2024 Team Blog
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Thank you all for following along on the blog. We hope you caught a glimpse of what the team does when they visit Huruma HOPE School. God has truly blessed this team as they loved on the students and staff. If you would like to be a part of the next team please contact Suzan Bellis at 541-791-8061 or suzanbellis@gmail.com
Scroll to the Bottom to begin with Day 1
VBS Day 3 - A Visit from a Special Visitor, Grade 6 Outing
& Hard Goodbyes
Team Blog - Last Day - Spinning, Laughter, Tears
Each morning this week after we arrive as we wait for Matteo to come, the teachers will turn on some music and kids who want to, come up front and dance. It's delightful to see them enjoy the children's songs and bring them to life through dance. Here's some snippets of the fun!
🎶 Music with Matteo 🎵
As with the previous VBS days, students participated in an activity, a craft, and a treat. The activity for the younger kids was a balloon stomp. This is where you blow up balloons and attach them to each students ankle. The rules were explained as follows. The object is to keep your own balloon safe while trying to pop others balloons. As soon as we said go ...... C H A O S! Fun chaos but chaos none the less. If a students balloon was popped, they went into revenge mode and stomped as many as balloons as they could. It was hysterical!
The snack for today was Rice Krispy treats, the crafts for the younger students was beading and the activity was tic-tac-toe. These 50 boards were sewn by Suzan Bellis. These will be kept by the school to play in down times. All the students thoroughly enjoyed beading bracelets and necklaces. They were excited to show off their creations. Even the pre-primary kids did well!
One of the main events for today was the car races. Joel worked with some local men to build a track to race the cars they had painted and created. This was the day to see who would be the overall winner. LET THE RACES BEGIN!
The highlight of the day was a special visit from Old Saint Nick (Joel). We picked up a Santa Suit at a local dollar store ($8) which wasn't the best but it was a big hit with all the kids.The night before the team worked hard to fill 155 red bags to give to the students as Christmas gifts. Thanks to all those who donated items, money, and beanie babies. Yes, we had someone donate 150 beanie babies to give to all the kids. We added apples, candies, plastic rings, chap stick, paper airplanes, socks, suckers, juice boxes, and balloons. Thank you to Caryn Rowland who found deals and purchased much of these items herself. See all the happy faces below!
The day that all grade 6 was looking forward to had arrived. After the epic morning at VBS, the grade 6 got to go to the amusement park to have their graduation surprise. Oh what fun they all had, laughing and sometimes crying in fear. Only a few were too afraid to ride all the rides. The teachers and team members were a lot less excited about the spinning machines and chose to watch instead of riding. The day ended with sausages, chips and Fanta for the students, who licked their plates clean. A day to remember!
It was here where we said our final goodbyes to the grade 6 students and teachers who accompanied them on this trip. Eyes blinked back tears, hugs were held longer than usual, and we all prayed that God would keep these kids in His care. Some have hopes of going to boarding schools where they can get a better education than the public schools that have 75+ students per class. We ask you to pray for them as well!
Hippos, Alligators, and Paint ..... Oh My!
VBS Day 2 - Miriam & Moses
Today started off with music led by Teacher Mateo! The kids absolutely love him! Everyone was singing and dancing to all the moves. With the humid Kenyan weather and all of us in one room, we were very hot and sweaty…but it was a blast!
This boys smile says it all!
After the singing, we broke up in to the rotation portion of VBS. The “Ps” and the Grades 1-3 went upstairs to have a snack of bread, Nutella, bananas, and raisins. All of the ingredients were made into a face and then devoured!
Grades 4-6 remained downstairs to finish painting their cars and putting the wheels on. Then they had their snack. These kids are so creative!
To end the day, the team presented another skit written by Julie entitled, Miriam & Moses. The theme of both days plays was how God uses children and how He can use the children of Huruma HOPE.
These past two days when we leave the school, around 2p.m., we head back to the lodge and get to work on planning for the next day. Putting bags together with the crafts, activities, and treats. Plus we must rehearse for the play then have dinner and end the evening with one of the team members giving the testimony/God story and sharing their favorite devotion from our team book, "Before You Go" by Jack Hempfling. We have shared our most intimate/vulnerable life stories with one another. We have grown as a team these past two weeks and I must say, our eyes have leaked a little and we can honestly say we love one another and will be available for one another if needed. We are thankful to God for His grace and mercy and the strength He gives us each day.
VBS Day 1 - David and Goliath
Oh what fun it is to slide .... to the school!
Our first day of VBS has arrived! The team, teachers and the kids were so excited to be back together after the long weekend. It was a busy but fulfilling day.
We woke up to rain showers which meant we had to whip out the muck boots to be able to walk through the slum. Our local friend Peter bought them for us beforehand so we didn’t have to pack them in our bags. Our hero! The dirt here becomes very sticky and clay like when it gets wet. That doesn’t phase the kiddos though.
Once we arrived, we started the day with some singing & dancing led by the incredible dance teacher, Matteo! It was such a blast seeing the kids faces light up and dancing along with them.
We then split the kids up by age group and got to work on their activities, crafts, and snacks!
Joel prepared an awesome activity for the 4th-6th grade kids. Over the course of each VBS day, the students will build and paint their own wooden race car. Throughout this activity, Joel taught and emphasized the importance of trade work and working with your hands. As a carpenter himself, leading the kids in this activity meant a lot to him. It was so wonderful seeing the kids excitement while building and personalizing their cars. Even the teachers joined in on the fun! Day 1’s task was painting them.
Caryn led the crafts for the little kids (P1-2 and grades 1-3). They painted bandanas and they were so excited they didn’t take them off all day!
And Arlene led the activity for the little kids, which consisted of bingo for the first day! Each bingo winner got a sucker as their prize.
Joy & Raelyn were in charge of the snacks. Joy made a giant batch of blue icing which we used to decorate cookies and make the ocean! The blue icing, with the goldfish and crushed cookie “sand” was a big hit. The icing was very sweet for them, they aren’t used to eating as much sugar as us.
They were yummy, someone maybe had more than one!
They were yummy, someone maybe had more than one!
Yvonne enjoying her treat!
Yvonne enjoying her treat!
To round out the day, we put on a short play written by Julie. We acted out the biblical story of David and Goliath. The entire team had acting roles and we recruited the 6th graders to be soldiers. Raelyn was David while Joel played Goliath and had a balloon tucked into his hoodie as his head. When David killed Goliath, David (Raelyn) took the balloon and popped it with a thumb tack! The kids loved it and we were all laughing, just having pure fun. It was the perfect end to the first VBS day!
Sunday morning we walked half a mile to Ridgeways Baptist Church for the 10:00 a.m. service. Joy read the info on the website wrong and the first service was from 8:30-10:00 and the second service was from 11:00 -12:30. So, we all walked back to the lodge and waited for another 45 minutes and headed back out. Thanks Joy! At least we got our 2 mile walk in! 👣 👣
Sunday at Ridgeways Baptist Church - Lets Worship Kenyan Style
The service started on time and worship lasted over 45 minutes, some songs were in English and others in Kiswahili with English wording for us Mzungus, foreigners. Pastor Wanje stepped up after worship and spoke on "To Love is to Serve". He told the story of Zacchaeus. God saw past Zacchaeus' failures to what he could do for God. What made us all think was what the pastor said next, "Are we ignoring people because we think they aren't good enough for us?" WoW! After the sermon, there were announcements and others spoke about was coming up in the month. We were dismissed a little before 1p.m. (Don't get any ideas Pastor Thom!
After church, we were invited to Peter Wanjiru's home for an early dinner. Peter has been a part of Huruma HOPE since it's inception as he was a teacher at the school when the very first team came to visit in 2005. He now supports our ministry by helping to transfer money from the Kenyan bank to our bank there. He also is the liaison for those scholarship students who we still support after graduating grade 6. We appreciate him and his love for Huruma HOPE School.
His wife, Dorcus, prepared a lovely meal for us of rice with beans, cabbage, stew, and chapati, which is a tortilla like staple in Kenya. We gobbled up it all up with delight, some had seconds. No judgement!
Arlene had stopped by the store to pick up some cakes and ice cream for dessert. It was a great time and we hated to leave but the family had a busy day coming up on Monday as Dorcus has nursing school and the children were going up country to visit with family .
Day 4 - Oh What Fun ....... Christmas Carols Day!
As we enter the school, we can hear Christmas carols in the background and the chatter of little voices that are excited for the day.
This is always fun for the team as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We are guided into the hall which is decorated beautifully in red and green with a Christmas tree and lights. The students are crammed into the “hall”, two classrooms that open up to make the hall. The team sits at the front behind tables with green and red checkered cloths.
This young man opened the presentation by reading from God's word, Luke 1:26, "In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'
Always trying to ham it up for the camera. We love these children with every fiber of our being.
These precious students are patiently waiting until the program starts so they can share with everyone what they have learned.
These precious students are patiently waiting until the program starts so they can share with everyone what they have learned.
Just a glimpse of a portion of what each class presented to us. We were smiling from ear to ear as we watched and listened to them. Don't you wish you were here with us.
Scripture verses being recited by grade 6 students.
Nick decided the kids needed ice cream so he surprised them all and they were ecstatic!
Each of the students in all the classes made Christmas cards for their families. They worked on them and were quite proud to display them.
We have been fed too well while we have been here. For most of us, the food at the school is humbling but oh so delicious. From the top is chapati, yellow beans (pinto's), and cabbage.
Here's the group of students who participated in the Christmas play. The wisemen on the left, the sheep in front in sacks (the sounds coming from these sheep was right on the mark, and the shepherds in the back.
Day 3 - Graduation, Cuteness Overload, and the Realization of a Supporter's Dream
Sorry for the delay in blogging, our WiFi situation hasn't been great. We have limited internet access. Asante (Thank you in Kiswahili)
Today was the big day for Pre-Primary 2 and Grade 6 classes. It was graduation day! The teachers had decorated the school with blue and white balloons, blue and yellow banners, and ribbons galore. The schooke amazing and the students were buzzing with excitement.
The Grade 6 class wore flower leis and sashes that said HOPE. They wore them with pride, representing the driving force of their school ..... HOPE! They had received the best education, and now they were moving on to Junior School. The students recited an extremely impactful poem to begin the ceremony.
Surprise, Surprise! The ENTIRE school is involved on graduation day! Each class took turns coming in while singing a song. Also, they would start their mini presentation by saying, "Before you are the Grade # learners to present a poem and a song. So sit back, relax, and enoy. Welcome!" After their individual presentations, they would then walk out singing the song they sang while coming in. These students must have spent weeks, if not months, preparing for this special day.
Just some Cuteness Overload for your viewing pleasure!
We were treated to traditional song and dance by multiple students. The boy on the left played his drum with the biggest smile on his face all the time. The students wore skirts, had cloth tied like shirts, and they were painted head to toe with white paint. This part of the presentation was very impressive, and it was our great pleasure to witness this part of their Kikuyu culture.
Just a glimpse of the sights and sounds of Kikuyu song and dance.
Some of the school chair members were present to celebrate with the students.
Things just couldn't get any cuter! The P2 class walked in with their caps and gowns and sang a song, Jesus Bubbling Over. We just could NOT get enough of these little ones. Their parents cam and stood with them in preparation to receive their certificate, and a picture was taken with Joy and their family members. These little ones will be big 1st graders next year.
Arlene was asked to take a picture with the 4 graduates and the enormous graduation cake. Head Teachers bakes the cakes herself every month and it feeds the entire school and staff, over 150. Half of this cake was for the parents and the other half was for the sstudents to enoy after they ate their lunch. Arlene and Raelyn cut the cake and everyone enjoy a sweet treat.
After the ceremony, we were able to mix and mingle with the parents and students. Everyone was so happy!
ThisCaryn Rowland alongside a student she has supported for many years, whom she lovingly calls "her Alex". Caryn has prayed for and loved Alex since the first time she laid eyes on his cute little face on his baby class support picture (age 3). What a dream come true to finally meet him on his graduation day! He is pictured with his grandmother. Alex has special needs and Caryn is overjoyed to continue supporting him as he will hopefully be accepted into a school, highly endorsed by Head Teacher Anne, specifically designed for students like Alex.
This is Joel and a former student of Huruma HOPE, Esther. Joel and his wife, Heather, have supported her for many years. She came to the graduation today and we were all in awe of the beautiful young woman she has become. She is now attending college and is doing well. Joel brought her a gift of a phone which she is quite happy to receive. These are tears of joy as seen by her smile. Joel and Heather love her so much and Esther loves them. This all started because Joel and Heather answered the call to GO! This is the reason we go, to give hope and build relationships!
Would you like to GO?! Ask how you can be involved by contacting Suzan Bellis at 541-971-8061
Day 2 - WELCOME DAY! Today we got to visit the school!
Upon arrival, the team met with Anne to go over the program, our team's involvement with the event, and how the cake was to be cut and handed out. From left to right: Caryn, Joy, Joel, Arlene, Julie, Raelyn, and Nick's knee (sorry Nick 😃) As you can see from our faces, and the knee, we were thrilled to be able to attend this graduation! The students had worked so hard to this point in their education.
The entire school welcome us with cheers, confetti and of course a cultural dance. We felt so loved and welcomed as we got to see the kids again. Many of them remembered some of our returning team members names. It is such a blessing to be able to be a part this organization that builds long lasting community and relationships within Huruma.
After our welcome, the team was asked to go to each class and visit with the students. So we split up and each went to a room and as soon as we would go into the classroom the students would stand and say, "Welcome to Grade ??" It was special to be greeted this way and some of us just "had" to give hugs and kisses to them all.
After our welcome, the team was asked to go to each class and visit with the students. So we split up and each went to a room and as soon as we would go into the classroom the students would stand and say, "Welcome to Grade ??" It was special to be greeted this way and some of us just "had" to give hugs and kisses to them all.
The kids adore taking photos. They also loved seeing old photos of themselves taken from precious trips. The long term relationships that our teams cultivate with these kids make a tremendous impact on their lives and futures.
The kids adore taking photos. They also loved seeing old photos of themselves taken from precious trips. The long term relationships that our teams cultivate with these kids make a tremendous impact on their lives and futures.
Some of you have been wanting to go but just haven't made the leap, how can you not want to come and visit these future leaders of Kenya!
After everyone had visited the classrooms, a couple of the team members unpacked two of the suitcases that were brought that were filled with crayons, pencils, construction paper, scissors, books, coloring books, etc. It felt good to fill their cabinet with all the things that were brought. This will make a great start to their next school year! Thank you supporters!
The Grade 6 students enjoying a photoshoot.
Here is our teammate Raelyn loving on the kids and enjoying some special time with the Grade 6. We are looking forward to spending some quality time with them next week as we take them to the amusement park for one of their graduation gifts. We are so sad they will be leaving us. Please be praying for them as they go to Junior school next year.
Here Julie is helping clean the dishes with the cook Rose. The food they prepared for our lunch was amazing and always so willing to help in any way they can.
One thing you might not know about Julie is, she remembers the students and parents names. She walked up to several students and when she said their names their mouths went open and they beamed. This is a gift from God and Julie demonstrates a commitment to personal connections. Not all of us are gifted in this way.
Continue to pray for us as we go to the school and participate in the graduation and Christmas carol performances over the next few days.
Day 2 was more than we thought it would be. Seeing the little ones so shy and wide-eyed made your heart melt. Don't you want to be a part of an upcoming team? Talk with Suzan.
Day 1 in Kenya - Climatizing, Unpacking, Regrouping!
We had asked Heart Lodge to hold off breakfast for us until 10:30, hoping we could sleep some since we didn't get in until about 3:45a.m. and didn't get to bed until 4:30 or later. Even though we didn't sleep well, we were so thankful to God for beds and breakfast we were served was a feast.
After breakfast, we got to work unpacking 14 bags, all close to 50lbs, over 600lbs of items for the school. Thank you to everyone who gave items or sent cash for this trip. The kids will be overjoyed with all the things we brought.
Here is Joel and Raelyn upacking and organizing everything we brought with us. You don't realize how much stuff there is until you start unpacking. Thank the Lord for providing Huruma HOPE with what they need.
Here is Joel and Raelyn upacking and organizing everything we brought with us. You don't realize how much stuff there is until you start unpacking. Thank the Lord for providing Huruma HOPE with what they need.
As we are unpacking each suitcase, we have to repack as to what we will take to the school each day. Here is Caryn, organizing all the crayons and color pencils and other supplies. Just to give you an idea of the cost of things here. An 8-box of crayola crayons cost $2.49 compared to $.25 in the US.
As we are unpacking each suitcase, we have to repack as to what we will take to the school each day. Here is Caryn, organizing all the crayons and color pencils and other supplies. Just to give you an idea of the cost of things here. An 8-box of crayola crayons cost $2.49 compared to $.25 in the US.
Our view from the balcony of our rooms. We hope you all back in Oregon are withstanding all the rain. We are enjoying the sunshine and the warm weather.
Our view from the balcony of our rooms. We hope you all back in Oregon are withstanding all the rain. We are enjoying the sunshine and the warm weather.
Gifts for the teachers - Pens, homemade jam, Huruma shirts, chapstick, pictures, and candy.
Mr. Bill made the trip this year. He is always welcome to come as he doesn't take up too much room and he's willing to do whatever is asked of him. He's the best team mate.
Mr. Bill made the trip this year. He is always welcome to come as he doesn't take up too much room and he's willing to do whatever is asked of him. He's the best team mate.
We went to the Village Market to meet our friend Peter to get our phone and to exchange some money. These are some of the pictures from there. Thanks for reading!
Tears, Taxes, and Taxi's
After 32 hours of travel filled with excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and flexibility, we have arrived at Heart Lodge!
First, thank you to Pastor Dave for the smooth ride up to Portland and for those who came to pray with us before we left. Our flight to Seattle was short and this is where we connect with our 7th member of the team, Raelyn Lambert. Our flight to Doha was 14 hours, we were fed amazingly well and it was so much better than we all thought. Our layover in Doha was only an hour and a half, then on to Nairobi. Once we landed, we didn't realize that we would be in the airport for over three hours as Joy had to deal with customs regarding a phone that she left in the box in her suitcase, lesson learned, that she was bringing for the head teacher. Hence the tears! The customs agent wanted to charge us $105, the taxes, on a $170 phone (the agent looked up the cost on Amazon). Tears flowed, God intervened, and no fee was charged.
The team was waiting outside the customs office for our ride, which hadn't come. We called Heart and they didn't have anyone coming or available. Luckily, Nick had talked with a taxi driver and we crammed 7 people and 14 suitcases into two rather small cars. All in all, we were happy to have warm beds and each other. We made it and we were thrilled.
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