• Return to Miracle House
• Blog Home

• Categories
  	blog - let the stories be recorded... (10)
  	deanna's thoughts (3)
  	Focus for the Fervant (30)
  	Greetings! (2)
  	mission trip update (113)
  	Newsletter (37)
  	update (8)

Subscribe
Email:

• Archives

  August 2010 (1) July 2010 (8) June 2010 (11) May 2010 (1) April 2010 (0) March 2010 (9) February 2010 (10)

Viewing Category: mission trip update  [clear category selection]

(displaying entries 1 - 20)

back "from the field"

dear pray-ers!!

Back just over a week now and sorry to say I haven't gotten this note off to you earlier!! Three family birthdays, lots of catch-up and the topper a flooded kitchen which created a "water feature"in our basement - I've finally resolved this update isn't going to contain all I'd hoped but...

I want to communicate my heart felt thanks to you for praying! Your role is so important to our journey! Essential equipment for the straight path!

Update: Tom is well, the allergic irritation has been identified - thanks for praying him thru... those middle of the night hours prior to travel were filled with prayer, direction and answers!!

I also want to thank Arienne for her wonderful updates - so many of you have commented to me and I agree she's terrific!! (and you dont' even know all the crazy things I had her searching for via internet and then texting back info...) and thanks to all of you who "held down the fort!"

Please pray for Sam as she really needs a healing touch from the Lord - her back is very painful now! thank you!

Your continued prayers for this ministry are what open the doors, reveal the way forward as we work for His/Our precious children!! Ask and you will receive, seek and your will find, knock and the door will be opened - thank you for staying the course of asking, seeking, and knocking with us! It's working (that doesn't surprise us!) God is making a way!!

Be blessed for you are a blessing!!

For His Glory, deanna <><

From the Field 7.6 part 2

Hey friends!

Just a quick update to let you know that the team is at the airport in Nairobi!  They will fly out around midnight Colorado time.  Pray for safe travels, good rest on this first flight (they didn't get much sleep last night - early trip to the airport!), and good processing time as they re-enter the States!  Also, pray for Tom - he seems to be having an allergic reaction to something and is itchy and uncomfortable.  Pray for complete healing and the ability to rest!

Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with us!  You all are incredible!!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 7.6

Hey friends!

I heard from Deanna yesterday, and they are having a wonderful last few days!  Yesterday, the team read the letters from sponsors with the children!  They also had a blast with the puppets - the team, the children, and the teachers!  They also spent some time playing and enjoying each other!

The team also had a cool encounter with a student at the seminary in Limuru - they first gave him a ride after church Sunday, and then saw him on Monday.  He was not feeling well (headache/sinus stuff) and was unable to study (he will graduate in two weeks, so it is almost finals time).  The team prayed for him, and he felt remarkably better right away!  It shocked him, and when the team saw him the next day, he stated that he felt better from that moment on!  Praise the Lord!

The team also has a few more administrative meetings to accomplish - pray for favor!

Pray for one of our Limuru teachers who is very sick.  She was in the hospital for a short while but is now at home.  Pray for complete recovery, healing, and strength!

Thank you all for you prayers!  The team will fly out of Nairobi Wednesday morning (our Tuesday night), so pray for safe travels as they head back to the States!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 7.4

Hey friends!

Happy Fourth of July!!!

The team had a wonderful day - they went to church in Limuru, then enjoyed lunch and fellowship with Pastor Sammy, Eve, and Christian, as well as our friend Emmanuel and his wife and baby girl.

That's all I have this time around, as we were communicating by text today!  Pray that the team's last few days in Kenya would be abundantly fruitful and full of quality ministry!

Have a wonderful, fun 4th!  Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 7.3

Hey friends!

Today I received an email from Deanna, and they have had a wonderful time in Limuru!  Since it was an email, I'll just copy most of what she said, so it's almost like getting it first hand!  Here's what Deanna said (I've added a few clarifications):

We had a wonderful day with the children at Limuru!  As I sit to write I hear the World Cup horns outside (not too many, praise the Lord!)  There was one here in the hotel last night UGH :-)   All of Africa is sad to see Ghana, the last hope, get eliminated! Much much attention is on "the cup"!

We repeated in Limuru today the heart sharings we brought for the children!  Praise the Lord, they are receiving their inheritance!  Understanding their Kingdom Godly Royal bloodline, each one a prince or princess!!  Glory to God!!

Sam did an excercise where they practiced hearing the Lord!  We will be reviewing their drawings & writings as a team over dinner tonight!

I worked with them as they wrote their sponsor letters!

What a joy to meet 3 new little MH girls - one is a younger sibling to one of our original boys, and the othe two are sisters.  The youngest, now 3, is already saying "mum deanna."  This naturally makes my heart smile!!
We hosted a guardian meeting where the children recited poems, sang, shared verses, and testimonies.  It was funny to show off the children back to the guardians!  But they don't have opportunity to see the children when they are together. It is always good to meet with the guardians!  Today, two of them that visited the Base Camp property gave a fantastic report to the others - again saying they want to come and plant beans there :-)
We presented the children with their t-shirts printed with the MH logo.  They loved the gift and traded for their favorite color!  Sam took photos - so sponsors you will have new pics coming soon!!  We also took sibling photos and several group photos.
The older children stayed with as a bit longer to design and decorate a quilt square that we will tie together and hang for them!  Family fun!!
Our time with the older children is so limited - we get a bit of time over their lunch and dinner, but that is it due to their school schedule and our team's safety in the slum (the team needs to leave by early evening for safety reasons)!  Today was specially arranged for them to have the Saturday off school.
The last several minutes together when we just sat and talked together was precious!  I asked them about their dreams for MH -- truely inspiring!!!

Thanks for your prayers!  Love to all. deanna <><

A few additions since the email:

Sam's back is hurting, so pray for complete healing!  It has improved to about 95%, but pray for total healing!

Tomorrow (Sunday) the team is excited to worship African style at a local fellowship!

Thanks for your prayers!  Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 7.2

Hey friends!

Just a quick update from Deanna:

Today the team was in Limuru and Nairobi.  They were able to accomplish several errands and spend some quality time with Pastor Sammy!  They went to the market where they were able to get several items for MH, made some copies for their time at MH tomorrow, went grocery shopping for MH, and registered some phone numbers!

Pastor Sammy's meeting this morning went well - thank you for your prayers!

Tomorrow the team is excited to spend the day at MH Limuru with the children!  Pray for a quality ministry time!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 7.1

Happy July!!

The team has decided to call today 'divine appointment day.' They had several great meeting in Nakuru!  They were able to meet with someone at Egerton University (one of our neighbors at the property) about working with them to get power and electricity to the property, and it was very productive!  The woman they talked to really got the ball moving at the power company, so things should move pretty quickly now!  After their meeting yesterday at the baby house, they set up an appointment today with one of the women from the baby house and a representative from the Kenyan children's department.  It's such a huge part of the culture to build connections (it's often all about who you know), so this was a great connection!  The children's department regulates children's homes and such, so the they were able to discuss requirements for Miracle House.  So far, it seems that we are doing a great job collecting the necessary paperwork, so that was encouraging!  The team also purchased a bike for David, our caretaker at the property, so that he is able to bike the 2km to the road - this is very helpful when he's bringing supplies and food back from town!  Today, the team was also able to pray for small group of blind people who were being led down the street in Nakuru.  Although they did not get ot interact with them, they were able to take that opportunity to pray!

The team is now back in Limuru.  Tomorrow morning, they will head to Nairobi to complete a few errands and go to the market.  Pray for favor for Pastor Sammy, as he has an important meeting in Nairobi tomorrow!

Here's a couple cool stories from their time in Webuye:

While the team was hanging out at MH Webuye, a woman named Rose came to visit.  Pastor Sammy introduced her to the team as a "woman of faith and prayer," and she had felt prompted by the Lord to visit MH that day, although she did not know why.  It came up in conversation that Tom had not been feeling well that day, to which she replied, "that is why I'm here!"  She was able to pray for health for Tom and safety for the team as they prepared to travel to Webuye.  Deanna said that it was incredible - the Holy Spirit fell, and it was an amazing time of ministry.  Deanna discovered that she and Rose have very similar hearts - Deanna even said that their vocabulary was similar!  Tom immediately felt better, but was increasingly better throughout the day.  He was able to eat dinner last night, and was totally fine this morning!  It was wonderful for the team to connect with someone who was so like-hearted!

In February, Jeannie (a close friend of MH) had sent a study Bible with the team for a woman named Jacquelyn.  Deanna was able to see her yesterday, and she said that her Bible is already very well worn and that it has stirred her to such a good place!  Pastor Sammy also said that she is truly digging into the Word and growing in incredible ways!!  It was awesome for the team to return and see such growth!

Thanks for your prayers, friends!  Continue to pray for health and strength - Sam is fighting a little bit of a sinus something, so pray for healing there!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 6.30

Hey friends!

Just a quick update:  today the team travelled safely back to Nakuru, where they had a great meeting with the baby house down the street from our property!  Tomorrow they have several meetings lined up in Nakuru.  Pray for favor and that no time would be stolen waiting!  It is a very common part of the culture to 'hurry up and wait,' and we often find ourselves waiting for extended periods of time.  Although we have learned that this is simply part of the culture, time is valuable, especially since the team as such limited time in Nakuru.  So pray that no time would be wasted tomorrow and that the day would be full of divine appointments!

Thanks so much for your prayers, know the team is SO grateful for you!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 6.29

Hey friends!

The team had a great day on Mount Elgon today!  They were able to visit four village churches.  Those of you who have followed past MH trips know that Mount Elgon, specifically the Sabout people, are incredible dear to Deanna's heart (so I will be doing some quoting since it is hard to convey her heart in a summary).  Many of the Sabout have been displaced due to tribal clashes and violence, and many living on Mount Elgon live in poverty.  Deanna said it was "awesome to bless, encourage, and pray with and for the precious Sabout and others of Mount Elgon.  Love to declare over them!"  It was a time of sweet connections with both old and new friends.  The team was able to take three MH Webuye children with them.  Each member of the team (including the children!) were able to share a testimony or word from their heart!  Sharon included the 'footprints' story in her testimony (if you're not familiar with this, look it up - basically it talks about when we look back on the rough times of life and see only one set of footprints and assume we were alone, it is really because we were being carried), and it was significant and special for many who heard, especially for the principal of a school for orphans!  Deanna said, "'Never alone' - a great word for orphans and people living in such desperation!"

One visit was to a church under a huge mango tree, after miles of bumpy dirt and mud roads; Deanna said they arrived thirsty and exhausted but that it was "so so worth every thrilling minute!"

Today was also significant because the team was able to continue to share the MH vision with the MH children - during the drive, Deanna said they "loved every second of worship in the back of the van with our three MH kids, looking out praying for peoples of the 'smoke of a 1,000 villages!'"

Another special note - today is Sharon's birthday, so the team is planning to surprise her with dessert tonight at the hotel!!

Thank you all for your prayers - continue to lift up the team and the people of Kenya!  You are such a huge blessing, and I pray that the Lord will reveal Himself in new ways to you today!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 6.28

Hey hey!

I just have a quick update today, as Deanna and I only communicated through texting today.  The team had another great day at MH Webuye!  They were able to invest in our children by sharing stories and character lessons.  Of course, they also made time for play - especially with a new soccer goal!  Sharon did some teacher training and discipleship, and the team was also able to give the children and staff the clothes and shoes that they had brought!  It was a full, wonderful day!

Thanks so much for your prayers - the team is so grateful for your investment in Kenya!  Continue to pray as you are lead!

Blessings to you!  Arienne :)

From the Field 6.27

Hey friends!

I spoke to Deanna this afternoon - they had great days yesterday and today!  Here's some of the highlights:

Yesterday, Deanna was able to speak to the children and share her heart.  Deanna and Sharon used puppets to talk with the kids about their identity in Christ and God's goodness.  They were able to talk about real life situations that the children encounter, and it was a wonderful time of seeking the Lord's heart and voice! Sam was also able to share with the children about hearing the Lord's voice.  They discussed using their creativity, such as writing or drawing, to express what the Lord showed them, and it was awesome to read all the incredible things that the Lord revealed to them!  The children also did their presentations for the team, singing songs and sharing verses.  Linda had written two songs, a 'welcome' song and a song about miracles, and sang them with some of the other girls for the team.

Today, the team went to church at Pastor Sammy's church, where Deanna spoke, Sharon shared a testimony, and Sam shared a blessing.  After church, the team went to the hospital to pray with the patients (a few weeks ago, the hospital was so full that there were two patients to a bed).  The team took one of our MH boys with them; on Saturday, he had heard the Lord tell him that he would pray for people and they would be healed.  Deanna said that it was incredible to see him pray for the patients and see the Spirit of the Lord working through him.  He also had specific words about several of the patients, and the team had an incredible time of ministry!  Today they were also able to deliver sunscreen to a family that has two albino children.  Additionally, they were able to spend time connecting and meeting with the children's guardians.

This weekend, the team also gave each of the children their Miracle House shirts!!  The children loved them!  Sponsors who picked out specific colors for your children - the children did some switching and trading among themselves, so they may not have ended up with the same color that you picked out.  Deanna said that she has received countless verbal messages from the children to their sponsors, but it would be impossible to remember all of them!  But sponsors, know that the children send many blessings and thanks to you!!  Some of the words from the children Deanna repeated were: "Tell my sponsor that I am praying for them" and  "Tell my sponsor thank you."  It is hard to convey how grateful they are for you - I know from experience that they pray for you often and are incredibly thankful for you!

Thank you all for your prayers!  Know that you are a crucial part of the team!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 6.25

Hey friends!

I talked to Deanna this morning, and the team spent a great day at Miracle House Webuye!  They were able to meet five of the new MH Webuye children; the other new children are still completing the paperwork process.  The team had a wonderful time playing with the children, and they also had time to chat and connect with the staff.  Tom and Sharon set up a basketball hoop and had a blast playing with the kids.  Sharon spent some time teaching, too - she showed the children her camera and how to take pictues.  It was a fun time talking and laughing with lots of hugs and affirmation!  Sam was able to talk with the children about fingerprints and how each person is unique and valuable.  The team was able to worship in Swahili with the children using a song that Rachael and Jeremy sent with the team.  Tomorrow, the team will be able to spend the whole day at MH with all of the children!  This is special because the elementary students usually have required Saturday 'coaching' sessions at the local schools (this happens throughout the country).  However, Deanna was able to speak with the schools so that the children will be allowed to spend their Saturday at MH this week!  The team has prepared a puppet skit and discussion about our identity in Christ and refusing to believe the lies of the enemy!  Pray that the children would gain a new depth of understanding who they are in Christ and who they are called to be!

Thank you all for praying for Deanna - her hip is much better!  She said that it is 98%!  Pray for total healing, restoration, and pain relief!!

Continue to pray for safety, health, divine appointments, quality ministry time with the children and staff, and productive administrative times!  Thank you all for being such a huge part of this team through prayer!  You are making such a HUGE impact... both in the ways we see and in many ways unseen!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 6.24

Hey friends!

I was able to talk to Deanna this afternoon.  Here's a recap of their day:

Today, the team spent their time in Nakuru.  Emily, our head teacher from the Limuru location, was also able to come with them!  She helped out with the interviews at the local primary school (the team was exploring options for our children once they live in Nakuru full time) - Deanna said she had so many great questions that the team wouldn't have thought to ask.  Additionally, the team had a great time of connecting with Emily on a deeper level - they spent the evening discussing her thoughts about education, her passions, and who she is.  Praise the Lord for this great heart-connecting time!  The team was unable to visit the baby center/baby house, but is planning on visiting on the way back through Nakuru.  They also visiting the power and lighting company to explore options for our future, and they also spent time on the property.  David, our caretaker who is currently living on the property, has planted corn, which is now about 10 to 15 feet tall!  David is doing an excellent job managing the property - Deanna reports that he has been improving the fences and experimenting with new seedlings! 

Here's a cool example of a 'divine appointment' answer to prayer:  while completing some of the administrative errands today, the team had a cool encounter with an individual in Kenyan presidential circles!  Although I can't give more details, it is awesome to see how the Lord provided an appointment and a connection with someone who has been given authority and influence in the Kenyan government!

Deanna's hip is "better, but not good," so continue to pray for her!  The long drive to Webuye tonight did not help, so pray for rest and restoration as she sleeps, as well as for the team!  The team also has some cases of allergies and sneazing - so pray for health and strength for them!

Tomorrow the team will be hanging out at MH Webuye!  Pray for a special time re-connecting with our kids and staff!  During their time in Webuye they will also be completing administrative tasks - pray that their time is efficient and full of divine appointments and quality ministry!

May each of you find blessings in this day! Arienne :)

From the Field 6.23

Hello friends!

I was able to speak with Deanna this morning (their early evening), and they have had an incredile two days!

Yesterday, they arrived at the airport with ALL of their baggage - woohoo!  After dropping trunks off at the hotel, they headed to Miracle House Limuru for a "nice reunion" and "good hugs" from all the kids!  The children did a presentation for the team - welcoming them to MH and singing songs for them.  Deanna and the team was able to share with the staff and children.  All of our children, with the exception of a couple of the youngest ones (who do love the Lord, but are still learning what it truly means), have made personal professions of faith!  Praise the Lord!!  Yesterday they were able to focus on the significance of God's love for us, and the staff, the team, and the children have decided to do a Gospel presentation for the guardians at the next guardians meeting next week.  Deanna asked the children and staff if there were any volunteers who wanted to share at the guardian meeting what Jesus meant to them.  Ken, about 14 years old, volunteered to share.  He shared about who God's character and who God is to him, and how Miracle House had played a part in his relationship with the Lord.  Deanna said that the truth and words he had to share were incredible - continue to pray for our children to grow in the Lord and step into the authority they have!  Samantha was able to share with the children about a Bible verse they sing about often, and the team was able to simply hang out with the children and get to know them again. Many of the children wanted to show the team their school work, and of course there was lots of play and laughter!

Yesterday the team was also able to begin on some of the administrative tasks that are on the 'to-do' list for this trip.  Currently, Kenya is attempting to make sure all children have birth certificates, and all of our children need birth certificates before being moved to full time care.  Pray that each child would be able to get a birth certificate in this time (while the government has made the process much easier), and that each guardian would be motivated to get the certificates in this time.

The team will be able to meet the new MH kids next week, as the guardians and MH staff are finishing up the paper work process.  Three of our current MH Limuru children have finished primary school: Judy is now attending secondary school (high school), Jane is attending a beauty school, and Peter is exploring an option to attend electronic school.  Pray for each one of them as they pursue furthur education or a trade!

Deann said the whole team got a great night's sleep last night - so thank you for your prayers about that!  Today, the team accomplished a few administrative tasks in Limuru before heading to Nakuru, where they grabbed some lunch (mmmm samosas!) before visiting the property.  They are planning to visit a nearby school and a 'baby house' tomorrow - pray for connections with our neighbors!

Deanna has a specific prayer request - her right hip is hurting, and it is especially painful when she moves her leg or walks.  She isn't sure what she did, but remembers waking up last night when it started hurting.  It has improved some today, but pray for complete relief and healing!

Continue to pray for safety and divine appointments.  Pray for a productive time in Nakuru tomorrow - that the team would connect with those they need to, they would complete the tasks that need to be accomplished, and they would gain direction for the next steps!  Thank you for your prayers and being such a huge part of this team!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 6.22

Hey friends!!

I heard from Deanna early this morning, and they have arrived safely in Nairobi!!  They were waiting on their baggage when I heard from them, which means they were already through immigration.  Today they will be spending the day at Miracle House Limuru, and they will meet the new MH Limuru children!!  Pray that even in this short time they would connect with the new children.  Pray for energy and health as they dive right in after a day and half of travel, and pray for good rest tonight as they adjust to a different time zone!

Thank you all for your prayers - you are a huge blessing!  I'll be updating more as I hear from them.  I'm so excited to see what the Lord does on this trip!

Blessings, Arienne :)

June 20 - and we're off!

Denver - London (monday) - Nairobi (tuesday)

Had some awesome "words" from God this morning!! Going with great expectation... JOY!... HOPE!... Bring the Glory! :-D

Thanks for covering us with prayer!! Be blessed for you are a blessing!

love to you, deanna <><

June 2010 Trip Calendar

Follow along on our adventure as we travel across Kenya this summer! We appreciate your prayers during our time with the MH children and the dear people of Kenya. We have a lot of expectancy for this trip...so stayed tuned and let the stories be told!!

Blessings! See you in July!

~Samantha

one more story... this one needing a miracle!

from Feb 2010 trip ** One of the days we were in the west PS got a call from Limuru – one of our youngest boys had shown up to MH not dressed... still trying to sort out the story but this is what I know now, of course everyone has a story!! His aunt/guardian had dumped him with another sister packed everything and left. The everything included his MH uniform. Aunt #2 is a bar maid and not home much... the boy's face was swollen... the story to follow questions about that is, he and a cousin "got into it" – this mum wonders... – long story short, and by the way still not all sorted out – the boy is staying with one of our wonderful staff, whose family has taken him in for a time... Friends, it's these moments I feel desperate to get Base Camp developed so the children can come into our full time care and they/we won't have concerns for them during the evening hours!

just this morning...

Latest – news... aunt agreed to come and meet with PS for the benefit of the boy, the next day she left with him... aunt has taken him... he is now missing from Miracle House... the staff is trying to reach/contact her – please PRAY !!!! **

From the Field 3.6.10

Hey friends!

The Denver team made their quick layover in DC, and they have arrived in Denver safely! I don't know yet about luggage, but pray that all of it makes it back!  Although I haven't talked to the LA team, their plane has also landed safely in LA.  Thanks for your prayers over this travel process - know that they are much appreciated :)

I pray for blessings for you! Thank you so much for being a part of this team through prayer... know that you have affected eternity and played a crucial role in this whole process!!

Blessings, Arienne :)

From the Field 3.5.10

Hey friends!

I spoke with Deanna late last night as they were sitting at the airport waiting to board.  They had a great last day with the kids, and they were also able to wrap up a few administrative tasks.  They are currently heading to London, where they will have an overnight layover - pray for good rest, even in the airport!  From there, the LA and Denver teams will head separate ways - the LA team has a direct flight to LA, and Denver will have a very quick layover in Washington, DC, before continuing to Denver.  Pray for favor with customs and immigration and a smooth layover so they can make their flight!

Thanks for your prayers these past two weeks!! Know that you have been a vital part of this team and trip!  I'll keep you posted on their arrival.

Have a blessed day!  Arienne :)

next >

Copyright 2006 Miracle House, Inc. All rights reserved. | Login