This isn't the 'official' video for the trip, but just some video I had on my camera from the first couple places we went. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KcuuJHORP0
(Front row) Erika Yenokida, Garrett Lee, Cindy Ko, Rebekah Ogimachi, Brenden Fong, Josh Chinn, (Second row) Kristine Fu, Dakota Chenoweth, Matt Sekijima, Heather Nakamura, Renee Wong, Nicole Okada, (Back row) Trenton Yenokida, Steve Lee, Dan Ko, Bob Sandefur, John Herburger, Jesse Sandefur, Shawn Terasaki
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Most memorable time of my life
I never really blogged too much while I was in Kenya, not really sure if it was because I was 'soaking in all I was seeing' or just my lack of time. I'm not sure why I am even blogging now, it's been about a month since returning and I still feel extremely affected by it. Going to Kenya was a missions trip, a trip where obviously I signed up for thinking, "This will make me grow so much closer to God". And it did... It did so much that I've never felt more in tune to how sick and poor most of this world is. It's very easy to go to church every Sunday and look at pictures of slums and African children walking around. But actually going there is absolutely and positively a life changing experience. Seeing these kids and making full eye contact is unexplainable. Seeing the despair and the hopelessness is just heart breaking and not the kind where you feel sad for a little while, but the kind that fills your heart with the drive to do something; the drive to do something different and fix these problems. Going to Africa was literally the best decision I could have ever made and I will never regret it.
Now that I find myself back in 'real' life I find I am still heart broken. Heart broken by those who we left in Kenya, and those who sit next to me in class as they presently have absolutely no clue about what Africa 'is'. Going to Africa has definitely taught me a lot about who I am, about what I need to do as a Christ follower. Before this trip I would pass friends and tell myself that I shouldn't push my religion onto others, When I was completely wrong. It is not only something that matters but it is the ONLY thing that matters. It makes me think about hard comparison questions like, "If I could guarantee that one of my non-christian friends would become Christian but I had to give up something like College would I?" It's the hard questions like these that make me realize that my faith needs to be number 1, the absolute priority in my life.
On this trip I met an amazing group of people. We all got along and bonded quickly. As our trip came to a close I found myself very saddened by not seeing the rest of the group on a scheduled basis. Just last week we had a follow up meeting, and it was really great to see everyone. My heart felt heavy and I remembered how great it was to be around all of them. As we all go our separate ways I find myself missing each and everyone of the Kenya 2010 team. If I could I would go back in time and relive those 16 days over and over.
If I am blessed to be given the opportunity to go back to Africa I will, but that is up to God. Currently as I attend school and nestle back in my 'normal' life I would give anything to be back in the slums tommorrow morning. I want so much for my mind to be in the same place it was when we first stepped into those slums. I want so much to be in those slums because while I was there I felt the most alive I've ever felt. All of those happy kids and those horrible smells were some of the elements that created one of my most valuable memories. I want to be a light in a dark place and spread God's love. I know that this dark place does not have to be somewhere like Africa. It can be as simple as my school. Returning from Kenya HAS changed me and I need people to see that. This upcoming year my goal is to have people know I am a Christian without me even saying anything. When I meet God at the gates of Heaven I want to be able to tell him, "I was never ashamed of being a Christian and I did everything I could"
I left my heart in Africa, and I don't think I'll ever get it back.
Shawn Terasaki
Now that I find myself back in 'real' life I find I am still heart broken. Heart broken by those who we left in Kenya, and those who sit next to me in class as they presently have absolutely no clue about what Africa 'is'. Going to Africa has definitely taught me a lot about who I am, about what I need to do as a Christ follower. Before this trip I would pass friends and tell myself that I shouldn't push my religion onto others, When I was completely wrong. It is not only something that matters but it is the ONLY thing that matters. It makes me think about hard comparison questions like, "If I could guarantee that one of my non-christian friends would become Christian but I had to give up something like College would I?" It's the hard questions like these that make me realize that my faith needs to be number 1, the absolute priority in my life.
On this trip I met an amazing group of people. We all got along and bonded quickly. As our trip came to a close I found myself very saddened by not seeing the rest of the group on a scheduled basis. Just last week we had a follow up meeting, and it was really great to see everyone. My heart felt heavy and I remembered how great it was to be around all of them. As we all go our separate ways I find myself missing each and everyone of the Kenya 2010 team. If I could I would go back in time and relive those 16 days over and over.
If I am blessed to be given the opportunity to go back to Africa I will, but that is up to God. Currently as I attend school and nestle back in my 'normal' life I would give anything to be back in the slums tommorrow morning. I want so much for my mind to be in the same place it was when we first stepped into those slums. I want so much to be in those slums because while I was there I felt the most alive I've ever felt. All of those happy kids and those horrible smells were some of the elements that created one of my most valuable memories. I want to be a light in a dark place and spread God's love. I know that this dark place does not have to be somewhere like Africa. It can be as simple as my school. Returning from Kenya HAS changed me and I need people to see that. This upcoming year my goal is to have people know I am a Christian without me even saying anything. When I meet God at the gates of Heaven I want to be able to tell him, "I was never ashamed of being a Christian and I did everything I could"
I left my heart in Africa, and I don't think I'll ever get it back.
Shawn Terasaki
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Mission Trip Reflection
To me, the great thing about being on this trip was seeing how we each had 19 different perspectives and experiences. We were all mostly in the same places and doing the same things, but everyone came away with different stories. Each person reached out to different Kenyans, and it was cool to see how God could use each and every one of us and our different gifts to further His kingdom. I also enjoyed the daily devotionals, since even though we all read the same passage, for the most part everyone who shared had a different interpretation. All were equally valid, and I felt that our discussions really helped me to better understand these pieces of scripture.
Being back home, it feels really weird trying to get back into the "normal" routine. I feel a physical change inside, and it feels surreal to be able to take a shower whenever and not have to dump the shower water into the toilet tank. Doing ordinary things back home, such as going to the grocery store or watching TV just feels different, and I don't know how to describe it. It's like I go through my whole day and constantly think "This is normal to me, yet there are millions of people who can't do what I'm doing".
I've had a lingering question in my mind that has been bothering me since I got back. "What do I do now?" It's so broad, and I don't have much of an answer. Sure, I'm sharing my Kenya experience with friends and family, but I feel like there's more that I should be doing. I don't want this to be just a memory of a trip that I took. August 10th shouldn't be the end, I kind of feel that it should be the beginning of a new way of life. My heart is in a different place now, and hopefully God can reveal what He wants me to do next.
Being back home, it feels really weird trying to get back into the "normal" routine. I feel a physical change inside, and it feels surreal to be able to take a shower whenever and not have to dump the shower water into the toilet tank. Doing ordinary things back home, such as going to the grocery store or watching TV just feels different, and I don't know how to describe it. It's like I go through my whole day and constantly think "This is normal to me, yet there are millions of people who can't do what I'm doing".
I've had a lingering question in my mind that has been bothering me since I got back. "What do I do now?" It's so broad, and I don't have much of an answer. Sure, I'm sharing my Kenya experience with friends and family, but I feel like there's more that I should be doing. I don't want this to be just a memory of a trip that I took. August 10th shouldn't be the end, I kind of feel that it should be the beginning of a new way of life. My heart is in a different place now, and hopefully God can reveal what He wants me to do next.
Mini Team Experience
Recap of the last few days with the mini-team:
Mike, Steve, and I went to the Nairobi National Park on a safari of our own. It wasn't anything like Maasai Mara apparently, but we still got to see some wild animals, including a male lion. There were many zebras, gazelles, and ostriches there, and it was amazing just to look out and see the vast expanse of grassland and wildlife in the middle of an urban city. Most of the trip consisted of staring out as we drove through the park and seeing nothing but grass, but those fantastic moments when we spotted the lion or a new animal made the trip worthwhile. We got out of the car at the Hippo Pools, and started walking around the water. The ground was covered in water buffalo poo, so we had to be careful where we stepped. Lots of flies buzzed past my ears and landed on my face, which was more of an annoyance than anything, but it was scarier when we heard nearby growls and couldn't see what or where they were coming from. Luckily we found an armed guard before it was too late, and then I instantly felt safer.
To me, a safari can kind of represent our walk with Jesus, since we are placed in a wild, hostile environment where we don't always feel safe. It is scary out there, since the wild grasses mask the danger, and we never know what is lurking around the corner. The poo represents the signs that danger is out there, but Jesus is our guard, armed with an assault rifle. He knows the battle field better than we do and knows what to expect. There might be a mighty lion out there who is capable of ripping us into pieces, but just like how the assault rifle can take down the lion, Jesus can protect us from any enemy. No one wants to mess with a buff camouflaged dude and his two-foot-tall "little friend", and likewise the demons know they are powerless against God. I was comforted by the ranger's protection walking around the Hippo pools, and I was comforted by having God watching over me as we ministered in Kenya.
On Sunday, we went to church at Karura Community Chapel, where the Hyodos normally attend. It was the most reminiscent of a church like Lighthouse, as the facility was nice and there were Lexus SUVs in the parking lot (although they are just under the Toyota brand in Kenya). I really enjoyed the sermon about marriage, even though I'm obviously not going to get married in the near future. The pastor talked about how there are trials in every marriage, and the problem with most marriages are that people go in with the wrong expectations They expect marriage to be something where they get their needs met and feel good, but he said that marriage should be primarily focused on being obedient to God. Hosea's wife cheated on him and ran away from him, and most people in his situation would move on and find someone else. However, God called out to Hosea and told him to go and buy her back, even though she was rightfully his.
The pastor said how even when we have marital problems, God can use us to be a light to the community when we show our commitment to marriage and our obedience to God. Just like how God showed mercy on the Israelites and forgave them for turning away, we are called to forgive and try to work out our problems. There are definitely circumstances where a marriage can't be reconciled, but it's still important to try to work out the issues. While this seemed like a downer message since it focused mostly on how marriages have lots of problems, I thought it's a good reminder for me to know that marriage isn't smooth sailing, and that it's important to eventually look for someone not just based on how much fun I have with them or how happy they make me feel by meeting my "needs".
We stopped by the Nairobi Java House again after church, and then went back to the Comido school. The kids were really friendly as usual, and many began singing as I filmed. I'm curious to know what the lyrics mean in English, but hopefully they're glorifying to God, haha. The Well is progressing, there are still problems though, since the Kenya power company has to bring in a transformer to power the pump, so prayer is still needed to complete the project. It was a lot muddier there this time, since parts of the school grounds were flooded. We didn't stay too long, but the kids still seemed to enjoy our visit.
We then ventured over to the South C dental clinic, WMI"s most profitable dental clinic. That was when I learned that Pastor Paul and his family stay at the facility upstairs, and I was glad to know that he has such a nice, safe place to stay at.
That night, we watched The Lion King, which was another great experience. Apparently the team watched the same movie last year too. There must be something about watching it in Africa that makes it that much more special. It's funny watching Disney movies and getting the higher level humor that I didn't as a kid, and it was even funnier watching Joshua Hyodo roll around on the floor laughing during the movie. We then decided to play Wii and ended up staying up past midnight. It was nice having a smaller group, since I felt like it was a lot easier to get to know people in a smaller group setting, although I would have had a lot of fun going on to Maasai Mara too.
On Monday morning, we visited the Elephant Orphanage, where we got to see the trainers feed the baby elephants. A few of us got to touch them, and it was interesting to learn that cow milk is poisonous to elephants. Many were almost killed due to poaching or starvation, but this organization was able to nurse them back to health with the hopes of eventually re-releasing them into the wild.
Mike, Steve, and I went to the Nairobi National Park on a safari of our own. It wasn't anything like Maasai Mara apparently, but we still got to see some wild animals, including a male lion. There were many zebras, gazelles, and ostriches there, and it was amazing just to look out and see the vast expanse of grassland and wildlife in the middle of an urban city. Most of the trip consisted of staring out as we drove through the park and seeing nothing but grass, but those fantastic moments when we spotted the lion or a new animal made the trip worthwhile. We got out of the car at the Hippo Pools, and started walking around the water. The ground was covered in water buffalo poo, so we had to be careful where we stepped. Lots of flies buzzed past my ears and landed on my face, which was more of an annoyance than anything, but it was scarier when we heard nearby growls and couldn't see what or where they were coming from. Luckily we found an armed guard before it was too late, and then I instantly felt safer.
To me, a safari can kind of represent our walk with Jesus, since we are placed in a wild, hostile environment where we don't always feel safe. It is scary out there, since the wild grasses mask the danger, and we never know what is lurking around the corner. The poo represents the signs that danger is out there, but Jesus is our guard, armed with an assault rifle. He knows the battle field better than we do and knows what to expect. There might be a mighty lion out there who is capable of ripping us into pieces, but just like how the assault rifle can take down the lion, Jesus can protect us from any enemy. No one wants to mess with a buff camouflaged dude and his two-foot-tall "little friend", and likewise the demons know they are powerless against God. I was comforted by the ranger's protection walking around the Hippo pools, and I was comforted by having God watching over me as we ministered in Kenya.
On Sunday, we went to church at Karura Community Chapel, where the Hyodos normally attend. It was the most reminiscent of a church like Lighthouse, as the facility was nice and there were Lexus SUVs in the parking lot (although they are just under the Toyota brand in Kenya). I really enjoyed the sermon about marriage, even though I'm obviously not going to get married in the near future. The pastor talked about how there are trials in every marriage, and the problem with most marriages are that people go in with the wrong expectations They expect marriage to be something where they get their needs met and feel good, but he said that marriage should be primarily focused on being obedient to God. Hosea's wife cheated on him and ran away from him, and most people in his situation would move on and find someone else. However, God called out to Hosea and told him to go and buy her back, even though she was rightfully his.
The pastor said how even when we have marital problems, God can use us to be a light to the community when we show our commitment to marriage and our obedience to God. Just like how God showed mercy on the Israelites and forgave them for turning away, we are called to forgive and try to work out our problems. There are definitely circumstances where a marriage can't be reconciled, but it's still important to try to work out the issues. While this seemed like a downer message since it focused mostly on how marriages have lots of problems, I thought it's a good reminder for me to know that marriage isn't smooth sailing, and that it's important to eventually look for someone not just based on how much fun I have with them or how happy they make me feel by meeting my "needs".
We stopped by the Nairobi Java House again after church, and then went back to the Comido school. The kids were really friendly as usual, and many began singing as I filmed. I'm curious to know what the lyrics mean in English, but hopefully they're glorifying to God, haha. The Well is progressing, there are still problems though, since the Kenya power company has to bring in a transformer to power the pump, so prayer is still needed to complete the project. It was a lot muddier there this time, since parts of the school grounds were flooded. We didn't stay too long, but the kids still seemed to enjoy our visit.
We then ventured over to the South C dental clinic, WMI"s most profitable dental clinic. That was when I learned that Pastor Paul and his family stay at the facility upstairs, and I was glad to know that he has such a nice, safe place to stay at.
That night, we watched The Lion King, which was another great experience. Apparently the team watched the same movie last year too. There must be something about watching it in Africa that makes it that much more special. It's funny watching Disney movies and getting the higher level humor that I didn't as a kid, and it was even funnier watching Joshua Hyodo roll around on the floor laughing during the movie. We then decided to play Wii and ended up staying up past midnight. It was nice having a smaller group, since I felt like it was a lot easier to get to know people in a smaller group setting, although I would have had a lot of fun going on to Maasai Mara too.
On Monday morning, we visited the Elephant Orphanage, where we got to see the trainers feed the baby elephants. A few of us got to touch them, and it was interesting to learn that cow milk is poisonous to elephants. Many were almost killed due to poaching or starvation, but this organization was able to nurse them back to health with the hopes of eventually re-releasing them into the wild.
Home at last- Bob
If you count our journey from their time we left the safari lodge to the time we got home it was 48 hrs of traveling. Got more sleep on the way back than on the way over and this morning I feel fine. Seems a little strange to wake up in this location though.
Hard to express all of the thoughts, feelings and emotions of the past two weeks. I am not sure what to do with them but I know that I can't just leave it as a fun and unusual experience. Everything I do, everyplace I go brings a memory of something in Kenya. Usually of how thing are exactly the opposite there of what I see here. I know that guilt is not the answer, nor is selfrighteousness but instead a burning desire to do something positive for the long term.
Was about to download my Kenya pictures but found out I don't have enough space on my hard drive. Will head out today to pickup an external hard drive for my lap top, needed one anyway. I will be thinking twice now before I purchase something I don't really need.
Our safari was eventful as well. Saw lions devouring a zebra they had recently killed and hyenas devouring a dead wildebeest. Lots of hippos, elephants and giraffes and we were attacked by about a gazillion ants in our tents.
Can't say enough about the team we had. They stepped up when ever the need arose. Worked together, laughed together, even cried together sometimes. No complaints, no grumbling no feeling sorry for ones self. I believe everyone came away touched in some way by what we saw and changed for the better.
This is probably my last blog now. I hope others will post a final blog as we wrap things up.
Bob
Hard to express all of the thoughts, feelings and emotions of the past two weeks. I am not sure what to do with them but I know that I can't just leave it as a fun and unusual experience. Everything I do, everyplace I go brings a memory of something in Kenya. Usually of how thing are exactly the opposite there of what I see here. I know that guilt is not the answer, nor is selfrighteousness but instead a burning desire to do something positive for the long term.
Was about to download my Kenya pictures but found out I don't have enough space on my hard drive. Will head out today to pickup an external hard drive for my lap top, needed one anyway. I will be thinking twice now before I purchase something I don't really need.
Our safari was eventful as well. Saw lions devouring a zebra they had recently killed and hyenas devouring a dead wildebeest. Lots of hippos, elephants and giraffes and we were attacked by about a gazillion ants in our tents.
Can't say enough about the team we had. They stepped up when ever the need arose. Worked together, laughed together, even cried together sometimes. No complaints, no grumbling no feeling sorry for ones self. I believe everyone came away touched in some way by what we saw and changed for the better.
This is probably my last blog now. I hope others will post a final blog as we wrap things up.
Bob
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Word Of God Speak
I don't understand why blogging has been so difficult for me. I kept praying that God would speak to me and give me the perfect words, but they never came. Even now, with only a few hours left before our departure, I still have no idea how to describe my experience here in Kenya.
But I have realized that God has been answering my prayer this entire time.
He sent words of comfort when I heard one of the children at the NEST orphanage ask us if we were ever coming back.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)
He knew my fear as I saw, smelled, heard, and felt the darkness of the Mathare slum.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)
He touched me with words of inspiration as I witnessed the passionate worship of the Christian Life Worship Centre congregation.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
He gave me reassurance as my heart was broken by the hopelessness of the Eastleigh streets.
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
And He has given me words of encouragement as we prepare to leave Kenya.
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
But I have realized that God has been answering my prayer this entire time.
He sent words of comfort when I heard one of the children at the NEST orphanage ask us if we were ever coming back.
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)
He knew my fear as I saw, smelled, heard, and felt the darkness of the Mathare slum.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)
He touched me with words of inspiration as I witnessed the passionate worship of the Christian Life Worship Centre congregation.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
He gave me reassurance as my heart was broken by the hopelessness of the Eastleigh streets.
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
And He has given me words of encouragement as we prepare to leave Kenya.
"I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
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