A Deeper Explanation

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am!  Send me." - Isaiah 6:8 

Hello all!

It has definitely been a long time since I have done any blogging, as the blogs following this are from my last trip to Kenya in 2012.  However, I feel that these trips are all connected and purposeful, so it seemed appropriate to just continue where I left off.  It's all the journey that the Lord has sent me on, and little did I know just how purposeful He was in each and every trip.   

I just picked up the support letters for Thailand a while ago, and will be working on getting those sent out this next week.  However, as I sat here thinking and praying about the trip, I felt very compelled to write.  I will admit that I am a much better writer than speaker.  I tend to get my thoughts out much more successfully on paper (or, in this case, a computer), and I also feel when I get these urges that it's the Lord weighing on my heart to do so.  It feels so awesome to write - I love it.  But I wanted to provide you a deeper explanation of our choice to go to Chiang Mai, Thailand, next month.  I also felt it is a great opportunity to update you on where Korwen and I stand as far as our future and the plans we see.  We would appreciate it so much if you would pray with us.  

Some of you may know about my past travels to Kenya in 2009 for 6 months, and again in 2010-2011 for one year.  Let's just say....I didn't necessarily come home by choice in August of 2011, but felt like God was telling me to.  I had an opportunity from UNO to be a  graduate assistant while I worked on my masters degree, and little did I know that I also had a lot of healing to do in my heart.  When I came home, the Lord told me two things: 1) that I would never travel alone again, and 2) that he was going to use my education and knowledge in special education as a resource to others.  Regarding the first comment, my year overseas was extremely challenging, traveling as a single white woman.  There was something very exhilarating about it, but at the same time many struggles arose and made day-to-day things seem very challenging.  When I met Korwen in November 2011, I thought there was no way we would work out.  I truly never thought I would meet someone who shared the same heart as me.  I freaked out, honestly, when I saw the person that he really was, because it seemed so perfectly fit.  Part of my response was fear creeping in, thinking that everything I had just experienced and what "I thought" was going to come, wasn't going to happen anymore.  It was a very naive perspective.  But God knew my heart, and very quickly taught me about love, trust, and obedience through Korwen.   As we dated more seriously, got engaged, and now are married (almost one year!!), the more I have gotten to know Korwen, the more I have seen God's love for us, and just how in tune he is with our hearts for the world.   I have a ridiculous amount of respect for Korwen, and I see characteristics in him that are similar but also ones that I lack.  It's so cool to see how God has balanced us and made us a great team.  We spent a portion of our honeymoon in Istanbul, Turkey, having an awesome time seeing the world together.  The second portion we spent in Kenya, having a second ceremony and spending time with our ROCK family, so that Korwen could see the place that is so near and dear to my heart.  Our honeymoon was very significant to us in terms of what God wants for us, and we will never forget it.  

Over the last couple years, God has helped us see more clearly, and through the journey we are learning to walk in faith and trust in His plan.   Korwen has understood my heart for Kenya at the very beginning, and we've talked a lot about the where and the when.  I have kept (or tried to) an open heart about where we would go, despite my strong connection with Kenya.   Korwen has such a largely diverse background in missions, living in Pakistan with his family for several years, traveling all over Asia, and Mozambique.  He has a wide variety of experiences and huge heart for the world, but not necessarily a specific location.  He has prayed very intentionally about where we should go.  Let me just say, the Lord has been pretty detailed through prophetic prayer and other words spoken by our community about where He wants us to go.   We do know it's Africa...and we "think" it's Kenya.   We are still praying about it, waiting on the Lord, and seeing what comes our way.

In the meantime, we have also been told on numerous occasions that this is a season of disciplining, refining, and preparation.  To us, this means finishing up school, gaining more experience in our work environment, going through the discipleship and church planting school, and investing in our community and relationships here.   We are so content at where we are now, but yet when talks of missions come up, we both feel that fire burning inside of us.  It's what we're called to, and we desire it so badly.   

In regards to our trip, the opportunity for Thailand popped up when I was talking to my friend Samara, one of the church planters for Waypoint that lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  That week I had been praying about what God had said about using me as a resource, and asking Him exactly what that looked like.   I prayed for opportunity and clarity in that area.   That weekend, Samara and I were chatting on Skype, and she asked for some advice.  Right now she is teaching English to Thai children of various ages and backgrounds, some very traumatic.  She explained that she had received a new student in her class who had more serious learning needs, and she didn't know what to do to help her learn.  Like many cultures, and what I also experienced in Kenya, children with special needs are mainstreamed and "pushed along" with their age mates, regardless of their progress and abilities.   Samara questioned this girl's ability to learn, and it was very apparent that she was not where she needed to be for her current age.  After hours of conversing, Samara joked about us coming to visit and helping her out.  We glanced at dates that would work, but neither of us really were all  too serious about it.   But then, after some weeks, God spoke very clearly to me that we needed to go.   I looked at the dates again, and talked to Korwen.   The dates that would work best for us to go would be during my spring break, which is also the last week of the term for Samara's school.  At that time, Korwen was looking into two different programs to finish up school, so his start date was unsure.  We weighed the idea of me waiting and going in the summer, but as I prayed I remembered when God said, "You will not travel alone again."  I knew Korwen was supposed to go with me.  After a couple weeks, Korwen decided on the program that he wanted to do, and also found it it starts the week after we would get back from Thailand.  Coincidence? I think not.  Everything just seemed to line up.

So, we are going.   As you will read in our support letter, our trip is happening March 8-16th and is going to cost us about $4,000.  We trust that we will raise that, because God wants us to go.   We are using these experiences to walk in faithfulness and keep our eyes fixed on the purpose God has, and let the little things come together in time.   Korwen and I feel honored and blessed to have this opportunity to go, bless the church plant there using our gifts and skills, stretch ourselves in ministry, and grow close together in marriage.  When we think about the logistical things, we often just smile at each other and just say, "We better get used to this.  This is how life is going to be."  We love the world.  And we truthfully couldn't be more excited.   

If you would like to receive a support letter, please let me know.   We would love for you to have one as a reminder to think of us and pray for us.  If you have any comments or questions, feel free to send them my way also.  We hope to have opportunities in the future where we can share more with you. 

Love you all.  Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog and hear about where we are at.     

Be blessed,

Julie 

The Joys of Being Called

 

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.” - Ecclesiastes 8:15

I’m home and, to be honest, my heart hurts a bit.  As I sat in Starbucks in the Brussels airport during our layover, I sipped on my americano (which was delicious, thanks to Kaitlin!) and listened to the sound of multiple conversations in different languages and loud world music blaring over the speakers.  I got an overwhelming feeling of homesickness for the comfort of my morning chai, listening to the nearby birds chirping and children laughing.  It was a feeling of almost being stuck in the middle; aching for what I left behind but anxious for what was to come.  I missed my family and friends in the states, but I nearly starting crying thinking about the family and friends I left behind.  All is part of life I know, and people always say, “Don’t worry, you’ll be back.”  Yah ...yah..yah.  I get that.  But the big question mark indicating when that will be hangs over my head.   I don’t like not knowing.  But that’s not how God works.

I love people, and knowing who they really are.  When I meet someone, it is my goal to know more than just his or her favorite color or pastime.  By the time I leave that conversation, I want to know their hearts, DEEP, DEEP down:  their joys, pains, struggles, and victories.  And that is why I love the Kenyan culture so much, because they desire to know the same.  That’s how it was my with my R.O.C.K. kiddos this month.  I entered a deeper level with many of them.  I was shocked at how much they came to me and confided in me, wanted prayer, guidance, or just someone to listen to them about whatever.  I could see that some seeds that were planted in 2010-2011 were growing fruit, and I was in awe of God’s faithfulness.  These kids saw my heart, they knew why I came back, and they knew we were family.  I took every opportunity to open my heart and share with them, whether one-on-one or leading devotion.  I retold my personal testimony of loss, anger, healing and perseverance.  I was overjoyed when I learned that their scripture memory for that month was Hebrews 12, which was a theme chapter for me during my last year there.  I dug into those verses, and I think it made everything that much more real to them.  God used it as He wanted, breaking down the cultural walls that often subconsciously develop and prevent the message from fully being crossed, and our hearts connected. 

The morning of our 9 a.m. bus departure from Kisumu, Kaitlin and I woke up early so that we could get to R.O.C.K. for 6:30 a.m. devotion, breakfast, and goodbyes.  On our walk over to the compound, I stared up at the purple and pink sunrise, pep talking myself not to start crying in front of the kids.  Well, let’s just say it was one weak pep talk.  As soon as we walked through the gate of the compound, the firs person I saw was James peeking out of the window of the kitchen, and say “Teacher!”  I cracked…the tears started to come.  I quickly composed myself so I could enter the sitting room where the devotions taking place.  The melodies of some of my favorite worship songs filled my ears as I entered the room, and I just stood there watching them worship.  There is nothing more beautiful than kids of all ages giving their hearts to the Lord.  I closed my eyes and took it all in.  I prayed that their words would be carried all over sleeping Kisumu, entering the hearts of all the people just waking to start their day. 

After one of the house parents finished sharing for devotion, he gave Kaitlin and I opportunities to speak.  When he called me, I slowly stood and moved towards the front of the room.  I took a second and just looked at them all, some not wanting to make eye contact with me in fear of crying.  I took a deep breather, slowly squeaked out “Praise the Lord,” and they quietly responded “Amen.”  Then, my eyes met one of the kids, and I cracked. I apologized to them for crying, sharing that I would be lying to say that I wasn’t sad….obviously.   It was hard, so hard, to stand up and share in front of them watching many of them, both big and small, feel the same pain I was feeling. But I am thankful, because the Lord gave me the specific words to share with them.  I emphasized how proud of them I am, and encouraged them that even though we are physically apart, we are together in thought and prayer.  After devotion, I received some of the biggest hugs I’ve every received from them, even the older boys.  I LOVE hugs!!  Priceless moments I will never forget.  I was given my last-minute letters, pictures, and encouraging words from them as we slowly moved to the gate.  As we walked out, the last memory I have was little Juliette sitting on the ground, smiling and waving goodbye as mom closed and locked the gate.  Definitely challenging walking away, even if it is just for now.  

On a lighter note, Kaitlin got to experience some of Kenya’s corky ways throughout our travels across Kenya.  We took the usual bus company I had taken in the past to Kijabe to see Fred and the family, and the Davis family.  However, to my surprise, Easy Coach had changed its route the past year, so we were in fact bypassing Kijabe.  I was thankful that I know the country well enough, that I could map out where we were and what we needed to do.  So, after some confusing conversations with the bus driver who spoke poor English, we got dropped off on the side of the road with all of our stuff, and Fred and to come and save us and bring us to Kijabe.  Two white girls standing on the side of a busy highway with a bunch of luggage….probably a pretty funny sight.

Kijabe is my respite place, and we enjoyed a couple days of great company, good food, and relaxation.   It was much needed to help me process the last month, and also just take in the beauty of the country.  I always love taking my visitors here to get a real taste of Kenya, as we stay with Fred and his family in their rural home.  They are always so welcoming and give us the very best that they have.  CJ, Njeri, and Precious have all grown so much, and their English has really improved.   Time there always goes so quickly, but we enjoyed it for sure. 

My taxi driver friend John came to pick us from Kijabe to take us to the airport.  Luckily he is a punctual guy and even came a bit early, because on the way to the airport we were forced by police to pull over for almost 45 minutes because they were closing down the road.  Apparently the president was traveling by car and we were supposed to wait until he passed by.  I have never in my life seen a road closed for miles upon miles.  Upset Kenyans stood by the side of the road, taunted the police officers, and laughed at the ridiculousness of the whole thing.   After he finally passed, then a huge jam resulted and we had to take a back bypass to the airport.  We still arrived with plenty of time before our flight was scheduled to leave. 

After almost 39 hours of travel, we landed in Omaha.  As our plane pulled up, I looked out the window and saw the moon shining high in the sky.  I smiled to myself as I remembered gazing at the almost full moon the night we landed in Nairobi.  I took in the same moon though I was almost half a world apart, though my emotions at both places were much different.  I think God allowed me to see that to give me a bit of peace in my heart….”You are apart, yet you are together.”  Just as my friends in Kenya see the same moon, distance will not divide our thoughts and prayers.

The youth pastor from the church R.O.C.K. attends was talking to me a few days before I left.  He mentioned how admirable it is that I’m making a sacrifice to be in Kenya serving the kids there.  I replied, “Being here is never a sacrifice, it’s a purpose that God has placed on my life where I get the opportunity to love on some amazing people, and be just as blessed in return.”  And it’s true.  God has called me to love on others, never to walk in fear or doubt, and trust his provision.  So far He has done a pretty stinkin’ good job, I must say.   

So, what now?  I'm pretty excited for what's to come.  I'll continue to strongly advocate and be as involved with R.O.C.K. Ministries and its movement as I can.  In here Omaha, God has lined up a SWEET special education teaching position for me this fall, and along with that I'll work on finishing up graduate school.  My older brother and a few good friends are getting married, I have a precious nephew born in May that is just a few miles away, and I hope to spend a lot of time hanging out and drinking coffee with good friends.  So many good things ahead, and I'm so thankful for each of them. 

Kwaheri hakuna, tutuonana tu bas.  There is no goodbye, just see you later. 

Until next time, Kenya.

Cynthia loves her funny faces

Juliette knows how to hold that kuku (chicken)

Love these kids

Kaitlin and I at Rondo Retreat Center

David catching up on some torn-cartoon-book reading before supper

Lined up for prayers before breakfast

My dear friend, Lillian

Moses and I

Robert and I...being all patriotic

Some of the kids we took out for supper to celebrate the merits they earned in school

Kaitlin, Elaine, and I.  We love clean clothes.

The Nebraska crew together in Kisumu:  Ryan (Ripe for Harvest - Kampala, Uganda), Deb (Ripe for Harvest - Nairobi), Kaitlin, and I 

Just a few of my awesome kiddos! :) 

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!

Back at home...playing his guitar again with a SMILE! 

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to give you a quick update and huge THANKS to you and THANKS to God for his goodness and provision.  Patrick came home from the hospital last Monday, and is doing much much better.  The doctor's concluded that he has abdominal TB, which was causing the fluid in his stomach.  He was put on a pretty heavy treatment plan that includes lots of strong drugs.  He was monitored in the hospital for a few days, but the fluid was decreasing dramatically.  The doctors decided he continue the treatment, but return home to R.O.C.K., coming in for frequent check-ups.

Even though he was eating pretty well at the hospital (mom brought him ALOT of chicken and french fries..a Kenyan favorite), he was still very skinny when he came home.  But within several days you could see his strength growing back.  He was smiling more, and more peppy.  I was so thankful that he was back before I left so we could sit and have some good conversations like the old days.  I told him my friends back home were praying for him, and he said to tell you all THANK YOU and that he is so grateful.  We will continue to pray that he continues to grow in strength, and that by September he will be ready to return to school.  He's anxious to continue his studies and finish within the next couple years.

THANK YOU for all your prayers.  I am constantly reminded of that God listens and responds to prayer.  Patrick was covered in prayers from people all over the world, and he said he could feel the prayers.  How awesome how the Lord can use each of us to encourage one another and build each other up.

You're the BEST, prayer warriors! :)

-Julie 

Capturing the Vision

Current construction progress at Malava - R.O.C.K's future home

 Hi friends,

It’s been so amazing being a part of the present of R.O.C.K., the ministry I have come to know and love so much.  I’ve captured mom’s heart for the kids, meeting their needs emotionally, spiritually, and educationally.  They are her life, and she desires nothing more but to fully invest in them that they may grow to know the Lord and live for him daily in their lives.  She really is their mom, and an awesome one at that.

Through the Lord’s work in the ministry, I have seen dramatic growth in the kids, and progress within the ministry, though obstacles are always there.  The day-to-day challenges that mom faces are quite exhausting, yet the fire in her spirit drives her daily.  It’s apparent that the Lord renews her strength daily, keeping her healthy and strong, ready to face these obstacles. 

As much as things are great where they are, it needs to continue moving forward.  Two weekends ago I got to recapture mom’s heart for the future of R.O.C.K.   We took the hour and a half trip from Kisumu up to Malava, the future home of R.O.C.K. Ministries just near the Kakamega Forest.  Standing there with mom, we got to soak in her dream of expanding the ministry from helping not only 40 kids, but over 200 children in need. 

Words cannot describe the beauty of this place, but all I can say is that it’s overwhelming to soak in God’s creation.  You breathe fresh clean air, feel the cool breeze, and hear only birds chirping and the far-off distant voices from the locals.  The contrast of the vibrant green fauna compared to the red Kenyan soil is pure magnificence.  The Lord’s fingerprints completely cover the place, perfectly molded for R.O.C.K.  I could just visualize hundreds of children running all over the 9 acres, laughing, playing soccer, pulling mangoes and papayas from the trees and eating until their bellies are completely stuffed, and knowing this place as home.  It’s absolutely beautiful.

However, the project has a long way to go.   Currently, only 2 of the 21 needed houses for the kids are built.  In order for the kiddos under R.O.C.K’s roof in Kisumu to even move up to Malava, a third house needs to be built.  Insufficient funds and an increase in cost of supplies by over $2,000 have hindered the building process.  An approximate $32,000 will build one house where ten children and two house parents will live.  A multi-purpose hall is currently in process of being completed, which is just as crucial as the housing.   It will serve as both a classroom for the school as well as a hall for gatherings and church services.   It is currently in process, however once again funds are not available to finish it.

I honestly sit there and wonder how I can help in all this.  I think to myself, “If only I had a million dollars, I would just give it all to R.O.C.K Ministiries and build the rest of Malava”, but realizing that I am not thinking realistically nor is that God’s plan.  I sense mom’s frustration, as this project has been going for over 6 years, and it seems as things are moving in baby steps.  Mom questions the how, where, and when, but continues to persistently walk in faith, trusting the Lord for his timing and provision.  But it doesn’t make it any easier.  I sit there and pray about it, asking God the same questions, and also wondering his role for me in this process.  I'm committing myself to prayer in where the Lord may actively involve me in helping Elaine make this all happen. 

I think about Noah, and that he worked for almost 100 years building that ark because God told him to, not having a clue about what will become of it.  He had never experienced such a flood before, nor could comprehend what the Lord would do with it.  But he was faithful, never grew weary or discouraged, and decided to stop.  And through him, God’s plan was accomplished.  The same will happen with Malava, because Elaine is living in faith and commitment like Noah.   She isn't sitting there, writing to supporters asking for money because the funds aren't there.  She believes that there is a purpose for everything, and God will provide the funds at the appropriate time.   Sometimes she really challenges me in my faith, because I wonder if I would be the same way?

Anyway, if you have any specific questions regarding Malava, or if you would like to help, just let me know.  But praying is always a HUGE help, so be free to to so. :)

God bless you all! 

 The multipurpose hall about half done - this will be a meeting place for church as well as the main classroom

 Beginnings of Elaine's mud hut.  Yes...she will live in a mud hut for some time before she will construct her own house.  She's putting the kids' needs first.

The papaya's are HUUUUUGE!  These trees were planted when we went up to Malava last February.  Ready to be eaten! :)

Never a Dull Moment

 Hi everyone,

Someone asked me last night if I was starting to get bored being in Kenya.  I laughed and said, "I don't think it's possible to be bored here!"  Let's just say my plans of physically "resting" while I have been here have failed...big time.  However, I find that I have a new spiritual and emotional refreshment that was starting to run a bit dry prior to my visit.  The kids at R.O.C.K. bring me a new energy and delight.  Though my days are packed full, and I am physically pooped out by 9 p.m., my heart is still jumping and dancing being here.  Whatever....maybe I'll rest when I get home! :)

With that said, things have been packed full, but lots of fun.  I love the fact that there have been many ways that I have been able to help out where there is a need.  I have been in both the junior learning center as well as the senior learning center, wherever there is a need for a teacher.  It's been giving mom a bit of a break so she can tend to her administrative things.  It's great that I can serve in that way. 

The past two days I have taken the role as the head teacher in the senior learning center, as Madame Lillian has been sick.  After arriving at school at 7:30 a.m., I don't think I sat down until about 4 p.m.  I had a blast working with the curriculum in a different way than I had been used to, and the kids did an awesome job.  They have grown and matured so much.  They don't pull tricks anymore in their work or try to cheat.  They do what they are supposed to do, and I think a big part is that they are being challenged.  They love when they are successful and do well, and that I am there to see it.  I have found that a little squeeze on the shoulder, encouraging comment, smile, or wink can motivate them as they do their PACE work.  You can see the change in their body language, or a little sneak of a smile on their face.  It's so great.   I also had a chance to share with the older kids in morning devotions, and the whole school during our noon devotion yesterday.  I always enjoy doing that because it allows me to talk to the kids on a personal level and really encourage them.  And they like hearing from me too....I think. :)

Outside of school, we are just enjoying our time with the kids.  We stay almost every night for supper and devotions.  Devotions are one of my favorite things to do with the kids.  They worship in a way no one else can.  There is no better sound that 20-some kids screaming their lungs out to the Lord.  We dance, we laugh, we enjoy the word together.  And the kids preach to one another.  They are building each other up.  It's absolutely fantastic.  I love leaving at the end of the night and receiving many hugs, hand shakes, and high fives from the kids..sometimes more than once.   It really touches my haert.   On Thursday afternoons we go play futbol (soccer).  I try to play, but let's just say soccer isn't my best sport.  But, the kids don't laugh at me or judge me, so I am thankful for that!  On Fridays we go swimming at a hotel nearby, which the kids really enjoy.  I taught a couple of them to swim last year, and it's cool to see that they can now swim all the way across the pool by themselves.  It's kind of like my "proud mom" moment I guess, to see them grow.

I have had some great personal time with a lot of the kids, just to chat.  A lot of the time I just listen to what they have to say, give my input if needed, but mostly just pray for them.  I value that the kids confide in me and feel that they can trust me.  They need that ear to listen, because many times they don't get that.  I love it because it allows me to encourage them throughout the day too, in all other areas.  

Little praise report.  The other night mom went to see Patrick at the hospital around suppertime.  She was coming home around 7:30, which by then it's dark here.  She pulled up to the gate to the ROCK compound and was waiting for a houseparent to come open the gate so she could drive in.  She looked out her window to see a man standing outside her window with a gun pointed at her.   He was motioning for her to put her window down.  Instead of complying, she did what her heart told her to do.  She started yelling, "JESUS! JESUS!"  The man got a dumbfounded look on his face, and after a moment started running behind the car.  Mom thought he was going to to the other side, but he hopped on the back of a motorbike and took off.  The motorbike had no light on, and later mom remembered seeing that motorbike in town.  So, she assumes he just followed her home.  They opened the gate and mom drove in.  It was her first time crying in front of the kids, but once she composed herself she explained what happened.  They called their security company and they came to file a report and send some guards for the evening.

Mom had prayers covering her that night.  It was prayer night for devotions for the kids, and they had just been praying for mom's safety.  Mom also said yesterday that a missionary friend currently in the states had received a word the night before to pray for safety for Kisumu missionaries.  That man had nothing on mom.  Hebrews 4:12 says, "....For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit.."  This was a true testimony to the kids of the power of prayer, and the truth of God.

Please don't be concerned for me or my safety.  These things happen everywhere.  People always say to me that they are worried about my safety, but I feel more safe in Kisumu than I do a lot of times in the states.  The enemy can attack in attempts to shake us up, but with God we have nothing to fear.  We are advised not to be out past dark, and so we are never going out by ourselves after dark unless we are in a vehicle with mom or someone we know.

A quick update on Patrick.  He's still in the hospital and has been through a series of tests the past couple days.  They've gone around to liver problems, to heart issues, now back to TB.  They gave him some meds that are really controlling the fluid without having to drain anything, so they are hopeful his treatment can be some daily medication.  It will take him a long time to feel "normal" again, but we are hopeful that this is the road to recovery.  THANK YOU for all your prayers.  I told him last night that I sent a request out to all my friends back home, and in his quiet way he said "Wow, that's so nice."  What a guy. :)

Ok, I must leave you now.  I need more coffee and it's time to get ready for the day.  My Nebraska missionary friends, Deb and Ryan, are coming up to Kisumu today for a couple days, so it will be great to see them!  We're also heading up to spend a night at Rondo retreat center this Friday, and on to Malava on Saturday to see what's going on there.  Updates in that area to come soon.  Should be a nice little getaway to see the lovely Kakamega Forest.  It's absolutely beautiful up there.  Green.  Monkeys. Red soil.  God's beauty for sure.

Never a dull moment. :)

Love and blessings to each of you,
Julie

 

Prayers for Patrick

 Hey friends,

Want to throw out a prayer request.  One of our older R.O.C.K. boys, Patrick, was hospitalized on Saturday due to some stomach issues.  He has been sick for the past few months with what doctors thought was intestinal TB, yet tests done at several hospitals all tested negative.  They are now questioning if it’s a liver disease of some form.   He’s a very tall skinny guy, but has a bulged stomach that’s full of fluid that he almost looks like he’s 7-months pregnant, as well as his ankles and feet.  Doctors are questioning whether it would be helpful to drain it, because most likely the cause of the drainage is linked to a protein deficiency, and the fluid would just build up again.  

Mom took Patrick to a hospital in a town a couple hours away last Thursday to see some specialized doctors, but they won’t do anything until he goes back on the 20^th of July.  Based on his symptoms, however, they do feel like his condition could be untreatable.  There are many causes to these symptoms, so to target a specific solution can be challenging.  The doctor at the hospital where he is currently staying is a good doctor, and wants to monitor him for a couple days before they make any decisions of what to do next. 

Patrick is a very humble, quiet guy who has a strong faith in the Lord, but it’s very easy to become discouraged, especially with the news he received last week.  We are hopeful that during his stay, God will give the doctors wisdom on what to do next, and he will start to feel better.

Please lift Patrick up in your prayers for healing.  Just the other day he and I were discussing some scripture in Exodus where Jesus was telling the Israelites to worship the Lord, and he would take away any sickness.  I encouraged Patrick to live everyday in faith that the Lord will be close to him.  I love James 5:15 – “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, the Lord will raise Him up….”  Please join us praying in FAITH that Patrick will be completely healed of his illness. 

Thanks so much!  God bless your week!

Living Life Out

Hey everyone,


WOW!!  I can’t believe it has been a week already.  I apologize for not posting sooner, however I've been without internet the last couple days.  Reminds me how lucky I am to have internet at my fingertips practically everywhere back home.    

I wanted to give you a little update of what's been happening since I last wrote.  I have been trying to soak everything in and enjoy every minute with these kids.  The purpose God has for me here has been happening, and I'm always amazed of how He carries out His promises.


I honestly feel like I’ve picked up right where I left off last year.  In America, when you’re gone a year you feel like you’ve missed out on a decade.   Here, everything is just the same.  There’s new construction here and there, but the lifestyle hasn’t changed, and the people are the same.  In fact I see the same motorbike drivers when I walk to R.O.C.K., and some remember me.  The ask me, “Where have you been?  You’re so lost!”  It’s nice being back in the familiar in a culture I love being a part of so much. 
   
My time at R.O.C.K. has been fantastic!  We’ve done lots of great things so far:  swimming, futbol (soccer), watched “The Lion King” musical put on by a school, grilled hot dogs on the 4^th for the kids to try for the first time, and other things.   There are lots more fun things planned, so I look forward to the things to come.    


As I told you earlier, my main purpose here is to just love on the kids.   I prayed for opportunities to spend some one-on-one time with as many of them as possible.  God has opened that door of opportunity, and I have had the chance to talk and pray with numerous kids so far.   


There's one child I want to specifically share.  This is a slightly lengthy story…so I apologize in advance.  


I'm going to call him James just for the sake of privacy.  James is a boy with no real family that he knows of that it still around.  He ran to the streets several times because he was threatened to be beaten by various family members.   After about the third time of running away, he was taken to a juvenile center, called Remand.  He remained there for several years, which he describes as a "dark and horrible place."  He testifies of demonic presences and other sorts of evil activity.   It was through God only that James was brought to R.O.C.K. Ministries, where he has been since 2007.  Although he is in a safe and loving home, there is still a lot of hardness and anger in this boy's heart.  He has ran away several times from R.O.C.K. for various reasons, but has always been found and brought back, or the Lord "said something to him", as he puts it, and he has come home.   At times James can be very aggressive, cheats on his schoolwork, or chooses to be defiant to any form of authority.  


I sensed this about James as soon as I entered R.O.C.K. in 2010.   When I first came, he would barely interact with me, and if he did it was very surface level.   It took about 5 months before he finally started to trust me, and talk to me.   James' big brown eyes began to sparkle a bit, and I started to see an awesome smile beam from him from time to time.   We became close, and I would pray with him often.  I saw a different side of him that many people didn’t see.  I saw a gentle, loving boy, burdened with a lot of pain and hurt from his past.   


I was excited to see him when I returned this trip and continue to grow deeper in our relationship.  However, when I came, it was in fact the complete opposite.  He had just been brought home the previous day to our arrival from running away again with another boy.   Instead of being greeted at the gate with hugs and/or handshakes as I typically am, I hear “Go back!  Leave!” from him as he walks around the back of the house.  I just shook it off.  However, throughout the day there was no greeting, no eye contact, no smile, hardly any recognition.  That evening when I was preparing to head home, another little boy in the home comes and places a small note in my hand.  The note was from James, not this boy.  In it, he talks about he is mad at me, that I’m not his friend, and that I don’t love God.  Initially I was a bit hurt and confused by these words, but immediately God said, “Patience.”  I put the paper in my pocket and went home.  That night I prayed for him, that whatever anger was in him would go away, and that God would provide me with an opportunity to talk to him and mend our relationship.  


The next day, it was just the same, with hostility and anger, telling me to go away.  But I continued to give him space, ignored the words, and continued to pray.  I knew they were not his, that something else was going on.   That afternoon the kiddos had art class, and I was sitting around the table with them as they worked on their projects.  At the end when they were cleaning up, a picture is dropped on my lap.   It was from James.  I looked at him, and for the first time he made eye contact with me.  There was a small smile, and he said, “If you lose that picture, you just wait and see what will happen.”  Bam.  He’s back.   I smiled at him, told him I would frame it when I got home and fix it up on my wall somewhere.   There was a change in his body language as he walked away.  I knew he was slowly softening.


We had a staff meeting the following day with the teachers and mom.   The head teacher was discussing some issues where teachers all needed to be on the same page about.   She brought up students not setting goals in the morning, a typical thing many of the kids do, as they are required to set goals for the amount of work they will get done in each subject that day.  She brought up James and that he hadn’t set goals for almost two days.   She looked at me, and said, “Julie, James appears to be close to you.  I think you should talk to him.”  I kind of laughed to myself, and at God, because I think He had a specific assignment for me with this boy.  I told her I would do my best and see what I could do.  That night, I prayed for a specific opportunity to talk to him.  


Well, God heard my prayer.  Wednesday night we stayed for supper and devotions.  As it was getting close to the time for me to go home, James came up to me and said, “Teacher, I haven’t told you my whole story yet, isn’t it?”  I said, “No James, you haven’t.”  He said, “Alright, come over and I shall tell you everything.” 

Let’s just say I was SO BLESSED by the 20 minutes I was able to share with him.  He shared some very personal things from his heart, what makes him sad, what makes him angry, and why he behaves the way he does in school sometime.  He said that he was so angry when I arrived because his friend had ran away, and I had left him last year, and so everyone he loved was going away.  Knowing that I was only there a month was difficult for him to accept.  But, I was able to encourage him personally and allow the Lord to use me as a vessel so He can hear what he needed to hear.  I asked him if he knew that I loved him, and even more so, God loved him.  He smiled, and said, “Yes teacher, I’m glad you’ve come back.”   It was absolutely precious.  I also was able to encourage him about setting his goals and being successful in school.  Before we parted, I was also able to pray for him.   


Well, Thursday I happened to be in the senior learning center, which is James’ classroom.  I had the opportunity to encourage him and help him set his goals.  He had a lofty goal, and I wondered if he would be able to reach it.  But I told him to go for it, and we would see what happens.  I have never seen him work so hard, and he completed all of his goal.  Talk about a victory for him, and for me!  I was rejoicing with him, and you tell he felt so good.   God was totally touching his heart, and I could tell it meant so much to him that I was there to see him to do it. 


This is just one of the examples of some of the joys I get to experience every day here at R.O.C.K. Ministries.   I get to see God at work firsthand with these kids, and touching them all individually where their hearts need it the most.   And I am so honored that God is using me that way.  There was definitely love before between the kids and me, but there is an ENORMOUS amount of love now.   They talk of me coming to Kenya permanently, living with them, being their houseparent, teacher, or a sidekick to mom.  But regardless, they know that our relationship is forever, regardless of if I am in Kenya or not.  They are receiving love that many have not ever received.  And because I LOVE to do that, I get to enjoy giving out that love freely. 


I’m pretty exhausted typing, so I’m sure you’re exhausted reading.  Thanks for taking time to read through my blogs, and I hope you get something out of them.  


I’ll write again soon.   In the meantime, check out a few pics of my time so far.  I've been pretty bad about taking them, but I'll pick it up this next week.


Hope you all had a great 4th of July! 


Blessings to you all! 

 Just a few of my little joys...they're growing up!!!

The kids trying hot dogs for the first time.  Most really liked them!  Happy 4th of July! 

Can't celebrate the 4th without ice cream.  Eunice is a 'bit' happy!  

Gideon...the joy to my heart. 

Awful pic of me...but funny one of the kids.  

Cynthia

My little ones....not so little any more.  Check out our morning worship!