Sorry it's been awhile we've been busy being sick, touring and travelling. Just wanted to let u know that our health has been improved so that has an answer to prayer. It took awhile to get rid of that nasty bug but when travelled to machu picchu we could feel ourselves improving. It was so nice feeling better and being able to take in the amazing sites of all that is and surrounds machu picchu. We climbed up this crazy mountain which had us way above sea level. We had an icredible view of mp down below.
We then headed back to cusco for two nights and got to walk around and enjoy the city, unlike when we first arrived. So this morning we got up at 5.30am to get to airport for our next flt. So we flew to juliaca and then got a taxi from there to puno ,took 45mins so wasn't too far. The scenery is something else it is so different from the green of cusco and mp. It is kind of more brown colours, blue skies, really low clouds and a mixture of vast flat lands and mountains and then we saw lake titicaca, the highest navigatable lake in the world. At the moment we're 3,827 metres up. Tomorrow we're heading out to see uros islands and taquile island so looking forward to that.
We'll try to blog again soon. Xo
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hot
Well were about to leave Lima and head for Cusco tonight, on our way to see Machu Picchu, it has been so hot here especially at night, Linda got sun stroke yesterday and we think a flu as well so prayer for wellness would be greatly appreciated.
Yesterday we went down town to the coast in Lima and saw a pre Incan temple, where they used to do human sacrifice etc. It was amazing to see the structures which still survive till today, even after all the earthquakes over the years.
It was cool to feel a tremor run through our building but gladly no damage done. The coast was lovely with a cool breeze and good waves which was nice to see the surfing there. Will update again soon, keep u posted, thanks for checking up on us, God bless you.
Yesterday we went down town to the coast in Lima and saw a pre Incan temple, where they used to do human sacrifice etc. It was amazing to see the structures which still survive till today, even after all the earthquakes over the years.
It was cool to feel a tremor run through our building but gladly no damage done. The coast was lovely with a cool breeze and good waves which was nice to see the surfing there. Will update again soon, keep u posted, thanks for checking up on us, God bless you.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Lima!!!
Ok so after 16hrs between waiting in Miami airport and flights we arrived in Lima at the nice old hour of 4.10am!!! What a legend my friend Marie came and met us at the airport. It was so cool to see her, haven't seen her since our wedding almost 5yrs ago.
Well firstly to say it was so sad to say goodbye to the Steiners we miss them unbelievably. Had a blessed and wonderful hanging out with them. They blessed and looked after us so well. Now we are on our next adventure and it has been that already. We came from the airport back to their house to drop off our bags and straight to a mining company where Marie and Zalo teach an English class so we helped out with that from 7.30-9.30am. Did you ever think that after a few hours sleep we could function that well hehe. Well miracles can happen. We then came back home after the class to change clothes and then were off to Gamaliel where these guys are involved in a great project. More on that to come. But we got to hang out with some pastors and meet some lovely people here. We got some taxis and local buses and headed out to this amazing place where we were surrounded by these huge mountains!!! Dust everywhere it is quite the desert place. On our way back at about 5.30pm we were sitting on the bus when these kids jumped on with a box and a shaker and started to busk as we traveling along. They were so noisy it was funny, as soon as they got money they jumped off onto another bus to do the same. Then these two guys got on with guitars and played Peruvian music. It was unreal, I don't think I'll forget that scene. So we got home and showered and then I ran to the airport with Marie to collect a present sent down from her dad and then we headed back in a taxi at night just the two of us!!!!!!! Scarey!! but what an experience. god is good and this is only the first day.
we'll blog as soon as we can . Love ye all. Do drop us a note. xo
Well firstly to say it was so sad to say goodbye to the Steiners we miss them unbelievably. Had a blessed and wonderful hanging out with them. They blessed and looked after us so well. Now we are on our next adventure and it has been that already. We came from the airport back to their house to drop off our bags and straight to a mining company where Marie and Zalo teach an English class so we helped out with that from 7.30-9.30am. Did you ever think that after a few hours sleep we could function that well hehe. Well miracles can happen. We then came back home after the class to change clothes and then were off to Gamaliel where these guys are involved in a great project. More on that to come. But we got to hang out with some pastors and meet some lovely people here. We got some taxis and local buses and headed out to this amazing place where we were surrounded by these huge mountains!!! Dust everywhere it is quite the desert place. On our way back at about 5.30pm we were sitting on the bus when these kids jumped on with a box and a shaker and started to busk as we traveling along. They were so noisy it was funny, as soon as they got money they jumped off onto another bus to do the same. Then these two guys got on with guitars and played Peruvian music. It was unreal, I don't think I'll forget that scene. So we got home and showered and then I ran to the airport with Marie to collect a present sent down from her dad and then we headed back in a taxi at night just the two of us!!!!!!! Scarey!! but what an experience. god is good and this is only the first day.
we'll blog as soon as we can . Love ye all. Do drop us a note. xo
Monday, March 16, 2009
In Indiana
Hey everyone,
So after 16hrs of traveling and waiting in airports we arrived in Indiana on Saturday evening. It was so good to see Paul and Abigail and of course the kids. Oh and of course Alex got pulled into the back room in chicago, same problems we have every time we try and go to the States. The worst thing is it is all over a typo by someone in Immigration and he gets pulled all the time. But thank the Lord he answers prayer as we only had to wait 20mins and we were told we could go that we were all set. It was so nice to go get our bags and continue the journey without too much hassle :) So yesterday (Sunday) we got to go to their church and see where they go, that was cool. Then we drove down south and met up with Mark and Jen for lunch and went shopping in an outlet mall. It has been so good to know we are on holidays and we have been able to switch off straight away and start relaxing so we are very grateful for that.
It's hard to believe that the days are going by so quickly and on thursday we head to Peru. So excited about that as well but at the same time will be sad to say goodbye here. So grateful to God for this blessing of travel though. It is amazing. Seeing so much of cultures round the world really get the blood pumping. We'll try and blog again soon. Hope everyone is doing well.
Alex & Linda Xo
So after 16hrs of traveling and waiting in airports we arrived in Indiana on Saturday evening. It was so good to see Paul and Abigail and of course the kids. Oh and of course Alex got pulled into the back room in chicago, same problems we have every time we try and go to the States. The worst thing is it is all over a typo by someone in Immigration and he gets pulled all the time. But thank the Lord he answers prayer as we only had to wait 20mins and we were told we could go that we were all set. It was so nice to go get our bags and continue the journey without too much hassle :) So yesterday (Sunday) we got to go to their church and see where they go, that was cool. Then we drove down south and met up with Mark and Jen for lunch and went shopping in an outlet mall. It has been so good to know we are on holidays and we have been able to switch off straight away and start relaxing so we are very grateful for that.
It's hard to believe that the days are going by so quickly and on thursday we head to Peru. So excited about that as well but at the same time will be sad to say goodbye here. So grateful to God for this blessing of travel though. It is amazing. Seeing so much of cultures round the world really get the blood pumping. We'll try and blog again soon. Hope everyone is doing well.
Alex & Linda Xo
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Spring is here
Hey all, we are so encouraged to see the first fruits of spring, the trees are starting to sprout shoots, my grass is looking like it could do with a cut and we feel like we have shaken off our winter sleep.
This has been a hard season but rejoice with us as we feel a season of new growth is upon us. Just last sunday we had a discipleship meeting in our house for a few young people and God really moved and blessed eachone there. We worshipped, prayed aloud and encouraged eachother from the word.
Oh how I had missed those times and we were really encouraged by the Lord again. We have been through a long period of God telling us to wait on Him and His leading and it has been very hard, but we really felt Him directing us to run this group and it was really good, much better than anything we could have come up with, EVEN THE TEENS LIKED IT!!!
Linda and I are very excited about joining many other Christian young people to worship and enjoy God in Kilkenny in 10 days and we can't wait to see how he will bless and move at that time.
On a personal note, we are putting the final preperations together for our trip to Peru in march, and can't wait to see our good friends the Steiners in the US on the way. We also felt the Lord lead us back to Kenya after much prayer and waiting, so God willing Linda, myself, Andrew and Amy will go together there in June to visit Robbie and Elizabeth and our Massai friends, so should be a good time of networking and relationship building.
Anyway have to run, but hope this finds you all well, keep praying for us please, rejoicing in Jesus this spring love Alex and Linda
This has been a hard season but rejoice with us as we feel a season of new growth is upon us. Just last sunday we had a discipleship meeting in our house for a few young people and God really moved and blessed eachone there. We worshipped, prayed aloud and encouraged eachother from the word.
Oh how I had missed those times and we were really encouraged by the Lord again. We have been through a long period of God telling us to wait on Him and His leading and it has been very hard, but we really felt Him directing us to run this group and it was really good, much better than anything we could have come up with, EVEN THE TEENS LIKED IT!!!
Linda and I are very excited about joining many other Christian young people to worship and enjoy God in Kilkenny in 10 days and we can't wait to see how he will bless and move at that time.
On a personal note, we are putting the final preperations together for our trip to Peru in march, and can't wait to see our good friends the Steiners in the US on the way. We also felt the Lord lead us back to Kenya after much prayer and waiting, so God willing Linda, myself, Andrew and Amy will go together there in June to visit Robbie and Elizabeth and our Massai friends, so should be a good time of networking and relationship building.
Anyway have to run, but hope this finds you all well, keep praying for us please, rejoicing in Jesus this spring love Alex and Linda
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hello
Hey everyone, well it's been awhile since I've (Linda) blogged so I though I would share some thoughts with you today. I can't believe how time is ticking by so quickly and Jan is nearly at an end. Isn't it amazing how time can just fly by. Over the last month we have been taking time out really seeking God about lots of things in our life at the moment. God has been so faithful in giving us that peace that surpasses all understanding :) especially during those times when we got lost in frustration or confusion.
The last few months have really been challenging and growing as the direction we were so sure of has changed. God has continually spoken to us about resting and loving him just for him and not just because of what we do. We are learning so much lately of how important it is to be rather than to do, and I have to say for two active people that is not always easy. So it's been a major re-adjustment over the last while. But I think in a way we're starting to enjoy some new found freedom where we just get to hang out with friends and each other. That has been really nice.
Work wise Alex still works away at the Haven cafe and he loves it there. There are some great people inside there with great hearts so he has been encouraged about all of that. I am working away as busy as ever with work booking missionaries and many people round the world. I work Mon, Wed & Thurs evenings from 8-midnight and then Tues and Fri mornings from 9.30-1.30am. So the hours aren't ideal and can be tiring and takes me out from a bit during the week, but I am so grateful for the work and bringing money in.
In other things that are happening we were at the first Cork youth workers meeting last Saturday and were very encouraged to see 12 youth leaders turn up. Especially for the first one and in particular how that day a storm was happening outside hehe. So praise God for new beginnings and new relationships that are starting to build. Alex also goes out on a Monday evening with a great guy from Grace and they bring soup, sandwiches and clothes to the homeless people on the streets of Cork. It has been encouraging to hear the stories of contacts being made and conversations being had. I know Alex is really enjoying the experience, even when it is lashing raining and freezing all in the same evening. The funny thing is, is that the other guy that he goes out with is also from Dublin, so how cool it is to see the Dubs caring for those on our streets.
The other thing we are involved in is the teens weekend coming up in February this year. This is the 3rd year it is running and it has been so encouraging to see how may are now involved in the planning of it all. This year we are transitioning from having American speakers to it being all Irish. So it has been a big leap but a manageable one. We have some very gifted people on the team and it is such a highlight to see 7 different groups working together to see the teens in Ireland discipled and the youth leaders encouraged and supported. So this weekend is happening on the weekend of the 20-22nd of February so we value your prayers as there is still a lot to organize and get done.
So that's the latest at the moment but just wanted to keep things going on this blog. I know we haven't been great with it lately. Anyhow thanks for reading this and for keeping up with our lives. We'd love to hear how you're doing yourselves. So be sure to drop us a line.
Until later. Xo
The last few months have really been challenging and growing as the direction we were so sure of has changed. God has continually spoken to us about resting and loving him just for him and not just because of what we do. We are learning so much lately of how important it is to be rather than to do, and I have to say for two active people that is not always easy. So it's been a major re-adjustment over the last while. But I think in a way we're starting to enjoy some new found freedom where we just get to hang out with friends and each other. That has been really nice.
Work wise Alex still works away at the Haven cafe and he loves it there. There are some great people inside there with great hearts so he has been encouraged about all of that. I am working away as busy as ever with work booking missionaries and many people round the world. I work Mon, Wed & Thurs evenings from 8-midnight and then Tues and Fri mornings from 9.30-1.30am. So the hours aren't ideal and can be tiring and takes me out from a bit during the week, but I am so grateful for the work and bringing money in.
In other things that are happening we were at the first Cork youth workers meeting last Saturday and were very encouraged to see 12 youth leaders turn up. Especially for the first one and in particular how that day a storm was happening outside hehe. So praise God for new beginnings and new relationships that are starting to build. Alex also goes out on a Monday evening with a great guy from Grace and they bring soup, sandwiches and clothes to the homeless people on the streets of Cork. It has been encouraging to hear the stories of contacts being made and conversations being had. I know Alex is really enjoying the experience, even when it is lashing raining and freezing all in the same evening. The funny thing is, is that the other guy that he goes out with is also from Dublin, so how cool it is to see the Dubs caring for those on our streets.
The other thing we are involved in is the teens weekend coming up in February this year. This is the 3rd year it is running and it has been so encouraging to see how may are now involved in the planning of it all. This year we are transitioning from having American speakers to it being all Irish. So it has been a big leap but a manageable one. We have some very gifted people on the team and it is such a highlight to see 7 different groups working together to see the teens in Ireland discipled and the youth leaders encouraged and supported. So this weekend is happening on the weekend of the 20-22nd of February so we value your prayers as there is still a lot to organize and get done.
So that's the latest at the moment but just wanted to keep things going on this blog. I know we haven't been great with it lately. Anyhow thanks for reading this and for keeping up with our lives. We'd love to hear how you're doing yourselves. So be sure to drop us a line.
Until later. Xo
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
6 years together
Man waiting and resting is hard to do. We have felt the lord telling us to wait on Him and take a time of rest over this period but for two hyper go getters that is horrible. All the same it has been a great time to just hang out with people and to have people over to the house with no agenda except relationship building. It's amazing how quickly time passes as Linda and I are together 6 years today, which is a bit crazy, but cool at the same time. I think I love her more now than i did back then, which is cool to know.
We are praying about starting up a small group for young people who are serious about being discipled and committed to being regularly involved in something. We are finally getting a rest after a hectic holiday season, with work, weddings and all the family stuff behind us, so here we are waiting and resting for the spring/summer season that lies ahead, we hope this finds you in good form, and we wish Clive and Emma, my best friend and His new wife the very best as a married couple for the future.
We are praying about starting up a small group for young people who are serious about being discipled and committed to being regularly involved in something. We are finally getting a rest after a hectic holiday season, with work, weddings and all the family stuff behind us, so here we are waiting and resting for the spring/summer season that lies ahead, we hope this finds you in good form, and we wish Clive and Emma, my best friend and His new wife the very best as a married couple for the future.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Christmas
Hey there just wanted to say Happy Christmas to you all. We hope you have an incredible time of relaxation, family, reflection and peace : ) May God guide you all in the New Year and may He continue to grow us more and more in Him. That is our prayer for ourselves for now and the new year to come.
Life as we had known it since we moved to Cork had been thrown upside down just before we were to fly off to India last October. We went on an incredible journey with some great people and saw amazing stuff in Delhi and Ludhiana. It's still hard to believe we were in India a couple of months ago but we are still so grateful for the opportunity and all that we learned on that trip. Since we came back we have really felt to put a lot of stuff on hold, we learned so much about prayer from our time in India that we were really convicted about not doing anything else until we spoke and confirmed everything with God, we felt he was telling us to hit the brakes for awhile and perhaps pull back from a few things. It has been so humbling, painful and great all at the same time. We have had the strangest few months since we got back and at times it has been really hurtful and then other times it has been so nice just to enjoy this time of rest. We do ask for your prayers as there is lots going on right now and a few decisions need to be made on the direction of a certain thing that we are involved in. We just really need to get God's leading on something so we do it in His way not or own. Sorry I can't give any more details but it's all quite confusing at the moment.
In the meantime we are officially finished with Grace and they have put into place two leaders that we have been training since last September so Praise God for that, he has totally brought forward His fruit. It will be announced to the church on the 4th of Jan that these two leaders, 1 female and 1 male will be taking over the two different groups and they will be helped by the other leaders that we also worked alongside of. It has been encouraging to see more teens come along for discipleship on Sunday mornings and we just pray that this continues and that the leaders will pull together as a team and really lead this young people into a closer and a full relationship in God, by of course first doing that themselves ; ) So as of last Sunday we are no longer officially involved in Grace so this has opened some space so to speak for us to look into where we go now. Alex is still working in the Haven part time during the week and loves it there and for myself, I am working as an on-line travel agent for a Christian company in Australia. So praise God for that, he has provided us with jobs and finances to keep us going. Especially when this can be an uncertain time for many during this current climate.
So this is a little up date which has been way overdue, mainly as we've had problems with the internet but more recently just down to the busyness of life. We really value your prayers for us at this time and we would love to hear how we can be praying for you as well. Do let us know how you're doing. We want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and blessed New Year.
In Him,
Alex & Linda Xo
Life as we had known it since we moved to Cork had been thrown upside down just before we were to fly off to India last October. We went on an incredible journey with some great people and saw amazing stuff in Delhi and Ludhiana. It's still hard to believe we were in India a couple of months ago but we are still so grateful for the opportunity and all that we learned on that trip. Since we came back we have really felt to put a lot of stuff on hold, we learned so much about prayer from our time in India that we were really convicted about not doing anything else until we spoke and confirmed everything with God, we felt he was telling us to hit the brakes for awhile and perhaps pull back from a few things. It has been so humbling, painful and great all at the same time. We have had the strangest few months since we got back and at times it has been really hurtful and then other times it has been so nice just to enjoy this time of rest. We do ask for your prayers as there is lots going on right now and a few decisions need to be made on the direction of a certain thing that we are involved in. We just really need to get God's leading on something so we do it in His way not or own. Sorry I can't give any more details but it's all quite confusing at the moment.
In the meantime we are officially finished with Grace and they have put into place two leaders that we have been training since last September so Praise God for that, he has totally brought forward His fruit. It will be announced to the church on the 4th of Jan that these two leaders, 1 female and 1 male will be taking over the two different groups and they will be helped by the other leaders that we also worked alongside of. It has been encouraging to see more teens come along for discipleship on Sunday mornings and we just pray that this continues and that the leaders will pull together as a team and really lead this young people into a closer and a full relationship in God, by of course first doing that themselves ; ) So as of last Sunday we are no longer officially involved in Grace so this has opened some space so to speak for us to look into where we go now. Alex is still working in the Haven part time during the week and loves it there and for myself, I am working as an on-line travel agent for a Christian company in Australia. So praise God for that, he has provided us with jobs and finances to keep us going. Especially when this can be an uncertain time for many during this current climate.
So this is a little up date which has been way overdue, mainly as we've had problems with the internet but more recently just down to the busyness of life. We really value your prayers for us at this time and we would love to hear how we can be praying for you as well. Do let us know how you're doing. We want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and blessed New Year.
In Him,
Alex & Linda Xo
Friday, November 21, 2008
Apologies!!!
Sorry everyone, we know we haven't really blogged too much lately but we have no internet at home at the moment. Not until the end of November :( We will blog as soon as we have internet as then we'll have time. The only access we get is through our jobs and there's never enough time to sit and write. So just wanted to let you know what was going on. We'll update end of November Hope you're all well.
Alex & Linda
Alex & Linda
Sunday, October 19, 2008
India update
Hi from India. This place is pretty mental. We have gone to several house churches this week and met with hundreds of new believers here. We have studied church multiplication strategy and prayer walked in downtown Old Delhi. The sights sounds and smells had to be seen to believed. We used the Luke 10 method with great success. People here are totally open to the Gospel. Food has been a bit tough but weather is mild and our schedule tiring. We travel home tomorrow so please pray for travelling mercies. Lots of photos to show as well as exciting stories to tell. Talk soon be blessed.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Settling back
Well we're home awhile now and it seems like months ago when we were in Kenya. We've both settled back into our lovely home and found that our cat was still alive so that was cool. We're also both working part time jobs as well as doing ministry so that certainly keeps us busy :)
We have been so blessed with our jobs during uncertain times for many. I have my job as an online travel agent with a Christian company in Melbourne www.tendaitravel.com and Alex has just started working in the City Gates cafe (cafe in the Christian bookshop in town). We are both loving our jobs and the new opportunities and people it is bringing along. We are very thankful to God for providing them for us as it now means we can volunteer for churches and have our little tent makers 1 Thess 4:11-12.
Since we've come back we've also been helping out at Grace with the leaders training and the teaching for teens on Sunday mornings, as well as Alex teaching at Lee Valley. There have been plenty of one to one meetings as well as we have the privilege of meeting up with so many college students and leaders. God has really opened the doors for some great relationships here in Cork now. As we look over the last year it's so cool to see how he has mapped out his plan and continues to do so. We've been up to Dublin as well for meetings for Teenstreet Ireland and that has been really exciting to see the way God is using the team to put together what will be a great weekend. And next week we're off to India for a trip with GEM to see what work is been done over there. We were invited on the trip and now that it's getting closer we are getting really excited about it and what an amazing chance to be invited on this trip with a great group. Really looking forward to seeing what God is doing over there. We'll just be away for the week and will be back again to update you all.
Linda & Alex Xo
We have been so blessed with our jobs during uncertain times for many. I have my job as an online travel agent with a Christian company in Melbourne www.tendaitravel.com and Alex has just started working in the City Gates cafe (cafe in the Christian bookshop in town). We are both loving our jobs and the new opportunities and people it is bringing along. We are very thankful to God for providing them for us as it now means we can volunteer for churches and have our little tent makers 1 Thess 4:11-12.
Since we've come back we've also been helping out at Grace with the leaders training and the teaching for teens on Sunday mornings, as well as Alex teaching at Lee Valley. There have been plenty of one to one meetings as well as we have the privilege of meeting up with so many college students and leaders. God has really opened the doors for some great relationships here in Cork now. As we look over the last year it's so cool to see how he has mapped out his plan and continues to do so. We've been up to Dublin as well for meetings for Teenstreet Ireland and that has been really exciting to see the way God is using the team to put together what will be a great weekend. And next week we're off to India for a trip with GEM to see what work is been done over there. We were invited on the trip and now that it's getting closer we are getting really excited about it and what an amazing chance to be invited on this trip with a great group. Really looking forward to seeing what God is doing over there. We'll just be away for the week and will be back again to update you all.
Linda & Alex Xo
Thursday, September 18, 2008
More Kenya. Read previous one first.
It wasn't all hard work though, we got to go to an elephant orphanage, a giraffe feeding centre and even went on Safari. The Lord brought out all His splendor in creation as we saw over 30 giraffes, Eland, Ostrich and their many babies, Pumba(Warthog, my favorite), zebra, heartebeast, gizelle, crocks(a huge one,10 feet), and many more.
Robbie and Elizabeth live in the coolest place the backyard overlooks the National game park and every evening we saw and heard many animals, even Lions attacking a zebra. The whole house is surrounded by an electric fence and we had night security on the property again reminding us of our need for God's protection there.
We stayed in the Massai Lodge, which I thought was going to be a kip, but turned out to be amazing. Our bedroom overlooked Buffalo valley and we could see and hear a river below us. In the morning Baboons would come to eat whatever we had for them, and even the Warthog's would make an occasional appearance. We had good food there and the team really bonded with the staff. There was 24 hour security there and we felt so safe, being walked to our rooms each evening, and a guard was never far away even while relaxing. In the evenings Robbie would drive us back through part of the game park to our accomodation and some of us got to sit on the roof of the Jeep, this was such a cool experience and a little scary especially on the nights we saw a herd of Buffalo(most feared animal in Kenya) and upon arrival at the Lodge we heard a guard shout Simba(Lion) is around.
After the team went back both myself and Linda got to stay on in Kenya for an extra 5days and what an experience that was. We got to meet a kid that we sponser with Compassion child and that was both amazing and heart breaking as we got to see where he lived and heard what he had come from. Praise God that he provides for all our needs this kid was certainly in need and still is. We also go to go on the public mitatu's with Elizabeth to downtown Nairobi, now that was some experience, Linda almost got run over by a Mitatu as we tried to jump off the one we were in :) We also got to see the Rift valley and go to a tea plantation so that was all great. It was so hard to say goodbye when it came to tuesday morning. But we are so grateful for the time we had.
Anyway what an experience, God is utterly amazing, we had a brilliant time enjoying His creation, both People and Animals and we were all truly blessed by this incredible trip. Any takers for next year?
Robbie and Elizabeth live in the coolest place the backyard overlooks the National game park and every evening we saw and heard many animals, even Lions attacking a zebra. The whole house is surrounded by an electric fence and we had night security on the property again reminding us of our need for God's protection there.
We stayed in the Massai Lodge, which I thought was going to be a kip, but turned out to be amazing. Our bedroom overlooked Buffalo valley and we could see and hear a river below us. In the morning Baboons would come to eat whatever we had for them, and even the Warthog's would make an occasional appearance. We had good food there and the team really bonded with the staff. There was 24 hour security there and we felt so safe, being walked to our rooms each evening, and a guard was never far away even while relaxing. In the evenings Robbie would drive us back through part of the game park to our accomodation and some of us got to sit on the roof of the Jeep, this was such a cool experience and a little scary especially on the nights we saw a herd of Buffalo(most feared animal in Kenya) and upon arrival at the Lodge we heard a guard shout Simba(Lion) is around.
After the team went back both myself and Linda got to stay on in Kenya for an extra 5days and what an experience that was. We got to meet a kid that we sponser with Compassion child and that was both amazing and heart breaking as we got to see where he lived and heard what he had come from. Praise God that he provides for all our needs this kid was certainly in need and still is. We also go to go on the public mitatu's with Elizabeth to downtown Nairobi, now that was some experience, Linda almost got run over by a Mitatu as we tried to jump off the one we were in :) We also got to see the Rift valley and go to a tea plantation so that was all great. It was so hard to say goodbye when it came to tuesday morning. But we are so grateful for the time we had.
Anyway what an experience, God is utterly amazing, we had a brilliant time enjoying His creation, both People and Animals and we were all truly blessed by this incredible trip. Any takers for next year?
Kenya was Amazing.
What a time we had. The team bonded well for the most part and we all enjoyed each other and had to get used to all of our quirky ways. We often spent 5 hrs each day in a mitatu(glorified Hiace with seats) and the girls would serenade us with songs and Phil would keep us in hysterics with his take on daily life.
God really led us there to seek Him and often our plans would change to help the different needs we saw. Most of our time was spent out in the middle of no where past a town called Kiserian with the Massai ladies. It is amazing how dependent on prayer you have to become in Africa, whether it be your vehicle breaking down at night(not safe) or an attack of the enemy on the team, through sickness or attitude, pretty much everything can go wrong at any moment and it does wonders for your time with God.
While there we spent time building houses from scratch(including digging ten holes for foundations, 2 feet deep into hard African soil).
We also saw God provide water from the well, and witnessed the final work of construction on this which will see it produce 5000 litres per day which even Mozungu's(white people) can drink from.
Other days saw us build a much needed double toilet over a pit in the ground, complete with toilet roll holders and sit down seat for the visiting teams(very grateful, they will be :). We also put up stud partitions in houses to give parents and children alike some privacy and we put proper beds into these houses too. God even led us to put up a wire fence around the Massai property to protect the families there, it was so encouraging for Linda and I as we saw the land God purchased the last time we were there, complete with running water, houses, toilets and even a fence for protection.
The verses in James Ch1 were very much in my mind during our time there, which talk about true Religion. They say, true religion is this, to help widows and Orphans in their distress. God led us to do this as we helped 1 widow with 6 kids and other widows with 4 children, it was us who were truly blessed by this experience.
Other days saw us at an Orphanage where we held babies and saw some haunting sights. The orphanage has 350 children, 45 babies and some only 4 days old, abandoned by parents but not by God. There we met the lady who takes care of all these kids, her name is Faith and wow what a strong woman, she even made time to prepare us lunch.
We found a spyware problem on one of their computers and we were again reminded of the evil in the world as it appeared someone was looking through their files on these kids, Paddy got on the case and we are working out a solution to the problem.
God really led us there to seek Him and often our plans would change to help the different needs we saw. Most of our time was spent out in the middle of no where past a town called Kiserian with the Massai ladies. It is amazing how dependent on prayer you have to become in Africa, whether it be your vehicle breaking down at night(not safe) or an attack of the enemy on the team, through sickness or attitude, pretty much everything can go wrong at any moment and it does wonders for your time with God.
While there we spent time building houses from scratch(including digging ten holes for foundations, 2 feet deep into hard African soil).
We also saw God provide water from the well, and witnessed the final work of construction on this which will see it produce 5000 litres per day which even Mozungu's(white people) can drink from.
Other days saw us build a much needed double toilet over a pit in the ground, complete with toilet roll holders and sit down seat for the visiting teams(very grateful, they will be :). We also put up stud partitions in houses to give parents and children alike some privacy and we put proper beds into these houses too. God even led us to put up a wire fence around the Massai property to protect the families there, it was so encouraging for Linda and I as we saw the land God purchased the last time we were there, complete with running water, houses, toilets and even a fence for protection.
The verses in James Ch1 were very much in my mind during our time there, which talk about true Religion. They say, true religion is this, to help widows and Orphans in their distress. God led us to do this as we helped 1 widow with 6 kids and other widows with 4 children, it was us who were truly blessed by this experience.
Other days saw us at an Orphanage where we held babies and saw some haunting sights. The orphanage has 350 children, 45 babies and some only 4 days old, abandoned by parents but not by God. There we met the lady who takes care of all these kids, her name is Faith and wow what a strong woman, she even made time to prepare us lunch.
We found a spyware problem on one of their computers and we were again reminded of the evil in the world as it appeared someone was looking through their files on these kids, Paddy got on the case and we are working out a solution to the problem.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
We're back!!!
Ok just to say sorry as we had no internet for the whole time we were in Kenya and have just flown back from Nairobi tonight!!! So we're pretty tired but will update you asap. Need some sleep...........
Saturday, August 16, 2008
More Kenya
News Flash. God is great, we have all our funds raised to go to Kenya, another sign to us from the Lord of His faithfulness and provision, we are so privileged.
People have been incredible and so encouraging with their gifts towards the trip. It is so exciting to see that people are still motivated to give towards God's work, we have enough to build 7 houses and to facilitate many other solutions to day to day practical problems which the kenyan people face on a daily basis. I think we will only realistically have the time and energy to build 3 houses in the time there, but will put the finances to good use there.
The team has been very encouraged in their prep coming up to the trip and we are all counting down the days of the last 2 weeks before we go. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, they are much appreciated and felt.
Will do a final update before we go, just to finalize all the details and bring you up to speed with everything.
People have been incredible and so encouraging with their gifts towards the trip. It is so exciting to see that people are still motivated to give towards God's work, we have enough to build 7 houses and to facilitate many other solutions to day to day practical problems which the kenyan people face on a daily basis. I think we will only realistically have the time and energy to build 3 houses in the time there, but will put the finances to good use there.
The team has been very encouraged in their prep coming up to the trip and we are all counting down the days of the last 2 weeks before we go. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, they are much appreciated and felt.
Will do a final update before we go, just to finalize all the details and bring you up to speed with everything.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Kenya update
Oh my goodness we are blown away by God's provision. More donations have come from people and I think we're at about 80% of what we need for the Kenya trip.....Praise God!! We have also raised enough money to build 3houses for 3 Maasai widows and there is more money being raised for more houses and cows. We are overwhelmed by God's greatness in this whole trip there are testimonies from quite a few people on the team about how God is really teaching them and providing for them.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Where we're at.......
Well we have 39 days left before we head to Kenya with the team so I thought an update would be good. Just to let you know that we've had two prayer evenings with the team and have been really encouraged by God. We met last tuesday evening and really felt God was leading us to look at the verse "Be still and know that I am God". When we're living in such a hecitc, busy world it's hard sometimes to be still. It's so easy to keep going so for our meeting we all went away on our own to different parts of our house and garden and spent time with God. It was so worthwhile, as when we came back we shared, felt encouraged, felt God was speaking and was recharging us and then we had a lovely time of prayer.
It's so encouraging to hear how many in the team are already growing before they even get out to Kenya. I love God that way he goes beyond what we can imagine and always in ways we don't necessarily see coming ; ) We've really been encouraged ourselves by getting donations from four people (you know who you are) and have so far raised 1250!!!!! so praise God for that. We've been so encouraged by it all but are also aware that we have 1326euro to go. So please do continue to pray for us and those on the team that still have money to raise. I do believe that God provides and look forward to learning and growing more in him.
We also found out that we will def be building houses for the widows and got the price of 460euro per house. This cost will include the transporting of materials etc. So if you would like to donate or pay for a house for a widow please know that that option is there also. It doesn't just have to be about our team going out but can also be towards these widows that have no homes. I know we ourselves feel we have been so blessed with a fab roof over our heads and are so aware that they're are many with no homes so again if you would like to put money towards that instead of us please let us know. Praise God for his provision for all of us and his love which never fails. He is really reminding me of that this week and the importance of remaining in him (John 14&15). Please do keep praying for the team.
Thanks for your support.
Linda & Alex Xo
It's so encouraging to hear how many in the team are already growing before they even get out to Kenya. I love God that way he goes beyond what we can imagine and always in ways we don't necessarily see coming ; ) We've really been encouraged ourselves by getting donations from four people (you know who you are) and have so far raised 1250!!!!! so praise God for that. We've been so encouraged by it all but are also aware that we have 1326euro to go. So please do continue to pray for us and those on the team that still have money to raise. I do believe that God provides and look forward to learning and growing more in him.
We also found out that we will def be building houses for the widows and got the price of 460euro per house. This cost will include the transporting of materials etc. So if you would like to donate or pay for a house for a widow please know that that option is there also. It doesn't just have to be about our team going out but can also be towards these widows that have no homes. I know we ourselves feel we have been so blessed with a fab roof over our heads and are so aware that they're are many with no homes so again if you would like to put money towards that instead of us please let us know. Praise God for his provision for all of us and his love which never fails. He is really reminding me of that this week and the importance of remaining in him (John 14&15). Please do keep praying for the team.
Thanks for your support.
Linda & Alex Xo
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Is it a shark
We had a great weekend with friends of ours, Heidi and Omar who came down from Dublin for the weekend to hang out with us. We relaxed, drank hot chocolate(the best in Ireland) and went wakeboarding on Sunday. Andrew tried to kill both myself and Omar on a ring but somehow we managed to survive.
I was in the water when linda said something about a fin (Alex out of the water) it turned out to be a dolphin and his mates who entertained us for 30 mins as we chased and watched them put on what only be described as an awesome display of God's creation.
Oh we also saw some dude crash a nice boat into another nice boat moving the boat and it's mooring up the river about 50 meters, wouldn't like to be paying the bill for that. There were a few choice words, some tears and alot of shaking but thankfully no-one was hurt.
Anyway we had a great weekend, photos to follow.
I was in the water when linda said something about a fin (Alex out of the water) it turned out to be a dolphin and his mates who entertained us for 30 mins as we chased and watched them put on what only be described as an awesome display of God's creation.
Oh we also saw some dude crash a nice boat into another nice boat moving the boat and it's mooring up the river about 50 meters, wouldn't like to be paying the bill for that. There were a few choice words, some tears and alot of shaking but thankfully no-one was hurt.
Anyway we had a great weekend, photos to follow.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Interesting quote from Mother Theresa
Do it Anyway
People are often unreasonable, illogical
and self- centred.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness
they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway!
People are often unreasonable, illogical
and self- centred.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness
they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Update
Were excited to see what God is doing with the Kenya trip. We had a fundraising evening on sunday and three different churches led a night of worship. The groups all played a few songs and Linda and Phil Walsh spoke about what we would be doing over there. It was so encouraging to see all the churches mixing and worshiping together in unity and we also raised 700 Euro towards costs.
We called Robbie and Elizabeth last night and had a great chat and update last night. They told us about the lodge we would be staying in where there are Baboons and Leopards on the grounds, very exciting!!! We will also be building houses for the Massai Widows on the Land we were able to buy last year, will be great, Praise God.
It's been a hard week ministry wise with alot of niggling problems which need ironing out but we had a great rest in Bali and His timing is always perfect.
College group is exciting and refreshing and we are excited to see what God is going to do in the future, one of our group is off to Ibiza on an outreach trip, so very encouraging.
Hope this finds you all well, be blessed.
We called Robbie and Elizabeth last night and had a great chat and update last night. They told us about the lodge we would be staying in where there are Baboons and Leopards on the grounds, very exciting!!! We will also be building houses for the Massai Widows on the Land we were able to buy last year, will be great, Praise God.
It's been a hard week ministry wise with alot of niggling problems which need ironing out but we had a great rest in Bali and His timing is always perfect.
College group is exciting and refreshing and we are excited to see what God is going to do in the future, one of our group is off to Ibiza on an outreach trip, so very encouraging.
Hope this finds you all well, be blessed.
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