The Bethany team was welcomed with song, smiles and tears when they arrived in Kenya by the community of Nkoisusu.  As the team settled in, we could not but marvel at the trees that are flourishing around the compound.  When Bethany first came to the community there were no trees.  Today most of the over 100 trees that Bethany planted are over 8 feet tall - some 20.  To the team this is a glorious reminder of God using Bethany to love and care for this community so far from Bethany church.  Bethany has been planting God’s love in Nkoisusu for almost 10 years, God is working to make whatever seeds that are planted to grow, like this beautiful tree.

Sunday The team attended church in Nkoisusu and our own Pacifico Gines shared a message from God's Word. 

Saturday The Masai government has been dividing up the lands and issuing parcels to individuals rather than holding it as a community. There are fences going up around each homestead and many families are moving. Things are changing! An interesting aspect of moving in this community is the home. They are built of a wood frame cut from trees and supported by smaller sticks woven between them and then covered with a “plaster” made of mud, dung, and water. Well, packing up for a move here includes breaking all the plaster off the home, removing all the wooden sticks and poles and taking them with to rebuild the home! We saw several piles of busted up “plaster”. 

Today I am reminded of the importance of slowing down from our busy lifestyle in the USA, and taking time to make personal connections with people. Since arriving in Nkoisusu, we have had a chance to reconnect with friends from past visits and hear their stories. Pacifico has an amazing story to share - so be sure to check back soon. Today was our first full day in Nkoisusu. Alice had us hit the ground running-well, walking really. We spent all day walking throughout quite a bit of the community visiting widows and their families. We brought each one a bag of basic food supplies, such as flour, sugar, salt, oil, etc. We prayed for each family before we left and passed out candy to the children. Every widow is so appreciative of the gift as well as the prayers. As we walked from homestead to homestead, we saw so many large herds and flocks - the animals have thrived this year - which is a good thing! The landscape is pretty open so the children saw us coming and ran to greet us. They followed along to neighboring homes, all smiles and giggles. The widows were warm and welcoming. We had the honor of being invited inside a couple of homes - or bomas to share a few words and prayers.

Monday The team had a full day with children and mama’s.  After breakfast the team went into the school classrooms to observe, encourage, and pray over the students and teachers. Pacifico and I (Tisa) were in the PP1 class (similar to our kindergarten), Kevin visited 2nd grade, while Brian and Kathie visited the upper grades.  Recess was a hoot, as we brought soccer, footballs, and frisbees. I visited with three teachers (Dorothy, Naomi, Tabitha). It was good to hear about their education, and their live in the village.  Naomi is married and sees her husband only on weekends.  Then I was able to visit with Emily who received a quilt I made for her 6 years ago. She is so very thankful and said it keeps her quite warm.  There is a great need for quilts for all the teachers.  After lunch, we walked a couple of miles to a boma (home).  This is the boma of a student that is dear to our hearts, his name is Daniel.  Daniel is a child who has a disability that makes walking difficult.  Naitajeu’s (Daniel’s mother) boma required some repairs to the exterior walls. Kathie and I made “plaster”, well Kenyan Maasai plaster which consists of clay mixed with cow dung and water.  Then we applied the “plaster” with our hands and smeared it smooth. It was a nice tactile experience for me.  Naitajeu was so thankful for our time with her, and the love that Bethany has shown to Daniel over the years.  Kevin prayed and blessed Naitajeu’s home.  We all left with full hearts and dirty hands.  1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 “We always thank God for you, mentioning you in our prayers.  We continually remember before God and Father your work produced by faith.  Your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ”

Tuesday "This is my first time going to Kenya and to the village of Nkoisusu. Bethany Church has supported Kenya Hope for about ten years now. I have often heard of the ministry here but it is has been quite another thing to experience it in person. I have seen first hand how the water project, the support and care provided to the many widows, the school uniforms provided to the students, the hundreds of trees planted, and the many other ways that Bethany has supported the ministry here has had a significant impact in the lives of these beautiful Maasai people. We have been the “hands and feet” of Jesus to them so they have experienced the love of God through us at Bethany Church. They have expressed their deep love and gratitude to us and to God as He has used us to bless them and bring spiritual truth and encouragement. What a joy and privilege it has been to be here. I wish that all of you could have the same experience." By Kevin Recker 

Wednesday

Sad goodbyes yesterday and this morning as we said farewell to our loved ones in Nkoisusu.  We are now at the Masai Mara. Tomorrow we will go to Narok to visit the Mueller Memorial academy, then back to Nairobi to the Hope Center in Kibura, which is one of the infamous slums of Nairobi. Thanks for your prayers and continued support.