tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20491007745509692452024-03-14T03:52:59.046-04:00Adventurous WomanLive Life to the FullestAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-22081018424134996462016-04-29T22:31:00.001-04:002016-04-29T22:33:20.220-04:00UprootedAfter a 2 year long break from writing, I have found myself uprooted. Nothing serious has happened, but something has revolutionized my way of thinking and living. I recently started seeing a holistic doctor who has suggested that I have an overgrowth of bad bacteria verses the good bacteria. I needed to give up all types of grain and avoid sugar as much as possible. Unfortunately, I have been working on perfecting some of my baking skills since I had never been all that great at the science of baking. On the upside, I have an (with all modesty) uncanny ability to teach myself necessary skills. As I returned from my doctors appointment, I immediately began my research. I discovered different types of food that could be turned into a flour substance that could be baked with to mimic the consistency of wheat and grain based bread and baked goods. I went to my local health food store and found coconut flour. I bought a small bag, went home to experiment.<br />
<br />
My first grain free meal was coconut flour pancakes with bananas, peanut butter and honey. It was so glorious, that I ate the entire recipe. I later discovered almond flour which is more expensive but has a nice texture. I tried it and liked it better! I learned the hard way that you can NOT substitute coconut flour equally for almond flour. Dry, dry, dry. Coconut flour is D-R-Y!<br />
<br />
While finding coconut flour and almond flour, I found arrowroot and tapioca flour/starch. They worked great in wanna-be breads and baked goods. Well, discovering more about my health condition, I found that I should not be eating starchy foods which includes tapioca, arrowroot, or potato flour/starch. I also had to give up beans, not including navy beans, lentils, or green beans. I, sadly, had to give up all types of potatoes. To eat a sweet potato again would be heaven. I can still eat winter squash, so fortunately, pumpkin isn't out. Another food group I had to give up is vegetable oils, soy, and gums, nitrates, pretty much any preservative, etc. Reading every label in the stores is almost like I'm trying not to get poisoned. Anytime I go out to a restaurant, there is a risk. I had Chinese food a week after my new diet started and told the waitress that I could not eat rice or wheat and she made something with soy sauce; this was before I knew I had to avoid soy; I had stomach pain for the next three days. I avoid soy like the plague now.<br />
<br />
For the first month, I tried to make all of my favorite comfort food grain and starch free. I found that I got tired of constantly cooking or making something to appease my old cravings. Don't get me wrong, I still crave a fluffy hamburger bun over a lettuce leaf. While I still try to make food taste and feel like it used to, a small part of me has given up and stuck to the simple things. A few of my favorites now are bacon and avocados. Need I say more? I put avocado on EVERYTHING. It is THE food to add for flavor and that creaminess that is lacking. It's very versatile. Bacon on the other hand, I have to be careful of. I can't handle too much fat in one meal. I learned quickly that I should not eat 9 strips of a 10 strip package of bacon in a matter of 72 hours. OUCH! I have learned my lesson the hard way, again. I like taking risks and I'm hard headed.<br />
<br />
Now on to more food limitations. I found that my tolerance for cheese had decreased after about 2 months of this diet. Although 100% of my dairy consumption was organic, I was still having issues. In a class about gut health, I learned that sometimes the lactose/casein in certain dairy products can affect stomach/intestinal/bacteria as well. So, I slowly eliminated cheese from my diet. I can still tolerate kiefer, yogurt and sour cream.<br />
<br />
It has been 11 weeks since the beginning of this diet and my energy level is back up, I have a clearer mind and fewer down days. After a long year and a half of feeling like a stranger in my own body, I finally feel like ME again!<br />
<br />
I won't leave you for another year! I'll be posting some of my favorite recipes that I've found and created soon!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-18762160552029763882014-03-17T20:43:00.000-04:002014-03-17T20:43:03.712-04:00Chili! I had a hankering for some chili the other day and this is what I came up with:<br />
<br />
1 lb grass fed ground beef<br />
1 white onion<br />
2 cloves of garlic<br />
1 can of tomatoes with sweet onions<br />
1 can garbanzo beans<br />
1 can pinto beans<br />
1 can mild chili beans<br />
1 green bell pepper<br />
1 orange/yellow bell pepper<br />
1 red bell pepper<br />
a few shakes Lawry's Season Salt<br />
a pinch of cumin<br />
<br />
Start browning the beef in skillet and add chopped onions and garlic when the beef is half way cooked.Add a few shakes of Lawry's season salt and a touch of cumin. In a small stock pot, add chopped peppers, tomatoes and all the beans. I drained the garbanzo beans but used the liquid from the other beans and the tomatoes. For more flavor, add more Lawry's season salt and cumin to the pot. Begin cooking the mixture. When the beef is done, add it to the chili mixture and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. I cooked some macaroni to make it a meal. With a little cheese or crackers, this is a great meal to freeze!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-54836581847621693952014-02-19T21:30:00.000-05:002014-02-19T21:30:09.177-05:00Cabin Fever Favorites Winter 2014 has been and is continuing to be a rough one. After starting my New Year celebration with the flu, I already had a bad case of cabin fever. Soon after I recovered, there was the coldest arctic vortex I've felt in my 30 something years of life. I've grown up in the North of Indiana and South of Michigan, but never felt this kind of extreme cold. With the city shutting down due to weather conditions and snow days, one can only do so much around the house. I got a lot of cleaning and organizing done. I also watched movies and old episodes of my favorite TV programs until I was blue in the face. One can only handle so much.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I decided to try some new baking projects, change things up a bit, and get adventurous. My most recent post was Black Bean Butternut Squash Soup. That one lived for a while in my freezer until I got sick of it. Cut down recipes? A must! I also decided it was time to start making my own bread. I borrowed, rather indefinitely, my mom's Breadman Plus. She used it for a while and became frustrated with it. I was all for it and so excited to make my own bread! My first 2lb whole wheat loaf turned out less than wonderful. I realized my mom's frustration. It turned out just as I remember it growing up, dense as a brick! Since then, I've discovered gluten and adding more water. So simple.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwaTelRszis/UwVksiOP6nI/AAAAAAAACuM/Sp71yCBAekk/s1600/2014-01-27+17.59.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwaTelRszis/UwVksiOP6nI/AAAAAAAACuM/Sp71yCBAekk/s1600/2014-01-27+17.59.31.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a>Over the last month and a half, I've made some mistakes and some successes. My favorite entree success was deep dish pizza in a cast iron pan. I made whole wheat pizza in my bread machine. I didn't read the directions well enough and I ended up having to let the dough rise itself the next day. I decided I wanted to freeze the dough, so the fact that I took it out of the machine before it has risen was okay. Even though the dough rose as it should, it was as tough as old gum. It was now time to press the dough into the cast iron pan. Being tough, the dough decided to split and create holes as I pressed. Normal people would have a rolling pin and a nicely powdered counter top; I did not, hence, I am abnormal in my kitchen. So, I did what made the most sense; cleaned my floor, laid one cutting board on the clean floor and placed the glutenous dough ball on the board, then placed a second identical board on top and did a little jig. I am not proud of this feat, yet it worked like a charm. If i had more counter space, one might have thought to use a jar or bottle to roll in out... I'll leave that one for the next time.<br />
<br />
All in all, the cast iron pizza turned out wonderfully. With a nice crispy crust, great sauce and veggies to fill, (oh! and don't forget the cheese!) I enjoyed it for 8 meals.<br />
<br />
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/deep-dish-cast-iron-pizza/detail.aspx<br />
<br />
Now that you are greatly impressed with my cooking abilities and innovative methods in the kitchen, here's something that will fill your mind with doubt. I attempted to make black bean hummus. It was an experiment from another contributor on all recipes. It was the same hummus recipe I used but instead of garbanzo beans, she used black beans. I read the recipe a couple of times to make sure I understood it. I filled my food processor with 1 cup of tahini, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt and a can of black beans. I was about to add the garlic when I read the measurements again and noticed I only needed 1/4 cup tahini, NOT 1 cup tahini! I tried to salvage the batch by scooping out all the tahini I could, which had mixed at the bottom of all the ingredients. I managed to get about half out and apparently all of the salt came out with it! I didn't want to waste good tahini, so I put it in a Tupperware container in the fridge. The batch I used turned out okay. It was pretty bitter. Later on I decided to eat the used tahini with a few beans with some tortilla chips. All I tasted was SALT. Gross, gross, gross. EPIC FAIL!<br />
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/black-bean-hummus-with-tahini/detail.aspx<br />
<br />
Now that I have possibly impressed and disappointed you, it's your turn to try something new in your kitchen!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-26561187747983388652014-01-05T20:38:00.000-05:002014-01-05T20:38:04.374-05:00Black Bean Butternut Squash Soup. I had this idea a few weeks ago when a co-worker gave me two butternut squashes from his garden. I shared the idea with another co-worker who said, "ooh, that sounds tasty." I decided I'd try it! I looked up a few recipes just for inspiration and measurements, and I found a stew. I made my own adjustments.<br />
<br />
2 medium butternut squash<br />
<br />
1 can black beans (with or without jalepenos)<br />
1 Vidalia onion chopped<br />
6 or 7 sweet mini peppers chopped<br />
16 oz vegetable stock<br />
cinnamon<br />
cardamom<br />
garlic<br />
salt<br />
black pepper<br />
nutmeg<br />
<br />
Cut squash in half lengthwise. Take out seeds. Fill bottom of baking dish with water. Place squash inside down and bake for 1 hour to 90 min at 350.<br />
Let squash cool enough to handle. Scoop out soft centers and puree in food processor.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, partially sautee chopped onion and sweet mini peppers in a skillet with olive oil. Add spices to taste. (I just shook until it looked right) I like my veggies slightly crunchy in the soup.<br />
<br />fill a stock pot with vegetable stock and add squash puree, sauteed vegetables, and add black beans. Let the soup come to a slight boil just to blend the flavors.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-77004674957159994292013-06-16T20:52:00.001-04:002013-06-16T20:52:06.698-04:00Day 14: Tears for Africa<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Waking up at 4 am Saturday morning to drive to the airport was a
little less than wonderful. My time in Kenya can be described in so
many words, yet it can't. There aren't enough words to express what I
experienced or what I felt. Then maybe perhaps a song could express
it... Toto, The Rains in Africa:) <br />We boarded the plane and began our take off. As I watched the plane leave the ground, my heart jumped into my throat and I choked back tears as if I would never return, but anything is possible. Kenya has been yet another milestone in my journey. </div>
<div style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-decoration: none;">
Having the opportunity to go
to Kenya was such a dream of mine. Not so much the place, the
continent yes, but the adventure of going overseas again. It all came
about when I had finished going through a class at my church that
worked to get people networked into ministries in the church based on
their spiritual gifts and personality traits. I didn't really know
where I fit. I have a heart for international people. I work well
with people from other countries. I can't
explain it; its just in my heart, and it's a gift from God. I got a
call from the facilitator of the class who wanted to meet with me and
talk about where I saw myself getting plugged into the church's
ministry. While we were talking, I went through a few options like
behind the scenes work like working on food for events, childcare,
and whatnot. Even with all of those options, I still didn't feel like I was passionate about any of these things. I can do them, but did I
really want to do it with everything inside of me? Not entirely. The option
of short term missions came up when I talked about what I had a
passion for. That is when I got the contact information for the
missions director at the church. On the drive home from that meeting,
I cried tears of pure joy. I had apprehension that I wouldn't be able
to go for whatever reason- vacation time at work, money or something random
that would fall through. I called the missions leader the
next week and chatted about the opportunity. I knew that I wanted to
go and everything in my heart was pulling me forward. Everything ended up working together beautifully for me to go, so I was on my way. I could
hardly contain myself. I was nervous the week leading up to our
departure, but I was bursting with excitement.
</div>
<div style="text-decoration: none;">
<br />
During my late college years and a few years after was when I first felt called to go to China. I
felt that was my one and only dream. I went and came back- my question has always been, "What's next?" I enjoyed China, but it was accompanied with
heartache. I thought I would stay there for a few years or
indefinitely. When I went, I just knew in my depths of my heart that I would only be there for the year I committed to. I
just hadn't realized the truth in that reality.<br />
<br />
One month after coming home from my year in China, I got a job working with internationals. I learn something new and meet people from new countries regularly. They share their language, their food and social customs- they enjoy seeing me indulge in my love of learning about and experiencing other cultures. I have experienced so
much more than I could have ever experienced anywhere else, even if I had stayed in China for a few more
years. I am so thankful and blessed to have had these opportunities.
The truth is that I have a heart for all nations, some people have a
heart for one specific region or nation, but mine has always been for
all nations. Every nation, every tongue will proclaim the name of the
Lord. That has been my heart all along. It took me the last several
years to realize that.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
My afterthoughts of being in Kenya: of course a trip like that will drive anyone to have more exposure to 3rd world nations. Seeing the missionaries live their lives for the people really impacted me. I thought to myself- why can't I live like that in my current life? With my knowledge and understanding of my own culture and having the upper hand on the language, I have such a great opportunity to bridge the gap. Having lived in a foreign country and having experienced the emotions that accompany a location shift of great lengths, I can relate first hand. Seeing the poverty sided with joy that people experience in other countries has spurred me on to live a more focused life. To live life on purpose is tough and challenging, but that is why we are here. Jesus didn't live a comfortable life by any means, and if we are His children, then we are called to live like He did.<br />
<br />
<i>Ephesians 1:3-10</i><br />
<i>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in
Christ. <span class="reftext"></span>For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love <span class="reftext"></span>he<span class="nivfootnote"> </span>predestined us for adoption to sonship <span class="nivfootnote"></span>through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— <span class="reftext"></span>to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. <span class="reftext"></span>In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace <span class="reftext"></span>that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, <span class="reftext"></span>he<span class="nivfootnote"> </span>made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, <span class="reftext"></span>to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. (http://biblehub.com/niv/ephesians/1.htm)</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-63408343567047084402013-04-21T20:37:00.000-04:002013-04-28T17:56:33.470-04:00Day 13: Part II – Austerity to Luxury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNexXJmbzH4/UXR6nLA9YOI/AAAAAAAABBg/gZjS6f1KC-A/s1600/354.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNexXJmbzH4/UXR6nLA9YOI/AAAAAAAABBg/gZjS6f1KC-A/s320/354.JPG" width="320" /></a>After returning from our trip to IDP that morning, we headed back to
Nairobi to meet up with the Hovingh's and have one last day together.
As we drove, there was an obvious change of scenery. The roads became
smoother, the houses got bigger, and the commerce seemed to be more
sophisticated. A shift in socioeconomic status was evident. I was
amazed at the difference! When we arrived in Nairobi the first day, the sun had already set so, we weren't able to really see much of Nairobi on the drive up. </div>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACtXGctp3eA/UXR6mfcZHuI/AAAAAAAABBA/_EGLfhsRrkE/s1600/341.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y6b8kHR4jU/UXR7STf2t2I/AAAAAAAABCE/DDp-eYYyUb0/s1600/2013-01-18+11.14.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y6b8kHR4jU/UXR7STf2t2I/AAAAAAAABCE/DDp-eYYyUb0/s320/2013-01-18+11.14.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igS66IrtQdQ/UXR6nr06apI/AAAAAAAABBc/mdNw1kRLYNE/s1600/356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igS66IrtQdQ/UXR6nr06apI/AAAAAAAABBc/mdNw1kRLYNE/s320/356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-kDURxLShA/UXR6nQ8-wDI/AAAAAAAABBY/ExL-UFvCB4k/s1600/355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-kDURxLShA/UXR6nQ8-wDI/AAAAAAAABBY/ExL-UFvCB4k/s320/355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swMr8nPgqzE/UXR7SnPs1KI/AAAAAAAABCI/Eht6HT5FCgY/s1600/2013-01-18+12.31.30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swMr8nPgqzE/UXR7SnPs1KI/AAAAAAAABCI/Eht6HT5FCgY/s320/2013-01-18+12.31.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cqDLoZIrNs/UXSBdp-AxaI/AAAAAAAABC8/X3jK-79dx60/s1600/348.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cqDLoZIrNs/UXSBdp-AxaI/AAAAAAAABC8/X3jK-79dx60/s320/348.JPG" width="240" /></a>We arrived at the mall and weekend market in Nairobi and met
for lunch. The open air food court was beautiful...
I felt like I was in Chicago or somewhere out west. <br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
All I could think about was all the villages we had
visited, the hospital, the ladies at Gil Gil, the kids at Helping
Hands and House of Hope. Those images flooded my mind as we ate in the
busy food court. I looked at my surrounding and felt like a foreigner in such a modern city. I've lived near Chicago all my life, visited Beijing, Bangkok,
Hong Kong, Houston, D.C. and several other larger cities, but having been
in such opposite circumstances for a seemingly long time, I felt new
to this arena. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
After eating lunch, we went to a market, not the Masai
market, but one that was comparable. We were able to get most of what
you would find at Masai. We entered the market being greeted by
eager sales people. Each had their own space on the roof of the
mall. They were shaded by umbrellas from the scorching sun that
afternoon. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
In Beijing's pearl market, I had experienced aggressive
sales people before all shouting at the foreigners. Their attempts
were unfeeling and non relational; cold to a point. Walking down the aisles of the market that day was warm, friendly, and inviting. They addressed me as "Sister" and gave a warm smile. The
welcome I felt was different and comforting as they had hoped me to
feel. As I relaxed and accepted the greetings, I began looking at the
variety of fares I could take home to show my friends and family. The
sales people were friendly up to the point of the sale – then reality hit. I was looking at a map that
was carved on a thin piece of delicate bark from a tree. This type of tree was
rare, so it was going to be more expensive. It had a hole in it which
was probably natural, but the sales person wanted about 2,000 shilling (roughly $25) for it.
He offered it to me for 2,000 shillings to begin, and I came back at
1,000. I then said that I needed to think about it and I proceeded to
browse around. There were several other sellers I could buy the
same type of map from, and this sales person was painfully aware of that. A few minutes later, I see him approaching with the map. He said, "Okay Sister, I give it to you for your price, 1,000." I say, no thank you, and move on. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
The
frustration from him and my anxiety of the situation was teeming.
Not understanding the culture and what could make or break a sales
person's business, I was confused and afraid to be alone! I usually
love shopping and looking at what I can bring home to show everyone,
but this was too intense for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
In China, since I had worked there and
understood the commerce and appropriate income, I could be at more
ease. While the Kenyan culture is welcoming and more relational than
I've ever experienced, I felt uneasy and a little cheated that day.
I'm not reflecting my feelings of the market experience on the
culture as a whole; it was just such a contrast between what I had
experienced the days prior to now. I decided to stick closely to Lisa
the rest of the day knowing that she could help me understand what is
cheating the sales and what is appropriate. We struck up a pretty
decent deal with a very comical and skilled sales woman. We bartered
her down from 2,500 shillings to 1,600 for two skirts and a wooden
giraffe. At one point during the end of the sale, she said, “Okay,
don't talk anymore, you cut me!” as she motioned
with her finger sliding across her neck. Lisa and I both knew that
this was a reasonable deal and she would still get a good profit from
it. She just had to make a big deal as she knew we were right. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9I0nk2ye10M/UXR9r2tr4pI/AAAAAAAABCk/N1X93MjhehY/s1600/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9I0nk2ye10M/UXR9r2tr4pI/AAAAAAAABCk/N1X93MjhehY/s320/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1203.JPG" width="320" /></a>Later that afternoon, the kids and a few of the adults wanted to go to a giraffe exhibit. It was all the way across town. It closed at 5pm and it was around 4:30 and traffic was horrendous. We made it after closing time, but they let us in for a discounted rate. They gave us pellets to feed the giraffes. The workers said that some people enjoyed feeding them from their mouths. Well, being the adventure seeker that I am, I couldn't pass this up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmYmtiNuOSA/UXR9sCr16fI/AAAAAAAABCo/Yf5CS5ea_Kk/s1600/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gmYmtiNuOSA/UXR9sCr16fI/AAAAAAAABCo/Yf5CS5ea_Kk/s400/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1209.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxvKXblU4U0/UXR-Ylik_3I/AAAAAAAABC0/qPXluTK4hrs/s1600/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxvKXblU4U0/UXR-Ylik_3I/AAAAAAAABC0/qPXluTK4hrs/s320/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1214.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7Xva6DWlhI/UXR7S8uxqjI/AAAAAAAABCc/XcUtTdP-p0M/s1600/2013-01-18+17.15.10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7Xva6DWlhI/UXR7S8uxqjI/AAAAAAAABCc/XcUtTdP-p0M/s320/2013-01-18+17.15.10.jpg" width="192" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTuGpZjQtfE/UXR7TApPp4I/AAAAAAAABCY/mA7fpmrTerg/s1600/2013-01-18+20.02.02.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTuGpZjQtfE/UXR7TApPp4I/AAAAAAAABCY/mA7fpmrTerg/s320/2013-01-18+20.02.02.jpg" width="320" /></a>That evening we went to a restaurant called, "Carnivore" and you can guess what they served, meat and lots of it. It was like a Brazilian steakhouse. We ended up ordering a platter of meats consisting of chicken, beef, sausage, lamb, crocodile and ostrich. I ate all of them. The ostrich meatball was my favorite. The crocodile was fishy and stringy which is now my least favorite of animals to consume. Apparently, I had part of the arm which isn't the best. The tail has the best steaks, but I guess those are too pricy! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After dinner, we headed to our guesthouse for the night. When we arrived, it was late and dark. We had to get up at 4 am in order to catch our plane in time. Before settling in for our last night in Kenya, we had to check to make sure there were no TIA situations that would happen in the morning. In other words, we wanted to make sure a driver would be there to take us to the airport at 4 am, not 6 am or even 5 am. When it comes to making a flight, there is no room for TIA (This is Africa). When they assigned our rooms, they gave us all separate rooms even though each room had two beds- I ended up on the top floor while everyone else was on the first floor. All I could think about was not waking up. I went up to my room and the windows were open which meant mosquitoes were my sleeping pals for the night. When I went to close the windows, two geckos scurried up the wall. I had had it. I went downstairs and asked to be in one of the rooms on the floor with my team! My gracious bunk-mate from our room in Naivasha agreed to let me sleep in the spare bed in her room. We all woke up in time and our driver was right on time. These Kenyans knew that TIA would be unacceptable for this group of westerners. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-49306619970262131662013-03-30T13:30:00.000-04:002013-03-30T17:32:35.910-04:00Day 13: Part I - I.D.P. <table 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/-bVaAOyRvsk4/UVcY3eI6yxI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/R6zSD5czbUQ/s1600/IDP_20130118_1165.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVaAOyRvsk4/UVcY3eI6yxI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/R6zSD5czbUQ/s640/IDP_20130118_1165.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view from the drive down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fORUiVQO-U0/UVcY8rW9HcI/AAAAAAAAA_g/hc51K3X1_Hg/s1600/IDP_20130118_1170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Our last day in Kenya was spent at I.D.P. (Internally Displaced People).
It's more or less a refugee camp for tribal groups of Kenya. Every
ten years there are elections in Kenya. They are divided by parties
like American politics, but the parties are split by tribal groups. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table 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/-K43SRDCPhEk/UVcY8ws5xVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/5fqBoFG9Ll0/s1600/IDP_20130118_1172.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K43SRDCPhEk/UVcY8ws5xVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/5fqBoFG9Ll0/s640/IDP_20130118_1172.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IDP from a distance - see tin roofs and community of buildings </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
During the election ten years ago, there were two tribes that were in
opposing parties. To help explain this, imagine that you belonged to
Tribe A and you lived in the same neighborhood as a person from Tribe
B; one or the other tribe would try to run you out of your
neighborhood. While in Naivasha the previous week, one of our dinner
hosts told a story of escaping from his own church family that tried
to kill him during the elections, all because he was from a different
tribe. Lacking details and historical backgrounds of the tribes and
politicians, that is all I understand of the situation which was the
reason I.D.P. was established.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
The elections for 2013 just occurred on March 10<sup>th</sup>. We
have all been praying that the 2013 elections were favorable for the
nation and the tribal groups living among one another. (I actually
heard from a student of mine from Congo who said that the same
president is still in office now, so that may prove to keep some
peace for a while). </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2PSsg22vgg/UVcYYKZWtPI/AAAAAAAAA-o/0a5yGicdKQw/s1600/317.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2PSsg22vgg/UVcYYKZWtPI/AAAAAAAAA-o/0a5yGicdKQw/s320/317.JPG" width="320" /></a>Now that you understand some of the history of the peoples issues, we
can talk about I.D.P. This is a small village in the flat lands below
the mountainous regions where we had been staying. From the long
drive down, we could see the sun shining on the tops of the tin
roofs. Anywhere from singles, mothers and fathers with and without
children live among each other as victims of the riots of the past
elections. There is something to be said about the ability of the
human spirit combined with the provision of God to survive the
greatest of trials and tragedies.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iby79nPJdo/UVcZKCW9QWI/AAAAAAAABAI/PAtJYYooIdY/s1600/IDP_20130118_1183.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iby79nPJdo/UVcZKCW9QWI/AAAAAAAABAI/PAtJYYooIdY/s400/IDP_20130118_1183.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
We visited the school of
I.D.P. and taught them the Zacchaues song – I think all the children
of Kenya know this song now! It was a nice tool to have in our belt
since we visited several schools; it could be reused and it was
appropriate for each place.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCjZEIZ2CAc/UVcZHP7pzwI/AAAAAAAAA_4/zLZCplTv__w/s1600/IDP_20130118_1181.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BCjZEIZ2CAc/UVcZHP7pzwI/AAAAAAAAA_4/zLZCplTv__w/s400/IDP_20130118_1181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<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;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKSPpOspGSw/UVcYVOYOlMI/AAAAAAAAA-g/JF7ZV5VB1dM/s400/307.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The typical classroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
The most prominent observation of I.D.P.: austerity. Everything was as
simple as it could get down to the walls and the roofing. Basic
trusses, Kenyan style, held up the tin walls and roof all resting on
roughly 15 inches thick cement foundation. The children were much
more reserved than the Elementary Mob in the Kikuyu school. They were
somewhat somber. The obvious stares me in the face, they had probably
experienced so much tragedy and loss that it rested heavily on their
souls. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Their joy wasn't as noticeable, however, they were content and
grateful.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKSPpOspGSw/UVcYVOYOlMI/AAAAAAAAA-g/JF7ZV5VB1dM/s1600/307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b83OXhTcQvs/UVcYYI4TNaI/AAAAAAAAA-s/QAEk7v4ob2s/s1600/313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b83OXhTcQvs/UVcYYI4TNaI/AAAAAAAAA-s/QAEk7v4ob2s/s640/313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaSQQeMfLaY/UVcYYa7icVI/AAAAAAAAA-0/v1ybgrkyxTM/s1600/315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaSQQeMfLaY/UVcYYa7icVI/AAAAAAAAA-0/v1ybgrkyxTM/s320/315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Remembering my thoughts and emotions of the anticipation of visiting
I.D.P. – I was scared, unsure of what we would encounter, and
hesitant. I had built up this I.D.P. camp to be a place of sick and pain
filled people who would be in such need that it would suck all of our
joy and energy away. It was quite the opposite as I described. I
guess I assumed that seeing people living after a great tragedy, it
would be chaotic and hopeless.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Is that my own culture coming to the
surface? Is this a representation of the Kenyan culture and their
ability to survive in all severity? What seems to be is that they had
community and commonality of values; but what is most evident is
God's blessing and provision for His children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFZy1h-G0oI/UVcYat71bNI/AAAAAAAAA_A/pWENNf71Es8/s1600/319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFZy1h-G0oI/UVcYat71bNI/AAAAAAAAA_A/pWENNf71Es8/s400/319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCLUQ_-hXs/UVcYbpT_p6I/AAAAAAAAA_I/MvB9ERQd3Mw/s1600/321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCLUQ_-hXs/UVcYbpT_p6I/AAAAAAAAA_I/MvB9ERQd3Mw/s320/321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K43SRDCPhEk/UVcY8ws5xVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/5fqBoFG9Ll0/s1600/IDP_20130118_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvJpv0-N5TI/UVcYch0jsGI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/Kcn4-A_m8VE/s1600/325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvJpv0-N5TI/UVcYch0jsGI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/Kcn4-A_m8VE/s320/325.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table 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/-skVhafmBFgQ/UVcZBv-XtbI/AAAAAAAAA_w/7yFlPDfKvks/s1600/IDP_20130118_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skVhafmBFgQ/UVcZBv-XtbI/AAAAAAAAA_w/7yFlPDfKvks/s400/IDP_20130118_1174.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George and some kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo0KBhRlklQ/UVcZOxBgngI/AAAAAAAABAY/ByG_cEaU60A/s1600/IDP_20130118_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eo0KBhRlklQ/UVcZOxBgngI/AAAAAAAABAY/ByG_cEaU60A/s400/IDP_20130118_1189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3i3_jubCvTg/UVcZNuhAm7I/AAAAAAAABAQ/QXqchnoKO70/s1600/IDP_20130118_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3i3_jubCvTg/UVcZNuhAm7I/AAAAAAAABAQ/QXqchnoKO70/s400/IDP_20130118_1185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distributing "sweeties" (sweet cookie-like crackers)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-63399979864383120802013-03-24T19:56:00.002-04:002013-03-24T20:57:09.530-04:00Day 12: Chilly Beginnings and Warm Greetings Today we visited a few different churches under the leadership of the pastor that the Irungu family has been networking with since they
arrived in August. As we drove down, and further down the mountain in
the cool of the morning, passersby stopped and waved. We were
entering a place that didn't see a lot of vehicles or Mzungu's (white
people).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTSEFdbofaY/UU-OiINdywI/AAAAAAAAA8o/rWiSGQCc6oE/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTSEFdbofaY/UU-OiINdywI/AAAAAAAAA8o/rWiSGQCc6oE/s320/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOe5950pFxw/UU-OidG0UWI/AAAAAAAAA8w/yPOANcHa6Dc/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOe5950pFxw/UU-OidG0UWI/AAAAAAAAA8w/yPOANcHa6Dc/s400/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We got out and went into the cold, dusty stone church. We
had a short worship time, while various groups got up the sing. What
seemed to be the ladies choir, if you will, sang a few songs with a
large drum made of animal hide. We even got up to sing some songs
that the church knew in Swahili.<br />
We seemed to do that a lot :)<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E3kVQKzNcA/UU-OkKkaLfI/AAAAAAAAA9A/hQJ38c18YOs/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1154.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E3kVQKzNcA/UU-OkKkaLfI/AAAAAAAAA9A/hQJ38c18YOs/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1154.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E3kVQKzNcA/UU-OkKkaLfI/AAAAAAAAA9A/hQJ38c18YOs/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1154.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2E3kVQKzNcA/UU-OkKkaLfI/AAAAAAAAA9A/hQJ38c18YOs/s320/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I
sat with the Irungu kids and kept them out of trouble while George,
John and Matt shared a message with the church. After the service
was over, we had some T Shirts that we brought from our church to
hand out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOxgAqHd8GA/UU-O1ZkBRWI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/xn-TupfKB_8/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1156.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lOxgAqHd8GA/UU-O1ZkBRWI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/xn-TupfKB_8/s320/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1156.JPG" width="320" /></a>While we were handing them out, two pre-teen girls had been
talking to our Carrie. They said that their mother sent them to the
service and said good bye before they left in case they were given an
opportunity to come back to America with one of the visitors, meaning
us. Carrie was so gracious in saying that they could stay with her
someday when they come over either for school or work. It was so
sweet to hear the girls' stories. They went home with the consolation
that they would be welcomed if they ever got to come to America.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nidZawWy7E/UU-O79amlcI/AAAAAAAAA9o/LAv6HicASbA/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nidZawWy7E/UU-O79amlcI/AAAAAAAAA9o/LAv6HicASbA/s320/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1159.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MUUddLq_08/UU-OxnAiP2I/AAAAAAAAA9I/rlgYdyCWM1o/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MUUddLq_08/UU-OxnAiP2I/AAAAAAAAA9I/rlgYdyCWM1o/s400/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was another woman there with what we thought was a baby, but in
fact it was a girl about 5 years old who was so deformed that she
looked infantile. To have a child in this condition was such a shame
for the mother and if anyone touched the child, they too were thought
to contract whatever deformity the child had. Carrie prayed with the
woman, the child and the bystanders by laying hands on the child (you can see her holding the child in the front row wrapped in the pink blanket).
This as I mentioned was unheard of. But the women all prayed along
and agreed in their hearts for God's provision.<br />
<br />
This was a shorter
day as we were preparing to go to Nairobi the next morning. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4JbUYs80-o/UU-PFBUrdmI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/H7x0uBRgJQI/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1164.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4JbUYs80-o/UU-PFBUrdmI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/H7x0uBRgJQI/s640/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1164.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5hvC96ujKM/UU-O5IhxjLI/AAAAAAAAA9g/5Lu-j59cxA0/s1600/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5hvC96ujKM/UU-O5IhxjLI/AAAAAAAAA9g/5Lu-j59cxA0/s640/Kijabe+Church_20130117_1158.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-73178279644132606032013-03-18T23:05:00.001-04:002013-03-20T21:36:50.066-04:00Day 11: T.I.A. and Elementary School Mob <div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
The first morning spent in Kijabe was a long one. We had our
previously mentioned driver, John, who was to drive us the for week.
He came up against a few challenges that morning and we were 3 hours
late to a church service that was being held waiting for us... but T.I.A. - This Is Africa! The
service was held to raise an offering to support a woman who had had
a stroke 15 years ago. She hadn't been able to walk or talk for 15
years. She walked and talked for the first time the previous day. So,
much celebration was going on. In the typical African way, a long
church service was held. When we arrived, the word was being preached
and continuing to be preached. Even after our inexcusable tardiness,
the service went on at least another hour or two. Two of our
teammates shared a brief message. This village spoke Kikuyu, a tribe
and language within Kenya. George, our translator and host for the
week was also Kikuyu. <br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYHAm0U3o1E/UUpjL8c_h-I/AAAAAAAAA8M/E8adAcTA1gM/s1600/School_20130116_1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYHAm0U3o1E/UUpjL8c_h-I/AAAAAAAAA8M/E8adAcTA1gM/s400/School_20130116_1139.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HgHFQWQCVo8/UUfQ6LgyTcI/AAAAAAAAA7U/gw5F1-aCwXs/s1600/School_20130116_1135.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HgHFQWQCVo8/UUfQ6LgyTcI/AAAAAAAAA7U/gw5F1-aCwXs/s400/School_20130116_1135.JPG" width="400" /></a> After we left the service, we were headed to a primary school to
share the Zacchaues story once again. This was a school consisting of
children from Kikuyu families who don't receive usual visitors,
especially white visitors. We don't talk about color too freely in
America because of past mistakes of mistreatment and racial pride,
but I feel free enough to talk about it from the African point of
view. As I was saying, these children behaved like they had<br />
never
seen a white person in real life, ever.<br />
They were shy as usual at the
beginning. We had them gather around to greet them and share a
message. After some time we shared the Zacchaues story and song. Once
we got comfortable and sang with them, they just opened up! They were
behaving like children should behave, not sheepish and coy.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe7BouMZd28/UUfRA1yXk6I/AAAAAAAAA7s/ilEvYAjFWPI/s1600/School_20130116_1143.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe7BouMZd28/UUfRA1yXk6I/AAAAAAAAA7s/ilEvYAjFWPI/s400/School_20130116_1143.JPG" width="400" /></a>There was
a lot of down time in between the end of our song and dance and our
departure. I attempted to talk to the kids in what little Swahili I
knew. I even tried some Kikuyu. I was saying words to them like,
'beans', 'corn', 'chapati' and they were just rolling with laughter
and praises of approval! They were truly the most enthusiastic
primary school we had visited; I believe we visited three total.
There again lies the resemblance of the most impoverished and simple
life of a village having the most joy and satisfaction in the
smallest things. After standing around, trying to break the
language barrier, a few of the kids still wanted to shake my hand so,
I let them. Then one wouldn't let go, and another, and another, soon
there were about 10 kids holding onto my hands, wrists and arms from
both sides. I felt like I was going to fall over! When they saw my
instability, more and more latched on like hungry leeches! Not to say
they were unfavorable leeches; they were just so excited to be
touching a white person's skin. They started pinching and pulling my
skin like I was something on exhibit or display. It was kind of cute
actually. Then they went for my hair. After one kid pulled his
fingers through my wind blown and ratted hair, they all laughed and
reached to touch it. I had to pull away at that moment because I was
honestly going to fall straight to the ground. I wanted to enjoy my
time with the kids, but their excitement got the better of them. I
tell people this story when they ask me about Kenya. This was one of
the most memorable days. The children all gathered around are quite
beautiful. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVxOF3JzXC8/UUfUYAmz5vI/AAAAAAAAA78/FS5gRm2VVXw/s1600/School_20130116_1127.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVxOF3JzXC8/UUfUYAmz5vI/AAAAAAAAA78/FS5gRm2VVXw/s640/School_20130116_1127.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmsDnU60Nwg/UUfQ56eX7JI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/jnqyZMm4mWM/s1600/School_20130116_1126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-29555437926380005382013-02-25T22:03:00.000-05:002013-02-25T22:03:36.998-05:00Day 10: Adieu Naivasha - Salutations Kijabe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdKLk8gNyOU/USwgU4_LMNI/AAAAAAAAA5U/CfTa_W8TcjY/s1600/2013-01-15+15.49.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1o42y4voL8/USwgbS73OtI/AAAAAAAAA50/ZbbMSHRvAUE/s1600/Heading+to+Kijabe_20130115_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Li5inN6vY/USwiINT4TJI/AAAAAAAAA6I/dU6UZMdM0eU/s1600/2013-01-15+08.24.28.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sfAHaeCqw0/USwf8ZUqIsI/AAAAAAAAA40/NzW6hB2Jtrs/s1600/Team_20130115_0968.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sfAHaeCqw0/USwf8ZUqIsI/AAAAAAAAA40/NzW6hB2Jtrs/s320/Team_20130115_0968.JPG" width="212" /></a>
The morning we left Naivasha was full of good-byes, packing, and
tying up loose ends. First we attended the staff devotions. The staff
included the cook, maid and some of the foondies (construction
workers) that lived in the worker house. Pastor Simon came to share.
We started with some songs that some of us knew. Really, it was
easier to hum along and pretend. As we sang, we shivered in the
morning dew- it was actually 48F that morning; colder than most days.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Li5inN6vY/USwiINT4TJI/AAAAAAAAA6I/dU6UZMdM0eU/s1600/2013-01-15+08.24.28.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3Li5inN6vY/USwiINT4TJI/AAAAAAAAA6I/dU6UZMdM0eU/s400/2013-01-15+08.24.28.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Later we went up to the work site for the community center.
We wanted to say goodbye to the foondies. We had all brought work
gloves to use and when the foondies first saw some of us wearing
them, they sort of picked fun at the guys because their hands weren't
rough and blistered. We didn't think they would use them but we left
them anyway. Well, they were wearing them that morning. :) Funny how
things are more appreciated when one realizes how useful they are.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn479r8jzjc/USwgVpCgK2I/AAAAAAAAA5k/3Jeff_dyuDw/s1600/484823_10151384483055067_1497440383_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn479r8jzjc/USwgVpCgK2I/AAAAAAAAA5k/3Jeff_dyuDw/s320/484823_10151384483055067_1497440383_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Our driver, John, picked us up at the meeting point in Naivasha town.
We loaded up and drove up 2,000 feet of elevation. The scenery
changed drastically from exotic plants and wild animals to cypress
forests and winding roads. It was like driving through northern
Michigan. The air was 10 degrees colder and it was raining off and on
most of the morning. We were warned to bring a rain coat and
sweatshirt... glad I did. I was pretty cold though.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1o42y4voL8/USwgbS73OtI/AAAAAAAAA50/ZbbMSHRvAUE/s1600/Heading+to+Kijabe_20130115_0987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1o42y4voL8/USwgbS73OtI/AAAAAAAAA50/ZbbMSHRvAUE/s640/Heading+to+Kijabe_20130115_0987.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VV0EQHwqMk/USwgYzJTDVI/AAAAAAAAA5s/KckaskzBzCw/s1600/Heading+to+Kijabe_20130115_0984.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7VV0EQHwqMk/USwgYzJTDVI/AAAAAAAAA5s/KckaskzBzCw/s640/Heading+to+Kijabe_20130115_0984.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o1o42y4voL8/USwgbS73OtI/AAAAAAAAA50/ZbbMSHRvAUE/s1600/Heading+to+Kijabe_20130115_0987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUKZ1Jgp8no/USwfx8YGP5I/AAAAAAAAA34/36UDBJ-Fp8c/s1600/221.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUKZ1Jgp8no/USwfx8YGP5I/AAAAAAAAA34/36UDBJ-Fp8c/s320/221.JPG" width="320" /></a>We arrived in Kijabe after an hour or so to meet up with George and
Joyce and the kids. George is a Psychology prof at Moffat Bible
College as is Joyce. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cUoh-fq49E/USwfzkUMcUI/AAAAAAAAA4E/1l6duXF-E8g/s1600/235.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cUoh-fq49E/USwfzkUMcUI/AAAAAAAAA4E/1l6duXF-E8g/s320/235.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
They both grew up in Kenya, but moved to the
States for about 10 years. They later felt called to come back to
Kenya and they settled in this past August. We were taken on a tour
of the campus where we saw three different hospitals.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43X3_mbVJh8/USwfx_h6kKI/AAAAAAAAA30/GUM38ovxZB4/s1600/224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43X3_mbVJh8/USwfx_h6kKI/AAAAAAAAA30/GUM38ovxZB4/s320/224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
One of them was
called Cure which was for children. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Fc0urcUfM/USwf0QhLKII/AAAAAAAAA4M/VWc3dvAUcv4/s1600/236.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1Fc0urcUfM/USwf0QhLKII/AAAAAAAAA4M/VWc3dvAUcv4/s320/236.JPG" width="320" /></a>There was another hospital and
education center devoted to children with AIDS. The main hospital was
for adults and children. George allowed us to walk through per
request of one of our teammates. I was a little hesitant, but after
seeing the people and their state of being, my heart sank. They were
packed into rooms of 4-6 people. No privacy. No HIPPA. Babies were
sitting on adult sized beds, in pain, crying and just longing to be
held. My teammate was interested in getting involved in sending
unused instruments and medical supplies to the hospital. The kits
that Doctors use one item from and then discard for the reason of
'contamination' are still able to be used if sterilized. It was yet
another reminder of how much we use in the States and how much we
have at our disposal. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaV43HxSBQw/USwgT3hqIUI/AAAAAAAAA5I/ve-IEbl-C3M/s1600/2013-01-15+15.43.13.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaV43HxSBQw/USwgT3hqIUI/AAAAAAAAA5I/ve-IEbl-C3M/s400/2013-01-15+15.43.13.jpg" width="400" /></a>
Later on we toured Rift Valley Academy (RVA). The campus was just
gorgeous. The view from the soccer field was Mount Longanot and skies
filled with cumulus clouds. From the moment we walked through the
security gate into RVA, I felt like we were back in America. It was
amazing. It really reminded me of the university campus I taught at
in China. It was like our own little bubble. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdKLk8gNyOU/USwgU4_LMNI/AAAAAAAAA5U/CfTa_W8TcjY/s1600/2013-01-15+15.49.31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdKLk8gNyOU/USwgU4_LMNI/AAAAAAAAA5U/CfTa_W8TcjY/s640/2013-01-15+15.49.31.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
That is exactly what RVA
seemed to be, an American/Western bubble in the middle of Kenya. We
walked inside of the gym and Kenya and any sign of Africa melted
away. It was exactly like an American high school. The workers around
the school were Kenyan, so there was still opportunity to mingle with
the host culture.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkuDQWlywCo/USwgTiOu7VI/AAAAAAAAA5E/vobYzgG48Cg/s1600/2013-01-15+16.48.08.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkuDQWlywCo/USwgTiOu7VI/AAAAAAAAA5E/vobYzgG48Cg/s320/2013-01-15+16.48.08.jpg" width="192" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFQ1kHE0lFc/USwf3hy5BSI/AAAAAAAAA4s/SszV4tDnLIU/s1600/301.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFQ1kHE0lFc/USwf3hy5BSI/AAAAAAAAA4s/SszV4tDnLIU/s200/301.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zyu81J-RD9A/USwft5_PPFI/AAAAAAAAA3k/tRgvR6q_f0E/s1600/218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zyu81J-RD9A/USwft5_PPFI/AAAAAAAAA3k/tRgvR6q_f0E/s320/218.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went back to the house for chai, the typical mid-morning and
afternoon treat. We ended the evening hanging out with the kids while
watching monkeys play in the backyard. A wonderful end to our first
day in our new temporary home.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5OBe8FDwkA/USwiI63RvqI/AAAAAAAAA6U/IAA0FkH1BlE/s1600/2013-01-15+12.18.29.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5OBe8FDwkA/USwiI63RvqI/AAAAAAAAA6U/IAA0FkH1BlE/s200/2013-01-15+12.18.29.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYPa0a27AU4/USwiHQHJKSI/AAAAAAAAA6A/iwwH9xCGdc4/s1600/2013-01-15+12.18.10.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYPa0a27AU4/USwiHQHJKSI/AAAAAAAAA6A/iwwH9xCGdc4/s320/2013-01-15+12.18.10.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-25167811205013849222013-02-16T16:04:00.000-05:002013-02-16T16:04:12.227-05:00Day 9: Hillbilly Safari and Lake Naivasha<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NggmkHqLNqs/UR_qRV4BrZI/AAAAAAAAAzY/QCyGc7NNF1M/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh5rW06IO2U/UR_p1X0NoEI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/kBbX4fZWbmQ/s1600/2013-01-14+11.27.08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh5rW06IO2U/UR_p1X0NoEI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/kBbX4fZWbmQ/s640/2013-01-14+11.27.08.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m520QuGdTLM/UR_qMTRDA-I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/XdNT_swSdP0/s1600/Lake+Naivasha_20130114_0820.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m520QuGdTLM/UR_qMTRDA-I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/XdNT_swSdP0/s1600/Lake+Naivasha_20130114_0820.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m520QuGdTLM/UR_qMTRDA-I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/XdNT_swSdP0/s320/Lake+Naivasha_20130114_0820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6W8s9uFVvcs/UR_p2T4qPTI/AAAAAAAAAyY/ugTH9QKPAvg/s1600/2013-01-14+11.40.52.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6W8s9uFVvcs/UR_p2T4qPTI/AAAAAAAAAyY/ugTH9QKPAvg/s320/2013-01-14+11.40.52.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrJL6kAO0BI/UR_p2nJtEWI/AAAAAAAAAyk/9xFxVACPekE/s1600/2013-01-14+11.43.36.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrJL6kAO0BI/UR_p2nJtEWI/AAAAAAAAAyk/9xFxVACPekE/s320/2013-01-14+11.43.36.jpg" width="320" /></a>We began our day at Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is a well known
birding spot in Kenya- and the world. Kenya is the home of 1,100 bird
species. Any true birder knows Lake Naivasha. I hadn't heard of it
before, guess I'm not a true birder, but now I'll consider myself a
little more than an amateur. I saw up to 30 new bird species in a
single day. I had seen about 30 while in Naivasha and my last one in
Nairobi; the red cheeked cordeon bleu.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQLFgbD1ujM/UR_p2QO-MXI/AAAAAAAAAyc/uLXANeB2q74/s1600/2013-01-14+10.57.19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQLFgbD1ujM/UR_p2QO-MXI/AAAAAAAAAyc/uLXANeB2q74/s320/2013-01-14+10.57.19.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fc3j5hFaBIQ/UR_p9Ay0EQI/AAAAAAAAAy4/fwH6q0dhDoI/s1600/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1224.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fc3j5hFaBIQ/UR_p9Ay0EQI/AAAAAAAAAy4/fwH6q0dhDoI/s400/Giraffe+sanctuary_20130118_1224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Cheeked Cordon Bleu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
We took a boat into the park area and while we were on the water, we
saw the ears and snout of a hippo. We got a little curious so we
drove the boat to the spot where we spotted the hippo. It jumped out
of the water and hid. It was enormous! We didn't have time to snap a
photo:( <br /><br />After we docked the boat, the guys went net fishing
and the girls went bird watching. We saw a few fish eagles and got a
nice sound recording. They have such a rich sound. Instead of telling
all 63 sighting stories, let's list them: <br /><br />sacred ibis,
maribou stork, lapwing plover, pelican, cormorant, Egyptian goose,
split tailed drango, tropical boubu, intermediate egret, common
squacco heron, love bird, spectacled weaver, bagalafecht weaver,
cucou, ring necked dove, ostrich, lilac chested roller, red cheeked
cordon bleu, red headed coot, moor hen, red headed oxpecker, pied
king fisher, hoopoo, helmeted guinea fowl, chat robin, cinnamon
chested bee eater, hadada ibis, African crested eagle, sunbird, fire
finch, hammercop, paradise fly catcher, superb starling, cattle
egret, fiscal shrike, swallow, white fronted bee eater, grenideer,
coucal, crimson sunbird, mouse bird, common bubol yellow butt...</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<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;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFhFrUrW-t0/UR_rO4lL9qI/AAAAAAAAA1I/n2bVSkqzVrQ/s400/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0939.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilac Chested Roller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
There are more birds that I can't name, there were simply too many to
take in.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGBEM1TgVuw/UR_x_aAgtrI/AAAAAAAAA10/RAjElnAXDM8/s1600/2013-01-14+14.32.25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT3SPU-c9Ys/UR_qZm1ReyI/AAAAAAAAAzg/jQzkifRVbV8/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0871.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aT3SPU-c9Ys/UR_qZm1ReyI/AAAAAAAAAzg/jQzkifRVbV8/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0871.JPG" width="320" /></a>As we left Lake Naivasha, we went to an outdoor restaurant called
Cornelly's. It's a favorite among the westerners. There was a camp
ground on the property which had some very unique huts made of
recycled materials. For lunch, we had beef and spinach/feta samosas.
Then we had crayfish salad which was supposed to have tomatoes and
avocado with lettuce and a sauce, but they were out of avocado and
tomatoes.... sooo it was a salad with crayfish and a sauce... a
little on the light side. Granola bars were my supplement that
afternoon. Otherwise, everything tasted great.<br /><br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuoBPOuCYaI/UR_x_daHjnI/AAAAAAAAA1w/KxbjHm69dzk/s1600/2013-01-14+13.10.59.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yuoBPOuCYaI/UR_x_daHjnI/AAAAAAAAA1w/KxbjHm69dzk/s320/2013-01-14+13.10.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRik2xNY0vk/UR_qaoPlIfI/AAAAAAAAAzo/tse2lKztrxI/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0874.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YRik2xNY0vk/UR_qaoPlIfI/AAAAAAAAAzo/tse2lKztrxI/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikRc4l11Vt4/UR_qwtf9UjI/AAAAAAAAA0I/PKtv-HhuL0k/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0905.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikRc4l11Vt4/UR_qwtf9UjI/AAAAAAAAA0I/PKtv-HhuL0k/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0905.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxR2mXrhxgk/UR_rgKy6BQI/AAAAAAAAA1o/uwiCbQrojek/s1600/Showing+us+around_20130108_0210.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxR2mXrhxgk/UR_rgKy6BQI/AAAAAAAAA1o/uwiCbQrojek/s320/Showing+us+around_20130108_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaesKaRvDGQ/UR_qpzagTiI/AAAAAAAAA0A/4vK6_RZUSOw/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0890.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaesKaRvDGQ/UR_qpzagTiI/AAAAAAAAA0A/4vK6_RZUSOw/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0890.JPG" width="320" /></a>After lunch, we had our own little safari. On the side of the road,
we saw zebra, giraffe, antelope, warthog, baboons, vervet monkey,
wildebeest, gazelle, and impala.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbEodIQ0_iM/UR_qkD7NJZI/AAAAAAAAAzw/pwvixZYfu3U/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0878.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbEodIQ0_iM/UR_qkD7NJZI/AAAAAAAAAzw/pwvixZYfu3U/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
While we were driving by a field of cows, one of my teammates, who
will go unnamed, bet the others that we could not smack a cow's butt.
So, as this teammate got out of the vehicle, a few of us, myself
included, decided to take the challenge. We walked slowly in the
thorny, grassy field and the cows got the clue and started to walk
away. They may not look smart, but they can smell mischief. The
bigger ones got away faster, and most of of gave up, the teammate who
initiated the challenge snuck up behind a little cow and smacked it. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
We were all so proud. The problem after that was that from behind the
trees, there was a man standing there. Oops.. guess we didn't see the
cattle herder. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLudIXtvbIw/UR_reHjaCKI/AAAAAAAAA1g/qOmrGgvbQT8/s1600/Showing+us+around_20130108_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pLudIXtvbIw/UR_reHjaCKI/AAAAAAAAA1g/qOmrGgvbQT8/s320/Showing+us+around_20130108_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bz-_jdfEGm0/UR_qmm-PgMI/AAAAAAAAAz4/coNfeLofklM/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0882.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bz-_jdfEGm0/UR_qmm-PgMI/AAAAAAAAAz4/coNfeLofklM/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Later we went into a wildlife preserve, well, we didn't go
through the main entry, we drove the Land Rover down a side road that
said “No Trespassing” ;) That's why this was a hillbilly safari.
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlFXuPfCXpw/UR_rXrHmhuI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/y8xSj5U-TqI/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YlFXuPfCXpw/UR_rXrHmhuI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/y8xSj5U-TqI/s640/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0959.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMihC92NCLQ/UR_rajxDC8I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/905zMe_SHmY/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMihC92NCLQ/UR_rajxDC8I/AAAAAAAAA1Y/905zMe_SHmY/s640/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0957.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Our first sighting was an ostrich, jackal, and buffalo. The
same teammate who will remain unnamed decided to get out of the
vehicle, once again and try to get as close to the ostrich as
possible. Well, the ostrich was sitting on eggs. It began to ruffle
its feathers and reached a standing position. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3iJgfMKtiY/UR_rAEK8foI/AAAAAAAAA0g/VavAmnzL-u0/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0925.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3iJgfMKtiY/UR_rAEK8foI/AAAAAAAAA0g/VavAmnzL-u0/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0925.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3iJgfMKtiY/UR_rAEK8foI/AAAAAAAAA0g/VavAmnzL-u0/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0925.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3iJgfMKtiY/UR_rAEK8foI/AAAAAAAAA0g/VavAmnzL-u0/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLDwZHUlulk/UR_q6eAPovI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/kgPgWycnK3o/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0924.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLDwZHUlulk/UR_q6eAPovI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/kgPgWycnK3o/s200/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0924.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Boy are ostrich tall!
At least 7 feet. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_601SQcpbVc/UR_rBOY9R1I/AAAAAAAAA0o/zzfkOkZWGxo/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0932.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_601SQcpbVc/UR_rBOY9R1I/AAAAAAAAA0o/zzfkOkZWGxo/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
We drove into the field the buffalo were
eating and one of them stared us down. Good thing we were in the Land
Rover, because it would have charged at any one of us. Remember the
story of Monica? Yeah, they are not friendly creatures.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJc4jD1Zd2w/UR_rNAcrH3I/AAAAAAAAA1A/8JsOdo3-Zt4/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0936.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJc4jD1Zd2w/UR_rNAcrH3I/AAAAAAAAA1A/8JsOdo3-Zt4/s320/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0936.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
In the same area we saw eeland which are the largest antelope. We
also saw dik-dik, the smallest antelope. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />We drove down the
road a bit more and we stopped at another preserve. This was a
drive-through safari that wasn't open. Our local white Kenyan did
some relational negotiating and got us in... but we got to walk! On
the walk, we were in the midst of 10 giraffe! They are incredible
creatures. I felt like I was in Jurassic Park.. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
This concluded our
Hillibilly Safari. Amazing. I will never look at another safari the
same way... this one was way too much fun!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikRc4l11Vt4/UR_qwtf9UjI/AAAAAAAAA0I/PKtv-HhuL0k/s1600/Safari+hillbilly+style_20130114_0905.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
We stopped at a basket weaver on the side of the road home and I
bartered him down to about ½ of what he was asking. It was fun. I
missed bartering from my earlier days in China.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
That evening, we all gathered for the last dinner together and had a
debriefing about our experiences.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Remembering back to day 1 when we arrived, I felt comfortable and at
'home'. Over the 8 days time spent with my teammates and the
Hovingh's, I realized that they had become an extension of my family.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-33400701660951221812013-02-13T22:14:00.003-05:002013-02-13T22:16:10.765-05:00Day 8: Church in Gatamuiyu and Lunch at Mama Leah's<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Udk9pQKi_gc/URxRk4xg7aI/AAAAAAAAAuc/EvqxuAnZsY8/s1600/Sunday+Church_20130113_0731.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Udk9pQKi_gc/URxRk4xg7aI/AAAAAAAAAuc/EvqxuAnZsY8/s400/Sunday+Church_20130113_0731.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
On Sunday, we were told we were going to be making the 3 mile hike
back up the mountain to Gatamuiyu... except dressed in our Sunday
best. We all considered this factor and decided to drive half the way
and walk the rest. It was bearable in dresses and tennis shoes. As we
walked, congregation members and the Hovingh's staff met us for the
walk up. After about 40 minutes, we approached a tin building with
turquoise colored doors. This was a different church than the one we
visited on Thursday.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73L-9bE87EU/URxRwC-8fMI/AAAAAAAAAus/b31lhVsATTw/s1600/Sunday+Church_20130113_0742.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73L-9bE87EU/URxRwC-8fMI/AAAAAAAAAus/b31lhVsATTw/s400/Sunday+Church_20130113_0742.JPG" width="400" /></a>
This church seemed more conservative; members were dressed in their
best and the service was very organized. We had a time of singing and
then many different groups did some specials for us, the honored
guests. We had a ladies group come up and sing with all their soul to
the beat of a drum. Some mothers had their babies on their hip
singing along. A group of men came and sang a few songs as well as a
group of children. It was like a showcase of the ages and genders
demonstrating their talents yet very unlike a talent show, it was
clear their songs were all very focused on worshiping and honoring
the Lord. After some time, the church had a time of prayer. Lisa
whispered to us during that time and explained that this was a gospel
church that believed in praying in tongues. Having grown up in the
Assembly of God church, this was a familiar aspect of the service.
Later, we got up to sing some familiar songs, some we knew and others
they could sing in Swahili. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz4n1fupbms/URxRwHq-ZZI/AAAAAAAAAuo/RuDqxt1QrFI/s1600/Sunday+Church_20130113_0746.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uz4n1fupbms/URxRwHq-ZZI/AAAAAAAAAuo/RuDqxt1QrFI/s400/Sunday+Church_20130113_0746.JPG" width="400" /></a>The pastor gave a brief version of the announcements due to our time
schedule. We were lunch guests at a near by church members house and
we had a soccer game to attend in the afternoon. So, the pastor
mentioned several times that were only had 2 hours to be with them
when church would continue on for at least 2 hours after we left.
They made great adjustments to their order of service to accommodate
us. Matt and John, two from our team shared a message for the
morning. Then the assistant pastor spoke as it was translated for us.<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlmzIzBPT3k/URxRw9eyQ0I/AAAAAAAAAu4/cMTkk8Gp6_0/s1600/Sunday+Church_20130113_0747.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hlmzIzBPT3k/URxRw9eyQ0I/AAAAAAAAAu4/cMTkk8Gp6_0/s640/Sunday+Church_20130113_0747.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukXltOK8Bvo/URxRaKFZu5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/iKkTNtYJEyw/s1600/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0755.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukXltOK8Bvo/URxRaKFZu5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/iKkTNtYJEyw/s320/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0755.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPdjT6PiDEg/URxRWV-OAqI/AAAAAAAAAuA/09ByORq8ItI/s1600/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPdjT6PiDEg/URxRWV-OAqI/AAAAAAAAAuA/09ByORq8ItI/s320/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0753.JPG" width="320" /></a>We left at our appointed time and walked to our lunch
destination. Mama Leah was the woman's house we were going to. Her
name is Monica and she is Rehab's (the cook in Naivasha) sister. So
it was nice to get to know one of the family. Monica and Charles
welcomed us in. They had a beautiful garden on the hill. The hillside
was quite steep and seemed to be challenging for Monica to harvest
and plant. However, she personified Proverbs 31, she worked hard for
her task and rose early before the family to prepare for the day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Charles, her husband, didn't want her to keep a garden because it is
very hard and dangerous work. One day, Monica was coming back from
gathering some vegetables and on the road she met a buffalo. Buffalo
are very dangerous animals and if you don't run, you had better! She
ran so fast while holding her basket of vegetation. She hadn't
thought to throw basket in order to run faster, she kept it safe and
sound. When she got home, she realized that she had rubbed some skin
off of her hands and wrists from the basket's force. It was cute to
see how </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Charles and Monica interacted as a married couple while
telling this story. You could see their love as well as their
feisty-ness.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gdOma_tIlw/URxRh_M8LmI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0n80y4icRYQ/s1600/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0756.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gdOma_tIlw/URxRh_M8LmI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0n80y4icRYQ/s400/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0756.JPG" width="266" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z21IgQKIF8c/URxRk-aAgPI/AAAAAAAAAuY/oIoTQHrTp1I/s1600/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0757.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z21IgQKIF8c/URxRk-aAgPI/AAAAAAAAAuY/oIoTQHrTp1I/s400/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0757.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z21IgQKIF8c/URxRk-aAgPI/AAAAAAAAAuY/oIoTQHrTp1I/s1600/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0757.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
had arrow root, sweet potato, beans and chicken for lunch. We also
chapati, a favorite among Kenyan's. If you ask the kids what they
want for Christmas, they all say chapati! I would too! It's like a
salty fried pancake. Very good with stew or meat. <br /><br />As we said
our thanks and goodbyes, we headed back down to Naivasha. When we got
there, we were pretty much exhausted so the ladies stayed behind and
let the guys go off the play in the soccer game. <br />We had our
afternoon Chai and played a few games. Dinner that night went late as
we recapped the day's events and prepared for our 'Hillbilly Safari'
the next day.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8gdOma_tIlw/URxRh_M8LmI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0n80y4icRYQ/s1600/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z21IgQKIF8c/URxRk-aAgPI/AAAAAAAAAuY/oIoTQHrTp1I/s1600/Lunch+at+mama+Leah%27s+home_20130113_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-63659350517808905192013-02-11T23:23:00.001-05:002013-02-11T23:23:21.475-05:00Day 7: House of Hope and Trusses<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today we spent the morning at House of
Hope. We taught the kids the Zacchaeus song and they all knew it, so
it was nice to build more common ground with the kids. We had spent a
lot of time at House of Hope compared to the other places we visited.
This seems to be the Hovingh's baby; between that and Back to Africa
with the ladies in Gil Gil. Joel and Susan, the couple who started
House of Hope, have such a strong vision and calling for the
orphanage. There are 27 kids in the orphanage, but they do not think
of themselves at orphans because they have 1 mom, 2 aunties, a
grandmother and a father. They have a home. The village kids who had
families were often found hanging around by the fence with wanting
eyes. We could tell they wanted to come in; they could sense the love
in that place. Not only was there love, but the spirit of Christ was
evident.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkol70xKKg8/URm_30jkr6I/AAAAAAAAAsI/069t-qKH3-w/s1600/075.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vkol70xKKg8/URm_30jkr6I/AAAAAAAAAsI/069t-qKH3-w/s320/075.JPG" width="320" /></a>The day we were there, a group of girls
from Rift Valley Academy (RVA) had come from Kijabe to spend time
with everyone. They are a missionary kids' school. There are a lot of
Americans and other nationalities who attend. The Hovingh's children
attend and they seem to enjoy it. The group brought jump ropes and
bubbles with them and the kids went nuts. They loved it. I had two
little boys just fighting over who could catch the most bubbles and
then who could blow the most. I had to keep a tight control on the
wand so we didn't lose it in the dirt.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqCMapYOjKs/URm_3pgUxOI/AAAAAAAAAsE/OXW0zNTBmi8/s1600/071.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqCMapYOjKs/URm_3pgUxOI/AAAAAAAAAsE/OXW0zNTBmi8/s320/071.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ70fFLPBt0/URm_3hI7MkI/AAAAAAAAAr8/zA6S-FHMHNk/s1600/095.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ70fFLPBt0/URm_3hI7MkI/AAAAAAAAAr8/zA6S-FHMHNk/s320/095.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Something, not shocking, not
surprising, but refreshing was revealed to me; the kids were pushing
around toy cars and trucks, much like we have in the states, but they
had 1 or no wheels on them. They were still pushing them around with
all their might in the dirt! They were playing with broken toys and
it made me want to purchase some new ones, but inside I also thought,
that refreshing revelation, they can make use of anything in any
circumstance. Like the the women in Gil Gil and the congregation in
Gatamaiyu, they wore the biggest smiles and had the greatest
gratitude. Yes, things can be improved and fixed when broken, but the
joy in the circumstance was staring me in the face.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrZH5y-U6IA/URm_5505OpI/AAAAAAAAAsU/g8ey9JIMLIc/s1600/2013-01-12+02.30.50.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LrZH5y-U6IA/URm_5505OpI/AAAAAAAAAsU/g8ey9JIMLIc/s400/2013-01-12+02.30.50.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edN-qAPgKaY/URm_7M7Xu6I/AAAAAAAAAsk/V2yYVgxG1kg/s1600/2013-01-12+03.11.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edN-qAPgKaY/URm_7M7Xu6I/AAAAAAAAAsk/V2yYVgxG1kg/s400/2013-01-12+03.11.07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Later that afternoon, we had tables
with coloring books set up. Some of our team painted the little
girl's toes. One of the girls was wearing blue jeans and after her
toes were painted bright red, she went into her room and changed
into what was probably a Sunday skirt and some sandals that showed
off her freshly painted pedicure. She stole my heart. She had the
smile of an angel. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZqQOzzF7z4/URm_7hKoe6I/AAAAAAAAAss/9lH0f7m4noo/s1600/096.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZqQOzzF7z4/URm_7hKoe6I/AAAAAAAAAss/9lH0f7m4noo/s320/096.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9l6Rui3rwxs/URm_8Wv067I/AAAAAAAAAs4/9pV559U4jDU/s1600/2013-01-12+04.08.33.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9l6Rui3rwxs/URm_8Wv067I/AAAAAAAAAs4/9pV559U4jDU/s400/2013-01-12+04.08.33.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kBZMjnaZ3g/URnAJq4VxdI/AAAAAAAAAtU/cKJqmWpoKrw/s1600/Community+Center+_20130111_0323.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kBZMjnaZ3g/URnAJq4VxdI/AAAAAAAAAtU/cKJqmWpoKrw/s320/Community+Center+_20130111_0323.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdG7H7e6PG8/URnAHs6qEiI/AAAAAAAAAtM/xPJbJFApVC8/s1600/Community+Center+_20130111_0310.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdG7H7e6PG8/URnAHs6qEiI/AAAAAAAAAtM/xPJbJFApVC8/s320/Community+Center+_20130111_0310.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After our time was up at House of Hope,
we went back to have lunch. Then we got into our working clothes to
finished the trusses from the previous day's work. Now, John, Matt
and Jason had been working on a template system to make the cutting
and assembly smoother. It seemed that we were remeasuring and cutting
custom pieces for each truss. That was taking about 45 minutes. I
think I mentioned this in my previous post, but I realize now that I
got the days confused. They all just blend into one after a while so,
forgive my repetition. Saturday, day 7 was the day of the 15 min 27
second truss building.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At dinner that night, we had received a
booked call Live Dead Journal which is a 30 day devotional challenge.
It talks about tithing your time to God. So, that is roughly 2 ½
hours a day. The authors give a guideline of how that time is broken
down and what to fill it with. I will tell you one thing, it is a
true challenge. Honestly, I haven't gotten up to 2 ½ hours. I think
split up, I've gotten 1 hour and 45 minutes 1 or 2 nights a week.
This book is filled with daily readings and prayer for an unreached
people group with a story about or from a missionary. One of the
stories was about David Livingstone whose body had been worn down
after 23 bouts of Malaria and one of his arms was useless due to a
lion attack years ago. He spoke at a conference not long before he
died, and he spoke about extravagant time with the Lord. That is the
purpose of the Live Dead challenge, to spend extravagant time with
the Lord; ultimately, growing in intimacy with Him.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In Livingstone's speech, he talked
about Matthew 28 and the word of a Gentleman. He referred to the Lord
as a gentleman who promised to be with us always. A short time later
when he passed away, he was found kneeling next to his bed with
Matthew 28 open and in the margin was written “The Word of a
Gentleman.” <br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Matthew 28:
</div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24198"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24199"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24200"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24201"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24202"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24203"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24204"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24205"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24206"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24208"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24209"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24210"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24211"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24213"></a>
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a
violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven
and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His
appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4
The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead
men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know
that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here;
he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7
Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead
and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’
Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb,
afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly
Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped
his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be
afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see
me.”11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went
into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had
happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and
devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13
telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the
night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report
gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of
trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were
instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews
to this very day. 16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the
mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they
worshiped him; but some doubted.
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24214"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24215"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2049100774550969245" name="en-NIV-24216"></a>
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and
on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. <b>And surely I am with you always, to the very
end of the age.”</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-79474704339378533802013-01-27T19:18:00.000-05:002013-02-08T15:26:57.873-05:00Day 5: Zacchaeus and Trusses<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w72o9yI9jV0/UQXCV-2d6HI/AAAAAAAAArE/ppDsmXpNzGY/s1600/2013-01-11+01.20.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w72o9yI9jV0/UQXCV-2d6HI/AAAAAAAAArE/ppDsmXpNzGY/s400/2013-01-11+01.20.22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today the whole team went to Malewa
Primary School to meet 300 elementary and middle school kids. The
night before, we had a quick planning meeting about a bible story we
could teach the kids. We all agreed that the story of Zacchaeus in
Luke would be appropriate for the students. We decided that Carrie
would read the passage from Luke and I would make the application for
the kids. Then we all taught them the song we all know from childhood
and taught some basic motions for the song. After several times
through, the kids had it. After we finished the song, we took the
kids outside to play soccer and we taught them <i>Duck, Duck, Goose! </i><span style="font-style: normal;">
Then they taught us some name games where we had to remember names in
a few minutes time; that turned out to be interesting as some of
their names were Swahili and others were English. </span>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOWMhGizBFQ/UQXCWG4LNhI/AAAAAAAAArM/Y0ft7tSBJVY/s1600/2013-01-11+02.11.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOWMhGizBFQ/UQXCWG4LNhI/AAAAAAAAArM/Y0ft7tSBJVY/s400/2013-01-11+02.11.46.jpg" width="400" /></a>Teaching the kids was a familiar
experience for me since I had been a preschool teacher before I went
to China in '08. I had subconsciously “sworn-off” kids because I
had been burned out. I noticed for a few years after China, I had
lost my touch and desire to be around kids. But that has since
faded. I felt really natural with the kids and I felt like I was in
my element. That was an encouraging step for me to take. Maybe my
swearing off of kids was pride, I'm not sure, but our being there
with the kids at Malewa Primary reminded me that Jesus allowed the
children to come to him. I have felt like the disciples when they
were too prideful and busy with larger, more important matters, so
they thought.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Uooh_J5aH4/URVeZWo6vzI/AAAAAAAAArk/v19EgATsYQ4/s1600/Malewa+Primary_20130111_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Uooh_J5aH4/URVeZWo6vzI/AAAAAAAAArk/v19EgATsYQ4/s320/Malewa+Primary_20130111_0548.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
We left Malewa to have lunch and begin
our afternoon duties. We took Simon, a pastor of a few churches with
on the way back. He and Matt had to ride on the carriage on the roof
of the Land Rover. How scary, but after some time, I wanted to try
it, but I was always dressed inappropriately for that rugged of a
trip.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Simon's wife is a teacher at Malewa and
she mainly deals with the spiritual side of their education.
Associated with the school is a church where the head leader is
called a prophet. This prophet is idolized to put in bluntly. Before
we arrived, there had been some controversy about our coming and the
head of the school had tried to cancel the event. Apparently, the
prophet of the church didnt feel that missionaries coming to teach
the kids about the bible was a good idea. So you can see why I used
the word “idolized” in describing the situation. Once again,
seeing and hearing firsthand helps us know how to pray for schools
like Malewa and churches.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We enjoyed a relaxing lunch and then
headed up to the work site to build the trusses for the community
center. We used raw cut damp spongy cypress “2x4” wood. I learned
a lot about building trusses. I can officially add that to my
resume:) <br />
<br />
After several customized cuts for each individual
truss, we figured out how to make templates and cut all similar
pieces. One truss was taking us up to 30 to 40 minutes. When got the
system flowing we hit a record time of 15 minutes and 27 seconds. We
had a few hours to finish 11 trusses. We accomplished that goal.
Since we finished, were earned our day of fun, but you will have to
wait for that story:)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Each night we had dinner guests and the
evening guests were a couple who run an environmental camp in
Naivasha for the local kids and a guy who had been teaching English
in Sudan. I have enjoyed getting to know other people in Africa who
are giving their lives to spread the gospel. It has been so inspiring
and it takes the edge away from actually stepping out to live in
another country. I remember what it felt like after returning from
China. The abrupt uproot of my life wasn't evident until I came back
and tried to re-establish myself. Over the years, I let fear set in
of not having the comforts of life. Comfort is like stagnant water,
it stinks.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-12006185499173716262013-01-26T21:08:00.000-05:002013-02-02T22:12:27.565-05:00Day 4: The Joy of Their Salvation<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The fourth day of being in Kenya was
probably one of my favorites and full of impact. There is an organization
called Back to Africa. <a href="http://backtoafrica.myshopify.com/">http://backtoafrica.myshopify.com/</a>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UUTQoklfU0/UQSNynhfWsI/AAAAAAAAAqs/0NU2J1rCUJc/s1600/IMG_3815_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UUTQoklfU0/UQSNynhfWsI/AAAAAAAAAqs/0NU2J1rCUJc/s200/IMG_3815_grande.jpg" width="133" /></a>This organization sells paper beads
made into necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Mothers and wives spend
countless hours rolling magazine paper into beads.
What they earn from their work supports their families. We
were able to visit and share with these women in a city named Gil
Gil. We drove up and saw 10-12 women sitting on the ground with their
beads in hand tirelessly stringing and securing the fasteners. We sat
and chatted with the women as they shared some of their stories with
us. Many of these women have been victims of abuse or abandonment.
They are doing all they can to support their families. All of the
women were mothers and we called them 'Mama- (first born)' as the
custom is. One of our teammates, Pat, had prepared a devotional on
Proverbs 31:10. She shared the background of the the virtuous woman
and then simply read the Word of God. It was translated by one of the
women who spoke English well, and the family resemblance of the body
of Christ was evident across culture and language. As Pat read the
proverb, we realized that we were surrounded by virtuous women. <i>Proverbs 31:17-20: </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i>She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are
strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and
her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the
poor and extends her hands to the needy.
</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These few verses portray what these
women were doing in their daily lives. We had the chance to give them
some toys and coloring books for their children and also soap and
toothbrushes for the family. They were so grateful for the things we take for granted. We overheard one of the ladies telling another that she
was going to share the items with her neighbor because
she knew that the family was struggling. When we heard this, it
reminded us of the<i> Widow's Offering from Mark 12:43:</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i>Calling his disciples to him, Jesus
said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the
treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but
she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.
</i></div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are so used to taking what extra we
have for ourselves. If I have an extra $20 dollars at the end of the
month, chances are I'm going to save it or spend it on myself. Very
few times do we think in our culture to help our neighbor who is in
need.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After the devotional was finished, the
women sang a song in Swahili. We couldn't understand it, but it was
beautiful. Before we knew it, they had us dancing and singing with
them. We sang some familiar songs in English and Swahili. The
expression of joy was one of the most beautiful things I've
experienced in my life. Their joy is pure and true and I say that
because they don't have all the luxuries and comforts that we have or
most of the world has; they only have Jesus which is all they will
ever need.
<br />
(I have pictures and video of this morning and I will post them when I receive them from my team)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPvVONyj50Y/UQSJFnwudoI/AAAAAAAAAp0/m2YNRYumhlE/s1600/2013-01-10+06.53.53.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPvVONyj50Y/UQSJFnwudoI/AAAAAAAAAp0/m2YNRYumhlE/s200/2013-01-10+06.53.53.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4yb4FuOU-Q/UQSJF2qk8ZI/AAAAAAAAAp4/cWAzOJ-dWGU/s1600/2013-01-10+07.06.33.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4yb4FuOU-Q/UQSJF2qk8ZI/AAAAAAAAAp4/cWAzOJ-dWGU/s200/2013-01-10+07.06.33.jpg" width="150" /></a>The afternoon came quickly and we spent
it hiking up a mountain for an hour.<span style="color: #0000ee;"> </span>It was roughly 3 miles and we
were headed to a place called Gatamaiyu to hang doors on the
outhouses at a church. We were running an hour behind schedule, but
TIA (this is Africa). Much to our surprise, members of the church
were there waiting for us to begin. They held a special service with
a customized message to mention our coming. The village was very
humble and shy on the comforts of life, but the beauty of the natural
surroundings and being so high in the mountains trumped anything that
was lacking. There were a few natural gardens and a water
basin filled with natural spring water from the Rift Valley. As the
doors were hung, we had plenty of time to chat with the locals and
hear about life in the village. I would say they were the most joyful
bunch of people I'd met. The ladies in Gil Gil had joyful expressions
during their worship, but the people in this humble village just
overflowed with joy. They absolutely loved their way of life. It spoke a lot about how we live and the distractions that take us away from the bigger matters in life. The
sun started to go down and we had to get back because there are no
city lights up there and the hike was rocky and gravity was against
us. As we rushed back, the people from the church and others from the
community walked a long way with us. Their smiles will remain in my
memory forever. Our urgency to get down while the daylight was still
on our side pushed us home just in time. In the mean time, we were
able to catch the most beautiful sunsets. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAue-9CRylc/UQSKyhvDbBI/AAAAAAAAAqU/lsu7FjBVlZ0/s1600/2013-01-10+10.34.20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAue-9CRylc/UQSKyhvDbBI/AAAAAAAAAqU/lsu7FjBVlZ0/s400/2013-01-10+10.34.20.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAue-9CRylc/UQSKyhvDbBI/AAAAAAAAAqU/lsu7FjBVlZ0/s1600/2013-01-10+10.34.20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the end of this day, I walked away a
different person. Joy, love and faith were some of the common virtues
I experienced. Seeing the people in Gatamaiyu increased my faith that
God is all sovereign and any fear I've ever had about life, money,
jobs, family and what not, is totally and completely irrelevant. If
God shows such great faithfulness to a people living in the humblest
conditions, what do I have to be concerned with? Well, His work that
is. The great commission has become greater in my view during these
two short weeks.
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-27939961580171751892013-01-25T19:19:00.003-05:002013-01-25T20:56:12.942-05:00Day 3: Socialite's Dream<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I titled this post 'Socialite's Dream'
because anyone who loves meeting and mingling with new people several
times a day would have enjoyed this day. I thought this day was
quite essential because it was the first time it hit me that I was actually
in Africa.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<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/-_CLbWUm0Gbg/UQMeE5dOAhI/AAAAAAAAAok/YF83uz2imTI/s1600/2013-01-09+01.47.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CLbWUm0Gbg/UQMeE5dOAhI/AAAAAAAAAok/YF83uz2imTI/s400/2013-01-09+01.47.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hallways at Helping Hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajIifx56oJA/UQMeFW6CFyI/AAAAAAAAAow/TyUzOZ4E1OI/s1600/2013-01-09+01.47.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajIifx56oJA/UQMeFW6CFyI/AAAAAAAAAow/TyUzOZ4E1OI/s320/2013-01-09+01.47.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overhead shot of the school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We began our second day in Naivasha
with a visit to a school called Helping Hands. This school cares for
and educates children with special needs as well as those with out.
We met two boys, Charles and Isaac, who use their skills to make
ceramic pieces that are made into jewelry as pendants and charms. You
will hear more about jewelry in day 4's post. I want to talk a bit
about Charles: about 10 years ago during elections and campaigns for
Kenya's upcoming leader, Charles remembered seeing men with machetes,
riots and chaos at a young age. Shortly after, he lost his mother;
his father had also been gone. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My ability to recall the details
accurately is failing, so I've kept this vague. Charles puts all his
strength and energy into making great pieces of ceramics for jewelry.
Isaac is new at this trade as he is learning and perfecting his
skills. He is learning from Charles' skills and work ethic. Isaac was
the quieter of the two boys, but he has aspirations to get into a
good university when he's done with school. Both boys have such sweet
spirits. Being able to see them in their daily life helps me to pray
for them more effectively.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6LA6riWmDw/UQMeF1ZjGPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/kNRy2kiwoNQ/s1600/2013-01-09+02.04.03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6LA6riWmDw/UQMeF1ZjGPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/kNRy2kiwoNQ/s400/2013-01-09+02.04.03.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pat (L), Carrie and Amy (R) outside Helping Hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After leaving Helping Hands, we needed
to go to the local grocery store. While living in America and
teaching ESL, I have become very accustomed to diversity. I think we
were the only four Americans in the store. I experienced being a
minority in China, but there were one hundred plus Americans in
Xinzheng. In Naivasha, it was real life, not an enclosed bubble of a
familiar society. The store was packed with people and the lines were
so long that the typical American customer would have gotten antsy. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVfSt8U-dgY/UQMd16-PpLI/AAAAAAAAAoc/WY-RM-I56qQ/s1600/2013-01-08+06.41.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVfSt8U-dgY/UQMd16-PpLI/AAAAAAAAAoc/WY-RM-I56qQ/s400/2013-01-08+06.41.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the grocery store, but in Navaisha Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6LA6riWmDw/UQMeF1ZjGPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/kNRy2kiwoNQ/s1600/2013-01-09+02.04.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Within the same morning, we went to the
ladies bible study at a woman's house named Dea. The ladies at this
bible study are all missionaries of some sort in the general area.
This week, bible study was a surprise birthday party for Dea. She
married a Swiss man and he passed away within the last 10 years. Dea
is from Tanzania. She is full of life at 68 and doesn't look a day
over 50.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After lunch we visited House of Hope
for the second time. While we were driving we saw baboons, monkeys,
zebra, donkey, lizards, goats, birds, buffalo, camels, gazelle impala
, sheep and cows. We asked the ladies to give a list of jobs we could
do to lighten their heavy load so they put us to work washing dishes
outside. We used boiled water from the wood burning stove.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx60ZpQ63Cg/UQMeH3pVtXI/AAAAAAAAApY/QbsF05bevyo/s1600/2013-01-09+07.25.19.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xx60ZpQ63Cg/UQMeH3pVtXI/AAAAAAAAApY/QbsF05bevyo/s200/2013-01-09+07.25.19.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93QfbDfUdRA/UQMeHM-Fs2I/AAAAAAAAApE/JBG33U8kN_g/s1600/2013-01-09+07.25.10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93QfbDfUdRA/UQMeHM-Fs2I/AAAAAAAAApE/JBG33U8kN_g/s400/2013-01-09+07.25.10.jpg" width="400" /></a>After that
was finished, we spent around two hours sorting through maze while we
talked casually and exchanged stories.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br />
We had many dinner guests that night,
some of which we met at the bible study for Dea's birthday. Two of
the women we met were part of the same family. Most of the family
members are missionaries in Africa and have been for 4 generations
running. Many of the locals know them well. The 3<sup>rd</sup>
generation of the kids are married and they are bringing up the next.
It was so encouraging to see all the families who have chosen to make
Africa their home.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After a full day, I felt ready to go to
bed. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Nature Favorites of the day: </b></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzoEIvJnnsM/UQMeHVVgtTI/AAAAAAAAApM/ym80ETUX2gk/s1600/2013-01-09+02.10.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzoEIvJnnsM/UQMeHVVgtTI/AAAAAAAAApM/ym80ETUX2gk/s640/2013-01-09+02.10.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Helping Hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93QfbDfUdRA/UQMeHM-Fs2I/AAAAAAAAApE/JBG33U8kN_g/s1600/2013-01-09+07.25.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhJ2B0d47Ns/UQMeHSPjpaI/AAAAAAAAApI/KJdsp46Rtrg/s1600/2013-01-09+04.41.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhJ2B0d47Ns/UQMeHSPjpaI/AAAAAAAAApI/KJdsp46Rtrg/s640/2013-01-09+04.41.51.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Dea's House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-13014137936644131342013-01-22T17:06:00.000-05:002013-01-25T19:55:13.932-05:00Day 2: Discovering Naivasha<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We had a later start to the day with a
full breakfast and team meeting. We got our assignments and schedule
for the week. We first toured the property where we saw the work site
of the community center we were going to help build. In Kenya, a
construction worker is called “foondie”<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/-7U1B8o5dVuw/UQCmVa6YY8I/AAAAAAAAAnU/DpszkjOVJGk/s1600/2013-01-08+03.03.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7U1B8o5dVuw/UQCmVa6YY8I/AAAAAAAAAnU/DpszkjOVJGk/s640/2013-01-08+03.03.35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Team with the Foondies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, we met the foondies
and discussed possible ways to build the center. There was a small
plot of land and the trench had been dug for the foundation. The guys
were to work on the foundation during the week and the girls had
other projects to work on.<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/--rWNNkXaFbY/UQCmXTR-x6I/AAAAAAAAAnc/WcCtVUtbaeo/s1600/2013-01-08+02.29.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rWNNkXaFbY/UQCmXTR-x6I/AAAAAAAAAnc/WcCtVUtbaeo/s640/2013-01-08+02.29.44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In our muck boots before a muddy tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLlNEeq2eXw/UQCmZy9xlJI/AAAAAAAAAnk/hjIdgfx6hgQ/s1600/2013-01-08+02.37.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JLlNEeq2eXw/UQCmZy9xlJI/AAAAAAAAAnk/hjIdgfx6hgQ/s320/2013-01-08+02.37.20.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
We were able to see the garden the family
kept. The grew cabbage, coffee, carrots, and spinach among other
things. They have been on the property for around 6 years and it has
grown into a lush and beautiful space.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6BhFh6cI1Bs/UQCmbf0ynHI/AAAAAAAAAns/Iy5jkmD-Ifo/s1600/2013-01-08+02.38.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6BhFh6cI1Bs/UQCmbf0ynHI/AAAAAAAAAns/Iy5jkmD-Ifo/s320/2013-01-08+02.38.36.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fz7RDX8gpk4/UQCmhGPZIQI/AAAAAAAAAn8/xhBlp55dzBE/s1600/2013-01-08+08.55.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fz7RDX8gpk4/UQCmhGPZIQI/AAAAAAAAAn8/xhBlp55dzBE/s400/2013-01-08+08.55.29.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3JaAO_eQbw/UQCmjnBVqRI/AAAAAAAAAoE/EvMALXLtJgE/s1600/2013-01-08+08.59.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3JaAO_eQbw/UQCmjnBVqRI/AAAAAAAAAoE/EvMALXLtJgE/s320/2013-01-08+08.59.18.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the afternoon, the
men went to work digging and mixing concrete. The ladies went to
House of Hope, a home for many orphans who are cared for by 4 women.
We met with the women and shared some encouragement with them. Kenyan
women are valued and identified by their first born child. Let's say
your first born is named Elizabeth, then your name would be Mama
Elizabeth. Having children and being called “Mama” is a great
honor in Kenya. However, there are a lot of women who are single with
children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Later after the kids were out of classes, we got to meet
some of them and see their bedrooms. They were more like dorms for
kids. These children were so joyful and at peace. There were a
blessing to meet. After we finished our time at House of Hope, we
went back to have dinner. We all slept well that night. The lack a
sleep was starting to wear us down.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Random Nature Pic of the Day: </div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<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/-14_5Msp-jzM/UQCmecm7O7I/AAAAAAAAAn0/fK403TeMPf4/s1600/2013-01-08+02.52.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14_5Msp-jzM/UQCmecm7O7I/AAAAAAAAAn0/fK403TeMPf4/s640/2013-01-08+02.52.41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Navaisha, Rift Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-24035796212863373672013-01-21T21:55:00.000-05:002013-01-25T19:56:10.437-05:0011 Days in Kenya I have just returned from a two week trip to Kenya. I have decided to post something new for the next 11 to 12 days highlighting each day I was there. We did a wide variety of work and we saw a lot. It was actually 2 weeks we were there, but with traveling and time changes, we lost a few days. Jet lag is hitting me hard this time. It never did before. I think it comes on stronger with age :) Now, sit back and enjoy the anticipation of a daily post of my trip to Kenya.<br />
<br />
Day 1: Arriving in Nairobi<br />
<br />
Each time I have visited a new country the most interesting thing is the atmosphere of the country. What I mean specifically is the vibe, the beat, the feel of the place. The moment I stepped into the airport in Nairobi, I felt the slow calm of society's pace. It was a bit muggy that night due to their increased rain fall, unusual this time of year. It was fairly quiet because it 9:30 pm January 7th when we arrived. (It was 2pm January 6th when we left Chicago.) Another thing I noticed what the bathrooms were small and crowded with only two stalls and a little smelly being at the end of the day.<br />
<br />
Our next leg of the journey was an hour and a half drive up to Naivasha, where we stayed for 8 days. Naivasha sits at 6,000 feet elevation and ears were popping all the way up. It was dark, so not being able to see "Africa" was hard as I longed to see the landscape and animals. When we arrived at our guesthouse, the first thing I noticed was a strange creaking sound. It was a tree hyrax, one of the 7 loudest animals in Africa. It sounds like an angry cat having its tail pulled. It is a nocturnal creature, so you can imagine sleeping at night:) I have a recording of it, but I have to post it later. There are mp3's of this creature on the web. Kinda cute, huh? But just try sleeping! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvjQ8b1FHX4/UP3_RS-EpsI/AAAAAAAAAnA/FqJZQ4KtsZI/s1600/kenya_3444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvjQ8b1FHX4/UP3_RS-EpsI/AAAAAAAAAnA/FqJZQ4KtsZI/s320/kenya_3444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-73962766636057548852013-01-04T00:40:00.001-05:002013-01-04T00:40:21.693-05:00Off to Kenya!To my faithful but few followers, I will be heading to Kenya on Sunday for two weeks. When I return, I will be sure to post all that I experience. :) <br /><br />Thanks for reading! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-51265441639933585952012-11-24T11:06:00.001-05:002012-11-24T11:06:59.084-05:00My Latest Inspiation<p>essential - http://pinterest.com/pin/71846556526972956/</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-40062288754289531072012-11-08T21:41:00.002-05:002012-11-08T22:23:49.064-05:00Milk Tea in January<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
foreign campus remains modern yet torn with bamboo scaffolding
hugging the sides of the buildings. The updated European Street is
consumed with richness. The European influence sets the tone of the
white washed columns of German Square. The French Quarters' yellow
and rust-colored angularity graces the student dorms. As I walk
further in past these splendid structures, I find the newest of
all; the Spanish housing. With reddish-brown thatched roofs and the
inviting courtyard, the incoming freshmen feel warm and accepted.
Exploring these yards and meters, I happen upon quaint shops carrying
random items for any bargain hunter to acquire. Browsing through
unique pieces of jewelry, while a clock statue of Statler and Waldorf
catches my eye, I am keenly aware of the disarray of these
un-categorized items. Much to the typical western thinker's dismay, I
find myself wonderfully and utterly exhilarated by the miscellany and
lack of conformity. My next venture is for comforting refreshment;
the renowned bubble milk tea. Briskly striding to my frequented
tea-beat, the crisp biting winter air reminds me of my chilled
state. I step up to the window, in broken Chinese, and ask for a hot
vanilla milk tea. The tea lady prepares my beverage as I anxiously
await my comforting addiction. My stroll to inspire my eager young
scholars is all the more pleasant despite the cold dank chill of this
January day.
</div>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(This short story was inspired by a descriptive writing assignment given to my advanced students at school. It is my description of my favorite moments in China while I worked on the campus of SIAS International University in Xinzheng, Henan.) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-40166835582182217342012-11-07T22:35:00.004-05:002012-11-07T22:35:54.768-05:00Island Paradise (green) SmoothieGreen smoothies have been becoming more popular so I've adapted my own recipe... surprise, surprise....<br />
<br />
This is my island inspired smoothie: (serves 2- 24 oz more or less)<br />
<br />
1/2 - 1 mango<br />
1/2 avocado<br />
1 frozen banana<br />
1/4 cup flax seed meal ( i pour till it looks right :) <br />
2 tuscan kale leaves<br />
1/2 - 1 frozen sliced peach<br />
2 tbs coconut flakes or juice <br />
1 slice fresh pineapple<br />
1 slice fresh ginger (about 1 tbs)<br />
1 freshly juiced lime (zest optional) <br />
juice concentrate of choice (use as liquid while blending)<br />
<br />
Break up kale leaves and add all ingredients to a strong blender (the old ones your grandmother used are usually good; also Ninja or Vitamix are recommended) Pulse to break everything down and then slowly turn up the power. If you are using an older blender, let it blend for a couple minutes. <br />
<br />
This makes a great breakfast.... for an extra protein boost, add chia seed or protein powder- I like plant fusion. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-84004576422479492432012-11-07T21:57:00.002-05:002012-11-07T23:12:51.849-05:00Granola Bars! (Raw, no baking required)So after making this recipe, I belong out west with the granola loving tree-huggers...<br />
<br />
This recipe has been "tweaked" and adapted from http://www.therawtarian.com so I give full credit where it is due. <br />
<br />
Start with dry ingredients:<br />
<br />
2 cups dry oatmeal<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 cup raw wheat germ (can also use flax meal)<br />
1 cup shredded coconut<br />
2 Tbs sesame seeds<br />
2 Tbs chia seeds<br />
<br />
...in a food processor:<br />
<br />
1 cup almonds (or use sliced almonds)<br />
1 1/2 cup dates (or use chopped dates)<br />
<br />
add almonds and dates to dry ingredients<br />
<br />
continue and add wet ingredients:<br />
<br />
1/2 cup raisins<br />
2 Tbs lemon juice<br />
1 Tbs lemon peel (zest)<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
2 T honey<br />
2 T tahini<br />
1/4 cup peanut butter (optional and to replace tahini)<br />
<br />
Mix together... I use my hands; its easier. When everything is mixed evenly, press into a cake pan (9X9) and refrigerate. I give it 30 minutes to harden and then cut into square bars. Wrap individual bars in saran wrap and keep refrigerated. <br />
<br />
Other things you can add for fun:<br />
<br />
substitute the tahini for peanut butter<br />
use sliced almonds and chopped dates<br />
cocoa powder for a chocolate craving<br />
apples- chop them finely or in a food processor<br />
<br />
Enjoy! And please leave comments with suggestions and experimentation!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-63960025911453043822012-08-01T21:46:00.000-04:002016-04-29T22:39:17.108-04:00Recipes, Recipes, Recipes...<br />
<title></title><style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
</style>
<br />
-->
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fall is in the air! I made this
recipe adapted from Allrecipes but I made a few “tweaks” to keep
it real. I thoroughly enjoyed making and spending the time doing it.
To begin, prepare for a long afternoon... pumpkins take a little over
an hour to bake and puree. The cheesecake itself takes almost an hour
to cook, then it should cool for at least 3 hours/ </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Pumpkin Puree (1 hour)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 pie pumpkin:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150
degrees C).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cut pumpkin into small manageable
pieces and cut off pith and seeds.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Place cut pumpkin skin side up in a
large roasting pan.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Add 1/4 inch of water and bake
uncovered for 1 hour or until tender.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remove from oven and allow pumpkin to
cool.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When cooled, cut away skin and mash or
puree.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Use ½ cup in cream cheese mixture.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>After pumpkins come out...</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Graham Cracker Crust (10 minutes)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
16 graham crackers</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
¼ cup butter</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crush graham crackers, melt butter and
mix. Then press mixture evenly into pie pan.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bake at 325 degrees for 8 minutes
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>While crust is baking...</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Cheesecake filling (35-40 minutes)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 8oz cream cheese
(I used 1/3 less fat)</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
½ cup white sugar</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 tsp vanilla</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 eggs</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">½
cup pumpkin puree</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">½
</span>tsp cinnamon</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.04in; margin-right: 0.08in;">
½ tsp cloves,
nutmeg, allspice (total)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.04in; margin-right: 0.08in;">
½ cup frozen
whipped topping, thawed (I used lite)</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Use a mixer to
cream together cream cheese, vanilla and sugar. Add eggs 1 at a
time. Separate 1 cup of mixture. Spread remaining batter into baked
graham cracker crust.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When pumpkin puree
is cooled, mix ½ cup to the 1 cup of cream cheese mixture. Add
cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gently pour/spread
pumpkin mixture on top of existing crust and cream cheese filling.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bake at 350
degrees for 35-40 minutes.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Remove from oven
when the middle has set up. Let cool in fridge for 3 hours or
overnight.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Newest Recipe Coming!!!!<br />
I don't measure or go by the book so that is why it is still coming:)<br />
I experimented with celery and potatoes and got cookin'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Peanut Chicken Stir Fry</b><br />
<br />
My roommate and I tried to make something different one night. I had some hot pot packets in my cupboard and decided to use them as our dipping sauce. We fried up some chicken in peanut oil, mixed stir fry veggies, added some hoison sauce, chili paste and green onions. <br />
<br />
Here is the list, no measurements allowed! I don't measure:)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDp4ukz72NQ/UBmvSEn8ALI/AAAAAAAAAfc/e43xAmFjO74/s1600/413693_10151075465527464_615879513_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FDp4ukz72NQ/UBmvSEn8ALI/AAAAAAAAAfc/e43xAmFjO74/s400/413693_10151075465527464_615879513_o.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Chicken<br />
peanut oil<br />
mixed stir fry veggies or veggies of choice<br />
onion<br />
fresh garlic<br />
ginger<br />
chili peppers<br />
soy sauce<br />
hot pot packets for dipping<br />
creamy peanut butter for sauce (yes, peanut butter:) <br />
<br />
Any choice of rice (I used couscous! it's faster)<br />
<br />
<b>Cucumber Salad</b><br />
<br />
Got cucumbers coming out of your ears? This recipe uses 2 cucumbers and 1 cup measurements of all ingredients. I got this recipe after going to my grandparents house last Sunday; as I was leaving, my grandpa handed me two cucumbers from the garden. I thought I would experiment on my grandma's age old recipe: <br />
<br />
1 cup plain yogurt<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJN_-wwxXao/UBmwZAeI-UI/AAAAAAAAAfk/eL1k-ujd2II/s1600/img_3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJN_-wwxXao/UBmwZAeI-UI/AAAAAAAAAfk/eL1k-ujd2II/s320/img_3142.jpg" width="320" /></a>1 cup apple cider vinegar and safflower, grape seed or vegetable oil (add more according to consistency)<br />
dill to taste<br />
10-15 drops stevia or 1-1/2 cup sugar<br />
1/2 white onion<br />
<br />
slice onions into rings<br />
slice cucumbers thinly<br />
add remaining ingredients and allow to marinate overnight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tuna Pasta Salad</b><br />
<br />
I made this in about 20 minutes one night about 10:30 pm. Creativity happens after 10 pm in my house:) I used all that I had in the cabinet... including Hungarian hot peppers ;) <br />
<br />
egg noodles<br />
canned tuna<br />
carrots<br />
peppers<br />
white onion<br />
celery<br />
garlic<br />
white and black pepper<br />
parsley<br />
season salt<br />
sea salt<br />
olive oil <br />
<br />
Boil water to make egg noodles<br />
rinse with cold water to stop cooking<br />
add chopped carrots, peppers, celery and onions<br />
add garlic, season salt, sea salt, black pepper, parsley<br />
Mix together with olive oil<br />
<br />
<title></title><style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
</style>
-->
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Farmer's Market Chinese Cuisine</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After shopping around Farmer's Market
this morning, I got some Asian eggplant, a Hungarian pepper, tomato,
green beans, and white onion. I decided to make my own version of Di
San Xian a Northeastern Chinese dish of potatoes, peppers and
eggplant... but I left out the potatoes and replaced them with green
beans.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0ToTpoMDT0/UDBbjdNpbFI/AAAAAAAAAjM/1iVRNrHNLJo/s1600/2012-08-18+12.27.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0ToTpoMDT0/UDBbjdNpbFI/AAAAAAAAAjM/1iVRNrHNLJo/s320/2012-08-18+12.27.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
¼ chopped white onion</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2-3 T peanut oil</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1-2 Hungarian yellow peppers</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1-2 servings fresh green beans</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 clove garlic, chopped/pressed</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 Asian eggplant</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 medium tomato</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
a sprinkle of Szechuan pepper corns</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
dash of salt</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 t Chili paste</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1 T Hoisin Sauce</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
a drizzling of sesame oil (opt) </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Saute pepper, onion and garlic in
peanut oil. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Set aside in separate pan. Begin boiling green beans.
Saute eggplant (sliced) until brownish. Add Szechuan pepper corns and
a dash of salt. Combine peppers, onions, garlic and eggplant in the
same pan. Add chopped tomatoes, chili paste and hoisin sauce. Let
simmer. <br />
<br />
Serve eggplant dish over a bed of green beans.
Drizzle sesame oil over before serving. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2049100774550969245.post-68752023927417919952012-06-18T22:41:00.001-04:002012-06-18T22:43:11.927-04:00Photography Favorites by Amy Kaehr<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yL68qIq5YPQ/T9_drntM9KI/AAAAAAAAAYA/wJFVeBl2OEA/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yL68qIq5YPQ/T9_drntM9KI/AAAAAAAAAYA/wJFVeBl2OEA/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
Back in college, a few of my friends inspired me to see the beauty and
creativity in photography. I began with nature shots. Later, I got into
different color schemes and city scenes. Here are some of my best ones
yet (that is from my perspective:)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckuhkasoasg/T9_dsm8r8pI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-91r89flFDg/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ckuhkasoasg/T9_dsm8r8pI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-91r89flFDg/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+530.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>Sunset - Potato Creek State Park<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvmuR40JBc8/T9_dtYwjYwI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/90Pkzzsr8wQ/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvmuR40JBc8/T9_dtYwjYwI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/90Pkzzsr8wQ/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFSIU9gmZv4/T9_dwjwuMrI/AAAAAAAAAYY/-yQmQBT7b5s/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFSIU9gmZv4/T9_dwjwuMrI/AAAAAAAAAYY/-yQmQBT7b5s/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+725.jpg" width="240" /></a>Hammond Indiana, where my brother and I bird watched. This was like a nature funnel where the migratory birds could rest. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPZ7aGbtq5Q/T9_dylrIqGI/AAAAAAAAAYg/vfBmm8Hw_FE/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPZ7aGbtq5Q/T9_dylrIqGI/AAAAAAAAAYg/vfBmm8Hw_FE/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+730.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAyhgwnJr0/T9_d0BUJjRI/AAAAAAAAAYo/mDdWcX58POA/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAyhgwnJr0/T9_d0BUJjRI/AAAAAAAAAYo/mDdWcX58POA/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+744.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiMCd6AK2qA/T9_d1b7mDbI/AAAAAAAAAYw/5XrtAa0qDds/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OiMCd6AK2qA/T9_d1b7mDbI/AAAAAAAAAYw/5XrtAa0qDds/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+745.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9GgJPOMrTc/T9_d_Ix0RnI/AAAAAAAAAY4/ElylCTFkCO0/s1600/October+10+2+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O9GgJPOMrTc/T9_d_Ix0RnI/AAAAAAAAAY4/ElylCTFkCO0/s320/October+10+2+107.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Beutter Park, Mishawaka, Indiana- Fall 2010<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDUZM5DBQ_4/T9_eCqTkaPI/AAAAAAAAAZA/d5iV1ejV75k/s1600/October+10+2+110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDUZM5DBQ_4/T9_eCqTkaPI/AAAAAAAAAZA/d5iV1ejV75k/s320/October+10+2+110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9obV-8uLMRc/T9_eF5WADII/AAAAAAAAAZI/Qp6uV0j4JEg/s1600/October+10+2+115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9obV-8uLMRc/T9_eF5WADII/AAAAAAAAAZI/Qp6uV0j4JEg/s320/October+10+2+115.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwpwYTBfBP4/T9_eIjSJ3cI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/UMDsb81Ua3Q/s1600/October+10+2+116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwpwYTBfBP4/T9_eIjSJ3cI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/UMDsb81Ua3Q/s320/October+10+2+116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVmn0rMXyps/T9_eLezHG3I/AAAAAAAAAZY/zNYKL6jBqvU/s1600/October+10+2+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVmn0rMXyps/T9_eLezHG3I/AAAAAAAAAZY/zNYKL6jBqvU/s320/October+10+2+129.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtJ__RJ9FiE/T9_eOuZfvbI/AAAAAAAAAZg/OK3MzEYnbKw/s1600/October+10+2+171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MtJ__RJ9FiE/T9_eOuZfvbI/AAAAAAAAAZg/OK3MzEYnbKw/s320/October+10+2+171.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Eyc-2zeCYs/T9_eV-IldKI/AAAAAAAAAZo/UvILbKwHUoI/s1600/2011-10-08+17.17.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Eyc-2zeCYs/T9_eV-IldKI/AAAAAAAAAZo/UvILbKwHUoI/s320/2011-10-08+17.17.47.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Potato Creek State Park - along trail 2. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8DEHt7hEYk/T9_edxuw9PI/AAAAAAAAAZw/tGvg0nwx0RI/s1600/2011-10-08+17.18.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8DEHt7hEYk/T9_edxuw9PI/AAAAAAAAAZw/tGvg0nwx0RI/s320/2011-10-08+17.18.02.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1_2Kv5ztVw/T9_ekfagafI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/0-Rs8GsiiSo/s1600/2011-10-08+17.35.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1_2Kv5ztVw/T9_ekfagafI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/0-Rs8GsiiSo/s320/2011-10-08+17.35.03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ghJbO8D4fU/T9_erlZwUVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Gyli_0IXfWE/s1600/2011-10-08+17.36.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ghJbO8D4fU/T9_erlZwUVI/AAAAAAAAAaA/Gyli_0IXfWE/s320/2011-10-08+17.36.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBc9W1ialCw/T9_ezn21IlI/AAAAAAAAAaI/lq1GYfEn1ec/s1600/2011-10-08+18.08.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GBc9W1ialCw/T9_ezn21IlI/AAAAAAAAAaI/lq1GYfEn1ec/s320/2011-10-08+18.08.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foZB4eb4m4s/T9_e2ZmGs8I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/Du0cGKNO9uA/s1600/Japanese+Gardens+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-foZB4eb4m4s/T9_e2ZmGs8I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/Du0cGKNO9uA/s320/Japanese+Gardens+094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Japanese Gardens, Mishawaka, Indiana<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnZ5gCt4Qwg/T9_e5Wi8eDI/AAAAAAAAAaY/nvgyb07sJqQ/s1600/Japanese+Gardens+199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MnZ5gCt4Qwg/T9_e5Wi8eDI/AAAAAAAAAaY/nvgyb07sJqQ/s320/Japanese+Gardens+199.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oBqGnitX9o/T9_e9hi9RbI/AAAAAAAAAag/xERgWzrnWBg/s1600/Japanese+Gardens+206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oBqGnitX9o/T9_e9hi9RbI/AAAAAAAAAag/xERgWzrnWBg/s320/Japanese+Gardens+206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNq9lvIfimg/T9_fCr9onpI/AAAAAAAAAao/pGNDJGC1m8k/s1600/Japanese+Gardens+257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNq9lvIfimg/T9_fCr9onpI/AAAAAAAAAao/pGNDJGC1m8k/s320/Japanese+Gardens+257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bG_kGwBPgAw/T9_fIW-Zy7I/AAAAAAAAAa0/XA45rJoACfM/s1600/Japanese+Gardens+263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bG_kGwBPgAw/T9_fIW-Zy7I/AAAAAAAAAa0/XA45rJoACfM/s320/Japanese+Gardens+263.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Northern California - Sierra Foothills<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Potato Creek State Park<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyL6qcj5Nls/T9_fKI3RS_I/AAAAAAAAAa8/rl_2NY4PL0o/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyL6qcj5Nls/T9_fKI3RS_I/AAAAAAAAAa8/rl_2NY4PL0o/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sDCFWao4LY/T9_fLmzwKsI/AAAAAAAAAbE/5GUVNL79GAc/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sDCFWao4LY/T9_fLmzwKsI/AAAAAAAAAbE/5GUVNL79GAc/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Spring 2011... ornamental trees in bloom<br />
along Mishawaka Ave.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA1VObROGr4/T9_flht41vI/AAAAAAAAAbM/KZ9luHwFxcc/s1600/100_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FA1VObROGr4/T9_flht41vI/AAAAAAAAAbM/KZ9luHwFxcc/s320/100_1065.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Various Winters... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yoh2PtDSH08/T9_ful4GDhI/AAAAAAAAAbU/2geXd_l6syw/s1600/Winter+pics+2007+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yoh2PtDSH08/T9_ful4GDhI/AAAAAAAAAbU/2geXd_l6syw/s320/Winter+pics+2007+075.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDHUYwEkL10/T9_fvgVWueI/AAAAAAAAAbc/KQRRLU1AOQU/s1600/Winter+pics+2007+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDHUYwEkL10/T9_fvgVWueI/AAAAAAAAAbc/KQRRLU1AOQU/s320/Winter+pics+2007+082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlWi43A0_uI/T9_fzPS0tfI/AAAAAAAAAbk/tWx28S-x5uc/s1600/Winter+pics+2007+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlWi43A0_uI/T9_fzPS0tfI/AAAAAAAAAbk/tWx28S-x5uc/s320/Winter+pics+2007+087.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lake Erie, Crane Creek State Park - Famous for boardwalk for birders.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JP36wEtw5s/T9_gFCOw0tI/AAAAAAAAAb0/qrW9gOSSInU/s1600/April-present+07+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JP36wEtw5s/T9_gFCOw0tI/AAAAAAAAAb0/qrW9gOSSInU/s320/April-present+07+027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ363AgvMM0/T9_f6DUQdNI/AAAAAAAAAbs/8m1XzaNOkts/s1600/2012-04-02+17.19.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZ363AgvMM0/T9_f6DUQdNI/AAAAAAAAAbs/8m1XzaNOkts/s320/2012-04-02+17.19.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8aQ9hArzRc/T9_gG89puJI/AAAAAAAAAb8/h-gkyB7ksn0/s1600/July+07+133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8aQ9hArzRc/T9_gG89puJI/AAAAAAAAAb8/h-gkyB7ksn0/s320/July+07+133.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
City Scenes, Downtown South Bend<br />
- Morris Performing Arts <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9g1Yul6nNA/T9_gKXGzRxI/AAAAAAAAAcM/FbFC8VvrvsE/s1600/July+07+170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9g1Yul6nNA/T9_gKXGzRxI/AAAAAAAAAcM/FbFC8VvrvsE/s320/July+07+170.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvtU7nwDbyk/T9_gIo6ofkI/AAAAAAAAAcE/sb1Ypt0Hh_E/s1600/July+07+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rvtU7nwDbyk/T9_gIo6ofkI/AAAAAAAAAcE/sb1Ypt0Hh_E/s320/July+07+161.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJfnIp-V-Mc/T9_gLjZq5zI/AAAAAAAAAcU/pNyjb4NpBA0/s1600/July+07+185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJfnIp-V-Mc/T9_gLjZq5zI/AAAAAAAAAcU/pNyjb4NpBA0/s320/July+07+185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzkxLVVxmI/T9_gOcNgi3I/AAAAAAAAAck/LrFWgM7sf1I/s1600/June+07+265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzkxLVVxmI/T9_gOcNgi3I/AAAAAAAAAck/LrFWgM7sf1I/s320/June+07+265.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOXUjk8F460/T9_gQDeMRQI/AAAAAAAAAcs/0pKk045apXU/s1600/New+pics+08+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOXUjk8F460/T9_gQDeMRQI/AAAAAAAAAcs/0pKk045apXU/s320/New+pics+08+033.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Xinzheng, Henan - China </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iIIP1BIiOU/T9_gi9mEv3I/AAAAAAAAAc0/FYdVtcOqE1Y/s1600/China+Scenes+1+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iIIP1BIiOU/T9_gi9mEv3I/AAAAAAAAAc0/FYdVtcOqE1Y/s320/China+Scenes+1+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7KvwZYjEN0/T9_gkW1pz6I/AAAAAAAAAc8/n3kisWgay5k/s1600/China+Scenes+1+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7KvwZYjEN0/T9_gkW1pz6I/AAAAAAAAAc8/n3kisWgay5k/s320/China+Scenes+1+075.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGs-0cJLBUs/T9_gltHkkVI/AAAAAAAAAdE/cYpnO6LoMB4/s1600/China+Scenes+1+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGs-0cJLBUs/T9_gltHkkVI/AAAAAAAAAdE/cYpnO6LoMB4/s320/China+Scenes+1+077.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxL4NWNaLtE/T9_gmsjQfFI/AAAAAAAAAdM/igrk9Pc4zwk/s1600/China+Scenes+1+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxL4NWNaLtE/T9_gmsjQfFI/AAAAAAAAAdM/igrk9Pc4zwk/s320/China+Scenes+1+078.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc40LNE4NjI/T9_gnbS8JgI/AAAAAAAAAdU/XP5zprrJfoc/s1600/China+Scenes+1+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc40LNE4NjI/T9_gnbS8JgI/AAAAAAAAAdU/XP5zprrJfoc/s320/China+Scenes+1+085.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evS-rJCP23E/T9_gpUT5uiI/AAAAAAAAAdc/QijKI3Gt0t0/s1600/China+Scenes+1+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evS-rJCP23E/T9_gpUT5uiI/AAAAAAAAAdc/QijKI3Gt0t0/s320/China+Scenes+1+097.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-535YUbp3f6Q/T9_grPFjxQI/AAAAAAAAAdk/TzO_8RXkm90/s1600/China+Scenes+1+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-535YUbp3f6Q/T9_grPFjxQI/AAAAAAAAAdk/TzO_8RXkm90/s320/China+Scenes+1+101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JN3-kXFVEMo/T9_gsdmF5_I/AAAAAAAAAds/1pMbAQ766rY/s1600/China+Scenes+1+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JN3-kXFVEMo/T9_gsdmF5_I/AAAAAAAAAds/1pMbAQ766rY/s320/China+Scenes+1+129.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGAffPAhTi4/T9_gtDQWNQI/AAAAAAAAAd0/2JhFiF06_sI/s1600/China+Scenes+1+132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGAffPAhTi4/T9_gtDQWNQI/AAAAAAAAAd0/2JhFiF06_sI/s320/China+Scenes+1+132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wintery Sunset </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vbsXXc1q4I/T9_guPgAqPI/AAAAAAAAAd8/8E4pvMtT_Lg/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vbsXXc1q4I/T9_guPgAqPI/AAAAAAAAAd8/8E4pvMtT_Lg/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmd2ZI7i9FA/T9_gvMWwmhI/AAAAAAAAAeE/CnFr2dGLqhk/s1600/Amy%27s+Camera+154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmd2ZI7i9FA/T9_gvMWwmhI/AAAAAAAAAeE/CnFr2dGLqhk/s320/Amy%27s+Camera+154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S79Duqs307g/T9_g3STuQnI/AAAAAAAAAeM/tPt6zCIPY4g/s1600/June+07+242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Indiana Dunes State Park - Sunset highlighting Chicago's silhouette</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S79Duqs307g/T9_g3STuQnI/AAAAAAAAAeM/tPt6zCIPY4g/s320/June+07+242.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmBZUxUVLUU/T9_g54ekcBI/AAAAAAAAAeU/GmUsZLC0Bpw/s1600/June+07+258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmBZUxUVLUU/T9_g54ekcBI/AAAAAAAAAeU/GmUsZLC0Bpw/s320/June+07+258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVn0oYTg4ZM/T9_g7U8lXJI/AAAAAAAAAec/BbqSji_ZJic/s1600/June+07+261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVn0oYTg4ZM/T9_g7U8lXJI/AAAAAAAAAec/BbqSji_ZJic/s320/June+07+261.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miami, Florida </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3B6R1ErUfk4/T9_haG2MZ3I/AAAAAAAAAek/8mh09ijZE58/s1600/2011-11-28+16.10.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3B6R1ErUfk4/T9_haG2MZ3I/AAAAAAAAAek/8mh09ijZE58/s320/2011-11-28+16.10.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The waters outside of Havana, Cuba<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRi7R9slfRc/T9_hhKKGf0I/AAAAAAAAAes/an9RHGt02JQ/s1600/2011-12-01+11.47.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRi7R9slfRc/T9_hhKKGf0I/AAAAAAAAAes/an9RHGt02JQ/s320/2011-12-01+11.47.36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1naDcwb7G_k/T9_hn7alc2I/AAAAAAAAAe0/ZYRqAK1g7Ys/s1600/2011-12-02+10.07.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1naDcwb7G_k/T9_hn7alc2I/AAAAAAAAAe0/ZYRqAK1g7Ys/s320/2011-12-02+10.07.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
A cloudy afternoon on Miami Beach</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCukss3Glno/T9_hyGuRE6I/AAAAAAAAAfA/b0fT7D75krM/s1600/Cruise+2011+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCukss3Glno/T9_hyGuRE6I/AAAAAAAAAfA/b0fT7D75krM/s320/Cruise+2011+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the port of Cozumel, Mexico<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08939163742103503255noreply@blogger.com0