BRACKEN-FLIPPING-HURST

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I am online for more than just second! We are now back in Nairobi. We arrived at about 10:30 this morning. We've been in Kumowongo for the past few days. While there we managed to put a roof on the Real Life Church (what is now the only Christian church in the village), "tap the floor" (we had to LITERALLY pound the dirt into the ground to create a smooth surface for the cement once they lay it), held a worship service and helped lead THIRTY people to JESUS!!!!! It was AMAZING!!!

While working on the church we attracted a BUNCH of people from all over the town. The children of the community were just dying to see us, speak to us, play with us and touch us. It was hilarious. I really think that they thought we were aliens at first. One of the translators told me that the really young children have probably never seen white people before and everyone only does once every few years. We came into contact with hundreds of children of every age. They were, without a doubt, the sweetest kids I've ever met. One child in particular really touched my heart. The first morning I was there I met this little girl named Deborah (pronounced day-bor-a). She was absolutely darling. She was probably about 3 years old but she couldn't talk well so I'm not sure. It took her a while to warm up to me but within an hour or two she was hugging all over me. After about an hour of laying all over me she started mumbling this word. Obviously, I do not speak the language and thus had no clue what she was saying. I called my AMAZING translator over and asked him what she was saying. He looked at me and said "I do not think that you want to know." It turns out that she was calling me mom. I don't think that I have ever been so broken hearted and so sad in my life. Leaving her yesterday was without a doubt the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I am not sure where she lives or whom she lives with but it is safe to assume it isn't exactly the best conditions.

So, onto happier news. WE ARE IN BRACKENHURST!!!!! It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and GREAT! The place we've been staying since we've been here hasn't exactly been the best. I'm just a little tired of goat at every meal, not being able to flush the toilet and either barely having water or not having it at all. I think Amanda did a wonderful job of describing the water pressure when she said "What is this!? My pee has more water pressure than this!" Brackenhurst, however, is glorious. We had BAKED CHICKEN, SALAD, ROLLS, GREEN BEANS AND RICE for dinner!!! The shower is equally amazing as is the toilet!

Tomorrow we will finish painting Pastor Ben's church (we started this afternoon once we arrive in Nairobi) and then head to the market for a few hours. I am very very very excited about the upcoming days! Please continue to pray for us!!

I will leave you with a few quotes you'll only hear in Africa...

"I have a malaria pill stuck in my throat" - Amanda

"Brittany.. Wake up and see if that is an elephant out side of our window" -Me

"MARISSA! Watch out for that cactus! You almost ran straight into it!" -Brittany

"There is nothing better than putting on fresh dirty clothes." -Amanda

There are a million more.. Those are just a few for today. I will post another blog tomorrow!

Go read our other blog too! It is www.teamafrica09.blogspot.com !


LOVE YOU ALL!

-Marissa


Chrissy: Don't you worry-- I haven't forgotten about your earrings. I'm getting them tomorrow. I wish you were here. Everything we do and see makes me think of ya! So, do you think I could do it next summer.. Like for the whole summer? Just a thought. I'm in love with this country. I've never been this happy in my life. Oh, funny you said that about the song-- we were just singing that in the bus yesterday!! I can't WAIT to see you and talk to you.

Mom and Dad: I hope you guys are having fun in NYC! I miss you loads. It was great to hear your voice last night, Mom. I love you guys and can't wait to show you all our pictures and tell you all our stories. :o)