Santiago is not what I thought it would be.
Anytime I travel I have found it best to not make assumptions. Making predictions just gets you in trouble. Your mind is prepared and usually let down. For some reason, I thought I knew what to expect. I did the research and talked to those who came in the past, therefore making it acceptable to assume. In this case, I will say, that I am blown away by how greatly wrong I was. The first day was pretty weird, running on jet leg will do that to you, and I was confused mentally. I was uncomfortable and frustrated. As the days continued, I found myself sinking into this life with ease. Who couldn't with the unending views of the Andes, warm summer air, and a life so foreign its refreshing to feel the shock of unfamiliarity.
All in all, the first week has been incredible, except adjusting to walking everywhere, I forgot how much work walking is. We have been all around the city doing touristy things and things most Chileans and tourists don't do. For example, I don't think Chileans know what an Eno is. At one point there were seven Enos up between four trees. We already get a lot of attention because our pale skin stands out from the reflection of the scorching sun, and that just added to the amusement. We also all speak english, so anytime we talk people turn around and stare. Its great since I just love being the center of attention all the time (I hope you realize how sarcastic that was).
Another thing I never expected was for me to say that I enjoy school. I wake up and take the metro a few stops down, head into a spanish style palm tree heaven, learn Spanish which is actually an applicable class, head back to the apartment and lay on the roof by the pool until I scorch, then hang out. So, yeah school is not bad. I do have a few online classes and one other class on campus two days a week so don't think my life is easy, ha.
For this next paragraph, I will tell you about some cultural things that are different that you will find interesting. 1. We are surrounded by mountains, literally, so the pollution here is really bad because it has no where to escape to. The ozone layer has been depleting making the UV extremely high. Therefore Chileans wear sunblock everyday. This is something I did not figure out till a few days later and five shades darker. 2. Personal space is non-existent. I hate physical touch and people being close to me. I am much more comfortable with knuckles than a hug goodbye. Yet here it is customary to lean in for a kiss on the cheek. Weird. Also, on the metro, I have to just prepare for so many types of weird touching. Yet, I am oddly becoming OK with this. This is life here and this is not America. It's wild stepping out and taking on knew customs. 3. Peanut butter is expensive because Chileans don't eat it. 4. Coffee is instant and served in a tall sized Starbucks cup for them. Luckily I brought Crema coffee, a hand grinder, filters, and a hand pour, so this is not a problem. 5. Do not think life is terrible here because of the points I am making. I love the Chilean culture and their respect for humans. Anytime you enter a room you are supposed to greet everyone and say goodbye to everyone. I think this is something Americans think strange and annoying because we are selfish. We simply find it annoying to have to talk to everyone in the room and get stuck an extra hour before we leave to say goodbye. This value that the Chileans have is selfless.
Lastly, a few friends and I took an adventure to the coast this weekend. I experienced many things for the first time such as staying in a hostel, communicating with very broken spanish when it actually really matters because you need directions, and seeing God through animals. Let me elaborate on this last point. This weekend we were in a foreign city. Therefore did not know where anything was. We relied at many points on sheer luck than logic. Yet, from the start the Lord placed people in our path to lead us safely to the next point. There was a sweet middle aged lady who did not know english but made us feel safe and secure without saying a word, we ran into many english speaking people with maps (seems like a great idea for next time, a map), and some dogs led us to where we needed to be. There are so many wild dogs throughout Chile. They roam everywhere being fed by people who pass by. In fact, I learned that people do not buy dogs. They acquire them when the dog just follows them home and are reluctant to keep it. So the dogs were a normal sight, but their behavior was not. They continued to walk ahead and alongside weaving us through the alleways and web like streets of Valparaiso. God was working there. I love being able to see the Lord lead in such small acts. He has continued to speak to me this week through his people. Revealing at different times his plan for me for the time being. I think right now I am surrounded by many people who need a tangible encounter with the Holy Spirit. Graciously through my story of The Overflow, people are seeing God. Its so incredible to use what he has for me to encourage others. I also am being reassured about my decision to go into counseling, no further details necessary. God is so good isn't he? That he would choose us as prized and worthy.
Thanks for following along with my adventures. Pictures are up on my facebook page and can be also found on instagram @madslikesfries. Feel free to message me or text me through imessages if you want more stories or pictures or to say hi! Miss you all and am thankful to have so many people who fill me with love. May you see God and seek him through a renewal of his presence this week.
Till the nations proclaim his name,
Mads
Monday, January 19, 2015
Saturday, August 23, 2014
The Current State
Hello all my faithful readers & new friends,
I just wanted to share with all of you the journey that I have been on since returning from Kenya. It has been a busy, but exciting time and I cannot wait for you all to read this post. This has only happened because God has blessed me abundantly through your support.
The opportunity has finally come for me to launch The Overflow Foundation. If you read back to my early posts, I explained that a few years ago I was given control over an official 501c3 non-profit organization. Being in high school, I was not sure how this would play into my future, my current life, and what I would even do with it. I did not see myself as a business major walking around in a pant suit ordering people around (at the time thats what I thought people who owned their own business would do). So what was I going to do with a non-profit?
Before returning to Kenya, I established The Overflow Foundation officially and launched it publicly with family and friends in early May, which you can read all about on the site: www.theoverflowfoundation.org. The Overflow Foundation seeks to refresh hope in children living in developing countries through education and awareness.
The reason behind this mission is because I believe the best way to help those living in poverty anywhere in the world is to have them empower themselves. If they begin to rely on others for help, then they will always be stuck in the same situation. The only lesson they have learned is to beg to rich people and they will help you get what they want. If you teach children and adults, that they themselves have the ability to change their situation, then you change their lives and future generations lives for the better. Many times, the only way to make a lasting evident change in their living conditions is through education. Education plays a major role in getting children out of the slums. Education provides a future and stable job. A job that pays more than any work in the slums will get you. From there, children can establish a life outside of poverty. A life where food, clean water, shelter, and education is earned through hard work. Many times these children will invite their parents to come live with them. The downfall to this is that the government does not provide adequate education in these countries. The only way for children to be able to learn essential knowledge for college acceptance is to attend a private school. These school are very expensive. That leaves organizations such as Missions of Hope the only choice for their education. The Overflow partners with these organizations to help them provide education through financial support.
Missions of Hope and organizations such as these provide sponsorship education, where someone can donate the money for their education so that the children are able to get into college. Along with education, these children receive clothing, food, medical attention, Jesus, and love. Another great thing is that children with special needs are not overlooked. They are accepted and see as a human of worth, which is uncommon in these areas. Those with disabilities are normally looked down upon because they cannot contribute to the family. Society outcasts them. Thankfully, Missions of Hope takes these children and provides the tools to rehabilitate them so they can learn and function in society. It's such an amazing organization and I am thankful The Overflow can be apart of helping them spread love through Kenya.
How do we get the funding you may ask? Great question. The Overflow Foundation currently raises funds through repurposed goods in an online store. We sell headbands, shorts, and stickers. We hope to have t-shirts in our store soon. We also receive financial contributions online through Paypal. These are all tax deductible donations and all proceeds go directly to furthering The Overflows mission. Check all of these things out at our site www.theoverflowfoundation.org. We recently have launched this site through a company called Strikingly.
This company has helped launch our mission to the next level. Having an internet base is a huge advantage making it easy for customers to donate, learn information, and purchase goods through our strikingly site. They have been able to let us easily self-create our site that looks great on mobile devices and computers. Also strikingly has great customer service and easy to use editing tools to make the site true to our mission. Check them out if you are considering launching a website and soon they will have blog features running too! We are so thankful to have the site up and we are thankful to all the great people at www.strikingly.com.
Looking for ways to help The Overflow Foundation? Like and share our posts on facebook at The Overflow foundation, follow us on instagram at theoverflowfoundation.
Looking for more tangible ways? We are currently seeking designers of handmade goods from soap, to knitting, to cards, we'd love to sell your goods in our store. If you feel led, you can make a financial donation on our site.
I am so thankful for the constant support and love. I am so blessed to be able to found The Overflow and look forward to seeing how we progress. We are currently in contact with organizations in Asia to support and come along side. For now, check our site and the blog for updates! If you have any direct questions, you may contact us on the site through the Drop us a line section or email theoverflownfp@gmail.com. Thank you all.
Much love and appreciation to you all,
xoxo,
Maddie
I just wanted to share with all of you the journey that I have been on since returning from Kenya. It has been a busy, but exciting time and I cannot wait for you all to read this post. This has only happened because God has blessed me abundantly through your support.
The opportunity has finally come for me to launch The Overflow Foundation. If you read back to my early posts, I explained that a few years ago I was given control over an official 501c3 non-profit organization. Being in high school, I was not sure how this would play into my future, my current life, and what I would even do with it. I did not see myself as a business major walking around in a pant suit ordering people around (at the time thats what I thought people who owned their own business would do). So what was I going to do with a non-profit?
Before returning to Kenya, I established The Overflow Foundation officially and launched it publicly with family and friends in early May, which you can read all about on the site: www.theoverflowfoundation.org. The Overflow Foundation seeks to refresh hope in children living in developing countries through education and awareness.
The reason behind this mission is because I believe the best way to help those living in poverty anywhere in the world is to have them empower themselves. If they begin to rely on others for help, then they will always be stuck in the same situation. The only lesson they have learned is to beg to rich people and they will help you get what they want. If you teach children and adults, that they themselves have the ability to change their situation, then you change their lives and future generations lives for the better. Many times, the only way to make a lasting evident change in their living conditions is through education. Education plays a major role in getting children out of the slums. Education provides a future and stable job. A job that pays more than any work in the slums will get you. From there, children can establish a life outside of poverty. A life where food, clean water, shelter, and education is earned through hard work. Many times these children will invite their parents to come live with them. The downfall to this is that the government does not provide adequate education in these countries. The only way for children to be able to learn essential knowledge for college acceptance is to attend a private school. These school are very expensive. That leaves organizations such as Missions of Hope the only choice for their education. The Overflow partners with these organizations to help them provide education through financial support.
Missions of Hope and organizations such as these provide sponsorship education, where someone can donate the money for their education so that the children are able to get into college. Along with education, these children receive clothing, food, medical attention, Jesus, and love. Another great thing is that children with special needs are not overlooked. They are accepted and see as a human of worth, which is uncommon in these areas. Those with disabilities are normally looked down upon because they cannot contribute to the family. Society outcasts them. Thankfully, Missions of Hope takes these children and provides the tools to rehabilitate them so they can learn and function in society. It's such an amazing organization and I am thankful The Overflow can be apart of helping them spread love through Kenya.
How do we get the funding you may ask? Great question. The Overflow Foundation currently raises funds through repurposed goods in an online store. We sell headbands, shorts, and stickers. We hope to have t-shirts in our store soon. We also receive financial contributions online through Paypal. These are all tax deductible donations and all proceeds go directly to furthering The Overflows mission. Check all of these things out at our site www.theoverflowfoundation.org. We recently have launched this site through a company called Strikingly.
This company has helped launch our mission to the next level. Having an internet base is a huge advantage making it easy for customers to donate, learn information, and purchase goods through our strikingly site. They have been able to let us easily self-create our site that looks great on mobile devices and computers. Also strikingly has great customer service and easy to use editing tools to make the site true to our mission. Check them out if you are considering launching a website and soon they will have blog features running too! We are so thankful to have the site up and we are thankful to all the great people at www.strikingly.com.
Looking for ways to help The Overflow Foundation? Like and share our posts on facebook at The Overflow foundation, follow us on instagram at theoverflowfoundation.
Looking for more tangible ways? We are currently seeking designers of handmade goods from soap, to knitting, to cards, we'd love to sell your goods in our store. If you feel led, you can make a financial donation on our site.
I am so thankful for the constant support and love. I am so blessed to be able to found The Overflow and look forward to seeing how we progress. We are currently in contact with organizations in Asia to support and come along side. For now, check our site and the blog for updates! If you have any direct questions, you may contact us on the site through the Drop us a line section or email theoverflownfp@gmail.com. Thank you all.
Much love and appreciation to you all,
xoxo,
Maddie
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Overdue Gratitude
Friends and Family,
Mambo (Hey in Swahili). I hope this letter finds you all well and filled with the presence of the Lord. I am writing this thank you letter to you after almost three full months of processing time. There are two reasons for this. 1. to give myself ample amounts of time to let god reveal himself and his reasons for me participating in the Kenya trip, and 2. to reach out to you all just as you are forgetting that I even went to Kenya. This may seem weird to you but I think its the greatest way to refocus our minds.
Do you remember how generous you were and how closely you participated in Gods will for you as you prayed for my trip and supported me in many ways? I do, and I thank you. I try as best I can to pray for you because you have prayed for me and have blessed me. I have prayed that God would fill you with his presence. I pray that he would bless you in ways only he knows how. He is a loving God who desires to place us on the right path and I pray that he has. I do not forget about you, please know that you have not just touched my life with your enormous support but you continue to remain in my mind. I cannot say thank you adequately enough but I will try. Thank you. May God bless you.
For those of you who have not heard from me personally about my trip back to Kenya, It was definitely different from the last in the best ways possible. Looking back I see Gods hand molding my heart and my future. He taught me patience when I was not understanding of my fellow teammates, he showed me love through visiting those we saw last time and witnessed drastic improvement in the slums, he showed me strength as we were reminded of the lives that were lost while we were away, and he showed me unconditional joy through the parents and children living in the slums. There is not a way I could describe Kenya to you but its a contradiction. These children grow up in ten by ten tin shacks held up by sticks, which the government collects rent from. The parents work long days making barely enough to place one snack in their child’s hand for the day. They undergo rape at least 6 times before they turn 13, and I could continue to tell you of the atrocities these families go through including the fact that there is over a million people living in an area the size of central park, but that would be an injustice to them. Because despite all those horrible facts, the Kenya's are the most joyful people I have ever met. They are incredibly hard working, they are extremely faithful realizing that God is the only thing they need, which allows them to live a full life.
I became envious of their joy. I want to be able to be content with little, with nothing. Somehow this American culture pushes me back into thinking I need my nails done, hair highlighted, and another piece of technology that really just wastes my time. I learned so many things from this trip and I thank you for allowing my to grow. God is doing incredible things through your support. The special needs culture is now becoming more accepted, and more disabled children are given a chance to be educated. So much great things are coming in the future! I cannot wait to see what God has done when I return.
The school that I work with (mohiafrica.org), is called Pangani. We worked with the same school last year. It was amazing to be able to go back and see the change and growth. The amount of special needs children has grown from 20 to 200. Those that were already in the school last year have made a complete transformation. We have witnessed shy broken spirits turn into joyful children that see a future. Through your support, we are able to not only rehabilitate physical disabilities but the entire outlook of lives. Heres why, education is the only tool these children have to get out of the slums. Education allows them to get a job that supports them outside the slums. It also builds up their own confidence and outlook so that they get themselves out of the slums. This is key because it teaches self reliance, perseverance, and hard work. We have also begun to change how disabilities are viewed in the slums which is a huge victory. If we can change the view, we can change lives.
Our next trip will be focusing on community awareness and further outreach to the special needs population. My next step is to continue to pray about where God wants me to go next. I hope to continue the work in Nairobi while also spreading myself into Asia. Asia has been on my heart lately and I feel God calling me there. I ask you to pray for me and my next steps.
I thank you so much for the small victories you have allowed happen through Christ. He has grown your support by pouring into hundreds of live in Nairobi and Chicago. Through you support, I was also able to follow the Lords call to found a non-profit organization that seeks to refresh hope in children in developing countries through education and awareness. To learn more head to www.theoverflowfoundation.org and be sure to like us on facebook!
Thank you all sincerely. If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to call me or email me at maddie.nooner@gmail.com. Thank you!!!!!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Trip Review
Jambo Rafikis,
Did I ever expect to go to Africa when I was little? Was it something I dreamed about doing? Yes. That answer surprises many people. How could a little girl even know what awaited her in Africa? Well when God destines you for something he has an immaculate way of preparing you for his will. I remember being in fourth grade and a TV show came out. It was about an America family moving to Africa. I was addicted to that show. For some reason, that was desirable and attractive. The same thing happened when I passed a child sponsorship table when I was ten. I felt the same tug at my heart to sponsor a little girl from Rwanda, Africa. Those feelings can only come from God. Having never experienced Africa physically before, I was drawn to anything about it. That is how I knew that I need to go to Kenya.
The first time I went, it unexplainably changed me. I came back completely new. My personality changed and my drive changed. I would arguably say that it changed the total direction of my life. God was waiting for the perfect time to make this shift. I am so thankful for his timing. Even for this second trip to Kenya, God planned it for the perfect time for me. Many things were different about this trip and those changes challenged me in new ways.
The entire trip was amazing. There were so many times I just thanked God for bringing me to this place. I am a little hesitate of any people I know going because its mine. That is completely selfish and in no way correct, but I laugh at myself for thinking that way. I am selfish for the valley, for Nairobi.
From day one to the last day, God has perfectly touched each individual on the trip. Every one reveals a different view. Some felt that the reason for going was to see how much God loved them, others to show them that they are doing the right things, and some others need to change their path. Yet for me, it was to make me fall deeper in love with Christ and Kenya. Kenya is a place I can envision myself staying for a while. It is a place where I belong. I do not feel that I belong in Chicago and I never have. (This is where I remind you that all my posts are honest. I tell you what is on my heart bluntly because you all have made so many sacrifices in giving and praying for this trip that I owe you the same courtesy). Some might be a little mad that I say this but I never felt that it was to be my permanent home. I think God has placed me here as a step and building place to launch me into my future. I have complete confidence in this because God has allowed me to.
I recently listened to a sermon on Gods grace and his resurrection. The main theme of this message was to be in a place where you cannot stop talking about Gods love just as some cannot stop talking about their children or a travel experience (cough cough Kenya). What really spoke to me was that we have a responsibility to the entire world to tell of his love. Not just our neighbors. God says the entire world. He loves the entire world. He loves Kenya and America and everywhere else. I say this because some people are more focused on fixing America and do not agree with international missions trips. That is ok and God created you to help heal America. God did not create me for that. He created me to Go. Go unto the world and He reminds me of this often. He tells me to walk in obedience according to his will and when you do this you will be undeniably different. People will know that you are fulfilling Gods will because of the way you act. I feel that the best possible version of myself comes out while I'm in Kenya. I feel focused, I feel full of love and energy. It may be selfish that I feel filled when I am in Kenya and not as much at home but there I am able to feed off of everyone around me. Why would I feel so filled and close to Christ if that was not his will? So, I am thankful for him revealing his plan to me so vibrantly.
Kenya was a great success. The special needs population is growing and people are beginning to be slightly more comfortable with disabilities. God has opened numerous doors for the school in Pangani and all 17 of the missions of hope schools. I was working closely with the only two individuals on staff as workers in this field. I met one last year. Her name is Isabella. We became even closer and her smile and comfort is infectious. Its a blessing to work with her. She has been teaching me more Swahili and I got a few compliments from the hotel staff on my pronunciation and word usage :) :) :). The newest member hired was a man named Amon. He really helped improve the program at the Pangani center. He is literally a God send and is doing amazing work. We joked around a lot, laughed a lot, and he became a very close friend. It was hard to leave both of them, but I know that when I return it will be a joyous reunion.
Thank you all for the extreme amount of support you have given me. For those reading the blog, those praying, those just thinking about this trip. Thank you. All of this seriously could not happen without you. Thank you for trusting in what God is doing in Nairobi and through me. Thank you to DISTRICT 15 RADIO ROOM for your dedicated reading and prayer. I love you all and am so thankful for you lovely people. Maybe I can pop in there one day and say thanks in person.
I will be writing a few more posts here and there to keep you updated, share stories of some individuals that have progressed fruitfully, and a few other things. Once again thank you.
In his love,
Maddie
Did I ever expect to go to Africa when I was little? Was it something I dreamed about doing? Yes. That answer surprises many people. How could a little girl even know what awaited her in Africa? Well when God destines you for something he has an immaculate way of preparing you for his will. I remember being in fourth grade and a TV show came out. It was about an America family moving to Africa. I was addicted to that show. For some reason, that was desirable and attractive. The same thing happened when I passed a child sponsorship table when I was ten. I felt the same tug at my heart to sponsor a little girl from Rwanda, Africa. Those feelings can only come from God. Having never experienced Africa physically before, I was drawn to anything about it. That is how I knew that I need to go to Kenya.
The first time I went, it unexplainably changed me. I came back completely new. My personality changed and my drive changed. I would arguably say that it changed the total direction of my life. God was waiting for the perfect time to make this shift. I am so thankful for his timing. Even for this second trip to Kenya, God planned it for the perfect time for me. Many things were different about this trip and those changes challenged me in new ways.
The entire trip was amazing. There were so many times I just thanked God for bringing me to this place. I am a little hesitate of any people I know going because its mine. That is completely selfish and in no way correct, but I laugh at myself for thinking that way. I am selfish for the valley, for Nairobi.
From day one to the last day, God has perfectly touched each individual on the trip. Every one reveals a different view. Some felt that the reason for going was to see how much God loved them, others to show them that they are doing the right things, and some others need to change their path. Yet for me, it was to make me fall deeper in love with Christ and Kenya. Kenya is a place I can envision myself staying for a while. It is a place where I belong. I do not feel that I belong in Chicago and I never have. (This is where I remind you that all my posts are honest. I tell you what is on my heart bluntly because you all have made so many sacrifices in giving and praying for this trip that I owe you the same courtesy). Some might be a little mad that I say this but I never felt that it was to be my permanent home. I think God has placed me here as a step and building place to launch me into my future. I have complete confidence in this because God has allowed me to.
I recently listened to a sermon on Gods grace and his resurrection. The main theme of this message was to be in a place where you cannot stop talking about Gods love just as some cannot stop talking about their children or a travel experience (cough cough Kenya). What really spoke to me was that we have a responsibility to the entire world to tell of his love. Not just our neighbors. God says the entire world. He loves the entire world. He loves Kenya and America and everywhere else. I say this because some people are more focused on fixing America and do not agree with international missions trips. That is ok and God created you to help heal America. God did not create me for that. He created me to Go. Go unto the world and He reminds me of this often. He tells me to walk in obedience according to his will and when you do this you will be undeniably different. People will know that you are fulfilling Gods will because of the way you act. I feel that the best possible version of myself comes out while I'm in Kenya. I feel focused, I feel full of love and energy. It may be selfish that I feel filled when I am in Kenya and not as much at home but there I am able to feed off of everyone around me. Why would I feel so filled and close to Christ if that was not his will? So, I am thankful for him revealing his plan to me so vibrantly.
Kenya was a great success. The special needs population is growing and people are beginning to be slightly more comfortable with disabilities. God has opened numerous doors for the school in Pangani and all 17 of the missions of hope schools. I was working closely with the only two individuals on staff as workers in this field. I met one last year. Her name is Isabella. We became even closer and her smile and comfort is infectious. Its a blessing to work with her. She has been teaching me more Swahili and I got a few compliments from the hotel staff on my pronunciation and word usage :) :) :). The newest member hired was a man named Amon. He really helped improve the program at the Pangani center. He is literally a God send and is doing amazing work. We joked around a lot, laughed a lot, and he became a very close friend. It was hard to leave both of them, but I know that when I return it will be a joyous reunion.
Thank you all for the extreme amount of support you have given me. For those reading the blog, those praying, those just thinking about this trip. Thank you. All of this seriously could not happen without you. Thank you for trusting in what God is doing in Nairobi and through me. Thank you to DISTRICT 15 RADIO ROOM for your dedicated reading and prayer. I love you all and am so thankful for you lovely people. Maybe I can pop in there one day and say thanks in person.
I will be writing a few more posts here and there to keep you updated, share stories of some individuals that have progressed fruitfully, and a few other things. Once again thank you.
In his love,
Maddie
Friday, May 9, 2014
Day 6 & 7
Day 6:
There's the two cuties. The day was filled with many joyful goodbyes. God allowed us to touch the community and the kids so much. For that, I am thankful. It's what keeps me from having a flood flow from my eyes. God has done amazing work for the special needs community since we started working with them. We have seen the number of that population rise in schools, we have seen the pre existing kids at the schools improve drastically, and we have seen the students and staff bond together to support these children. There is still a massive amount of work to be done.... God use me, have your way. That's all I can ask. I hope to be blessed and returning constistently. I want to continue to thank all those who have encouraged me, supported me financially and emotionally, and my pray warriors who woke up to my text in the middle of the night and immediately prayed for me. Thank you. Do you see the evidence of god working through your support to lift up Kenya? To change Kenya? To reform it and make it a country working towards his glory? Because I do. I see evidence all around of that. It's a beautiful place with beautiful people. I became even closer with a few staff members that have been instrumental in uplifting the special needs community by going into the slums and searching for these kids. They are hard to find but they do it willingly for God. They have become so dear to me that's it was almost impossible for me to say goodbye.
Above are josh and Lisa's sponsored children that I was so so so blessed to see. Esther and Sheldon. Esther was so close to me the entire time. She had to be touching at least one part of me while she was with me. Sheldon would not talk, but he said thank you for the gift and asked me to say hi to josh and Lisa. We gave him pez and he would only eat one stack because the other 6 were for his sister. He is very giving. Esther was beautiful and so loving. It was a blessing to meet them.
Day 6 was one of my favorite days last year and it has won the title again. Today is the day where all the special needs students get to come together for a big day of special Olympics games. This is special because today the kids feel normal, they get to play with bright colored things, and they get to run around and be silly with us. We have 9 stations each highlighting a special skill such as kicking. Then the kids get a check mark after they complete a station. I just love looking around and seeing a smile on every student and staffs face. It's a beautiful day no matter how hot it is outside.
We broke for a snack and the kids got to eat five slices of bread and a milk pouch, and they were jumping on me for more. I just could not believe this. They eat five slices of plain bread and fight for more.
After the snack, we come together as a group to do a huge parachute and the famous tooty ta. Tooty ta was made famous last year by our team. It's a silly song that does not require English but requires you do to silly dances. Whenever we do it, kids run at us. We have up to 100 children doing it at a time with us. So you could imagine the look on the kids faces when we did it with them. Most remember the dance from over a year and a half ago!! After that, we did eye exams at a local MOHI school.
Special Olympics day is definitely a special day.
Day 7:
Yesterday is too hard for me to talk about. It's one of the best days and one of the worst. It's the last day at the school, which means the last day with the staff and children. I had to say good bye to some staff and students that have touched my heart in so many ways. I do not know gods plan for me, but I know I am not finished here. Still, the going isn't easy. When kids run at at you arm and arm and ask you "will you remember us", kids that have not been in the special needs group, just two boys that were in the goodbye celebration. Those moments hurt my heart. So of course I said: "picture!"
We had to say goodbye because yesterday was the last day with the kids and the staff. They do not work on Saturdays. So today we have a quick safari. I cannot believe that yesterday was it, but the echoes of our work will continue even while we are away.
Xoxo,
Maddie
Ps I do not re read these so I know there are always spelling errors but that makes it more me! :)
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Day 3,4, and 5
I realize its been a few days and I apologize. We have eaten out twice at missionaries houses stationed in Nairobi that work with missions of hope and yesterday we ate at a restaurant. That being said my time to write has not been much.
Day 3:
Today was all home visits. That means we walk through different slums and visit those with needs that force them to stay inside their 10x9 house. We saw three different special needs children. All with similar difficulties. Growing up in this small of a space with literally no where to walk or crawl forces bodies to develop with problems. Add in lack of nutrition, adequate water supplies, and illness every where forces children to have many difficulties. Most are forced to stay in their home their entire life. The culture in Kenya looks down on those with disabilities. It is a serious disgraces to have a child like this. The family hides their child inside the house so that no one discovers that their child has special needs, so well that most neighbors do not even know there is another child. The good news is that we are one of the first teams to actually go in and show love to the kids. The community watches us, mzungus (white people), so closely that every move we make they internalize. Once we enter the slums the kids follow us no matter how far until we reach the home. From there we are able to bring the special needs child outside to asses him or her. The kids see us touch and take pictures and love on them, which sends the message that we accept these kids. We end up drawing 40 kids into one small alleyway or walkway and have all the adults watching as well. The team will laugh with them, tickle, play, hold, and dance with the kids. The entire community is able to witness Gods love through simple actions requiring no words. That is what I love about entering the community. For dinner we ate at a families house that is living in Nairobi with their two children. It was amazing and filled with lots of laughter.
Day 4:
Today was amazing. There is no about of detail that I can add to today's story to bring it justice. It's something that will require a face to face conversation. It dealt with a family we met last year and the drastic change we saw today. This change was because of our team, Parkview, and of course God. We happened to be blessed with the experience of helping this family and the ability to see the change.
I bought lots of Kenyan coffee and espresso :)
Day 5:
Today we worked in two schools of MOHI assessing the special needs students that currently attend those schools. We did recreational work, eye exams, music therapy, yoga, and a general work up of them. We began at MOHI and assessed some kids we worked with last year and some new ones. Then we moved onto the most fantastic part of the day which was seeing Vinnie. He was a young man we visited last year that had leg problems. Vinnie was extremely shy but had a contagious smile. He was joyful but very reserved. Today we got to see him again and I cannot express the joy that I felt once seeing him again. We simply just visited him and tried to see the progression of his leg since we last saw him. After Vinnies visit, we went to another school. We did the same thing as at Pangani. The kids are wonderful and love seeing us.
The detail and rest is left to be told when I return. I am very tired but very filled. Please continue to be praying for our team as we have many getting sick. Thank you for praying!
Maddie
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Day 2
Thank you lord for continuing to reveal yourself in unique and creative ways. Today is Sunday. We participated in the Pangani center church service today and heard from what seemed to be a 14 year old girl preach and sing for four hours. Looking back at this morning, I have no idea how she spoke that long but she was so filled with the spirit it seemed hard for her to stop. She never ceased to praise God for everything from the slums to the current generation. Witnessing the faith of this young women was like getting a slap in the face. She spoke with such unwavering belief in every word she spoke about God, you could see the closeness of their relationship seeping from her beautiful face. I am thankful for this little one today for reminding me how much we as Americans get caught up in four stuff. Therefore, believing that we can save ourself. We forget that God is all we need. We forget the power of God and do not rely on him. We take our eyes off of God daily. This realization led me to remember what a Kenyan said to me last year, "when God is all you have you realize he is all that you need" isn't that how we are called to live? I have been faced with many questions lately because I have been forced to question myself. I find myself getting angry at the American lifestyle. God has really spoken to me about praising him for the life he has allowed me to live instead of questioning these blessings that I once again think that my family has achieved single handedly. That is not the truth! God has blessed me abundantly to the point where my cup has overflowed, because of this I see the opportunities I have before me. I am able to use this overflow of blessings to do more for Christ than has been possible. So today I am thankful for what he has given me. Thankful for my God who relates to us all so individually that only he truly knows how we need to be loved and fills us with that love if we allow him to.
Later this evening we will join Mary and Wallace for a dinner at their house. I am sure it ill be filled with praise, laughter, and great food (they have an avocado tree in their backyard = the greatest guacamole you will ever taste). Tomorrow will be the first day working with the special needs children at the school. We have found out that the students have grown from about 15-200 students in a year and a half with special needs. Seeing as there are only 14 of us, we are attempting to find the most effective way to care for them. Tomorrow will be a challenge but a day of work that is more than welcomed.
The place we are staying at has a large monkey population. This morning the monkeys attempted multiple times to steal our food. One got away with a handful of cereal and a biscuit. They also swing right by our windows and like to be roosters in the morning. Oh joy...
Peace and blessin's,
Maddie
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