Dear Friends
We visited a school in our neighborhood last week to meet with the girls. When the boys saw us come in they requested to join us. The teachers agreed and our "girls only" meeting was brightened up with the attendance of the boys. A motivational speaker talked about self-confidence and the kids listened closely.

After the session we sent the guys away to have a girls only time. We gave out some very needed items. Often girls stay at home and miss school when they have their periods. The panties I brought from the US were a huge hit. The girls enjoyed them very much, it stirred quiet a commotion!

I was able to address the girls too. Talking about relationships, a topic in any culture of kids in that age group. It was hard not using Christian terminology and referring "only" to God in a general way. But what a privilege to speak to them and starting to build relationships. The church is committed to regularly visit the school. That brings joy to my heart!

 Jambo Friends!

On Sunday we celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the church in Kenya. When Gil and I came to Kenya in March of 2008 it was a loose fellowship that wanted to be organized into a registered church. Allison and Dennis came for that very reason to Diani. We joined the leadership team soon after our arrival in 2008. What a joy for me to be part of that celebration and experience God's faithfulness to the church. I was able to give a testimony about our journey together. When I am in Kenya this is my home.

Good food is part of every African Fellowship

All ages where represented

Jambo Friends!
It has been a while since I posted last. A secure Internet is not always available. So today I catch you up with a variety of pictures from the last two weeks. My days are filled with coaching, mentoring and meetings. Its such a privilege to be her and serve the people in Kenya. Thank you for praying for me and all your encouragement.

Sunrise at the beach

My friend Jacinta teaches me how to eat the Kenyan Way

That's the normal transport I take, called Tuk-Tuk

One of the group of Lady's I meet weekly with

My little hut I live in!

The monkey family visited me right outside my house

Playing with the kids at school

Taking the kids out for a field trip to the reef

Some of them never saw the ocean even they live less then 3 miles from it

So much to discover for the first time

Taking the kids out to the reef with a fisheren's boat

Some amazing finds

God's creative power everywhere

We had so much fun together

Women from church dressed up for a special dinner

Valentin's Dinner Party

It is still very hot and humid here. Friends from Texas came to visit Dennis and Allison and even they said "they thought its hot in TX, but Kenya....completely different story!

Jambo Friends
Come with me into another world. Yesterday I went out on the reef right here in Diani Beach. Just walking along as the tide went out. God's creative hand is experienced

That's how I  walked through the water

The Fisherman who took me out to the reef

in a very different way.

Jambo Friends

Let me take give you today a glimpse into my environment! Over the last several weeks a steady flow of white butterfly passes through our area. Its an enchanting sight to witness. Delicate, light-hearted little creatures all around me!

More mischievous are the monkeys as they entertain with their acrobatic swings from tree to tree

This is one of my nightly companions! I don't mind, mosquito are on his menu. Although today he fell on my head when I opened the curtain. (he hides behind it at time). My scream and dance was impressive!

When the monkeys have nothing better to do they watch me in the kitchen

 Jambo Friends

On Saturday we had the first seminar for the women in the church. All ages were welcomed! As you see my little friend Esther loves to hang out with me!

The seminar went very well. The women enjoyed the practical teaching. Many topics came up as we interacted together.

Its a blessing to be here,
love, Maria

Jambo from warm and humid Kenya!
Yesterday two of my Kenyan friends and I visited a local church. What a joy it was to see the children again. Last year I visited them too. They remembered my name, where I come from and even that I taught them about David and Goliath. One girl even remembered that I said that God is strong and we can do all things through him. Three quarters of the students are not from Christian back ground. It was a great joy to share with them again. Here are some of the pictures for you to enjoy. I was so happy to be there.

A typical school room

Bathroom

Abraham the dedicated founder of the school

Children from my church gave me this book to take with me to Kenya. The kids here loved it as I read it to them.