Jambo, another rainy day in Kenya, it looks like the rainy season started early. So far we had every day rain. Good for the crops but hard on the roads. They are pretty messy after a torrential down pours. Shoes and cloth take on the color of the red soil. See for yourself, the pile of shoes at the orphanage are ready to be washed and the cloth lines are heavily used. 

I spend a good part of my day today with the kids. Reading, playing, singing, feeding...whatever the moment  brings. 

A friend from church made this beautiful poster for the children. We had great fun putting it up on the wall, many hands helped! June is happy to get her picture taken with the new work of art. Enjoy!

  
                                                                                                    

Jambo friends,
Saturday is a perfect time to go to the mall and get all the things western life style offers. Of course not without thinking of what happened a couple of month ago in the Westgate mall. But life is going on like always, the mall was crowded. To my big surprise I run into a friend there. What a joy when you meet somebody unexpected in a far away place. Marci, in typical African way, suspended her plans to sit and talk for a while.

I know Marci from our time in Diani Beach, she just moved to Nairobi!

Angel, the special need girl form the orphanage needs some good "baby food". I was able to get it in the mall. Her muscles are not developed and do not support her weight. She is in therapy but needs additional nutrition.

For next weeks class I was able to have all the copies made for the lessons, I am sure the students will appreciate that.

One the way home we stopped for some mangos      

and pineapples along the road!

Right now I sit in the dark, no power today...again!

Have a blessed Sunday and enjoy worshiping God! Maria

Jambo sana from Kenya

I know I am in Africa when I see people walk in the middle of the road …...I eat the most delicious mango that cost just 25 cents........the kids clean their running noses on their selves......when I get a sun burn after 10 minute.... the kids call me “Mama Maria” ….when I am confronted with unspeakable suffering and look into a face that radiates joy …..when I hear heart warming stories of God's provision and care. ….I could go on and on, life here is so different.

To my surprise I adjusted well so far. Physically I am feeling well. The high altitude does not bother me and I have no headaches! This is an answer to prayer. 

  

This is a picture of Martin and Melanie  with their little girl Mary. I enjoy living with them. Martin helps me with many things concerning the children.  Have a great day, Maria                                                                                            P.S. I have a phone now here in Kenya 254 country code 072 000 357  Looking forward to hearing from you.  Skype works too !!!!               

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Dear Friends!

I arrived safley in Kenya. My flights were uneventful! Tired but happy! It feels like coming home! Today I visited the orphans! What a joy! We puzzled together, listen to music, and started to read the children's bible that I brought. They were excited to see some of the things I brought!

 The Sticker books were the hit of course.
There are several new children in the home. One is Angle, a special needs kid! I am sure you can make her out in the picture.

Martin and Melanie welcomed me into their home. I already saw some "old" friends and met new ones! Of course its warm and sunny, facts easily embraced by me.

Thank you fro praying,
blessings, Maria

Centered Prayer

Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 46:10

Today I talked with a friend about “Centered Prayer”. She expressed her desire to learn more about it but was uncertain about what it is and how to practice this form of prayer. Just last month some friends and I gathered for an evening of “Centered Prayer”. You might ask what's up with that? What is “Centered Prayer” and why would you want to do it?

The roots of “Centered Prayer” can be traced back to the early beginnings of the Christian church. It's a spiritual discipline that focuses our hearts on Christ. In the business of life, Centered Prayer is a form of “just being” not doing! Being silent in the presence of God; quite difficult for people whose schedules are filled with many activities.

Our common desire is to be led by the Holy Spirit into the presence of God. The promise of scripture is that “Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 Framed by worship and listening to God's word we seek the presence of God. (music for me reaches the deepest part of my being)

In the quietness of our hearts we yield to His love. The Divine invites us into fellowship with Him! Amazing! Amazing love!

As the deer pant for water, so my soul longs after you O God. Psalm 42:1

Centered Prayer is about being drawn into a deeper level of communion with God; deeper then our mind, emotions, and our will, it touches our soul. The place where God Himself lives in us.

In Centered Prayer you engage your mind with Christ. It is not about “stop thinking or feeling,” it is about focusing on Christ. Some people repeat a word or phrase to dialog with Jesus. Others may focus on God's attributes or name revealed in scripture (Redeemer, Savior, Shepard, Abba, Father)

Centering Prayer is ultimately about the center of our life - Jesus! If He is not the center of our worship, life, purpose, prayer, and being then we are off center!

Most of the time my experience with Centered Prayer is not highly emotional or revealing. One thing I noticed about my life is that overall it gained a steadiness and peace; I am more grounded. It's like a calm river running through my life. Centering prayer can be part of your daily quiet time with God or experienced as a group.

Enjoy an unhurried time with God! Let the Holy Spirit lead you.

For more information: maria.allewelt@gmail.com

2013 – Reflection & Celebration

As the year draws to an end many people think about making improvements to their lives. Most of the “New Years Resolutions” are short lived. True changes don't come from will power but seeking God and the power He provides for us in the sanctification process. The following exercise is helpful to me not only to focus on the future but also being grateful for the blessings God has given to me during the past year. A receiving heart is a grateful heart that quickly points to the graces God has extended to us. Join me in reflecting and celebrating!

1. Reflect and Celebrate 
Look through your calendar or journal. What are some of the highlights and accomplishments?

• Write down one success for each month

• What breakthroughs did I experience? Thank God for each of them!

2. Learning

•  What did I learn about God?  
•  What steps forward did I take?
•  What values did I live out?

3. Hard but good

• What losses did I experience?

• What disappointments did I encounter?

4. Looking ahead

• What goals would I like to achieve?

• What new skills would I like to acquire?

• How would I like to experience change in myself over the next year?

• What spiritual gift do I want to focus on and grow in?

• Do I need to unlearn a habit or behavior?
  
  Enjoy what God has done in your life this past year and even more so enjoy Him who loves you!      "Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!"