Eric Says “Lisa Needs Sleep.”

Airports in general are tiring, hot, sweaty, aggravating, stuffy and crowded. I don’t like them. Airplanes are like miniature airports but with an increased factor of all of the above. I really don’t like planes. I want to be home, in my bed, showered and clean and able to stretch as much as I want.

Terminal three at Heathrow is like a mini Chinook mall with just as many people cramming themselves into less retail space. It’s wonderful! Unfortunately it doesn’t have a shower like terminal four did on the way to Kenya and so I will stink when I get home and you hug me at your own risk.

Eric also says “Lisa has to write two positive things about Heathrow so everyone doesn’t think we’re going through hell.”

Heathrow terminal three has a Starbucks.

Heathrow terminal three has a sushi bar which I plan to snack at before getting on the plane. I hope it’s good.

PS – I’m grumpy!

Lisa

We Are Baptists...

And that means we eat. We like eating, especially goooooood food. Turns out the Acacia Camp has really good, good, good, food. We had pasta bars, omelette bars, kabobs, salad, and curry’s and all of it was so yummy. Needless to say any of us who lost weight have gained most of it back if not all. Don’t get me wrong, we are NOT complaining!!!

Not only does the Acacia Camp have great food but also great scenery. We saw, Guiney Fowl, Oryx, Thompson Gazelle, Grant Gazelle, Antelope, Giraffes, Zebra, Mariboo Stork, Ostrich, Warthog, Civet Monkeys, Eland, Wildebeest, Impalas and lots of birds. Between debriefing sessions and meals we got lots of opportunities to experience all that the camp has. If you ever get the chance go for a visit.

Lisa

A Day of Rest

We went to church at Nairobi Baptist Church, it’s basically Center Street Church and at least as big as the old building and most likely bigger. Some of the worship songs were ones that I would normally do back in Calgary with Hearts Wide Open and I found it really comforting but I think others found it a little unnerving. All around it was a good service but very similar to services at our church which I found a little unexpected.

After church a number of us watched some Olympics for a couple hours. I really found this to be a treat since it’s really the first time we’ve seen or heard any coverage of the games. It’s rather bizarre to have the biggest sporting event in four years happening and to know nothing about it. I guess it’s not that bizarre when you consider that most of the people we’ve been working with have WAY bigger problems to deal with, like where am I going to get the water I need to be able to drink today.

Post lunch we packed all our crap into vans and headed out to the game ranch that Tim lives on. Wow is all I can really say about it. There are MANY, MANY, MANY animals here to watch, hear and chase away from the compound. It’s kind of like living on the farm but having no fences. We are here for the next two days and will have our debriefing while here. I think this means that all the weight I lost will be back by the time we’re home, the food here is really, really good!!!

Lisa

I Tried To Adopt a Baby...

But Eric said no! It’s probably best, I’m not sure if dad would let me keep an elephant in the barn during the winter. I suspect that he’d say no, well at least until he saw how cute it was and then maybe I’d have a chance.

We went to an elephant orphanage today and got to spend an hour or so watching the baby’s eating (which they do every three hours) and playing in the dirt and water. It was amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time. Most of the orphans had mothers that died because of injuries and some were just found wondering by themselves. Amazingly some even fell down man holes (they are waaaaay bigger here)! The youngest one we saw was only three weeks old and had just a few days ago come to the orphanage. It was still quite skinny and recovering from being alone for a day or more with no food or water. I can hardly believe that they can actually survive at this age, if you took a three week old human baby away from it mother and put it in a grassland I bet it would be dead in hours. How these little guys survived is beyond me.

The baby’s who have been there a little longer really like to play with the people and come to rub along as many as possible in the front row. Needless to say, elephant babies are not exactly clean. More than one of us had huge red dirt stains all over us. I tried to convince Nada that she should go roll in the mud to stain her entire pair of capris but she wouldn’t go for it. I can’t understand why, at least the other babies would help her play!

lisa

Travel day

We moved to Nairobi today and let me tell you, if you think traffic in Calgary is bad you REALLLLLLLLY need to come to Nairobi for the day. Twenty minutes of sitting in traffic here will cure you of any ill will you feel towards the City of Calgary and their 'traffic calming measures'!!! The most interesting part of sitting in traffic was the men and women walking up and down the lanes selling Kenyan Passports and Greencards. I knew they were a hot commodity here but that was unbelievable to me.

When we finally made it past the worst of the traffic we stopped at a Curio store for a little more shopping. The store had no set prices and you had to see what you could get done on your own. I think in general we really outdid ourselves in the bargaining department. Quite a few of us walked away from ridiculous deals and the rest of us managed to talk them down to some more manageable prices. The guy Eric and I talked to tried to sell us two goblets for 7000 shillings. We knew from the trip to the carvers that they shouldn't be anywhere near that price and low balled him at 1000. His eye's nearly popped out of his head and he wouldn't budge from 6000 so we walked away. After some time we walked back in the store to look around again and the man approached us four more times before finally coming down to 2500 shillings. Personally, I still think we paid too much but I was more than happy that I won the battle.

The highlight of the day was a trip to the Java House for lunch. They are kind of like a Starbucks but with a full menu and after being on Kenyan food only for so many days we were all ecstatic about the prospect of some 'normal' food and some real coffee (they only serve instant in the hotels here). I had an indian curry and Eric had a burger. Our expectations were not high by any means but they sure exceeded them, what a joy.
Tonight we are in a new guest house which sits beside a huge Baptist church which typically sees 3000 per service. Thankfully this house has internet and we are able to catch up on our blogging. We will be here until Sunday morning and then we move to Tim's ranch. We're all very much looking forward to that as we expect to see many animals there.

Lisa

Water works

We went to the ABC Agricultural Show Grounds and were able to see how the church is teaching people to farm in different ways and to conserve water. When you consider the resources that these people have it is absolutely astonishing to see what they can do. If even half the people in Calgary followed the water saving techniques we saw I would bet our ecological footprint would take a massive cut. They also showed us some amazing tiered gardens that were made out of old potato bags, each garden only took up about three feet in diameter at the base but was more than four feet high. You can imagine how much that increased their square footage. For people who have little or no space to begin with this really increases the amount they can produce for their families, its unbelievable!

After the Show Grounds we did a little shopping and then went to a wood carving place. When you walk in to the store it totally overwhelms you. There are soooooo many carvings, layers and layers and layers of carvings. There are carvings of every animal in Africa, nativity scenes, spoons, bowls, masks, you name it, they have it. It's quite amazing that all of these things come from this one cooperative of carvers who are basically out in the middle of nowhere. Eric spent a lot of time talking to the men and discussing their techniques. A few of them tried to convince him that the chisel method he uses for carving is useless. It's interesting how two people can do the same work in such different ways. I still think Eric's work is better but maybe I'm biased.

Lisa

We're back!!!!!

While we were in Machakos we were staying at the ABC Guest House and had no access to internet. We have now moved to Nairobi and are able to access internet through some cyber cafes. I'll start posting the last week or so below so read on and quit worrying because we're all still alive!

Lisa

More dancing

We went to two Dispensaries today where ABC runs some basic levels of health care for outlying communities. I found this particularly eye opening due to the lack of even basic supplies. These facilities did not even have some of the supplies we have in our First Aid Kits. Admittedly, between Kathryn and I we are rather over prepared for a lot of things but we're only here for two weeks. I don't want you to think that they have nothing. They have a lot of medications which can fix a multitude of problems but that is about the extent of their supplies.

On the way in to the last Dispensary we were met beyond the gate by the Guardians of Hope group and we all marched/danced/sang/laughed/looked like wazoongu's into the compound. It was really a wonderful experience but I have never felt so white in my life. At home I usually have a pretty good sense of beat but I think the plane ride here erased that. When we dance the ladies usually start laughing at us and then we start laughing and it all goes downhill from there. Let's hope that the plane ride home doesn't completely erase my sense of beat!

Lisa

Saying goodbye

Today was our last day on the dig site at Mitaboni. Thankfully it was also the longest amount of time we were able to spend there. There is something so very cathartic for our souls in getting to work alongside the people of Mitaboni. Singing songs and talking to them makes the work a little easier and seeing the difference we were able to make was really astounding. It's amazing to think that we have contributed to giving them clean water which will change the lives of those people we got to know so well.

After the work was finished we all gathered under the tent and had some presentations from Guardians of Hope orphans and other members of the community. These were moving and you got a clear sense of the true thankfulness they had for us coming and working with them. All this paled in comparison to the biggest surprise of the day, as part of the goodbyes they had a naming ceremony for us and we each received Comba names according to how they had seen us and interacted with us on the job site. This was an amazing experience for all of us and really made us feel part of the community. After all the pomp and circumstance we finished the goodbyes in true Comba fashion with a song and dance. I don't think any of us have any rhythm yet but at least now we can sing some Comba songs and pretend pretty well.

Lisa

Went to school

On Monday we worked for about two hours in our continued digging efforts and then left the work site for the college at the ABC Mitaboni complex. We then had tea with the principle (Edward) and a number of pastors and lay people from around the country. They were all taking a leadership course while the students are on vacation. Edward explained to us what they currently do at the theological college and the challenges they are facing in moving towards supporting more secular courses and diplomas. Their greatest need at the moment is for transportation of the teaching students to and from their practicum’s. He then took us on a tour of the campus and the dorms. I think the tour made all of us appreciate even more the luxuries that we have at home as well as the space. I didn't think it was possible to pack people in more than we do in University dorms but I was VERY mistaken!

It was also interesting to note the differences in how they would solve the short comings versus how we would solve them. It was a struggle for a number of us to understand their options or to suggest other options. We all needed a lot of time to digest the differences and I'm sure we will continue to watch this project with anticipation.

lisa

Sunday

The Ki-Swahilli service was actually a little mild compared to what we were expecting. The girl’s school that normally attends ABC church was not there that day and this had the effect of calming the dancing a little. The choir was still an amazing experience and they sang and danced with great emotion. It was nice that they had actions to a lot of the things they were saying somehow this gave more meaning to their words. The church took great care to have interpreters sitting with us during the service and also to interpret the sermon from the pulpit which was done by Sam Mutisia. Sam is a really wonderful person whom a lot of us have a growing respect for. His work with the Sharing Way is leading the charge on a number of issues in Kenya.

After church we went to a restaurant for lunch and all of us seemed to enjoy eating some new fare or some more familiar 'western' food. The afternoon was spent relaxing and napping. A number of couples took the opportunity to reconnect with each other which was refreshing. Living in a dorm style doesn't allow a lot of opportunity for the normal connection we are used to in Calgary. This makes Sunday afternoon all the more valuable.
lisa

Tired

We were in Mitaboni again today to build and it was hot. Again we danced, sang, threw cement, chucked dirt and dug rocks but somehow it was more tiring today. Some of us walked from the work site to the Mitaboni church for lunch and that was most definitely the highlight of my day. It was great to feel like you were really here amongst the people doing what they do, walking! We also got to walk back and again it was really relaxing and exciting all at the same time.

The kids here are soooooo filled with joy. Their smiles are the epitome of infectious and you can't help but laugh with them. When they see us drive or walk by they immediately stop what they're doing and wave. They smile a huge smile and flash their white teeth and often follow us down the road great distances. It makes us feel so welcome and excited no matter how tired or sore we were five minutes ago.

Tomorrow we go to a Ki-Swahilli service that should challenge our abilities to keep a beat in a whole new way. So exciting!

lisa

Sang and danced all day

Today we met the people of Mitaboni. What amazing people they are. We worked alongside many of them and helped them build two holding tanks. The tanks will have water pumped to them from a pre-existing weir, it will then be purified and used for villagers to drink and water their plants with. These tanks will change the lives of everyone in that area. Currently some women have to walk up 6 kilometres and pay for just 20 gallons of water. If you want to know what that's like then get a large camping water jug and strap it to your back, now hike six kilometres, fill the water jug, and hike six more. Oh wait I forgot the important part, I'm pretty sure it really is uphill both ways! That was tiring just writing the sentences let alone actually doing it. Not only will they have cleaner water closer to home but they will also be able to use all the time they would have spent fetching water to instead grow plants to feed their families and sell at the markets. This is LIFE CHANGING!!

When we got to Mitaboni we split into groups and some of us started hauling dirt while others helped finish the mortar and bricks for the first tank. Those of us who were digging and hauling dirt worked alongside the women for the most part. They are an inspiring group who kept us all singing Ki-Comba and dancing as we went. Somehow the work seems better when you're dancing.

lisa

Took a walk

This morning Peter, Wendy, Nada and Janet went for a walk around the compound we were at to see what animals they could find. Turns out there were a lot of them, giraffe, zebra, gazelle, antelope, and lots of birds are just the ones I heard of. Those of us who are not so motivated slept until breakfast and then we all piled into the vans and headed to the ABC headquarters.

We learned a lot at ABC headquarters. They do something I found very interesting, after every second Sunday the women and men meet separately and talk about what they are interested in and their current ABC projects. The ABC headquarters is responsible for telling each church how much money they need to raise for some projects and other targets they set themselves. During these meetings they talk about how they will raise the money and more importantly how they will use the money. This is a really simplistic take on what they told us but the best I can do for now. Besides the meetings they also toured us through the rest of the headquarters including the church, the area offices, the bishop's house, the development office and also past the day care. The day care was by far a highlight for a number of us. The kids were VERY excited to see us and Peter and I took video and pictures of them and then showed them what they looked like on the screens. Their reactions were priceless and we were nearly knocked over while they clamored for a look. At some points we even had to stop and let the small ones at the back see. It was made more interesting by the fact that none of them spoke English so telling them to stop or getting one child to the front was all hand gestures.

As I mentioned yesterday we met the Bishop. He is a very kind man who has more recently taken over the 'bishopdom' (What do you call that?). In his past life he was a teacher who taught Math, English, and some other subjects that my mind refuses to recall the names of. He is now married to his second wife, as his first wife passed on some time ago, and they have seven children and two orphans that they care for. It makes for a large family and they are too large for the rooms they now have in the Bishops offices. They rent a house close to the compound where the boys live most of the time. It seems as if both this and the fact that he is 'always on duty' because they now live in the offices is very tiring for him. I know that in my own life while working with family I sometimes feel as if I can't leave it and so being a bishop in a huge church organization and having people feel as though they are entitled to your presence whenever they like would be frustrating. He must be a man of great patience.

Because of the Bishop's past experience as a teacher he is very dedicated to the church's newest mission of building a University. I'm sure that all the pressures of being the Bishop are easier to take now that he can help guide the church towards a goal which is so dear to him. They have made a plan to have the university open in 15 years but I would be surprised if it takes that long when you have such a dedicated leader pushing the project along.

The Bishop, Sam, Titus and Peter took a great deal of time to tell us about all the things the church is doing and how many churches they have throughout Africa. It was a very informative day but also very tiring. Even I had to fidget purposefully during our last session just to keep myself from nodding off.

We are now at the ABC Guest House in Machakos which has its own compound and garden etc. It's amazing to see all the flowers that I would normally see only in flower shops at home. This guest house will be our home for the next seven-ish days before we move to Nairobi. We actually got to walk most of the way from the ABC compound to the guest house and I must admit it was a little weird being stared at. All of the children and some of the adults we passed waved and were very excited when we waved back. We passed more of the small roadside shops and I'm dying to get a chance to stop at some eventually. Tomorrow we expect to get to Mitaboni and work on the water project we have helped with there. We'll do our best to take many pictures for all the folks at home to understand what we are doing here.

Lisa

Good night to Crossfield!

In Canada my parents live in a small town north of Calgary named Crossfield. Often while I’m laying in bed falling sleep or waking-up I hear large planes overhead waiting to land at Calgary International. As I was sitting in bed last night talking to my husband about the experiences of the day I suddenly heard that familiar sound. A plane went overhead and brought with it an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. I felt completely at home.

lisa

We’re in a Kenyan Paradise!

Well we made it here and we’re all alive. We even kept everyone together for the most part. Unfortunately our luggage was not so lucky, Darren’s bag never made it on the plane to Kenya. Apparently Heathrow figured this out before we even got here because when we did get all the Visa’s figured out and the rest of the luggage found we noticed a huge list of people whose luggage apparently is still at Heathrow. After many lines and a new appreciation for Air Canada and West Jet we’ve come to find out the bag should be on the next flight and in his hand tomorrow.

Tim met us at the airport and two vans took most of the team to our lodge for the night while Lynn, Nada, Eric and I waited for Peter and Darren to brave the Lost Luggage Line-up. The lodge we’re at for the night is called Lukenyan Getaway and it’s really spectacular. There are all kinds of trees and plants that we don’t get to see much of at home, even a Ficus tree that’s at least the size of a large lilac bush!!! Not only that but there are also animals, we all caught a glimpse of a small herd of giraffes on the way here and then found the BIGGEST BEES IN THE WORLD in one of the flower bushes. We all have rooms for the night and got to have nice warm showers before meeting for our first briefing. Tonight we get to have dinner in the bush, so cool!

All this is in stark contrast to the people/towns/houses we passed on the way to the lodge. Many people seemed to live directly under the trees which while romantic to me I’m sure is slightly less than that for them. Many unfinished apartment type buildings line the sides of the ‘highway’ we traveled and we saw nearly every shop you can imagine on the way to the lodge. It’s giving us all a great appreciation for our new found paradise and the care and safety afforded us even here.

Tomorrow we expect an audience with the new Bishop which will really be an honor. We hear he’s pretty wonderful and not much for protocol. Should be interesting!

Lisa

Sleep Deprivation and Boats

Good Morning to Calgary!!!

We're in Heathrow and I'm fairly certain that everyone is sleep deprived. The first leg of our trip was long, cramped and stuffy as most plane rides are. EXCEPT for Peter! Peter managed to get an entire row to himself and was able to stretch out in relative comfort and sleep almost the entire flight. We've all decided that this really isn't fair at all and there should be some sort of punishment for it. We have yet to figure out the form of punishment though.

Heathrow is a busy place with five terminals and one flight coming and leaving every three minutes. Now that's organized!! Some of us found a shower and managed to 'hire a towel' which was a pleasant surprise. It's very humid in London today and it's been raining off and on all day. It appears that the movies are true, in London it's always raining.

We don't have a gate for our next flight yet but should find out shortly. The trip to Nairobi is about 9 hours and that's longer than the one we just left. I'm not sure anyone really relishes the thought of getting on another plane at this moment. Maybe CBM should look into boat rides instead of planes?

Lisa

Stewart

I am 16 years old, I am an LTD at gull lake center and I go to school at central memorial high school. My passions include God, church, music, cooking and my family and friends. I play the Alto sax, drums, guitar, and I enjoy singing.

At ABC I am a part of our youth worship band and I love to hang with the youth.

I am going on this trip because I’ve always wanted to go on a mission’s trip and this is the perfect opportunity. I hope that it changes my life and the life of others on this trip.

This trip is exiting for me because I want to get to know other cultures and have fun well I’m there. I’m looking forward to working on the well project that my church has been sponsoring over the last few years.

Through out the trip I would like prayer for energy to keep on going cause I’ve been so drained over the summer. I would also like you to pray for the knowledge to do the right thing through out the trip. When I return I would like prayer for recovery from my expected culture shock and help talking about what I have experienced in Kenya.

Dave

I am Liane's husband, and two of my kids, Miranda and Stewart, are also on the team with us. I am excited about this family and team experience, I am sure we will all come back strengthened and changed. For work, I have been framing new homes for the past 17 years.

I have been interested in Missions all my life, and this trip to Kenya is a real answer to God's call to me. For years I have heard about the various ministries of the churches there, and I will be grilling Kenyan leaders for information on how they do so much, and how we can really be true partners with them (they can help us, too). I just read "The End Of Poverty" and have a new excitement about what our global society can do if we try. I wish to do that small part which God has set for me to do.

In what seems a past life, I was an ordained pastor, and I expect to preach at the Kenyan churches as opportunity arises. I am nervous, but excited about this. I am looking forward to joining in worship there, and seeing how excited the Kenyans are about their Lord.

I have been part of Altadore church for 32 years, off and on. Presently I am on the Council, and I was part of the team that researched and then developed a new Governance model, and new Constitution for our ministries together. I am also a long time supporter of the Youth group, part of a small group, and a leader for the Adult Growth ministry team.

Join me in praying for the Kenyan people, and their very real struggles to overcome complex issues in their society. May our small effort give them a hope and joy that lasts, and may they join us in the safari to go Deeper, Higher and Further with God and with each other.

I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.....As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:5,9

Liane

Hi, I'm Liane. Dave and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in December. We have 3 wonderful children, two of whom are accompanying us to Kenya and one who is staying to work and make plans for his second year of University. I am a registered Social Worker who has worked with children and adults who have Developmental Disabilities for a number of years. Last year I switched directions and began working as a relief Social Worker in hospital settings. I enjoy hiking, travel, crafts and spending time with friends and family.


Over the years I have served in a number of capacities in the church including: Christian education, pastoral care, bible studies etc. At the moment I am on the Outreach Action Team helping with local and global outreach ministries. I am leading the newly formed community outreach team and I participate in an Adult bible study and the wellcome change group which raises money for water projects.


Over the years I have heard about the experiences people had in El Salvador and have gradually developed a desire to explore a more Global discipleship. God has led this group to go at this time. I know He has amazing plans which I cannot foresee but, man, I look forward to seeing it all unfold! I will be changed, my family will be changed, and our church will be changed. In some tiny way we will change some of those we meet in Kenya. Partnerships and friendships will be formed, journeys begun. Our God is an awesome God! He rules and only He knows how much his kingdom will grow as a result.


It's hard to say what I am looking forward to most. I look forward: to building relationships; to worshiping with; to working alongside Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ; to learning and being open to what God would teach me; to serving with Christians from another culture.


I would like prayer for: health and safety for our team. peace for family left behind, and an openness to the leading of God's Holy Spirit while I am there and when we return.

Lisa

About Me – I married Eric about two years ago and this will be our first mission together. Grew up in Calgary but moved to the country at 18. I’m now a country girl in my heart and hope one day to own some land out there. I love being in the outdoors and spending time with my family.

What do you do at ABC? I am on a great worship team and help out wherever I’m needed with other church activities.

Why are you going on this mission? Africa has always held an allure for me and I’ve wanted to go on a mission trip since hearing the experiences of our teams who’ve visited El Salvador. Getting to see the work we’ve done there with water projects is an added bonus.


What are you looking forward to the most? I’m so excited to meet other Christians who I’m sure will teach me more than I can imagine about living in God’s grace and abundance. God has lessons for me and I pray I’m listening when he speaks.

What would you like prayer for? Culture shock is something that will affect me both in Kenya and when we come back. Learning to live without a time schedule and understanding different ways of doing things will be hard for me while in Kenya. I have a hard time dealing with some of our ‘North American ways’ and I’m sure that upon our return I’ll have a hard time reconciling that.

Verse – Psalms 84:12 - O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Eric

About Me – I am 24 years old and am married to Lisa who is on the trip with me. We will have been married 2 years in September. I love to be outside and enjoy the peace and quite of nature. Fishing, hiking and woodworking are among some of my favourite hobbies.

What do you do at ABC? I am involved in the facilities management of the church.

Why are you going on this mission? I am going so I can open my eyes to what God has to show me and to learn about what diversity this world holds.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to seeing the people and what they utilize in their lives to make everyday tasks easier. The other main thing that I am looking forward to is experiencing the culture of a believer in a country that has had its challenges in relation to beliefs.

What would you like prayer for? I am thinking that the biggest challenge for me will be seeing the situation that these people are in and feeling like “our” way is the right way to proceed with the problem. I would like prayer for knowledge to be able to know that the way they do things is not necessarily wrong, but it is just different.

Verse – Matthew 6:34 - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Miranda

About Me – I love thinking and learning about all sorts of things, I'm a creative person who dabbles in nearly every area of artistic expression, from poetry to Drama. I moved out of my house not long ago and It's made me learn a lot about, well, everything. I hope to attend Rocky Mountain College the year after next, if I can save up enough money.

What do you do at ABC? I'm a member, and I grew up there.

Why are you going on this mission? Because I know God will use it to change some of the things in me that need to be changed.

What are you looking forward to the most? Meeting and learning about people.

What would you like prayer for? That I would get enough sleep, and be able to say what God wants me to, not just what I want to.

Verse -Psalm 42:5 - Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Sara

About you: I’m a university student at UBCO going into my third year of a BSc in Biology.

What do you do at ABC? During the school year I attend First Baptist in Kelowna. I get the opportunity to look after the kidlets in the nursery and teach Sunday school to grade’s 1-6.

Why are you going on this missions trip? I’m going on this mission for a few reasons. Africa has been a part of many members of my family; from both living there to remaining connected to the continued development and change. For many years I’ve wanted to travel to the continent where my dad, uncles, and cousins got to grow up, as well as put some illustrations to the many adventures and stories my grandparents have told over the years. I’d like to experience this place half way across the world that’s been such a part of my family history. Secondly, I’m looking for a challenge of my faith and stability as a Canadian Christian - who likes to live in a bubble. I need God to expose me to the blunt realities of beauty and pain that exist outside my casual routine. Finally, I think the greatest way to share Jesus is through love. This trip is an opportunity to give my time, energy, and compassion, for something I expect to be much more rewarding in return. And of course to see beautiful Africa!

What are you looking forward to the most? I’m looking forward to experiencing (and hopefully participating in) how the Kenyan people love and celebrate Jesus. I cannot wait to be with the kids - whom I expect to both fill and break our hearts. Ultimately, discovering a simpler way of just loving people the way we were supposed to, and learning so many unexpected things from the Kenyan people. I’d also love to see a giraffe…or two…

Verse: Matthew 5:13-16 - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Roland

About Me - Married and father of 3; self employed as an Accountant working with families on either their personal, corporate, or estate accounting and tax needs. Enjoy ice hockey, soccer (foot-ball), and many other sports. I like gardening and most renovation projects.

What do you do at ABC? I have been involved in Stewardship & Finance and am currently involved in one bible study and one house group.

Why are you going on this mission? The plan was to assist in construction of a water well similar to one that Altadore had already raised funds for.

What are you looking forward to the most? To meet and work with people on the different projects we will be involved in.

What would you like prayer for? Safe travels for our group

Verse - Proverbs 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Nada

I grew up attending Altadore Baptist from age 12 on. It has been such a big part of my life – being baptized, getting married, dedicating our 2 children, serving on staff for 15 years, and so much more. I am currently serving as an Elder and am involved in pastoral care and the prayer ministry.

My job for the last four and a half years has been teaching English as a Second Language at the Calgary International Learning Centre, a ministry started by First Baptist. I love teaching the adult students who come from all over the world. In the future I hope to do some ESL teaching overseas.

Going to Africa has been a childhood dream from the time that missionaries used to stay at our home, while on furlough, when I was young. It is going to be so exciting to be able to see firsthand the work that God is doing in Kenya and to build the bond of friendship and encouragement with brothers and sisters in that part of the world.

As I go on this trip I ask for your prayers that I will be open to all that God wants to teach me - about Himself, the world, the broader Christian community, and about myself, my faith and life in Him. In the words of Colossians 3:17

Let every detail in your lives (my life) – words, actions, whatever –
be done in the name of the Master, Jesus,
thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Glenn

About You - I’m married with two children who are both going with me on this trip. I work for an oil & gas energy company as the Manager, Geophysics. I grew up as a son of missionaries in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What do you do at ABC? I have been attending ABC for 27 years and have served in many capacities. Currently I serve as a member of our Council and as a teller.

Why are you going on this mission? There are three reasons why I’m going to Kenya. Firstly, I grew up in Africa and this would be a return to the continent I grew up in. It is an opportunity to share with my children some of the culture and geography I grew up with. Secondly, it is an opportunity to introduce Altadore to Kenya and the continent of Africa. Thirdly, I will experience a volunteer mission trip and begin to explore the possibility of more in the future.

What are you looking forward to the most? I’m looking forward to the ‘familiar’ sights, sounds, and smells.

What would you like prayer for? For safety for all of us, for our team cohesiveness in Kenya, and for the impact this experience will have on all of us.

Verse - I Samuel 30:24 The share of the one who stays with the gear is the share of the one who fights – equal shares. Share and share alike!

Janet

About Me - The grandma of the group! Born in Yorkshire, England and raised on a farm with 2 brothers and a sister, horses and the farm were the focus of my life until moving to London where I lived and worked for 3 years. I emigrated to Canada (ostensibly for 6 months) and Iived in Vancouver for 32 years where I worked as a legal secretary for various law firms including 12 years in the Legal Department at the Port of Vancouver. In 1986 I joined West Vancouver Baptist Church, was baptised that year and attended there until moving to Calgary in 1997 when I came to Altadore. For 6 years I worked as a Legal Administrator for Tim Hortons and am now focussing on learning how to retire! After a couple of serious car accidents and major surgeries in 2003 and 2004, I am once again fully active, swim daily and enjoy my home and garden.

What do I do at Altadore? Following our new Governance, I was on the Council for 2 years and helped write several new Policies & Procedures, my last task (recently completed) being the preparation of the Human Resources Policy. Whilst on Council, I was the Secretary as well as a cheque signatory. Now I am on the Hospitality Committee and have enjoyed helping with a Seniors' luncheon and our church picnic among other special events. I am also a teller and help out in the church office from time to time.

Why am I going on this mission? Travel has always fascinated me and I enjoy meeting people and seeing how different cultures live. I have been fortunate to spend vacations in India, New Zealand, Europe and Malta and have always wanted to go to Africa (almost making it to Nairobi in 1993 on a church mission) so this is the fulfillment of a long term dream.

What am I most looking forward to? Meeting local people and seeing some of Africa's wildlife. Agricultural methods and working on the water tank at Mitaboni are others because access to clean water and sanitation facilities are of particular interest to me.

What would I like prayer for? That I will not get sick and will be able to cope with the food. Also for our safety.

Scripture - John 14:1-3 "Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Kathryn

About You - I am going into my third year in the Bachelor of Nursing program at Mount Royal College. I enjoy spending time with my family/friends and like sports. I love to travel and have had some great opportunities to travel in the past and am looking forward to future travels (like Kenya!).

What do you do at ABC? I am a young adult at Altadore Baptist Church. I have also taught Sunday School to the age 3-5 children.

Why are you going on this mission? I have always wanted to participate in a missions trip and my hope in going on this mission is that God will use this time in Africa and with the Kenyan people to draw me closer to Him.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to the work that we will likely be doing with Guardians of Hope. I am excited about getting to know the Kenyan people and learning about their lives. In particular, I look forward to the opportunity to connect with the kids that we cross paths with.

What would you like prayer for? Good health and that God will provide me with the energy that I will need each day.

Verse - Hebrews 12:1-2 …let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…

Vanessa

About Me - I grew up in Calgary, and am turning 20 this year. I enjoy a variety of activities including soccer, badminton, tennis, card making, hiking, sewing, gardening, and swimming. I am enrolled in my 3rd out of 4 years at Olds College getting my Bachelor of Applied Science in Landscape Management.

What do I do at ABC? I am involved in children's ministry, teaching Sunday school classes and helping out in nursery. I regularly help with offering, and sometimes do greeting, as well volunteer set or clean up for various church events.

Why am I going on this mission? I am going on this mission trip because it has been a dream for me to go to Kenya and after going on a short term missions trip to El Salvador a few years ago I gained and learned so much that I knew I would love to experience something similar again.

What are you looking forward to the most? When the opportunity arose I jumped at it because I love serving our God and through this ministry I am able to work alongside our brothers and sisters in Kenya. I am most looking forward to gaining a new understanding of a different way of life, and new and strengthened relationships.

What would you like prayer for? My prayer request is for primarily health and safety on the trip as well as blessings on our relationships within our group to strengthen and grow, and the development of treasured relationships with the Kenyans.

Verse - Psalm 86:12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart; and i will glorify thy name for evermore. Psalm 86:12

Lynn

About Me - I have been happily married to Darren for 25 years. We have three children who are now all young adults. I am a Speech Language Pathologist and work with young children who have speech and language impairments.

What do you do at ABC? I am the co-team leader for the Outreach Ministry Team and as such, help to coordinate and participate in the local and global outreach ministries of our church.

Why are you going on this mission? I hope to learn more about the joint work of the local churches and Canadian Baptist Ministries in Kenya and to gain a greater understanding of the outreach opportunities that Darren and I may have in the future.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am most looking forward to meeting the people of Kenya and seeing the church in action through its community development projects.

What would you like prayer for? I would appreciate prayer for myself, our team members and our church as we return to Canada – that we could make sense of the experiences we have had and be open to how God would want us to live as global Christians in our world today.

Verse - 1 John 3:16 – 18 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Darren

About You - I have been married for 25 years and have three children (23 year old daughter, 20 year old son and 18 year old son). I have a degree in Civil Engineering and work for The City of Calgary where I am responsible for water resource planning.

What do you do at ABC? Co-coordinator for Inn From the Cold (ministry for homeless) and member of Elders. Have participated in four short-term mission trips to El Salvador.

Why are you going on this mission? To see what opportunities there may be for future connections between Altadore and ministries in Kenya. Also looking to see what opportunities there may be for Lynn and I in the future.

What are you looking forward to the most? Meeting new people and learning more about the way God has been guiding them in their journey of faith.

What would you like prayer for? To hear what God has to say to me through the people we meet and the experiences we have.

Verse - Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Wendy

About Me - I love to spend time with my family, friends and volunteering, at church, Ten Thousand Villages (a fair trade store run by MCC) and on the Young Life Regional Committee for Calgary. I also like gardening, walking, scrapbooking, sailing and playing the piano.

What do you do at ABC? At Altadore Baptist, I am involved in facilitating a Ladies’ Study group and hosting an Adult Evening study group. I also love to help out in the hospitality area and am involved in the Community Outreach area of the church. My involvement in Altadore in these areas reflects my desire to be a part of fellow believers’ lives and also to reach out into the community around me. I am also a part of a Ladies Prayer group and that reflects my belief that God uses prayer to change the world.

Why are you going on this mission? I am going on this mission because I have been touched by what I have seen has happened in Africa in the last several years and how God has worked through his people in Africa in response. I want to witness this first hand.

What are you looking forward to the most? I am looking forward to seeing God’s work and the people’s involvement in it. I am also hoping to see a giraffe!

What would you like prayer for? I would like prayer for a heart that is open to learn and experience everything God has for me to learn and experience in Africa.

Verse - Hope steadily, trust unswervingly, love extravagantly. 1 Cor 13:13 MSG

Peter

About Me
- Age 52, married (25 years) to Wendy
- Three children – Ryan 21, Kathryn 20, Jordan 18 - all are students, all living at home with us
- Educated as a geologist, worked 28 years in oil and gas exploration and production,large companies and very small, presently not working (retired maybe?)
- Like to sail and fish and ski
- Like to build and repair things
- Presently wondering about what the next years will be about
- Participate on a finance committee with the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada
Member of the Calgary Regional Young Life Committee

What do you do at ABC?
- Lead a small Study Group of people from Altadore in our home (with Wendy)
- Various other activities – informal member of the hospitality committee
- help out where needed

Why am I going to Kenya?
- I want to see what it is like to be a Christian in Africa
- Want to meet Christians in Kenya and get to know them
- Want to see how Canadian Baptists have been involved in Kenya in the past and see firsthand the ways we could be involved in the future
- What are you looking forward to?
- Meeting Christians in Kenya
- Experiencing the local culture
- Seeing the beauty of the country

What would like prayer for?
- For our health
- That we would have a great time as a team
- That we would experience the Kenyan people in a close relationship and make some lasting friendships

Verse - Psalm 133 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Paul

I am 16 years old and I go to Central Memorial High School. I enjoy playing the drums and have been playing for the past 3-4 years. I also enjoy cooking and want to be a chef when I grow up.

At ABC I am apart of the music team of the youth and help out with Inn from the Cold.

The reason I am going to Kenya with this team is because I want to help out and change my life and others on the trip.

What I’m looking forward to on this trip is to help out with the building of a well because we at the church have been putting money towards this well.

When I am on this trip, I want you to pray for me and the team. Some reasons I need pray for are for me to be able to help others and not do the wrong thing. Another is that when I come back to pray for me to be willing to talk to others about the trip and to not get sick.

Our Devotions

To see our deovtional book please click here.