Thanksgiving Post 2010

Here I am, sitting in a warm house with the lights on, food in the oven, and loved ones on the way home. I have a lot to be thankful for! Each year I try to really dig deep in my soul and discover what I am truly thankful for...not only what, but who as well.

This year I will have a bunch of "whos" to thank.

1. I am thankful for people in my life who actually do what they say they will do. I have not had too many disappointments in my life. I have been able to count on a ton of people this year. Top of the list is my ever-loving wife, Lori. The rest of the list is pretty long...my family is always there for me. Outside of them I can add to it: Milton, Barbie, Francis, Jared, James, Thomas, Linda, Julie, Chante, Ken, Dave, Shana, Stacey, Rick, Jeff, Mike, Janice, Donna, Donald, Roya, PJ, Candace, Jana, Tom, and John. You all have saved my bacon so often, and I appreciate this quality about you.
2. I am thankful for a God that seems to never let me down. He sets me up and supports me so that I am able to do what I say I am going to do. I don't feel over-committed, but people say I am crazy to do what I do on a daily basis. I pray that I have not been a disappointment to anyone in my life this year. I try to finish what I start, and I try to say "yes" when I really have the time and energy. I don't know why, but whenever God answers my prayers I am amazed. I should expect it! But "Oh me of little faith" is always so confounded when he answers them. And I ask for ridiculous things for His Kingdom to grow. Maybe that is what always surprises me...
3. I am thankful for the comfortable environment God has blessed me with. I shouldn't have a worry in the world. I don't worry about where my next meal will come from, or that if I turn a switch I can have heat, light, food, or water...whenever I want it. Knowing that my friends in Kenya can't always count on that, and have to fight daily for survival makes me feel guilty...but I can still be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish we could celebrate it everyday because that is just the right way to do it. But once a year makes it special. Please think about all the things in your life that you are thankful for. And go a step further...tell those people you are thankful for them.

Chow!

Today I left my son after a quick weekend visit. I happened to fly through LA on business and had a few hours to catch up with him. It was nice spending that time with him...I don't get to see him that often anymore. I like looking him in the eyes when we talk...I learn so much more than when we chat on the phone.

He has started his "adult" life now...a job, bills, and the other responsibilities that come with that title. As a parent it is always so hard to see your kids struggle. In their youth it is issues with bullies, schoolwork, sports, or peer relationships, the basic issues of growing up. Now that he is grown, it is about careers, success, financial stability, and his happiness. Like I said, I hate to see my kids struggle. If he is like I was at the same age, it didn't feel like struggling. It was exciting. But now that I look back on my life, my parents were asking me the same types of questions I ask him now..."Do you have enough money? Are you saving anything? Do you need groceries? How's the car running? I didn't realize it then, but I do now. I guess I am worrying about his current life situation. I hate hearing that he is lonely at times and misses the girl he left behind in Ohio. But I can't fix it...I can only listen and worry. I want him so badly to be happy, to find happiness in his new surroundings. He seems happy and he always reassures me that things are okay. I hope so. But in my mind (and pretend world) things could always be better.

His sister causes me worry as well. She says she is feeling "lost" not knowing how her life will be in the near future. She worries that she won't be able to find a good degree that suits her that leads to a career that she will not only love but make tons of money at. I keep reminding her that she is only 19 and shouldn't really know yet. How many sophomores in college know what they want to do in life? But I remember those feelings as well...and then I accidentally fell into my career passion. I believe that if you are too organized then you don't give yourself an opportunity to grow. You never find adventure and opportunity. Too organized = too safe. I have always wanted my kids to discover the world like I was able to. New experiences can help that. Don't be too closed off to new experiences, I tell her.

Her unsettled feelings cause me to worry. I can't help it. Parents always want their kids to have it better than they did. We want them to surpass us in success...but we can't live their lives for them or make their decisions. That is the tough part!

Does this worry ever end? I don't think so because my parents are STILL asking me the types of questions that tell me they still worry about me. Relax Mom and Dad; things are okay! Really they are! (I only wish I could take my own advice!)

Chow!

Week in Eldoret Part II

Wednesday night is when we met our "angel", Simon. Nich and Kyle were playing the guitar outside the dining hall and Simon approached them with some friends. They were talking music, playing a little, singing a little and just enjoying each other's company. The rest of the group came out of the dining hall and joined their little songfest. Simon told us he was a believer and had a song to sing to encourage us. He looked a little like Seal. A childhood accident left half his face a little deformed, but he was still a good looking man. He sounded a little like Seal when he sang as well. It was a hymn we all knew, so we joined along. The crowd still in the dining room watching TV looked out at us in a disapproving way, so we decided to head to a smaller room to continue our impromptu singing. We sang some songs for Simon and his friends, who were there with World Vision for some training on how to handle child abuse. The Africans then helped compose Swahili lyrics for the chorus of one song, Blessed Be Your Name. We then all sang it and decided we would sing it back in the states. Simon was full of encouragement for the work we were doing in Kenya. He had notable things to say, and the kindness in his voice was soothing. Yep, this is how I would describe an angel. More than just a nice guy, this person was encouraging, uplifting, and full of the Holy Spirit. The next night he showed up with thoughtful and very appropriate gifts for each of us. Like he knew us deeply. (Cue spooky music!)

Thursday was supposed to be our long drive to Barwesa, but we thought better of it after the stuck episode earlier in the week. The road to Barwesa was worse than the one we got stuck on. The people of Barwesa were expecting us, and were disappointed that we would not make the party we were sponsoring in their honor. Francis decided to send some of his representatives, so we got them travel funds and a few gifts to honor the tribal elders and their wives. We heard later that there were over 1000 people there to help us celebrate peace and an end to their fighting and famine. Wish we could have been there. The guys that went ended up stuck for days because the roads got washed out during the rain that wasn't supposed to fall. They also got a little sick from something they ate...like I said, a better decision to stay.

Our last day was spent at two projects: Barnabas' Posho mill (flour mill), and Kamoisie, another CRF Center where kids are sponsored, fed, educated and cared for. Barnabas' flour mill was built through a micro finance loan. It is his pride and joy! Prior to building this mill, Barnabas' wife and neighbors had to walk up to 5 km each way every day to get corn ground for supper. That burns up a lot of time and energy for those that do that chore, mainly children and women. The local posho mill means more time spent at home rather than on the dangerous roads. Barnabas charges 7 shillings per kilo of corn. It coincides with the wholesale price of a chicken egg. People barter all over Kenya. Eggs can then be sold for 25-30 shillings a piece at the market. It will take him 3 years to pay off the loan, one egg at a time. His other pride and joy is the new church built on his property. Barnabas tithed part of his plot to the church to build a new building. It is a simple structure, but full of peace. It was very contemplative to be in that building surrounded by farm plots. His plot is barely an acre, but the corn was high and healthy. Barnabas and some of his neighbors took advantage of our farmer cooperative, another microfinance project. For $50, we can provide a farming family seed and fertilizer to grow an acre of crops. Our payment at harvest is 2 bags of whatever grain or crop is sold. The bags of grain are then sold when the price is higher (later in the year). Payback is at worst break-even, and at best it will double. This is our second year of this experiment. The steady rains have the corn really high and with double ears per stalk! We also heard about a widow nearby with four small children, so we set off to visit. We found her home and met the children, but the mom was out scrounging up some food and was not home. We left some money with Barnabas to help her out. Barnabas then hosted us for lunch. His 8 months pregnant wife Christine waited on us hand and foot. She refused help of any kind. They think she is pregnant with twins. Kenyan women are tough, strong, and can do anything! On our way back to the guesthouse we stopped by another farmer's plot, and also saw Francis' new house being built. He also took a loan to build this house so he can rent out his other house further out of town. It will be a nice, quiet place in the country to raise 3 boys.

Thursday night we spent at our favorite restaurant...The Siam Restaurant. This time I got to go and I met the Chinese owner...Mrs. Yu. She told me about her daughter who was going to Duke University in Raleigh. Her daughter speaks Chinese, English, French and Swahili fluently. Her 14 year old son is more African than Chinese, she says. We have a nice conversation before the food started arriving. Chinese food in Kenya is authentic, tasty, and the most expensive meal you will have...in comparison. It is still relatively inexpensive for westerners, but way out of the average Kenyan's income. The Africans love the food, and it is their favorite choice. It was Keven and Alicia's wedding anniversary so the Africans sang them a traditional Kalinget wedding song. The words basically mean that the community all agrees with the union and give it their blessing. It was a beautiful song, and I like the fact that the community has a say in your relationship. It must be because the community really relies on each member helping out. A good partnership marriage ensures a better, harder-working community and all benefit. Maybe we should try that in the US...instead of soaking up resources, marriages should contribute to the community. The Renovo group also presented me with a beautiful painting of Africa and a well-written Thank You card. They appreciated the work I put in organizing the trip and making sure they saw, heard, tasted, smelled, and connected with Africa. I am glad the trip is a success in their eyes.

Morning came early as we packed and headed to the airport. Francis, Mzei Paul, Ibrahm, Barnabas and Wilson Melly came by to wish us all a farewell. We spoke of gratitude, hope, friendship, and promised to return. We prayed for unity, blessings on the work, and safe travels for us. As usual, tears fall and hugs abound. Airport security would not let them pass through, so we had to rush a good bye in the street! Luckily we had already said our farewells earlier. We couldn't believe we were on our way home! Our flight to Nairobi was uneventful.

No sooner had we landed and there was Thomas Murai outside waiting for us. He had arranged for us to store our baggage at the luggage hold area, and had also arranged a matatu for our use. He wanted to take us to the Masai Market, a tourists mecca for souvenir shopping. Oh, Thomas is my cousin Candice's new father-in-law. I had just met him at her wedding to his son, Michael. At the wedding he insisted that we call him. He is a very generous man. He refused to take money for the matatu, which is not cheap! He also bought me lunch and took over half a day off to host us...many of whom he had never met! I owe him a big one! Thanks so much Thomas!

The Masai Market is as promised...row upon row of vendors. They are used to Japanese tourists who don't haggle, so they start their prices about 10 times higher than what is should sell for. Once they figure out that you know what you are doing, the prices drop drastically. I found a few Ethiopian silver crosses and a star of David for my Jewish co-worker. Ethiopia was the first African country for both Judaism and Christianity. I bought a couple of cool beaded necklaces, an Urungu for Thomas made of ebony, and an antelope horn vuvuzela! Score! Our flight to Brussels was not scheduled to depart until 10:40 pm, so we could take our time. Traffic was terrible, but we made it back to the airport by 6 pm. We collected our bags and checked in. Then we wandered the Nairobi airport shopping in the duty free stores!

I slept the entire flight to Brussels. I couldn't tell you if anything interesting happened! We had a 5 hour layover, and a few of our group wanted to go into town. Five ended up going into town for a quick look-see. The group that stayed were treated to a huge breakfast of fried eggs, roasted tomato, nice bread, coffee and bacon! I decided to risk it, and bought a box of Cuban cigars...Romeo and Juliettas, my favorite! Everyone else bought chocolate. It was an uneventful flight to Washington, DC...I watched 3 movies and read some. As soon as we landed in the US, everyone pulled out their cell phones to call their loved ones. We made it through customs with no problems...whew! AFTER clearing customs, I shared a few cigars with Keven, who promised to keep his mouth shut about my illicit activity.

On our last leg home, I was reflecting on my 2 weeks...What had I learned? I always learn something profound when I go. This time it was about simplicity. The Africans believe a simpler gospel than I do. They read a simpler Bible, too. My gospel needs to be explained thoroughly. My Bible needs interpretation and exejesis to understand it the right way. My friends in Africa read the word and do it...nothing more, nothing less. They are the ones with true religious freedom. They speak and live a more 1st century version of Christianity than I do. They preach Jesus the Savior and feed hungry people. I think that is why I love it so much when I am there. Read the word, hear the word, obey the word. See the need and meet it. Love unconditionally. Show generosity. Give openly. Help always.

I am glad to be home, but I miss Africa already. Who is going with me next year on our medical mission trip?

Chow!

Our Week in Eldoret...Part 1

It was rough not having internet for almost a week in Eldoret. I kept my journal going so I would have notes for this blog, but with the mess of unpacking, I am not sure where it is, so I will do my best to capture the highlights from my fading, boomer memory...just let me say that the best memories were spontaneous moments where the holy spirit moved us and the Kenyans we met with. I actually believe we met an angel named Simon at our guesthouse one night. If he wasn't an angel, he is the closest I have ever come to meeting one. Full of the spirit, love, kindness and encouragement, he filled us up with joy and praise for God. Amazing is the best word to use. That word keeps coming up...I am sorry for overusing it, but it fits so well.

Our trip to Eldoret started at the Nakumat supercenter. You all should be familiar with that place by now. It is a good meeting place because everyone knows where it is. Our hosts in Kisumu picked us up from the Le Savanna Guesthouse and took us souvenir shopping in the morning, and then we met our Eldoret host and a matatu at the Nakumat.

Souvenir shopping was fun as usual. I have created a haggling monster in Chante. Originally fearful of haggling she was afraid she would hurt their feelings and insult the vendors. I told her over and over that they would not sell to you if they didn't want to. She took that to heart, and after early success, she proved to be better than the teacher in her abilities to get great prices. We shopped for a couple of hours, picking up loads of souvenirs. I am at the point where I look for special things...unusual things. This time I was able to find some unique crosses. I like collecting handmade crosses from the countries I visit. These crucifixes were carved from branches that had the shape of a cross naturally. The woodworker carved a face, hands, body, legs, etc. of Jesus into the branch. Crude, but beautiful. The vendor happened to be someone we knew, so he knows our price limits. He was able to find 3 different versions for me...he sold me 2 and gifted me one. You know what they say...if you get a gift from the vendor, it means you just paid too much! I also found a cool nativity set carved out of one chunk of wood. A section of a thick branch trunk is carved to have Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus appear when you unfold the trunk's 3 pieces. Everyone shopped like crazy. It was fun.

Lunch followed shopping at the Mon Ami restaurant outside the Nakumat. We met Francis at the auto repair shop next door. Uh oh, car trouble? He was just having the axle checked. We loaded his Landcruiser with our luggage and 4 bodies. The rest went into the matatu with the rest of our group. The drive to Eldoret is beautiful...especially when the area gets rain. Lush forests, farms and hillsides fill our camera memory cards. Eldoret is Northwest of Kisumu, and is the farming belt of Kenya. It sits on a plateau that separates the Nyanza and Rift Valleys. We saw sugarcane in the lowlands and as we climbed in elevation those plantations gave way to coffee and tea plantations. The tea fields are beautiful, lush, and verdant. The matatu was overheating and had to make unscheduled stops to cool down. On one of those stops the landcruiser I was riding in was about 2 miles ahead. We decided to stop on the side of the road and wait for the van. We were sitting in the truck listening to music, when some school kids heading home decided to hang out and stare at us. They would stare, and when we looked at them, they would look away and giggle. I think this is the first time to see westerners for a couple of them. Chante wanted to give them something and I happened to have a bag of candy just for this type of occasion. That brought them closer, and started some conversation. Kyle dragged out his two drums and one of the boys asked to play them. He was amazing!! He must have learned a little watching his dad or other older men at some point. One of the girls kept rhythm while he pounded away. Music is the easiest way to break down walls that separate people from each other, and Kyle is great at using music to connect us to locals. That is how we met our angel, Simon as well. But that comes later.

Our first stop is to check into our guesthouse for the week. The Reformed Church Guesthouse is surprisingly clean. The rooms each have a bathroom (in various states of repair), and the beds are comfortable. There is a large contingent of Dutch teenagers here on a mission trip, but they have zero awareness of others when it came to consideration...they were loud at night and in the wee early hours of the morning. Luckily they only stayed one night more and left on safari. We happened to see them in Nairobi on our way out as well.

We had a delicious dinner in the guesthouse dining room that first night and met the cook. Professionally trained, Erik knew how to use spices in Kenyan cooking. His tomato soup/sauce was delicious! He came out to meet us, and the group told him that I was a big time food person in the US...so we talked recipes that used Kenyan basics with western flair for a few minutes. He promised to try some of them for us while we were there. His favorite idea was fried leftover ugali...the cornmeal doughball that is the national dish of Kenya. Locals eat it fresh, and the chickens usually get the tough leftovers. I want to treat it like thick polenta and fry the leftovers in the morning. Erik made that dish one day for lunch, but unfortunately we weren't around. But his cooking was the best we have had in the area of traditional Kenyan cooking.

We spent Tuesday meeting all the ECAN (Eldoret Christian Aid Network) center managers and hearing about their centers. It was 4 hours of meetings. After lunch we broke up into groups to visit CRF projects in the area. My team (Melanie, Ericka and I) went out (way out as it turned out) to a remote center. It is so remote we prayed that the rains would stay away to keep the roads passable. As we headed out, I knew why. The roads are packed clay, and in the rain that clay turns slick. We were also heading up and down large hills that would be treacherous in the rain. As we were heading out further and further into the country-side, I casually mentioned that it seemed very remote. Ericka asked me where my sense of adventure was. I replied that I was too old for adventure.

As we pulled into the church, we were greeted by a contingent of old women clapping and singing to us. Each greeted us warmly and continued their singing. It was very moving. We arrived while the kids were still in school, so we headed into the church building (a tin shack!) to continue singing, praising and to give introductions. The hospitality of Kenyans is amazing. We have a few things to learn. They share their best and are always warm in their greeting and treatment of strangers. We seem to be suspicious of people we don't know and tend to shun strangers. The church had a dirt floor and was basically wood poles covered by corrugated tin sheets. We were in the middle of making introductions when lightning and thunder interrupted us. It started raining so hard that we couldn't hear anything. Francis gave me a look that worried me. He wanted to leave immediately because of the roads. The people wanted us to stay and have tea with them. We decided to pray and leave as soon as possible.

Our trip back was the adventure of a lifetime. The roads were so slick we got stuck numerous times. The first time was right outside the church...the locals pushed us out of the mud and we kept going. The second time was down at the bottom of the first small hill. We were stuck good. Francis gunned the Landcruiser and covered it with mud from the wash! Some of the locals followed us down and tried to help us, but we were stuck. We cut branches to stick under the wheels and we found a rope (like thick twine) to pull us out. 10 locals were able to pull us through the muck. They also pulled us up a large hill, and down another. We finally got totally stuck in the ditch on the last hill. No amount of pulling, pushing, rocking, or praying got us out. Ericka was worried and wanted to walk out. I was kidding and asked her where her spirit of adventure was now. She laughed and said she just wanted us to make it back! Someone knew of a tractor nearby and went to call the owner. An hour later he showed up with a small Ford tractor and length of chain. Ericka and Melanie cheered, but I was a little quiet. I wasn't sure a tractor could pull us out, and initially I was right when the tractor got stuck in the same ditch! But with human power and the tractor we finally got unstuck. I was covered in mud after helping push the truck. It was crazy...for a while I wasn't sure we would make it that night, but we did get out. I threw money at the tractor driver and the crowd that helped us, I was so relieved. The ride back to town was quiet as we considered how lucky we were to get out. Well not quite luck...the help of strangers to spend their entire afternoon getting filthy dirty to help fellow Christians. I was grateful for their willingness to help with zero thought of payment for services rendered. We ended up getting back at 9 pm...5 hours after starting our return journey. We spent an hour getting there, 30 minutes there, and hours getting back. Ugh. I spent an hour cleaning my shoes, and decided to throw away my pants, shirt and socks. I put them out on the railing outside my room to let them dry. I also wanted to show the group how dirty I had gotten...they were out having Chinese dinner, which I heard was awesome.

The next morning my pants and socks were gone! The gardener told me he had washed them for me...what a gentleman. He was about my size so I gave them to him. He was very thankful and appreciative of my castoffs.

Today we would spend at the Milton Jones Eagle's Academy. We met the kids in the morning and spent the morning in their classes to see what they were learning. I got the 1st graders...wow, am I impressed. All of them can read in English at a level better than American 1st graders. They are so smart and the curriculum so innovative! The way they learn is fun and engaging. Plus Kenyan children are respectful of their teachers and very helpful. They are quiet in class and very obedient. I haven't seen that much in the US. I see kids that are catered to and not given very high expectations of acceptable classroom behavior.

The afternoon was an assembly...the children performed skits (the forming of the school), sang songs, and read their poems to us. They also played games and danced for us. We returned the favor and sang them some songs and danced with them as well. It was a great day.

More to come! Stay tuned!

Chow!

Sunday Worship at Lakeside Children's Home

Last night in the matatu coming back from dinner, Jared, the director of the schools here asked me who from our team was going to preach the next morning during worship. I told him that he knows that I am no preacher, so he turned to Keven behind him and let him know that he was preaching the next day. I had warned our group that this was customary, so be prepared for anything. I was already planning a 1 hour bible study for the men after services, so I had my plate mostly full. The local church members filled it up by asking me to lead the Lord's Supper and collections as well. They do not just pray, they want mini-sermons for each subject. I was only prepared for bible study.

Church in Kenya is an all-day affair. It is much more like a first century church in the bible than anything we have in the US. Plus we were spending it at Lakeside, my favorite place in Kenya. The church normally has only about 20 adults and the children that reside at the orphanage...70 total on Sunday mornings. Today we had over 200 with many visitors coming from the local village. I think word got out that we had slaughtered a cow and had chickens in the pot. But hey, the more the merrier.

This trip we had dedicated to supporting the Lakeside Christian Children's Home. These kids usually get passed up, getting only a short 2-3 hour opportunity with visiting people. They get short-changed because there are only a few of them. We started meeting with them on Thursday, spent all day with them on Saturday, and now Sunday too! The kids are so happy to see us. It took them a day to warm up to everyone, but today it was all about hanging out with them.

Worship started about 30 min late. They were waiting for our Preacher of the Day...Keven. He did an amazing job thanking the locals for the work they do, thanking Jared and staff for their tireless efforts, and making everyone in the crowd proud to be associated with an orphanage that takes the unloved and loves them. I think it shocked the crowd that people so far away know about the work they do. The translator, George struggled with pronouncing "Puyallup." That became a running joke in his sermon. They wanted to get to bible studies so we kept church fairly short...just over an hour. Their spontaneous singing is beautiful with a female voice leading the songs. AFTER services (inside joke: this is a Church of Christ where instrumental music shall never be played during worship, so we kept having to clarify that services were over, and we are now using a guitar to accompany our voices) we sang a few songs for them. The kids wanted to learn them, so we spent a couple hours after that to teach them, "Blessed Be the Lord", and "Came to my Rescue". Wow, such amazing kids.

We broke into three groups: Men (inside of course), Ladies (outside in the tent), and Watoto (kids in the shade of the mango tree). Keven and I lead the men's study, Alicia and Amy lead the women, and Rachael, Ericka, Chante, Melanie, Nich and Kyle helped corral the kids. Rachael brought some kits where you can turn a drawing into a plate. We had the kids draw and color plates that we will sell in the future to help fund high school fees that are uncovered by the CRF sponsorship amount. I think that is an awesome idea. The kids colored, got their photos taken so the proud owner of the plate can know the boy or girl who's art they've just purchased. I expect to see a lot of plates around NW and Renovo churches!

The men's group was very good, and was perfectly timed...only 2 old guys started nodding off, so I knew when to quit. I had been warned to keep the lesson fairly short, because they start falling asleep before lunch. I saw two heads bob, so I skipped to the end. We had covered what I had wanted anyway, so it was sawa (okay).

Lunch is served the same as locations for the different demographics...men first, then women and children last. It seems to work for them, so I won't fight it. We had beef cooked two ways, chewy and chewier, chicken two ways (fried and stewed...same as the beef, I was trying to be funny), rice, ugali, greens, and our group favorite...chiapati's! After lunch everyone lounges around...the kids are working on learning songs, and then the men get ready to play soccer. We all walked to the local field...not a far distance, only about a mile through the woods. The teachers picked wild guavas along the way, bought fresh bananas and sugar cane for snacks. The kids carried heavy chairs for us to sit in while we watched the Lakeside boys take on the Ringroad teachers and staff. The boys play without shoes, with the teachers have their cleats, shin guards, shorts, etc. But the Lakeside boys are the better coached and more disciplined team...they nearly beat the teachers. They usually win with inferior equipment but with better shaped athletes. I have to figure out a way to get them used shoes, shin guards, shirts and shorts from the US...how many pairs of old cleats do we have at home? Every home in the US is just like that...how do we get stuff over there? Any ideas?

It was a nice, relaxing Sunday. The kids were all fed until they burst, we showed them a little love, and we all played games until it was nearly dark. A glorious day. Saying goodbye was difficult because true relationships have been forged. I can't say it enough...I love the Lakeside project and everything good that happens there is from God. I hope they know how much they are loved.

Chow!

Lakeside Christian Children's Home Orphanage Field Trip

Okay, pack 75 kids and adults into vans designed to hold 10 safely and drive them all over Kenya to take them on a field trip. A field trip that hardly any of them have ever gone on. That was our mission today...help the kids to enjoy a day off that is focused on them...no work, just play. All kids should be able to enjoy a day like that, am I right?

The church team from Renovo on this adventure decided that they wanted to take all the kids on this special day...funded by their members. The kids were giddy with excitement when they found out. The Impala Park is a National Park in Kenya, and is the site of many schools field trips. Our children don't have the luxury of having extra funds for such an extravagant day.

The 3 matatus came buzzing into the hotel parking lot about 1 hour late...normal time for Kenya. They were hoping we would ride with them to the park...uh, nope. Two of our team, Nich and Amy were game and piled in...I noticed they didn't get back in on the ride back to our hotel! Watching everyone pile out of the matatu reminded me of circus clowns and their never-ending group coming out of a mini car. As we waited for the entrance tickets to be purchased, I noticed an ice cream man just outside the gate. I took one of the older boys with me and haggled a good price per cone, KSH 20 (or about $0.33) each. I told him it would be at least 60...he agreed and started dishing out while he and I kept count. We stopped at 75...when I went to pay him, he started howling that we had agreed at KSH 25! We got into it, but when I started to think about it, it wasn't worth it...and I paid the extra $0.085 each. I also told him that he should be ashamed, taking advantage of orphans like that. I noticed he did not stick around after we got out of the park. I hope it was out of shame...because we gave him a week's worth of sales.

Anyway, back to the field trip. Many of the children had never had a taste of ice cream before, and of course, all loved it. How many of us hate ice cream? The park we come to find out is a sorry zoo...only a few animals. We did see wild Impalas in the park as we walked on a trail. We ended up at a large picnic grove with a big covered gazebo. We started singing songs, and then Thomas got up and started playing song and dance games that the kids love. It calls people out and makes them dance with him. It was fun to see the kids laughing at us and the teachers as we made fools of ourselves. At one point, one of the teen girls called out a teen boy, and the singing got louder, snickering and laughing erupted...teens are the same everywhere...must have been some romance going on there. I believe that was the most fun part of the day. Seeing the kids having fun. No responsibilities, no work, no worries...just a day of fun. All kids deserve that, and these kids more than most.

After the field trip, we piled them back into the matatus to head to Ringroad for a special lunch. They would be getting beef, chicken and greens for lunch instead of just rice and beans...This is special to the kids! Oh, and a soda! Wow, are they grateful. They also had a special reuniting with the kids from Ringroad...they hardly get to see their "brothers and sisters", so when they do, it is like a homecoming. With lunch finished, the Ringroad kids wanted to sing for us again. They thought they had been shown up by the Lakeside kids the day before...Jared must have said something to them about the quality of the Lakeside kids singing. Not to be outdone, the Ringroad group sang song after song for us. Then they requested songs to be lead by their favorite teachers...Ms. Audi and Mr. Dino. Again, it was fun to see them having fun. We each said our goodbyes to the group, and they sent up representatives to wish us safe travels. They did request some help with Choir uniforms if anyone is interested.

Back to rest after a long day...the Le Savanna hotel is a sanctuary for us. Clean, air-conditioned and with wifi! It is luxurious. We clean up and head to dinner with Jared, Thomas, James, Collins and Dino and their wives. The best restaurant in Kisumu is the Oriental Chinese Restaurant Restaurant...I thought Oriental and Chinese were redundant. haha. I was still feeling queasy up until the hot and sour soup arrived...oh, so heavenly! Let me back up...we were seated out in the hallway because we didn't make a reservation for 20...haha. The owners were apologetic, but they had a large contingent of Chinese dining tonight and they booked the private party room. I had Chinese words with the owner and he gave us a discount for sitting in the hallway with the lights flickering off and on due to power brown-outs and listening to the burglar alarm go off at the business downstairs every time the power kicked off. Two of us ordered Won Ton soup, but were told by the African waiter that because of the large Chinese group, they always get the soup and never leave any for the other customers. Again, speaking their language, I asked what the deal was...he denied saving the soup for the Chinese customers and sent two bowls of hot and sour soup complimentary to our table. Keven told me to argue AFTER the food comes, not before. I never thought of that...

The food was really good for Kisumu, for anywhere really. It was our best meal yet. Now I am back at the hotel catching up on e-mail and Facebook instead of sleeping. Being in a sickness induced coma over the past 24 hours caught me up on sleep, and now I am just energized...so the blog gets a new entry! Feeling good and getting ready for worship tomorrow. Should be a good one with over 200 guest expected for lunch. Guess who has another bandaid on?

Chow!!

Africa continued

You think I forgot to tell you about how sick we all got? Nope, the last post I had to end abruptly because I had to rush to the bathroom. Let me finish the first week's activities and get to the gory details...

After 2 days spent visiting the sick, praying over them and joining their support groups, we again broke into groups. I took a small group to visit a new project called Alara. It is in the home village of Jared the director of the school. It was a drive of about 40 minutes over bumpy, pot-hole filled roads. But the Alara region is beautiful. Lots of rice paddies near the river, tall trees, and very green. The school is pre-k and 1st and 2nd graders, about 101 kids in all. They spend the day at school and then go home to foster families. Most are not sponsored in any way due to the downturn in the US economy. CRF has lost many sponsorships because people feel they cannot afford to continue helping until things get better. Our African friends are praying for us. They think the economy is so bad that they are praying for us.

Out of the 101 children, 16 are sponsored. He believes it would take $1500 per month to feed, clothe and pay school fees for all 101. He is covering everything but the food for 101 kids on what he gets per month for the 16 sponsored ones, plus whatever extra he can find from other donors. He says he found $200 a month from Amarillo Central Church, who also helped dig a well and buy some property nearby, another $100 comes from his own pocket, and the local foster families know they have to help as much as they can come up with another $100. Add that to the $327 from CRF for the 16 sponsored kids, and Jared has enough to feed all the children breakfast every day, and supper on Fridays. That is it. On our way to Alara, Jared asked if we could stop at the local superstore to buy some sweets as treats for the children. Of course we can. Candy turned into cookies and juice as well for all the kids, the teachers and anyone else who happened to be nearby. The candy and juice are huge treats for the kids as they rarely get them.

Alara has the potential to be an important project. The opportunities for business ventures is high, and the ability to take microfinance loans for planting crops is a no-brainer. They have the start of a large fish pond that could provide much needed protein and income...all it needs is a sponsor who can help raise the $2000 or so to get it completed and full of Tilapia.

While Keven, Alicia and I were at Alara, the rest of the team got to souvenir shop at the local tourist market. I hardly recognized our group in their new African skirts, wraps and headdress! They were going native and loving it! Seems every group I travel with to Africa learn the importance of haggling. Before arriving in Africa, they tell me that they have no ability to haggle, and that they just want to pay retail. There is a fear that we will insult them. I tell them that haggling is part of the process, and not to haggle leads to the vendor not respecting your intelligence or theirs. One team member has become a monster at deal-making. Chante has taken it to the highest level. The person who told me she would just pay full price is getting deals that locals can't even get! In fact, her deals are so good that the vendor won't admit he sold her something when I went to get one for myself.

Dinner was a special treat at the home of the local missionaries, John and Connie O'Kill. Cheeseburgers, fries and ice cream for dessert!! We had a great evening of prayer, sharing, and bonding as a group.

The next day we headed to the Lakeside Children's Retreat and Orphanage. This is truly an orphan's home. It houses about 60 boys and girls in dormitory styled rooms. There is also a nursery school, kindergarten, and sewing business on site for fundraising. The Lakeside children also raise chickens for income as well. The kids at my home church, NW Church in Seattle raised the initial funds for the chicken business, and it has thrived over the past 4 years. Profits from this venture help pay for repairs needed on the property. Lakeside is my favorite project. I don't know why, but I love it more than all the others. Maybe it is because of the idyllic setting amongst the trees, or the smart children with creative talent, or maybe because they don't get the attention that Ringroad gets. This is the project I wanted my friends from Renovo to consider helping. It is small enough that they could make a major impact on improving children's lives.

Okay, this is where the illnesses start...during the middle of our meeting the children. They sang to us, performed dramatic poetry (their own), and spouted off memory verses for us. We decided to sing for them. Soon after, it was like a switch had been turned on. At first Melanie grew ill and had to vomit, then Ericka, who had just lead our singing, and then Alicia. They tried to keep a strong face, but you could see it. One of the most touching moments of our trip so far was how the older teen girls wanted to help Melanie and Ericka in their sickest moments. They hovered around them like bees with cold compresses, dirt to cover the vomit, and tender touches to comfort. We sent them home in a vehicle so they could start their recovery.

The rest of us finished handing out the goodies we had brought them: Old Navy flip flops, a book bag, pencils, toothbrushes, candy, crazy straw, a bandana, and some other small things. They are so appreciative of small gifts. After we said our goodbyes, we took a short detour to the Equator, snapped a few photos and headed back to the hotel to care for the sick. We have a big safari planned for the next day, and we wanted them well.

Wow, the next morning most of us were up at 5 am to prepare to leave by 6. The sick doubled in number to 6 total. Some getting sick between 5-6! We were going to host the missionary couple and the 3 directors on the safari and they arrived on time. I discussed the situation with everyone and decided to cancel our trip. I didn't want those that couldn't go to miss out, and I didn't want those going to feel guilty and worry about those that couldn't make it. It was a losing proposition no matter the decision. But Jared made it work out all right. He suggested that since the Matatus were already paid for, why not let him take the staff of Ringroad on safari? I loved that suggestion and off they went in the matatus to collect the teachers. It is amazing that locals cannot afford to see the beauty of their own country. I am glad I made that decision because soon 2 more of us were sick...9 total out of 10! I spent the last 24 hours fitfully sleeping alternating between the sweats and shivering. I am hoping the cipro works wonders like last year. I woke up about 2 hours ago and decided to finish the blog. Every joint aches, I have a headache, and cramps in my midsection. But I am also feeling peckish and the thought of food isn't causing me to heave. Melanie is back to her regular self, and I am hoping it is a 24 hour bug.

Today is our field trip with the Lakeside Kids and I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Chow!

Week 1 in Africa

We are dropping like flies...this stomach virus has affected 7 out of 10 of us, and no telling when the other 3 will feel the sting. It makes you think that death is a welcome respite it is that bad.

The trip started out great. We made all our flights, all our stops, and our luggage arrived as well. Every piece, with no damage! Our flight itinerary took us from Seattle to Washington, DC, then on to Brussels, and Burundi before landing in Nairobi. There were 9 of us coming from Seattle, and we were planning to meet my nephew from Eugene in Nairobi. His flight was landing a couple hours ahead of ours, and I asked him to wait at our gate and not to go through immigration and customs. We got off the plane and Nich was nowhere to be found. I searched all the other gates thinking he might be at the wrong one. I checked the sleeping rooms, the bars, and even the chapel. After an hour I decided to go through immigrations and then find some help. All of our bags arrived safely, and I even found Nich's bag pulled off from the previous arrival. We all headed through security to exchange money. I found a police unit in the airport, but they wouldn't help. Airport security referred me to the police unit, who referred me back to information. Finally a nice customs agent took me to the airport manager's office and he had Nich paged. An hour later, here he comes through immigration...wow, was I relieved. I think my brother and sister-in-law would have killed me if I had lost him! He said he thought our flight was delayed until morning, so he found a spot to grab a nap. Yes, he has the sleep habits of the dead, this I can attest to after rooming with him for a few days.

We had our connection flights through the domestic terminal the next morning, so we had to find a spot to crash for 4-5 hours. We asked the security guard at the domestic terminal if we could just wait inside...he was not cool with 10 of us with all our luggage dirtying up the just cleaned floors, but another security guard persuaded him to let us in. So he had to fire up the X-ray machine for us...not very tough, as he let me through with 96 pocket knives in my luggage. I use them as small gifts with people I meet...it works well when you give them something. At first the guard was typical...not too warm. He even warned us not to make him take us to the bathroom, that we should leave the terminal to use the public toilets. We chatted him up, and we gave him a knife and some small tip to thank him. After that, he was very friendly and was willing to take any of us who had to go to the restroom in the waiting area. We found out that he loves Clif Bars, Trail Mix, and beef jerky...our midnight snack and breakfast. There were two other groups of Muzungus (white folk) wanting to also wait inside the terminal, but he refused them entry. Funny how a little human warmth can change a person's perspective. He befriended us over a few snacks, and wanted to protect us. My initial worry about how and where we would spend the night was nothing to worry about, as it turned out.

Our total travel time from when we left Seattle to landing in Nairobi: 34 hours. We were hungry, greasy, we had bad breath, our feet stank, and don't even ask about how our hair looked. We needed bathing. The overnight on the floor of the domestic terminal didn't help our moods, or our appearances. But we freshened up as best we could in the bathroom a small group at a time courtesy of our new friend.

Our domestic flight was short. After an hour of flying over the beautiful countryside we landed in Kisumu, Kenya, the site of our first week's work. We would spend the week with Jared Odhiambo, Kotieno Thomas, and James Were. These 3 gentlemen started the work 13 years ago. They were three young men going through seminary and befriended a young AIDS orphan. When they found out he wasn't getting food or education, they decided that they found their ministry. They worked menial jobs to get money to spend on food for their growing group of orphans once word got out. Thomas used to break big rocks into smaller gravel sized rocks by hand, then spend all afternoon selling it. Everyone pitched in however they could. Today that work is an 8 classroom school, a health clinic, orphanage home for 60 kids, and another school in Jared's home town. All together they help over 600 children that can't help themselves.

Jared, Thomas and James met us at the airport and carted us and our baggage to our first guesthouse of our trip...St. Anna's Guesthouse. A nice, well-kept hostel-type accommodations. Sparse, but comfortable. Each room had its own bathroom, which is nice. We doubled up on rooms and quickly cleaned up so we could go meet the kids. They had been waiting in the sun patiently for us for over an hour when we finally arrived.

Before meeting the kids, we were asked to tour the VCT Clinic (Voluntary Counseling and Testing). The Kenyan Government does not want these called AIDS or HIV clinics because of the stigma attached, so we oblige and whitewash the name...everyone in the surrounding area knows what it is for. Our small 3000 sq ft. building tries to bring healthcare to a slum of 500,000. Overwhelming is the word I use. The kids continue to wait in the hot sun as we get the tour. We brought along medicine that my brother, the doctor, was kind enough to donate. The clinic has sent us a list of drugs they were hoping to get, and he bought every single one for the clinic. Not enough for a whole year, but enough to keep them going for a few months. Any money they can save not having to buy medicine can go towards the nutritional programs of HIV treatment. We were worried that it wouldn't make it through customs with all our drugs. They are valuable, and we didn't have a doctor in our group that could write presciptions for all those meds. We said a prayer in the US asking that we get through customs without any inspections. Not a single one of us was stopped in Nairobi. We dropped the meds with the VCT director and he mentioned to us that it looked like about 1 months worth of medicine. A few of us were deflated, all that trouble for just a month? Later on, when he could go through each bag, he was moved to tears. He told me later at dinner that he was so pleasantly surprised at not only the quantity, but the value of some of the medicines. See, my brother decided that he would go off the list and send some medicines that he knew they needed...tapeworm treatments, major antibiotics for malaria, and chewable medicines for the children.

After an hour in the VCT, we were finally able to meet the children. They had been waiting that whole time in the sun. We held an impromptu assembly with them singing to us, and we introduced ourselves to them. We then got to hand out sacks of rice and beans for the children to take home to their foster families. It is important that the orphan feel like they are truly contributing to the household, or else they will feel like they are a burden to those that care for them. They get 4 kilos combined, which will help feed their foster family for a few weeks. The children are fed at the school 2-3 times per day. That is the only way Jared can guarantee that the kids get fed. They found if they give food to the foster family, the child may not actually get enough to eat. So he feeds them 7 days a week. 6 days of school, and Sunday is Bible School. He used to feed them 3 meals a day, but with costs going up, funding going down, he had to make a tough call. We are starting to see the effects of losing supper. The children's grades are suffering because they do not have a safe place to do homework. It used to be that they would come for supper after school. After eating, they would go to their class and work on homework until 8 pm. They would leave the electricity on for them. Now without that 3rd meal, they are home earlier, and the foster families need work done...chores, etc. The children are obligated to help, and are not able to keep up with their schoolwork. But this doesn't discourage the kids...they are still appreciative of 2 big meals a day, and free tuition at the school.

After the kids rush home with their sacks of food, it is time for their lunch, after lunch we would visit each classroom and hand out something small for every student. A pencil and a silicon bracelet. They thought it was Christmas, we were embarrassed at the size of the gifts. They need shoes, clothes that aren't torn, and underwear. We give them pencils.

One member of our team has found her calling. She started the entire adventure being the most unsure, worried, scared member. She wasn't sure she could do all the flying, she was worried about the food, disease, the mosquitos, and HIV. She went into the kitchen where the cooks prepare the meals for the children and went right to work. She learned that feeding 400+ kids at a time is difficult when you are cooking over open fires, and you have a sink the size of a cruise ship bathroom. But the cooks don't complain about black lung, or the conditions. They only have 100 or so bowls and plates...that means the kids eat in shifts. When one group is done, the plates and mugs are collected and washed, sometimes 3-4 times per meal! Imagine being the dishwasher...Chante did it all. She decided right then and there that something could be done. She was looking for a special project to fund, and she decided that the cooks needed some help. We went to the local super store and bought as many bowls as we could find (97) and 100 mugs. She also threw in serveware, dish towels, dish soap, and 3 large baskets to carry dirty dishes in. Moved to action...I love it!

We spent the next couple of days rotating between 3 opportunities: 1) working in the classrooms to hear the kids stories, teach them a new song, and just getting to know them, 2) working with the local missionary as he shared the gospel to a group of locals at Dunga Point, where the fisherman on Lake Victoria gather to sell their day's catch, and 3) help the missionary's wife in her ministry of home visitation of the bedridden AIDS sufferers. Pretty emotional and powerful stuff going on in the world. Humbling, depressing, joyful, and hopeful all at the same time. They heard the story of a woman on her deathbed, finally getting her anti-retrovirals (ARV) therapy. She is now up and about sewing to make a living. One of our team is considering a microfinance loan to help her buy the sewing machine she is now renting. Another member bought a skirt that she had sewn, over-paying of course for that garment. Our team's generosity toward the people is demonstrated in different ways. Each group rotated through half a day. And they wanted more. Such caring, compassionate hearts. I am lucky to be a part of this work.

Chow!

Jambo Kenya!

6 days until we leave for Africa! I am excited and apprehensive at the same time. Excited to see my friends again, to see the children, and to experience some new adventures in my life. The fulfillment in the work there is unmatched by anything else in my life...I cry more in Kenya, laugh more, and forget all about myself when I am there. It is hard to explain, you have to see it for yourself to really understand. But the more I write about my experiences, the more I hope my friends want to join me on the next trip.

The apprehension, which is not normal for me is due to the extra burden of responsibility I will be bearing on this trip. My 18 year old daughter and my brother's 18 year old son are joining me this time. My nephew was a late addition to our group, and he was not able to get the same flights. He leaves Seattle an hour after the rest of the group and arrives Nairobi an hour earlier that we do. I worry that he may miss a connection (Dallas or London), or that he is delayed. I would normally have an Africa-based phone, but it was stolen last trip, and I wasn't planning to get a new one until landing in Nairobi. If something happens, we will have to rely on the airlines to transmit messages to and from him and me. With the two teens along, I will not be able to be my own carefree self, and will have to keep an eye on them. It is safe, but I will still have to be careful.

Many of you have been wondering about this trip and what we will be doing. I will give you a little background on the work over there. I am fortunate to be a board member for Christian Relief Fund, with an emphasis on supporting our Kenya projects. We have had orphans supported since 2005, but the past 3 years have really been growth years for our ministry. We not only feed and care for HIV/AIDS orphans, we are now managing 3 schools, a health clinic, and numerous farming projects that are the genesis of our microfinance outreach. Our locations with projects are: Kisumu (3rd largest city in Kenya), Eldoret, Kitale, Malindi, and Mombasa. On this trip we will focus on Kisumu (550 orphans), and Eldoret (220 orphans). Eldoret is also the area that we are focusing our microfinance initiatives. There have been droughts the past 2 years, and Eldoret is the farming center of Kenya. The rains this year are great, but without a crop, there is no money for planting. Our latest project helped to start a seed and fertilizer co-op. For $50 a farmer can plant and fertilize 1 acre. He repays the loan with sacks of grain that the co-op sells. That money is deposited for next year's planting season. We hope to increase the number of farming families we can help every year.

Kisumu is our "showcase" for how a project can be. The managing staff are all locals who know how to run things the African way v. the western way. For the same amount of money, the locals can support 3 times the number of orphans than a typical American missionary-driven project. They understand how important it is to have local foster families and not to institutionalize them. They realize that kids need more than physical care, but emotional and spiritual as well. Our kids at the Ringroad Orphans Day school win national competitions in education, the arts (poetry), and in scouting. They are one of the top scouting teams in all of Africa. Whenever they make the International Scout Jamboree in London (which is pretty often), they can never afford to send anyone. One fortunate year, when they won the All-Africa Jamboree, they could only afford to send one lonely scout to London, Irene. She was 11.

I can go on and on about our projects, but I wanted to share our itinerary and agenda for this upcoming trip. Our primary reason for going is to introduce a new group of Americans to the work in Africa. The Renovo Church of Puyallup, WA may want to support some of the projects there, and will be sending a group to see for themselves. I have the perfect project for their small, but mighty congregation. We have been meeting monthly since March to get to know each other and to go over trip details. I have grown to really love them all in a short period of time. They are all great people with huge hearts.

We will start our African adventure in Kisumu where we will deliver much needed antibiotics and other medicines (all donated by my brother, the doctor) to the clinic. We will also help the local missionaries in their HIV counseling, AIDS hospice visitation, and deliver the basics of a new incentive plan to the teachers to help get their kids grades up. We will also be visiting one of my favorite projects, the Lakeside Children's Home and School. We help care for approximately 60 kids at the home. These kids have zero chance of finding foster families (out in the country), and do not have any relatives willing to help them. The Renovo Church is considering Lakeside as a project to adopt, and we will spend quality time with the kids and the staff at their compound. We have planned a field trip for the children to a local theme park, and maybe ice cream afterwards. This might be the first time ever some of these children get to experience a carnival ride or ice cream. After Lakeside, we will drive to Eldoret, which is about 100 KM northeast of Kisumu. That short distance may take us 4 hours by matatu (minivan taxi).

Eldoret is another one of my favorite projects because I helped start the work there 3 years ago. 3 years ago we got a request to meet a man who had hundreds of HIV/AIDS orphans that needed help. We arranged to meet him at the Eldoret post office at 1 pm. Somehow our communications were messed up and he was there at 9 am to meet us. He stayed there until we showed up around 2 pm. That wasn't bad enough, he had two church congregations waiting for us as well...one on each side of the city. We had only promised that we would sponsor 30 of his orphans. He had 150 of them waiting there to greet us. How heartbreaking to only be able to help a few! We doubled the number that day. The elders were so godly in the way they determined which ones got sponsorship first...they based it on need. I was very impressed and we did everything we could to find sponsors for all 150, and then some. It took us 45 days after we returned to get them all in the CRF program. Since then, the work in Eldoret has taken off. Francis, our director has started a school, started microfinance projects, and has grown the church. God is good.

Let me tell you one more Francis story. Francis had heard about a severe famine in the Barwesa area near Eldoret. He heard stories about the families there eating weeds and rats to survive. On top of that, the warring between the two tribes had escalated during the famine. Francis took his monthly rations for his 150 kids and decided that they could help the villagers of Barwesa. He went there to deliver food and the good news of the gospel. The two chiefs put aside their differences on that day. Both were baptized along with 32 of their tribe. One of the chiefs was so moved by the show of the orphans' generosity, he pledged 10 acres of his land for a CRF project. He wanted us to come there and help him feed his people. We asked them what was best for that area and they decided they wanted mango trees (900), a goat herd, and beehives. I have asked Francis to take our group to Barwesa. I want to meet the chiefs, hear the story firsthand, and shower them with a feast courtesy of my home church, Northwest Church. I hear that excitement is building for our visit and we should expect over 800 people! It is an all day drive, so we will camp in the bush for a night. I am excited. That will be the highlight of my trip.

My group of travelers include some pretty talented musicians so we will grace our hosts with music whenever we gather. I have to learn to sing...boy do I have to learn quickly.

So, there it is...a shortened version of our busy itinerary. I can't wait until we get there, and I can't wait to come back home with new stories to share with anyone who will listen.

Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers. And go to the CRF website and donate, please?

Chow!

Special Father's Day

I think I have turned another page in the book of life. The kids are growing up and maturing, and I don't feel as if I am as important in their lives anymore. I think that is a good thing.

Jeff just graduated from THE Ohio State University last weekend, and Melanie just finished her freshman year at the Univ. of Washington (Go Dawgs!) When they were younger, I looked forward to their attempts to celebrate Father's Day...the handmade gifts, the cute cards, the effort to make my day special. I am at the point where I am spending more time reminiscing about their younger days and I am less focused on their lives now. I guess it is because I have less to do with their everyday world. I know this day has been coming, and that our relationships begin to change, but it is still tough. I remember the day they were born, their first words, their first steps, and almost everything memorable until now.

Now I am looking forward to the day that Jeff becomes a dad and Mel becomes a mom. She swears she will NEVER have kids, but I see her being just like Lori. And I secretly hope she gets a kid just like her...too smart for her britches. I think Jeff will be a better dad than I was because he is more patient, less volatile, and much less wound tight than I am. Jeff is just starting his adult life, and I hope I don't jinx him, but he has a real job offer and will be moving to LA to start that phase in his life later this summer. He feels fortunate that he has a job so soon after graduation, and secretly, Lori and I breathed a huge sigh of relief as well. Not that we were too worried, but it is tough to watch your kid worry a little about their future when you want it to be so bright that they need shades indoors.

This is the best gift a father can ask for...an assurance that your kids are off to a good start, and that you helped him get there. So that page turns, and a new chapter is about to be written.

Chow!

Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!!

I was trying to remember the earliest memory of my mom...I think I was about 4 years old...weird that I can't go back further than that. I would love to try to remember being carried around, snuggling with her as an infant, but I can't. I remember making her mad. That is the earliest memory I can recall. I accidentally poked her in the eye when she was helping me get dressed and I must have let a stray finger go right into her eye. She yelped and ran to the bathroom. She was angry for about a second...and then quickly reassured me that she was fine. Turns out she had been suffering some eye pain already, and it irritated it a bit.

That's it...she was helping me, she was nurturing, and loving. That is how I will always remember mom. She got me interested in food by having me help her cook dinner. She also got me into cooking Thanksgiving dinner out of necessity...her turkey was so dry that I had to do something about that as a teenager. Mom makes the best eggrolls in the world, and I ain't kidding! Dad says she couldn't cook when he married her, so she was either a fast learner, or Dad was over-exaggerating...which he has been known to do. She says my cooking is her favorite...she has to whisper that to me so dad doesn't get his feelings hurt.

When us kids were misbehaving I still remember how she would warn us to start behaving; she would take the rolling pin out of the kitchen drawer and pound it on the counter. That would immediately cause us to whisper and chill out. The threat of punishment was enough to get us back in line. At some point we all out-grew her. Mom is a tiny 5-footer with a huge personality and heart. When we were teens, she couldn't hurt us anymore physically no matter how hard she would swing her tiny fists. I remember Duke arguing with her after school one day. I think he was 14. Well mom went to slap him on the shoulder, and he just laughed. It hurt her hand more than it hurt him. She never tried to punish us again, but then again, she never had to after that.

Mom was not a morning person and on school days we had to get up early, make our own lunch and get our own breakfast. Yep, cold spaghetti was breakfast for us sometimes. I think that is where I get my own habit of not spending a ton of morning time to get going...I just get up and go. No need to relax with the morning paper or a cup of coffee. I would rather sleep an extra amount of time and then rush out.

It didn't seem like she worried much about us, but now when I talk to her I know she was just trying to put on a strong face for us kids so we would build up our own sense of confidence. I am glad she was pretty clueless about how "adventurous" we all were growing up. The situations we would get ourselves into scare me when I think about it now, I can't imagine my mom actually knowing what kind of trouble we could get into. That is for another blog...let's just say we kept her in the dark for her own good...haha.

Mom is the perfect mother-in-law. She loves Lori almost more than she loves me! She never gives Lori advice on anything, and she is always telling us what a great job we are doing with our own kids, household, etc. She never has a negative thing to say. She and dad are a little older, and aren't the best babysitters, but they are great grandparents to my kids. They are generous, helpful, and they teach my kids about life. They constantly tell my kids how proud they are of their accomplishments.

Mom wasn't a June Cleaver type of mom, but she was exactly what I needed her to be! She is my number 1 fan, and in her eyes I can do no wrong. But I think she says that to Irene, Duke, and Viv as well. I guess that is what being a mom is about. You have to make each child feel like they are your favorite.

I love you mom!! Happy Mother's Day!

Chow!

Founder's Syndrome

It seems like every founder I work for suffers from the same malady. They start out humble, awed by the wonder of the business world and their lack of understanding of how things get done; then at some point further along into the growth of their idea, they morph into a giant, ego-driven monster, incapable of reason or true business savvy. They don't trust the very people that got them to that point. It is uncanny how it seems to be a universal truth with the small entrepreneur who starts out with a great idea and no way to get it into the market.

I thought I would capture some of these changes they experience in a "top 10" styled list.

10. Trust nobody. All of the sudden no one can be trusted. This generally occurs when some real value is created.

9. Take all the credit, and while you are at it, give yourself more credit for what is yet to be done.

8. Second-guess every decision, expenditure, meeting, and strategy that you were not personally involved in...usually for this very reason.

7. Lose your memory of how little you actually know about marketing, manufacturing, and finance.

6. Pick a new group of "trusted" advisors that really only want what's best for themselves.

5. Live the Rock Star lifestyle way before you have the Rock Star dough.

4. Start believing that the level of generosity you show is inversely related to the real value of the equity.

3. You start developing unrealistic expectations of milestones and the amount of work that goes into meeting them.

2. You forget that investors put up that money in the bank and that it isn't yours to do with what you want.

1. You start believing your own BS of how wonderful, smart, and good-looking you really are.

I am not sure why this morphing happens, but I am sure it is directly related to money, power, and self-preservation. This innate behavior must be dormant in most of us, and must only come to life when triggered by some event. As I think about it, it must turn on in us at that point where our dream starts becoming a reality; our idea becomes a product with legs and we start measuring the value, or worse, the future value of our idea. At that point we might actually put the value of our business on ourselves and turn that into what we think our true value is.

"The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil..." (I Tim. 6:10)

Our value should never be represented by what we do for a living, or how successful we become. It should always be about how we are helping others get through life.

Chow!

The Lenten Season

I remember Lent as a young kid growing up in a Catholic family...gotta give up something for Lent we were told. I always gave up a toy I hated anyway. But the purpose was always lost on me. Why do I have to give something up? No grown-up ever explained it to me, or maybe I never remembered actually hearing the reasons. But it was always a 40-day period of people complaining about craving whatever was given up...mostly chocolate or sweets.

Now as an adult, a non-Catholic adult, I understand it much better. Lent is a period to grow in your Christian faith. The sacrifice of something that separates you from a stronger faith should be given up for the short 43 days (yes, I counted...it is MORE than 40) to help you focus back on your relationship to God. Is it a certain food group that you have a problem with? Give it up! Television causing you to turn away from the almighty? Turn it off! Use that weakness and turn it into a strength. Jesus gave his life to save ours for eternity, we should be able to give up one small vice for 40-some days.

Our minister challenged the congregation to participate in the Lenten season by picking something to give up. To be considered a good candidate for sacrifice, these vices had to be some practice that perhaps was causing us to "stumble" in our faith.

My vice? Facebook. That was an easy one for me to decide on, but much tougher to actually pull the trigger. I have been Facebook free for 13 days now...30 left to go. According to the "rules" of Lent, you can backslide on Sundays, the Lord's Day. I don't think so! I am going full-on! No Sunday Slacking for me. It was amazing how infiltrated my life had become by Facebook. I had to think very hard about all the prompts that I get from Facebook...e-mail alerts, pop-ups on my phone, etc. I had to shut them all down! I even left an important message with someone's address in my Facebook e-mail because I couldn't get to it. I am now trying to stay in touch the old fashioned way...e-mail and phone texts!

Instead of spending time on Facebook after dinner, I use the time to pray a little, read a lot, and I have been doing the NYT Crossword Puzzle each day. I am getting a little smarter, and much more prayerful. I have not been tempted to cheat, and when I feel a pang of disconnectedness, I say a quick prayer, thinking about how much Jesus sacrificed for me. That feeling of wanting to check my profile never lasts too long. I do find myself talking aloud about perfect status updates when they happen. Crazy!

A few others that I know have also given Facebook up. I hope they are doing okay with it...but there's no way for me to know without access...ha! My Jewish friend, Roya thought that I had given up all forms of electronic communication, until one of my Facebook friends told her, no, I had just given up Facebook. I guess that tells you how much I was on there.

30 days and counting...wish me well. I hope all of you found something worthwhile to give up, and are growing closer to God in the process.

Chow!

February 14, 2010

This date is a collision of 3 important dates to me. My oldest was born 22 years ago; it is also Chinese New Year, and Valentine's Day.

Jeff turning 22 is amazing to me. I still remember the day he came home in Lori's arms. He was the quietest baby who seemed to be taking it all in through his big blue eyes. All he did was sleep and eat. He is now about to graduate from college. All he does is eat and sleep. He will be working for a living soon, and the other day he asked me some advice about making an investment that paid better returns than his money-market account. He is now an adult with a great future in front of him if he keeps making the right decisions.

Chinese New Year is a part of my culture that is re-awakening. I remember tidbits of this event growing up...mostly about paying homage to our past ancestors with foods, burning fake money, and eating with family. The red envelopes weren't a part of our lives until we got a little older. My parents seemed to not make a big deal out of it for some reason. I regret not keeping this tradition from my Chinese heritage. But now in my middle-age, I find myself wanting to do more at this time of year. I want to clean out my past, start fresh, and draw as much luck as I can. One New Year celebration per year is not enough.

What can I say about Valentine's Day? I am not the most romantic soul, but I am able to love and give my heart to just one other. Lori and my idea of a Friday night might include pajamas in front of the TV, but we have grown into each other solidly over the past 28 years. Never flashy or splashy; we are just secure and comfortable. We don't always agree with each other, but we know we can trust each other completely. I think that is what love is about. We have always sacrificed for each other, and know that we will do what is best for the family. If I had to define what love is, I would ask you to tell me what your love produces. Ours produced two awesome grown children, a quarter century of memories, and two lives filled with contentment.

Chow!

Back Home!

Our church in Seattle has a habit of yelling out, "God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!" I have been saying that to myself these past few weeks.

After 2 long, eventful, fun and exciting years in LA, I decided to return home to Seattle...I didn't have a job to return to; nor a plan to find one. I had been consulting for a friend's company in LA for 4 months, and that friend wanted to offer me a full time opportunity. Over the Christmas holiday Lori and I had talked about me coming home for good. I was a little concerned about coming home without a job, but I knew it was the right decision for my family and for myself. So upon my return to LA, I met with my friend and told him that for family reasons I would be heading back to Seattle. I wanted to preempt his job offer to me because if he offered me, I might have been tempted to stay. He was so gracious and accepting of my decision and made it very easy for me. I will always remember this act of kindness.

No lie, later that day I get a call from a recruiter with an opportunity in Seattle. You cannot tell me that it was merely a coincidence...no way. There is just one catch; the company is about to offer another candidate, so I would be a back-up candidate should the other guy reject the offer. I send my resume anyway thinking perhaps that the recruiter can help me find something in a depressed Seattle job market. He calls me back after reviewing my resume and tells me that I am more qualified than the other candidate, and that I should expect a call from the CEO. He wanted the CEO to consider waiting until after speaking with me to offer the other candidate. Long story short, I end up with the job after a whirlwind week of activity.

I really believe this was God opening doors for me after deciding to put my family first. He just keeps blessing me in so many ways. Each day I thank him for giving me what I need AND want. He is so generous to me, and I don't deserve it.

Another example of this generosity was shown to me last week. I have been asked to lead a team back to Kenya this summer. I wasn't sure I would have any money to travel to Kenya a second year in a row. Wouldn't you know that as soon as I asked God to help me figure it out, I get a bonus check from my client for the exact amount I need to make the trip. Like I said, no way is that a coincidence.

Part of it is my dedication to my New Year's resolution to just "wing it." Don't plan my life out as if I am in control, but to be open to the spirit's gentle and not-so gentle nudgings.

When I say, "God is good!" You answer, "All the time!" Then I will add, "All the time!" The final response is, "God is good!"

Chow!