Hey guys! It's Ashley Achieng.. yep, that's my Luo name. It's based on the time of day that you were born. The people here are so nice, they made us a part of their family. There's a ton of people in my family, I'm not really sure who all actually stays in my house but I know the people that I've seen around my house. There's Mama Audrey and Mama Leah. They're both extremely sweet but Mama Leah doesn't speak much English. It's clear that she is really happy that we are staying with her. Clinton is 15, Audrey is 12, Austin is 10 and Hamon is 5. Hamon has the most adorable smile I have ever seen. I'm going to miss him so much. Austin is super smart. He was telling me all about the different Nilots and I had no idea what he was talking about. But it was cool so see how much the kids here are learning. Audrey is soft spoken but so sweet, she's opened up a lot more that I thought she would over these two weeks. I can't imagine only having one week here, I'm so glad that we have two weeks here.

Everyone here is so welcoming and kind. I thought that the warm welcome might wear off after a little time but everyone is still amazingly sweet. Every time you pass anyone on the street you stop and shake their hand and say “Habari” which is “How are you?” in Kiswahili. The kids are super respectful, they normally don't talk while others are talking. They are good sports, there's no arguing during football. The talent is ridiculous, they all whoop our butts in football..and running..and pretty much anything else we try to do. Except for cards. Nathan and Mark and I taught some kids Egyptian Rat Screw and Dutch Blitz. They've gotten better and it's a ton of fun. I've gotten close to a lot of the kids here like Nelly, Mandela, George, David, Carol, Nancy, and Junior..just to name a few. I've also gotten a few marriage offers. ;) I was talking to a man and he said that he wanted me to find a husband here so that I would stay and be like Emily. He wanted me to bring my friends and family back to Kenya with me too. I said okay..what's the dowry looking like? 30 cows? Hahah just kidding, I'll be home soon. Caitlin and Stephen have also gotten some marriage offers. Gotta love the Americans. ;) We've been doing a VBS for the kids and I've been surprised at how well its been going. The kids have really picked up the songs. I've written the lyrics to Everlasting Love and Undignified at least twice. All the kids sing “oo oo oo, oo oo oo oo” I realize that doesn't make sense because there's no tune that I can type but I'm sure you get the picture. I taught the lesson two different times. Once about teamwork and the other about who God is. They went well, at least I thought so. We had to have someone translate for us but I think we all got used to it. Nathan and I had the opportunity yesterday to go to a school that was down the mountain/clift. The hike was a little tricky but we had good guides: Seth and Milton. They are funny guys. We talked about our testimony and why they should stay in school. The hike back up was so tiring but worth it.

We've gotten some free time and we have made a band. Strictly Clearance is the name. It's me, Stephen (he does the background music), Matt (plays guitar and sings), and Tyler (improves songs – its pretty awesome). We have so much fun, our team has grown closer. Now I know that Caitlin is scared of Chickens..did you know that chickens can't walk without moving their heads? Yeah..it's weird to have chickens around all the time. Im pretty impressed with how well she's doing thought ;) Leah is drawing a sketch for each day we have been here. It's such a good idea, the drawings are amaizing. I realized that Marks a softie..He's cute with the little kids. Nathan's growing a beard and he has “beard to beard communication” with Tyler. Lillianna Rose (yes, that's her new nickname, for me and Leah at least) got her hair french braided: its was awesome. Stephen's getting ready to race some Kenyans right now, I wish him luck – those Kenyans are fast. I have learned that Matt. Loves. Butter. Oh my goodness, I've never seen someone eat a fork-full of butter until yesterday. The girls made spaghetti and garlic toast yesterday for lunch. It took two hours! But it tasted amazing. So Matt's gonna talk now but please continue to pray for us: for hearts to serve, to reach, and to grow people in Jesus Christ. I love and miss you all.

Ash :)

Jambo everyone! (Hello in Kiswahili). I am in Africa and it is absolutely amazing! I never thought I would be here. If you had asked me in the middle of my Sophomore year if I had any interest in going to Kenya, I probably would have said no. Now that I am here and have experienced many amazing God moments. The journey here was a crazy one as well. I didn't get much sleep on the plane so when we arrived in Narobi I was totally wiped. I want to go into more detail but I won't cause I know it will take a hour to read. Instead I will share some more profound stories. First I want to say, Mom, I miss your cooking soooooooooosososososososososososo much! Like its ridiculous! The food here is amazing, but I miss chicken and wine sauce! Mainly we have rice and potatoes. Sides are eggs with tomatoes and also cabbage. I've never thought it would try cabbage but I did!!!! Don't believe me? Fine! I have been a wonderful sport about the food if you ask me. I try everything put in front of me. Stephen and I try everything together. We count down 3-2-1 then put it in our mouth. I thought I wasn't going to be able to room with Stephen but we ended up in the “Real Kenyan Adventure” together. Most everyone else has electricity and some even have a TV! Now that may sound absolutely crazy but its a luxury here. Our house's frame is bamboo sticks and then the walls are dried mud. Its the homiest thing I have ever slept in. Yeah it has its disadvantages but its so awesome. There are 4 houses in our compound and there is ours which is the smallest, the main house where we eat, a living house, and a kitchen house. We have a cat but no one ever pets it. Its main job is to kill rats and snakes that come into the house. Also, chickens come into the house and they're more welcome than the cat sometimes. Everyday has been interesting for me. I've had a push from God through someone or something for everyday to keep me going. I don't have my journal with me right now but I have all the people and all the things that have helped me through this journey. The battery is low so I will end here. Thank you for everyone praying and I will be home soon! (P.S. Thanks Briana, Josh and Ryan for the letters and thanks Zack and Lauren for the pictures).

I miss you and love you all so much!

Matt
~be the change you wish to see in the world~