My first dance...

One of many special moments from our wedding! Rough song translation... "Have you ever seen a bride like this?...Where did you see her? God is good because he's allowed us to see her!" In my opinion.. God is SO good in giving me the joy of being a bride for my prince Teopard Mukundi!  Thengiu muno to the wonderful staff at the Maili Saba Hotel!

My first few months at I Afrika

How do I even begin to describe my first few months working at I Afrika? No day has been the same! Every day I have something different to do or help with. It has been a really enjoyable ride! I also know that I am at this place at this time for a purpose.  

My main role so far at I Afrika has been to help to transform the school, Immanuel Afrika Academy. This is the school where our primary school street boys attend as well as children from the surrounding village. When I arrived the school was a very typical Kenyan school. I have been working with the wonderful head teacher to make some changes that will help the kids to grow and learn more. Some of these changes include a complete overhaul of the entire timetable for the school. I worked on changing every class’s times to fit in with the Kenyan curriculum guidelines. I have also been working on compiling the entire curriculum for the school from Baby class (day care) all the way up to Standard 8. It is a huge job to make sense and understand a new curriculum and then to develop it into something user friendly for the teachers.

Another main role of mine has been to inspire the teachers to try new teaching methods. I have been working with them, helping them with new ideas, re-arranging classrooms, teaching them how to teach using group work. It has been a very enjoyable experience for me as I’ve really had to stretch myself and remember everything I learned when I was still at uni! I’ve had to remember theory and why we do certain things. It is definitely also not always easy…to implement change. I have had to work in groups as well as individually with teachers to explain the importance of new routines and new ways of working. At times I’ve been frustrated. I have to remind myself in times like this that they are not intentionally disobeying my instructions, it’s just that they don’t understand and have never learned in this way.

Over the school holidays I also ran several PD sessions with the teachers. One was a session on Child Protection and Safety (something I’ve never presented on). We talked about the situation that most of the children at the school have come from. Most of the children at our school come from backgrounds of EXTREME poverty. The boys were mostly all forced to the streets due to a variety of reasons. Some of our kids have lived on the streets for years and years. We emphasised that these are the kids that need the most help and guidance. Some…many…have been abused, abandoned and tortured and endured things that no human should ever have to deal with. We talked about the way we discipline children and implemented a new behaviour management system in the school. We stressed the importance of how we speak to and react to these boys. They don’t need to be constantly reprimanded and disciplined for minor things. This causes many of them to think back to their street lives.. and think about whether that life was actually better. Discipline in the streets is tough.. harsh…and can often involve death. Many of our boys have experienced the brutal deaths of people they knew…friends on the streets. SO we really discussed the need for loving discipline…so they learn and grow through this.

So we gave perspective on this to our teachers. We taught them that our boys have never been taught how to look after belonging in the streets- because they haven’t had belongings. Almost all of the boys arrive at I Afrika with the clothes on their backs…Filthy, ripped, smelly rags for clothes. That is all. That is all they have in the whole world.  So WHY…WHY on earth would they know how to keep their books tidy and keep organised. It was fun to go into all of the classes this week and show the boys that their life here in I Afrika should be the complete opposite of life in the streets. They seem to understand the need to now keep their classrooms tidy and organised.

We have also been able to put in shelves in each of the classrooms at the school. This will be one way that we can train the boys in keeping their things very well.

I also ran another session about teaching strategies. I dug back into my mind and taught them about multiple intelligences. We talked about the importance of teaching in different ways for different children and different needs. The teachers appeared to really enjoy this session. As a part of this session I also worked with teachers on the importance of 'play' and 'playtimes' for kids. Previously, most students were inside classrooms at lunchtime studying. We have made a rule that all students MUST get outside for lunchtimes...and it's already made a HUGE difference...The boys are active and playing football and are busy doing things and playing games. There is healthy noise and laughter and jokes and SMILES! I was watching the line to wash hands the other day and my heart smiled as I caught a glimpse of the boys laughing and joking and smiling from ear to ear. Sometimes...change is a good thing! And kids must be kids- free and encouraged to PLAY!

Apart from helping in the school, I’ve been working on grant proposals, building relationships with certain Churches and making a brochure for the Kenyan side of things. I’ve also been able to take an elderly grandma to the clinic as well as talk with counsellors and others who have visited at the centre. On top of all of this.. I've enjoyed working with the boys on beginning an art project and playing lego and football, reading, teaching and having fun!

I’m now off from I Afrika for a few weeks as I get married so soon now! It’s been a wonderful step for me and one which I know God is in control of. It’s certainly not always easy…but God is faithful.

Next Friday my family and a few friends begin arriving! SOOO wonderful.

Ok! That’s about it for today.

Blessings,

Sarah

 

Passion

Over the past 3 weeks I’ve seen and experienced passion and joy along with difficulty and struggle. What a joy it has been to begin my ministry at Immanuel Afrika!

I’ve seen passion in the teachers trying to work with struggling pupils. I’ve seen a passionate directors working hard to provide and support the boys. The social worker does her work with such joy and a sense of humour. The guard at the gate, proudly opening the gate each day for me, as well as washing my car.

In the past few weeks I’ve been trying to get in and understand the organisation and school more. Each day has been different. There have been many meetings with different people, trying to establish roles and responsibilities. These meeting have been helpful to establish what is needed of me. It has been great learning what is happening here.

I have also been spending my time in the school observing and participating with the teachers and trying to assess how to help most in this school. I have seen a lot and all of the teachers are excited and passionate about any ideas that I could help them with. The first thing that I'm trying to do is work with the curriculum guides and write a simplified version of the curriculum for the entire school Nursery- Class 8! It's a big job, but one which will help the teachers greatly.

Another thing I’ve been doing is helping to take a grandmother to the clinic several times. This is her story…One of the grandmothers of two of the boys was an alcoholic in a market place. She is the only remaining relative of these boys. I Afrika decided to help her a while back so that one day the boys will eventually have someone who can take care of them, instead of them staying in the centre. So I Afrika rented this grandmother a house in the local village. She lives there and each day she comes to the centre to help in the farm or washing of the clothes. This grandmother has also been trying hard to give up alcohol. A few weeks before I began at I Afrika, Cucu (grandma) was hit by a motorcycle who sped away after the incident. Her leg was run over on the back with the tyre. The front of her leg was broken and the back a deep open flesh wound. I had not seen the wound until my first day when I was asked to collect her from her house and take her to the clinic so her dressings could be changed (something that has been happening every 2 days). I picked her up as she hobbled on crutches looking very frail. She had a plaster on the front of her leg and a dressing on the back. When we arrived at the clinic the doctor got her to lay on the bench. When he took off the dressing it was a very grotesque site. A deep, deep hole in the back of her leg, oozing with pus and blood. I watched for 1 minute before not wanting to watch anymore. To cut a long story short, Cucu has been going to the clinic every 2 days. Yesterday when I went to pick her up I saw that her plaster is off and she was smiling from ear to ear! She was walking without the crutches and seemed overjoyed. When we got to the clinic the doctor was pleased with her progress and she started saying that God had healed her. It was wonderful to see and hear this! Transformation happens all around me.

I also planned for and ran a teacher staff meeting the other day! It was my first ever staff meeting where I was in charge. It was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. We discussed many things, played games, shared ideas, made plans for improvement. It was exciting to realise the potential that the school has to transform student’s lives and minds. The teachers are now on holidays for all of August, so when they are coming back we (the principal and I) will be ready to work with them to implement new ideas and policies!

It’s also been wonderful spending time with the boys (both in class and at the centre). It has been fascinating seeing them in both contexts and seeing the potential they all have. The other day we spent time together where the boys drew the rules of the centre and made posters for their dorm rooms. They were so excited to join in. We are also planning some big art projects for the holiday season. J

Yesterday as I sat watching the boys my heart was smiling! J A visitor had come to the centre with a small black car. After a while one of the boys realised that the car reflections were acting like a mirror. He started dancing. Soon there were 8 boys standing in front of the car making faces, dancing and singing, watching their reflections. I joined in. They tried new moves, they bent, they twisted. They laughed. They laughed again. We all laughed! It was so precious. They started chanting and just being kids. I was thankful that they could just be kids in that moment.

There is lots to be done and I’m willing to do whatever is needed of me. My official role will be better established after my wedding in September.

That’s all for now! I am so thankful for everyone who’s been sending me messages of encouragement, praying for me and for those who are able to financially support me. God Bless you all! It certainly feels good to be in the centre of God’s will for my life.

If you feel led to assist me financially, I am still well below my needed monthly budget. Any helps! People can donate monthly through my bank account or through Genesis Aid- a tax-deductable option for Aussies. If you are able to give a one-off donation this can be done through http://www.youcaring.com/project-fundraiser/help-sarah-ross-transform-the-lives-of-street-boys-in-kenya-/349943

Be blessed

Much love from here. xxx

Sarah

 

 

Stories...

A few people have asked me why? Why... would I give up my paying job to go and help street boys. Some people have almost called me crazy...Don't worry...sometimes I think I am too. ;)  This is WHY... Some of the boys are shy, withdrawn, quiet. They look down when you speak out of either fear or respect for you. Other boys are confident, give full eye contact and can share a story with you with ease. Each boy at I Afrika is different and unique and gifted in their own special ways. The youngest member of the family is 5 years old- the oldest are in university and over 20 years old. Some are artists, acrobats, dancers, singers, mentors, farmers, keepers of rabbits- others are young and innocent and all were vulnerable and are now safe. A little while ago I sat with each of the boys, interviewing them and asking them questions about their age and their favourite things to do and their favourite foods. One boy confidently sat down and began telling me the story of his life. I listened intently...trying to wrap my brain around his story...A story 17 years in the making! Just. 17. This young man's mother died when he was a young age and his father became mentally ill. He was taken to a children's home in Naivasha to live (a town 91 kms away from Nairobi). After a little while of living in this home the directors of the home suddenly died and he was forced to run to the streets. Eventually the police caught him and he was taken to live in juvenille school/detention. After being in juvenile detention he was taken back to Nairobi to live with his very elderly grandmother who couldn't feed or look after him.  Finally, I Afrika heard of his plight and brought him to stay.  As he finished his story I thanked him. I thanked him for sharing and being open and being willing to share this incredible story so eloquently. I took his picture and a smile SO huge almost broke my camera!! ;)  When he left the room I sat with one of the staff members in silence and just smiled. Out of nowhere came laughter, uncontrollable, ridiculous, belly-shaking laughter. I laughed as an outlet...merely to stop the tears from streaming down my face. How...??? How can a boy of only 17 have gone through so much, yet be so transparent and honest and confident to share. I was angry. I was angry for him and for his continued misfortunate as he grew up.  I was confused. I questioned why and how this could happen. At the same time I was happy for him. Happy that he's now in a safe, loving home. SO.MANY.EMOTIONS.ALL.AT.ONE.TIME!!! I listened...to over 35 such stories that day. Each one as horrifying as the last and the next one coming. Each time a boy strutted into the room as I took a deep breath and wondered why and how he ended up here. For me...the journey with these boys is just beginning. My desire is that I can form a solid, meaningful mentorship role with each of these boys. I want to know their hearts and I want them to know of the God who loves them and planned their stories out, each step of the way. I want them to grow up trusting and knowing that the world's an ok place again. I want them to be able to catch up in school and learn and marvel and wonder at how things happen. I want them to investigate and use their problem solving skills in practical ways. I want them to think deeply and critically and to make smart choices. I want their teacher's to be the best loving, teachers that they can possibly be. I want the boys to know that it's ok to love and be loved. I want them to know what service looks like. I want them to know they are on this planet for a divine purpose. I hope and pray that I will be a part of each of their purposes as they unfold. For me...life isn't about money and expensive things and riches...My riches are not here on Earth. I am here to serve and to love and to live a full life. A life where I wake up and get dusty feet all day and have hard and enjoyable conversations and experiences and give all that I can. And then collapse into bed, knowing I did all I could. It's not easy. But I wasn't created for easy. Would you consider praying for me? I need all the help I can get in this terrifying jump of faith! I can't WAIT to see how God's gonna work everything out. :)

Fundrasing Link

Hi everyone,

                      Life is super busy here! I'm trying to find a place to move to by the end of this month! It's interesting for sure!

If you can spare a few dollars to support me- I would really appreciate it! Every dollar counts. Thanks!


http://www.youcaring.com/project-fundraiser/help-sarah-ross-transform-the-lives-of-street-boys-in-kenya-/349943

Finishing and New beginnings!

Well....I'm all done! I finished up at Rosslyn last week and it has been a week of catching up on lost sleep! It's been a refreshing time of lazing in bed and doing wedding things and just chilling.

I'm now in a new phase of existence...the phase where I have NO clue what's happening and not much ability to be 'in control'. So many factors are playing into my life and I feel like I'm on a giant spinning top, trying desperately to plant one foot on the ground and come to a halt!

At the moment I'm working on submitting my new work permit. A lot of paperwork and finding documents and writing things! I've been 'assured' by several people that it will all be fine with immigration, but prayers are needed that it will go smoothly.

It's also been interesting as I am trying to find a new house to live in. Everything seems to be so 'last minute' in Kenya. It seems difficult to book a house or a room in advance. So I've been searching safe areas. It's funny the things I'm looking for as I begin to rent a new house..."Does the house have a steady water supply?", "Does the house have a backup generator for when power is out?", "Is there an electric fence around the house?", "Is there security guards?", "Is the house on or off the main road?", "Will it be quiet?", "Is it safe to walk in the area?". So it's interesting to say the least. At this point I think I'm searching mainly for servants quarters/guest wings on other people's properties. This looks like the safest, most practical and affordable option. I have to move out at the end of this month- so I hope something great comes up soon. If anyone knows of anything available in Ridgeways/Runda/Spring Valley/Loresho/Kilimani/ Kileleshwa/ Ruaka?/ Westlands/ Any other area like this- please let me know! Asanteni.

We've also been working on our wedding plans. Things are slowly coming together, which is great and exciting! :) I can't WAIT to marry Teo soon!

Thanks for your support and continued prayers as I have 'stepped off the cliff- so to speak'. I know with all my heart that I've made the right decision to go back into the community and help the needy in this society. I'm really excited to get started with the boys soon. I have lots of ideas that I want to work on and implement so that the boys can grow to be loving, capable and fulfilled men of the future and present! My job will be a mixed one as I'll be helping wherever needed in both the centre and the school.

I am still in big need of one-off financial donations and monthly financial sponsors. If you or someone you know is willing and able to sponsor me to help these kids- please let me know! sjross77@hotmail.com or on facebook! Financial donations that come to me can be TAX-DEDICTIBLE for Aussie citizens through Genesis Aid (an organisation who I'm partnered with!). Thanks for considering!

Wishing you all the best for your winter/summer (wherever you may be!)

His blessings,
Sarah (with soon-to-be dusty feet again!!!)

Slum musings...

As I trapesed down steep, muddy hills, into the slum…the overwhelming stench of poverty hit me. Men sitting aimlessly, lining the road, chewing khat and smoking and drinking… wasting away their day along with their potential. Women were going about the business of searching for water to wash and cook the little they had to prepare. Tiny dukas (shops) selling everything. Men and women from all walks of life and all religions.

It rained last night so streams of water ran through the alleyways, amongst the sewage. Rubbish lined the streets and filled the air when the hot breeze picked it up. Mud stuck to my shoes. Children played amongst the filth, in bare feet and torn clothes…. If you can even call them clothes, some were so torn they were falling off, others so filthy- the stains and mud will never come out. Their hair white with dandruff and the heads that were bare covered with patches of ring worms. Children who looked full of illness. Runny, runny noses and filthy little faces. They were there… happily rolling tyres and cars made from old juice boxes. They didn’t seem to realise that life can be different than this.

Colours everywhere. Smells I’ve never smelt. The stench of burning plastic, open holes doubling as toilets. Rain dripping through the mabati (tin) walls. Each house on top of the next one with just enough room to squeeze between them. Unevenly laid concrete in the building we ended up in. The roof teetering on top of our heads, as if it could collapse the next second. Open electricity wires, dangling down. Competing hip-hop music blaring on the radios through the walls, from every side. The stench of corruption was everywhere.   

I had gone with a friend to this slum to attend a parents meeting at a local slum school. It was an interesting meeting. The parents all looked so young. SO...SO very young. I am sure most were under the age of 20, some with 2 or 3 small children running around their legs. This was one of the first times in Kenya that I have seen complete hopelessness. Their faces void of expression, avoiding eye contact, peering down at their feet.  Parents looking dishevelled and stressed and un kept. I was told many of them were prostitutes or sellers of channga (illicit brew). I couldn’t managed to crack a smile from very many of them. I stared into their eyes…their empty eyes.

As I sat and listened for hours to the meeting I prayed for those women. I prayed for their hearts. I prayed for them to be able to provide breakfast for their little ones. I prayed for lunches for them. I prayed they would see the value of education for their little ones. I prayed that they would see that the only way to get out is through education. I prayed their children would be safe and full tonight.

I prayed that one day their absolute hopelessness may turn into showers of joy.

Making a move...

Making a move…with a LOT of crazy changes!!!

So…I love how God has a sense of humour!

It’s been a while since I’ve written on here and a LOT has happened since then! One of the most amazing things that happened is that my gorgeous guy of 2 years, Teo, proposed to me! We are so happy and planning our wedding for September this year! J

Another amazing thing is that God has called me to step out of my paid employment and into life as a missionary. This is a scary step, but I know, by faith, that the God who calls will provide. I have had a lot of confirmation over the last 5 months that this is what He wants me to do. When I was struggling with working out my decision God kept saying to me in many ways "How much do you love me? Will you obey me? Do you trust me?". I realised that often God wants us to be out of our comfort zone so that we can more fully trust in him. I also kept hearing.. "I want all of you...not just half" as I've often struggled with having a great job that pays during the week and being crazy busy 'serving' those in need on weekends. When I first came to Kenya I came to help kids in need, not to be 'employed'. I have felt myself being tugged in 2 directions for the past 3 years. I know that God needs me back in the dust and the dirt and in the uncomfortable.

When I first came to Kenya in 2007 my life changed. Completely. And I couldn’t have stopped it if I tried. I didn’t know it at the time…but look at me now…living almost 5 years in Kenya, engaged to the best Kenyan man and living a life I couldn’t have planned for myself!

I also know that God usually doesn’t call the equipped. But He equips those he calls, with more than they need. Over the past 8 years God has been teaching me about loving and giving to those in need with an open heart. It’s also amazing that he would call an Early Childhood Teacher to go and work with street boys!

So…the plan is that when I finish my contract in June at Rosslyn Academy I will move to work with Immanuel Afrika in Lusigetti (In July) . This is a HUGE change for me as I will have to begin paying rent and providing for my needs, without a guarantee of money. When I was volunteering in the past, I had savings from working and then returning to Africa. As I have been on a small wage for the past 3 years, I now don’t have these savings!

Immanuel Afrika rescues boys from the streets and provides a safe, loving home where they can be rehabilitated from illicit substances and alcohol and can begin going to school. The minute I walked into this place in January last year I felt a sense of God’s overwhelming peace. I felt that the boys were being so well looked after and that the people in this place genuinely love them and want them to grow and succeed in life.

My role when I move there will be as Centre Manager. I will work on the everyday running of the centre, will help with the child sponsorship program and I will work to train the teachers in the school on best practice for kids. I will also build relationships with the boys and help them to see and experience God’s love. There is great need and I have a passion to be able to fill the gap.

So there are many unknowns, which I would love your prayer about.

·         That I will be easily able to transfer my work permit over to a missionary permit (with no hassles in paperwork or bribery or anything else).

·         That God will provide people in my life who can support me both spiritually and financially as I help these boys.

·         That God will use me well for His glory.

So I am asking you to come on board with me in prayer. I would love it for you to message me via email or facebook if you are willing to stand with me on this journey and pray for me. I would love to make a prayer wall in my bedroom!

If you have a church who is interested in getting involved with supporting a missionary like me, please also let me know! If you attend a youth group or Bible study and you’d be willing to fundraise that would be awesome!

I would also love some monthly financial supporters (even if it is only $20 per month!). If some people could give this, I would be able to pay my rent and buy petrol and food! If you would also like to give a one-off donation (however big or small) I would also appreciate it! I have worked out that I will need about $1600 AUD per month. This will cover my rent, petrol, insurance and food expenses as well as some money to be put aside to save for flights back to Australia every few years. This seems like a HUGE amount to raise...but God is bigger than any sum of money!

My aim is to be able to raise at least a few months rent by June this year. If your feel like you are able to support me please contact or email me at sjross77@hotmail.com and I can give you my bank account details and sign you up for my newsletters.

Please feel free to share my story with others!  

Baraka (Blessings)

Sarah ‘Waithera’ Ross