Processing the day
February 6, 2008
It is Wednesday late day; we are nine hours ahead of Texas. It is very windy and looks as though it is about to rain. This is the first moment I have had to sit all day and I have found that writing you is very therapeutic for my soul. We see, hear and feel so much in a day that it is nice to process it all by putting the emotions and experiences into words.
Last night Enoch, Rachael and Elijah’s son (Mosop Orphanage), came to visit Dr. Chuck and Amy. He brought a gourd full of a special drink in Kenya called Morsic made from warm milk which curdles mixed with burned bark of the Wattle tree. Yummy! His parents sent it to thank us for coming to play with the children at the orphanage awhile back. Amy called me and said we should go up to the nursery (which is overflowing right now) and share it with the moms. So the two of us went up at the 6:00 nursing time and took small disposable cups. The women were so grateful and loved it- apparently this is a real treat for them, a delicacy.
Because I consider myself adventurous, I went with every intention of partaking in the morsic…………….however, after serving this charcoal/buttermilk type drink to about 25 moms nursing their newborn babies in a very warm, small space…………. I changed my mind. Thankfully it was not perceived as an insult since the women did not originally give it to us. Whew!
I took the opportunity to take some nursery pictures. All the incubators have been handmade and as you can see the room is wall to wall with them along with infant beds.
Today the girls made cookies again but this was a not-for-profit project =). This time we took them to administration and thanked everyone there for all their hard work. They are a little short-handed and one of the missionaries mentioned it might be good to encourage the people in that department.
Afterward we took stickers and coloring sheets to the pediatric ward. Jackson loved this! He and his friend Luke blew bubbles and we all sang a few songs. Jackson entertained the children with his outgoing personality and the Kenyan moms were giggling at his choreography to our singing.
The bottom has fallen out of the sky and the rain has poured down for about an hour. It has dropped quite a few degrees and is very chilly, but a new wonderful, after the rain smell fills the air. The girls just dashed across the field from playing football and are completely soaked.
It has been a busy and fulfilling day. I am thankful for even the small opportunities we have been afforded to share His love.
~Jenn
To Jennifer, Paul and the entire family – I was mesmerized by each and every blog you family has posted. God bless you and your family for the wonderful work you are doing. God is truly working through each and every one of you. May God continue to bless and protect you during your stay in Kenya. Thank you for bringing the country, its people and its dire circumtances home to us. We all need a reality check at times to make us realize how very fortunate we are to live in this bountiful country of ours.
God’s blessings on you and the beautiful people of Kenya.
Kathy H.
Medina, Ohio
Dear Jenn: It blesses me to read your everyday journey. I love everything you guys do. I will continue to pray for everyone involved in this amazing missionary trip.
Hugs and kisses to The Entire Familia,
Love in Crist,
Alicia Otto
Hey Jenn,
I am glad to hear what you people are doing for Kenyans. I am a Kenyan lady at college in Kansas city, too terrified about what has been happening back home, especially after elections. I only pray that the Lord bless you all abundantly for offering yourselves to be used of Him.
Baraka (blessings),
Grace
Dear Osteens and LakewoodCC,
I am deeply touched by the work you are doing here in kenya.i’m in nairobi and all of us kenyan are deeply shocked and disturbed by the violence of this magnitude.continue to pray for God’s will to prevail,pray for the Koffi annan led mediation team,the politicians, the displaced families,all the missionaries and humanitarian aid and for all kenyans as a whole.
God bless y’all
Moniq
Dearest Jennifer and Dr. Paul,
Thank you so much for being able to take the time to share this awesome experience via the internet with all of us. It’s so amazing because we can “feel” your experience. WOW !
Take care and know we love you all so much and are praying daily for you.
Gary & Nancy
Jenn and Paul,
I know you all are being very rewarded for the efforts and peace you are bringing to the people you guys touch. You guys are very blessed to be a blessing to those in need. I’m happy you guys got to see the Super Bowl Keyna style. Go Giants!
Tell Jack to keep those people laughing and smiling with his little words, his a wonderful blessing.
I know you guys are doing wonderful things for the people in your village even if you have to partack in that “milk drink” ug, and bringing hope and life to the harden hearts and souls that have been broken. Paul, you keep pressing in and all your “Doctor Techniques” will continue to help you.
Here’s praying for your safe return home,
Love you guys
Cary & Regina Williams
Good Afternoon Jenn & Family,
I looked at all 88 pictures from the Home (Lakewood.cc) website yesterday and had to cry and be so proud at the work all of you guys are doing! We had prayer and praise last night and we (The Choir) got to send you all a “Hello”, you guys are being the hands and feet of love, hope and help. We are so very proud of what you all are doing and MISS you ALL!
From Your Lakewood Family,
Sheryl Theis
Hello to MY OSTEEN GIRLS!!!! I have enjoyed your blog so much and am so very excited for you guys! It is an absolute blessing to hear your stories! I only wish my family was right along side serving with you! What an amazing opportunity to see God at work in not only each of your lives but in each person you come in contact with. I cannot wait to hear every detail when you return. We miss you so very much each day you are not here!! And this just reminds me to continually pray for you and your mom and dad. We cannot wait until you return!! We will devote the first class you are back to hearing all about your adventures and where God took you!! And Sophie…just for you…lunch in the classroom that day!!! Continue seeking to seeing God’s in everything you view there, reaching out to those who need him, and strengthening your walk with Him! I pray you are refreshed each morning for a new day to serve Him and grow closer to Him. I pray you see Him daily in the midst of the tragedy you see in Kenya. Realizing He is so much bigger than all of that! we cannot wait til you are home…but until then…. soak it all in…and listen to what God is wanting to show you! I am so very proud of all of you! blessings….
Dear Osteens and LakewoodCC,
May God bless and increase you. Am a Kenyan based in Nairobi.Kenyans trust that God will see us through the crisis.
Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him, and He saved us” (Isaiah 25:9).
God Bless,
Regards,
Liz
Dear Osteens and Lakewood Church,
Thank you for bringing blessings to Kenya, every Kenyan you meet please tell them of God’s love because when we accept and understand His love we extend it to others.Please continue praying for Kenya as a country, we need Kenyans to know God thru his word and deeds, and to live to always obey Him.Pray for our leaders too, that God’s will be done for Kenya thru them.
Barikiweni sana(God bless you all alot)
Jade
I just want to let you know just how much it has touched my heart to read your letter to us letting us in on your day to know how things are over there i am so greatful to read this from you i WILL keep yall in my prayers …. one day i would LOVE top go sto Kenya & do mission work but mainly to spread GODS love thank you jesus i love you
Dr Paul, Jenn, kids and the entire Osteen and Lakewood family in Houston,
As a kenyan, and a member of Lakewood I am deeply touched and encouraged by your selfless and daring work on this mission trip to Kenya. You are all showing the love of Christ and for that May God richly bless you and your entire family.
Hi Jenn, I am excited about what you and your family are doing in Kenya, love the pics too, please know we are praying for great success in your misson and a safe return to Houston.
It is a blessing to read the comments from others who have and are participating in the ministry in Kenya
My husband and I have spent a lot of time overseas in places such as Asia, the Philippines,Guatamala,etc. in ministry as well. While there(up to 1 year) we worked among the people . God is faithful and His word does not return to Him void.
There is nothing that compares to following the Lord anywhere He calls you and I to. Bless you who are following Jesus where He leads you so everyone will accept and love Jesus . This is the great connection between every culture and our own country, Jesus.
Hey All….
We sure miss you around here, but are so proud of the work you are doing for Kingdom! We hope you feel our prayers, because we remember you every day!
Love and Blessings,
Charles and Carolyn Miller
Jeni,
Thanks so much for continuing to take the time to update us on what is happening. I can hardly wait to check each day to read of your adventures and “awesome blessings.” I especially love to hear about what the children and local ladies are
up to. Please know how much we love you and that we are praying for your safety.
deb
Greetings from Kosovo via Texas
Hi Jennifer,
Henry and I are so thrilled to see how God has brought you all to Kenya. What a blessing! It’s been a joy to read back through the blog and to see the photos. Thanks for taking the time to journal all of this. We are praying for God’s bubble of grace and protection over you and His divine favor at work around you. God’s timing is always perfect.
Big hugs and lots of prayers, Suzanne & Henry McGowen
Dr. Paul and Jennifer,
you must go to http://www.youtube.com/toyby4 and just see what “he” did !!!
Love yall, G&N
Hey Jennifer,
Go to http://www.youtube.com/toyby4 and watch the video!
We miss you and your family, Praying and thinking of you!
There is a personal message from the church!
Larry
Hey Aunt Jennifer,
Jack is so funny I love Jack. I hope ya’ll are having a good time I miss yall but I know you are working for the Lord have you got our letters from small group?
Love ya,
Catherine
Dear Jennifer, dear Paul,
I was confused: here I am watching the service from Lakewood Church in Germany with you two sitting at the front, and at the same time you are in Kenya! I now realize though that the services are from last year while you are in Kenya right this minute.
To imagine you in the struggling country of Kenya right now I am upholding you and your sweet children to our Lord to keep you in the palm of his hands and protect and bless you as you move around. You will make a lasting impact on all you encounter. I am sure of that.
God´s richest blessing on you in all you do and are for his glory.
In His wonderful name
Rita-Jay Sührig in Germany
God bless you for availing yourself to be used. Your family seems to be having so much fun!!! I know that God will continue to encourage and bless your family as you continue his work in Kenya…love the pictures…
Our hearts and prayers are with you…we have many people standing in prayer for your trip and family as you touch the heart of God – OUR LOVE, S&S Kyles
Dear Osteens and helpers,
I am overwhelmed with what I see and hear in your video!
It is such a humbling experience for me, and I sense how blessed you are in the midst of such poverty, suffering and hopelessness surrounding you.
We have a saying in German: “Wenn die Not am größten ist Gott am nächsten”
(In the midst of the greatest of suffering God is closest). I sense you are experiencing that right now. And I am sitting here, warm and comfortable and convicted, too for feeling a little weak and slightly grumpy after my second radiation after my breast cancer operation 3 weeks ago. Yet God has healed me! And the Scripture references of your dear Mother have been my constant companions. And – I know – that one day I will be at your church and translate and interpret for you. Because as Joel reminded me in his word for today: The joy of the Lord is my strength!
May you feel clothed and pampered in His protective care and love,
and come home safely!
Rita-Jay Sührig from Germany
I am so honoured as a kenyan to realise that at this time of need in kenya we have people wh o are risking their lives for us. Thanks for spreading the word through your works as the bible says that faith without works is dead. You have all gone the extra mile which is a blessing and a fit to us kenyans even if am based in the US.
God bless you all and increase you all tremendously.