3 More days

Can you believe it there are only 3 more days till we leave.

You're packing should be done by now and ready for tomorrows meeting...

Just to introduce myself, I am Robyn's Mom, Judi and I will be keeping the blog up while the team is in Africa. So make sure to keep checking the blog for updates each time I get them. Judi

Only 4 More Days

It is hard to believe that in only 5 more days we will be in London!!

In London we will take the Tube in and see Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham palace, Westminster Chapel and more statues then you would ever thing one town could hold!!

It will be a fun time to hang out together and see a new country before we head on to Kenya!!

ONLY 6 MORE DAYS!!

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Sunday....

I am so excited!! I can’t wait for us all to be together and off to Kenya!!

Here is an outline of what is going to happen this Sunday:

Please be at 1st service by 9am. We will all sit together up front. After we go up on the stage feel free to stay for service or head out…

Please be at 2nd service by 11am to go up on stage again. Each service we will be going up in the first 20 minutes and it is important that as many people that can come do!!

We will be meeting at Mike and Kari’s house at 2pm. Make sure you have your own bag already packed with you. Kari will be sending an email out shortly as a reminder about your personal bag… weight, size…

You do not need to bring your carry-on. Kari will be sending an email out shortly on your carry-on… what should be in it, what sizes it can be and weight.
British Air is very strict about carry-ons!!

We will pack the last bags and weigh all of them.

We will be going over Wed. times and all.

We will be praying together for the trip and each person.

Each person will be taking 3 bags home with them to bring to the airport on Wed

.
Please be at Sunday Night service by 6pm to go back up on stage on last time for prayer… Please!!! We need as many people as can come to please be at this service too.

Kari and I are here if you have any questions, prayer request or need help with anything.

Last Week....

We are down to the last week before we go....

7 more days!!!

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:3-5

I am sure the children are getting excited...

Start taking what you have to boost your immune system today if you

have not already started....

You will start your malaria pills next Tuesday!!

This last week will be a busy one for all of us

it will also be a week of worry...

Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Remember God is in control.

Take each day one at a time.

Pray for each other.... get a hold of your prayer partner,

even if you do not need prayer they may!!

9 More Days!!

ONLY 9 MORE DAYS!!

Can you believe we are in the 10 day count down!! Here are some photos of some of the amazing trees in Kenya. I fell in love with the trees the first time I was there. Yes, you just might even see me huge one while we are there... :) The Baobab is my favorite. (top one) It is known as the upside down tree. It looks as if God pulled it up but the roots and then replanted it on its head! If you look closely at the middle photo you will see people sitting under that tree!! This one reminded me of the Tree of Life at DisneyWorld. It is believed that this area may just be where the Tree of Life was found that is talked about in Genesis....

Genesis 2:9

And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Here are some things to remember....

• Do you have your visa photos.


• Do you know where your passport is.


• Do you have your yellow card with all your shots recorded on it.

All of these need to be on your person at the airport. DO NOT PACK THEM!! We have seen it happen before.....

What Can I Bring....

I don't know if you've flown in the lastyear or so, but things have changed a bit regardingyour carry on luggage!

Here is a link if you want more details on what isallowed, but I'll try to give a "quick" summary :)

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Common sense stuff still can't come with- knives,scissors, etc.

The big change though is with liquids.

Each person is allowed ONE quart size, zip-top, clearplastic bag and all of your liquids must fit in hereas you're going through security.

All of thoseliquids must be in bottles labeled 3oz. or less.

This means if you have a bottle of lotion that is labeled 4oz., but it clearly is only 1/2 full, they will makeyou throw it in the garbage, so watch your labels!

This includes gels- hair gel, toothpaste, etc.

Prescriptions in their original bottles

are allowed,and I don't think they need to fit in your baggie.

Don't bring bottles of water, juice, or pop with tothe airport, you can't get them past security.

(emptywater bottles are fine)

Once you're through security you can buy all of the beverages you need and they are fine to come on the plane with you.

One last important note on carry-ons-

YOU ARE ALLOWEDONLY ONE CARRY-ON PIECE, NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

Some airlines allow a back pack and a purse, not thistime.

It is one and only one, so pack accordingly!

A Word from Kari....

Less than 2 weeks to go! Can you believe it???

I've found myself recently struggling with the fact that the trip is almost here and my anxieties are starting to surpress my excitement! I find myself wondering through so many "what if's"- What if something happens to one of the kids? What if they don't believe my visa pictures are really me and they won't let me in the country? What if there is a yellow fever outbreak and I'm stuck in Kenya? As I find myself feeling anxious about these and so many other things like feeling inadequate, I've begun to realize that these are all tools that Satan is using to discourage me. He knows that God is going to work in a mighty way in and through each one of us while we are in Kenya. We each have so much to give, and I think we'll be surprised at how much we get from the kids.
We are in the final stretch and Satan is going to be throwing so many things in our way to bring us down.
Be praying against these spiritual attacks and any physical ailments that he's going to throw in our paths. The Bible talks about this in Ephesians
6:10-18 (see below). We need to take up the Shield of Faith to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one! I encourage you to study this passage and pray through it when you're feeling discouraged! Call your prayer partner and talk through things too.

Kari

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Down to the last two weeks....

It is two weeks before we go...

We have all our funds in or they are on the way

and

We have all our supplies in for our projects!!

If you are like me you might have even started packing...

well, at least setting things aside that will be packed.

Now is the time to ready ourselves for going....

How.....

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9

Little Rascals....

I love this picture. It was taken on Hair Day.

That is when two gals come in and re-braid all the children's hair.

I thought of Buckwheat from The Little Rascals...

You are just going to fall in love with these

Little Rascals!!

16 More Days

16 more days till we are off....
Can you believe it is so close!!

It is time for last minute shopping...
DeeDee and I went Saturday to the Mall

and got a lot more fun
things for the girls Fashion show!!
Maya has been working so hard on this show.
Thank you Maya for all you are doing!!

My mom, Judi, has also collected a lot of fun clothing

and jewelry for the show!!

THANKS Mom for all your support and help!!

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27

A little History

We are so close that I have begun to dream of Kenya.

All the feelings of Joy I have there are coming back so real it is as if I am already there.

I can see each child's face and imagine what they look like now, a year later.

I have a list going to remember all I need to bring

and all I want to bring for the children.

WE ARE ONLY 18 DAYS AWAY FROM LEAVING...

I find it funny that we are leaving on the 4th of July....

I tell people we are honoring not only our Flag by going,

We are honoring the Kenyan Frag by reaching out to them.

This 4th of July we thank God for two Flags!!!

The flag of Kenya was officially adopted on December 12, 1963.
The Kenyan flag is based on that of Kenya African National Union. The colours symbolize black majority, red for the blood shed during the struggle for freedom, and green for natural wealth; the white fimbriation was added later and symbolizes peace. The black, red, and white traditional Maasai shield and two spears symbolize the defense of all the things mentioned above.

Origin of the Kenyan flag
The Kenyan flag is based on the black over red over green flag of Kenya African National Union (KANU), the political party that led the fight for freedom and independence of Kenya. Upon independence, the white fimbriation, symbolizing peace and unity, and the shield were added.
The colours of the flag have been specified by the Kenya National Archives.

A Brief History of Kenya
About 2.5 million years ago Homo habilis lived in the rich fertile rift valley. By 50,000 BC Homo erectus had emerged and Stone age cultures spread over this area. The forefathers of Homo sapiens became hunter gatherers. Cushitic- speaking agro-pastoral people from the north, Ethiopia, and pastoral Nolites followed from the Nile valley moved across during 3000 to 1500 BC.Bantu speaking cattle herders and cultivators came from Sudan and West Africa between 500 BC and 500 AD. By about 800 AD Omani-Arab traders operated down the east African coast, under the Sultan of Zanzibar, and intermarried with the Bantu creating the Swahili culture.In the 16th and 17th Centuries the Portuguese gained control of coastal trade, but Arab resistance saw their power restored
During 1780 and 1850 Britain, France Germany and America established trading concessions with Zanzibar, but by 1895 Kenya had become a British protectorate. During the late 1890s and early 1900s the Kenya- Uganda railway was built and a white settler community was established.When Kenya became a British colony in 1919, organized African political activity developed. By 1944 KANU (Kenya African National Union) had formed, and Jomo Kenyatta became KANU's President in 1947. The Mau Mau uprising (1952-56) which resulted in over 10,00 deaths led to Kenyatta becoming Prime Minister of an independent Kenya in 1963.Jomo Kenyatta died in 1978 and was succeeded by Daniel Arap Moi. Although other political parties were by now permitted, Moi and Kanu were returned to power in 1992 and again in 1997, though with substantial opposition

19 More Days

Philipians 4:12-13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

In only 19 more days you will be leaving for Kenya.

Spend this weekend prepairing your self both

with the things you need and in prayer.

Only 21 More Days!!

Romans 12:9-18

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Better words could not be spoken before we leave for Kenya.

Read them and then Read them again each day before we go!!

Print them out on a sheet of paper and take them with you.

When fear of going seeks up on you,

read them and find God' peace.

When you feel worn out and tired,

read them and be reminded of what God calls us to be and do.

When you are not sure what to do,

read them and be remind what God would have you do.

When you are not sure how to handle a situation with someone else on the team, read them and know how God calls you to handle it.

When Dieing to Self seems impossible,

read them and see how God asks you to do it.

Follow these words and you will come home truley blessed!!

Slums of Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya
Home of the World's Largest and Poorest Slums

One billion people in the world live in impoverished nations without safe drinking water. The markets in their slums sell sour milk, tainted chicken and spoiled meat. They are dying of starvation. They wear worn-out shoes and ragged clothes, and travel extraordinary distances for food, water and employment. Only one percent of them ever go to college, and most can’t even sign their own names.

Many have AIDS or malaria, and the number of orphans is ever increasing. They endure civil war, evil dictators, an active human slave trade and refugee camps. Their daily suffering is more than many in American society can even comprehend.

Statistics can make us feel like we know what’s going on, but they can’t describe the pain of holding a starving child in your arms. Numbers can’t tell us what it’s like to be twelve years old and watch both of your parents die of AIDS, knowing it’s now up to you to care for your siblings. Statistics say one billion people in the world live on less than a dollar a day; yet this means little to the father who has to gather firewood for twelve hours a day to earn his one dollar. All he knows is that he can barely handle his own suffering any longer.

In the slums of Nairobi there is no clean water, no electricity, and open sewers ran through the muddy streets. A widow with six children is eating small packets of spoiled condiments that had been thrown out by hotel restaurants. She and her little ones, precious to God, yet forgotten by the world, go to sleep hungry every night, without beds, in a one-room shack made of tin and cardboard.

Pastor David Wilkerson

World Challenge

Many of the children at GCC come from these slums.

They have story's like the ones above,

they are apart of the statistics.

You will get to hear many of them,

but be encourage, because the children of GCC have hope,

Thanks to God and you for all you do!!

Funds are Due!!!

YOUR FUNDS ARE DUE ON
JUNE 15TH
THAT IS NEXT FRIDAY!!

We need them all in so Jennifer can
buy our supplies and
pay for our rooms and transportation!!

AS OF LAST COUNT WE ARE SHORT $8000!!

David and Jennifer Hatley

23 years ago David and Jennifer felt the call of God to go to Kenya. They sold all they had and packed up their two very young children and headed to Kenya. Once there, they were told they could not enter the country. David said "you don't understand, God told us to come!" For hours this went on till finally the officials said, "Fine. Go!!" Knowing only one person in Kenya they went out. Now 23 years latter they have been God's hands in starting 4 children's homes, 7 schools for children who can afford to go to school and countless churches. It is their ministry we will be going to Kenya to support. Working in the children's home they helped start. They know each child by name. They spend time with each child in all 4 homes loving on them and encouraging them. Over the years David and Jennifer raised their three children (Penny came after they arrived in Kenya) and have adopted 3 Kenyan girls.

My favorit story of David and Jennifer was the last trip I was on to Kenya. We were asked to attend a wedding. At the wedding many of the kids came along. I was in the row of chairs in front of David and Jennifer. When I looked back behind me I found both David and Jennifer had ribbon all over them. The kids had gotten bord and gathered the ribbons arond them and began putting them on David and Jennifer. They were such great sports!!

David and Jennifer will not be in Kenya while we are there. They will be here in Washington preparing for their daughters wedding. But on July 29th, after we return from Kenya, you will get to meet David and Jennifer, along with their three adopted children. We will have a pot luck lunch. It will be a great time to ask any questions about CMIA and get to know two amazing people who followed God's call and have changed the lives of thousand!!

Are you ready to be with the kids of GCC?

They are full of energy,

full of life,

and full of laughter....

AND THEY ARE READY FOR YOU!!

There are so many you will never remember all their names,

but you will remember many of them.

Your life will be changed after 2 weeks with them.

I have been asked many times

"Are the orphans of Kenya different then the children of America?"

Then answer....

NO!!!

Then need love just like any other child,

they love attention like American kids do,

They have hopes and dreams,

they have crushes,

They care about how they look,

They LOVE candy and

They want to know they are important too.

I am so Blessed

Mark 10:13-16
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

I was thinking last night as I tried to fall asleep how Blessed I am

to have the people we have on our Team.

Each person brings Gifts,

Each person brings Joy,

Each person brings laughter,

Each person brings Hope!!

I look forward to serving in Kenya along side

Each and Every one of you!!

I am also looking forward to the friendship that will form

from these two weeks together.

Friendships formed on the mission field are life long,

I am still in contact with people I first went to Kenya with 6 years ago!!

THE BEST PART IS WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN GOD'S KINGDOM

SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN

WHO'S LIVES WE WILL TOUCH IN KENYA!!

Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

One Month from Today....

In just on month we will be on a plane to London and then

on to Kenya!!!

Here is a recap of our meeting yesterday...

I need all medical release forms back by July 1st.

If you don't have your visa photos done you need to get them soon.

YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR SHOTS DONE ASAP....

We went over packing.

Make sure you partner up with your roommate so you don't duplicate

what you take. This will save a lot of room.

Each person can bring 30 pounds of their own stuff.

You will need one outfit for painting.

we will each take 3 70 pound bags!!

Each person gets ONE carry on, this includes purses.

We went over each project and what is still needed...

They are all coming together really nicely!!

No bright toe nail or finger nail polish.

Your spending money should be in $100 dollar bills...

I spoke with Greg to clarify this and they need to be the newer bills with the big heads on them now....

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE REST OF YOUR FUNDS IN BY JUNE 15TH!!

The next time we will be together will be on July 1st

to pack all our bags.

Remember you need to bring your personal bag to this meeting

fully packed with all you are taking.

I am so excited about the group God has put together!!

I just know it is going to be an amazing trip!!