tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86546011805677935422024-03-13T09:45:28.139-07:00My Kenyan JourneyDwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-35875665830826007232012-04-21T03:11:00.000-07:002012-04-21T03:11:33.145-07:00Tanzania<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ne thing that I really wanted to do when I came to Kenya was to be able to explore the country and possibly even some other countries in East Africa. I've been able to see some different parts of the country and get a little bit of a feel of what it is like outside of Nairobi and this past week I had my first opportunity to explore outside the country. On Monday I went to visit some friends, Simeon and Janelle and their son Malachi, in Arusha, Tanzania. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">he journey to Arusha isn't a bad one at all. It is only about five hours, if your bus doesn't have any problems, oh wait, our's did. It wasn't anything too major and we were only stranded along side the road for about thirty minutes. Crossing the border was pretty straight forward and easy and expensive. To get a visa into the country costs $100 US, but it is a one year, multi-entry visa. The multi-entry part is great if you actually plan to go back to Tanzania within the next year which for me isn't the case, but oh well. I realized just how nice it is crossing a border when it is just me and not me and my bike. The majority of the times I have crossed borders in the past was on our motorcycle trip and those borders took a long time, but I digress. The northern part of Tanzania just across the Kenyan border is gorgeous with rolling green hills and wide open spaces and is very sparcely populated.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">rusha is one of the larger cities in Tanzania and is a major tourist destination because of its close proximity to many major parks. The city is nestled at the base of Mount Meru, the fifth tallest mountain in Africa with an elevation of over 15,000 ft. It is a stunning backdrop to a city to say the least. I arrived in the afternoon and spent most of the rest of the day relaxing at Simeon and Janelle's place and hanging out with them. On Tuesday I went with Simeon to the NGO that he is working with through MCC called Global Service Corp. The NGO does a lot of agricultural and health development work in the local villages. I went with Simeon and one of his co-workers to deliver bikes to different people who had been helping out with a chicken vaccination initiative that GSC had started. It was cool to see some of the villages and be able to see the joy on the faces of the recipients of the bikes. On Wednesday I travelled with a group of people I didn't know to visit a couple of the sand dams that MCC had helped put in up near the Kenyan border. I had heard a lot about sand dams because MCC has done a large number of them here in Kenya but I had never had the opportunity to visit one before. To be honest they aren't really much to look at but it was cool to hear the process of how they work and the impact they can have on a community. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span> had the opportunity to see Mt. Kilimanjaro on our trip to see the sand dams. Grant it, I only saw the base because the top was covered in clouds but I can still say that I have seen the tallest mountain in Africa. Unfortunately my Tanzania trip ended with me getting a case of diarrhea on Wednesday night. I'll spare you the details of all that went down but let's just say that it wasn't pretty. I ended up taking some pills on Thursday morning before I left to come back to Nairobi and thankfully they did the trick as I didn't have any problems on the bus ride back or since then.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong> really enjoyed my time in Tanzania and the opportunity to spend time with Simeon and Janelle and Malachi. On Monday I will be leaving for Uganda and a small town near the capital city of Kampala. After I return from Uganda I'll only have about one week left until I return to the States. It is really hard to believe that my time here is almost over and I'm going to do my very best to make these last two weeks great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-juSWO9GKk/T5KFNWWB6tI/AAAAAAAAAZg/RnDkR8qsBXM/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-juSWO9GKk/T5KFNWWB6tI/AAAAAAAAAZg/RnDkR8qsBXM/s320/IMG_3895.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaaLurwE5XM/T5KFWSi4T8I/AAAAAAAAAZo/YPC6jdzaHSE/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaaLurwE5XM/T5KFWSi4T8I/AAAAAAAAAZo/YPC6jdzaHSE/s320/IMG_3900.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LWRY0vnQOM/T5KFeleH2uI/AAAAAAAAAZw/KjEz8HMcBAI/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LWRY0vnQOM/T5KFeleH2uI/AAAAAAAAAZw/KjEz8HMcBAI/s320/IMG_3911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJxMZCvdEUI/T5KFmHAudmI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/hvlvjAR5cHo/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJxMZCvdEUI/T5KFmHAudmI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/hvlvjAR5cHo/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQP3LSb_sbQ/T5KFtGt-o7I/AAAAAAAAAaA/q3o9l6SRgUU/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQP3LSb_sbQ/T5KFtGt-o7I/AAAAAAAAAaA/q3o9l6SRgUU/s320/IMG_3921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKLuq6W3d6M/T5KFzu6wP7I/AAAAAAAAAaI/39K3csIqr-o/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKLuq6W3d6M/T5KFzu6wP7I/AAAAAAAAAaI/39K3csIqr-o/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-Nk72pzK48/T5KF7iNp_RI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/VWSodysdtbk/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-Nk72pzK48/T5KF7iNp_RI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/VWSodysdtbk/s320/IMG_3924.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbJWUrzNEv0/T5KGCF9ksTI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Zg9pbIDgxYU/s1600/IMG_3927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbJWUrzNEv0/T5KGCF9ksTI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Zg9pbIDgxYU/s320/IMG_3927.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn66w4OkhCM/T5KGJZXv-gI/AAAAAAAAAag/kasFF04aCQo/s1600/IMG_3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn66w4OkhCM/T5KGJZXv-gI/AAAAAAAAAag/kasFF04aCQo/s320/IMG_3928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yto80xuaKc8/T5KGSHv0RAI/AAAAAAAAAao/LqylBlO-20M/s1600/IMG_3936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yto80xuaKc8/T5KGSHv0RAI/AAAAAAAAAao/LqylBlO-20M/s320/IMG_3936.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBjwyzUiKRw/T5KGWiQcrCI/AAAAAAAAAaw/SaqmLc_ww-o/s1600/IMG_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBjwyzUiKRw/T5KGWiQcrCI/AAAAAAAAAaw/SaqmLc_ww-o/s320/IMG_3938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-10561422481322006552012-04-10T04:40:00.000-07:002012-04-10T04:40:55.250-07:00FEAST<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">his past weekend I kicked off my last month here in Kenya, that's right I'm down to less than a month here, by travelling to Tiwi Beach for FEAST. FEAST stands for "Frisbee East Africa Sand Tournament". This was the fourth year for FEAST and this year was the biggest one yet. There were twelve different teams representing six different countries across East Africa. Our frisbee group from here in Nairobi took three different teams to the tournament. The Nairobi group are the organizers of the tournament and I think they do a great job of putting together what has now become a huge event. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I </span></strong>made the eight and a half hour journey from Nairobi to Tiwi, which is just south of the second largest city in Kenya, Mombasa, with a few friends here from Nairobi. The drive down across the southeastern part of the country has some really beautiful stretches and other stretches where the scenery really isn't too great. We arrived Friday afternoon and spent the evening getting our camp set up, going for a little swim, and getting some practice time in with our teams. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">he twelve teams were split up into three pools of four teams each. Saturday was a round robin day where each team played the other teams in their pool to help decide the seedings for the final tournament on Sunday. My team's first game had us going up against a team from Arusha, Tanzania. We started off slow but ended up pulling out the win in the end by and 8-6 final score. In our second game we played much better and rolled to an easy 9-2 win over Mwanza, Tanzania. The final game of the day pitted us against a strong Ethiowanda team. This team had people from Ethiopia and Rwanda hence the name "Ethiowanda". We rode a very strong start to a 8-5 win. Our 3-0 record coupled with our point differential earned us the number two seed for Sunday. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>B</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">efore I fill you in on what happened on Sunday let me explain what it is like to play on the beach as opposed to our normal conditions here in Nairobi. There are three main differences, with the first being the most obvious, between here and playing on the coast and they are: sand, wind, and heat. Obviously playing on sand is very different than playing on grass and in my book is not nearly as fun. It is very difficult to run, you get tired so much quicker, and it gets very hot during the afternoon which causes a problem when you are running around in bare feet. The one great thing about playing on sand is that it doesn't hurt to dive on which can make for some great catches. The second difference, the wind, is a significant one. While we have some wind here in Nairobi it isn't like the constant wind on the coast. Any throws that weren't low and hard would catch the wind and blow way off its intended target. The last difference, the heat, was a big one. Here it can get hot but there it was very humid plus ten degrees hotter. Thankfully there were plenty of trees so when you weren't playing you were able to get in the shade. Now it might sound like I'm complaining about having to play there and in reality I don't like playing on sand as much as grass but overall playing there was a great deal of fun. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">hanks to our two seed we earned a first round bye on Sunday morning and had a quarter-final game against a different Mwanza team. The game was an extremely hard fought game with tensions rising throughout the game. It came down to the final play of the game and unfortunately it was Mwanza who scored to pull out the one point victory. It was disappointing to lose when we had high hopes for the day. We then played a consolation game against Ethiowanda again but this time they pulled out the win thus ending our weekend of frisbee. The team from Uganda ended up beating a team from Juba, South Sudan to take home the championship. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"> really enjoyed my weekend and the opportunity to see another part of Kenya. The coast truly was beautiful and it would stand up against many of the other beaches I have been to in that regard. We returned yesterday evening and again it was nice to return home. I will spend the rest of this week going to the Center and then on Monday I will be taking the bus down to Arusha to visit some friends there who are working with MCC. The following week I will be heading to Kampala, Uganda. I will be recapping these two trips in the weeks to come. I would ask for your prayers as I make these trips that God would watch over and protect me and that i would have a blessed time connecting with others who are serving in these countries. Also if you could be praying that over these last few weeks that God would continue to use me and that I would continue to focus on finishing out my time here with great passion and enthusiasm. </span>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-22617824751417768972012-03-27T04:44:00.000-07:002012-03-27T04:44:20.570-07:00Children, children and more children!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>L</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ast week I had a very special opportunity to travel to a small town called Boito to visit the Dow Family Children's Home. I travelled there with a friend from Nairobi and we set out via bus on Monday morning. Overall it wasn't a bad bus ride minus the last hour and a half of bad, dusty roads. On top of the rough road the urge to go to the bathroom was fairly strong for myself. No one likes travelling and having to use the bathroom, but travelling on bumpy roads and having to use the bathroom at the same time is just plain cruel. Thankfully we made it to the bus stop in Kericho before anything embarrassing took place. Greg, who along with his wife Mary Rose run the home, picked us up at the bus stop and we made the 45 minute drive to the home. Upon arriving we were greeted by all 40 some children that they take care of there. Some of the children were shy and some ran to us immediately and wanted to be held. We spent the evening getting to know the place, children, and experiencing what life is like there. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>W</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">e ended up spending the week there and returning to Nairobi on Friday. The week was spent playing with the kids, chatting with Greg and Mary Rose, and enjoying the beauty of the area. That area truly is one of the prettiest areas in all of Kenya. There are many rolling hills dotted with farms and mud huts. It is also an area where a lot of tea is grown. There were miles and miles of lush, green tea fields stretched out across the countryside.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong> </span><span style="font-size: small;">was extremely blessed by our time there. I have met very few people who would do what Greg and Mary Rose are doing. They believed that God was calling them to Kenya to start a children's home so they sold everything and made the move. That was four years ago and God has sustained them and provided for them each step of the way. They are doing such a good job of raising the children and teaching them about God and how to work, play, and how to live a responsible life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></strong>he children were so much fun! They were so cute and I may have had some favorites. To hear the stories of where the children came from and their living conditions prior to coming to the children's home were gut wrenching. They've experienced more hardship in just a few years than I probably will in my entire life. Despite the difficulties they've all experienced, the children had such a joy and happiness about them. They had such beautiful smiles and seemed to be truly thankful for what they had. Spending time with them reminded me of the value of family and how many children don't get to experience what it means to have solid family. Through Greg and Mary Rose those children though are having the opportunity to experience what it means to have parents who love them and want what is best for them. If you get a chance check out there website <a href="http://www.dowfamilychildrenshome.org/">www.dowfamilychildrenshome.org</a>. They have pictures of the children and explain more about what they do. I've also posted some pictures below for your enjoyment.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPVdwiYKHo/T3GmGL3r14I/AAAAAAAAAXg/Tuuu96-YKlM/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AhPVdwiYKHo/T3GmGL3r14I/AAAAAAAAAXg/Tuuu96-YKlM/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" width="296" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4bxhn9ERZ0/T3GmRpRaWqI/AAAAAAAAAXo/4zyzgW6-7v8/s1600/DSC_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4bxhn9ERZ0/T3GmRpRaWqI/AAAAAAAAAXo/4zyzgW6-7v8/s320/DSC_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq1Kb3RWFSs/T3GmXpzufxI/AAAAAAAAAXw/8sITMMd6kzI/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq1Kb3RWFSs/T3GmXpzufxI/AAAAAAAAAXw/8sITMMd6kzI/s320/DSC_0163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJzQGBLaQSw/T3Gmb920bsI/AAAAAAAAAX4/sPhlE-OklPA/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJzQGBLaQSw/T3Gmb920bsI/AAAAAAAAAX4/sPhlE-OklPA/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWRUn2JBkeE/T3Gml9WU6cI/AAAAAAAAAYI/tXxqDZlyEZs/s1600/DSC_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWRUn2JBkeE/T3Gml9WU6cI/AAAAAAAAAYI/tXxqDZlyEZs/s320/DSC_0230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVen0j6vCXI/T3Gmwk6belI/AAAAAAAAAYY/QspP26TQ6_Q/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVen0j6vCXI/T3Gmwk6belI/AAAAAAAAAYY/QspP26TQ6_Q/s320/DSC_0240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVp10jUXuVI/T3Gm3OU6itI/AAAAAAAAAYg/RbZr0uW2OKc/s1600/DSC_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVp10jUXuVI/T3Gm3OU6itI/AAAAAAAAAYg/RbZr0uW2OKc/s320/DSC_0192.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm6LbghG_DE/T3GnFBHVpwI/AAAAAAAAAYw/WlKuSHs3AC0/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nm6LbghG_DE/T3GnFBHVpwI/AAAAAAAAAYw/WlKuSHs3AC0/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDtaWM7YBiI/T3GnLvZYM0I/AAAAAAAAAY4/WLUFIWJE4mU/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDtaWM7YBiI/T3GnLvZYM0I/AAAAAAAAAY4/WLUFIWJE4mU/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lG7-8NKIHFU/T3GnYfqfStI/AAAAAAAAAZI/oPZ7DxNQcfY/s1600/DSC_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lG7-8NKIHFU/T3GnYfqfStI/AAAAAAAAAZI/oPZ7DxNQcfY/s320/DSC_0379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3G2dtA5h9A/T3Gnd2SZ30I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/B4M6DxdjZSQ/s1600/DSC_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3G2dtA5h9A/T3Gnd2SZ30I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/B4M6DxdjZSQ/s320/DSC_0318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrHbESU2byI/T3Gnj5lUOpI/AAAAAAAAAZY/W3uOUx3rouU/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HrHbESU2byI/T3Gnj5lUOpI/AAAAAAAAAZY/W3uOUx3rouU/s320/DSC_0389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-2304050773058375452012-03-11T07:33:00.000-07:002012-03-11T07:33:14.773-07:00March already?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSOl-_ilOj4/T1yv5jrTKzI/AAAAAAAAASg/ZBSN5mpyCSo/s1600/IMG_3775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSOl-_ilOj4/T1yv5jrTKzI/AAAAAAAAASg/ZBSN5mpyCSo/s400/IMG_3775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaar_GEIP-0/T1ywOeZ3k9I/AAAAAAAAASo/_p-_dtN066o/s1600/IMG_3779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaar_GEIP-0/T1ywOeZ3k9I/AAAAAAAAASo/_p-_dtN066o/s400/IMG_3779.JPG" width="371" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36Y2kJPu8LA/T1ywYIwepRI/AAAAAAAAASw/5BI9uM760P0/s1600/IMG_3786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36Y2kJPu8LA/T1ywYIwepRI/AAAAAAAAASw/5BI9uM760P0/s400/IMG_3786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfNhWfOi_sg/T1ywdYGEDsI/AAAAAAAAAS4/zYvOrAs8UsQ/s1600/IMG_3794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfNhWfOi_sg/T1ywdYGEDsI/AAAAAAAAAS4/zYvOrAs8UsQ/s400/IMG_3794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gwktBbDfF8/T1ywqdanUqI/AAAAAAAAATA/tKlN_ZD0TYk/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gwktBbDfF8/T1ywqdanUqI/AAAAAAAAATA/tKlN_ZD0TYk/s400/IMG_3797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Dfr04gaJE/T1ywv98OvcI/AAAAAAAAATI/Z_AnAhfkQHY/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Dfr04gaJE/T1ywv98OvcI/AAAAAAAAATI/Z_AnAhfkQHY/s400/IMG_3802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrPWkokjeBc/T1yw7XPB3MI/AAAAAAAAATQ/e64ZU7AsBII/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrPWkokjeBc/T1yw7XPB3MI/AAAAAAAAATQ/e64ZU7AsBII/s400/IMG_3806.JPG" width="372" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tD5E6ZgPI-g/T1yw-YOTFmI/AAAAAAAAATY/La0VO6dK-ag/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tD5E6ZgPI-g/T1yw-YOTFmI/AAAAAAAAATY/La0VO6dK-ag/s400/IMG_3807.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0WZu6RYeT8/T1yxWGAmrkI/AAAAAAAAATg/6_JFMQKi-HU/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0WZu6RYeT8/T1yxWGAmrkI/AAAAAAAAATg/6_JFMQKi-HU/s400/IMG_3809.JPG" width="370" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeQHIm6ElBQ/T1yxbHeOp2I/AAAAAAAAATo/AckZzUd6AIg/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeQHIm6ElBQ/T1yxbHeOp2I/AAAAAAAAATo/AckZzUd6AIg/s400/IMG_3816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTNalDnPc-c/T1yxu-M3K7I/AAAAAAAAATw/-5BOhIUNcWo/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTNalDnPc-c/T1yxu-M3K7I/AAAAAAAAATw/-5BOhIUNcWo/s400/IMG_3820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClIASXN3dG8/T1yx8m8PFKI/AAAAAAAAAT4/5eNGDr_hW_8/s1600/IMG_3824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ClIASXN3dG8/T1yx8m8PFKI/AAAAAAAAAT4/5eNGDr_hW_8/s400/IMG_3824.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGUzBiyNEBU/T1yyDl7UXVI/AAAAAAAAAUA/Nm-udBBujxM/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGUzBiyNEBU/T1yyDl7UXVI/AAAAAAAAAUA/Nm-udBBujxM/s400/IMG_3827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BOHqLZ0aCE/T1yySLMGGNI/AAAAAAAAAUI/kP5RyttJfpI/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BOHqLZ0aCE/T1yySLMGGNI/AAAAAAAAAUI/kP5RyttJfpI/s400/IMG_3842.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bpKfMZfZvc/T1yyd7yzTjI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/A40X1-wZmU8/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bpKfMZfZvc/T1yyd7yzTjI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/A40X1-wZmU8/s400/IMG_3845.JPG" width="372" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OC4aYWNUfmw/T1yyj_yVtBI/AAAAAAAAAUY/C3tEiKf9vvE/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OC4aYWNUfmw/T1yyj_yVtBI/AAAAAAAAAUY/C3tEiKf9vvE/s400/IMG_3848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTA3rHOCvm0/T1yyp4-ehmI/AAAAAAAAAUg/sbKZ3a4nc6A/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTA3rHOCvm0/T1yyp4-ehmI/AAAAAAAAAUg/sbKZ3a4nc6A/s400/IMG_3855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud65dYmhbD4/T1yy_RAs0RI/AAAAAAAAAUo/V6dlr5ZCeRA/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ud65dYmhbD4/T1yy_RAs0RI/AAAAAAAAAUo/V6dlr5ZCeRA/s400/IMG_3863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYE2e9u53SE/T1yzMLMgAhI/AAAAAAAAAUw/NYy0BrZcDkI/s1600/IMG_3873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYE2e9u53SE/T1yzMLMgAhI/AAAAAAAAAUw/NYy0BrZcDkI/s400/IMG_3873.JPG" width="371" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jx5wq00BCug/T1yzSaWMuyI/AAAAAAAAAU4/rDGmryzxqQU/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jx5wq00BCug/T1yzSaWMuyI/AAAAAAAAAU4/rDGmryzxqQU/s400/IMG_3882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fyk0QnMDYCQ/T1yzdyx-HNI/AAAAAAAAAVA/JwjkMYrcojk/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fyk0QnMDYCQ/T1yzdyx-HNI/AAAAAAAAAVA/JwjkMYrcojk/s400/IMG_3883.JPG" width="372" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aK-pLOWLXU/T1yzyNHm6jI/AAAAAAAAAVI/tMcg9XoW1i4/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aK-pLOWLXU/T1yzyNHm6jI/AAAAAAAAAVI/tMcg9XoW1i4/s400/IMG_3888.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>C</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">learly the month of February was a busy month and as a result the blog has suffered. I can't believe how fast the month went by and quite a bit happened during the past month. I will give a brief recap of what happened in Eastleigh, at Rosslyn, my travels, and whatever else I can remember that seems pertinent.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>S</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ports: Clearly what has happened in the sports world over the last month is extremely pertinent so I'll start with that. Last blog post I predicted that the Giants would win the Super Bowl and of course I was right. How could I be wrong? I was wearing my lucky shirt. I'm super excited to see baseball's Spring Training get underway and I can't wait to see how the 2012 Phillies fair this year. It was very disappointing to see Bucknell fall short in the Patriot League Championship. It is very rare to see them lose a big game like that, especially at home. Last night as I was watching some of the Big East Tournament at a friend's house it hit me that I won't be able to watch March Madness this year and I'm not going to lie, I got a little sad. That is probably really lame, but oh well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>E</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">astleigh: Things in Eastleigh haven't changed much over the last month. My work with the basketball program there has been limited, but I'm hopeful that it will pick up. I'm still really enjoying the relationships that I have been building with my students. I don't know what will come of my work at the Center or what God will do with the seeds that I've been trying to plant, but I trust in His perfect plan. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>R</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">osslyn: Yesterday my team wrapped up their season. If I was going strictly off of wins and losses I would say that it wasn't an extremely successful season, but I'm not looking at it that way. We finished our season with a record of 2-5 and a combined tournament record of 4-4-2. The improvement that I saw however, from the beginning of the season until the end was very exciting and encouraging. We became a very competitive team and I saw the confidence of the boys grow each and every game. I'm going to miss the boys and the way they make me laugh and joke around with each other.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ravels: I had the opportunity to visit a Mennonite school (pictures above) in a part of Mathare, which if you remember, is one of the largest slums in Africa. I went with a group from Canada who were staying at the Guest House. They came to the Center and then on to the school. I love seeing the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces. This past weekend I travelled to Western Kenya near the Ugandan border to visit a new church plant. I went with another EMM couple, Rod and Lucy, and the pastor of the church who was in Nairobi for a conference. It was about a 9 hour drive through beautiful rolling hills and farmland. At one point we were approaching 10,000 feet in elevation and I once again got to cross over the Equator. Crossing over it the second time really wasn't that exciting, I guess it is one of those things that once you do it one time it kind of loses its luster. After stopping for lunch in Eldoret we stopped in a local village to visit the ailing aunt of the pastor. When you visit villages in rural Kenya it is just like you are stepping back in time and you almost have to pinch yourself to make sure what you are seeing is actually real. From the mud huts, to the barefooted children, to the very simplistic style of life, all of this adds up to a truly unique experience. After visiting the aunt we travelled on to the town of Webuye where we spent two nights with an MCC couple. On Sunday morning we attended the church which was located at the base of Mt. Elgon. The last couple of kilometers of "road" would not have been possible to get through if it wouldn't have been for 4-wheel drive. I personally enjoyed being able to do some 4-wheeling. We went as far as we could and ended up having to walk the last 10 minutes to the church. The congregation was extremely excited to have us there and we were the first white people to ever visit. I had an opportunity to share a brief testimony and greeting as did Lucy before Rod brought the message. After the service we ate lunch in the home of one of the members of the church and then we were taken on a hike to a waterfall. The experience of visiting that church and being in such a rural, pristine setting is one that I will never forget. Monday morning we took off for Kisumu which is on Lake Victoria. We visited with some more churches and leaders throughout the day on Monday. I had to get back to Nairobi, so I took the overnight bus back on Monday night and arrived home around five o'clock on Tuesday morning.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>S</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">o that is a brief recap of what has been happening here. I can't believe that I'm only eight weeks away from going home and the way my schedule looks for the last couple of months I know that the time will fly by. Thanks again for reading and for all of your prayers and support. God bless!</span>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-17445454460970649712012-02-05T03:19:00.000-08:002012-02-05T03:19:11.316-08:00Super Bowl Sunday!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">appy February everyone! This month, as it has ever since 1988, kicked off with my birthday. I had a very nice day and I felt love come from people back home and here as well. One of my friends made me a peach pie, per my request. Feeling somewhat guilty about eating an entire pie by myself, I chose to take it along to my small group meeting on Wednesday night and share it with the group. Many people here don't know how old I am and most when they guess go on the high side, maybe it has something to do with the balding nature of my head. I turned 24 and can't really say it has a different feel than 23, but it's nice I guess. </span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></strong>y basketball team at Rosslyn had their first games this past week. I must say that coaching, even at the middle school level, is more nerve racking than being able to be out on the court yourself. Unfortunately we lost both games and the losses have stuck with me, especially Thursday's game, more than I thought they would. I've never considered myself an overly competitive person, but coaching has brought out whatever bad feelings I have towards losing in a whole new way. I'm happy with the boys' effort in the first two games and I'm confident that we will get in the win column soon. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Y</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">esterday to celebrate a birthday of a friend, I had the opportunity to go along with a group of people to climb Mt. Longonot. Mt. Longonot is a dormant volcano that boasts a massive crater. The elevation is somewhere over 9000 ft. and the hike to the rim of the crater is fairly challenging. After you reach the rim it is another 11 km. to walk all the way around, which gives you an idea of just how big it is. I imagine we hiked somewhere around 10 miles, so needless to say I was kind of tired by the end. The views were amazing (see pictures below) and once again was a reminder of how creative and wonderful our God is. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">he last couple of weeks have been pretty normal. Life here has fallen into a fairly normal routine and there isn't much to report on. I keep trying to focus on each day as it comes and not look forward to what is to come. Having said that I am quite excited about the Super Bowl tonight. I haven't watched an NFL game since I've been here, so to be able to watch tonight's game is going to be quite the treat. Making it even better, obviously, is the fact that my Giants are playing and of course will win. How do I know they will win you may ask? Well, the last time the Giants played in the Super Bowl (2008 against the Pats) I wore one of my Liberty t-shirts. I just so happen to still have that t-shirt and when Chad came to visit me he brought it with him. I actually asked him to bring another shirt, but he brought the wrong one and until the other day I didn't think anything of it. Now I know why it is he brought it, so that I can wear it again for tonight's game. Of course I'm not superstitious at all, but it can't hurt that I'll be wearing the same shirt. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3IKI3drPJxc/Ty5jkxMbu3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/X_9HGf6kok4/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3IKI3drPJxc/Ty5jkxMbu3I/AAAAAAAAARQ/X_9HGf6kok4/s400/IMG_3771.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Mt. Longonot from the road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwrphVItHnk/Ty5jtDbgwVI/AAAAAAAAARY/99u12a4azb4/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwrphVItHnk/Ty5jtDbgwVI/AAAAAAAAARY/99u12a4azb4/s400/IMG_3763.JPG" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hiking companions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYBBGP5vlP4/Ty5j3IT5xQI/AAAAAAAAARg/rT4S2bbsEV4/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYBBGP5vlP4/Ty5j3IT5xQI/AAAAAAAAARg/rT4S2bbsEV4/s400/IMG_3753.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdeyKxtEp7c/Ty5j7J0qAHI/AAAAAAAAARo/m-jqSaB_bNU/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdeyKxtEp7c/Ty5j7J0qAHI/AAAAAAAAARo/m-jqSaB_bNU/s400/IMG_3754.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYfcIVHpNrs/Ty5kDG2oAPI/AAAAAAAAARw/8i2VChtsvAA/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYfcIVHpNrs/Ty5kDG2oAPI/AAAAAAAAARw/8i2VChtsvAA/s400/IMG_3755.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Naivasha in the distance. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdteKQ_L1Bg/Ty5kM1J-SJI/AAAAAAAAAR4/-gEFqASiqKo/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YdteKQ_L1Bg/Ty5kM1J-SJI/AAAAAAAAAR4/-gEFqASiqKo/s400/IMG_3758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the crater wall from the peak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbPFuPDxfk8/Ty5kVmDArhI/AAAAAAAAASA/owdP922BjQA/s1600/IMG_3759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SbPFuPDxfk8/Ty5kVmDArhI/AAAAAAAAASA/owdP922BjQA/s400/IMG_3759.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crater.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WmsqOz7zWM/Ty5kbxaYgAI/AAAAAAAAASI/u88NekeKXRs/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WmsqOz7zWM/Ty5kbxaYgAI/AAAAAAAAASI/u88NekeKXRs/s400/IMG_3761.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub8jSHY6hd4/Ty5ke-nnjSI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8AvPEyxVnLk/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub8jSHY6hd4/Ty5ke-nnjSI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8AvPEyxVnLk/s400/IMG_3766.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-XRPPQ5QO0/Ty5kjCbaBhI/AAAAAAAAASY/vyBizOFmMr8/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-XRPPQ5QO0/Ty5kjCbaBhI/AAAAAAAAASY/vyBizOFmMr8/s400/IMG_3769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-87568580898589640432012-01-22T03:52:00.000-08:002012-01-22T03:52:48.512-08:00No Snow in Kenya<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">know I mention this often, but the weather here really is perfect. Don't get me wrong I like the seasons and am a little bit jealous that I missed the snow at home yesterday, but for it to be 80 degrees and always sunny in January is pretty nice. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span>t is hard to believe that my time here in Kenya is already half-way finished. At times it feels like I just got here and other times it feels like I've been here for a long time. It still feels that at times I am still struggling with some of the same things that I was when I first got here and that can be frustrating. One example would be in my work at the Center. My role there is essentially focusing on building relationships and there were a couple of people that I felt like I was beginning to do just that, but both are working now and no longer come to class, so now I'm back to square one. It can make you wonder if you are being effective at all when you only get to work with someone for a couple of months and then they are gone. I'm grateful for the ones who are still there that I'm still getting the opportunity to know better and for the new students that are coming. I really enjoyed the English classes this past week and had some good conversations about topics that are a little more important than when to use "was" or "were" correctly in a sentence. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">t looks like I'm going to have more opportunities to travel around Kenya these last several months. That is one thing that I wanted to do when I got here, to be able to see a lot of the country and see what God is doing. One of the trips will be to an orphanage to play with the kids and do whatever else I can, others will be to visit Mennonite churches and communities. Another trip will be to the coast for an ultimate frisbee tournament over Easter weekend. Most of the trips will take place after I finish up coaching at Rossyln in mid-March. Speaking of Rosslyn, I've been working hard with the boys the last couple of weeks to get them ready for the upcoming season. We now practice three times a week and on the 31st we play our first game. I wasn't sure exactly how much I would like coaching an actual team as opposed to coaching kids for a week with UW, but I actually like it a lot. It is fun to see the boys improve and catch on to what you are trying to get across to them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>R</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">andom thoughts for the week:</span><br />
- I really really wish I could watch the Giants game against San Fran tonight, but I don't have TV and it comes on at 2:30 in the morning here. This playoff run feels a lot like there run in the 2007-2008 playoffs when they went on to knock off the Pats in the Super Bowl, lets hope I'm right.<br />
- I miss going to Bucknell basketball games, especially since they have another very good team this year.<br />
- February is soon here which means that baseball spring training starts real soon!!<br />
- I started working on filling out applications to return to Liberty this coming fall for grad school. I'm pretty excited about going back and working as a GA in the Athletics Communications Department, plus my little sister will be joining me as a freshman.<br />
- On Friday I saw a thief try to steal a woman's necklace or bracelet and subsequently get grabbed by a couple of other guys and get his butt kicked. They started punching him and threw him to the ground and kicked him until he was able to get up and run away. This all happened right in the middle of downtown with hundreds of other people around.<br />
- I realize that most of my random thoughts are about sports....I wonder why?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>G</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">od Bless and if it worked two weeks ago I've got to say it again </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>GO BIG BLUE!!</strong></span>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-73094091443583331522012-01-09T06:17:00.000-08:002012-01-09T06:17:23.746-08:00A Safari Trip with my Brother.<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>M</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">y brother Chad arrived last Monday and it has been a joy to have him around. He is doing an around the world trip and his first stop was here to see me. It has been fun just hanging out, chatting, throwing frisbee around, and doing some travelling around together. Last week we went to the Masai Mara National Park for a few days to camp and of course see the wildlife. During migration season the park boasts a wildebeest heard of over a million plus thousands of other animals that flock to the park in search of more food. This isn't migration season, so we didn't see nearly as many animals, but it was still very cool. The Mara is much different than Meru National Park which is where I was a couple of weeks ago. It is much more open with miles upon miles of open grasslands dotted here and there with Acacia trees. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">he road leading to the park is bad to put it mildly. After leaving the last main town, Naruk, the road gradually gets worse, from black top to black top with potholes to potholes with a little black top and finally a rough dirt road. It took us a little over 5 hours to reach the park from Nairobi. Once we got into the park and had only travelled a few kilometers our car broke down. We had some local mechanics come and take a look at it and they told us that it would be best to tow the vehicle back to their "garage" and work on it there. Thankfully they were indeed able to fix the vehicle (for the time being) and after charging us the "tourist rate" for their services we were back on the road and into the park. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">'ve posted a video below that Chad put together of all the animals that we saw, so I won't got into detail about that. Once again it was so amazing to witness all of the animals in their natural habitats instead of behind bars at a zoo. There is something to be said about being within only a few yards of lions, cheetahs, water buffalo, and hyenas. The only animal that we didn't see that we were really hoping to was rhino despite the best efforts of our guide. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>W</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">e left the park late morning on Thursday and after making it only a few kilometers outside of the gate our vehicle began to experience the same problems and shut off again. Thankfully this time around we were able to figure out what the issue was and were able to fix it and make it back to Nairobi without having to use the services of the mechanics again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>C</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">had brought with him a suitcase full of "tastes of home". Namely he brought 11 boxes of quality American cereal, including: Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruit Loops, and others (picture below). I really look forward to breakfast now and allowing my taste buds to once again experience the goodness of quality cereal. The suitcase also contained Nature Valley granola bars, Swedish fish, Jack Links beef sticks, Combos, and fruit snacks. So if anyone out there ever feels the need to send me some cereal or other quality American junk food I will not be upset. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ave a blessed week everyone and <strong>GO BIG BLUE</strong>!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpyMSRfZOSk/Twr1VKSlRgI/AAAAAAAAARI/vKWzZkUAQKA/s1600/IMG_3746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpyMSRfZOSk/Twr1VKSlRgI/AAAAAAAAARI/vKWzZkUAQKA/s400/IMG_3746.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/x5-CBleJ-i4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-47970832247582097822011-12-31T03:41:00.000-08:002011-12-31T03:41:21.104-08:00Meru National Park<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Wednesday morning I set off with my friends Dave and Caroline out of Nairobi northeast towards Meru National Park. I was really excited to get out of Nairobi for a few days and see some more of Kenya and some of the magnificent wildlife this country boasts. After finally getting through the urban sprawl of the city we began to travel through lush green country side dotted everywhere with small homes and corn fields. The terrain was hilly for the most part but there were patches of flatter land which was used for growing rice. We passed through many smaller towns which meant speed bumps galore. Being in other countries has made me appreciate the lack of speed bumps in the States. Between the park and my place (approx. 355 km.) there are 259 speed bumps give or take a few. The countryside was very beautiful as we continued to make our way towards Meru with the terrain becoming more mountainous. After a couple of stops we arrived at the park after about 6 hours of being on the road. Shortly after entering the park we stopped at the education center where the main attractions were a display case with a couple dozen samplings of poop from different animals and a collection of "naked mole rats". The poop samplings were actually quite fascinating and helpful later on when we were driving through the park. The naked mole rats were quite ugly to say the least but still pretty cool to look at and watch. After we were finished looking at rats and poop we made our way towards our campsite to get set up and on the way we saw water buck, antelope, zebra, giraffe, and elephants. It is one thing to see some of these animals in a zoo, but to see them in their natural habitat is amazing. After getting our tents and the rest of camp organized we went back out for an evening drive which didn't yield as much game as we hoped but we still saw hippos, dik-diks, and some more of what we had seen earlier. We weren't able to find any maps anywhere so traveling in the park got kind of confusing sometimes and on our way back to camp that night we got slightly turned around, but Dave got us home. When we got back to camp we had a delicious supper of hot dogs, potato salad, and salad and then retired for the night. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">C</span></strong>amping in the middle of the African wilderness is just a little bit different than campin in Central PA. In PA you don't really have to wonder if maybe hippos will come out of the nearby stream during the night and trample your tent or any other number of wildlife strolling through and snooping around your camp. Our camp sight had an abundance of baboons and monkeys nearby and they certainly made their presence known during the night. There were multiple times where they seemed to be a little upset with each other and there was a chorus of screams and shouts which didn't exactly make for great sleeping. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>W</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">e got an early start on Thursday, 5 am, with hopes of catching some lions and other night time critters before they disappeared for the day, but we were largely unsuccessful. Since we just came through the rainy season the vegetation was quite tall which made it very difficult to see very far or spot smaller animals. There could have been lions 10 yards from our vehicle and we had no chance of seeing them. We drove to the Tana River but got there a little to early to see crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river. We returned to camp and had breakfast and then relaxed for the afternoon. We headed back out around 4 and made our way to the rhino sanctuary with high hopes of seeing rhino but ended up not seeing any. We continued to drive around and we still got to see a number of animals including water buffalo, wart hogs, and many more elephants, zebra, antelope, giraffe, and other animals but once again no lions. After polishing another wonderful supper we went to bed early again in order to be well rested for an early start. Thankfully it seemed as if the baboons and monkeys had resolved their dispute from the night before because it was a fairly quiet night. The campsite host said that he had heard lions roaring near the camp during the night, but I must have been sleeping too soundly to hear anything. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>F</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">riday morning was another early start and we ventured out for one last chance at seeing lions and once again they eluded us and we didn't see one. Thankfully there were still other animals including our first ostrich sighting. We arrived back at camp, ate breakfast and broke camp and made our way out of the park back towards Nairobi. It felt so good to get out of the city for a few days and see God's amazing creation, but as we got closer to Nairobi I actually got excited to be back in this crazy city. For the first time it felt like I was going "home" and it was nice to get back to the friendly confines of the guest house. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">'m off on another safari trip on Tuesday, this time with my brother Chad. He arrives on Monday morning and then we are off to Kenya's most famous park, the Masai Mara. I have great hopes of seeing many more animals including lions for sure. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">appy New Year to everyone and I hope you all have a safe and joyous start to 2012!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA36t3-sgxA/Tv7uQ0BYBJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/8S21k_Unh8E/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA36t3-sgxA/Tv7uQ0BYBJI/AAAAAAAAAN4/8S21k_Unh8E/s400/IMG_3548.JPG" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course you have to take a sign with the Equator sign when you pass by it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNMK-q2aO88/Tv7ue-tuxjI/AAAAAAAAAOI/aEk0qiUfiq4/s1600/IMG_3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CNMK-q2aO88/Tv7ue-tuxjI/AAAAAAAAAOI/aEk0qiUfiq4/s400/IMG_3554.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naked Mole Rat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CH4TFWrlfSQ/Tv7ul4Nxe3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/y4H1Nx4Gggc/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CH4TFWrlfSQ/Tv7ul4Nxe3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/y4H1Nx4Gggc/s400/IMG_3556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uAareqwURbk/Tv7uzBmBeLI/AAAAAAAAAOY/5yoJjTvwSTg/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uAareqwURbk/Tv7uzBmBeLI/AAAAAAAAAOY/5yoJjTvwSTg/s400/IMG_3549.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Buck</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFR287lCAfo/Tv7u4QR3FtI/AAAAAAAAAOg/XC_oq5XWxwk/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iFR287lCAfo/Tv7u4QR3FtI/AAAAAAAAAOg/XC_oq5XWxwk/s400/IMG_3560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGwOmMRdn9I/Tv7vJkeGEsI/AAAAAAAAAOw/i0GKVGr-nIg/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGwOmMRdn9I/Tv7vJkeGEsI/AAAAAAAAAOw/i0GKVGr-nIg/s400/IMG_3564.JPG" width="372" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ix8TFNkK4yw/Tv7vRoln1ZI/AAAAAAAAAO4/QRpK7shviyg/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ix8TFNkK4yw/Tv7vRoln1ZI/AAAAAAAAAO4/QRpK7shviyg/s400/IMG_3562.JPG" width="372" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q030_VaEeM/Tv7vdX1y5lI/AAAAAAAAAPA/LpnkY0spjYM/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q030_VaEeM/Tv7vdX1y5lI/AAAAAAAAAPA/LpnkY0spjYM/s400/IMG_3566.JPG" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What an amazing creature to see in the wild.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHM5RveGEJw/Tv7vnXhXsKI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/z6EVwGUVhN8/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHM5RveGEJw/Tv7vnXhXsKI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/z6EVwGUVhN8/s400/IMG_3571.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were about 6 hippos here at this pool, but it was hard to get good pictures of them in the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa9rGUjAoaE/Tv7vtXxAdcI/AAAAAAAAAPY/N1LKOoybxQo/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa9rGUjAoaE/Tv7vtXxAdcI/AAAAAAAAAPY/N1LKOoybxQo/s400/IMG_3572.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baobab tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pdwooLAai8/Tv7v23tZqsI/AAAAAAAAAPg/MQ6RjFQECBg/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pdwooLAai8/Tv7v23tZqsI/AAAAAAAAAPg/MQ6RjFQECBg/s400/IMG_3573.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dik-dik</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPx9MG_19dM/Tv7v-I-sxlI/AAAAAAAAAPo/3GiHtFQU5nw/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPx9MG_19dM/Tv7v-I-sxlI/AAAAAAAAAPo/3GiHtFQU5nw/s400/IMG_3579.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crocodile infested Tana River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLFfF0fqH5o/Tv7wKSoBxpI/AAAAAAAAAPw/YnkoxmSCpcM/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLFfF0fqH5o/Tv7wKSoBxpI/AAAAAAAAAPw/YnkoxmSCpcM/s400/IMG_3583.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard tortoise</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcDY16Ws8Mg/Tv7wRY98A1I/AAAAAAAAAP4/Ogcl-QfVOCA/s1600/IMG_3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcDY16Ws8Mg/Tv7wRY98A1I/AAAAAAAAAP4/Ogcl-QfVOCA/s400/IMG_3585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tu5nWDxF-VI/Tv7wZfXfj0I/AAAAAAAAAQA/olclq2Nm_8w/s1600/IMG_3589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tu5nWDxF-VI/Tv7wZfXfj0I/AAAAAAAAAQA/olclq2Nm_8w/s400/IMG_3589.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xAAyRk3iVw/Tv7wex8XdVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/us65WE9DenY/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xAAyRk3iVw/Tv7wex8XdVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/us65WE9DenY/s400/IMG_3597.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful African sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sU7WEwfQEKM/Tv7woNXkncI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/CvVpl1c08W4/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sU7WEwfQEKM/Tv7woNXkncI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/CvVpl1c08W4/s400/IMG_3599.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_v84e9al1cs/Tv7xIRuAvEI/AAAAAAAAAQo/pH_P7lawzCU/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_v84e9al1cs/Tv7xIRuAvEI/AAAAAAAAAQo/pH_P7lawzCU/s400/IMG_3602.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friends Dave and Caroline.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys3mGo3XUhA/Tv7xcEWVhvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/BsQBtF4GifY/s1600/IMG_3603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys3mGo3XUhA/Tv7xcEWVhvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/BsQBtF4GifY/s400/IMG_3603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our safari vehicle, Dave's Toyota Hillux.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8mvGNPUTb4/Tv7xkw2fTyI/AAAAAAAAARA/JOO3dOAVFPs/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8mvGNPUTb4/Tv7xkw2fTyI/AAAAAAAAARA/JOO3dOAVFPs/s400/IMG_3606.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way out of the park we ran into a family of Ostrich.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-19235748951682944342011-12-26T11:27:00.000-08:002011-12-26T11:27:47.461-08:00Merry Christmas!!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">very big Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone and since I'm in a former British colony, Happy Boxing Day. I really didn't know how I would feel on Christmas. You see, Christmas is the time of the year that I love the most. I love the music, the food, the cold weather, the giving and receiving, the time with family and friends, all of it is wonderful. Well, a lot of what I love about Christmas I don't have here which is why I wasn't sure how I would feel. It made me realize though that maybe I've put too much emphasis on these other aspects of Christmas and not enough on Jesus himself. How easy it can be to forget that when you live in the States where Christmas has become so commercialized and the true meaning of Christmas seems to have been diluted somewhat. The story of Christmas is so amazing and so out of the ordinary and it was really good to reflect on that more this year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>M</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">y Christmas day wasn't extremely eventful and I did miss being with my family, but I really did end up having a good day. I spent most of it here with my friends here at the guest house. I got to skype with my family and with another good friend, I tossed some frisbee around, and then enjoyed a very good meal at the guest house for supper. All in all I can say that my first Kenyan Christmas was a very good one.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">he center closed last Tuesday so I've been on my Christmas vacation since last Wednesday. On Tuesday the one group of English students had a little party which was quite fun. We played some games and had a bunch of snacks. On Thursday I went with my friends to a water park. I was just as surprised as you that there would be a water park here, but sure enough we rolled in and there it was. It wasn't exactly the best park I've ever been to, but it was still fun. They had probably about a half-a-dozen slides, some of which were decently fast. Saturday I went to a Christmas Eve brunch at some other friends' house. They had quite the spread of great breakfast foods and since breakfast is my most favorite meal of the day I put away my fair share of calories. Today is Boxing Day and I enjoyed a nice lunch with my neighbors and then played some more frisbee.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">his week I'm going to Meru National Park to do some camping, hiking, and check out the wildlife. I'm very excited to get out and see more of Kenya and hopefully next week I'll have some pictures to put up from my trip. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>R</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">andom thoughts for the week:</span><br />
- It was great to see the Giants knock off the Jets and their big mouth coach.<br />
- Also really great to see Jimmy Rollins resign with the Phils. It would have been hard to see him go somewhere else.<br />
- My brother Chad arrives next week and I can't wait.<br />
- Skype really is a great invention.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ave a blessed week and a safe and happy New Year, everyone!</span>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-30311008678929339822011-12-19T05:39:00.000-08:002011-12-19T05:39:25.136-08:00Another Video Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ACQSiEfi_js/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ACQSiEfi_js?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ACQSiEfi_js?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-17053033938231718732011-12-12T01:44:00.000-08:002011-12-12T08:49:30.137-08:00Living Out the Hope That We Have<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">was challenged this past week to take a look at hope and how the hope that I have affects how I live my daily life. We discussed hope at the home group that I attend on Wednesdays and it was a really good discussion. We talked about what exactly hope is and what it means for each of us and how it does/should affect how we live. Those of us who are followers of Christ have the hope of salvation and an eternity spent with Jesus in heaven. There is certainly nothing better than having that hope in our lives. Does that hope change how I live my life on a daily basis? Sadly, I'll admit that it doesn't as much as it should. I want that hope to permeate every every aspect of my life, from how I interact with the students I teach, the basketball players that I coach, my friends here and at home, to the random people I meet on the streets or on matatus. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">appy Jamhuri Day to everyone! Jamhuri Day is one of the most important holidays celebrated here in Kenya. It marks the date of Kenya's establishment as a republic on December 12, 1964. Jamhuri, in Swahili, means "republic". So I'm at home today "celebrating", actually I can't say that I'm doing anything special to celebrate besides playing ultimate frisbee later on this afternoon. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Saturday, our season ending softball tournament was held and I am proud to report that my team, the X-pats, took home the championship in dominating fashion. This was the first time in nine years that the X-pats took home the crown. We garnered the number one seed for the tournament and took out the fourth seeded Rosslyn Academy team by a final score of 18-3 in the semi-finals. We advanced to the championship game against the American team and sparked by an eighteen run third inning, rolled to a 30-12 win. I even had two homeruns in that game, mind you they were of the inside-the-park variety, but when there is no fence that is the only way to get them. Which is nice because I can't hit the ball over any fence anyway. The spring season will kick off in late January or early February and we'll be primed to repeat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>R</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">andom thoughts for the week:</span><br />
- The rainy season seems to have finally ended. It has been a week since we last had rain and the weather has turned absolutely beautiful, with daytime highs in the mid to upper 70s with plenty of sunshine and a nice breeze. <br />
- This is the last week for intramurals at Rosslyn. Wednesday we'll have the championship game and then take a break for the holidays and return to action in January. We had to make final decisions on who to put on the two teams for next season, which was harder than I thought it would be. We had to cut about twelve players, most of whom I had become fond of and would have liked to keep around.<br />
- Stella is still running good and there are no accidents to report yet, let's hope it stays that way. <br />
- I'll admit that right now I'm listening to the John Tesh Radio Show on 100.9 The Valley. I'm not really listening for his "intelligence for your life", but more for the Christmas music. I have yet to hear a radio station that plays Christmas music here, which is completely different than back home. There you can't get away from it, here you have to look hard to find anything that reminds you that Christmas is only thirteen days away. <br />
- Huge win by my Giants last night against the Cowboys. I'm liking there chances to ride this big win all the way to the the NFC East title. <br />
- I'm really, really hoping that J-Rol resigns with the Phils. I can't imagine him playing in any other uniform. He needs to retire in those red pinstripes. <br />
- Friday was UW's annual "Pride on Nine" day. This is the day in which all current and past Udub'ers are to wear their UW gear and show their pride. I didn't really have much gear to wear, but I did get a couple of pictures taken in Eastleigh, which I've posted below along with a couple of other random pictures.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">hope everyone has a blessed week and let's all live out the hope that we have in Christ.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anYVsS2wmnE/TuXJRfBGNpI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Ram26PJfAmA/s1600/IMG_3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-anYVsS2wmnE/TuXJRfBGNpI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Ram26PJfAmA/s320/IMG_3513.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With one of my students and friends, Yahyah.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvLqIdNGYzs/TuXJmGQCzjI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8uBZfIVD5_w/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VvLqIdNGYzs/TuXJmGQCzjI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8uBZfIVD5_w/s320/IMG_3514.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another student and friend, Fieyssa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2h9jWMInX4/TuXJ4ioABFI/AAAAAAAAANE/4C0JnTnL8Ss/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2h9jWMInX4/TuXJ4ioABFI/AAAAAAAAANE/4C0JnTnL8Ss/s400/IMG_3515.JPG" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UW pride in Eastleigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHy36BoM5dI/TuXKAaBjbII/AAAAAAAAANM/EpGXeCu8BxE/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHy36BoM5dI/TuXKAaBjbII/AAAAAAAAANM/EpGXeCu8BxE/s400/IMG_3519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r0xrVTN7ISc/TuXKQGTMVQI/AAAAAAAAANU/dDmTQrtvcuA/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r0xrVTN7ISc/TuXKQGTMVQI/AAAAAAAAANU/dDmTQrtvcuA/s400/IMG_3522.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was trying to get them to put up a "UW" with their fingers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5sXg3GGrfw/TuXKXYUugbI/AAAAAAAAANc/Si2m6Z0f33I/s1600/IMG_3528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5sXg3GGrfw/TuXKXYUugbI/AAAAAAAAANc/Si2m6Z0f33I/s400/IMG_3528.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locking down third base, gold glove style.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xp5f1omiGo/TuXKfszHfoI/AAAAAAAAANk/v1UW6c-4mL4/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xp5f1omiGo/TuXKfszHfoI/AAAAAAAAANk/v1UW6c-4mL4/s400/IMG_3529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me down at first base, coaching away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4e-5aEahfw/TuXKlftDgPI/AAAAAAAAANs/tTHDWzFlS_k/s1600/IMG_3533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4e-5aEahfw/TuXKlftDgPI/AAAAAAAAANs/tTHDWzFlS_k/s400/IMG_3533.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More coaching, helping out the elder statesman on our team, Peter. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-5630174942218112232011-12-03T06:01:00.000-08:002011-12-03T06:01:45.424-08:00Stella!!!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"> have decided to name my newly acquired motorcycle, Stella, in honor of one of my all time favorite Seinfeld clips. The clip presents Elaine, a little loopy from pain medication, meeting Jerry's Aunt Stella. Upon meeting Aunt Stella, Elaine begins to immediately yell out "Stella" in a deep throated voice. I just watched the clip and it makes me laugh every time. Random, I know, but that is what I came up with. I rode Stella for the first time on Tuesday and was instantly reminded of how much fun it is to ride motorcycles. I feel bad for those of you who don't ride, because you are missing out on one of the greatest joys in life. Riding here in Nairobi is definitely different than back in the States. When I hit a line of traffic, I just ride right by it instead of waiting in line. Why wait when it is perfectly acceptable to go to the front of the line? Stella isn't exactly like my Wee-Strom but she gets the job done. She actually has more power than I expected, seeing is how she is only a 185cc. With a little roll on the throttle she can easily pass any slow poke drivers. I look forward to many more adventures and quality time spent with Stella. (pictures of Stella below)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>H</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">appy December to everyone. It is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. It is even more hard to believe when I am sitting here in shorts and a t-shirt on this 75 degree day. There also aren't as many decorations plastered everywhere reminding you what time of year it is. I'm listening to Christmas music as I type hoping that it will help induce more excitement within me for the upcoming holiday. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>R</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">andom thoughts for the week:</span><br />
- I'm happy to see that the NBA will indeed have a season this year. The league is way too popular right now for them to forgo an entire season. <br />
- A torrential downpour last night caused flooding all around my apartment. There was a good foot of water in the driveway and in the back yard. The neighbor children certainly enjoyed the newly developed "pond" in the backyard. Once again an example of the poor drainage system here. <br />
- For whatever reason, I've been more dedicated to jogging since I got here and I actually am enjoying it somewhat. <br />
- I'm also reading and journaling, two things that before were nearly non-existent, especially the journaling. Who would have thought that reading books could be so enlightening?<br />
- We only had one basketball practice this week. We got rained out on Thursday. (pictures of the boys below)<br />
- The managers of the Guest House returned from their time in the States on Thursday night and I'm looking forward to hanging out with them and getting to know them better. <br />
- I randomly started driving on the right side of the road the other night and was quickly reminded that that was the wrong side as I saw headlights coming directly at me. I quickly corrected the problem and returned to the left lane where I belonged. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcl-yaAId8Y/TtookI24sqI/AAAAAAAAALs/NS-1mmRmJbg/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcl-yaAId8Y/TtookI24sqI/AAAAAAAAALs/NS-1mmRmJbg/s400/IMG_3510.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my new friend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cvh41X4MUQY/TtooqgQ3BYI/AAAAAAAAAL0/vRyrUmpP7yc/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cvh41X4MUQY/TtooqgQ3BYI/AAAAAAAAAL0/vRyrUmpP7yc/s400/IMG_3506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stella</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WW6p1ZkMfTk/TtootBuY8fI/AAAAAAAAAL8/aH0m9KuWEvM/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WW6p1ZkMfTk/TtootBuY8fI/AAAAAAAAAL8/aH0m9KuWEvM/s400/IMG_3504.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Snow Leopards</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOFNBLJg8l0/TtooxnWrBGI/AAAAAAAAAME/Lq2uzVF_XZ0/s1600/IMG_3503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOFNBLJg8l0/TtooxnWrBGI/AAAAAAAAAME/Lq2uzVF_XZ0/s400/IMG_3503.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Panthers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRqmIwn8AE4/Ttoo1p8dgdI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PCunpwF0Y7A/s1600/IMG_3502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRqmIwn8AE4/Ttoo1p8dgdI/AAAAAAAAAMM/PCunpwF0Y7A/s400/IMG_3502.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spicy Wings</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6rI_BWExQY/Ttoo5TlrZuI/AAAAAAAAAMU/nUi1r_O0FzY/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6rI_BWExQY/Ttoo5TlrZuI/AAAAAAAAAMU/nUi1r_O0FzY/s400/IMG_3501.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Aqua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-19971943931355970872011-11-27T01:10:00.000-08:002011-11-27T01:10:25.840-08:00A Kenyan Thanksgiving.<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>F</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">or the second year in a row I was able to experience Thanksgiving in another country. Last year we were on our motorcycle trip and spent Thanksgiving day touring the Mayan ruins at Tikal in Guatemala. It is obviously very different being in a country where Thanksgiving is not celebrated, but at the same time knowing that all of your friends and family are celebrating one of the truly greatest holidays ever established. My Thanksgiving day wasn't really any different than any other day. I went to the Center as usual, although I did come home a little bit earlier just for the sake of having somewhat of a day to celebrate. While at the Center I led a discussion on Thanksgiving with one of the groups of students. I told them all about the holiday and why we celebrate it and then I had each of them share what it is they are thankful for. It was really neat to hear what each of them had to share. That evening I was able to skype with my family, grandparents, and some of my cousins who were all at my parent's place to celebrate. It was really good to see all of their faces and hear there voices again. Unfortunately there was no big meal, for lunch I had to settle for grilled cheese....haha. On Monday night I did get to have a nice big Thanksgiving meal with my neighbors and some other friends. I really enjoyed the time to be together and share with each other what we are thankful for and how God has blessed us over the past year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Wednesday I started coaching at Rosslyn. I thought overall the first day went pretty well, but there is certainly a lot of work to be done. I'm coaching with another girl who is a little younger than me and her mom. We have about 35 boys that we are working with, which can be a challenge in itself let alone trying to help them improve their game. I'm looking forward to the challenge though and being able to get to know each of them. I know this blog is lacking in pictures so I'll try to get some taken at practice this week, so you can see what I'm doing there. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>R</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">andom thoughts:</span><br />
- I bought Kellog's "Frosties" yesterday, which are the U.K.'s version of Frosted Flakes. They were super expensive, but I didn't care, I just wanted to eat some Kellog's cereal. I had some this morning and the first bite brought me instant happiness and I thought to myself, "this is how cereal is supposed to taste". <br />
- My shout out to Liberty last week obviously didn't help and once again our season ended in disappointment. Oh well, we'll try again next year. <br />
- I'm learning to not take for granted electricity. It usually goes out a handful of times a week and last weekend it went out for a good 24 hours. It seems that every time it rains hard, it knocks out the power and lately it has been raining a lot. <br />
- Speaking of rain, when it starts to pour here the roads have water rushing all over them within minutes. The whole drainage system here isn't exactly what it needs to be.<br />
- I'm starting to play a lot of sudoku again. There is just something really addicting about that game<br />
- Last Sunday there was a fundraiser lunch at the Thai embassy for the flood victims in Thailand. I've never eaten much Thai food, but after eating a considerable amount of food there I'm now in love with Thai food. I now want to go to Thailand if nothing else just to eat the food. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></strong>hat's enough for random thoughts. I hope everyone had a a blessed Thanksgiving and has a great week.Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-19301213914059029822011-11-18T08:09:00.000-08:002011-11-18T08:09:29.850-08:00BEAT STONY BROOK!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">'ve got to start off by voicing my support for my Flames as they go up against Stony Brook for the Big South Championship tomorrow night. I plan on staying up for the 11:30 pm kickoff and will be praying for a good internet stream so I can watch the game. Now for my video post for the week:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KGBlwdnEQWM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-45422308712941878572011-11-12T01:34:00.000-08:002011-11-12T01:34:17.593-08:00Crazy Baboons!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Monday, I travelled to an animal orphanage with some of the students from the center. The orphanage is located at the entrance to Nairobi National Park, and is a place of safety for, you guessed it, orphaned animals. The orphanage doesn't boast a large number of animals like zoos that I have been to in the past but what they had was good. I have found that when you visit a zoo in the states it almost always seems that the animals that you most want to see (lions, tigers, bears, etc.) are always hidden. Here they had cheetahs, lions, hyenas, and a leopard, all of which were in clear view. One of the more interesting aspects of the orphanage was the baboons that freely scampered around the grounds. Now if you've ever seen a baboon or know anything about them you know that they can be aggressive and somewhat dangerous. One look at their teeth and you can tell that if they got a hold of you they could dice you up pretty good. Because of this, I did my best to steer clear of any them that began to approach me. There was a group of young school children there as well and at one point the baboons began to get a little feisty towards them. Naturally, this had a fairly traumatic affect on some of the youngsters. Cries of fear and terror could be heard as the kids scrambled away from the unfriendly beasts. Thankfully no one was hurt. The best part of the whole day was the opportunity to interact with the students outside of class. They are a great group, who really like to joke around and have a good time. After getting our fill of the animals we had a picnic lunch and then headed home. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">he rest of the week was normal as far as my daily routine was concerned. I found out that I will not be getting "my" bike until the end of the month, which is later than I had hoped but I guess I can be patient. I accepted the middle school boys basketball coaching job at Rosslyn Academy and will begin there the week after next. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>S</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">witching gears, this week was probably my most difficult since arriving here. This doesn't mean that I have been super depressed or desperately wishing that I wasn't here. I just seemed to find myself missing my family more and realizing that I won't be able to see them for another six months. I realize that this isn't an extremely long amount of time, but at times it feels that way. I miss wrestling, playing ball, and just spending time with my nieces and nephews. I miss hearing little Kaci Dawn exclaim, "Uncle D" with a great big smile every time she sees me. It is during these times that I am reminded of how great a family I have and I thank God every day for them. It is really nice to have a family that I can indeed miss spending time with. I've also found myself missing my home area in general and the openness and freedoms that are available there. The open spaces and the freedom to simply go out whenever and wherever I want is something not as readily available here. The tragic events that have transpired at Penn State over the last week have also been extremely hard to swallow even though I am thousands of miles away from there. It has been hard not to think about what is happening there and how dramatically it is affecting so many peoples lives. It is stunning to think that this has happened at an institution and to a coach that I have always held in such high regard.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>D</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">espite having somewhat of a down week, I will not allow the emotions that I'm feeling to overshadow what I know to be true. And what is true is that God is good and faithful beyond comprehension. I am very thankful that I am here and for what God is teaching me. I know that God still has many things that He wants to teach me and do through me and for that all I can simply do is praise His name. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1RRkJqj3p0/Tr4669r-zgI/AAAAAAAAAKE/kJdcSX7Cacg/s1600/IMG_3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1RRkJqj3p0/Tr4669r-zgI/AAAAAAAAAKE/kJdcSX7Cacg/s400/IMG_3442.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbmrvLfBBXk/Tr47ALs1F9I/AAAAAAAAAKM/Od6qS6uDByw/s1600/IMG_3443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbmrvLfBBXk/Tr47ALs1F9I/AAAAAAAAAKM/Od6qS6uDByw/s400/IMG_3443.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgTOMiuYSMc/Tr47FA7jSrI/AAAAAAAAAKU/stWSnmH6imc/s1600/IMG_3452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wgTOMiuYSMc/Tr47FA7jSrI/AAAAAAAAAKU/stWSnmH6imc/s400/IMG_3452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ9CAvi7c28/Tr47KwARO8I/AAAAAAAAAKc/7fffdwb4fBA/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ9CAvi7c28/Tr47KwARO8I/AAAAAAAAAKc/7fffdwb4fBA/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv0u5axJ9Xk/Tr47P2fnf0I/AAAAAAAAAKk/-Yslidcv_ak/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pv0u5axJ9Xk/Tr47P2fnf0I/AAAAAAAAAKk/-Yslidcv_ak/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsidr43PQpI/Tr47V2-uWuI/AAAAAAAAAKs/M2yQtJp0Awc/s1600/IMG_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsidr43PQpI/Tr47V2-uWuI/AAAAAAAAAKs/M2yQtJp0Awc/s400/IMG_3462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azIC1yHk6X0/Tr47b2qEBhI/AAAAAAAAAK0/EWEkbTr27QU/s1600/IMG_3463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azIC1yHk6X0/Tr47b2qEBhI/AAAAAAAAAK0/EWEkbTr27QU/s400/IMG_3463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feQTY0RFzoM/Tr47iyfWqNI/AAAAAAAAAK8/32wGmgcYngo/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feQTY0RFzoM/Tr47iyfWqNI/AAAAAAAAAK8/32wGmgcYngo/s400/IMG_3465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22CiVgbm1dc/Tr47nNt440I/AAAAAAAAALE/JzvEe47hCtE/s1600/IMG_3472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-22CiVgbm1dc/Tr47nNt440I/AAAAAAAAALE/JzvEe47hCtE/s400/IMG_3472.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEe0QQMJC24/Tr47sf_PzJI/AAAAAAAAALM/Bq0RCVnux6U/s1600/IMG_3480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEe0QQMJC24/Tr47sf_PzJI/AAAAAAAAALM/Bq0RCVnux6U/s400/IMG_3480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGZT3pPvq9s/Tr47w0d4LXI/AAAAAAAAALU/lvXF7SURgKE/s1600/IMG_3483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGZT3pPvq9s/Tr47w0d4LXI/AAAAAAAAALU/lvXF7SURgKE/s400/IMG_3483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii8pF-SiGFQ/Tr477qBP-eI/AAAAAAAAALc/0CbyDFKiidY/s1600/IMG_3488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii8pF-SiGFQ/Tr477qBP-eI/AAAAAAAAALc/0CbyDFKiidY/s400/IMG_3488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTxsCL_T8HE/Tr47_28zRHI/AAAAAAAAALk/eA-owEQ1jRs/s1600/IMG_3493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hTxsCL_T8HE/Tr47_28zRHI/AAAAAAAAALk/eA-owEQ1jRs/s400/IMG_3493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-66215670519506799882011-11-04T04:53:00.000-07:002011-11-04T04:53:35.550-07:00Motorcycling in Kenya!<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>B</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ig news this week, at least for me it is....I've gained access to a motorcycle! I haven't exactly ridden or even seen the bike yet, but it seems pretty certain that I'll be cruising the Nairobi streets on two wheels very soon. I've certainly missed riding my bike, and while this bike won't be like mine, it will serve my need to ride just fine. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>N</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ow that I've filled you in on the big news, let me recap what else has happened recently. Thankfully things have remained calm here since the two grenade attacks last week. However, I don't think this means that the danger of a major terrorist attack has passed. On Wednesday, I met with the athletic director at Rosslyn Academy, which is an international school here, to discuss the possibility of coaching one of their middle school basketball teams. They are very much in need of coaches, so it looks like I'll get my first opportunity to do some coaching. I will start later this month and go there two days a week to start and beginning in January I'll be going three days a week. I'm excited for the opportunity to get connected at the school and be able to connect with the boys and hopefully be able to have an impact on their lives. I will still be going to Eastleigh, but on the days I go to Rosslyn I will have to leave a little bit early from the center. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">s what usually happens when you spend more and more time with people, my relationships at the center continue to get better. I think this was my favorite week of working with the English students. Yesterday one of the girls brought me some Somali anjera and some stew. Anjera, at least Somali anjera, looks like a thin, porous pancake. I had told her that I wanted to try some so I could compare it to Ethiopian anjera, and to my delight she obliged. Both are good, but I think I like the Somali version a little bit more. On Monday, one of the English groups is going to an animal orphanage for a little field trip. I'm excited to go along with them and be able to interact in a setting that is different than the classroom. I'll be sure to take pictures and post them next week.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>N</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">ow for those of you in cold weather locations and have already been hit with snow, let me offer my condolences. I've been having to deal with temperatures that occasionally dip into the upper 50s at night and if it gets really hot will reach 83 or 84 during the day. It has been raining more lately, so it isn't quite perfect all the time. So while most of you are putting on more layers, I'm putting on more sunblock to avoid getting burnt.</span>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-72233896003886640252011-10-29T06:49:00.000-07:002011-10-29T06:49:10.929-07:00Into the Bush.<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">s some of you might be aware, there has been some unrest here over the past week. Kenya's military has taken action against the Somali militant group, al-Shabaab, within Somalia's borders. Al-Shabaab is responsible for a number of kidnappings of foreigners within Kenya's borders. They have threatened to retaliate for the actions of Kenya's military and last weekend the US Embassy issued a warning of an imminent terrorist attack in Nairobi. The main targets are believed to be nightclubs and malls that are frequented by foreigners. On Monday, there were two separate grenade attacks, which killed one person and injured close to thirty more. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></strong>o how have these developments affected my life? Well, on Tuesday, I stayed home from going to Eastleigh after receiving strong encouragement from people who are more experienced than I to do so. Wednesday I wasn't planning on going to Eastleigh anyway, so that worked out in a way. Instead, I went with my neighbors, Quincy and Joanne, to a remote Masai village in the Rift Valley (see pictures below). Quincy was going to do some beekeeping education with some of the locals. This trip offered my first glimpse of life outside of Nairobi, and what a different life it is indeed. After passing through the outskirts of Nairobi, we began to descend down into the valley and entered an area that I would describe as semi desert. It reminded me a lot of parts of Nevada and Arizona, with its scrub trees and bushes. The road that we traveled on wasn't exactly a road. I've been on farm lanes and ATV trails that were better. The car we were in, a Toyota Corolla station wagon, wasn't exactly built for the terrain, but somehow it got us there and back. There were only a few times when we had to get out of the car to lighten the load, so it wouldn't bottom out on the large rocks that were very prevalent in some spots. The trip took us about three hours total. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">fter arriving we were greeted with cups of piping hot tea and bread. I'm not really sure why they drink such a hot beverage when it is 90 degrees out, but never the less I accepted their hospitality and proceeded to burn my tongue on the tea. After more locals showed up, Quincy and a Masai man named Joel donned beekeeping suits and began to check the hives. As they worked, Quincy explained what they were doing and why. After several hours of being educated on the ins and outs of beekeeping, we were served a delicious lunch of rice and stew. We eagerly ate the meal and then loaded up the car and began our trek back to Nairobi. On the way back we took a slightly different route, which was a little better, but certainly wasn't going to be mistaken for Interstate 80. I was really hoping to see some interesting wildlife such as giraffes or lions, but came up unsuccessful. We did however see a couple of dik-diks, which are miniature antelope about the size of a small dog. We also saw a handful of normal sized antelope. We returned home without incident and after a very long, dusty, and bumpy ride taking a nice, warm shower and laying on my soft bed felt so good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Thursday and Friday I returned to the center. It was good to be back after being gone a couple of days and work with the students and basketball players again. There was no softball today due to a league bye for all teams. Next week we'll be back and better than ever just like Mike and Mike. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">was challenged this week as I was reading through Matthew 25 and read the parable of the talents. It challenged me to really think about which servant I am. Am I using the talents that God has given me and multiplying them or am I keeping them to myself?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>F</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">inally I would like to wish a very big </span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>HAPPY BIRTHDAY </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">to two of the cutest kids in the whole world, my niece and nephew Kaci and Roman. Kaci turns two tomorrow and Roman turns three.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M5rZeWwaUs/TqwB6MQfxMI/AAAAAAAAAGs/OMK_8sVvWFI/s1600/IMG_3396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M5rZeWwaUs/TqwB6MQfxMI/AAAAAAAAAGs/OMK_8sVvWFI/s400/IMG_3396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the valley as we descended into it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl9SBmXZiE0/TqwCBfqjtBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oYvRpeRZv0c/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl9SBmXZiE0/TqwCBfqjtBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oYvRpeRZv0c/s320/IMG_3397.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSZX-oNsMT8/TqwCEXQOhNI/AAAAAAAAAG8/xa7PzKHLgYk/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSZX-oNsMT8/TqwCEXQOhNI/AAAAAAAAAG8/xa7PzKHLgYk/s400/IMG_3404.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As usual, pictures don't do justice to how bad the road was in some spots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3epO7HrquK0/TqwCJ0EooNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/ApRgEpfv1VM/s1600/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3epO7HrquK0/TqwCJ0EooNI/AAAAAAAAAHM/ApRgEpfv1VM/s320/IMG_3407.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NgjsGNVR-A/TqwCQTi3GiI/AAAAAAAAAHU/6M-qGFKZTH0/s1600/IMG_3406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NgjsGNVR-A/TqwCQTi3GiI/AAAAAAAAAHU/6M-qGFKZTH0/s400/IMG_3406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed quite a number of herds of cows and goats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2ze2v7-ob0/TqwCWOab8wI/AAAAAAAAAHc/aN7t_cIZMcc/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2ze2v7-ob0/TqwCWOab8wI/AAAAAAAAAHc/aN7t_cIZMcc/s320/IMG_3416.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the compound that we visited.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCxY5cTL8Iw/TqwCYj1S47I/AAAAAAAAAHk/NvFe_qZ4uwM/s1600/IMG_3418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCxY5cTL8Iw/TqwCYj1S47I/AAAAAAAAAHk/NvFe_qZ4uwM/s400/IMG_3418.JPG" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with some of the locals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2UxYaQFtQA/TqwCcvUaMCI/AAAAAAAAAHs/fkWX5BPPbi0/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2UxYaQFtQA/TqwCcvUaMCI/AAAAAAAAAHs/fkWX5BPPbi0/s400/IMG_3421.JPG" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quincy (right) and Joel explaining what is going on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEX4kf90UzQ/TqwCg8H7BaI/AAAAAAAAAH0/RrvGBa20E7o/s1600/IMG_3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEX4kf90UzQ/TqwCg8H7BaI/AAAAAAAAAH0/RrvGBa20E7o/s400/IMG_3423.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47EJkUx3sSs/TqwCj_h5WWI/AAAAAAAAAH8/o85si74ntA4/s1600/IMG_3429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47EJkUx3sSs/TqwCj_h5WWI/AAAAAAAAAH8/o85si74ntA4/s400/IMG_3429.JPG" width="373" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGqYhVnm_xE/TqwCpuucP7I/AAAAAAAAAIE/q-lAlwB1CTs/s1600/IMG_3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGqYhVnm_xE/TqwCpuucP7I/AAAAAAAAAIE/q-lAlwB1CTs/s400/IMG_3430.JPG" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the local ladies had brought out jewelery and had it on display for us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-72672292015952350042011-10-21T07:12:00.000-07:002011-10-21T07:12:57.435-07:00To Market To Market<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Wednesday, I went with my friend from the center (for the purposes of this blog I will call him Steve) to visit the largest market in Kenya. In fact it is also the largest market in all of East Africa. Now when I say market, I want you to picture your local farmer's market on steroids. This market has pretty much anything you could want from clothes to spices, fruits & vegetables, used coffee cans, and much much more. I didn't even end up seeing half of it. Vendors upon vendors were packed side by side in makeshift booths trying their best to move their product. The walkways were muddy and narrow and the whole area felt like a maze that I probably would have gotten lost in if Steve wasn't with me. We went there to find some bolts for a couple of basketball rims. We found the "bolt" guy and after fishing through his stack of random nuts and bolts, Steve found what he needed. Bolts in hand we headed towards the fish section of the market. Now, I have never been a real big fan of fish, especially the smell, so the idea of walking through an area full of raw fish didn't sound too appealing. It was quite apparent as we moved towards the fish section that we were getting close as evidenced by the unmistakeable smell of raw fish. Once again numerous vendors with their baskets of fish beside them were attempting to convince me that their fish was clearly the best. To me all of the fish looked and smelled the same so how was I to know if they were telling the truth. Steve loves fish so he picked out one for lunch that suited him. I on the other hand settled with fried nyama (meat) with some ugali and greens. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>L</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">et me take this time to share my experiences with the food here so far. The two staple Kenyan foods are ugali and chapati. Ugali looks like very thick mashed potatoes, but certainly doesn't taste like them, in fact ugali doesn't really have any taste. It is made of maize flour and water. It is very starchy and the Kenyans like it because it "sticks to the ribs" as we like to say. To eat it, you grab a hunk and roll it into a ball with your fingers and then pick up your greens or meat and eat them together. Chapati looks like a thick tortilla and tastes somewhat similar as well. They are made of wheat flour and aren't too bad. The one time that I've had chapati I mixed it with beans. I've also tried some Somali and Ethiopian foods, both of which also aren't too bad. Of the three: Kenyan, Ethiopian, and Somali, I think I prefer Ethiopian.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">fter finishing up our lunch we made our way through the maze of vendors to a matatu and returned to the center, thus ending my first market experience. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures, but maybe next time I go I will take some. </span>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-25990961805556012732011-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:002011-10-14T10:15:07.861-07:00House Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtugg6D9bhI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-13773167022003011732011-10-07T11:32:00.000-07:002011-10-07T11:32:28.393-07:00Living In the Here and Now.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">oo many times I find myself focusing about what is to come instead of what is happening right now. This continues to ring true here in Kenya. At times I find myself focusing on what will happen in a few months or even after my time here is complete. It's not that I don't like being here or like what I'm doing here, this is certainly not the case. I am learning that focusing on what is to come instead of what is happening now is certainly not a good approach to life. We are not promised tomorrow, but I don't seem to live like that as much as I should. How would my day to day interactions with people, my walk with Christ, and my ministry here in Kenya look different if I lived focus on today instead of tomorrow? Having said all that I am very grateful for the opportunity that is before me right now to be here and experience the work God is doing in a setting that is very different than home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"> have been here two and a half weeks now and feel like I am adjusting well to my surroundings. I have a fairly regular schedule now and am beginning to have a set role at the center. I work with three or four people for about an hour each morning and help them with their English. This continues to be an area that is bringing me great joy. After I finish up my last session I have a Kswahili class with some other students. I certainly don't know much Kswahili yet, but hopefully by the time I leave I will have a basic grasp of it. The afternoon is when different groups come in to play basketball. This has been slow going as not many people show up sometimes, because of this it is hard to set up a consistent program. It seems to be picking up the last couple of days and the director keeps telling me that soon we will have a lot of people showing up. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Wednesday I went with a couple of friends from the center to Mathare, which is the second biggest slum in all of Africa. We went there to visit a local school (check out the pictures below). I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the school and seeing the children. They certainly are not studying in good conditions as you can tell from the pictures below, but they are doing the best with what they have. After leaving the school we walked through the slum to see the type of living conditions the people there face. Every time I visit an area of extreme poverty it is overwhelming in the sense that I want to help but have no idea where to start. I'm hoping to be able to help the students at the school in some way before I leave.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>O</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">n Thursday I went with my friend from the center again and this time we went to the outskirts of the city to another very poor area and visited a young pastor and his wife. We had some Sunday school materials to deliver to him which he seemed very thankful for. I really enjoyed visiting with them and was encouraged by their faith in God their obedience to go to that area and plant a church. It was also fun explaining to the wife what snow was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">am really enjoying my time living on the guest house grounds. I am beginning to interact more with my next door neighbors, which ha been great. There is a watch dog here named Serious that I am quite afraid of to say the least. I don't think he has figured out that I live there and am not an intruder. When he sees me he barks and growls in a tone that suggests that he is not man's best friend. Hopefully over time Serious and I will be able put our differences behind us and become best friends.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sGmlHu2tPFM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKN8vFKVCYs/To8kzfyL_wI/AAAAAAAAAFs/xlxPh2UKnZY/s1600/IMG_3355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKN8vFKVCYs/To8kzfyL_wI/AAAAAAAAAFs/xlxPh2UKnZY/s320/IMG_3355.JPG" width="298" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me with the kids.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z43iBTvjFmw/To8lDA3C3lI/AAAAAAAAAFw/rnvED8kpGdQ/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z43iBTvjFmw/To8lDA3C3lI/AAAAAAAAAFw/rnvED8kpGdQ/s400/IMG_3357.JPG" width="372" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The children were very much crammed into this very small building.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EB4R155LL0/To8lKkcUDNI/AAAAAAAAAF0/beeydUBUvbY/s1600/IMG_3358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4EB4R155LL0/To8lKkcUDNI/AAAAAAAAAF0/beeydUBUvbY/s400/IMG_3358.JPG" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They were drinking their porridge.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5V3NwzpkhXs/To8lQqq4nOI/AAAAAAAAAF4/s6HEi3QLKXo/s1600/IMG_3359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5V3NwzpkhXs/To8lQqq4nOI/AAAAAAAAAF4/s6HEi3QLKXo/s400/IMG_3359.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The toilet.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3AjnmUVa7Y/To8lX4pHegI/AAAAAAAAAF8/BmiyHR9lG88/s1600/IMG_3365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3AjnmUVa7Y/To8lX4pHegI/AAAAAAAAAF8/BmiyHR9lG88/s320/IMG_3365.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A little boy along the street.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8diuACvhX8/To8lcWmxi9I/AAAAAAAAAGA/92BrU528GTQ/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8diuACvhX8/To8lcWmxi9I/AAAAAAAAAGA/92BrU528GTQ/s320/IMG_3371.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They certainly liked getting their picture taken.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSGv-or4vBE/To8lgvuTxpI/AAAAAAAAAGE/35Q3lkYSbPc/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSGv-or4vBE/To8lgvuTxpI/AAAAAAAAAGE/35Q3lkYSbPc/s320/IMG_3377.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvPpyKlJx8/To8lmahSDrI/AAAAAAAAAGI/ObOzItT9mRc/s1600/IMG_3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwvPpyKlJx8/To8lmahSDrI/AAAAAAAAAGI/ObOzItT9mRc/s400/IMG_3368.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is right outside the school's door.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eF1uR6V_PSc/To8luU10M0I/AAAAAAAAAGM/TPEpipfpb_c/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eF1uR6V_PSc/To8luU10M0I/AAAAAAAAAGM/TPEpipfpb_c/s400/IMG_3378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking down into Mathare.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmHFXF7sEUU/To8lyya9-3I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/-pdF3Gw202s/s1600/IMG_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmHFXF7sEUU/To8lyya9-3I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/-pdF3Gw202s/s320/IMG_3379.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can't really tell but she has her doll baby on her back.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cz3f0JczUiY/To8mIV8pzOI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Nuear13-KWY/s1600/IMG_3384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cz3f0JczUiY/To8mIV8pzOI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Nuear13-KWY/s320/IMG_3384.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cT3j9-2G6T8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7iW-XhKXyU/To8mNb0ct7I/AAAAAAAAAGk/IE4CIZC4yCc/s1600/IMG_3385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7iW-XhKXyU/To8mNb0ct7I/AAAAAAAAAGk/IE4CIZC4yCc/s320/IMG_3385.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><img height="77" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 563px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 243px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-40996257557906476962011-10-01T10:51:00.000-07:002011-10-01T10:51:25.336-07:00Faces and Places of Nairobi<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_7Tu7yaw4s/TodOaU_pq5I/AAAAAAAAAFM/K_-U25f0SHE/s1600/IMG_3341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_7Tu7yaw4s/TodOaU_pq5I/AAAAAAAAAFM/K_-U25f0SHE/s640/IMG_3341.JPG" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My backyard.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ovOuB54Hqc/TodOkh5HsgI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/goReraYE7jc/s1600/IMG_3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ovOuB54Hqc/TodOkh5HsgI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/goReraYE7jc/s640/IMG_3331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The street that the center is located on in Eastleigh.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1X4YsSiNn4/TodOtr-Pc8I/AAAAAAAAAFU/gf0cjNfLHIE/s1600/IMG_3329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1X4YsSiNn4/TodOtr-Pc8I/AAAAAAAAAFU/gf0cjNfLHIE/s640/IMG_3329.JPG" width="597" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrlwvN81udg/TodO38q7sMI/AAAAAAAAAFY/S7-lJVVwTx8/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XrlwvN81udg/TodO38q7sMI/AAAAAAAAAFY/S7-lJVVwTx8/s640/IMG_3327.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It had rained the night before so the roads were a mess. Dirt roads and rain don't go together real well. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEsI5Mpacuw/TodPBATi8HI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ZsB02q3meOU/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEsI5Mpacuw/TodPBATi8HI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ZsB02q3meOU/s640/IMG_3325.JPG" width="597" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1KMKrcVz-Y/TodPIhxcUpI/AAAAAAAAAFg/lzlzca0M73Q/s1600/IMG_3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1KMKrcVz-Y/TodPIhxcUpI/AAAAAAAAAFg/lzlzca0M73Q/s640/IMG_3302.JPG" width="597" /></a></div>My h<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqMCS5pjqBw/TodIB5SDIXI/AAAAAAAAAE0/rCO-2LhfIgA/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqMCS5pjqBw/TodIB5SDIXI/AAAAAAAAAE0/rCO-2LhfIgA/s640/IMG_3343.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka1D_Zp4w8M/TodSYA2prZI/AAAAAAAAAFo/DfsT5uw_AIM/s1600/IMG_3344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka1D_Zp4w8M/TodSYA2prZI/AAAAAAAAAFo/DfsT5uw_AIM/s640/IMG_3344.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My home!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8osQyySHTOg/ToXgcHcgobI/AAAAAAAAACM/jTbrLg_SDfc/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8osQyySHTOg/ToXgcHcgobI/AAAAAAAAACM/jTbrLg_SDfc/s640/IMG_3293.JPG" width="595" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The basketball court at the center.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLqUPqOIn0E/ToXgQyNjBAI/AAAAAAAAACI/ghxR26fhSyo/s1600/IMG_3289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLqUPqOIn0E/ToXgQyNjBAI/AAAAAAAAACI/ghxR26fhSyo/s640/IMG_3289.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Front seat of a matatu driving through crazy Nairobi traffic.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmseEew-1R4/ToXlUPSxqrI/AAAAAAAAADA/rKxzC1yXARE/s1600/IMG_3335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; height: 480px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 644px;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmseEew-1R4/ToXlUPSxqrI/AAAAAAAAADA/rKxzC1yXARE/s640/IMG_3335.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A view of Eastleigh from the third floor of the center.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMWbEqGpfBk/ToXtnkI_rSI/AAAAAAAAADU/KXHMTabD1kE/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMWbEqGpfBk/ToXtnkI_rSI/AAAAAAAAADU/KXHMTabD1kE/s640/IMG_3296.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNelv9_nViQ/ToX3yBs-EbI/AAAAAAAAADw/mw3TCIY1uHI/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNelv9_nViQ/ToX3yBs-EbI/AAAAAAAAADw/mw3TCIY1uHI/s640/IMG_3311.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSq28W4OdXU/ToX36bcgDUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/AM6yiIQTFnw/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 640px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 650px;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSq28W4OdXU/ToX36bcgDUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/AM6yiIQTFnw/s640/IMG_3312.JPG" width="595" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwEYzfL-rXg/ToX4BsjUDlI/AAAAAAAAAD4/l5_WPN12gzY/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwEYzfL-rXg/ToX4BsjUDlI/AAAAAAAAAD4/l5_WPN12gzY/s640/IMG_3313.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A mural tribute to the greatest of all time.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSXcK_qSRpQ/ToX4HH0POQI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-SZom_Ae9oE/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; height: 640px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 653px;"><img border="0" height="640" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSXcK_qSRpQ/ToX4HH0POQI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-SZom_Ae9oE/s640/IMG_3320.JPG" width="595" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Recess!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7iuknQ0xn0/ToX4OqJZO-I/AAAAAAAAAEA/iOYjlVQxqkg/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u7iuknQ0xn0/ToX4OqJZO-I/AAAAAAAAAEA/iOYjlVQxqkg/s640/IMG_3323.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A view of the center from the street.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><img height="72" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arvxKO3yJ7w/ToX27dl_aTI/AAAAAAAAADo/ruDibUHlDiA/s640/IMG_3307.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 645px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 5587px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arvxKO3yJ7w/ToX27dl_aTI/AAAAAAAAADo/ruDibUHlDiA/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arvxKO3yJ7w/ToX27dl_aTI/AAAAAAAAADo/ruDibUHlDiA/s640/IMG_3307.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ta3AHD7Aze8/ToX3JMgIsAI/AAAAAAAAADs/Mbec8Neu9JQ/s1600/IMG_3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ta3AHD7Aze8/ToX3JMgIsAI/AAAAAAAAADs/Mbec8Neu9JQ/s640/IMG_3309.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saturdays they have a kids club in the mornings and these are a couple of the children who came.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8654601180567793542.post-88974742407964431152011-09-27T08:35:00.000-07:002011-09-27T08:35:11.564-07:00Matatus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/riDXEe2-1yA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>N</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">o, my title "Matatus" is not some kind of Kenyan greeting or a word that has any deep spiritual meaning. The matatus are the main means of public transportation here in Nairobi and riding on them has been the biggest cultural adjustment for me during my one week of living here. They are either a 10/12 passenger van or a mini bus and I feel like my life is at stake every time I get on one. Ok, maybe it isn't quite that bad, but it certainly isn't like jumping on a bus back in the states. I take a matatu from the Mennonite Guest House where I live an hour one way to Eastleigh where I am serving during my time here. This ride has given me a great opportunity to see the city and get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who live here. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>L</strong><span style="font-size: small;">ike I said, I have been here one week and am now feeling like I am getting settled in and feeling somewhat adjusted to my surroundings. The weather here is perfect with no humidity and highs maybe around 80 and lows at around 60. The city of Nairobi is a bustling town with people and vehicles everywhere. I was warned of the traffic before I came and it certainly hasn't disappointed. Traffic laws seem to be nonexistent and the only way to get anywhere is to be super aggressive, which is what the matatu drivers are. I think I will limit my driving as much as possible. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>M</strong><span style="font-size: small;">y time has been spent largely at the community center in Eastleigh where I am involved with teaching English to Somali young adults as well as coaching/playing basketball in the afternoons. I am really beginning to enjoy the English classes and the opportunity it has given me to build relationships with those who attend. These classes are also showing me that I need to brush up on my English grammar in order to know how to explain things to the students. There are times when I know the correct answer to a question but I struggle to explain why the answer is what it is. The center and those who work there are doing a wonderful work in the community. Everything that takes place there is focused on building relationships and through those relationships being able to show Christ's love. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>T</strong><span style="font-size: small;">hank you all for your prayers and be sure to check back for more updates as I continue on my journey with Christ here in Kenya.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Dwayne</span>Dwaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01744809799334737246noreply@blogger.com0