MY TRIP TO KENYA, 2012
On January 2, 2012 Kathy Fantasia (my daughter) and I arrived at St. Louis Airport to leave on our trip to Kenya. This flight was basically event less just a simple take off but our flight was delayed and we arrived later than it was scheduled making it impossible to get anything to eat. We had to leave on terminal and re-enter the international terminal for our departure to Istanbul, Turkey.
We finally got everything checked and boarded the plane. Boy that was a big plane. It had 6 seats across and two isles. Our flight was not bad, but long; ten hours; but the food was very good.
Out landing was one I will never forget. It felt like the plain came in on one side wheel and then began rocking back and forth like it wanted to turn over; but, praise God it didn’t. There was a little problem finding an open gate, but eventually we were able to exit the plane and get inside the terminal.
When it came time to leave we found out that we were going to go through security again. Through the entire trip we went through security checks even though we never left the terminal except at Chicago. Finally we got though security and onto our plane to Kenya, which was seven hours south of Istanbul.
This plane was much smaller; in fact I think they put the seats in too close. We barely had space to get in and my knees were pushed into the back of the seat in front of me. This was a very painful trip for me. Finally we got to Nairobi, Kenya on January 4th at about 4:30 am and to Grace House Resort thirty minutes later..
That afternoon we all went on a trip to the Cultural Center and watched some native dancers and then walked around looking at traditional homes and villages of Kenya. From there we went to the supper center and purchased a phone and water. That evening we all went to a Brazilian Restraint and had supper curtsy of George. They start you with a salad bar followed by a variety of meats that are brought around on rods they were roasted on. I had beef, chicken, leg of lamb, and alligator. After that there was nothing left to do but go back to the hotel and agonize over being so full.
On January 4, we were picked up by our host pastor, Shem Gurgu. He took us to his home in a town called Githunguri, meaning (Big Hill). This is the place that we will be operating from for the next few days.
There are no words that can explain the roads and driving habits around here. There are pot holes everywhere, some of which are now impassable drive through in fear of not being able to get out; well, maybe I am exaggerating just a little, but they are big and deep. With all of these potholes they drive all over the roads trying to miss the holes, people and other vehicles. Going somewhere at home that would take 15 to 20 will take an hour or two.
Today January 6, we went to an orphanage to visit with the kids there. The orphanage is named El-Shadai Hope Center. This center was founded and operated by Pastor Steven and his wife for the past nine years. It is located just outside of a town called Githunguri. They have one hundred and fifty children in this facility. While there we were given a tour of the facilities and fed lunch; which usually consists of rice and vegetables. They serve this with tea with milk. Seeing the children here is both heartwarming and heart wrenching all at the same time. Just think that just in this one place there are so many children who are not wanted by their parents. The do have a home now and they are taken care of and loved.
The next day, January 7, we went back to El-Shadai Hope Center and Kathy taught them a class on basic hygiene and talked to them about Jesus. We also spent time talking to some of the kids.
When we got back to the house we were told that tomorrow, both Kathy and I were going to preach in separate churches. I am going to preach at the Church of Restoration in Kenyatta University and Kathy was going to preach at the Church of Restoration in Githurai 44.
Sunday morning, January 8, Kathy and I were picked up by our host pastors. Pastor Michael was my host. He is certainly the biggest Kenyan that I had met to this point but a really wonderful person and Christian. We hit of off really well when we both found out that each had spent time in the military. Michael was a Major in the Kenyan Army, but is now serving the Lord as a church planter for his fellowship. This church is the third church that he had started. I had a great time. The music was great, even though I did not understand a word of it, the fellowship was great, plus I had a whole hour to preach. Wow, I could get use to this pretty easy.
Following the services we drove over to where Kathy had preached and had lunch. Both of us had a great time. We have had a greater time joking about Kathy’s new title, “Pastor Kathy.”
Monday, January 9th was a day of rest. We did nothing. Was going to catch up on our typing and picture organization, but the power was off all day. We just had a lazy day.
Tuesday, January 10, this is the day that we travel to the location of our first Conference. I started off going with Shem to Nairobi to meet with George. Going into Nairobi in the mornings is a trip only for the crazy or extremely brave. There were times that I thought that my trip would be cut short. Cars, trucks, buses, people and donkey’s were everywhere. After our meeting we went back to Shem’s house and picked up Kathy and headed out on our three hour drive north to Nakuru. This is a very nice hotel. If you want to see it they have a web site (
info@nurupalacehotel.com). We had a meeting with the planning committee. These are very nice people and seem so hungry for the Word of God. Oh yes, on the key to our room there is a scripture. John 12:46, “Jesus is the light of the world.”
