We just got back from Mt. Elgon. We spent a few nights up there and had a blast. Staying on the mountain is about as close to camping as I get!! We actually had running water the second day!! On the way up the mountain the police stopped us and attempted to do a shake down. Mike REFUSED and made it clear he knew the law. That plus mentioning the Honorable Fred Kapundee (Member of Parliment for Mt. Elgon) got him to back down. Especially when Mike kept referring to the officer by his name. This was one Mazungoo he was not going to take advantage of!
We did the boy's and girls youth conference. Girls and boys combined we had about 250 youth. It was amazing. The youth in Kenya are not much different from the youth in the US. They all seemed appreciative for the open and frank conversation about real issues they address. It was a great segway to talk to Lucy about the birds and the bees and boys and all that fun stuff!
The following morning we went to a humble church that received the Fruited Plains Miracle Maize last February. The only istruments were their voices and it was beautiful!! This small church rocked the roof off!!! I had the opportunity to preach again. I was overcome with emotion towards the end. God has truly given us His love for these people. It sometimes overwhelms me. We had lunch in the home of the pastor and his wife after the service. Mike and Chris ate the head of the chicken- brains and all!!!! No lie. It was disgusting.
Chris taught kids Simon Says and Lucy taught us how to eat sugar cane like a true Kenyan. We got to see the 10 acres (really 11). UNBELIEVABLE!!! We even have a sign with our logo on it. We are official. We could not believe all the maize growing and the demonstration plot was incredible. Peter is a passionate and phenominal farmer. He has set up 110 plots to show the people all the different vegetables that grow well on the mountain. He has compost piles and even a tree that the leaves can be crushed and used as a natural insecticide. We are overwhelmed how God ia allowing us to join Him in His work with these people.
Today Mike did his business seminar and the rest of us headed up to Pastor Philip's church, walked Shambas and heard testimonies. There are several widows at his church due to the recent land clashes. One of them shared how she has 10 children and had no food and her life was in despair. After receiveing the seed and harvesting, she now has enough food to feed her family, pay her kids school fees and tithe. She said she is now giving seed and educating her neighbors about it so they too will benefit from what God has given her!! How great is our God?!! Everyone talked about how much better this seed is. They have already harvested the first crop and are planting the second. They will get at least 2 harvests a year opposed to one with the other seed.
My dad was a real trupper today. He had to climb a HUGE hill and cross through several shambas. He hung in there and never gave up! Lucy stayed by his side and took good care of her grandfather. He loved having her watch over him.
Mike mentioned that one of the men at his seminar brought two ears of maize to show the people how much bigger the kernals are compared to the stuff the government sells. Light bulbs were going off as Mike showed them how to reduce costs and run their shambas as a business. He is so gifted in business and loves teaching others how to be self-sustaining and thrive. He is living his dream.
We got stuck in a ditch on the way down. Chris and my dad have now officially experienced Mt. Elgon. It took about an hour to get out but Leonard is the bomb! he got us out and even got us past a school bus that was blocking the road. It was an Indiana Jones ride for sure!
We are having a great time as a family. I feel so blessed to be here with the 3 most important men in my life and Lucy. This is it for now. Will update later. Kwaheri!!
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