Africa '08

One Final Video

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:56:00 +0000

Home Again

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:15:00 +0000

I am writing this post from my bedroom in my apartment located in Lynchburg, VA...USA.

My plane landed in Newark, NJ around 11:15 Wednesday morning. After some debriefing at the AIM Pearl River office in NY, I was able to get a good night's sleep before making the 8 hour drive back here to Lynchburg yesterday.

It is strange being back here. I thought It'd take more adjusting...but it feels like I haven't been gone that long...or never left. My car was in pretty good shape for not having been started in nearly 3 months. The brakes and wheel bearings sounded a little rough, but a little driving around got them back into working condition. I was able to get my Burger King fix, as well as a large bottle of Mountain Dew on my drive back! The next few days are going to be filled with unpacking and taking care of all the things that have been neglected since I've been gone.

It's hard to believe Africa '08 is now over. At times it was what I expected...and other times I could not have imagined all I'd experience. I'm guessing that's going to be a common theme running through my journey...by the Way.

The End?

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:00:00 +0000

This quite possibly will be my last post I write while living in the continent of Africa.

The thought of leaving on Tuesday evening is mixed with joy and sadness. Part of me is extremely excited to get back to my family, girlfriend, and those I love...yet the other part is not ready to leave.

So many thoughts flood my head today and the last few days. Things I have learned...relationships I've built...the changes that have taken place back home since I've been gone...and my future ministry. I don't know if I have taken full advantage of my time here...if my questions about a future ministry have been answered...or how much of an impact I have made since being here.

I think back to all that I have been able to do and see...Mt. Kilimanjaro...the Nile River...Tanzania...Sudan...Uganda...the Greenhouse orphanage...a safari...multiple maintenance projects...scraping glue ;)...a robbery...and countless talks an relationship building. It is more than I ever thought I would be able to do; each one with its own challenges and learning processes. To write down all I have learned would take longer than I have time...and I honestly probably don't know yet all that I have learned or will learn as I reflect on my time here in Africa. Yet one thing I will say here at the end...

God is faithful and works in ways that we could not imagine or even comprehend. Yet He loves His children and will place them and direct them through circumstances and tasks that will allow them to know Him better. I believe this trip has allowed me to know Him better...which should have been my only goal to begin with.

I thank you all for all your prayers and support throughout this trip. I would not be here without those things. I look forward to chatting with each of you and telling you more about my experiences.

So now at the end...I don't consider it the end...just the beginning of the next phase God has for me on my journey!

Uganda - The Greenhouse Orphanage

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:07:00 +0000

Children; If anyone were to ask me (and I expect to be asked quite a bit) what the greatest thing I saw or experienced during my entire three month stay in Africa was…I would tell them that. I would tell them about my trip to the Greenhouse orphanage this past weekend in Uganda.

Kevin Kalibbala is one of my close friends from my time at Liberty. Anyone who knows anything about Kevin, knows he is passionate about one thing…his kids. Yes, despite his age of only 21 he is the ‘father’ of 64 kids. He started and runs his own orphanage in Kampala, Uganda. The Greenhouse orphanage is Kevin’s dream to help orphans have a good life despite not having parents to support, love, and raise them. Being an orphan himself, he started this orphanage to give orphans the chance he never had. His success as a track star in Uganda has helped him get much of the money needed to start the orphanage and support them and his three other siblings. He came to Liberty on a track scholarship and is trying to get the best education he can to go back to help his orphanage and kids. The past year, as I have gotten to know Kevin better, I have come to admire and respect him…as well as fall in love with the children he has taken in. So, when I was planning this trip I always had a desire to go see his kids and the orphanage that is always close to Kevin’s heart. Leading up to my trip to Uganda I did not know if it was going to work…but in the end (despite Kevin not being able to be there, having to buy another Kenyan visa, and the travel logistics) I got on the short flight from Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda.

Kevin’s sister, who is the only one running the orphanage full time with Kevin’s absence, was there at the airport with two of the kids to pick me up. We traveled by taxi the hour trip into Kampala (Kampala doesn’t have an airport) to the orphanage.

Upon my arrival, all the kids had gathered in the dining/play/recreation room to welcome me. They all started clapping and began singing me all the songs they knew to welcome and greet me! How precious it was to see all the kids so excited and happy to have this ‘mzungu’ (white person) there with them. After my warm welcome I gave them the gifts I brought them from America. Some small glow-in-the-dark bracelets was about all I could find to give to each of the 64 kids and carry in my bags. Yet I found out only 39 were at the orphanage. The others were still in their boarding school which didn’t let out until Aug. 15^th. Yet I was so blessed to be here with these children.

The next 4 days (Friday-Monday) were filled with me teaching them all the games and songs I knew. They really wanted me to teach them anything. I tried to transport myself back to elementary school and my Awana years to remember any game or song that I could recall. We filled hours with duck-duck-goose, shipwreck (which they called ‘rock, tree, brush, fence’), relays with the crab crawl, sack races, three-legged races, and just plain foot races. They enjoyed most of the games I think…and even taught me some of their own. I could kind of catch on to the rules through their Lugandan tongue. They also taught me some of their own songs, how to dance (luckily none of that got on film!), and a little Lugandan so I could say a few words to them in their own language (English is the national language so many of the older children could speak it well…which they helped me translate to the other kids).

My songs they didn’t catch onto well…except one…which I was more than happy to help them learn. I have some great video of the children singing a rousing rendition of “Country Roads”! Many of you I hope to show it to you upon my return (I gotta leave something for my return J). Cathy, Kevin’s sister, and the hired cook were more than gracious hosts. They, despite the meager finances, had cold water for me every meal and meals that were fit for a Ugandan king.

The pictures that I have uploaded on my pictures page do not do my time there justice. I hope you can see the love and precious joy that is in these kids. I felt like I did not do much during my time there except play with them…yet Kevin (who I did get to talk to some while being there) said all he wanted me to do was so the kids love. I pray I did that and am amazed how much I can do just by playing and singing with children. I can see more now why Jesus had such a high regard for kids. They are so innocent and precious, yet each with their own personalities, gifts, talents, hopes, and dreams. It was sad as well to walk the streets of Kampala (which Ben, Kevin’s younger bother who is in high school took me around to see) and see all the beggar children sitting with their hands out. These kids were just like the ones in the orphanage…I wanted to help every kid I came across…and I’m sure Kevin does too…yet he and I can only do what we can.

I know I am changed after seeing and spending so much time with the kids. I will always have their faces and smiles in my memory. I was sad to leave…as were they. Several of the kids were crying (the older ones hiding their faces to prevent me from seeing) as I pulled away in my taxi. It was then that I knew that I had done a lot to show what love I could to these kids who literally had nothing. I will continue to pray for them and ask that you do the same. Please visit www.greenhouseorphanage.com and learn more about it and how you can help Kevin and his kids.

I thank God for this amazing time and experience…it tops all that I’ve been able to do yet (which is a lot when I stop and think about it) and for his gift of precious children!!!

The End of a Day in the Life

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:31:00 +0000

The Ride home from a day in the life...

The Boat Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Here is a small video from my trip to Sudan:

The Boat Adventure (from Sudan):

2 boats, 5 motors, 1 DC-3, and tons of missionary creativity

A day in the life...(part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:05:00 +0000

Welcome to work, chai, and lunch...unedited, unscripted, and you probably didn't need me to tell you that.

A Whirlwind Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:23:00 +0000

What a week! From flying over Sudan in a DC-3 to, a day later, living in a village eating boiled chicken and rice with no electricity…these past few days have really worn me out.
After getting back from Sudan late Thursday night, it was a short day at work before I headed upcountry with one of my co-workers in the hangar. Mzee Stephen Kituo has worked for the past 20 years in the AIM Air engine shop. He is also a pastor and has a fairly large shamba to which he invited me to this weekend. I was excited to finally live in a village setting for a few days and get out of the hustle of Nairobi…and a hustle it was.

Mzee and his wife

Our trip began at around 11am. Mzee has to leave this early in order to arrive home before dark. We boarded a matatu for the bus center. After trekking through the streets now mud covered instead of dirt covered, we boarded our bus. Wanting to leave one always boards the fullest bus. This ensures you leave sooner than a less full bus…yet doesn’t ensure you a good seat. The only one left for me after Mzee took the open seat in the back, was more of a half a seat; the other half taken up by a rather large woman in the seat next to mine. For the next 4 hours I attempted to remain in my seat and not the isle which was less than a foot wide. My legs had no where else to go except the isle…that is until it was occupied. Every so often, the bus made routine stops. At these stops vendors were so gracious enough to board, at least 20 at a time, the bus and bring their merchandise to your face…literally. The less than foot wide isle was filled with vendors trying to squeeze by the others trying to make a sale. Needless to say, I got up close and personal with the lady next to me as well as some posteriors of the vendors passing by. When we weren’t stopped, I was lucky enough to have been seated next to the speaker; which, cranked up as loud as I think that small speaker could go, provided me with 4 hours of blaring reggae music for my entertainment. Complete with live chickens in the luggage rack, this bus trip was a memorable one to say the least.

Mzee is also a pastor in his village for the past 5 years. This is the reason he makes this trek every weekend to be with his family and to lead his church. His wife, sons, daughter, and grandchildren were gracious hosts. Normally he does have power; but his inverter has been broken for the last 2 weeks. Thankfully I was able to help him fix it while I was there. He should have power when he gets the parts and goes back home next week. I got the full tour of his shamba. He has many crops, cows, chickens, and goats to keep him busy while he is there. The scene was much different than Nairobi, almost desert like. The river was completely dry that sustains this valley and the villages around. This being the dry season everyone digs wells and carries the water to their crops and livestock.
Sunday was the highlight of the trip. I was able to go to Mzee’s church and worship together with them. While I did not understand a word of the Kamba being spoken during the service, I was able to sing (as best I could) with them and enjoy being with them that Sunday. Mzee allowed me, with an interpreter, to share my trip with them and what I plan to do in the future, right before a guest speaker from a local college gave the message (I am told I am lucky this is the case…or else Mzee would have asked me to preach, which he often does with guests who come).

After Mzee completed some meetings he had with church leaders, we both rode on the back of two piki piki’s (motorcycles) to the nearest town. We stayed in a hotel there for the night before getting up at 2am to catch the matatu back to Nairobi.
Needless to say, I am very exhausted from that trip and from both trips so close together. Yet they were both a good experience. Not all entirely enjoyable…yet good. It was very interesting to see how hard these people in the village work just to sustain themselves. Living, or making a profit to live, all depends on the rain or your efforts to work. While I still have not gotten my picture taken in a dung hut yet…I am thankful to God (and the Kituos) for this experience at the end of a whirlwind week.

Sudan!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:23:00 +0000

The Nile River

Mud, mosquitoes, rain, swamps, heavy lifting, little sleep, and quick turn arounds…amazing! My time on my trip to Sudan the past two days was indeed amazing. Despite the list above, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
On Wednesday, I was able to go as third crew on the Samaritan’s Purse (SP) DC-3 flight throughout southern Sudan. Our trip began on Wednesday morning loaded up with cargo flying to Loki in northern Kenya. There we had to quickly unload all our cargo (several hundred kilos of supplies) and attempt a feat probably never before seen in missionary aviation history. We had to attempt to put two 25 ft. long boats, 5 outboard motors, and all the rigging and floorboards into the DC-3. The video I captures of two very large boats fitting into our plane is humorous to say the least (I hope to put it up once I can get a good internet signal). We got several pictures of the task which many AIM Air guys have requested to see. I thought the caption for them should be “The DC-3’s new floatation devises.” Once loaded to the gills with our cargo. There actually wasn’t enough room to get back to the cockpit. Crawling through the small space we left ourselves (and me with 3 opened bottles of coke) was an adventure in and of itself. We then had to take this cargo to Malakal, Sudan. Being able to see the Nile (actually the white Nile) right next to Malakal was a incredibly exciting. Yet we could not enjoy it for long, for we had to get back to Loki before dark and reload our cargo to be ready to go back to Sudan in the morning. We did without any problems. We stayed the night there in Loki at a very nice hotel that SP provided for me and all the crew (thanks Franklin!). Some other SP guys were there that are working in Sudan, and who we were going to fly back into Sudan the next day. It was really good to be able to talk to them and find out what they are doing in their church rebuilding project in southern Sudan.

The 5am wake up call the next morning was a little rough (partly due to the mosquitoes that nearly ate me the night before)…but I was excited to see more of Sudan. We headed out to our first stop in Kurmuk. On the way there we flew in Ethiopian airspace for a time and I got to see the Ethiopian highlands where the Blue Nile gets its origin. Yet flying over Sudan this time of year (rainy season) most of it looks just like a large swamp; our next stop didn’t help change my mind. I knew the place we just landed was muddy due to the plane sinking in some, but hopping out of the plane and sinking an inch or two in mud was more than I expected. We were refueling here so they began rolling out barrels of fuel. However, they were getting larger as they rolled. The mud was so thick and sticky, as they rolled the barrels in it there was about 3 inches of mud caked around the whole barrel. It was quite funny to watch. Our next stop was in Kauda just on the border…actually somewhat within northern Sudan. Here we dropped off several of the SP guys and picked up some more Sudanese passengers. Pieri was our last stop in Sudan for a quick fuel drop (AIM uses it as a fuel stockpile), before heading back to Loki. More passengers and cargo were loaded and unloaded. I got pretty good at moving cargo nets and straps down in place…as well as serving coffee and tea as any good flight attendant would do. Heading back to Nairobi, I was pretty dirty and tired…yet very happy to have seen and been in the place that I have been trying to get to since I’ve been here.We never stayed in a village or strip long enough for me to really meet anyone or see much of anything. Our schedule was so tight and we had much to do to get back in the air…I barely had time to take pictures. Yet I did see a lot, and have felt like I helped the flight crew out at the same time. Therefore, I can’t say too much about Sudan, but despite its downsides, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip there and can’t wait to go back maybe doing the same thing

A day in the life...and more

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:26:00 +0000

Having a video camera (that thankfully wasn't stolen) has allowed me to document my time here in Africa. Yet I realized I haven't filmed as much as I'd like. So I brought my video camera to work for a day to film so of what goes on at the hangar and some of the people I've been working with. I hope you enjoy this first installment of a day in the life...

The More:

I was also thinking about all the strange, funny, and interesting things that I have seen or experienced while here. Here's a small list of some of them:

The other day at the Masai Market I was called Chuck Norris by two guys. (I guess it's the red beard).
I have heard several well-known Christian contemporary songs on the Christian radio station here in Nairobi.
One of those songs was the Veggie Tales 'cheeseburger' song
Barack Obama is the savior of Kenya to nearly all Kenyans. Many of the guys I work with ask me why in the world I wouldn't vote for him. One even told me I was blinded by my political party.
Chips are crips, fries are chips, napkins are feminine cloths, pants are underwear
There is an African Idol show. I have never seen it, but from what I hear, the contestants should really stick to singing African songs instead of American
Since I sometimes sing loudly when they play a song I know (some of the missionaries play their Christian music in the hangar) I am sometimes called the 'African Idol'
I am also called a 'white mgeki (sp?)' by one of the guys in the hangar. The mgeki are the mob in Kenya.
Since being here I have met two people who went to Piedmont, a youth group from Virginia (including a guy who graduated from Liberty this year), a girl from Tyler, TX (for you Heather :), and no one in Kenya knows where West Virginia is.
If you're a traffic cop and are tired of directing traffic, just allow a crossing lane to go, create a jam, and hop on the nearest bus outta there.
Cats in our neighborhood sound like children getting beaten. I have gotten worried a few times someone was actually in trouble.
Copyright laws mean nothing here. (ex. Blockbusters video)
Although there are no American restaurant chains, that doesn't keep them from adversiting: "McDonalds burger: almost like the real thing" or "Kentucky Fried Chicken"
A sign: "Car Wash and Chicken 4 Sale"
Another sign: "Striky no overnight stay"
Incas Flour will revitalize your man. (This was a billboard we saw everyday from work, complete with a picture of a shirtless, buff man)
And you know you've been in Africa too long when you find yourself saying: "Oh look! A white guy!"

I'm sure to add to this list as my time here continues, but I hope you have found this as humorous as I have.

Video!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:56:00 +0000

Here's a little video of some of the things I've captured over the first 2 months. I apologize for the quality, but internet is slow here. Enjoy!

The Great Works of God

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:18:00 +0000

This weekend I have richly seen the works of God!

Yesterday, Nathan and Candace took Ryan and I out to the Ngong hills just outside Nairobi. Upon reaching the peaks of the mountains, we could see the grandeur of God’s work in creation. To the east spread out before us Nairobi in the distance and little farms and shambas dotting the plain. To the west of us laid the gorgeous rift valley. The plain drops off suddenly into the rift; with its jagged rock faces and towering peaks. Standing there witnessing the beauty and power of God to create and form all of this. While this moment (which was somewhat tainted with the “cow poop” statement being repeated over and over by the Robert’s daughter…which was quite funny…but since they’re going to read this I hope not offensive to them J ) was filled with a great work of God..it is not His greatest.

This afternoon I came to grips once again with God’s greatest work. The past three weeks we have ended up at the Masai Market at the Yaya center. This market is your typical African market. All the vendors (which are quite many) lay out their merchandise in the parking lot. The whole lot is filled with carvings, boxes, clothes, and any other trinket and African whatnot that you can think of. Bartering is always required here (which I love and am sometimes ruthless in getting the price I want) and the banter back and forth is quite fun. During the past 3 weeks I have built a relationship with one of the vendors, Job. He actually only works for his bother-in-laws little shop, but he does much of the carvings. After doing some business with him and talking to him over the past couple of weeks I was beginning to get to know him. Today, my roommates and I were dropped off here and we had several hours to wait on our ride. This opportunity God provided to let me talk more with Job. As we were talking, I learned much about him…yet there was something I really was pressed to tell him. I began telling him why I was here and why I want to come back to Africa someday. The Gospel message soon followed. He sat as I began to explain to him his need, God’s provision for that need through His Son Jesus, and what he must do to accept that provision. While my witness to him was not what I would have hoped it to be upon reflecting on it and the communication between us broke down at times with language differences…I asked him if he wanted to pray and place his trust and eternal hope in Jesus. He did not hesitate much and agreed. He asked if he could pray in his own language…I was thrilled to agree. He then bowed his head and prayed one of the most beautiful prayers I have heard. Even though I could not understand it, what he was doing made it so sweet.

While I hate to be this way, I always am…especially when it comes to people in Africa. There is in African culture and extremely engrained feature to always please the other person. To say no to someone is not heard of even if the person knows full well they cannot or will not fulfill the request. This thought is full in my mind during my witness and after Job’s prayer. Especially since we have done business he may have been just trying to please me and say this prayer. Yet whether this is a genuine conversion or not is God’s business and work. My job is to make sure other people know the truth…and I believe I did that with Job to the best of my then current abilities. We are meeting again tomorrow and I am hoping to get a Swahili Bible for him to have and hopefully talk a little more with him (I will have limited time). Please join me in praying for Job and his, if not current, future conversion.

This encounter and extreme privilege reminded me the beauty of God’s truly greatest work…his sacrifice of His Son on the cross to save mankind. No matter how breathtaking creation is, or even the grandeur of our future home in heaven, nothing can compare to the beauty of the love shown to us on the cross. This is why I came to Africa…this is why I want to return. Yes, for the honor and privilege to share the extravagant news of God’s redemption of mankind to those who have never heard…but also for me. I need to be reminded again of who I am in Christ and what He did for me. I, like Job, was in desperate need of a Savior. Too often I forget or take that for granted. God wants to use this trip and my work in missions in the future to not only spread His Gospel (He is very capable of doing that without me), but to shape me more in the likeness of his Son. Who I am is way more important to God than what I do… today, I was able to take another step in the journey of ‘becoming’ by basking in the glory and appreciation for His truly greatest work!

Safari...(check!)

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:45:00 +0000

There are a few things one traveling to Africa just has to cross off his list while there. A safari is definitely one of them. While I was able to go on one last time I was in Kenya, it was good to be able to go on another one, in a different park, with a better guide.

Last Saturday, Randy Godfried, the maintenance director here, graciously took my roommates and I about 3 hours outside of Nairobi to the Sweetwaters Conservancy. It was a fun and good break from the redundancy of work in the hangar despite the 5am wake up call. The morning was spent driving around the game park looking for the various animals. Randy had been to this park numerous times so he knew quite a few of the animal hang-outs, most of the animal names, and even some of the park rangers. Most of the animals we were looking for we found...except elephants or lions. It was the first time Randy had been there and not seen elephants.

After the game park, we drove up a road (if you can call it that...I am still amazed at the poor condition of roads here) to the base of Mt. Kenya. We were disappointed to find clouds covering nearly all of the mountain...but at least we can say we had been there. Lunch was partaken at the famous Trout Tree Restaurant. The entire restaurant is built in a tree. They raise their own trout below the treehouse dining. After a good meal of fresh trout (which was quite good) and an amusing show from the monkeys attempting to get food from the guests (I would have loved to see an American health inspector at this restaurant) we headed back to Nairobi...a little tired, but thankful to Randy and for another check on our traveling list.

(Be sure to check out my pictures page for more pics!)

The Modem That 'Saved My Life'

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:47:00 +0000

As some of you may have heard, last weekend was an interesting one to say the least. I have waited until now to write about the events in order to focus my thoughts and see how everything panned out.

To begin with, the house that Ryan, Josh, and I live in here in Nairobi was robbed last Friday. The events that took place that night were miraculous and sad all at the same time. All three of us were over at a missionary’s house for a get together of worship and fellowship. After the meeting was over, we were driven back to our house to be dropped off like we usually are not having a car and due to the danger of walking at night. I had my mind on other things when arriving home, namely the picture below

This picture is of the wireless internet modem that I borrow quite frequently from our neighbors. Nathan and Candace Roberts, a Samaritan’s Purse couple, live on the next street over from ours. We have become good friends, partly because Nathan and I both went to Piedmont. They let me borrow their modem to get online and update this blog and write e-mails. Usually I borrow the modem after they go to bed because they aren’t using it then; and then give it back in the morning. The system works pretty well…except this night I was a little worried.

We were getting back to our house at around 10PM. Knowing that the Roberts go to bed fairly early, I was worried I would not get the modem tonight due to the late hour (Candace later told me I was about out of luck in getting it that evening). So, wanting to get online that night and fear they were already in bed, I jumped out of the truck we were being dropped off in and rushed over to their street. Normally I would go inside and place my things of the day in before going over, but I didn’t want to waste any time…these decisions I have come to be ever so thankful for.

For, you see, our house is fairly protected. It is gated, barred and locked tightly. My roommates had just shut and locked the outer gate and were attempting to unlock the barred door to the house, when six Africans jumped right over our gate as soon as our ride pulled away. Since our house is so ‘secure’ there was no time at all to get into the house before several guys were already in our yard. The first assailant pulled a gun on my roommates and began searching them for money and valuables as his accomplices poured into our yard. Not satisfied with what my roommates had on them, the six men and 2 handguns forced my roommates to let them in the house to raid the rest of our belongings. Ryan, detailing his story to me later, remembers turning to Josh and saying, “I really hope Brandon doesn’t come back in the middle of this!”
Meanwhile, oblivious to the trauma my roommates are facing in our house, I am in the next street waiting for the modem. Normally, I text Nathan and he promptly comes down with the modem and I am back over to my house in only a few minutes. Yet tonight, I am waiting for nearly 10 minutes in his street wondering if he’s getting the texts I am sending. Ironically, I am chatting with the night security guard the entire time. After about 10 minutes Nathan appears at his door. I am relieved that he is not asleep yet, but still wondering what took him so long. He begins to explain that he never received any of my texts from that night. Then, a minute or two before he came down, he received all 4 texts I send him at the same time. He hurried down, wondering how long I had been waiting. We chat for a short time and I’m off running back to my house, eager to get online for the few times I am able to.

Upon reaching my gate, I find it open. Thinking it strange, I determine my roommates must have left it open for me knowing I’d be right back. Yet I turn to lock it to find the lock is gone. Now I am really starting to get suspicious and alarmed. Just then, my roommates appear at the door just as I’m shutting the gate. They look very frightened and tell me “We’ve just been robbed.” At just that moment I hear the sound of several pairs of feet running just outside our gate.

I run back into the house and we lock it up as I ask if they are ok and what they got. They tell me some things they took of theirs and then tell me…the robbers didn’t even touch my room. I run upstairs and find everything in my room as I left it…my laptop laying on my floor out in the open…my HD video camera I got for a graduation present sitting out on my floor…my wallet on my nightstand…my credit cards, passport, checkbook, cash, and all my electronics begging to be taken in my wide open suitcase. To this moment I have no idea why they skipped my room. You first come to Ryan’s room upstairs, followed by mine, then Josh’s. All they had to do was walk in and my story would be a little different now. The rest of the night was filled with AIM missionaries calling to make sure we were ok (by the way…AIM’s emergency contact system worked to perfection that night), talking with security, and overcoming the shock and fear you get when a gun is pointed at your head. Several missionaries who live near were here within a couple of minutes and we began the process of figuring out what happened and what we needed to do next.

We came to find out, the house caddy corner us across the street was robbed as well. Apparently, I came back to my house as they were robbing that house. I just had gotten inside the gate as they ran past it (the feet I heard outside the gate). I still am in amazement how and why God totally spared me from this ordeal! If I had not been so eager to get to the Roberts, if Nathan had gotten any of my texts when I sent them, if he did not receive them just when he did, or if I had not run back to my house…I could have interrupted a highly tense situation, or even run into them on the street. Both of which could have made a bad situation that much worse.

The robbers were apparently a gang from Kibera, the slum right next to our walled, gated community. We found a ladder propped up against our wall on our street with wire cutters beside it and a section of barbed wire missing from the top of our wall…showing us the entry and exit of our assailants. My roommates were obviously shaken up, but handled the situation well. We are doing much better now and many of the things stolen are being replaced. Josh lost his laptop, as did Ryan, yet his credit cards and passport were taken as well. Other electronics like cameras and MP3 players were also swiped. Josh successfully cancelled all his cards that night and will get a new passport in a few weeks. Most of Ryan’s things were insured and Josh’s belongings are easily replaced.

Yet all the praise deserves to be heaped upon God for keeping both of them safe. This incident is proof there are countless people like you praying for me. I may be sitting at another computer writing this instead of mine had it not been for those prayers. I still wonder why this happened, why I was spared, or why God works the way He does…yet his hand of protection is clearly seen through the modem GOD USED to ‘save my life.’

African Illustration

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:16:00 +0000

The above picture is a cartoon Billy made to illustrate our humorous encounter during my excursion to his house. I found it extremely funny and touching all at the same time. Billy loves to draw cartoons and does so in his free time. I am honored he'd draw me one. It's an illustration I will cherish...and get a laugh out of for a long time! Thanks Billy!!

A tour...outside Nairobi.

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:03:00 +0000

Yes, after a month now in Africa...I have ventured out of the city on my own. Well... I did have some help. Billy, one of the guys I have befriended who works with me in the hangar, invited me out to his house on the outskirts of Nairobi. So yesterday, I hopped on a city bus to meet him downtown. It was really kinda fun to be out and about by myself; yet the constant stares from everyone, looking at this muzungu wandering around the city, was a little different to get used to. I'm not used to being in the extreme minority. [On a side note...several of the Kenyans I passed called me John. "Hey, John!" was an unexpected greeting I received several times. After inquiring to the missionaries, no one really knows why I was called that. Perhaps I look like some famous John they have seen on TV...I just hope he's a cool, good looking guy :) ] Billy met me a few moments after waiting in our designated area of downtown (I was quite proud of myself for finding the place without any problems). We then boarded a matatu to take us to his house in Wangegi.

When we arrived at his house, his mother had prepared a Kenyan feast for me; stew, rice, jepatis, meat, and even boiled water for her American guest. The house they lived in was only one room, barely enough for the few items of furniture and a single bed for Billy, his mother, and his youngest brother, Austin. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with them and looking at some of Billy's pictures from his days in school. Billy is working at AIM Air as a part of his attachment his mechanics school requires him to do. He is making 150 shillings a day (a little over $2), yet it takes him 200 shillings to ride the matatus to and from work everyday. Needless to say, he relies on the meager income from his mother to pay the difference as well as his school bill for each semester which runs upwards of $500 a semester. After the meal and visiting, I said my goodbyes and hopped back on a matatu toward downtown. The adventure back was typical for a matatu ride; driving on the sidewalks and bouncing up and down on the pothole filled road, all the while trying to avoid goats and people. Yet I arrived back at my estate whole and with some things to think on.

I always knew the poverty in Africa was like this, so the stories I heard from Billy and his family did not surprise me much. Yet it was good to be reminded of how good I actually have it. I don't have to worry about when my electricity will be turned on, how to get to and from work, how to feed my family, or even if the cow tied up outside will get loose in my house. I have so much to be thankful for...yet I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend with this Christian family and hopefully encourage them as best as this muzungu...or John, could do.

The 'High' of Glue

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:46:00 +0000

Scraping glue…yup that has been my job for the past couple of days…and will continue for another couple of days. In times past, yet even up until right before I left for this trip, a job like this would have brought me nearly into the pit of despair. I would dread getting up in the morning knowing the menial task that awaited me for that day. I do have to admit, there have been some times where I question what I’m doing here. I could be back home making good money and doing tasks that were ‘worthy of an experienced A&P mechanic.’ But this time it’s different…
Yesterday, I woke up with a Scripture verse in my head. The words, ‘who for the joy set before Him endured the cross’ kept playing over and over in my head. It has been a while since I’ve had Scripture in my head when I’ve woken up…and it’s wonderful. God knew exactly what I needed to meditate on while doing a menial, hard task. If Jesus could look at a horrible execution, with joy, knowing the benefits and the future rewards…then I could look at a task that cowers in the face of His task…with equal joy. This lesson is one I need to grasp and apply to everything in my life…joy through anything is something I have lacked, and continue to pray for God to give me and help me find again. This small lesson has made this mechanic look at slabs of rubber, glue, rags with toxic MEK, respirator, scraper, a heat gun, and many stubbed and scraped fingers…with joy!!

Tanzania

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:17:00 +0000

The icing on a really tall cake...

The above picture is Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing peak in the world, and tallest mountain in Africa. I was able to capture this picture myself (check out the other pictures), while flying by it, so close, on the clearest day you could ask for, and take in this masterpiece of God! How amazing God is for allowing me these experiences that I would not have even dreamed of!

This flight I was able to go on was a flight chartered by a church youth group from Virginia (some of which were at or went to Liberty). The two DC-3 pilots and I (the appointed flight attendant for this flight...you're actually required to have one for any flight over 19 people) flew to Tanzania to pick them up and take them to the place where they were going to do their ministry. On our way to Dar-el-Salaam, Tanzania, was the sight of the mountain. Both pilots were reveling in the clearness of the day. To be able to see the mountain this clearly with no clouds around it, was an extremely rare sight. What an awesome time!

After picking up our 24 passengers we flew them to Mbeya, Tanzania where they were staying. I did an adequate job, I think, of serving coffee, juice, and snacks to the very worn out passengers (no spills!). Dodoma, Tanzania's capital, was a short stop for fuel before heading back to Nairobi. Another small world encounter happened at Dodoma. I met a mechanic for MAF based there at the airport who graduated from Piedmont's A&P school in 2001. We chatted for some time about old instructors and catching him up on what has happened to the people he knew. Both he and I were encouraged and delighted by this unexpected connection thousands of miles from home!

On our way back to Nairobi, as I wrestled with the oxygen tube in my mouth being at 19,000ft., I began to get excited about where God would place me in the future. Just as I have been able to do and experience many things I could not have imagined; or meet and see people I never would have thought to encounter, God will place me and allow me to do things I probably don't even have on my radar now. If I listen and follow what I know He wants me to do, the rest is well...icing!

(Oh, and the goat meal was pretty good...tough...but still good!)

Yes, I am in Africa...

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:50:00 +0000

Living in Africa for 3 months, things can get accustomed to. Daily routines of work and going to bed early because of safety at night can make one forget that he is in another country. But then...every once and a while something happens that makes you think... "I'm not in the States anymore, am I?"

One such occurrence happened today. It started out as an ordinary day working in the hangar. I was in the midst of an induction inspection on a 206 when a plane pulls up that is based up-country. This plane was from Gatab, one of AIM's bases. Yet instead of pulling out the ordinary cargo of mail, or food, or missionaries...out comes 2 goats. I laugh as the dispatch guys pull these goats out of the plane and proceed to place them on a cart for transport into the hangar. One goat was in a bag, while the other was reluctantly being pulled by a rope.

Upon questioning the other mechanics, this was not an uncommon event. Often the people in the remote areas to which AIM flies want to show their gratitude to the pilot and AIM Air. The best way for them to do this is to give of what they have...in this case. goats. Yet the sight of goats being pulled through the hangar (making quite a mess along the way) was not the most interesting part of my experience.

Due to the fact that there are a lot of Kenyan guys working in the hangar, there were many ready hands to help with the next step in dealing with these goats. These goats were given to AIM Air...so AIM Air would enjoy them. The plan, as apparently is always the case, was to kill the goats and cook them for all employees at the hangar to enjoy. But why waste any time? Let's just kill the goats right here in the hangar, skin them, gut them, and get the meat ready for a meal tomorrow! That's exactly what took place right in the middle of the hangar floor...

Yup...tie 'em up and get 'em ready to eat! There's nothing like these humorous moments to laugh and really realize: yes, I am in Africa!

(feel free to see more picture on my album...there's only one that's not for the weak stomach)

I look forward to the goat meal tomorrow!

A Trip to the Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:55:00 +0000

I just got back from a great time at the AIM International Services (IS) men’s retreat. We had the opportunity to fly Samaritan’s Purse’s DC-3 (which I actually got to pilot some!) to the coast. We stopped on the way to drop off some fuel to a missionary base. The pictures that have been added are from this people group. The missionaries there have been serving in this very Muslim area for 20 years with about 10 converts. After that stop we headed for the coast and spend several days there enjoying each other’s company, snorkeling in the Indian Ocean, and getting some good teaching on leadership. Kirk Nowery, COO of Samaritan’s Purse, was there as our speaker. It was incredible to hear his stories and listen to his vision for churches in America to reach the world.
Also while there, I was able to sit in on an AIM Air staff meeting. This is the only time a year that all the staff and pilots from around East Africa are together to meet and talk about what’s going on with their respective ministries. There were several guys there that are based in Entebe, Uganda; Loki, Kenya (where AIM Air is based for flights into Sudan); and Tanzania. It was fascinating to hear about what all is going on within AIM Air; yet it did make me think a lot about how I could fit into this organization.
My prayer has been that God would direct me into the ministry He has for me. There is so much that I could do…and do well. Yet I want to be given a vision and desire from God for a task He has especially for me. Perhaps He does want me just turning wrenches in a Nairobi hangar, or He could want me out in the bush serving in a dung hut to unreached people groups and stemming the tide of Islam into Africa. I trust that this trip will bring me closer to that goal and future ministry.

First Flight!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:25:00 +0000

Yesterday I was able to go on my first flight here in Africa! We went to two locations in Kenya to deliver a short-term guy to a missionary post AIM has in nothern Kenya. It was great to really be on a flight and get to do what I've always wanted to. It was just like I've imagined getting to land on a dirt strip after flying over several little round huts scattered all over the African plains. The pilot who took me and I ate lunch with the missionaries in the outpost (their house was amazing! check out the pictures in the album!). I hope to post more of my thoughts but since I only have internet access at the hangar, time does not allow me. Enjoy the pictures!

Pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:31:00 +0000

Check out all of my uploaded pictures here:

www.photos.brandonwaggoner.com

Sorry there's not more...I don't want my camera stolen...so I only can whip it out at certain times.

Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:53:00 +0000

(The picture on the left is me in the tree outside our apartment.) Yesterday was my first day of work! It’s good to finally be doing what I came here to do! Yet I am still learning a lot. The guys at the hangar are going to be good to work with. The guys on the floor are about half white missionaries and half Kenyans. It is such an awesome opportunity to be working so close with Kenyans. It will give me a chance to really learn about their culture, get to know them, and even be able to visit their homes here in Nairobi and upcountry. Pray I would be a good learner and be an encouragement to them.

The opportunities for different experiences are more than I expected. More than being able to get on a lot of flights (my first flight may be Monday to Tanzania; then there’s another one to Sudan mid-week), I have the chance to help film some with the on-field media team AIM has based here in Nairobi. They do videos and filming for missionaries and mission projects all over East Africa! Who knew I would have these opportunities that were so close to my talents, hobbies, and expertise?! (well, I guess God did J). There are numerous churches here in Nairobi which I hope to visit as many as I can. The exposure to as many different types of churches will be incredible. This Sunday we will be going with some missionaries to their church. After the service there will be an Indian meal, of which I am looking forward to. (There is a large Hindi population here in Nairobi).

I thank God for these opportunities and am really getting excited for all the things I’m going to experience. Not all my experiences will be good. Not all of them up to this point have been. Yet I know all of them will help me grow and become the man and missionary God wants me to be now. My prayer is that I would come to know Him better throughout all these experiences in Africa!

Kibera

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:33:00 +0000

Today Ryan and I move out of the AIM guesthouse we have been staying in for the last week and will move into our apartment that has been provided for us to live in! I am excited to be on my own now and really get into the work that I came here to do. Work in the hangar begins on Friday!

Yet the most exciting thing I got to during this time of orientation is go to Africa's largest slum, Kibera. It was eye opening to see over a million people living in extreme poverty and literally in trash. You see things like this on TV but it is another thing to go there yourself. I did not have my camera there which I am really disappointed about, but I hope to go back soon. The kids there were excited to see us... saying "how are you?" the only english phrase they knew! :) It was a great experience which I look forward to going back and learning about these people who live in such lower standards then we are used to in the US.

Some initial thoughts and prayer requests

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:13:00 +0000

I've been here for 3 days, but it seems like it's been 2 weeks! Not much has been going on. The first couple of days have been set aside to rest and adjust to life in Africa. Tomorrow we begin orientation where me and my roommate while I'm here, Ryan, will be learning language studies, how to get around Nairobi, security issues, and really how to live on our own (which is what we will be doing once we live in the apartment they have set aside for us!).

Kenya is alot of what I remembered from the last time I was here. The smells, the crazy driving, and the people are really the same as I remembered. However, during these days which we are doing nothing, it has begun to sink in how long I'm going to be here. Before it was a quick trip...now I will actually be living here for 3 months. I know once I get into my work and all the things I will see and experience, I will probably not want to leave. Yet now it is hard being the one who doesn't know anything in a world completely different from what I'm used to. Culture shock is one thing I wanted to experience while I'm here; so I'm getting a good taste of it. Studying about it for the last 5 years is different than actually going through it. God is with me through it all.

Pray for me that I will learn to be open and friendly. I tend to clam up in any very different situation. I don't want to seem ignorant or do anything embarrassing. Yet I must break through that in order to adjust to life here. Looking and acting like a child is a big part of adjusting to a new culture. Thank you all for your prayers, and I hope to get some pictures up here soon when I actually take some :)