Pearls Of Wisdom

Hello...
I hope all is well with you. I'm happy to share with you that I am a few days away from officially exiting my "teenagerhood"... okay, as far as the number goes. I'm in Machakos right now about to go pick up some lab results. I've been sick for almost four weeks and cold medicines and antibiotics did not help at all, so I had my lungs x-rayed yesterday and sputum investigations. I hope I'll get better soon!

Otherwise things are okay. I've started working a bit with a guy called Mike Musembi who graduated from Daystar long ago. He has lots of experience in community development and he's a really commendable man. For some time he worked with the resettlement of refugees and he did most of the "Lost Boys of Sudan" profile. He has a project called Pearls of Wisdom in a place called Kamulu, which is outside Nairobi. He has a vision to build housing and a secondary school for girls from the slums who are orphaned or who have been affected by AIDS/HIV. It is basically a rescue center for the very desperate, hopeless and needy young woman. He used to have a small school in the slums, but some logistics fell through and now he is planning to build his own center and school on a piece of land he owns near his home. He has all the planning done and just needs the funds. I met with a couple girls who used to be in the project when it was operating and I was impressed by their school performance at their current schools. I spent time with Musembi and his family last week and I felt so relieved to work with someone who is wise, honest, and focused.

I'm still staying at Exodus because I love those kids and I want to be a part of their lives; however, because of some issues there, God led me to be a part of Pearls of Wisdom as well.

I'm not sure of all of my plans before I head home, but I'll likely spent the first week of July in Kisumu and Lwanda. Be blessed.

He Never Said It Would Be Easy

Hello and Happy World Cup Season!
I hope that all is well and you are enjoying summer weather. Here, we are in the coldest season, but it's not too cold for the most part. I've been sick with a cough for a couple weeks and it's been kind of rough lately at Exodus. I can't get in to all the details, but I can say I've really been challenged lately and I have nothing to relying except God. I've cried and I've felt a lot of deep pain for something that is going on and I ask that you pray for me in this time. Trying to manage the transition home at the same time is also stressful. It's hard to establish an entire life and livelihood and then leave it. Thanks for your support. Be blessed

My latest work of poetry

This poem still needs a title...

Dreading departure,
Fighting time,
Facing reality.
Is this the end?
Or just another beginning?
Explored lands,
Orphaned smiles,
Poured rains.
Are they part of me?
Swimming in my veins,
Reflecting in my eyes,
Tugging on my heart.
Or just packed away in my memory?


I'm at Daystar for a couple nights, just to see friends, use the internet, and take a break from Exodus. Although I am tired, I can say that this is most rewarding work I have ever done in my life. Just a few minutes ago, some kids from Exodus called me to say they missed me and ask when I am coming back. I haven't even been gone for 24 hours! Haha. I miss them too! Last weekend I took part in a medical camp held in a slum outside Nairobi, called Mukuru. Life in the slums is something I don't have the energy to write about right now, but it was an interesting experience to say the least. Otherwise, I spent the week at Exodus as usual. I've been sick the past few days as well and I'm trying to prepare myself mentally to start life again in Michigan. It might seem a bit early, but trust me... it's better I start now.