Bad news/Good news
Well, the bad news is that our team is dropping like flies with this stomach bug that seems to be going around. I won't even bother listing who all is sick because it is mostly everyone...and if they're not sick yet, they will be by this evening. The good news is that it seems to be very short lived and most are up and around again by the next day. And we are fortunate to have Dr. Voelker, who has been great checking in on people and making sure nobody is dehydrated...plus he has all kinds of great medicine with him. He somehow has not been sick yet, but I have a feeling he is doomed as well. We are just thankful that this has gone through the group BEFORE we send half the team off to Kajaido, which is a much more remote location with less "facilities."
Yesterday, half the group had a great time hiking up the hills behind Scott and interacting with the locals. The other half got to go to the Woodcarvers village and shop a little bit. It was a relaxing Sunday and all enjoyed visiting the various churches and seeing how the Kenyans worship.
So, those who are feeling well have been working this morning. They are clearing a field next to the new preschool site that will be their playground area. I have uploaded some photos in an album on here so you should see a couple of the foundation site and the field they are working on. We helped this same little preschool one of the first years we came. Some TCA teachers generously donated lots of classroom decorations and supplies. You can see in one of the photos that they still had them hanging in the exact spot where we put them, and they are all tattered and well-loved by now. We have brought some fresh supplies along so hopefully once the new building is up it will be a much better place for them. The headmaster here at Scott said that most of the Scott students and faculty don't send their own children to this school right now because they are so overcrowded and the current facilities are so run down. This new building site will be a great blessing for them to have their kids closer by.
For this afternoon, Brian Millet and Mark Dyer have organized a 5K race for the locals at 4:30. We all know that these Kenyans are going to run the socks off of us Americans, but it should be fun anyway. They even brought some medals to hand out at the end to the winners. We will let you know what happens.
The VBS team is also preparing for the second day with some local kids which will be arriving at 4:00. I have to brag on these kids some because they have just been fabulous! I put Lauren Wright in charge because she was so helpful and organized last year helping with VBS. Today especially, I am SO glad she is here because I am staying back with my sick Marshall. I know she will handle things and everything will run smoothly. Another small thing to overcome...we packed a sound system to use at VBS where we could play a video of the music in the background with lyrics and all sorts of great stuff. It was one of the things lost with the luggage so we were all excited when it arrived the other day. But, as we like to say - This is Kenya - and our fearless leader, Jon just accidentally plugged the system into a plug with the wrong voltage and blew a fuse or something....SIGH! So, luckily, we have our talented son, Max with us to play guitar and lead the music along with Lizzie Dockery. And Scott Vance has a small drum so they are doing a great job leading the music without any American technology whatsoever. Will, Tobias, Lauren, Lizzie and Gunnar are doing a great job with the skits and are hilarious with their antics.
Oh, by the way, a group of 12 got up in the middle of the night last night to go to the cafeteria, where we can get wifi to watch the MAVS WIN the finals. Gotta' love Wifi!
Thank you for your continuing prayers. Please pray specifically for the health issues here, so that we can get on with the work we came to do. Tomorrow we will be sending a few people to the School for Disabled and the Orphanage as well so we want to make sure we are all recovered!
In Christ alone
Jenni Millet for the group
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday, June 12
I am so excited! Scott now has Wifi and I just realized I can actually update this from the little house on campus that Jon and I are staying in! I will try to upload some photos after this post.
So today, we woke up to find quite a few sickly people. Linda Halbert, Claire, Michelle Fackler, and Rachel Hailstone are all down with some kind of stomach bug or virus. Claire and Linda seem to be doing better and I think now Rachel and Michelle are making progress. Luckily, this year, we have Dr. Voelker along with us and so he has been able to check on them and give them appropriate medications and make sure they're getting plenty of fluids. Anyway, please keep the group in your prayers as things like this seem to always make the rounds through the dorm.
Last night we thoroughly embarrassed Quincy for his birthday by giving him 18 birthday kisses on the cheek from all the girls and a big bear hug from Brian. Ellie had hand-made him a card that everyone had signed and Jon bought chocolate and cokes for the whole group. We love having Quincy along on the trip as he is such a wonderfully called preacher and a great person to get to know.
As I said yesterday, all the luggage has arrived so that was a huge praise. I think that's the fastest we've ever received lost luggage! In general, this group has been working so well together and getting a lot accomplished.
Today, we all broke into groups and went to various churches. Most of the men and senior boys preached or gave their testimonies. This afternoon, two different groups went out. We sent most of the Kajairdo team to the local woodcarvers village since they won't have the chance to go once they leave for the Masaii village. The rest of the team went on a hike up the hills behind Scott seminary. I'm sure they will come back with lots of great stories and photos.
The Millet kids are all doing just great for those of you praying for them. They are LOVING Africa. Marshall has shook almost everyone's hand that he's met and all have had a great attitude. They had a great time in church this morning watching the different choirs and watching Dad preach and Max sing.
Thank you for your continued prayers. This trip consists of so many more people than just those who are here. We are so thankful for the many of you who helped us get here and who are praying for us and our ministry.
For the group
Jenni Millet
So today, we woke up to find quite a few sickly people. Linda Halbert, Claire, Michelle Fackler, and Rachel Hailstone are all down with some kind of stomach bug or virus. Claire and Linda seem to be doing better and I think now Rachel and Michelle are making progress. Luckily, this year, we have Dr. Voelker along with us and so he has been able to check on them and give them appropriate medications and make sure they're getting plenty of fluids. Anyway, please keep the group in your prayers as things like this seem to always make the rounds through the dorm.
Last night we thoroughly embarrassed Quincy for his birthday by giving him 18 birthday kisses on the cheek from all the girls and a big bear hug from Brian. Ellie had hand-made him a card that everyone had signed and Jon bought chocolate and cokes for the whole group. We love having Quincy along on the trip as he is such a wonderfully called preacher and a great person to get to know.
As I said yesterday, all the luggage has arrived so that was a huge praise. I think that's the fastest we've ever received lost luggage! In general, this group has been working so well together and getting a lot accomplished.
Today, we all broke into groups and went to various churches. Most of the men and senior boys preached or gave their testimonies. This afternoon, two different groups went out. We sent most of the Kajairdo team to the local woodcarvers village since they won't have the chance to go once they leave for the Masaii village. The rest of the team went on a hike up the hills behind Scott seminary. I'm sure they will come back with lots of great stories and photos.
The Millet kids are all doing just great for those of you praying for them. They are LOVING Africa. Marshall has shook almost everyone's hand that he's met and all have had a great attitude. They had a great time in church this morning watching the different choirs and watching Dad preach and Max sing.
Thank you for your continued prayers. This trip consists of so many more people than just those who are here. We are so thankful for the many of you who helped us get here and who are praying for us and our ministry.
For the group
Jenni Millet
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Saturday morning - June 11
Huge praise! ALL of the missing luggage has arrived at the airport so we sent Mitch Voelker with the driver to pick it up in Nairobi. This morning we sang happy birthday to Quincy and started the day out with a devotion on James 1 about perseveringly through trials and the result of joy.
This morning we had our first session of vbs and the team was SO fantastic! Lizzie and Max did a great job leading the music. Michelle Fackler did a wonderful job introducing things and keeping the kids on track. Tobias, Will, Lauren, and Lizzie were our main skit characters and Gunnar Lopez played the important part of the rare African Blue Cheeked Bee Eater. Paige and Catherine taught the lesson about The Lords prayer and then Sarah Dyer and Brandon Galvan had a little lion craft to show them how God listens and they all loved it.
The rest of the group spent the morning clearing and leveling the land for the new preschool. This afternoon, the vbs crew switches to work and some of the workers will come play some games with the vbs kids. At 4 we have a challenge match of soccer with the locals. We are getting lots of pictures and video which I will eventually try to upload. Lunch now. Thanks for paring for us!
In Christ Alone
Jenni Millet for the group
This morning we had our first session of vbs and the team was SO fantastic! Lizzie and Max did a great job leading the music. Michelle Fackler did a wonderful job introducing things and keeping the kids on track. Tobias, Will, Lauren, and Lizzie were our main skit characters and Gunnar Lopez played the important part of the rare African Blue Cheeked Bee Eater. Paige and Catherine taught the lesson about The Lords prayer and then Sarah Dyer and Brandon Galvan had a little lion craft to show them how God listens and they all loved it.
The rest of the group spent the morning clearing and leveling the land for the new preschool. This afternoon, the vbs crew switches to work and some of the workers will come play some games with the vbs kids. At 4 we have a challenge match of soccer with the locals. We are getting lots of pictures and video which I will eventually try to upload. Lunch now. Thanks for paring for us!
In Christ Alone
Jenni Millet for the group
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday, June 10
Jambo from Africa! Thank you Jill Cox for relaying my message that we arrived safely last night. I just could not drag my tired self out at 1 in the morning to go find a wifi spot. Our flights over were fine and fairly uneventful other than losing some luggage. And yes, for those of you keeping track, this is the second year in a row that Quincy has been the unfortunate victim of luggage loss. Thankfully, he is very mature and patient about it.
Today,we slept in a bit and had our breakfast and morning meeting where we met the new president of Scott and the students who will be accompanying us as translators. We took a tour of the college and saw what we will be working on this year - helping to build a new preschool facility that is close by to Scott and where many of the students children attend.
After lunch we set out in groups to about 8 different schools. Many of the students gave their testimonies. I haven't heard from all the groups yet but Ron Crosby told us that in his group, Brandon Galvan and Stephanie Fackler both did an awesome job sharing. My group went to a local primary school where Catherine Megison and Evan McClay both spoke and Kevin led music. I also heard that Peter Bjorkman gave a very powerful testimony where 5 people came to Christ afterward. We are all now back at Scott, finishing dinner, and getting ready for all the goings on of tomorrow. In the morning we will start up the work project and also start the first day of VBS.
This morning, Jon shared his main prayer for this trip, which is that we would have JOY in serving. This is a good indication of a close walk with God and proper perspective of the bigger picture. Please pray with us for this as we continue our ministries.
We are all looking forward to a good nights sleep and productive day tomorrow. Hope to have some photos tomorrow.
P.s. The Millet kids are all doing great!
Today,we slept in a bit and had our breakfast and morning meeting where we met the new president of Scott and the students who will be accompanying us as translators. We took a tour of the college and saw what we will be working on this year - helping to build a new preschool facility that is close by to Scott and where many of the students children attend.
After lunch we set out in groups to about 8 different schools. Many of the students gave their testimonies. I haven't heard from all the groups yet but Ron Crosby told us that in his group, Brandon Galvan and Stephanie Fackler both did an awesome job sharing. My group went to a local primary school where Catherine Megison and Evan McClay both spoke and Kevin led music. I also heard that Peter Bjorkman gave a very powerful testimony where 5 people came to Christ afterward. We are all now back at Scott, finishing dinner, and getting ready for all the goings on of tomorrow. In the morning we will start up the work project and also start the first day of VBS.
This morning, Jon shared his main prayer for this trip, which is that we would have JOY in serving. This is a good indication of a close walk with God and proper perspective of the bigger picture. Please pray with us for this as we continue our ministries.
We are all looking forward to a good nights sleep and productive day tomorrow. Hope to have some photos tomorrow.
P.s. The Millet kids are all doing great!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Safe Arrival!
Hi everyone-
This is actually Jill Cox updating on behalf of Jenni Millet! GOOD NEWS: The team has arrived safely in Kenya, and they've already traveled from Nairobi to Scott Theological College. Everyone is now snug in their beds in the dorms, so we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. :)
Jenni said it was a great trip over! However, she did pass along one (very big) prayer request... while all the people made it to Nairobi, not all of the luggage did. Ohhhh, the glory of transatlantic travel. Sigh. Poor Max Millet, Marie Millet, Catherine Megison, Michelle Fackler, and Quincy Thompson were the unfortunate victims, as well as seven supply tubs and the sound system (!!!). So, please pray for the airlines to get these lost items to Scott as soon as possible.
I'm sure Jenni will be updating the blog sometime tomorrow morning (our time) so check back regularly to see what the Lord is already doing in Machakos! I can't wait to hear the first day's report!
In Christ Alone,
Jill Cox
This is actually Jill Cox updating on behalf of Jenni Millet! GOOD NEWS: The team has arrived safely in Kenya, and they've already traveled from Nairobi to Scott Theological College. Everyone is now snug in their beds in the dorms, so we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. :)
Jenni said it was a great trip over! However, she did pass along one (very big) prayer request... while all the people made it to Nairobi, not all of the luggage did. Ohhhh, the glory of transatlantic travel. Sigh. Poor Max Millet, Marie Millet, Catherine Megison, Michelle Fackler, and Quincy Thompson were the unfortunate victims, as well as seven supply tubs and the sound system (!!!). So, please pray for the airlines to get these lost items to Scott as soon as possible.
I'm sure Jenni will be updating the blog sometime tomorrow morning (our time) so check back regularly to see what the Lord is already doing in Machakos! I can't wait to hear the first day's report!
In Christ Alone,
Jill Cox
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
final preparations
Last night before we leave. We are looking forward to the trip. It is going to be awesome.
Please pray for rest and confidence for all team members and their families in our safety, purpose and the Lord’s leading in our lives.
Pray that the efforts of the enemy to suppress the Gospel and our efforts will be bound.
Pray that the Lord will be glorified in all that we do and that we will see this trip as His.
Blessings and see you at the airport,
Jon
Please pray for rest and confidence for all team members and their families in our safety, purpose and the Lord’s leading in our lives.
Pray that the efforts of the enemy to suppress the Gospel and our efforts will be bound.
Pray that the Lord will be glorified in all that we do and that we will see this trip as His.
Blessings and see you at the airport,
Jon
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
One more day before takeoff
Please be in prayer for these final days of preparation.
Please uplift the following:
Scott Theological College and the work project that we will be helping to construct.
The VBS Ministry which we be going on almost daily.
The Springs of Hope Orphanage where we minister and paint a children’s mural.
The many local Schools where we will be sharing the Gospel.
The many local Churches where we will be preaching the word of God.
The Masai at Rruya where we will be helping to construct a church.
We will have a lot going on each day and so much opportunity to reflect Christ. Pray we do this well.
Blessings,
Jon
Please uplift the following:
Scott Theological College and the work project that we will be helping to construct.
The VBS Ministry which we be going on almost daily.
The Springs of Hope Orphanage where we minister and paint a children’s mural.
The many local Schools where we will be sharing the Gospel.
The many local Churches where we will be preaching the word of God.
The Masai at Rruya where we will be helping to construct a church.
We will have a lot going on each day and so much opportunity to reflect Christ. Pray we do this well.
Blessings,
Jon
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