homework. He is in class one and is ranked number one in class...he is always clean, always has his books and pens lined up in his desk, his bed is always made...I think he is close to my heart because we are both weird about our stuff being straight and organized. Since he did not have homework tonight, I gave him some and I got to listen to him sound out words as he read the instructions. Ahhh it was so cute, I loved it. He is so excited about learning and school, I cannot wait to see him grow up!
His older brother Isaac Matiba is also one of the nicest boys around the compound, he always makes me laugh too. Both of them are so wonderful and I enjoy every moment with them. When Isaac and Peter's parents died, it was Isaac that took care of Peter and search for help from neighbors to support their needs. When they were unable to go to school, Isaac sought help from the police which lead them to Teule. I guess this story brings me back to the quote I wrote in another entry about feeling like our work is a drop in the ocean. But without that drop...where would Peter be? Or Matiba? Or the rest of the 200+ kids that have been impacted in some way through Teule? I want to share with you what I have learned...that the next time you feel like "is it really worth it?" or "will it even matter?" when it comes to helping, the answer is yes, it will always be worth it, even when it feels like a drop in the ocean. But without that one drop who knows how many lives would not be changed.

place in this world.

My mom left on Monday and though I was sad to see her leave, I was happy to share Teule with her. It was such a blessing that she was able to come here and see everything that I have fallen in love with. She even decided to sponsor one of the kids...so I have a new sister! Her name is Jane Kasyoka and she is in class 8, she is also ranked number one in her class! I was so excited that my parents decided to sponsor a child and that my mom even got to tell Jane! Jane does not have parents, and I am happy to share mine.
I cannot believe that I have just 6 weeks left...time travels fast in Kenya. Going home brings bittersweet feelings - I got into Occupational Therapy grad school, which is amazing and I am so excited to move to Nashville but on the other hand I feel like I will be leaving a second home and unsure when I will return. I know I won't wait too long...I don't think I would be able too.
It is hard to describe how comfortable it is here for me, I feel like I finally found my place in this world. I feel like I have searched and searched...in people, places, things, relationships, etc. I never thought I would find it here but I know leaving Teule in six weeks will be harder than I expected. I wish I could video tape my entire life here...so when I was sad I could rewatch and hear Rispah laugh, or see Daudi smile, or joke around with Rodgers or Matiba.
At the end of the day, I find comfort that God would not just bring me here and never let me return. I find comfort that God is ultimately in control and that His love for Teule will always outweigh mine. I find comfort that God has let Teule imprint itself on my soul. That I will forever be changed, my focus and energy will have a purpose. That prayers, work, and actions for God's kingdom will never be in vain. I found rest for my soul, in Loitoktok, Kenya with the children of Teule.

day go by.

My mom finally made it to Kenya! Something she thought she would never do...but here she is! I think she is enjoying it here, maybe a little bit of culture shock! haha but overall she loves Teule and the kids! It is nice to have her here and show her what I have been doing that past few months.
When we arrived at Teule on Saturday we had to start preparing for Easter the next day! We planned a huge dinner for them which included their favorite thing to eat...a goat!! The kids get so excited when there is a goat to eat, hence the pictures taken with the goat pre-slaughter. And yes, we (not me...other people) slaughter the goat on the compound then cut it up to prepare for dinner. Its quite the event from beginning to end!
Earlier that day we had a mini easter egg hunt...it was more like individual bags filled with candy, stickers, and little gifts from Nairobi I had bought for them. My mom, Maggie (a Teule volunteer), and I went around the compound hiding the gifts while Jon (the director) stayed to entertain them. After the gift bags were hidden they were released to find their bag! The little kids went running and screaming, some even got the wrong bag just out of pure excitement! It was a lot of fun and probably one of my favorite Easter sundays.
After dinner all the big kids came back to the guest house to watch a movie since they did not have school on Monday. One of the kids picked Star Wars (my favorite movies!!) and so we watched that! We made popcorn, stayed up late, and watched a lot of movies...it is fun to spend time with the older girls and boys. They are all great kids!
Today I am back to work, I have a lot of things to catch up on since I have been gone and then the holiday weekend. We have a 4 new kids living here, 3 are siblings from the area that were abandoned and another is a girl that was rescued from an early marriage. There is a lot of follow up with them and their stories. We also have medical check-ups for all the kids coming up this week or the following. Then of course...working on and trying to finish the sponsorship documents for people! Again....if you ever want more information please email me :)
Its a privilege to be here and be a part of God's work here at Teule. I do not see it as my right, but a true blessing.

oceans.

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." -Mother Theresa

Yesterday we had a HUGE fundraiser that the staff of Teule has been planning for months! The kids ran a 15km relay to raise money for Teule and their education. I was the first aid person so I got to just ride in a car until the last 1 km, I ran with all the little kids! It was a good and long day, full of music, dancing, and of course food! During part of the ceremony, some of the past Teule kids came up and told how their lives had been changed because of this organization. They attended primary and secondary, and are now looking forward to college. It was a very cool and aspiring moment for myself and I think for the kids here at Teule now.
It is easy to look at this world and just be discouraged; pain, suffering, poverty, disease, hunger, abandonment, etc. It can feel as if what you are doing is just a drop in a vast ocean. I see Jon (the director), along with so many past and present staff members and volunteers of Teule and see they have made an impact in so many children in Kenya. Children that might have been left in the streets, been hungry, subjected to violence, or even worse an early death. These children not only have an education and a home, but they also know the love of Jesus through devotions and the staff that love them unconditionally. I look at Jon and see someone who has dedicated his life to a mission that seems impossible, but his faith and love for God and his children has made it possible. These kids are proud to be Teule kids, and I am proud to know them and be a part of this.

Games Day!

It was games day at the school yesterday for all the kids! I think about 7 other schools also participated in soccer and volleyball! It was such a good day, I was so so so proud of all my kids!! They played so well and even though they only won one game, they played fair and well. The other teams had kids that looked WAY to big/old to be in primary school (K-8). As I stayed the entire day, I had herds of other children following me and staring at me. It eventually was frustrating when I was trying to watch my kids play and they were staring at me....as I began to be angry God reminded me too focus on my kids. I realized that I have the best 50 kids in this entire town. They would come stand by me and cheer and also yell at the other kids to leave me alone! haha. But the Teule kids are different from those other kids, they all come from different backgrounds, different situations, hurt in different ways, yet they are all here and they love each other for who they are. I looked at my kids play and how they encouraged each other and had fun even in their loses. I realized that I have the best kids, the nicest, the smartest, and lastly the most good looking ones! haha some of those kids...they were rough. But I told them all that night after dinner how proud I was of them and how much I love them. Being far from all my family and friends can be hard but since I have been here they have accepted me into their family and made me feel welcome. Not once did they stare at me because I was white or tried to steal money from me. I felt so blessed and I told them they are the best second family I could ask for. Even as I sit here and write this I look out my office window and see my kids coming to eat lunch and I just feel at home. Each night as a I fall asleep, my prayers always start with "God, how am I supposed to just leave?" The last two months approach too quickly.

upendo (love)

There hasn't been power in the compound for about two weeks now so I am using another computer to update this blog! Other than the lack of electricity, life is pretty much the same (which is great!). I have been really busy updating files and doing school visits for the kids. I went over applications for the new social worker and I think we will be interviewing them soon! Along with doing social work type of stuff, I have been trying to reorganize and structure their sponsorship material for all the kids. Right now we have roughly 80 kids in entire program (50 live here at LTK and another 30 in high school around the areas such as Nairobi) and from that 80 we have maybe like 15 sponsored! I have been sponsoring a child from Compassion International since I was a junior in high school, Compassion has children all over the world and their structure is very clear and helpful for donors. So I am trying to model this system to be like that, more information on the child and program, a clear understanding of where the money is going, and most importantly what Teule does and how to write to your child here!!! So that will be a lot of work but my goal is to have WAY more kids sponsored than just 15. Sponsorship should be more than just a $40 check each month, your supporting someone's education that otherwise would be not possible! You are helping to give them a life that is away from abuse, the streets, or an early marriage. Whether you believe in God or not, it is our job as humans to help, to assist, to love, and to protect those who are weak, poor, or in need. Helping and loving someone does not have to mean picking up and moving to that place, its giving money, or a earnest prayer, or a little time in parts of your community that need it. It looks different for each person, but love should be the core of who we are.
With that all said, if you are interested in more information about Teule and sponsoring just email me:) I would be glad to let you know! emuether@gmail.com
blessings. -e

long live

I haven't wrote on this in awhile! ahhh sorry! okay so life here has been super busy and super awesome! The hospital stuff did not goes as smoothly as planned...Daudi and I went to the Kijabe Hospital and after two longggg days we had a 3 minute consultation with an orthopedic doctor that did not offer much information or help. So with that being said, we are going to another hospital in Nairobi within the next few weeks. I do not give up that easily. One of the matrons went with Geofrey to Kenyatta Hospital for the ear surgery, which also did not go as planned. The hospital here in LTK gave us the wrong date. So that is postponed until March 8th, but it is still happening!! And then Cynthia...got her glasses!! I will take a picture soon and post it! She is very excited about them and looks forward to being able to see in class! Right now, the entire compound is without electricity, so I am writing as fast as I can in order to save my computer's power! I am hoping by Sunday we have the power back on...because after church we are having a movie day and watching the Lion King and eating popcorn!! Life is so great here and I really feel blessed to be a part of this whole thing! One of my best friends Hanna told me before I came on this trip...that God doesn't have favorites but if he did its definitely children! That is something that has really stuck with me, because I think its kinda true! I feel so blessed and lucky to be able to spend time with these kids, hear their laughter, and help them in any means possible. These are some of God's favorite people and I get to be around them 24/7, its really a good reminder of how good our God is and how good life can be if we let it.

not all who wander are lost....

I leave tomorrow morning at 4am for Nairobi with Daudi for Kijabe Hospital. It is a major hospital in Nairobi that specializes in back surgery/treatment. Since this was planned a few days ago, I have been experiencing an intense mixture of stress, worry, and excitement...its super intense! I'm worried about the smaller details of this trip like the appointments and meeting doctors. It is nothing like the US where you can book an appointment...we are going tomorrow in hopes to see the orthopedic surgeon and see what they can do for him. I'm excited because by the end of this week I will have three kids visiting three different hospitals getting the medical treatment they need. One will be getting glasses so she can see clearly in class and medicine to stop her eyes from hurting so much. Another will be getting his ears fixed and finally be able to hear normally!! And lastly...my Daudi has the opportunity to get surgery so he can run and play without pain or exhaustion. I think it was this week, these different events that are unfolding that I am reminded I did not come here as a 22 year old girl running away from life after graduation. Something much deeper brought my heart back here and being that its only been 3 weeks...I am more than excited to see what the next 4 months look like.
With that all said, I will let you all know how everything goes! Pray for my kids!!!! :)

love as he loved us

I feel encouraged daily by God's word and everyone supporting me back home. In the next couple of days I will be taking three of the children to the local hospital in LTK (Loitokitok) in order to get a referral for the hospital in Nairobi. Two out of the three have severe medical issues, so please keep them in your prayers as we travel to see how much surgery will cost along with medicine. One has spina bifida in the lumbar portion of his back (lower back) that is causing the child pain and was never treated. Another has microtia which is the closing of the cartilage around both of his ears, therefore the child cannot hear properly. The last one, has eye pain that causes her to cry and have trouble in class. These kids are smart, funny, and amazing. I love each them so much and I cannot stand the thought of them being in pain or suffering. So that is my first priority now this week.

pictures

The guest house...also known as my home for the next 5 months

Jennifer and Dinah:)

Mt. Kilimanjaro, my view every day

pilipili hoho

pilipili hoho...this is my new favorite Swahili word. It's just fun to say, and it means green pepper! Just a fun fact for the day!
I have been going through all the case files
from the old social worker that recently left. There are 47 kids currently living here at Teule and each one has a file with their history and education information. Erastus, the director here at Teule, wants to make the documentation system more organized and prepare it for the next social worker. I have enjoyed the time spent together as we look at each child individually and talk about what needs to be added to the file and how it can be updated. I really love what I am doing, but it is not easy going through all the files and reading each child's case history. Abandonment, neglect, abuse, child labor...the list really goes on. All of them are bright, funny, and have good hearts and they now also have a home with an education. I think as time continues I will get better at figuring out what to say on this thing...processing the evils that are done to children is not an easy battle. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts.

Teule Kenya

I finally made it to Teule! I started off the day by going with Catherine (one of the cooks) to the market to buy some avocados and mangos! I spent a lot of time with Catherine and she is just one of the most wonderful people I know. We weren't even in the market yet and I had 2 marriage offers from Massai men...but I tell them I'm "married" ;). It seems to work if I stick with that! After we came home from the market, I finally unpacked and settled into my room here. It feels so good to be here and I still cannot believe it sometimes that I am actually in Kenya!! When school let out I got to see the kids, it was so fun to see the all! We played about 100 rounds of duck duck juice (they can't pronounce goose!)and about 9 times out of 10 I was the "juice", so I am exhausted from running around all day! I am looking forward to my work here, I know I will be busy helping with all the cases here at Teule. I am meeting with one of the directors here at Teule tomorrow to begin my job of reviewing cases and seeing what the next step is for the child individually. I am going to take some pictures soon so you all can see what Teule looks like and some of the awesome kids who live here! Love you all!

Here we go....

Not completely sure when it will hit me that I am in Kenya...and will be for the next five months. I would remind myself on the plane that I'm actually going back and I'm sure the people next to me thought I was crazy because I couldn't stop smiling! In a few short days I will be in Loitokitok and spending everyday with the kids at Teule. Even typing that out makes me happy, haha, but I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported and prayed for me. As excited as I am for the next five months I am aware that it will come with some trials and maybe even some frustrations. But such is life. Even as I sit here at 5am (cannot sleep!), I never would have imagined "older Erika" living in Kenya...alone...for five months, but now I can't imagine not being here. As I stand outside of my realm of comfort (Libertyville,IL haha) I know that God is beside me the entire step of the way. So whatever happens in the next five month and I guess even the rest of my life...I know that I do not stand alone which is the greatest comfort I have.

Pictures of Kenya

This is the view of Loitokitok which is where I will be staying for the next 5 months. It is also the location of Teule! :)

Hello Blogging World!!

Family and Friends -

I am so excited to be leaving for Kenya in a little less than 3 weeks! There is still a lot of preparation that needs to be done. As I finish packing and gathering supplies that I need, please remember me in your thoughts and/or prayers! I appreciate all the support and encouragement that everyone has provided. I will be writing on this blog as much as possible and look forward to sharing my experiences.
Thank you again :) Kwaheri!! (goodbye in Swahili)