Arrived Home to a "Special" Welome-Home Gift!!

I arrived safely and in good health Friday afternoon at 1:15 PM. And guess who just couldn't wait for me to make it back from Africa?

This is Violet Grace Prince, Jason and Carrie's 3rd child and 1st little girl!! She weighed 8 lb. 6 oz., 21 in. long. Isn't she beautiful? She was born @ 8:15 AM, 5 hours before I got home, and just in time for Nana (Judy) to visit and then come to the airport for me. Violet was all ready for me to visit in the evening!


More later, just wanted to say to hello to everyone and thank you again for your prayers.

Dan

D-Day!

Can't believe it is Thursday, March 6th. This is the first time I have been able to blog since Friday night, Feb 28...or was it the 29th?? I'm really mixed up. I will give a very brief review of where we have been, and post when I get back with pictures, etc.

We left Saturday morning, March 1, very early, to catch a flight to Kigali, Rwanda. We stayed at JP's farm, which his sister Barraka is turning into a retreat for ministry people. She also has established a counseling office there. Many at EVFree have met her. Here are a couple of pictures on the farm:




















We had lunch on Saturday with JP's parents and family:







On Sunday, March 2, we left around 10 AM to pick up Phil Smith, Country Director for Rwanda, and Sammy Mah, President of World Relief. We then traveled via car for 5 hours to the border of Rwanda and DRCongo. This is Sammy, Phil, and me, with JP taking the picture while we take a brief stop in a very scenic spot along the way.









Crossed over into Congo and was in the city of Goma for two days. Incredible ministry going on there; it is the most poverty stricken and overall devestated place I of all places I've been. Between the major volcano (can't think of the name) that erupted in 2002, sending lava right through the middle of town, and the Congolese Rebels in the mountains on the other side, the place is devastated. But World Relief is there ministering to thousands through the local churches. The most UNKNOWN story of Goma and surrounding area are the IDPs...over 1,000,000, and growing, because of the rebel militia in the very near areas. There are refugee camps of 200,000 and up. And this has received NO attention, and contrast to the Kenya IDP crisis in many ways.






More on that next time. I'll have to tell you about coming face to face with 3 rebel army guys in an unexpected place...not a calm moment in my life!

We left Goma on Tuesday morning at 6:30 AM to catch a boat for a 2.5 hour boat ride to cross Lake Kivu; we docked at the other end of the lake, but still in Congo;
this is a shot after just making a quick stop along the way:




No, that is not us in our boat; it is fishermen!



We visited a branch office of WR that manages a micro-finance operation...and doing great! We only spent 20 minutes there and were on to cross the border back into Rwanda to visit with a network of pastors where the earthquake of 2-4-08 killed 40+ people. It struck at 9:30 AM, when the churches were full. 4 were destroyed, many hurt, and the ones that were killed were mostly in one congregation. We prayed with them, listened to their stories, and heard that WR was the first and ONLY NGO to respond with help.




We then drove proably an hour and eventually crossed the border into Burundi. Only 30 minutes into Burundi we stopped and visited an HIV Aids office of WR, and met with the leaders and listened to their report on the operation. Unbelievable work; they are slowly but surely getting the church to embrace the responsibility of being trained to teach on prevention and assisting with medical aid.

We arrived in Bujumbura, Burundi, the capital city. Totally different world than Congo. Beautiful, almost resort like by most comparisons. We met with the staff leaders of WR-Burundi, and later had dinner at the hotel we stayed at. That is where you begin to see below the surface...great asthetics, poor basic functions, such as hot water, etc. But not a problem...anything was better than Goma, Congo.

On Wed, March 5 we spent most of the day driving south along a very scenic lake whose name is too long to remember, let alone spell. It was a 2.5 hour drive...safari like at times...to arrive at Nyanza Lac, Burundi. WR has a major field office there that is helping resettle Burundi IDPs from the last war as they are returning home. WR has equipped and provided over 3,000 houses in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Another 1,090 are being built in 2008. Don't get too excited; these houses are the size of our typical living rooms; but there are good houses, especially compared to the grass/mud huts they are replacing.





We also visited a small village where WR has started a goat program to provide milk and an income to provide the basics...food.















Next we stopped at a medical clinic which WR built (not sure where the funds came from). it was in a beautiful location, high on a hill, overlooking the lake ([cannot see the end of the lake on either direction, but can see the mountains of Congo in the far distance across the lake). The medical center will be officially opened in May y the President of Burundi. (it includes an outdoor incinerator, and morgue!)





We got back to Bujumbura around 6, got some dinner, and checked back into the hotel we spent the night in Tuesday night....long story, but finally got to bed around 11PM.

It is now Thursday morning, JP is in a training session with his country director and staff leaders here, and we will leave at 11AM. We fly from Bujumbura, Burundi, to Kigali, Rwanda, and then on to Nairobi, Kenya, hopefully arriving at 4PM today. I will repack at JP's where I left my large suitcase, and then go to Java House in Nairobi where the senior staff wants to wish me farewell. My flight to London leaves at 11:20, so i need to be there by 9:20. PRay for all of this!

Sorry no pictures....just can't get it done right now.

Again, I am so blessed to have been able to do this trip. While I believe God used me to make some small contributions here and there, it was I that was mostly blessed, and in ways I never anticipated. Trust me, I can't wait to get back on American soil, and will never complain again when things don't go according to plan. Well, I know that is not realistic, but I'm praying there will be a profound impact on my few of things for a long time.

Can't wait to see you all, including my shortly to be borned 7th grandchild, due the 11th....don't be early Carrie and Jason!!

Love to you all.
Dan

Time in Kenya Ends

What is this? Answer at bottom of blog!












Well, unbelievable, but today was my last full day in Kenya. It is now 8:30 PM Friday night, Feb 29th. JP and I leave at 6AM for an 8AM flight to Rwanda in the morning.

This morning started with me checking out of my 'home' for the last 3 weeks, and that was a packing job in and of itself after I got home last night. I simply didn't want to do it! But, I went to bed at 1AM with it all done, and slept till 7AM this morning.

We had a wonderful devotion time with the full staff at 8:30 am, and much praise was given that the agreement was reached with the governmnet officials. Its as if everyone took a deep breath, and felt a tremendous load lift from their shoulders. I pray things will continue to go well as the details are worked out starting March 7th in parliment.

After devotions we had the traditional 'tea break', and I even chose tea over coffee. What is happening to me?? We then started an almost 4 hour full staff meeting and JP led the team through various organizational updates and new policies and procedures.

I was able to do some final little shopping here (just couldn't help getting the grandkids something), and got to JP's around 6:30 PM. His nephew Bevinue (french, and not sure i spelled it right) had prepared an absolute feast in my honor. It included fresh fish from Lake Victoria, lamb, special sauce, pasta, spinach, beans/potatoes combo, homemade bread, kinda like tortillas, but thicker. And then a beautiful serving of fresh fruits over his homemade crepe and ice cream. I MUST fast this next week!

I'm in my room, my eyes are very droopy, and i'm going to bed and read a minute. As we have to get up at 5:30, need to get going.

Thanks for following along with me on this journey. I can't begin to express my appreciation to everyone that made this possible, especially my wonderful wife Judy. Thanks, sweetheart, for being so faithful in your emails and updates. I'll see you a week from today! (I get back from Burundi at 4PM the 6th and leave for Lonon/LA at 11:40 PM same day...pray there is no problem on the arriving flight! I arrive at LAX at 1:30 or so on Friday, March 7th.)

Can't not post without more pictures. So, here are the WR offices:

Here's JP and Tina sorting out the day










The beautiful grounds:

















Answer: It is the bloom of the tree shown below. I still don't know what kind of tree...do you? It is just inside the gate entrance to JP's housing track...I've never seen one like...beautiful.

Possibilities Africa, The Harrell's from EVFree, Near Death Experience, and Dinner at Tina's

(Posting Thursday afternoon, 2-28-08)
Our Wednesday started with a meeting at Possibilities Africa...a Christian organization founded by Martin Simiyu, a Kenyan, Moody Bible Institute graduate, and Biola MOL graduate. I was asked by both Dan Maltby (MOL Director) and Joe Davis to be sure and contact him if at all possible. Among many other areas, PA has a business incubator program to help young entrepreuers get their businesses off and running; objective being to help Kenyans help Kenya raise the economic levels. After a wonderful introduction of the ministry, I had been asked by Martin a couple of days before to speak to the issues of marketing and budgeting which the guys were struggling with. I did my best, but added a 3rd topic on biblical stewardship which I challenged the guys to embody personally so that it would be embodied in their business as well. It was a wonderful time of just sharing 'grey-hair' wisdom along with some best practices to hopefully help them progress. This picture is the group; JP, Martin, and myself are in the center in that order. Darren (taking the picture) was able to join us and I think even benefited from some of ole dad's marketing experience. It was great to have him there, and for him to make some appropriate connections for InnerChange.












We left Possibilities Africa at 12:30PM and drove for 1 1/4 hours to Kijabein the Rift Valley area, where Moffet Bible College is. Our purpose was to meet with Rich and Kathy Harrell, missionaries from my home church, EVFree, Fullerton. JP had met them previously with Joe/Molly Davis, and we had mutual interest to visit them. They are incredible hosts, wonderful assets to the college in many roles, and extremely knowlegable about Kenya. They were so warm and welcoming to us, including a fabulous meal which Kathy said was 'leftovers' because of short notice. (I would come and eat their 'leftovers' any day!). We enjoyed their company for about 2 hours; we discussed Crown Ministry type teaching at the college, and I see incredible opportunity to tie that in with the desire in Nairobi for the pastors, and WR staff.
Here is their home, overlooking Rift Valley, the most beautiful spot ever! (a little hazy this day, but in the background is Mt. Kenya) I could sit and talk with Rich for days on their front pourch! (So could Darren, who quickly learned of Rich's curriculum development writing skills, a passion of Darren's).

















The 'Near Death' Experience(s):
When we got back from the Rift Valley around 5PM, Darren wanted to tour the Hurlinggum area for the InnerChange couple that is considering that area when they move to Nairobi in the next 30 days. He assured JP that he could drive a vehicle with the sterring column and the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road, (after all, he was FROM London [tho they have NO car])so off we went. What WAS I thinking???. The area was fairly close, and I was taking pictures to send them. Then we came upon one of the infamous 'roundabouts' in the road, and Darren decided to take an empty spot, and make 3 lanes out of 2. Just so happens there was a policeman standing right at the bumper as he pulled around the car. (death experience #1..no license, considerable cash on us, and horrific tales of what policemen in Kenya do when they stop you). After some extreme facial expressions and graphic arm gestures I didn't understand (glad I didn't) the policeman directed Darren to back up (in the horrible traffic) and take the exit lane he should have taken. (backing up in the traffice-death experince #2.) We finally navigated a ridiculous command, and took off somewhere...anywhere.

In an effort to make a block back to the main street, we ran across a certain Embassey of interest. Great! Darren said. get a picture for the couple [or was that ME that made the suggestion]...their ministry is to be with people from that country! I directed Darren to just pull up to the gate so I could get a quick shot of the official sign. I had just snapped the picture and lowered the camera when an armed guard flashed out with his AK47 and gave the look that would kill us had we not been so dumb, scared, and innocent looking. Thank GOD he did not see my camera (again, What was i thinking) and as he circled our vehicle with the look of a rebel army leader, Darren quickly explained that we were just turning around. Had Darren not proceeded to back up the car, I'm sure he would have finished us off right there. Lesson Learned...no pictures of the Embassey gates, let alone pulling up to the gate like we owned the place. OOPS! Well we proceeded to get the heck out of there, but later told JP that his vehicle was now being tracked by a certain country militia and please be careful.

(Picture removed for security purposes)

Thank goodness Darren and I had been invited to have dinner with Tina Oloo, JP's executive assistant Thursday night. It was the calming effect we needed! Was it ever delicious...wow...mild curry/coconut sauce over fish, sweet potatoes, ????root, a type of greens unknown in American,and rice. And wonderful mango/pineapple fresh fruit dessert. Thank you Tina! what great hospitality.

















This morning (Thursday, 2-28) Darren was off at 5AM; almost surreal experience that he was here; we enjoyed our time so much...I miss him already! He and JP would be dangerous together...they are two of a kind. Wonderful connections in Nairobi for Darren through World Relief, Jean Paul, the Harrell's, and Possibilities Africa...all in 48 hours.

I committed yesterday to Martin at PA that I'd come back this morning at 9 to spend more time with the guys, and more specifically on each of their businesses. I was ther at 9AM and left at 12:30PM, thoroughlly exhausted but more energized than ever. I hope I helped them just a little. It really brought out my passion for sales, marketing, etc, and I realized that is another area God may be calling me to, but I don't know how to define it at this point. No processing time for me yet...and a whirlwind trip coming up of 3 more countries. I think I may have to take a sabatical from my sabatical when I get back!!
Blessings to all. I have to pack to leave the apartment Friday morning, and get to spend tomorrow night at JP's and leave very early Saturday for his regional tour. Pray for us!

The REAL Kibera Slums, & Darren arrives

Darren arrived safely after flying all night from London. We were at Java House at 8:15 AM having an American breakfast and great coffee. We then headed to the apt. to unload his stuff, and took off to the office where I needed to be for a 10AM meeting with the consultant JP had been working with on the micro finance project.

My pictures from yesterday's visit didn't come close to telling the story of Kibera slum. We left at 12 noon to go to a 'wet feeding' at a church school in the middle of the slums of Kibera. (WR has to verify the USAID food purchases are getting to the right people, and they do this with 'field' visits to all sites.) When I say middle of the slums, think of an area that is home for approx. 1 million people. This school had about 200 students, 50-60 of whom are orphans. Margaret, the lady in the picture "Slum Outreach Ministry" (SOM) started the ministry to the school kids. She was responsible for the kids having food today, supplied through World Relief. I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

KIBERA and Food Distribution from Main Warehouse

WARNING: ANOTHER LONG BLOG, BUT MOSTLY PICTURES!


I am posting this Monday night, at about 9:00 PM. Yesterday, Sunday the 24th of Feb, was really non-eventfull as we needed rest. Attended Nairobi Chapel; guest speaker was from.....Wisconsin. I told Pastor Oscar (the senior pastor) that I didn't come all the way from California to hear a white American preacher!! He got a big kick out of that.


Today was anything BUT what I had anticipated as a day in the office working on a micro-small finace proposal for JP. I had the opportunity to go out to the 'field' for food distributioin with Tina and Naria. The pictures below capture my time in Kibera and the distribution warehouse. I left the office at 10 and got back at 3:30.

HERE IS KIBERA...but I didn't even see the worst areas.

This is All that is left in many areas. Multiply this by thousands, and you will understand why food is necessary in Kibera, even though it is not an IDP camp.








Burned out homes on one side of the street; nice homes (picture below) on the opposite side, separated only by a gate and fence.











Nice homes on the corner of the burned out intersection shown below. Niara, WR's communicaiton manager for Kenya, told me today that her mother died in one of these homes (where she grew up) on December 29. She had high blood pressure, and violence just outside their home caused her to die from the trauma.







Burned out major intersection which was previously covered with stalls of businesses. This is just over the fence from Niara's home where her mother died.












Community leaders and church leaders determine who gets these cards; WR's objective is to get the food to the ones that cannot provide for themselves, i.e., AIDs victims too weak to work, and orphans. You have to have these cars to get the food; they know who represents these intended recipients.

Church in Kibera, all be it on the perimeter, that distributes the food sent by WR;I met with the pastor and prayed with him. He begged for more food. He has 11 other churches within Kibera, but this is the 'mother' church of over 2,000 people...all poor or desperate poor (two different classes as I have learned)













Business as usual for some.


Not your average Hilton. I asked if they were serious about this, and the answer was an emphatic YES. I then learned that it really meant 'restaurant'; I felt better, but passed even though I was starving at the time.










Note the empty concrete slabs--these use to be business stalls for the family business where they earned enough daily to buy food for the next day.



Poverty is everywhere in Kibera













A local artist's expression of the situation.


Open garbage burning along a main entrance to Kibera; this is necessary because the privately owned garbage company has refused to pick up in Kibera since the violence in late December and January.














AT THE MAIN FOOD DISTRIBUTION WAREHOUSE IN JAMBORI:

A World Food Program truck staffed by volunteers to load and deliver to designated sites.



Lucy, from ADRA, and Tina, from WR, try to figure out what happened to a whole truckload of food; in essence, it was determined to have been diverted to the wrong place, unauthroized; not an unusual occurence; corruption is rampant. It did reach the poor, but not the AIDs victims and orphans it was intended to reach. They are very careful not to supply those that can work.











A truck being loaded for delivery to Dandora...not a safe place even now.


The EU (European Union) has contributed also.












I am proud of the USA! Food distribution in 3rd world countries by the US has a totally new meaning to me.










A way bill for loading and delivery to Dandora today. Issac, from WR, told me late this afternoon that a small riot broke out and they had to pull out; they went to the local police and asked for help to come back in the morning at 6AM when not so many people would be up. Issac works for WR, and leads worship for our devotions. Pray for him


This art work was located just beside where the food trucks load on the warehouse grounds. What is it's message for you?


I finished the day at 6:30 after spending the last 2 hours on the micro finance project. I think it is ready to be submitted as a good concept document; JP was very happy to have it done. We'll see; pray for this. It could be significant for long term sustainability of a program to get people like those in Kibera out of poverty, even in times of crisis.

There is much talk of a strong undercurrent of troule brewing; our devotion time this morning just allowed staff members to articulate what they are hearing, and we prayed very hard on many fronts. There is great fear the worse is to come. God can intervened, and I believe the churches here are doing everything possible to rally the Christians. Keep them in your prayers. I understood even more this morning how deep and widely affected the people are. I can't describe it, nor can I relate it to anything in the US. We are an incredibly blessed people; we have no idea how much.

I am excited that I will get to spend 2 days with Darren starting in the morning. He had a trip planned to South Africa, and added in a stop in Nairobi when he found out I would be here. We have two full days planned...more on that next blog.