1 More Flight

Jambo, Howdy, Holla,
          Oh when you fly you here so many different languages!!!!! It's interesting trying to listen in on the other conversations!
           After our 16 HOUR layover and our 14 HOUR flight, we are now in Washington D.C.
It feels so good to be back in America. :]  At 2:20 we board our last flight to return back to TEXAS. 
Please be patient with us as our jet lay may take a day.

    The words for this trip will be few and far to grasp as we try to explain an experience that changed our life. It is easy to say we went to Africa for a mission trip, but that is just the the basic for us to use as a starting point. 9 of us went expecting one thing and God totally surprised us all. We were out of comfort zones, we couldn't speak the language, and yet we were truly blessed beyond our comprehension. 

So be in prayer for our last flight; luggage to arrive and nothing broke and safe flight.

God has truly blessed this team with love, community, teamwork, patience, and the drive to serve him

with His grace,

            Cayla Newkirk

Teaching us humility and Patience

What can I say the past couple weeks have been GREAT! The Lord is always teaching us many different things each and every day. He makes all things new each morning :) He is especially teaching us patience while we are currently waiting here at the airport in Ethiopia, we have a 15 hour layover. But this waiting is very humbling! We get to talk about what touched our hearts this week, and what Jesus is currently doing in our hearts through the past couple of weeks! Also catching up on sleep, and getting used the time change. The people of Mombasa, Kenya will always be on our hearts! Kenyans are some of the most welcoming, and loving people you will ever meet. I pray that as our team travels back, we won't forget what the Lord has shown us, and will continue to shape our hearts. That when we get back to the U.S., we won't take things for granted anymore, or waste food. It is so easy to take advantage of what we have. Getting out of your comfort zone is uncomfortable! That is one way to know you are growing in your walk with Christ, and becoming more like him. How do you know your maturing if your being comfortable all the time? Another important word we all learned this week is TEAMWORK. There is no I in team. We have all learned to be patient with another the last 2 weeks. One thing God has been putting on my heart lately is Keep your eyes open! When we keep our eyes open we start to watch for what God is going to do and not miss it.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and hopeful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:12-13

Kayla

Bwana Asifiwe (Praise the Lord)

[This  blog was suppose to go up on 8/12]

We started our Sunday morning off with getting to sleep in till about 8am! :]

Church here starts around 10:30, but we got to Maasia Corner around 10. Upon arrival we were greeted at the door. The church is very welcoming to visitors.

The church had a wonderful praise service with the children, youth, and adult choir singing.  It was beautiful. You know that lost feeling you get when you’re in a room and you can’t understand anyone around you? Yeah, well we could not understand most the words, but when Jesus is present that lost feeling seems to go away. The beauty of serving the One who created this world is that He understands all languages. As a team, we followed after their choir and sang “Lord I lift your name on high” with all the hand motions that go along with it.  Let’s just say, for most of us on this team, singing is not our spiritual gift. But, hey, as long as you are singing to Praise Jesus then Kila kitu sawa (it’s all good)

When “big church” started most of the team went with the little kids to help in the class. All the watotos (kids) gathered under a side hut and listened intently as Rachel told the story of how God sent Jesus to Earth and the cross for all of our sins. Damaris and Alice were there for us to translate so the kids could better understand the story. Afterwards Kaitlyn (they call her Katherine) led them in the craft of making salvation bracelets with the beads. Oh, the joy I got in watching the team help the kids put the beads on the thread or tie the bracelet on their wrist. The children are so easy to love and melt each one of our hearts.

Once church was over, Mary had brought a broom for Jamye to buy and gave her a woven basket with passion fruits in it. I laugh because the day before Jamye had been talking about the brooms they use to sweep the floors, but also how she did not like the passion fruits. Ariel received some fruits as well. “Passion fruit anyone? I make you good deal, just advertise me.”

Oh, how they love to give. With what they have, they give. The hospitality they showed us the last 3 days is better than we could ask for. The challenge this ministry faces is one that will take time. Being built in a predominantly Muslim community has shown the team that as we go out and spread the Word, some do not want to hear, some will listen and reject, but as we continue to pray some will listen and accept. It could be a slow process, but it is in God’s hands.  Galatians 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

We have two more days left here in Kenya. Get ready to see some animals because we are going on a Safari, Literally!!!! EXCITING!!!!

The team has put their heart and soul into serving our Lord on this trip. It has been amazing to watch each one of their talents shine. Sharing our testimonies with each other we learn, none of us are perfect, kind of already knew that, but God has a plan for each of our lives. It was His will for all 9 of us to be on this mission trip.

We thank each and every one of you who are praying. We feel the prayers and know they are here. Thank-you for praying for Boldness, it was needed; Safe travels-it has been answered but keep it coming we still have to fly home; Health-upset stomachs is about as bad as it has got; and PATIENCE—the dreaded one- has been one of the most rewarding ones.

Family, Friends, Believers and Non-Believers,

We love you all and miss you………….

            <3 Cayla

Phil 2:14-16

            “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as light in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I may not run in vain or labored in vain.” 

Sports Day!

Jumbo Rafiki's! Today was our sports day at Maasai Corner, we had a long day of playing sports and loving on the people of Maasai! We had a lot of different activities for people to all participate in. We had some volleyball going, some badminton, football (soccer). We did lots of bubbles, face painting, and jumping ropes with the children also! While working at Maasai Corner the past couple of days we have run into a lot more of a language barrier. The people at Maasai do not speak as much English as they did at Mbewau. They mainly speak Swahili, and their native tongue of their tribe. It made it harder to have conversations without having a translator at our side the whole time. We were able to see how God can push through that yesterday when a group that went out evangelizing got to talk o a Muslim man. They shared what Christ has done in their life, and he accepted Christ right there! Even with the language barrier God is able to do mighty things! Its hard to believe we only have a few more days here in Africa. We have gotten to see God move in powerful ways, and have gotten to love on so many kids! Today while at sports day a little girl named Lydia stole my heart. She was a very precious little girl, so cute, and so quite. We were all taking pictures of her all day long! She would not smile at all, even when you made a goofy face and said, cheka! (smile). She decided to come sit by me and kept inching closer, she finally ended up in my lap, still not smiling, but loving on me. Finally after lunch I was loving on her some more and playing with her, and i finally got her to laugh and smile! her laugh totally melted my heart, and I was once again able to see how God can work even through language barriers! These past couple of weeks have been amazing, and I am so blessed to of gotten this opportunity! I also want to say hello to all my wonderful kids and coworkers at Southmont! I love ya'll so much, and can not wait to see yall again!

In Christ,
  Kaitlyn Walker

BOLD BEAUTY

Yesterday we were able to sleep in a little bit!! Yay!! We went to visit and play with the children at APDK which stands for the Association of Physical Disabilities of Kenya. APDK serves children that have disabilities like club foot, polio, or anything else hindering them.  They make special shoes, crutches, braces, and esthetics for them to walk.  The children there are so strong.  They have to endure physical therapy which can cause a lot of pain, but they are still so happy!  Also they are so bold! It doesn't matter that they can't walk "normally". It doesn't stop them from running up to give you a hug or say hello.  There are patients there that have to stay there for 6-8 months, so for the girls, we put together manicure sets for them to keep and we did their nails.  For the boys, we put together toothbrushes and toothpaste with LifeSavers in them.  For all the children there young and old, we did face painting! That was my favorite because it didn't matter how good the picture was or if it looked like what they had asked for, but that they were getting attention and love from people.  I found out that I can draw a scorpion which was cool! A boy named Jack asked for one on his arm like a tattoo.  It was worth the effort to see the smile on his face. It was a great start to the day.

Then we went to Yul's.  It is a restaurant by the beach.  It was so beautiful and it was so good! I was able to get a taste of home with the Texas Rocker Cheese burger.  It was topped off with amazing ice cream.

To end the day we went SHOPPING.  It was an experience.  You have all these vendors begging you to come to their shop and buy their stuff or in their words "advertise me".  We learned how to bargain and negotiate.  It doesn't always work, but you learn when to walk away.

It is all so beautiful! The people and the land. God has been so good and moving throughout Kenya! Even when we are tired, our hope and love for God and the people of Kenya keep us going!

We send our love!!
Sarah

"and those who hope in the Lord with retain their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; will walk and not faint."         -Isaiah 40:31

Today is Wednesday and we are still going

STRONG

…

BY THE 

GRACE of GOD

VBS (Vacation Bible School)

Has been going on for three days now and today

We finished with Goodbyes and PLENTY of pictures with the children that we have been blessed to share Jesus with, to sing along with, as well as play “Ring around the Rosie”, and African FOOTBALL!

FOOOOTBALLLL! 

  

Anyways…

After the VBS trip we headed to the zoo where we saw

Monkeys (like squirrels in America)

Turtles in the middle of the walk way (Like the statues at local zoo’s)

AND

First hand watched feeding time for the Crocodiles,

Intense!

Pretty INCREDIBLE day!!

... Just sayin'...

BUT,

It is a sure thing that we will be missing every face at MBEWAU

(Children and Teachers)

ASANTE, ASANTE, ASANTE!!!

(Thank you, Thank you, Thank You!!!)

Very grateful for the GREAT amounts of Love!!

Oh,

And A BIG Thank You to Chris who turned out to not only be a missionary but a pretty descent tour guide for the trip to the zoo as well!!!

Asante!

Asante to those who have been following these blogs and the prayer support!

It goes very FAR and we All need it!!!!!!!!

Akuna Matata (Not one Worry)

Friends and Family

Love Always,

-Allyson

Let Your Grace Fall Down Like Rain

“…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” ~Hebrews 13:5

Today has been a day full of blessings as well as children filled with energy! We started with Mohambre and Chai and it was delicious! One hundred and sixty children showed up at Vacation Bible School today. Kaitlyn and I worked in the crafts room helping the two younger classes make crosses out of popsicle sticks, as we then shook glitter on them. The two older classes made bracelets out of a strip of a bandana and five beads (black, red, white, clear, green, and yellow) to help remind them of the gospel story. They all learned about the story of Jesus today. The children here are so sweet and packed full of love! I am not sure if it has been said already in our blog, but they love to give you a high five and just be with you! (Some of those high fives leave blisters their so hard!! Haha) People here in general are so welcoming and I am thankful for the translators and teachers helping us! Without them this would be a disaster!

Evangelism was so encouraging today as we walked through villages to share the love of Jesus. Many were saved and I just have to give a shout out of praise to the Lord for that!!! J Ariel that was in my group shared the love of Jesus to a few of those that were saved and it was just encouraging seeing them give their lives to Jesus. God definitely worked through us and I am seeing more and more the true meaning about how the harvest is great but the workers are few. One of the women we spoke with really pulled at my heart. She was a Christian but had backslidden in her faith and talked about how she was supposed to get a cow for her marriage but did not and how much of an issue it had caused. She also talked about how she had seen these cats literally walking on their hind legs and shaking hands with each other…basically how they were possessed by demons. Before she even said that, I felt the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart to show her a verse…not only that but also to give her my Bible. I showed her Hebrews 13:5 and just seeing how eager and hungry she was to look at my Bible and read it really hit me hard. In the U.S. we can just drive to the store and buy a Bible but here in Kenya it is not that simple. It was tough leaving the Bible I had used since truly giving my life to Jesus, but after a mini war in my head I knew what had to be done. I gave her my Bible (yes she can read English) and she was so thankful. It was so crazy because as soon as I did that I felt it start to mist some rain and I just knew that was God’s peace and grace over her land and the villages surrounding it. We prayed and I was even encouraged by those that said they would think about it. If there thinking, that at least means a seed was planted, so there should be no discouragement there. God is soooo good. Can I get an amen?

God Bless,

(Danielle Carty)

Best Day Yet

Jambo! Before today I would have told you that life could not be better in Mombasa than worship on Sunday with our Kenyan friends at Mbewau Church but I was wrong!  Today was the first day of VBS - which always comes with challenges – but it was wonderful seeing the faces of the all the precious children this morning.  They were so excited to be at Bible School!  Rachel and I are doing the Bible story part of the sessions and told them how God uniquely designed each of them and that they can be used by God because of His power.  Rachel talked about Moses and I talked about David – which is a good thing because David is my favorite Bible character.  After VBS, the Mbewau summer interns served lunch for all the workers in the church and us.  We had tacos –just like home!  We discovered that “tacos” has a whole different meaning in Swahili but you will have to find that out on your own!

The highlight of the day was our afternoon spent going throughout the village to share the gospel with many families we encountered.  Our group was divided into three separate groups along with local church leaders who lead us through dusty paths and fields of mango trees to visit people and discover their spiritual needs.  Each family invited us in as welcome guests and many shared that they were believers, some very active in their own church and some without a church home who were very happy to be invited to attend Mbewau Church soon.

We also met many who were not Christians, most of whom were willing to listen to how Jesus came to save them from their sins.  Several were not ready to make a decision but we had four who were saved during the conversations.  One Muslim young man listened carefully and kept the track we gave him so we are praying that God will soften his heart to accept Jesus.  Only one person totally rejected any of the groups and refused to talk.

For me, the greatest blessing was the time we spent with Duncan and his family.  They greeted us warmly and invited us to sit with them.  Duncan is a fascinating person – a 70 year old blind man who studied in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s and tells adventurous stories of standing on a Soviet tank during political changes in that part of the world.  He is extremely intelligent and has a wealth of knowledge including current theological theories of the last few weeks – god intelligence. He has studied parts of scripture thoroughly but has not come to faith in Christ.  We talked with him at length and he is not ready to choose Jesus.  He is surrounded by  loving family members who are believers, desperately hoping he will be saved soon.   Please pray for Duncan to come to faith in Christ, overcoming all the obstacles of his questions.  Pray that he will seek and find the Truth he that he has needed all along.  I totally believe that one day Duncan and I will see each other in heaven and he will remind me again that it is all based on belief and he will be correct!

Blessings,

Jamye Richmond

Opening the eyes of our Hearts

Its been such a great day here in Mombasa, Kenya! Today we had a bit of a rest day. We got to have fellowship at the beach with each other, and ride a camel!! We played water polo for the first time; that was interesting lol. I still can't believe that we are actually here; Jesus has already begun to open my eyes and heart. Yesterday, when we got to go to the closing ceremony at Mbewau Academy, the kids immediately opened their arms to us, wanted to hugs, and play. I just started crying. These kids have blessed us already so much! I can't wait to see what  God is going to do in the hearts of the children at VBS this week :) Jesus has reminded me to have childlike Faith, just like the children at Mbewau!! We take so many things for granted, that we miss opportunties that Jesus has placed right in front of our faces! I have learned in the last couple of days to Keep my eyes OPEN! Open to what Jesus has blessed me with, and how I can help bless others by telling others of Jesus's love.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Kayla G.

We Finally Made It!!!!!

WE MADE IT!!! WE MADE IT!! We arrived in Mombasa at about 2:00am Friday Kenya time.  We have been loved on since we've been here.  Our driver Johnson is such a sweetie pie, he gave all of us hugs upon arriving at the airport.  We made it to the hotel around 3:15am and then woke up early to go to the school ending ceremony for the children, which we absolutely loved.  They were all so happy and as soon as we saw them they put their arms out for us to pick them up.  They are really sweet and I am already attached to them.  Today is our rest day, as our bodies haven't quite adjusted to Kenya time.  We got to meet Jenny and the Moore's who are also sweet people.  We had to adjust riding on the left side of the road and not thinking that we are going to crash into people lol.. Dinner was good and today was Allison's birthday in which they put her in a special chair at the table and they sung Happy Birthday to her in their language and as well as English.  She really enjoyed herself and we all enjoyed the cake.  They are really sincere about making us feel comfortable and appreciated.  Upon completing dinner we helped with packaging the medicine into smaller containers with Lisa, so now we can call ourselves mini pharmacists lol..  We all Love it out here and we are eager to start VBS and go into the homes of the students and understand the daily living.


Often times we take so much for granted, and forget that some people have bigger battles than getting the latest fashion such as when the next time they will eat.  Our hearts have all started showing gratitude towards what we have and how much we complain about little things.  To our families, we love you all so much and want you to know that we are safe. Mauh!!


p.s. this is Ariel.. Love you mama!

The Mission Started Before We Landed

Jambo Everyone,
     Great news is we are 2 planes down & 1 more to go. After our 13 1/2 hour plane ride we now have a 12 hour layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Let's see how we can spend this time..........

 Our destination is Mombasa, but the spreading of the Gospel started before we took off. On our flight we were in the same section but were spread out amongst the seats. These ladies here are on fire for Jesus. As soon as people were in their seats hello's were being exchanged amongst strangers and the conversations started. It was music to my ears to hear the team tell people where we are headed and the purpose of the trip. They are not ashamed to state the purpose of the mission, "Jesus and his love." Their drive and excitement thrill my heart and lead me to know these next two weeks in Kenya will be the work of Christ. He is here with us and ready to use us.
For those of you praying that we will be able to BOLDLY speak his name, HE is answering your prayers.
Thanks for the continued prayers, we are truly blessed to have a strong community!!!!!!
<3 Cayla

Ephesians 3:12    "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence."

Spending time with these lovely ladies while getting ready for our trip has been such a blessing to say the least! Between mini rubber chicken fights and goofy giggles to a sweet bible study that lead to each of us saying our hearts prayers - describing how we want to go deeper with God and surrender our different fears to Him... I do not know what God has in store for us specifically on this trip, but I am extremely excited to see the results of His movement...We will be out of the country sometime tomorrow, thats when the real fun will begin!...We appreciate everyone's prayers - keep them coming please!



God bless,
Rachel

Packing!

First of all, I want to give a shout out to my mom! I blogged, you should be proud!! On another note, we are all packed and ready to go. I got to meet some girls for the first time tonight, and we have all started to get a long and bond so well! It is going to be a great few weeks hanging out and serving the Lord with my beautiful sisters in Christ! I am so excited to get to Kenya and start loving on the people of Africa, praying that they see God's love through me! We are all so blessed with this opportunity to be able to share the love of Christ with these beautiful people who don't yet know him! I hope ya'll will be able to follow our blog and be in prayer for the things we are doing and the people we are encountering! We want our family, friends, and supporters to be able to follow along with us on our journey with this blog, we want ya'll to feel like you are a part of the team as you partner us in prayer and follow along with our stories!

We also want to thank the wonderful people who have helped us get ready! Vivian, Tara, and Jennifer for feeding us. J.D. Tara, Vivian, and Kevin for housing us. And Vivian, J.D. and Josh for driving us! They are so awesome and we could not of done this without their help!

We are wicked excited to start this wonderful journey, and to see how God is going to mold us and transform us during this week of service! Thank you all so much for your prayer and support! We love you all so much!

Kaitlyn Walker

Waiting Game (Sarah Simpson)

Hey gals!! I don't know about y'all but this week has drug on! I am getting so impatient waiting to go to Kenya that it is insane.  But through the waiting God has really shown me that patience is something I struggle with. 

While I was reading one day, God showed me this verse (many of you may have seen it on my FaceBook). 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God's timing is perfect timing, and nothing else is worth waiting for.  Even with my impatience to get to the day we leave, God has been preparing my heart and mind for what He has planned for me and our team.  God has given me a peace about this waiting time and to look on Him throughout it.  He has openned my mind to many reasons why this time is necessary.  He wants to help clear my mind of distractions, give me wisdom for a situation I/we might encounter, who knows....Only He truly does.  I know that through this waiting I am changed, and I can only imagine how He will change me and our team while we are in Africa. 

As I hear many of y'all's stories of God's provisions, I rejoice! I can't wait to get to know y'all and I am sure the travel will open up many opportunities! :) Keep trusting in Him and praying, and He will reveal, provide, and lead all in His perfect timing!


4 Days!!! Yay!

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."  Isaiah 26:4

Speechless Beyond Words (Danielle Carty)

Speechlessness. That has been my response as of lately with how God has been blowing my mind. With random bursts of joy in between!!! I sometimes wonder if this is just one long incredible dream that I am going to wake up from, but then I have the little ache from the shots I got yesterday and I realize this is NO dream. This is really happening.

This summer has been one of transformation for me as God has been preparing me for something huge in my life. Since the middle of Fall 2011 God started to place Africa on my heart. At the time it was simply a word said to me that my best friend (Sarah) mentioned, as I went on and on about India, she said she pictured me in Africa. It quieted me for awhile and really got me looking to God for guidance in what HE wanted. Though India was still at the forefront of my mind, Africa was right there sneaking up on me. That Christmas break, almost every TV show I came across was centered on different parts of Africa and it really started sinking in that God was not going to let me dismiss this as a coincidence. I ended up spending a weekend at my friend, Allyson's, house and she brought up the mission trip to Africa that Cayla was going to be leading. It sparked an interest in me and while with Allyson I ended up texting Cayla that I was interested and feeling called to go.

Spring 2012 I ordered my textbooks online and when I received my one textbook, the receipt just so happened to be placed in a page about Kenya and completely caught my attention off guard. I knew it was a sign from God, especially considering the team Cayla would be leading was going to Mombassa, Kenya.

Fast forward to this summer and at Vacation Bible School I volunteered for the second grade class room. On the second day, I noticed there was a poster of Africa and was nearly positive it was no coincidence being the only poster of a continent by itself. I started to dismiss it before I checked my e-mail that evening and found out that we would be teaching Vacation Bible School. Now that completely stopped in my tracks and I just knew it was a sign from God.
As the date of departure was quickly approaching and funds were not increasing very quickly, I started to wonder if it truly was God's will for me to go. My dad even noticed this change in me because He pointed it out to me one night! Nonetheless, I was still determined to go through with the garage sale I had posted about for this past Saturday to just see what would happen.
The garage sale had a steady flow of people with some buying little things here and there. As it appeared to be coming to a close being out there for about 9-10 hours...I decided to pray. Shortly before I had prayed there was a God-sent lady that came up saying how she wanted a cabinet we had for sale, but had not gotten a chance to talk with her husband so she would be back in a little while. My dad briefly told her about the mission trip I was saving up for and she talked about how her husband had been on a mission trip to Africa and she left. Then I prayed, and afterwards this strong wind started to pick up (seriously out of nowhere). She came back about thirty or so minutes later, as the wind was getting even worse and we had started to put stuff up from the garage sale, and said she had talked with her husband and was going to buy the cabinet. She gave me about $10 more for it telling me to keep the change for my mission trip. After she left and we had almost everything in the garage I went inside knowing I still was a long way off from the goal and started to assume the strong wind was actually a road block God was placing in front of me. Little did I know what lay ahead....
My parents called me back into the garage and to my surprise she had come back with her husband. She introduced me to him and asked me how much I was still lacking for my mission trip. I knew I had a ways so I said, "At least $1,000". Right in front of me, he wrote a check for $1,000 and left me completely speechless. They explained how they had just had their 21st anniversary being married and how they had been praying about someone to help go on a mission trip because of how much God had blessed them. My parents were in tears and I was really just at a loss of words...And now I am completely convinced it is in God's will for me to go to Kenya. God has continued to blow my mind with how I was able to get two of the three shots I still need yesterday completely free of charge! The place I ended up going to had a show on about Africa in the waiting room and right before checking out I saw a plaque of how they supported God-given missions. So amazing!!! The yellow fever shot was back order though, so I am still trying to get that taken care of.
As far as where I stand...I ONLY need $445.24 (if I added correctly)!!!! So exciting and with God blowing my mind so much lately...I just KNOW He will provide and my focus just needs to be primarily on Him working on my heart. 

"I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. I cling to You; Your strong right hand holds me securely."~Psalm 63:6-8 (NLT)

First Blog EVER

Hello cyberspace gurus! You have no idea what a miracle it is that I am actually contributing to this blog under the intense tutoring of Cayla Newkirk! My name is Jamye Richmond and I am the AARP representative to the Mombasa mission team.  To say that I am the oldest member of the team is a serious understatement but I am proof that God can use anyone, no matter what their stage of life.  If you are going to quote my age, you have to precede it by saying loudly and with conviction, ONLY 57 years old.  Just don't call me Memaw! 

I grew up in Tyler, Texas and spent most of my waking hours at First Baptist Church, Tyler.  That church was truly a mission-minded church in a sense that few can understand.  I grew up knowing about missions and loving missions and going on mission trips and working in mission vacation Bible schools.  I can't explain the heritage of missions that I knew from infancy because of that church.  Fast forward through the last 50 years and I have had continual joy in learning about missions and being involved in missions ministry through many churches and organizations.  God put that on my heart from childhood and it remains my passion today.

Now to the present, I am your relatively normal wife, mother of three grown children, mother-in-law to the most awesome son-in-law and daughter-in-law, and teacher of 7th grade Texas history.  I also love taking 8th graders to Washington, DC every year and high school students to New York and Europe. I love history!  I have had a dream of going on a mission trip to somewhere, anywhere, in Africa for over 30 years and had really pursued that possibility for the last 5 years with no success until now.  Honestly, I was aware of this mission trip but thought it was limited to college age students so after months of knowing the group was going, I was shocked to find out that even I could be a part of it.  God has miraculously provided the support of my husband and children and friends.  My faith is bolstered every day by the prayers and encouragement of my church and team members.

I would request your prayer support in trusting God to provide the finances, energy, strength to endure the long flights, words of testimony, the drive to prepare for what God has ahead, safety and health, and quick recovery to come back to the start of a new school year.  I want to be ready to speak words from the heart of God and share His love with all I encounter.  Praise to the Lord for knowing the desires of my heart and providing the fulfillment of those dreams!

"Be still and know that I am God,"

God is so good & works in his own time. 
I wanted to inform all of you of the exciting news that happened for our team last Friday. We PURCHASED our PLANE tickets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
               The story behind it is; We were suppose to purchase them on the first of June, but as a team, we did not have enough money (we were down by a good $5,000ish). Our flight agency worked with us to push back the due day by 1 week, but still that was a lot of money to come up with. My heart was racing, I had to figure out what to do. Wait, I had to figure out what to do? I stopped and focused. Focused on the team, on praying, on calling each one of them, and most importantly I communicated to them what we had to come up with. The funny thing is, on any other day, they all would not of answered their phone's. Today everyone of them answered their phone's. I had them praying, we started blogging, and it was on. On Thursday(June 7th) I was crunching numbers every which way. I kept coming up short. :(  It was so frustrating, so I added and subtracted again......... we were short. I called Rachel, one of Imani's founders, who was helping me book the tickets. We added and crunched the numbers again. We kept coming with an amount closer and closer. Ten minutes after us doing our math, she asked me if I took out the cost of our down payment. I said, "no." With that we saw we had enough, just enough. However, I did not want to get my hopes up, but while I was on the phone with Rachel, tears filled my eyes. I cried, tears of joy, tears of disbelief, tears just filled my eyes. God truly does provided on his own time. The money for our tickets, was already there. God never ceases to AMAZE me!
<3 

Hello My name is Kayla Grimmett. I am a Junior at Texas Woman's University in Denton.It's a funny story how God put going to Kenya in my life. I go to church with Cayla, and it was around the time that we were learning about mission opportunites for the summer. I was praying about going on a couple. About 2 weeks later I remember hearing about Cayla might be going back to Kenya this year. I asked her one morning before life groups if she was going back to Kenya this year, and she goes Do you want to go? She started talking about the trip last summer, and I felt the Lord saying I want you to go to Kenya!!!!  Im very excited about the opportunity that God has put on my heart to go to Kenya this summer with 11 beautiful Sisters In Christ. I come into a relationship with Jesus when i was nine years old :) The Lord put Africa on my heart when i was high school. I've always wanted to go on a mission trip, and i'm very blessed to finally get the opportunity to go! Jesus has been preparing our hearts for this for a long time. I can't wait to see what the Lord is doing over there, and the people we are going to meet. Please keep us in your prayers as we go Mombasa, Kenya. Jesus is so good!



Sarah Simpson

Hey guys!! I am the one you all hear about but never see. =)
I live in Aledo which is about 30 minutes outside of Fort Worth, and I go to school at Tarleton State University.  I was saved when I was in the 3rd grade, but did not truely understand what that meant until I was in high school, and that is where I began my walk and relationship with God.  Now, how Africa was placed on my heart began when my two good friends went with Jenny and Cayla to Kenya last summer.  They came back and told me all about it and my heart just craved to go there and meet all the wonderful people.  I wondered if Africa was what God intended for me, so I began to pray.  Throught various situations, Africa was placed in front of me, then I was given Jenny's number which led me to this team of fabulous ladies! This will be my first mission trip outside of the country and third over all, and I am loving the journey God has had for me in just preparing for this trip.  I am very excited about going to Kenya with you all, and getting to know you! I know that God has us in His hands and that He will be with us every step of the way! Can't wait!!

First thing is my name,
Mary Allyson Clements
or Mary -Allyson, Mary, Allyson, Ally (:

ANYWays...

I am a Sophmore now at Texas Woman's University
and will be spending the portion of my summer in Mombasa, Kenya. Woot! Woot!

I hope to get out of the experience some heart shaping for the road ahead but there has already been much change in the making!

When I first heard of the mission opportunities for the college students I was fairly new to the church as well as the college life. The idea of Mission work had my interest but never occured to me as possible or proabable at that point in time.

But God has a way of changing things!!!

Cayla Newkirk announced the "hopeful" plans to lead a group of 12 to Africa in the time ahead. It was so ironic, because there was nothing about my current situation that could point to me being a part of THIS... But it was very much imbedded in my heart first word of departure. The details were few, and I was uncertain as to why I had this so heavily laid on my heart... so I prayed and prayed and then called my parents to pray for Cayla, for the people of Mombasa, and for those who were going. At the time it did not occur to me that there was room for one more! About a week later I ran into Cayla and talked to her and told her that it was constantly in prayer... she almost broke down when I asked if I could go!

At the begining,
money was difficult to come by as I began to work my new job in Denton, it occured to me that what was affordable in highschool began to become too much in college. I began to depend on my parents just to make my car payment, feeling hopeless as my mother would slip my a $20 for gas when I visited, thinking the only way to make any money for the trip was to sell my car... but the failed attempt led to the testimony that I am currently living and sharing.
I mention this because money has a way of appearing to be an "obstacle" when it really has no limit to Gods plan in our lives.
Sure enough God provided and still is providing!! ... not only for the current expenses but even more rewarding ... for KENYA!



Since then,
there has been SO much change! Good and Bad, but all necessary.
I still work as a Waitress at Pour House Sports Grill where I am currently spending most of my days and nights to work for the GREAT trip ahead! From relying on my parents to cover my car payment... to not only paying for car, gas, rent, but ... Kenya!!

When I tell you it's a miracle, Believe it! I know that "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengtheneth me" it is a blessing to have been chosen for an experience like this and I pray that God's Will will be done.

After much appreciated support from my family, friends, and many other people I now have approx. $500 more to go, excluding the cost of shots and spending money while we are there.

My goal is to reach $1,000 in the next 2 months ahead... but God has been going Above & Beyond every goal that i've set for the month. AMEN!!!

I know the team is one Chosen for the work God has set forth and we're blessed to have people interested and invested to his work and our well being.
Thank You for those who have supported financially, it has given much needed boosts in the journey to get there. But more importantly I Thank those who have prayed for us, individually. Thankyou!!! It has done so much good and it matters! Every prayer has blessed. Please pray for the ones who are living in Mombasa, Kenya and their safety and well being as well.
I pray that there will be a different outlook on life as we return to the "safety" of home.
That we will begin to see people in a entirely new vision... this trip has opened my heart to so many different walks of life that in past time never caught my attention.

At the start I saw this calling with the purpose to serve those in Kenya, to share the love of Christ... and I still do! But what it has evolved into is the chance to be changed from the inside out, that possibly these children will have more of an impact on us then we will on them.

The work of heart is taking place in all of us and I am confident that it will not end as we board the plane back home. The fact of the matter is, we will serve if its here or across seas, we will show the love of God regardless of where we're at! This is something completely new to me, No clue what to expect, and still doubtless that it is part of a greater plan at hand!

Thank You, Jesus!!

Keep the team in your Prayers
& those that we will be serving
Pray for soft and open hearts in us ALL

I Love You.

Your Friend, always.

          -Allyson 

Danielle Carty

No One Like You by Danielle Carty
Falling into a pile of leaves...
Laughter filling the air with joy...
Father, I picture You and I doing just this...
Even after a night full of darkness...
You bring the light in the morning...
And Love to bring joy to the most tender heart.

Running into Your comforting arms...
Full of warmth and compassion...
Father, I picture this...
Even after the coldest of nights...
A night filled with terrors and tears...
You bring warmth as if it's a summers night...
And love and understanding to a fragile heart.

Hiding under Your protection...
When the rain starts to fall...
Father, I picture You painting...
A rainbow across the sky...
When the rain begins to stop...
You bring mercy and hope...
And cause the sinner to have a burning desire...
to repent and turn to You.

Spending time with You...
In a summer full of free time...
Even after distractions of this world...
You bring patience as You wait on us...
And You would never abandon us...
Father, there is no one like You.
You are everything good.

        I love starting whatever I write with a story or a poem of some sort. The poem above depicts only a small glimpse of God's love for us and the reason why my heart longs to go to Africa to show them the same love God shows us. To me, it is not simply a vacation, as even some claim it is with how much it costs. Honestly, when I sit down to think about Africa as it is quickly approaching it terrifies me. The excitement and the unknown of what I have only seen on TV or read about in articles becoming reality for a week and a half is nerve racking for me. This will be my first mission trip. I strongly believe God will provide for me to go if it is in His will. But as great as He is, it will not just start raining money because He loves to work through His children in His timing. Though as deadlines are quickly approaching and I am still what seems way behind in my own eyes, I can rest assure that God has a greater plan and that this will help in growing my faith. I would love to paint a background of my story or testimony, but I do not want to take up too much space in this blog. As you can tell, I LOVE to write. Even more so...God's love for me overwhelms me everyday and this blog I dedicate to His love. For without His Love I would not be here today. This summer I have been learning just how much my focus needs to stay on Jesus and how much more I need to spend time with His Holy Spirit as my counselor. Thank you so much for everyone's prayers during this stressful time of trusting that God will provide. Message me on Facebook if you have any more questions and I would love to answer them. Thanks again!

"You are God's children whom He loves, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a sweet smelling sacrifice to God."(Ephesians 5:1-2)

Hey guys,

 So let me give you a little background like the rest of these girls before I explain the reason behind my passion for Africa… I was born in Roanoke, Virginia then moved to San Antonio, Texas then Lakeland, Florida then back to San Antonio, Texas again… Now my story on Africa starts about 6 years ago in 2006, I was 14 years old at this point and I had the unbelievable pleasure of being able to go to Uganda and Kenya, Africa with my family. The main purpose of this trip was a pastor’s convention my dad spoke at in one of the local in Mbale, Uganda (which ended up being a very sweet service filled with many of the locals as well as all the pastors that this meeting was originally for). While we were there, we were able to visit different orphanages nearby - I really wish I could paint you a picture of these children, they were well taken care of, but nonetheless, my heart broke for them. It was in one of these orphanages that I met a little boy who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Those of you that know what this is, know that children diagnosed with this live out an extremely difficult life… I’ll admit I couldn’t help but later cry from seeing this sweet boy in pain and knowing that there was nothing I could do to help him….  This brief moment I had with him has impacted me on a level I cannot easily explain to you - (and as silly or crazy as this may sound) it is this moment that is a big reason as to why I am currently enrolled in Texas Woman’s University, where I am studying to become (God willing) a “Child Development major in preparation for a Doctor of Physical Therapy.” The first year after I graduate, it is my goal to work with “doctors without borders,” and help physically disabled children all over Africa… I realize that it will be too late to help that specific little boy I met, but it is not to late to help other physically disabled children in the future. Ever since that first trip to Africa, I have held a constant desire to return. God so sweetly answered my prayers (much quicker than I ever imaged), when I was introduced to Cayla Newkirk and realized that she was leading a group to Mombasa, Kenya July 31- August 16. When asked if I would be interested in going, I immediately said yes (looking back now, it probably would have been a good idea to run it by my parents first)… I felt like God blessed me yet again when I later learned that we will be able to help children in both a local school AND clinic there (I am hoping to get a little glance on what my future will be like when we go into this clinic)… While I will admit I still worry about expenses, I realize that if this is God’s plan, He will provide a way made for me to go… I am so excited to see everything God is going to do with our group, and feel extremely blessed for this opportunity. If you guys have any questions for me about my heart or purpose on this trip, send me an message through Facebook and I will give you my cell number and you can fire away with any questions…. If you haven’t been able to tell from what you have read so far… I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!

God bless,

Rachel