Hello everybody! I hope everyone is enjoying their last little bit of summer before the fall. It was 75 and rainy here in Kisumu today and all the Kenyans were complaining that it was too cold! We told them that this was nothing compared to the good ole' Nebraskan snow. But time is flying by! Three weeks down already and two to go. Before the trip I thought that 5 weeks was super long, but after getting here it definitely is not long enough. We've really gotten into a great routine with doing VBS with the little ones in the mornings or as they like to say "You bring fun stuff today?!?!" It's really been a blessing to spend time being with the kids and loving on them. The other day they used glitter for one of their projects and all the kids and ROCK are still sparkling from that crazy morning. Lauren and I like to spend time with the kids one on one and in small groups playing games or playing with play dough after our 'Fun Stuff' time. We really have gotten to know the kids and they are all so special. The other day we actually had all the older girls over for baking! We gave them a special snack and watched Cinderella 2 and Lady and the Tramp while making peanut butter cookies. It was a really fun time to spend with just the girls :)
We have also met some really great people with awesome stories. Such as our piki driver who used to live on the streets. After a couple years he found and stayed at Agape Children's Ministry (ministry that helps street boys). Agape shared the gospel with him and gave him an education, and he was able to get off the streets. He can now support his family and is a hard working piki driver. Each day there is always a new story and a new experience.
Prayer Requests:
~Be able to spend our time wisely these next few weeks by doing what God wants us to do!
~The mornings can sometimes be challenging with the little kids in the mornings, so pray it goes smoothly.
~Next Friday and Saturday we are traveling to Nakuru for a safari. Pray for safety and that we'll see lots of animals! :)
Thank you all for your support! Love you!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
God is Good!
Hello everyone!
I hope all is well over in the U.S! Sorry it has taken me awhile to update you all. Kenya has been amazing so far. It's hard to believe we've been here a week and a half already, time flies! Lots has happened in that time frame, it has been quite the experience thus far.
Right after we arrived we jumped right in and met the kids, hung out with them, went swimming, played football (soccer), and tried lots of new foods. But then I got pretty sick for about 3 days and was stuck in bed, and it was no fun. Last week we spent a lot of time getting to know the kids, and developing a relationship with them. We would take things to do with them such as painting, thread for bracelets, and sidewalk chalk. The kids are absolutely precious, and I treasure each friendship I have made. Being in Africa has been quite eye-opening and I feel blessed to be here. I'm loving every moment of it.
Last week we were able to attend a women's bible study on Thursday and that was really neat to meet different women from all over the world who are great women of God. It was a very encouraging time. Each day though we are able to spend a lot of time not only playing with the kids but talking to them. They are always so curious about everything and ask lots of questions. I also got to meet the girl I sponsor, Mary!!!! I am so very excited to spend time with her these next few weeks. She is a great friend and a beautiful lady. Sunday we went to church and it was a great service, about being encouraged in difficult times. Sunday night the kids had their July Birthdays Celebration, complete with ice cream and cake. The kids always say speeches for each other and it was a great time with the kids.
Our plans for the next couple weeks include starting our VBS with the younger kids, and spending time with the older girls doing some baking and watching movies. We are very excited :)
Prayer Requests:
-Please pray for Lauren as she is very sick. She got sick the other night and has been in bed ever since. Please pray for a quick recovery!!
-Pray for the older kids as they go to their Student Conventions this week
-Pray that VBS goes well with the younger kids
-Pray that we keep growing closer to God
Thank you all so much for your support!!
Love,
Rachel
I hope all is well over in the U.S! Sorry it has taken me awhile to update you all. Kenya has been amazing so far. It's hard to believe we've been here a week and a half already, time flies! Lots has happened in that time frame, it has been quite the experience thus far.
Right after we arrived we jumped right in and met the kids, hung out with them, went swimming, played football (soccer), and tried lots of new foods. But then I got pretty sick for about 3 days and was stuck in bed, and it was no fun. Last week we spent a lot of time getting to know the kids, and developing a relationship with them. We would take things to do with them such as painting, thread for bracelets, and sidewalk chalk. The kids are absolutely precious, and I treasure each friendship I have made. Being in Africa has been quite eye-opening and I feel blessed to be here. I'm loving every moment of it.
Last week we were able to attend a women's bible study on Thursday and that was really neat to meet different women from all over the world who are great women of God. It was a very encouraging time. Each day though we are able to spend a lot of time not only playing with the kids but talking to them. They are always so curious about everything and ask lots of questions. I also got to meet the girl I sponsor, Mary!!!! I am so very excited to spend time with her these next few weeks. She is a great friend and a beautiful lady. Sunday we went to church and it was a great service, about being encouraged in difficult times. Sunday night the kids had their July Birthdays Celebration, complete with ice cream and cake. The kids always say speeches for each other and it was a great time with the kids.
Our plans for the next couple weeks include starting our VBS with the younger kids, and spending time with the older girls doing some baking and watching movies. We are very excited :)
Prayer Requests:
-Please pray for Lauren as she is very sick. She got sick the other night and has been in bed ever since. Please pray for a quick recovery!!
-Pray for the older kids as they go to their Student Conventions this week
-Pray that VBS goes well with the younger kids
-Pray that we keep growing closer to God
Thank you all so much for your support!!
Love,
Rachel
Thursday, July 21, 2011
I Made It!
Hello Everyone!
I thought I would write just a quick update for you all! Lauren and I arrived in Kenya last night and stayed in Nairobi for the night. This morning we got up bright and early to ride in a little plane to Kisumu. There isn't really an airport in Kisumu, they kind of just drop you off on this mini airplane strip and baggage claim? They put your bags by a sign that says "PICK UP LUGGAGE HERE." I know feel like I really am in Africa. It is quite amazing though, to dream about something so long and then have it finally come true. God is SO good!! :)
Today we took a nap and got settled in which is really helpful, because jet lag has been awful. Hopefully we adjust well.
I am excited to meet all the kids at ROCK tomorrow. The kids have their last day of school tomorrow and so they are having a party and going swimming in the afternoon! It should be a fun time :)
Prayer Requests:
-Getting over jet lag
-adjusting to life here well
-keeping good health
-connecting with the kids
Love,
Rachel
I thought I would write just a quick update for you all! Lauren and I arrived in Kenya last night and stayed in Nairobi for the night. This morning we got up bright and early to ride in a little plane to Kisumu. There isn't really an airport in Kisumu, they kind of just drop you off on this mini airplane strip and baggage claim? They put your bags by a sign that says "PICK UP LUGGAGE HERE." I know feel like I really am in Africa. It is quite amazing though, to dream about something so long and then have it finally come true. God is SO good!! :)
Today we took a nap and got settled in which is really helpful, because jet lag has been awful. Hopefully we adjust well.
I am excited to meet all the kids at ROCK tomorrow. The kids have their last day of school tomorrow and so they are having a party and going swimming in the afternoon! It should be a fun time :)
Prayer Requests:
-Getting over jet lag
-adjusting to life here well
-keeping good health
-connecting with the kids
Love,
Rachel
Friday, January 21, 2011
First Letter
Hey everybody! I hope things are going well for all of you! I am in the middle of my 2nd quarter at Metro here in Omaha, and it is going well. I have been busy lately with school and my two jobs, but am very content and having fun being busy. As most of you know I have been on three missions’ trips to Central America, which have all been incredible! I am thrilled to inform you that a fourth trip has presented itself. I will be leaving the country for six weeks in August to go and serve in Kenya with my good friend Lauren Schneider.
Kenya is located in Africa along the east coast. The surrounding countries are Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Lauren and I will be spending most of our time in the city of Kisumu, which is located in western Kenya next to Lake Victoria.
While in Kenya, we will be spending our time at R.O.C.K. Ministries International (www.rockministriesinternational.org). R.O.C.K. is a non-profit Christian organization in Kisumu. Its primary focus is reaching out to street children and orphans in Kenya. Currently, R.O.C.K. is a permanent home for about 40 children ages two to twenty. R.O.C.K. provides a safe home, food, education, and a positive Christian atmosphere for the children.
The main focus of our trip is to work with the children at R.O.C.K. We will be doing a Vacation Bible School with the younger children and then doing more one-on-one and small group time with the older kids. Many of the kids need love, a good friend, and a positive influence in their lives. Lauren and I want to make an impact in Kenya, by witnessing to and serving others.
I am extremely excited for this trip, because it is something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl. My heart has always been pulled towards children who live in poverty. I want to be able to make a difference in their lives, and show them love and Jesus. This is another step towards my goal in being a voice for those who have no voice.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your support as we journey to Kenya. Lauren and I would really appreciate your prayers at this time. Some prayer points are planning, expenses, safety and health, spiritual and physical preparations, and fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose. Your prayers would be most helpful in sending us there! We roughly estimate that it will cost $3,300 for each of us. If you feel lead to you can financially support us by sending your money to Waypoint Church P.O. Box 31249 Omaha, NE 68131. If you would like to send it to me specifically just put "Rachel Ehrenberg- Kenya" on the memo line.
I know God has a specific plan for my trip to Kenya. I am so excited to share this opportunity with you! You can expect a few more letters before I leave regarding plans and prayer requests. Thank you so much for being such a significant person in my life! Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated!
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
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