The Gift of Giving by Nelson Rido
The following is a poem written (and read) to us by Nelson Rido - a student at Bright Star.
Life is God's gift to us,
We should share this gift with others.
The art of giving encompasses many areas,
It's an outgoing overflowing way of life.
Basically we give of ourselves when we share,
The time we have,
The material in our possession,
But much more importantly,
When we share dreams and aspirations
Together we walk into the future.
We give of ourselves
When we offer
The gift of mind,
Ideas and purposes.
We give of ourselves
When we bestow the gift of prayer and vision,
Inspiration and aspiration,
Time and resources,
For by what we do,
We make a living,
But we make a day for another,
When we give.
Our KUDOS go to Mama Janice and Ndugu Bill,
In them we have seen the face of Christ,
From their abundant fountain of benevolence,
Have we drank,
Surely, blessed is the hand that giveth,
Than the one that taketh,
Mama and Ndugu,
May sunny days attend you all your lives.
We're home!
Hi all - I just wanted to let you know that we arrived home safe and sound (well, the "sound" part is debatable, I guess) at around 4:45 PM on Fri. We are pretty wiped out from the long hours on airplanes and have much laundry to do. :) I will be adding more pics this weekend - even though we're back - so if you want to check in later feel free. I may add some stories too - there is so much to tell. :) Once again, we thank everyone for the prayers. We had a wonderful experience and although the traveling part was exhausting, it all went smoothly (all flights on time, no problems through customs, etc.), so we definitely felt that God was watching over us.
Love, Susan
Misc
Love to my "sistas"! - thanks for your prayers
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DICK! :)
Kennedy and Troon - we were happy to see your message - will see you tomorrow at the school.
Love, Susan
Masai Mara
WoW. Deb pretty much summed up the safari but I am still amazed, I think the only things we didn't see were leopards and rhinos. I loved the elephants, Alyssa you would have loved the nighttime you and your outdoorsy self :) Last day tomorrow, hopefully we get to say goodbye to everyone. I will miss the school and everyone there so much. We fly out tomorrow night so this is probably all from Africa, and I miss everyone back home. Love, Lindsey
Back from Safari
Wow! We all just had a wonderful 2 days on Safari. We saw so many animals in the wild, and they were absolutely beautiful. I think overall, for the group, we loved the giraffes the most. The tents we stayed in were very nice and included a bathroom, which was great, because i did not intend on going to the outhouse with all those wild animals around. The night was filled with all sorts of animal sounds. We were excorted to our tents nightly by guards armed with a knife, spear, and club. We were glad of that. During the night, all sorts of drama occurs. A small herd of elephants and buffalo went through camp, which caused the baboons to go crazy. Something shook our tent during the night (something very big) and made our tent shake like jello. (Jim slept through that) Monkeys came into the dining room to steal a muffin or two at breakfast. All in all, it was absolutely great! Love you all, next time we chat, it will be in person. Deb
funny story
I think I mentioned in an earlier journal about my little friend Sarah. Well, on Tues. (I think) we brought 2 of her little sisters into the clinic and gave them cold meds b/c they had runny noses. Erin bathed them put clean clothes on them, and then Mom washed their old clothes and hung them on the line to dry. So yesterday (Sat.) I went back to their "house" to return their old clothes and give them a bottle of children's vitamins - Peter Serim escorted me and interpreted for me. The mother wasn't there, so he was explaining to Sarah about when to take the vitamins. Lots of other children from the slum were gathering around (we were out in front), and Sarah's little sister - can't be more than 3 but looks more like 2 b/c of her size - started jabbering away in Swahili to the children who had gathered around. When we turned to walk away, Peter Serim said, "She's telling the other kids to go away - this is OUR Mzungu" (while person). Sometimes it's overwhelming and you feel like you're not making a dent, but I feel we have made a difference for some and that's what I'm focusing on. Everyone is feeling well now - including Lindsey. :) Love to everyone there! We watch for your comments, so thanks! Love, Susan
Smiley balloons
Kim - I brought some of the smiley balloons with me and we blew some up yesterday and played with the kids. They batted them around and had a blast. Wish you could have seen it. :)
Thanks for everyone's encouragement. Love Susan
Jim and Debbie Update
Hello Family and Friends. We have nearly finished our first week of clinic and seen many children. They are beginning to know us and are feeling more comfortable with us all each day. Our list of children on antibiotics continues to grow each day. Many of them are beginning to feel much better. Driving in Nairobi is a real experience. So very glad that none of us are at the wheel. Cars dart this way and that way, and are literally inches apart. We feel God's protection while on the road. We are all doing very well, Lindsay was a little sick today, with nausea, but continued to hang in there. What a trooper. We pray for all of you at home, and miss you all. Deb
Dear loved ones at Redeemer
We thank you very much for your prayer support because everything is going well. What an awesome experience. The slum we're serving is indescribably poor. The people are so loving and welcoming us with open arms, but Bright Star is to the slum like an oasis is to the desert. We're working hard and loving it. Keep praying. Love Ralph and Lois.
So many experiences to share
Jan, Mom, and I are passing out new undies, socks, 1 shirt, pencil, toothbrush, and toy to each of the kids as they come to us (after they've been to the clinic). The kids are very cute and well-behved. Kris, Deb, Erin & Erin T. are running the clinic and have seen kids up through grade 4 I believe. One teenage girl is VERY sick and had to be taken to the hospital today - Kris and Erin went with her (and Pastor John took them). A bit of good news - she tested HIV negative! The guys are building a ladder to use by the boys upstairs dorm as a fire escape, and replacing bad guttering. Dad and Lindsey put in a garden. Pastor hired some men from the slum to help carry the dirt that they bought down the hill to the school and they worked so hard. Lindsey has been tipping them pretty well because they have been getting there very early in the morning and are working so hard. :) I walked into the slum yesterday with Jan to see 5 of the 'units' she bought. Unbelievable. The walkway is squishy because you are walking on garbage, and down the middle of this walkway is a ditch (about 1 ft wide) that is just sewage. I've fallen in love with a little girl named Sarah. She wasn't going to school at Bright Star but was standing outside the gate the last 2 days. Yesterday we took her in with us and she took hold of my hand as we walked. We gave her clean clothes and got her into a class. Found out she has 4 sisters - all younger than her, and they live in 1 of the shacks in the slum - and none of them had had anything to eat - who knows how long. We took them a bag of clothes and bananas, granola bars - whatever we could throw in. Wish I could write about everything that we've experienced, but out of time. We look for your comments each day. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! Love, Susan
Pictures
Our time here has been both sad and wonderful. Wish I could post more pictures, but the internet is VERY slow. Will try to find another place that goes faster. Miss you all at home! Love, Susan
First Day of Medical Clinic
After spending yesterday setting up the clinic, we began our first day of check ups on the students of bright Star School. Kris, Deb, Erin E, and Erin T ran the clinic with the help of our interpreters, Johnstone and Lillian. They were an enormous help to us, needless to say. We were able to treat 3 of 9 classrooms, give vitamins, worm medicine, treated ringworm, and several children required antibiotics for infected lacerations and throat infections. We did see 2 children in their dorm rooms who were very sick, one with a very high fever. The children are very lively, but very well behaved in the clinic. Erin and Erin assisted with the mixing and dispensing of medications (our pharmacists) while Kris and I (Deb) did the physical exams. After the clinic was finished, we were able to share some moments in song with the orphans. They have wonderful voices and sang well for us.
An Update from Deb
Whew! We just finished our last day of clinic, and have seen so many people. We opened the clinic to the slum residents and then also members of the church. There have been so many treated with antibiotics that we had to go to the "Chemist" to purchase more. Many are beginning to feel better. Activities done by other members of the team included helping students to write letters to their sponsors, and repair of the swingset. Today is Sunday, and did we ever have church! The service was a little over 3 hours long, so no more whining from all you folks at Kokomo First Church. We had about 30 minutes of Praise and Worship, and it was so aerobic that I was literally dripping with sweat. Our team was asked to sing for their congregation, which after their lively congregationals, seemed pretty tame, but we sang as well as we were able. We prepared What a Mighty God we Serve, followed by Father, We Adore you (sang in a round), and then finished with one chorus of Who can Satisfy, which I think Liz maybe would have been proud, because we managed the harmony pretty well, and the Africans seemed to enjoy it very much. The Holy Spirit was certainly present. Tomorrow is our day to leave for a 3 day Safari, and we are all pretty excited about that. We love you all, miss you all, and thank you for all your prayers. Deb
Initiation
We made it!! We had an extremely smooth trip, we got through customs so fast! They were very sympathetic when we explained our trip purpose and overall we were blessed. The experience is indescribable so I won't try tonight, but we had a great first day at the school. Most of our time was spent figuring out supplies needed and buying them, but we set up the medical clinic, bought equipment for construction, and started digging soil for the garden. The children are amazing :) the older ones are shy, but the younger ones are anything but. :) My grandpa and I got a unique experience, we went with Pastor John to buy supplies and we got to meet the area Chief, like the mayor in the U.S. Pastor John needed to meet with him for a minute, and he was so welcoming. He talked about President Obama right away, as did several people we met today. There is so much more I could write about but its dinner time here :) we are all safe and excited to be here. Miss everyone back home and we will keep posting. God Bless, Lindsey
Update on Day 3 at Bright Star School
Count down to Departure
The Mission bags are packed and in a few short hours we will be on our way. Sleep well, fellow team members, because it will be 2 days before we all get to see a bed....
Final Week of Preparation
Wow. Can our trip really be here at last? In so many ways, I feel so ill equiped to begin this journey. A little anxious, but very excited to experience all that is ahead, and to see just what God has in mind. As I scurry about, my mind consumed with all the little details that need attended to before we depart, I am reminded that this is not really my trip, but Gods. If I can stay focused on that, it is gonna be great!
Update from Deb and Kris
Hi Family and Friends. We are having a wonderful experience. There are many things to share. The slum in Nairobi is very sad, beyond description. We walked through the slum to get back to our hotel one evening (with excort, of course). Quite an experience. I have taken many pictures, along with Susan, who also loves to take pictures. We are all working very hard to accomplish our goals. The medical clinic is very busy. Many sick little ones, Kris, Erin E, Erin T, and myself, have taken care of many infected laceration, and respiratory infections. Given many antibiotics, vitamins, etc. to the kids. They are very shy, polite children, and a joy to care for. The men are busy with construction projects. They have built a fire excape for the boys dorm, and made several repairs....now Here's Kris...
Hi All-
I would like to describe our experience so far but can't quite find the words. It's very sad and very wonderful. I'm so moved by the people we are meeting and getting to know. They live in unbelieveable conditions. We have seen several hundred children for many different illnesses in the clinic. Erin E. and I accompanied Pastor John to a clininc to test a young girl for HIV.. Fortunately, her test was negative!!! Both her parents have AIDS. She has lived at the school 8 years. So many similar stories. We are enjoying our time together each evening. Till next time....
Love, Kris
It's getting close!!
The departure date for our trip to Bright Star School in Nairobi, Kenya is 5/16/09, and we are all getting very excited! Everyone on the team is busy getting immunizations and paperwork in order, collecting supplies that we will take to the school, and other assorted preparations that need done before we leave.
There are 12 people on our team: Ralph & Lois Grotrian, Kris & Jeff Himelick, Jim & Debbie Caddell, Erin & Justin Estle, Susan & Lindsey Evans, Erin Turley, and of course Jan Hinkle - the founder of this school that we will be serving next month.
All of us thank you for your interest and ask that you keep us in your prayers as we make preparations to leave, as we travel to our destination, and as we work with the children and staff of Bright Star.
Tune in often for updates!!!
6/7/2009 12:04:59 PM - 002070666252
Blessed are they who give credits to others overcoming jealousy for they shall have willing helpers.
6/1/2009 2:00:03 PM - 002069375445
Thank you so much for this website (which I just now was able to access.) Having been to Bright Star twice (and so very anxious to return) I know the joy you lived there! I know you have been a tremendous blessing to everyone there, and that they have been a tremendous blessing to all of you! Don't we all wish distance didn't separate us? God bless you! (And...Hello to John Troon and Kennedy! What a joy to see you on this website! I love you all so much and can't wait to return to be with you!
5/29/2009 4:48:34 PM - 002026511017
What a WONDERFUL TRIP--- Can't wait to see you and hear more. We miss you!
5/29/2009 2:39:57 AM - 002069496523
Have a safe trip home. Hope to see you soon!
Love, Sheila
5/27/2009 6:21:49 PM - 002069588166
Susan, It was wonderful to see the pix you added!! Awesome!! You'd better put together a photo album before you come back to work because we are dying to see everything you filmed. What a great experience this was for your group. I'd like to think I would have had the courage to do a trip like this, but something tells me I wouldn't have. I'm sure you were all blessed by this experience as well as being a blessing to those whose lives you touched these past 2 weeks. Have a safe trip home and we can't wait to hear all about it. Praying for you all. Love, Teri and Teresa R
5/27/2009 5:02:03 PM - 002005571014
Thanks for the updates Susan. The website has been great. We've loved being able to communicate. This was such a good idea. The Sistas are meeting this evening so we'll be saying special prayers for you and the group. Take care and see you soon. Love, Marjie
5/26/2009 3:23:53 PM - 002069591778
WOW!! Your updates bring tears to my eyes and I can feel God working even as I read about your experiences. I am positive that many blessings will come to the children at Bright Star and the people in the surrounding area, as well as to each one of you serving!! Susan, the "sistas" will be meeting tomorrow night and we will lift all of you in prayer. We miss you and look forward to your safe return!! Love, Beth
5/24/2009 7:59:56 PM - 002070666252
FROM TROON AND KENNEDY HERE BACK IN BRIGHTSTAR WE ARE VERY MUCH THANKFUL FOR THE LIFE CHANGING TOUR AND THE TOTAL COMMITMENT YOU HAVE SHOWN IN BRIGHTSTAR. THANK YOU AND WE KNOW "WHAT WE GIVE WITH LOVE ISNT THROWN BUT STORED IN OTHERS HEART"
5/24/2009 2:47:52 AM - 002070559888
I'm happy to hear that the trip is going well. Thank you for my birthday voicemail. We miss all of you and will be eager to hear all about your experiences when you get back. Amy, Madison, Mason, Elise and I all hung out tonight at Erin and Justin's. The kids are spending the night with Amy and we are all going to church together in the morning. I love all of you and can't wait to see you on Friday. Lots of love - Megan
5/24/2009 2:25:00 AM - 002005571014
This is such a blessing to read about all of this. I cannot imagine the feeling of being there in it all. Cannot wait to hear all about it when you get home. Love Marjie.....hope Lindsay is feeling better....we are praying for her.
5/23/2009 8:50:17 PM - 002070956861
Hey guys, cool pictures looks like everythings going well. We miss you terribly. Cant wait to hear all about it. Madison and i are fine, i've been working a lot not as hard as you though. Madison would like to say something. hay guys hows it going? nana i can tell that u r having fun with the kids by the way u r sticking ur tougue out at them! papaw it seems like u r doing a lot of work how r u feeling? just make sure u bring me something new and cool to show my class!! we love and miss u all, see u real soon! (Amy) I hope you guys are taking care of grandma and grandpa for me i've been worried about them. Susan your pictures are awsome!!! It kills me to see those kids and not be able to be there with everyone, you can never do this to me again. Erin your beds comfortable ha ha i've staied there a lot since you left, i miss talking to you everyday. i'm praying for all of you and i cant wait to pick you up form the airport. Be safe, love you all so much.
5/23/2009 5:02:58 PM - 002069498644
Your pictures are great. Is Lindsey better? You are doing such amazing work for the Lord! Hope all continues to go well :) Patricia
5/23/2009 3:13:15 PM - 002070653848
Mason loves the picture of you guys swinging the kids. He said "they used to do that to me when I was little so I know the kids like it!" He was in awe and had a huge grin on his face as he looked at the pictures. The kids are doing great but miss you both so much. I can tell Mason is trying to be so strong while you guys are gone. He said Nana looks like a doctor. It looks and sounds like you are all impacting so many lives! Awesome!
5/22/2009 4:17:44 PM - 002070433826
I can't even imagine what all of you are feeling. It takes special people to do what are doing. You are in my thoughts and prays and have a great trip. Bring back lots of memories.
5/22/2009 12:49:28 AM - 002070638455
Sorry about the dorky comment,Emily was trying to log me on and show me how this site worked and she told me that would not appear-now it looks like I'm trying to communicate in some special fad lingo-thats not the case I'm just computer illiterate! I hope you still all love me anyway, because I still love all you and miss you more than you know! I think about you all the time. I'm so proud and awed by what you guys are doing!
I wish I had the emotional strenth to do what you're doing. I just don't know if I could, but I do envy your strength! Your stories alone bring me to tears and you all know how easy I cry. Once again I miss you and pray that everything goes smooth. You are all in my heart and prayers. Love you so much! By the way everything here is fine-I've been checking in with Megan and Amy alot-tomorrow Emily and I are taking Megan to Lafayette out to dinner for her birthday. Can't wait to see you all again. Your favorite sister, daughter, Aunt (ha ha) Love, Sara
5/22/2009 12:36:02 AM - 002070638455
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5/21/2009 7:41:59 PM - 002070935140
You are all going through a "life-changing" experience and it may take months for you to understand how much this will affect you in your journey. You are all truly blessed to be a blessing! Try to get some rest when you can! PACE yourselves so you do not wear down by the end of your trip. The pictures and updates are GREAT! We miss you, Susan. We are "plugging on" here at work without you! Thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the people you contact. Take care! Love, Steph
5/21/2009 12:12:31 PM - 002070729503
Susan...reading your May 21st recap brought tears to my eyes knowing how you all have touched their lives in such a positive way even for a brief moment in time...and how they are touching yours. Thanks so much for sharing your words...and your pictures are wonderful as well. Keep them coming when you can. You are missed. Be safe & God bless you all.
Kim:)
5/21/2009 9:45:50 AM - 002070828902
Just wanted to let you know we are praying for you! Seamus & Pam
5/21/2009 2:05:22 AM - 002070726353
We miss you all so much! It sounds like you are having a wonderful experience. I wish I could be there with you! I'll keep praying for you all. Love, love, love, Emily
5/20/2009 3:26:33 AM - 002005571014
Glad you all made it safe and sound. Love the pictures. The kids are darling and Ralph looks very happy. Praying for you every day. Love, Marjie
5/19/2009 5:14:10 PM - 002070404251
I'm glad to hear you made it safe to Kenya. I can see you already have your hands full. May God bless you as you serve Him. Jane, Iowa City, IA.
5/19/2009 1:31:27 AM - 002069751565
Happy to hear you made a smooth trip to Kenya
Gail
5/18/2009 9:19:27 PM - 002069591778
Glad to hear that you made it to your destination. It sounds like you hit the ground running (or working!) Praying that you will be blessed by this experience and looking forward to further updates. Love, Beth
5/18/2009 6:11:14 PM - 002009519733
Susan, glad that you made it there safely. I will be keeping you are your group in my prayers. May God bless you for all that you are doing! Cathy
5/18/2009 6:05:54 PM - 002069588390
SUSAN...GLAD TO HEAR YOU MADE IT SAFE AND SOUND....DEB THIERY
5/18/2009 4:01:11 AM - 002005571014
Praying that you will soon be at your destination. God's blessing to your mission. love, Marjie
5/16/2009 3:33:08 AM - 002069553327
This will be a trip you will remember the rest of your life. The moment you step into Bright Star School and see those students you will fall in love. Savor every moment. God will take care of each of you
5/16/2009 12:49:36 AM - 002069751565
I will keep in touch every day.
Mom
5/16/2009 12:47:48 AM - 002069751565
O.K. I will check every day. Mom
5/16/2009 12:43:09 AM - 002068575900
Hi Gail. Keep up with our activities on this site while we are gone. Love Deb
5/14/2009 10:14:24 AM - 002069728661
This is the last day I'm working before leaving for our trip. So many thoughts are racing thorugh my head. I'm very excited to share this amazing experience with so many of my family and dearest friends. What a huge blessing!! I'm praying that God will protect us all and prepare the way before us to do the work He has planned for us to do.
5/12/2009 10:52:07 PM - 002069908195
Hey ya'll! I will be praying for everything I can think of while you are in Kenya. Get ready for a TOTAL transformation in your lives. You won't come back the same person!
God bless,
Megan McCoy
5/12/2009 1:23:29 PM - 002068899409
I hope you all have a blessed trip! I will pray for your safety and that God will provide all that is needed! I can't wait to hear all about your journey and how God has blessed your lives and those you are helping!
Love, Carla Evans