So what have I been up to with HEART?

Here is a "short" overview of my past 76-ish days in Kenya... I wish I could step you through my time... day-by-day... as so much as happened the past two months. But I suppose this is better than nothing! Hope you can grab some coffee or tea and enjoy this glimpse into what has been keeping me so busy. (For daily updates, check out my Twitter @katewinslow ... also in the box on the upper right hand of this page.) I hope to write another blog to you about my transition to the University of Nairobi. I have started medical school, and my classes begin Monday, September 10th!

After arriving on June 20th, I spent a day at the office preparing for the arrival of our 2012 Summer Interns. I also accompanied Nancy, a forensic nurse, to the WEEP Center in Ngong for empowerment education on rape and sexual violence. While we were there, one of the PROPS women, Beatrice, shared for the first time that she was raped as a young girl. The education was powerful and new freedoms were experienced. I also spent a day preparing Edith's house for the arrival of the interns.

Kyndal, the first intern, arrived June 23rd. Together we continued to prepare Edith's home for the other interns' arrivals. We also joined Nancy to visit the Kibera WEEP Center for empowerment education on sexual violence. We also joined the June Bayside team to visit Ngong WEEP and Oldonyonyokie. Other days were spent in the office: I prepared intern projects and schedules as Kyndal organized the WEEP files for the arrival of the new WEEP Coordinator Deborah.

Amanda and Micah arrived July 2nd, and Meghan and Alexis arrived July 3rd. After orientation, our first intern Bible study, and some time for the interns to get to know one another, we all got to work. The interns joined Tammy for weekly Bible Study in the Kibera and Ngong WEEP Centers and joined Bob and Tammy for the Marbroukie Feeding Program after having one-on-one meetings with me. (One-on-one meetings were held once a week to follow-up with each intern individually to gauge how they were physically, emotionally, and spiritually and to check-in on their projects. One-on-one's were typically on Fridays.)

The Roteract Club of Nairobi Central invited the interns and I to a cultural festival called "Jungle Fest" in Olerai. We spent Saturday traveling with the Roteractors to Olerai, where we camped for an evening after learning archery, spear throwing, and dancing with the Maasai. The following morning we went on a hike around Maasai land and played games with the Roteractors then returned home to HEART in Nairobi. It was the perfect way for interns to connect and have fun with other young people from Kenya, who are passionate about serving.

The following week the interns and I spent in the office, preparing projects for our first trip upcountry. Kyndal spent a couple of days at the Ngong WEEP Center, gathering information, but most of us stayed at the compound. After a fun weekend of visiting the Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage, and enjoying lunch at Java House, we packed for our trip upcountry. On Tuesday, July 17th, we traveled to Kisii (Manga). On Wednesday, Amanda led a teaching on HIV and cervical cancer using a poster she created. Micah also worked with local leaders to demonstrated how to build a chicken pen. As a team, we split up and visited 2-3 homes each and assessed the housing status of each of the newly recruited WEEP women.

The following day we spent traveling to Nyakach. (Because HEART works in such remote areas, we typically have to devote an entire day to travel!) On Friday, July 20th, we recruited 32 women in Nyakach as a team. Some of us took portrait photos of each woman; some measured height, weight, and MUAC; and some did individual interviews. It was a long, but rewarding day! Saturday was devoted to teaching: Micah built and demonstrated a chicken pen, and Amanda led in HIV and cervical cancer education.

After lots of hard work and a blast upcountry, the interns and I left from Nyakach to the Maasai Mara. There, we enjoyed a two night safari at Fig Tree, where we spent a day resting and exploring the Mara. We saw all kinds of wildlife including giraffes, elephants, hippos, gazelles, lions, hyenas, and even a cheetah!

The day after we arrived from safari, we quickly got back to work. Lydiah (FFG Coordinator), Amanda, Alexis, and I traveled to Akiba School in Kangemi slum to host FFG teaching and sanitary towel distribution. Our hearts were broken at some of the information we learned of students being pulled out of school (against their will) to be prostitutes or because of early pregnancy. However, we left the students with smiles as the young girls felt empowered. Some even recognized me from a FFG teaching that I led with Katie Bowman (Mission Staff) in 2010.

The rest of the weekdays were spent in the office; each intern focused on preparing and organizing his or her project. Alexis worked on bookmarks and a FFG report. Amanda prepared files for the women who were recruited. Kyndal continued to spend time in the centers gathering information. Meghan researched and put together a sample "goat in uniform." Micah began research on chickens to begin designing the "Raising Chickens" pamphlet.

On Friday, the interns each met with me for one-on-one's and shopped at the Maasai Market. Over the weekend, the interns and I enjoyed a special night out with Vickie, where she took us to dinner at Lord Eroll's. We also enjoyed a unique and filling dinner at Carnivore, one of the top ten restaurants in the world, where we tasted different kinds of meat from chicken to camel to ostrich. We enjoyed a restful Sunday before getting back to the office on Monday.

Tuesday, July 31st, all of the interns (except for Kyndal) and I traveled to Namelok. Kyndal stayed behind in order to spend more time gathering information from the Ngong and Kibera WEEP Centers in order to ensure files were up to date. On Wednesday, Alexis and I led in FFG at a local school while the others toured a nearby health clinic. Once we reunited, Amanda led in HIV and cervical cancer education. We took a break for lunch before we continued with recruitment. As a team, we recruited 25 women! We continued with a Jiko distribution, and Micah demonstrated how to build a chicken pen. After blessing each of the team members with beautiful Maasai jewelry, we said our goodbyes and were driving off while the sun set. It was a whirlwind of a day, but we knew as a team we accomplished much.

The next day, we traveled to Upper Taita, where we met Kyndal and the August Bayside Team. Together we enjoyed a hot cup of spicy chai and the beautiful view of Taita Hills. We were ready and energized for the next day's work! Friday, we helped the team build a house. This house was built a little differently than other houses that HEART has built in Kisii, as they build using blocks of dried mud and cement in Taita. The girl interns and myself, along with a Bayside team member, spent most of our time with the women of the community, fetching water from the local stream. You can imagine the smiles on their faces when a group of "wazungu" wanted to help fetch water... something they have to do every day!

Because the house could only be built six layers at a time, we were unable to finish the house, but we left it in the capable hands of the community. They expected to have it finished within the next few days. The following day, Saturday, August 4th, we hosted a fun day with children from over ten schools in the area. This was Alexis's project, which she coordinated with the August Bayside team. The day, filled with soccer, stickers, bubbles, sac races, net ball, and happy children, was an absolute success. The team and interns returned to Madokas house, where we stayed, sunburned and satisfied.

On Sunday, we split into two groups in order to attend two different churches. Each of the groups enjoyed lunch with the respective pastors after the services. The group I joined was even blessed with gifts from the community consisting of rice, beans, fruits, and even a goat! (We left behind the goat for the pastor to give to a child with the greatest need.) After lunch, we traveled to Lower Taita, where we visited Pastor Lawrence and his wife and prayed over their home and family. It was truly a blessing to be able to return to Pastor Lawrence's home for the third year in a row!

Monday, we all traveled back to Nairobi. Tuesday, the interns and I spent in the office. Together we had our final Bible study. (We met weekly for Bible Study as an intern group; we read through the book Getting It Right by Dr. Mike Fabarez and studied the book of James.) Wednesday, I met with Kyndal, Meghan, and Alexis to discuss their time in Kenya and evaluate their accomplishments and experience before they left that evening.

Because Micah left to travel to Meru with Evans, Program Manager, on Tuesday, and Amanda left for Kisii with her dad's team on Wednesday, I took Thursday off to sleep, rest, and reflect on the internship program thus far. Friday, Micah and I spent in the office before enjoying a restful weekend. The following week, Micah and I spent in the office again, which allowed him to make significant progress on the "Raising Chickens" pamphlet. Amanda returned from upcountry for one day before leaving with her dad's team on safari. During that time, she finished her project, and we met for her evaluation. She returned from safari on Friday, and left for the airport with her dad's team that same evening.

Micah and I enjoyed another restful weekend, as it rained on Saturday. Sunday, we went to Village Market then played cards and soccer on the HEART lawn with one of the lodge guests. Monday and Tuesday, the 20th and 21st of August we spent in the office, continuing projects before we left for a last minute trip to Mombasa on Wednesday.

In Mombasa, we stayed with the family of Delina, Mombasa WEEP Coordinator, and we had a blast. Thursday, they showed Micah and I around Mombasa including Fort Jesus and Old Town. We drank out of fresh coconuts and tried some of the favorite local snacks. Then the children in the family took us for a refreshing swim in the Indian Ocean. Friday, we spent all day repainting the Mombasa WEEP Center with the help of Ezekiel (Delina's son) and Cleophus (a professional painter). We absolutely loved our time, and Micah and I even discussed how we felt like we were visiting our own family.

After traveling back to work on Saturday, we enjoyed a restful Sunday, where Micah explored Triangle Market, and I attended a friend's nephew's second birthday party. The following week was spent in the office in Nairobi, continuing and finishing projects. Because I was accepted to the University of Nairobi School of Medicine, I spent a few days running errands for school and trying to find a place to live.

Friday, August 31st, Micah and I went with a couple of friends to the Kenyatta National Hospital Children's Cancer Ward, where we spent the morning playing games with the children. We then enjoyed lunch at Java House, went to Yaya Centre, and looked at housing near the University of Nairobi Chiromo Campus.

Saturday and Sunday we spent resting at the HEART Lodge. On Monday, Micah accompanied me to register for my classes, giving him a glimpse into university culture in Kenya. Tuesday we spent a small amount of time at the office: Micah finalized his project while I worked on the HEART website and organized intern files and completed Micah's evaluation. The rest of the day, we spent getting my student ID and paint balling. (Boy, was that an adventure!) Wednesday, September 5th, I will attend an American Women's Association Tea with Tammy in the morning while Micah packs. Micah and I will meet and discuss his internship with HEART in Kenya, and he leaves that evening.

Because I start school in Nairobi on the 10th, my time devoted to HEART was cut short, and the 5th of September will also be my last day as mission staff for HEART in 2012.

It was a blessing and a joy to serve with HEART another year, and I am honored by the amount of leadership entrusted to me. I will continue to pray (and ask that you join me in prayer) for HEART's growth and the people of Kenya. I look forward to being able to visit HEART when I have free time in Nairobi!

God is good.

Karibu Nyumbani

What a blessing! I am home here in Kenya. After a long journey, I made it safely to the HEART compound. Praise God, I made all of my flights and all of my luggage arrived. I slept very well last night. Yesterday, as I walked into the HEART compound I could not wipe the smile off of my face. I was so excited to see and embrace my Kenyan family here. Today I am just beginning to settle in, trying to prepare my heart and my mind for this summer. 

I just wanted to update you all on what was going on... as kind of a "Here we go!" blog. The best way to follow me this year is through Twitter at twitter.com/katewinslow since blogging takes more time, and I want to be faithful to update you on what is happening here in Kenya. If you have a twitter, you can also tweet at me at @katewinslow. I will do my best to tweet everyday about my adventures. This way you can follow me in real time!

However, I know how much fun it can be to read stories of everything going on, so if there is ever a time where my heart is overflowing with an experience, I will share it here. It will somewhat act as a journal for me, so I apologize if my grammar is not the best.

Again, I say "asante sana" to everyone who has taken part in me being here -- whether through financial support, prayers, or encouraging words. I was going through the intern files this morning and came across one that was thrown together for me last year after I left. In it I found a report by the KFS Field Coordinator in Manga (Kisii) named Bernard. I was surprised to see that the report mentioned me. Here is what it said:

"The team guide Katelyn entertained the people present. She danced to any song rhythmically and in style. It was very interesting to watch her. She even motivated people to work harder. I wish you were there to watch the drama. Whistling filled the air and songs of praise were sung."

This made me laugh and smile and tear up at once. Who knew that me dancing had such an impact on a community? God uses us in weird ways. I love it. 

Anyway, I wanted to share that with you because every year I return, I ask myself, "Am I really useful here?" But never should I underestimate the small moments of impact. God can and will use my surrendered heart.

Praise be to God. Will you join me? We have quite an adventure ahead of us...

Ordinary People

God consistently uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. More than that, He uses the unqualified...the exact opposite person you would expect...to carry out His will. Numerous characters of the Bible remind us of this:

David, a mere shepherd boy, anointed king over a nation. Moses, a stutter, advocated for and succeeded in the liberation of slaves. Esther, a beauty queen, risked her life to prevent a racist annihilation of the Jews. A choir of worship leaders, put on the front lines of battle, led the victory of Judah and all inhabitants of Jerusalem over their attacker.

Perhaps as a college student you have felt discouraged at your unqualified nature to help. I know I have. We are in this awkward position of training, waiting to be "credited" and given a fancy piece of paper that says we are ready for the work world. We are finally declared adequate to use our passions, creativity, intelligence, and gifts to really make a difference in the lives of people around the world with this fancy paper we call a "diploma."

When it is tempting to feel overwhelmed by the never ending need and the never ending depravity of this world, do not lose heart. God often doesn't call the qualified to do His work. Instead, he calls the unqualified then prepares them accordingly. He has already provided all of the tools necessary for you to carry out His will -- to love mercy, to act justly, and to walk humbly with Him.

David had experience caring for a flock. He had experience trusting the Lord to deliver him and his sheep from seemingly impossible enemies of lions and bears. God lifted up a humble harpist to lead His chosen nation.

Moses, resistant and doubtful of his capability to speak for an audience, let alone the Pharaoh, was provided with the simple tools to complete his mission - a staff and his own hand. When Moses continued to complain of his inadequacy, God reminded him, "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes his mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now, therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak." God faithfully kept His promise and led the people of Israel out of slavery.

Esther, an orphan, was just a pretty face in a crowd of people. But God used her outward and inward beauty to win the heart of the king. With steps of faith, she ultimately saved her people.

Worship leaders, the last people you would put on the front lines of battle, led the army. Because of their obedience, God turned their enemies against one another. The enemies destroyed each other, and all Judah had to do was sing!

Take a look at your passions, your gifts... What are you good at? What brings you life and excitement? Whether you are an artist, a science nerd, a math whiz, graphic designer, writer, political enthusiast, computer genius, history lover...whether you are a good people watcher, dancer, creative builder, caretaker, singer, linguist, puppeteer...whether administration, organization, management, public speaking, film-making, or making people laugh is your talent... God can use you. And He will if you act in obedience.

So let us use our current abilities to be encouraged by how God is already preparing us to do His work. Let us run with perseverance the race marked before us to bring the gospel to all nations. Let us take note of every individual in need and act in compassion that they may glorify our Father in Heaven.

Are you ready? From one ordinary person to another... We are in this together, my friend.

Forgotten Dreams Remembered by a Faithful God

There is something I have been missing since I returned from Kenya three months ago. It did not strike me until I was flying from San Jose back to Irvine.

I wasn't ready to leave. I was comfortable, enjoying my time at home, finally getting to spend time with my parents. I hadn't had a break to spend with family in the home I grew up in for that long in at least a couple of years. Leaving was not easy, but I knew good things were to come of this next quarter. I was looking forward to arriving back at my apartment and settling in before starting another quarter of science classes.

As the plane slowly lowered elevation, I looked out the window to see lights illuminate an otherwise dark city. As I reflected and let my eyes wander, it felt like I was descending in to a galaxy. The millions of lights were millions of stars floating in dark space. Some were gathered together in clusters. Some bright. Some faded. I felt like I had taken a step out of the world to stand back and get just a glimpse of how majestic God created this universe. I was reminded of His sovereignty and His grace to even take note of me.

Now, of course, I was not descending into some galaxy...just Irvine. I knew that. But you see, it had been a while since I let my artsy mind take over to allow me to delight in something so simple, so beautiful. After so many reminders of suffering, pain, poverty, I was afraid to let my heart delight in the simple--to dream.

Just the other day, I was looking through old blogs of my time in Kenya in 2010. Considering my experience this year was quite different, I was intrigued, reading over some of my experiences and dreams last year. Many of the hopes and dreams I had expressed, God answered.

In one of my blogs, I mentioned that if I could only return to one place in Kenya, it would be Lower Taita. Lower Taita was the first place we traveled upcountry. I was reunited with Pastor Joshua and his family, and blessed inexplicably. In another, I mentioned the dream of returning to HEART as staff. This past year I served as part-time mission staff, specifically intern coordinator.

Safe to say, God continues to fulfill his promises.

I am currently reading The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision U.S. since June 1998. And loving it, I might add. It has brought me to tears, laughter, and I find myself connecting with his experiences and encouraged by his steps of faith. A quote that he noted at the beginning of one of the chapters is by Rick Warren. I have come to love and be consistently encouraged by it: "If God only used perfect people, nothing would get done."

All this to say, I am daily reminded by the ways God has exquisitely blessed me and continues to be faithful to keep his promises, as imperfect, unfaithful, prideful, blind, and stubborn as I may be. And I am excited to dream again...and see where He will take me next...

Caught in the Middle

It was late July, and I was stunned by the face of a starving baby that stared at me in the morning paper—a face that would continue to haunt me. As I opened up the Standard, one of Kenya’s national newspapers, I read heart-wrenching stories.

A Somali woman was trekking southward to Kenya in search for water when she went into labor. She birthed her baby, for whom she had no water to clean. The women travelling with her used the dirty clothes they were wearing to clean the baby. Trading off carrying the woman who just gave birth and the baby, they continued their search for food and water.

The situation is horrific. While I was volunteering with a non-profit organization, we received requests for food relief from communities in the Rift Valley and Meru. I knew I was in Kenya for a purpose, and all I could think was “Here I am, Lord! Send me!”

I met with some of the leaders of one area, who shared that they are looking for ways to provide the people of their community with food. Though the drought has hit northern Kenya and Somalia the hardest, many in the Rift Valley and other areas of rural Kenya are also suffering greatly.

Maasai men have left their homes with their herds of cattle and goats in search for grazing areas, leaving women and children behind—with no food or water. The river bed is dried up, and the water source they normally rely on is scarce. In a certain area near the main roads, where trucks and men with money pass through, women are selling their bodies in exchange for water for themselves and their children. HIV prevalence in that area is partnered with the desperate need for water.

And here I was…caught in the middle.

After phoning home, the news of the drought caught like wildfire in my church and many jumped at the opportunity to take action and help. Through the financial support of many, I had the extraordinary opportunity to deliver food to a small community in Meru, Kenya. “Today we are hungry, but tomorrow we will be satisfied,” said the Chief.
But the need continues. Even as we left Meru, we watched children walk along the side of the road with huge bundles of grass strapped to their backs. My Kenyan friend informed me that these children have no choice but to skip school, walk for miles carrying these fading grasses, and sell them for whatever small profit they can make. Then they buy food at the nearest location they can find.

God does not command us to save the world. That is His job. But He does expect us to take action. Mother Teresa wisely said, “If you cannot feed one hundred people, then feed just one.” And when we do, the Almighty King will say, “As you did to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

Jesus himself had compassion on those who were hungry (Matthew 15:32-39). He took what little the disciples had to offer and multiplied the food enough to satisfy thousands – with leftovers! In Meru, it cost us about one dollar to feed one person for one day.

What do you have to offer? I encourage you to give in faith…and watch God multiply.

Also find this article on the World Vision ACT:S website here.

Hunger Pain

Hunger pain. Every human being has experienced it. Whether it is a crying baby hungry for mother’s milk or the embarrassing noise your stomach makes in the middle of your afternoon class, everyone knows the feeling of hunger.

Thankfully, the fridge is just a few steps away. Food is readily available. You want it fresh? Cooked? Fried? Deep fried? Steamed? Organic? Chopped? Blended? Extra hot? Smothered in chocolate? We got it. But how many have been hungry without the option to quench the pain, or even just the annoying mumbling of the stomach?

When I was in Meru, I learned that many of the people in this community were eating maybe once every other day. They feel hunger, but have not enough to satisfy.

More so, hunger results in more than a loud and pained stomach. Focus is lost. Food consumes the mind. Dreams are overridden by the thought of biting into anything of sustenance. Tempers are shortened. Loved ones around you are irritable and in pain. The pounding in your head keeps a beat with your slowed pulse. You are faint. Your child cries out “I’m hungry,” but you have no food. It kills you.

The widow in 1 Kings 17 knew this experience all too well. With nothing left but a handful of flour and a little bit of oil, she was preparing to make one last meal for her and her son. Then she would wait to die. But Elijah, who was at that time living in a dried brook due to the absence of rain, asked the widow to bring him bread and water. So the widow left and made what she could with what little she had left and fed Elijah.

Talk about sacrifice. She chose to skip her last meal to give to someone else who had a greater need—but also a greater hope.

But the story gets better! Elijah had declared the promise of the Lord that her flour and oil would not run empty. Because of the widow’s act of obedient sacrifice, her supply of flour and oil never ended. The widow, her son, and Elijah were all satisfied.

We can repeat the fast of this widow. We can give up a meal—a physical need—to meet the need of another. We cannot bring the victims of the Horn of Africa to our dinner tables, but we can sacrifice a meal and send the money to feed one who is hungry.

God is faithful to bless His obedient children. Grab a group of friends. Fast together. Give up one meal, two meals, four meals…whatever. Sacrifice a piece of your comfort and encourage one another along the way. It will stretch you in empathy, draw you nearer to God, and bring food to the hopeless and hungry. And God honors that.

“Is this not the fast that I choose…to share your bread with the hungry...If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually…” (Isaiah 58:6-7,10-11)

Airport Blog

Well… here I am in the airport…. My last day in Kenya was spent waking up very early to catch a matatu (public transportation, with the escort of a generous HEART staff) to Kenyatta National Hospital, where I had the opportunity to watch a couple more surgeries (including a surgery where they removed the thyroid glands and a gastrointestinal surgery). You know… typical day in Kenya. After watching the surgeries, I went to class with a friend who is a medical student at University of Nairobi. That was fun. J I returned to finish packing my things, lead one last devotion for the HEART staff, and say my “Tutaonana”s (“See you later”s).

After numerous trips to the airport to pick up and drop off interns, it’s hard to believe it is finally my turn to return to the States. Where did the past three months go? I have been so busy that I don’t even know where to begin recounting all of my experiences and adventures.

It’s not the best feeling—going back to the States. Don’t get me wrong… I am absolutely stoked to see my family—my parents, my brother, my sister-in-law, my NEWBORN NEPHEW (so exciting!!!), my “sister” Susan, even my cat…but saying goodbye has always been so hard—and full of tears. As I said goodbye to the staff I was saying farewell to my Kenyan family.

My heart is definitely still pounded into the dirt of Kenya—and I am convinced will always be. I have even been told by Kenyans that I have African blood. J I will very much miss this place I consider home.

The fact that even though this summer had its challenges but I still anxiously await the day I return makes me wonder what God’s long term plan is for me in respect to Kenya… Last year I was in Kenya two months…This year three months…what will next year be? It makes me excited to think about it. J

Thanks to all who have been a huge support to me—through prayers, financially, thoughts, encouraging words—whether I know it or not. It means the world to me.

I look forward to seeing many of you soon to share stories of how God stretched me (like taffy!) this past summer.

My theme for this summer: “Faith through the Refining Fire” (1 Peter 1:3-9)

All my love and gratitude…