We had an opportunity to tell a nice Indian man in the tent
Next to us about Jesus and we prayed with him and gave him a bible it was awesome
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday
1. We went to Tutu for some home visits this morning. It's so humbling for the Maasai people there to welcome us into their houses. The coolest thing was when we were walking around, Lee & Cindy were asking everyone if they knew Jesus and had the opportunity to pray with several people to accept Christ. While they were praying, the girl holding my hand heard what they were saying and asked me (in Swahili) if I love Jesus. I said yes and she said "me too!" so cool. Like Lee said, that's the most important thing.
2. We are officially at Sweetwater. This place is amazing. There is actual brewed coffee, incredible food, and zebras at the watering hole across from this tent. And a kenyan mariachi band that sang Happy Birthday to Elliott at dinner. AND we saw a cheetah today!!
3. Jordan had decided she wanted to be baptized here after stepping over the line of faith last year. What a special moment! That never gets old either.
4. We head home tomorrow after lunch. What an incredible week - it I always hard to leave, but we are ready for some Mexican food!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
From Chris
This has truly been an amazing trip. You never really know what to expect when you come on a trip like this. You know you will meet new people, form stronger bonds with ones you do know, try new things, eat new things, etc. and you try to prepare yourself for what may come but ultimately it's impossible to be prepared for all that will happen. On Sunday morning I Had the privilege of speaking to a small church out in the middle of nowhere. As I spoke to them from the Gospel of John, I felt a greater connection to the Gospel than ever before. God's word knows no boundaries! His love and the truth of who He is transcends all boundaries. Heaven will be filled with people from every tribe, every tongue, and every nation. As I stood in the pulpit of Pastor Daniel's small outdoor church, I experienced a sense of fellowship that I hadn't before. We were separated by land and sea but in those few moments regardless of language, color, or culture, we were one church worshiping one God with one heart and one purpose; to give glory to the one who has saved us. If I were to write about all the unexpected things that I experienced this week it would take quite a bit of space so I will end with this. God is and always has been good. His Gospel is for all the world and it was my privilege this week to participate in His work in Kenya. To Him be the glory for great things He has done.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Never gets old
It is incredible to see the difference the availability of clean water has made in the community of Endana. It never gets old seeing the water tank and hearing about it! 
From Jamie
Goodbyes are seriously the worst things. Ever. Saying goodbye to my Kenyan brothers and sisters is never fun. I was able to spend my day with all of my friends from years past and caught up with them all afternoon. The closing ceremony was great as usual and the kids were absolutely adorable. The first timers were definitely feeling the heart ache that comes with saying goodbye to the kids. Lots of tears were shed and lots of hugs were given. I'm more than certain that the new timers left a piece of their hearts with mine and the rest of the veterans on the trip. We haven't even left Kenya yet and I'm already ready to be back. Tomorrow we'll go to sweet water aka the greatest place on earth and go on our safari and eat the best food on the entire trip. Pray for hearts to continue to long for Kenya and these people long after the trip is over and we're back home. Also, pray for everyone's hearts to continue to be on fire and for Christ and that this trip will change each and every one of us and that we will come back completely different.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
From Darren, Nick, and Heath
What another awesome day in Kenya! This afternoon we got the opportunity to make home visits in the community near Endana. We were able to fellowship one on one (as a group)with families and truly see their culture and home life. We had the privilege of discussing their beliefs and whether they knew Jesus. Many confessed that they knew of him but had not completely stepped over the line of faith. We prayed with them and Matt lead them in asking God to be their Lord and Savior. It was incredible experience to witness and see the power of the Holy Spirit at work. We also spent time discussing the differences between our cultures and having a few laughs at what each side thought was extremely abnormal. After a extremely competitive "Goat Milking" challenge, Amy Wheeler took home the first place honors. Thus ends another great day serving in Kenya.
Tuesday
What a full day - I can't even wrap my brain around everything that we got to do. This morning we arrived in the village and split into our 3 groups: construction, nursery school, and secondary food service. The construction team finished building the bathing rooms for the boys at the secondary school, and they will be painting it tomorrow. The nursery school team had so many kids they ran out of stickers and tattoos, but they had a blast (: and we helped the secondary school workers prepare lunch and dinner for the students and teachers, then headed to hang out at the primary school.
One of my favorite things about coming here is seeing our team connect with the students they have met in previous years. There is nothing like being recognized and hugging a child you already know. I love the partnership our church has built over the past 5 years with this community of Endana. People know which kids are their friends sponsor kids, and they find them and text pictures - there's nothing like it.
Anyways, for lunch we went to sit by the river to eat. It was gorgeous and we got to see the pump house that provides clean water to the entire community that previous teams helped to build. SO COOL.
After lunch, we went on a home visit. We split up into 3 groups to visit some remote tribal communities. Wow. I don't think these people had ever seen Americans before. At first they were shy, but we ended up having some great conversations, milking goats, and we think a family stepped over the line of faith.
After dinner, David from Bright Point shared about his story and their strategy for impacting communities through child sponsorships. It's so great to see how God is changing lives all over Kenya!
One of my favorite things about coming here is seeing our team connect with the students they have met in previous years. There is nothing like being recognized and hugging a child you already know. I love the partnership our church has built over the past 5 years with this community of Endana. People know which kids are their friends sponsor kids, and they find them and text pictures - there's nothing like it.
Anyways, for lunch we went to sit by the river to eat. It was gorgeous and we got to see the pump house that provides clean water to the entire community that previous teams helped to build. SO COOL.
After lunch, we went on a home visit. We split up into 3 groups to visit some remote tribal communities. Wow. I don't think these people had ever seen Americans before. At first they were shy, but we ended up having some great conversations, milking goats, and we think a family stepped over the line of faith.
After dinner, David from Bright Point shared about his story and their strategy for impacting communities through child sponsorships. It's so great to see how God is changing lives all over Kenya!
From Shelby
Jambo!
These past few days have been a dream come true. For the past few years I have watched videos and seen pictures of these precious kiddos and longed to be here. As we were playing with the kids on Monday I looked around and realized that it was finally sinking in that I was in Kenya living my dream. Before I left for the trip someone told me that I was coming over here to impact there lives, but in reality they have impacted my life. They have so little yet they ALWAYS have huge smiles on their faces. Working with the kids in the villages and going on home visits has made me appreciate so much back at home. When we said goodbye today I realized how hard it was going to be say goodbye tomorrow knowing that I won't be able to see them for a while.
Thank you so much for all the prayers and support! I can't wait to share all the stories when I get home!
These past few days have been a dream come true. For the past few years I have watched videos and seen pictures of these precious kiddos and longed to be here. As we were playing with the kids on Monday I looked around and realized that it was finally sinking in that I was in Kenya living my dream. Before I left for the trip someone told me that I was coming over here to impact there lives, but in reality they have impacted my life. They have so little yet they ALWAYS have huge smiles on their faces. Working with the kids in the villages and going on home visits has made me appreciate so much back at home. When we said goodbye today I realized how hard it was going to be say goodbye tomorrow knowing that I won't be able to see them for a while.
Thank you so much for all the prayers and support! I can't wait to share all the stories when I get home!
From Margaret
Kenya has been really cool so far! The rides out to the school have been ridiculously bumpy and we've gotten stuck quite a few times... The kids are all very happy to see us and they are so possessive of holding our hands. Church on Sunday rocked my world and and turned the axis sideways. I'm so amazed that they are so thankful for what they have and they don't seem to be lacking in anything. They've really taught me so much and I'm so grateful to be here.
Monday, July 23, 2012
From Melissa
Hey guys! Well today I was with the team who went to the primary school and helped with nursery and played games in the afternoon. When we first got there we walked into this wooden building with mud all over the floor and hardly any light coming in, and you just saw all of these smiling faces just waiting for us to get there:) The kids in the nursery sang a song for us talking about the joy they have in their hearts and these two girls came up to the front and were dancing and I teared up because I saw their joy and was wishing I knew it. The kids at Endana have such a joy that makes you realize how selfish you are for worrying about your worldly things when they have nothing but yet they are happy beyond our understanding. Another awesome part was seeing my girls from last year and seeing how much they have grown and their happiness just fills me with joy! You can see God here just beefing out of everything and everyone I can't wait to see what else He has in store for this week:)
Happy Birthday Darren!
We made it out to Endana today and didn't get stuck at all. Praise God! We split up into 3 teams: construction (all the men and teenage men building showers at the Secondary School), food service at the Secondary School (lunch ladies Jen, Cecilia, Cindy, & Amy), and loving kids at the Primary School (everyone else led by the brilliant Dedee and Jamie). What a great day! The people who had sponsor kids at Endana got to see them today, which is super special. This afternoon the construction people kept working, and everyone else hung with the kids at the primary school. After teaching the Class 4 students a lesson on kindness from the Rejoice project, we attempted to teach them kickball and baseball. The rest of the kids played soccer, read stories, and painted fingernails. They had a blast! What a great day! 
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Trish Davidson, MVP
Trish was a rock star today! Not only did she get put on the spot and share during the service at the Faith Chapel, but she also leaped across a chasm. You are awesome Trish!
Contentment
We are so excited to be back in Kenya! We love it here! Each time I leave I try to burn the images of the community we serve, the faces of our friends and the beautiful landscape in my mind but when we return I'm reminded of just how beautiful it is here and how much we miss everyone.
One lesson God has been teaching the Ullrich family on this trip is about contentment. Lee had the unfortunate challenge of not receiving his luggage when we arrived in Nairobi. All he had to wear the entire trip was the clothes he was wearing. Fortunately, the backpack he did have, carried necssities like medication, money, passport and food. At the airport, Matt gently reminded Lee of a bible verse from 1 Timothy 6:6-8 about being content. So Lee took a deep breath and adjusted his mind and decided that he could make the trip with what he had.
After visiting our friends in Endana today we were reminded about how much we have and how thankful we are for the food, clothing and shelter God provides us, even if we are inconvienced for a week without luggage. Our friends in Endana live in poverty. They have little to eat, few clothes to wear but they have an enormous amount of faith. They depend on God daily and joyfully thank Him for their blessings.
As we traveled to Endana, our bus decided to do our 410Bridge devotional together as a group. Guess what the bible verse was for the day..... 1 Timothy 6:6-8. Do you think God is trying to teach us something?
1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it but if we have food and clothing we will be content with that.
One more thing... Lee received a call today and they found his luggage! It arrives at our hotel Tuesday. Isn't God Great!!!
One lesson God has been teaching the Ullrich family on this trip is about contentment. Lee had the unfortunate challenge of not receiving his luggage when we arrived in Nairobi. All he had to wear the entire trip was the clothes he was wearing. Fortunately, the backpack he did have, carried necssities like medication, money, passport and food. At the airport, Matt gently reminded Lee of a bible verse from 1 Timothy 6:6-8 about being content. So Lee took a deep breath and adjusted his mind and decided that he could make the trip with what he had.
After visiting our friends in Endana today we were reminded about how much we have and how thankful we are for the food, clothing and shelter God provides us, even if we are inconvienced for a week without luggage. Our friends in Endana live in poverty. They have little to eat, few clothes to wear but they have an enormous amount of faith. They depend on God daily and joyfully thank Him for their blessings.
As we traveled to Endana, our bus decided to do our 410Bridge devotional together as a group. Guess what the bible verse was for the day..... 1 Timothy 6:6-8. Do you think God is trying to teach us something?
1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it but if we have food and clothing we will be content with that.
One more thing... Lee received a call today and they found his luggage! It arrives at our hotel Tuesday. Isn't God Great!!!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
In Nanyuki
Jambo!
We made it to Nanyuki this afternoon just in time for lunch. We attempted to go to Endana, but had to turn around because of the rain :( which is sad for us, but we are so glad they're getting rain. So now were just hanging out at the hotel for the evening. Added bonus: Sportsmans Arms has wifi now! Which makes blogging and facebooking much easier (: more later...
Amy
Friday, July 20, 2012
They Have Arrived
I just got a quick voice mail from Kirk Willson at 1:00pm. The team has arrived in Nairobi! Check back for updates and keep praying for a successful trip.
Thanks, Randy
Here is a list of the team. As you pray, pray for them by name:
Willson, Kirk
Thanks, Randy
Here is a list of the team. As you pray, pray for them by name:
| Aldridge,Dominique |
| Aldridge, Marissa |
| Armstrong, Heath |
| Armstrong, Jennifer |
| Bell, Cecilia |
| Bell, Nick |
| Bundick, Brenner |
| Bundick, Darren |
| Davidson. Shelby |
| Davidson, Trish |
| Davis, Jonathan |
| Eccles, Elliot |
| Foster, Chelsea |
| Foster, Kim |
| Foster, Scott |
| Gibson, Nick |
| Johnson, Kelsey |
| Orr, Melissa |
| Potts, Jordan |
| Sanders, MacKenzie |
| Sanders, Troy |
| Ullrich, Beth |
| Ullrich, Cindy |
| Ullrich, Lee |
| Ullrich, Matt |
| Watson, Chris Weaver, Margaret |
| Wheeler, Amy |
| Willson, Dedee |
| Willson, Jamie |
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