Update 5.30.2010

Call from the Mission President – Late Monday evening we received a call from President Taylor telling us he was seriously considering placing Elders in Kilungu Hills. The question was where to place them that was safe and central for the large Hills Area. We had already been doing some investigation but didn't know it would be so soon! He asked: could we check out possibilities and be in touch with him the next day?

Right Place at the Right Time – One possibility for Elders' housing was near Kikoko hospital by our Precious Blood flat. We were a little early for teaching in Kyambeke and decided to stop at the hospital to investigate. As we were visiting with our friend, Sister Mary Agatha (hospital administrator), she mentioned that she had “one of our people” in the hospital that she was concerned about. The lady had been in labor since Sunday (this was Tuesday) and wasn't doing well. They had an ambulance standing by and were deciding whether to declare an emergency and send her 50 miles to Machakos hospital. We went in to see the lady who was all alone, and visibly distressed. At first we didn't recognize her but realized she was Mary, a special friend and helper with English teaching. Her husband had been to see her early in the morning but didn't stay as the custom is for only women to be involved with the birth of babies. Elder Blake asked if she would like a blessing and she said she would. He gave her a beautiful blessing before the midwife and doctor came to make a decision what to do. After examining her again, the doctor came out to report that things had changed for the better and they would go ahead with the delivery. Two hours later Sister Mary Agatha called to report a healthy baby boy! // After classes on Wednesday, we took Mary's husband and the RS president to the hospital to take the new mother and baby home. When alone, Mary told Sister Blake that after Elder Blake had given her the blessing she was completely at peace and knew everything would be okay. What beautiful faith.

Elders Across Canyon – Wednesday Pres. Taylor decided that Elders would be placed in Kalongo Market Place (Matua Area) on Friday! Hopefully a new branch will be approved for the Matua area, where so many are joining the church but have to hike so far through a deep canyon to get to church in Mitini.

Longing for Baptism – Wednesday, Brother Boneface, one of the teachers in the Zero English Experience class, reported that some of the older people in his class who simply are not progressing well, had asked him that day what would happen to them if they died before they learned enough English to be baptized? We told him that Heavenly Father knew the desires of their hearts and things would be made right for them. We just love these wonderful people. 

       

                                                            Mitini Special Friend Christine               

Happy Birthday – Thursday was Elder Blake's birthday and we celebrated by preparing things for the English training next week in Chyulu, then went out for birthday lunch. We ordered “mushroom burgers,” which were interesting: They were bean patties shaped like a burger, with a couple of mushrooms inserted; at least there was a bun! (He did get a home-made lemon meringue pie.)

“Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” - Friday was spent at the doctor instead of teaching at Ilima. Sister Blake's chest cold got much worse and Elder Blake got attacked by a host of new itchy bumps. They wonder if he is developing an allergic reaction to the malaria medication the Church provides for us; so they changed his medication to one that often causes hallucinations; maybe we'll let him write the blog for awhile... it could be entertaining! We were advised not to go anywhere until we checked back on Monday, so we've been home for three straight days. We felt bad not to help the new Elders move in at Kalongo; and Sister Elaine Dalton, YW General President, has been in town and we missed seeing and hearing her speak. We did watch two sessions of conference together on DVD and had the first real Sunday dinner since we've been here since we travel 6-7 hours each Sunday. We're glad we like each other as that's a lot of “togetherness.” We're too busy to be sick!

Update 5.24.2010

Health Report – No new bug bites this week! Maybe we've solved the problem. Sister Blake has a chest cold but missionary overall health is good.

Classes – Keyboard, after baptism, music conducting, temple preparation classes – all were enjoyable this week. What a fun experience to see people progressing and so anxious to learn. While traveling to our Precious Blood apartment we realized we needed some bread, so Elder Blake stopped to buy a loaf at one of the little kiosks near where we stay. We had a good laugh as it was about the size of thee dinner rolls. It was cute and we made toast on our little cooker. (See picture.)

Visiting Teaching Workshop – We helped with a visiting teaching workshop at Kyambeke which was delightful. To make sure the sisters understood visiting teaching suggestions Sister Anna (Relief Society President) interpreted Sister Blake's talk into Kikamba. They also played a game like musical chairs except it was called “Do You Love Your Neighbor.” The sisters really got into it and it was fun. When the brothers are around they seem a little quiet and shy but on their own they really have a good time. Refreshments were... you guessed it - bread and soda! (Picture)

   

“Beautiful Outing”– Friday we taught at our high-on-the-hill branch, Ilima. It was perfect weather. On the way up we said, “Here we are having a drive in the beautiful, green mountains; going to see some good friends, and then planning to have a picnic on the way home. What could be nicer? After class we hiked down (and back up!) to the Chuvi home to take missionary application pictures for the two sons turning in their missionary applications. We also took a picture of their mother and three younger sibling who were sitting in the yard watching the funny Mzungus take pictures. 

New Baby - On the way home we were tired and when we got to Nunguni we saw the Mitini Branch President who waved us down. He had been about 80 kilometers away to help one of the branch members home from the hospital after having a C-section. There were 5 people all needing rides the rest of the way to Matua (new Mitini area) – mother and baby, father, grandmother, and President Kaseve. We loaded them all in (with Sister Blake sitting on the center hump between driver and passenger!) as we headed into the back country over very bumpy “roads.” The poor little mother who had just had a C-section hurt over every bump. When we finally arrived we hiked her up the mountain side through 3-4 shambas to get to her hut. We thought we'd just hurry her in and leave so she could rest, but President Kaseve had other plans. He called all extended family members together for a short devotional and prayer for the family and new baby. What a special spirit was there.

“It's a boy – a missionary!” On the way to Matua Sister Blake asked if the baby was a boy or girl. The mother, who was only baptized in December, said, “It's a boy – a missionary!” Her husband has been working in Nairobi and isn't a member, but that was her testimony, that her son would be a missionary. Thirteen children followed us out to the truck and Elder Blake gave them each a little treat. We can't do it at the church or we'd be trampled, but there is was fun. What beautiful children.

    

We Liked This Saying On Wall at Catholic Hospital 

Utah Jazz in Africa? - On the way to church Sunday we saw a matatu with Karl Malone's name in big letters and Utah Jazz stickers. We thought Grandma Maxwell would enjoy this picture.

More Bracelets – We attended church at Ilima also this week and gave CTR bracelets to primary and young women. They were so excited. We wish April could have seen them. It has become a living legacy on the mountain.

   

It's been a good week for us and hope it has been for you. We give you our love and keep you in our prayers.

Update 5.17.2010

Two Good Days in the Hills – We had two good days with Kyambeke and Mitini branches this week. Elder Blake is working with four new prospective missionaries (2 are new converts) in one branch, and we started a new class for family relations in another. We're also working with auxiliary leaders on implementing home teaching and visiting teaching, and are trying to learn patience as changes don't happen quickly here! We struggle with the language but the people are so humble and willing to try. On Wednesday it was so foggy that we completely by-passed the Mitini church building and were headed down the road away from it, when we came upon members walking on the road – but to us they seemed to be walking the wrong way. After several minutes of trying to understand (we still don't understand their speaking very well) we finally understood that we were disoriented in the fog. The members got a good laugh out of that! And we had to back-up far to the church because there was no place we could turn around on the dirt roadway.

African Ways – The culture in Africa isn't quite the same as what we call “the culture of the Church” in relationships between men and women. When we were serving refreshments after one meeting Elder Blake was saying, “Serve the sisters first.” One of the men protested, “In our culture, the men eat first.” In Church meetings husbands and wives don't sit by each other. We made a sign that the leaders have permanently posted at the front of their chapel: “Humble Request / Please Sit Together as Families.” The branch presidents are now working on that. It just takes time to change traditions.

Too Much and Too Little Water – We have had a lot of rain this week. It was like the bottom fell out of the sky! It made it impossible to get to our Ilima Branch safely so we missed going there Friday. While we had so much water from the sky, we were without water in our apartment for most of three days. Some of the neighbors were putting tubs outside to catch rain water to do their laundry. We had to use some of our storage water to finish the batch we had started in the washer before the running water was finally restored. It made us appreciate the nice warm shower when service resumed!

More Bugs – Elder Blake is having his third bout (February, April, and May) with bug bites! We're not sure what kind of bug is biting him but we spent all day Saturday going to two different doctors. The dermatologist said he was sure it was a bite of some kind and gave him a different kind of medicine to put on them. We have put permetherin (flees/lice/bedbug insecticide for missionaries) on everything in both apartments to kill any bedbugs or anything else and are wondering if it is something in the grass where we walk. They don't bite Sister Blake (and she is grateful!) They think he is allergic to the bites and then he breaks out in other places. We hope we figure it out soon. He's getting frustrated with the incessant itching!

A Walk on Village Trails – Sunday we were a little early going to church so we stopped on our way and walked up a trail (staying out of the tall grass!) into the beautiful mountain country. We saw people in their yards and children playing. We hope we don't ever become so used to this scene that it isn't special to us any more. We came upon a boy playing near his hut (we watched for a few minutes before his siblings spied us), and he was building a miniature stick “fence” on his make-believe shamba. He was using a piece of magnetic tape from an old cassette tape he had found for the “wire” of his fence. (See Picture)

Church was enjoyable except we never know what we will be asked to do when we arrive. Sister Blake ended up playing the keyboard for the meeting and speaking in sacrament meeting! There's a lot of stretching and growing happening on this mission!

Bracelet Pictures – Several people have asked to see pictures of the bracelets April made for the children here. (The young women are also enjoying them, as well as the leaders.) We have included a picture of the bracelets and a lion picture from the Mara, taken a couple of weeks ago.

   

Have a good week. We love you.

Update 5.10.2010

Morning After – After April and Devan left we were on the road by 6:30 a.m. the next morning for our far away branch, Kilili. It was good we had to stay busy to keep from being lonesome. Prospective missionary, Kennedy, rode back with us toward Nairobi as far as the turn-off for Precious Blood where we were staying the night. He could catch a matatu there and go to complete paperwork for his mission. He was so excited to finally have almost everything ready. We stretched our lunch again. I told Elder Blake our lunches are often like the “loaves and the fishes” since we are not sure when someone will be riding home with us! He liked the peanut butter and jelly but egg salad with pickles was a stretch! // On the way to Precious Blood we had to pick up the generator and TV from Kyambeke and take it to the high-on-the-hill branch, Ilima so they could watch the general conference CDs on Saturday and Sunday. We finally made it to our second home tired and ready for a rest when the rain began to fall. It was a blessing we were off the roads that are bad when wet.

Mitini in the Rain – Wednesday morning it was raining heavily in Mitini. We wondered if people would show up because they walk so far on mountain trails to get there; we needed to help the investigators prepare for their baptismal interviews. When we arrived, the ZEE (Zero English Experience) class had already started and most of the investigators were there. It was a blessing to work with them and see their strength and faith. One young sister has only been married for one month, to a recent convert young brother from Matua. We were concerned that she might be joining the Church just because of her husband, but after visiting with her I could feel her strength and conviction and know that this was her own decision.

Humbling Moment – I visited the ZEE class for a few minutes. This is a class made up of mostly grandma and grandpa age people (some even older than we are!) They work hard and are so willing to try new things (including speaking strange-sounding English words before a group). It was raining which made the small room they met in quite cool and not too light. We could hear the rain pounding on the tin roof, but that didn't stop the class. At the end of the session each student was asked to come up and bear a simple testimony in English with their native teacher helping. (Somewhat like when we teach a small child how to pray.) One little grandma was quite shy (especially with me there) but she went up and bore her testimony. As I was watching and listening to her I looked down at her cold, bare feet. She had walked all the way in the rain without any shoes. What a humbling experience for us. We hope we can remember these experiences, what is really important in life.

Grateful for Spirit Promptings – Saturday we drove back to the hills for the baptism service for Mitini and Kyambeke. As we were on the road past Precious Blood I thought I recognized one of the men walking on the side of the road (tribal leader) who was supposed to be baptized that day. Elder Blake said he didn't think it was him because he was walking the wrong way. / I had a strong feeling we needed to go back. Elder Blake humored me and turned around to see if we could find the man. We passed him again and I still felt it was Brother Tom. Elder Blake still wasn't sure but drove until we found a place wide enough to turn around and went back for a third pass. As we got closer we rolled down the window and he came over to the car. He told us he hadn't been able to be interviewed by the AP's (Assistants to the President) the day before because he had been called to report and testify at the police station and he was there all day. He was upset to have missed his interview because he wanted so badly to be baptized. We called and got permission from President Taylor for Elder Blake to interview him and took him with us to Kyambeke to the baptism. Later, when he bore his testimony after being baptized, he said he had been praying that he could find Blakes in the little village where he was headed, so hopefully he also could be baptized. What if we hadn't stopped? We are trying to listen to the Spirit with more sensitivity. The baptism was wonderful. There were two sisters and four brothers baptized.

                   

          Bro. Francis and Wife                         Mitini Baptism (Bro. Tom in Center Back)

 Working ourselves out of a job! - We took the keyboard to the baptism so I could play prelude and music while people were dressing. When I came into the chapel after helping with baptism clothing, I heard soft music being played and found one of our keyboard students who had set up my keyboard and had begun playing prelude music. When we first arrived on our mission, the branches asked Elder Blake to do the baptizing; now they had three new convert priests do the baptisms. We are working ourselves out of a job! It's wonderful to see the members growing and taking over. (It's kind of like raising children to care for themselves so they don't need us.) There is still plenty to do and teach, but we love to see their progress and growth in confidence.

Thanks – Thanks for remembering me for Mother's Day. We loved hearing from you. Elder Blake surprised me with some beautiful flowers. I'm a blessed wife and mother. Thanks for all letters. It makes us be able to work harder when we can stay connected to those we love. 

We love you. Stay safe and well.

Update 5.3.2010

April and Devan Arrive! - The eagerly anticipated time finally arrived and after much worry (because of the Iceland volcano) and a changed reservation, April and Devan were both able to travel successfully – Devan through Amsterdam and April through Dubai. Devan arrived Friday evening and we enjoyed a day shopping and visiting with him before the three of us picked April up on her birthday at the airport Saturday evening. We greeted her with birthday flowers and came home to birthday dinner – even Italian chicken with our last two cans of real cream of mushroom soup! (We may never see it again here.)

Devan and Elder B with Birthday Flowers to Welcome April at the Airport

 Early morning trip to Kilili – Braving confused sleep schedule, we awoke early to prepare for a trip to our farthest away branch, Kilili. We got ready in darkness with just one lantern between us as there was no power! April showered and washed her hair by lantern light. We couldn't find the matches to light candles as we had used them for birthday candles the night before. Welcome to Africa! We were glad we prepared most of the lunch before going to bed. We headed to the hills and enjoyed seeing everything through new eyes. What an adventure and culture shock as the beauties and differences of culture were experienced for the first time. Pictures we have sent home just don't do justice to the real thing – from mud huts with thatched roofs to ox carts and people carrying things on their heads. One big giraffe almost walked onto the road before us – we were looking at a further distance before we noticed him.

At the Kilili Branch people were so warm and welcoming. They loved meeting our children. Elder Blake and I were both supposed to speak in Sacrament Meeting but President Makiti just had me speak as Elder Blake was busy interviewing two sisters to be baptized. At the end of the meeting April and Devan were asked to say a few words to the people. They did a nice job of greeting the people.

April had made 300+ CTR bracelets – enough for all the children in our four branches (she made and baked clay CTR beads) and even enough for the young women. The primary president had her greet the children as she translated for them. April also told them “Waja” (Kikamba greeting to a younger person) and the children answered, “Ah.” It was fun. After the meetings the presidency gave the children the bracelets and helped them put them on. They were so proud of them as they showed them to family and friends. It was a fun experience after all the work and effort.

Enlarged CTR Bracelet

April Giving the Youth CTR Bracelets

Baptism - After sacrament meeting there was a baptism for two special sisters who had been waiting and preparing for a long time. They were very ready and excited. The whole branch stayed for the service out in the courtyard of the church where the baptismal font was surrounded by the water tank on one side and banana and papaya trees on the other. It was hot with the African sun beating down, but the Spirit was there.

African Shopping Trip -
Monday we spent shopping and preparing for the Masai Mara Safari with the other couple missionaries. We visited Jogo Market (after getting lost in the Nairobi slums!) It is like a factory with small booths where they make what they sell. You can watch them cut out and stitch (on treadle sewing machines) almost anything – even soccer balls! We bought one (soccer ball) for Mitini Branch with the family money from Christmas. April and Devan bought safari hats and a few other things for friends and family. We next visited the “Zebra Market” where they have many beautiful African arts but they start the price very high (especially to Mzungus) and you are expected to dicker on the price. Devan really got into it and they enjoyed the experience (for one time) but said they thought we “fed them to the wolves!” as people were clamoring “Come to my booth, Come see my things for you!”

       

Shopping in Nairobi Zebra Market

Unbelievable Adventure at the Masai Mara – Tuesday morning we climbed aboard the bus for the airport to begin our 1-hour flight trip to Masai Mara, the most loved safari park in Africa. All the couples from the Kenya Nairobi Mission, a couple from the D.R.Congo Mission, and five family visitors traveled together – twenty-nine of us. The weather was perfect for flying and we flew on three small planes. Devan and April both got to sit in the co-pilot chair for the flight as we were on different planes. Looking out the window we could see the scenery change and become more like we had pictured Africa from the National Geographic pictures we had seen. It was beautiful. As we landed on the dirt runway we were  loaded into safari vans and taken to the Intrepid Lodge where they gave us hot washcloths to freshen up and cold juice as they oriented us and assigned tent cabins. The four of us were assigned a double tent with a sitting room in the middle so we could be together. 

There began three days of safari rides and delicious buffet meals together in the open dining area. Devan and April even enjoyed swimming in the pool (Devan had a sunburn to show for it!) Our guide, Rafael, was a Masai and we learned much from him about the culture of his tribe. He was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide and could answer any question about birds, animals, trees, or plants. We kept pinching ourselves to see if it was real and not a dream. The country was so big and beautiful that as we viewed God's handiwork we thought of the scripture in Alma 30:44 which says “...all things denote there is a God;” We could feel that. 

                                    

                                             Masai Dancers

As with all good things, it ended too soon and on Thursday late afternoon we were headed to the small runway for our flight back to Nairobi. We'll share just a few of our favorite animal pictures. Our biggest adventure was when we were viewing a large group of elephants, and one of the herd (which we hadn't seen and who had been separated from the others) came running up behind us trumpeting loudly. I don't think we've ever seen April's eyes so wide! Even the guide was surprised.

Co-Pilot Devan on Flight to Masai Mara

Safari Wagons Ready to Pick Us Up

Safari Tent Cabin - April on Bed

Eating Box Lunch

     

  

Safari Wagon and Guide

A Ride in the Safari Wagon!

         

  

April, Mom, and Devan

   

   

   

   

   

Was this all just a wonderful Safari dream? We had a wonderful trip sharing this with April and Devan.

 No Time to Rest! - Friday morning early we left for our high-in-the hills branch, Ilima. I think April and Devan may have thought we were exaggerating about roads (trails) we drive to get there, but they don't now. It was a beautiful day and we were greeted as usual by a large group of children who are always excited to see the funny visitors and the white truck. The members enjoyed meeting our family and April helped teach keyboard class while Devan entertained, and was entertained by, the neighborhood children. He looked like the Pied Piper – especially since he had treats in his pockets. As we saw the scenery through our children's eyes we were again awed at the beauties of these hills – of the majesty of God's handiwork. We ended with a temple preparation lesson and headed home to rest. 

   

Baby Elephants and Shopping – Saturday we visited the baby elephant orphanage just outside Nairobi. We were delighted by the antics of these little orphan elephants and how much they liked their caretakers. (See earlier pictures.) We finished the day with some shopping for souvenirs as the week was drawing to a close and it was getting time for family to depart. We ended the day with a game of Rook – Isn't that family tradition?

Last Day in the Hills – Sunday we went to Mitini and Kyambeke Branches where the greeting was the same, warm and friendly. April was asked to pray in prayer meeting before church and lead the music for sacrament meeting (which is okay except that you have to sing a solo of the first line as an introduction before people join in, because there is no accompaniment! They also sing most hymns differently than they are written which is interesting to lead.) It was testimony meeting and what a thrill to see these new members (most of them just months in the Church) bear such strong, simple testimonies. The Church is the same all over the world.

We left shortly after meetings were over to get home and get Devan to the airport. Monday we enjoyed time with April visiting and preparing her things to go. We took her to the airport that night. She was ready to get home to Brian and the children. He was so good to encourage her to go and make it possible. It is now so quiet around our flat! (We have heard from April and Devan and we are thankful that they are both home safely.)

We love and appreciate our family and friends. Thanks for the fun surprises you sent to us in April's suitcase! The only thing that could have made the week even better would have been to share it with you also. Have a wonderful week.