We have just completed week 2 of a 3 week program called ABO or Africa Based Orientation in Machakos, Kenya. Our training ground is Scott Theological Seminary (picture of library above). Over the 100 years Africa Inland Mission has been in ministry they discovered the need for more intentional and formal training to better prepare missionaries for their service. We have been joined here by 20 other adults who will be serving throughout Africa in the capacity of doctors, veterinarian, theological training, missionary guest house management, working with On Field Media (capturing the work of missionaries with video and stories), TIMO team (fully immersive missionary training program reaching out to unreached people groups), and we will be teaching/serving at Rift Valley Academy. We knew we would be going through some training, but what would that really entail? I hope to give you a glimpse into our daily lives. I also will give you a rundown of our schedule…some highlights of what we have been learning will follow later!
Where do you sleep?
Our sleeping accommodations are quite nice and the basic setup is like a freshmen college dorm room. We were allotted two rooms for our family of five since each room only has two bunk beds, but we are all cramming into one room and using the other room for storage and a laundry drying area. We can sleep five in our tight quarters with the help of…the hammock!
What do you eat?
Here is the dining hall.
Morning Fare: We always have Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches (never been more happy to eat them in my life
Lunch and Dinner: Something like this…
Madison enjoying a meal with one of her wonderful teachers, Ms. Carolyn!
One evening we were blessed with the tail end of a choir rehearsal. See video below!
Where do you go to the bathroom?
The bathroom is similar to one found in the US, however they also have “squatty potties” here. We have also learned to travel with toilet paper in our backpack!
Noah braved this one at one of the local churches we visited
They are perfect for Tyler as they don’t really have children’s sized urinals here!
Highlight: We have caught both a gecko and a preying mantis in the restroom!
Where are you all day?
Our daily routine is outlined below:
7am – Wakeup
7:30-8:00 – Breakfast
8:30-12:30 Morning Session
12:30-1:30 Lunch
2:00-5:00 – Afternoon Session
6:30-7:00 Dinner
7:00-8:30 Shower, Brush Teeth, Put Kids to Bed
-Adults-
We are in the meeting room of our dormitory building from 8:30-5:00pm with the exception of morning chai tea break, lunch break, afternoon chai tea break, and a couple short “stretch” breaks. During this time we are gleaning as much as possible to better prepare us for our ministry in Africa.
The Kids Enjoying Our Meeting Room with Projector for Movie Night!
-Kids-
We are blessed to have some wonderful volunteers teaching our children about Africa and putting them their their own kid version ABO curriculum. Don’t worry, they are not in lectures all day, but are doing crafts, being read stories, going on field trips, watching videos, and of course just having fun as they learn about their new life in Africa. So what do kids do for fun around here? Here are a few highlights!
The most fun is had by the muzungu (white) children by smashing open termite mounds and catching termites! The Kenyan children have not “caught on” yet!
The Kenyan Children have other interests and skills our kids have not acquired yet! Notice how parents and teachers alike just can’t stand to watch!
The kids made a 3D map of Kenya in their class
Love the update... I was really missing you guys today and at least I got a glimpse into what you're up to- so thanks! Love you guys and praying for you lots. Can't wait to talk sometime soon. Love you, Rachel (ps Addie was looking at the pictures with me and after the potty picture she said- I do NOT want to move to Africa! :)
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