Sunday, December 2, 2007 - Packing Up...

My worlds collide:

A Matatu (16 passenger "Taxi") called Orlando

My days left in Kenya are numbered at 7.  Many ask how I feel about leaving and my answer remains “I don’t know.”   One moment I can only think of home and being near family and friends.   The next moment I am fighting tears and wondering if my life is about to turn upside down (again).  Honestly, I am on an emotional rollercoaster!  

Over the past week I started informing the Amani ladies that when I leave for Christmas I won’t be returning.   (You may wonder why I am just doing this… read on… you will understand.)   So now each morning I am swamped with questions and comments like “Did you change your mind last night?” and “I prayed to God that He would send your husband here so that you won’t leave Kenya.”  Or the absolute heartbreaker: “Why would you want to leave us?”   (Now you know why I wouldn’t want to start this dialogue any earlier.)    

It is no secret that I love Orlando.   Devoted family, loyal friends, supportive church, sunshine, Mickey Mouse (kidding!).  Honestly, who could want for more?    Over the past year I have fallen in love with Africa: the land, the culture and the people.  So how do you choose between two loves?  Both are good, but so different.  I think we all wish there was some great formula to guide us when making hard choices.  In decision making some use logic and reasoning asking questions like “What is most practical?”  While others lean more on emotions: “What feels right?”   My question: What happens when nothing (or everything) makes sense and everything feels great (and awful) at the same time?        

God and I have dialogued for about 5 months over extending my time at Amani.   I asked Him (in fact begged many times) for there to be a clear sign regarding my next steps.  After weeks of no answers I became anxious and discouraged.   One September afternoon I was walking to a coworker’s house for Sankofa (the Amani fashion show) practice. The road between our two homes is usually very busy but I was too captivated by my thoughts to notice that it was rather empty.  I was thinking about staying verses leaving and growing irritated with confusion.  “Come on God, I will stay.  I will go.  I will do what you want but I need some help here!”  I snapped to when I heard a faint cough to my right.  I looked but didn’t see anyone.   Then I looked again and I noticed an older man sitting on a small tree stump.   I thought, “this is nothing unusual”.  But my gut told me to look again.  So I looked a third time and noticed the man was wearing a blue shirt with a black and silver logo that I have seen 1000 times.   He smiled and waved as I registered the faded words “Orlando MAGIC”.   I gasped softly and smiled back at the sweet man that will never know how God used him that day.   As I continued my walk I prayed “Unless you give me a new sign Lord, I will accept this as the answer.”  I continued to debate (and honestly still do) over the decision but I knew God spoke to me in that moment and I was to be obedient. 

Now I am not saying that I always base major life decisions off logos on t-shirts (In fact this is my first time).   But I do believe God speaks in the most creative ways and uses ordinary people to grasp our attention and make us listen.  We just have to be willing to see and hear.  And once He reveals an answer, you must believe Him and walk forward in faith.  Faith in the Creator who knows me better than I know myself (Ps. 139:13).   Faith in the Lord who promises to hold my hand and not let me fall (Ps. 37:24).   Faith in the God who goes before me and will never leave me nor forsake you (Deut 31:8).  Faith in the Spirit that dwells in me (1 Cor. 3:16).   The author of Hebrews defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (11:1).  I close this chapter knowing that my future, though foggy, remains full of God’s promises.     

Please pray for me this week as I tell the women goodbye.  I know it will be some very difficult goodbyes.   (There are no emails or long distance phone call opportunities to keep us connected.)  But I rejoice knowing that I will spend eternity with them shouting “Tunasemma Asante, Bwana!” (“We say thank you, Lord”!)   Please also pray as I continue to discern God’s will for how I can remain connected to this organization and ministry in the coming years.  

To those of you who prayerfully and financially supported this journey I thank you for believing in a global God who calls us to serve the poor.  You blessed me with an opportunity to see the body of Christ alive and thriving in a poverty-stricken, war-torn world.  “I thank my God when I remember you” (Phil 1:3) and pray that God will continue to bless you as you sacrificially bless others.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks and months.  To answer a few quick questions:  Yes, I will be living with my parents for a little while.  And no, I don’t have a job.   But, I guarantee my heart for Africa and specifically for the women of Amani ya Juu will be known.  This mission will not stop when I get off the plane in America.

Sorry this one was so long! Thank you for reading my heart. 

Kwaheri! (Good-bye!)

Scarlett 

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - Sankofa: Update and Pictures

One of our Sankofa models, Gladys

Our prayers were answered and Sankofa was beyond successful!

God’s faithfulness and His desire for our trust and obedience were evident!  The day before the show was “Dress Rehearsal”.  It was our ONE chance to practice with ALL participating parties (models, speakers, sound and light technicians, make up artist, etc).  Well, it rained all day long!  (The first time it rained in a month!)  Did I mention the show was outside?  Further, we never had electricity that day.  (Therefore, the lights and sound could not be tested.)   One of our speakers was in bed with the flu and I was running around in the rain fighting a head cold and sore throat.   Needless to say it was chaotic with situations way beyond our control.   However, months ago I believed God that He wanted us to create this fashion show with these Amani women.   I believed Him so much that I extended my time in Kenya for 4 additional months.  Many of you also believed Him by financially supporting me to continue my time at Amani and/or contributing directly to the funding of the show.  Therefore, all day I was in dialogue with our God, whispering “I am believing and trusting You!”   Fashion shows in Africa with refugee women as models?  Yes... I must believe Him!

Our God is faithful!  Saturday was a beautiful day in many ways.  The weather was perfect and we never lost power.   Our speaker and I felt much better.  His blessings poured out over the course of the day.

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During and after the show we could not stop grinning.  I still get emotional when I think about all the individuals who made Sankofa possible.  I could feel the prayers from across the world--- from your homes to Nairobi.  God reveals to me again and again that He is indeed a global God and we are one body.  

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Following the show one model said “I never thought I could do it.  I was nervous.  But when I got on the stage I felt the peace of God.”  (This is a woman who never had one piano lesson or ballet class.  Instead as a little girl, Pauline escaped the wars of Congo.  Her trust in God as her provider is everything.)  A seamstress also commented “Sankofa was a great blessing!  It gave me more work.  And I had fun with my friends stitching the new clothes.”  (Sarah fled Uganda many years ago and thanked me profusely one evening when I paid for a taxi to take her home after dark.  Understandably, she rarely feels safe or secure.)    One Amani woman, Simprosa,  summed it up beautifully:  “Sankofa is the celebration of the healing of our hearts!”    We are so excited to see where God leads this ministry next.  There is talk about repeating the show in Spring and even thoughts of bringing the show to the States in the coming years!   (Selfishly, I am cheering for Orlando!)  

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I end this post with a link to view some pictures from the evening and a great hope that you too experience the healing of your own heart through God’s promises and peace. 

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=tbdyy6y.c5o1kglm&Uy=wwgimy&Ux=0

The Sankofa Seamstresses (from L to R):  Sarah, Fidelia, Jeanette, Maggie and Nabintu

The Sankofa Production Team (from L to R):  Lynn, Rachael, Me and Hannah

Saturday, October 20, 2007 - SANKOFA!

 You may remember that I extended my time in Kenya from August to the end of 2007 to help launch a new clothing line at Amani.  Well, the time is here!   Our show, "SANKOFA", is next weekend and we are working around the clock to be ready for Saturday night.   We have 10 models that have been in training for 5 months.   (I think the most rewarding part for me is watching our refugee women, who had little sense of self-worth and never imagined themselves as “models”, hold their heads a little higher and believe they are beautiful!)   Also, producing a clothing line increases the work load for many of the women which generates more income for their families.   It is all just very exciting!  The ladies are thrilled to host such a unique event and I am blessed to play a part in making it happen.      

Event planning always comes with unique challenges.  However, I quickly learned that event planning in a 3^rd World country, where there are guaranteed language and cultural barriers, is more than a challenge… it is mountain moving!     But we know God ordained this show and has walked with us each step of the way.   And HE is the mountain mover! 

Things you can pray for as we approach the day of the show:  October 27^th: 

1.          That the message of God’s peace is portrayed through every aspect of the show. 

2.          For the health of our models, seamstresses, designers, etc.   Everyone is going full-speed and signs of fatigue are definitely present on all faces! 

3.          Power… as in, electricity!   You lose power often here in Nairobi… several times a day.  We need a generator.  If I estimated how many hours I have spent on generators… it may be in the 20s!   It isn’t uncommon to hear me on the phone (in my best Kenyan accent) say:  “I need a 100KVA, 3-phase Generator”.  Of course, I don’t have a clue what that means… but I know we need it!  

4.          Safety.  I fully know it is the blanket of prayers coming from Orlando, Florida (and many other places) that has kept me safe thus far.   However, safety in Nairobi is always a concern.   In the past few months we have had several of our ladies be attacked.  Just 2 weeks ago one lady was walking home from work and was attacked by 2 men in daylight.  They slashed her face with a “panga” (machete) from her ear to the corner of her mouth.  We praise God that Judy’s life on earth didn’t end that day and that she is recovering well!   

All that to say, we are praying for God’s protection over this event.  We even have to consider the corrupt police system.  For example, if the police wanted to they could “stage and event” that would make them look like the heroes of the night.  Why would they do this?  Because if they were the “heroes” of our event then we would have to pay them some exorbitant fee.   Unbelievable, huh?  

Recap for prayer for SANKOFA:  God’s message; good health; power and safety!  

I would not be here without the prayerful and financial support of you.   Meaning, YOU are a part of Amani and Sankofa!  You are helping to spread God’s message of love and peace to the broken world.  And you are empowering some wonderful, godly women in Nairobi.   Thank you!!!   

Baraka! (“Blessings” in Swahilli)

Thursday, September 27, 2007 - Today!

Today is the 23rd Anniversary of my father's passing...

Today is the birthday of 3 friends...

Today is the day my brother and a dear childhood friend come to Kenya (2 hours and counting!!!)...

Today is the day I first saw this video:   http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca

And TODAY and EVERYDAY  "goodness and love will follow me... and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, FOREVER!"  Surely!

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - The Amani Retreat

The Amani Export Team (These are the women with whom I spend most of my time)

(From Left to Right: Gladys, Terezia, Me, Nancy, Carol, and Rose)

The highly anticipated Amani Retreat was a couple of weekends ago.  It is the yearly event where the ladies of Amani spend about 36 hours together outside the walls of where we work.   I really didn’t know what to expect, but I have been excited about this weekend for months.  Imagine almost 70 ladies ages 20 to 65 spending two days together… what a party!!!   

That Saturday morning we all gathered at Amani to ride in large matatus (similar in size to a short school bus) to the retreat site.   Matatus are very “stylish”.  The owner decorates the matatu with bright colors, sometimes strobe lights (!), bumper stickers that make zero sense, and a name spray-painted on the back window.  Some of my favorite matatu names include:  “Natasha Baby Girl”,  “Opps… I did it again!”, and “Orlando” (for obvious reasons).   This one was purple and yellow and affectionately named “Jesus Wept.”   It took us over two hours to coordinate the 30 minute bus ride.  Nothing in Africa comes quickly.   But that was ok because we were already spending time together which is a main purpose of the retreat.  We sang the entire way with drums and shakers.   It reminded me of when I was teenager on a mission trip--- the louder we were the better!  I was jealous of the grandmothers who were not “too old” to sing at the top of their lungs! 

We stayed at a nearby convent that doubles as a retreat center.  When we pulled up to the compound, I watched the ladies as they remarked of its beauty.  Now for me I would compare it to a very basic motel or even a hostel.   We each had a single room with the most basic furniture.  But for the ladies, it was their own bed, running water, and quiet.  Although I try, I can’t imagine the sense of security and peace they felt during those hours.   

The retreat was entitled “A Woman of Faith”.  We studied many faithful women in the bible and learned about characteristics of a faithful woman.   During the lectures and small group times I often thought:  “What can these women possibly learn about faith?”  To me they already define what it means to be a faithful woman.  I have never experienced their depth of faith.   Faith that you will be safe through the night.  Faith that there is enough money for dinner.   Faith that a whooping cough will go away with a little lemon and ginger and a lot of prayer.   Faith that a sick child will be well tomorrow.  But as they reminded me, it is our faith that is our communication with God.  Our hope for His promises and protection.   Without our faith, there is no hope for a better future.  Yes, we can all deepen our faith.    

Saturday night was the celebration.  Each lady dressed in her home country’s formal attire.  (Representing the USA, I wore a black dress.)  We dined together and cut a large “Happy 11^th Birthday Amani” cake!  (Cake is a BIG deal here.)    Then each country performed some type of song, dance, or skit.   It was a riot!!!   It was such a joy for me to watch the ladies perform and be proud of their heritage.  Even those who fled their homes in horrible, war-torn conditions were celebrating their birthright.   Click here to watch the Uganda dance:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G02DqaTdlbk

Yes, even the USA representatives performed! There are four muzungus (“white people”) volunteering at Amani:  Rachael, Hannah, (my roommates), Lynn, and me.   Rachael was unable to make the retreat because of a previously planned family reunion in Italy.   So Lynn, Hannah, and I choreographed an “American” dance, lip-singing to R.E.S.P.E.C.T. !   Well,  Lynn unfortunately was sick the day of the retreat and couldn’t make it.  And then there were two.  And those of you who know both Hannah and me are probably loving the thought of us performing for 70 Africans.  Oh was it amazing!  We decided to go all out, sporting our USA shirts, blue jeans and sunglasses.    Thankfully, two of our Amani girls, Faith and Stella, offered to be our background singers and in 30 minutes we taught them the Electric Slide!  They did very well!   

Now to us, this was pretty much a joke.  We thought “oh this will make the women laugh”.   But once again we are defeated by the difference of this culture compared to our own.  They thought we were AMAZING!  Toward the end of the song,  I decided to pull off a cartwheel (which I might add gets a bit more difficult for me each year) and by the applause and cheers received, you might think I was heading to Beijing with the 2008 Olympic Gymnastics Team.    Two weeks later, the ladies are still commenting on “Scarlett’s Flip!”   If I knew it would gain me so much popularity, I would have worked it back in January.   Here is a short video.  If you get dizzy… watch out, the videographer was a novice!    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2i9jWZMe4Q

That night, Hannah and I stayed up chatting and laughing with several of Amani’s younger ladies.  I had not laughed that hard since being in Kenya.  In fact, I am not sure that I have laughed that hard period.  As we walked to our rooms, Hannah said, “I love how girls are the same everywhere”.  What a true statement.  Despite our different backgrounds and current situations, God created us with the same love for gab and giggles. 

I was sad for the retreat to end, but the ladies needed to return to their families and prepare for the upcoming week.   I doubt that I will ever have relive such an experience, so I praise God for this blessing of fellowship with my sisters.  

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 - Finally... an update!

I am not sure how time passes so quickly.   Moving to Africa I thought for sure the clock would stop.  But it is just not the case.  In 10 days it will be September and if plans had gone like originally thought, I would be heading back to Orlando.  I am so thankful that God’s plans are different and that I have another 4 months here in Kenya. 

An update on Amani is long overdue.  It is a very busy time at Amani!   As we continue to grow in size and mission, we experience great blessings coupled with growing pains.     We just switched over to our Rwenzori (Fall) colors which means new materials, new dyes, new products… and even new mistakes.   I personally remain busy with the randomness of my job responsibilities which lately include:  picking out tile for our Café, teaching a woman how to use a camera and update a website, and playing “George” in a puppet show for the women’s children.  I love the randomness!  (Well, most of the time!)

Preparation for Amani’s October 27^th Fashion Event “Sankofa” is going very well.   To make the event possible, we needed to raise $10,000.   We praise God for the $9,000 already raised!   The excitement of the show is contagious around Amani.  This event will increase international awareness of Amani which hopefully increases the work load (and ultimately the standard of life) for our ladies.   Your prayers for the preparation and success of this event are coveted!   Planning any major event is a challenge… but challenge goes to a new level when you are in Africa!

Last week was possibly my favorite week at Amani.  Each Summer (and I say “Summer” but we are in jeans and long sleeves here!) the women stop their work for one week for “Amani Watoto”, meaning “Children of Peace.”  You can compare it to Vacation Bible School where all the women’s children come to Amani for the entire week to play games, sing songs, make crafts, and learn about God. The sewing machines stopped to teach these precious children about our Lord.  The change of pace was nice.  And having little children flood the campus of Amani was a beautiful gift.  To learn more about Amani Watoto please visit:  http://www.amaniafrica.org/watoto.php

Our online store is finally up!  If you are interested in supporting the Amani women you can purchase products right off our website at www.amaniafrica.org    

May you experience God’s love this week in a new way!  Thanks for reading! 

Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - I Feel the Earth Move Under my Feet!

On Saturday there was a pretty strong earthquake in Tanzania (95 miles from Nairobi).   Well... we have experienced many tremors from the quake for the past 4 days!!!  Now, I grew up in Orlando, Florida...  lightning capital of the world!  I am very familiar with Tropical Storms, Depressions, and Hurricanes.    Very hazardous weather… but the difference… there is WARNING!!

Since Saturday we have experienced 9 tremors!  We are still shaking at least 2 times a day!  (Oh wait… we just had another… make it 10!)  The strongest tremor was yesterday evening and had a measured magnitude of 6.0.   I don’t know much about earthquake tremors (although I am starting to become a frequent visitor of the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program website!) but that is a strong tremor!! 

This morning at 5:30am, my phone rang waking me from a dead sleep.  It was a Kenyan colleague at Amani suggesting that I go outside because the US Embassy just issued a report that the biggest tremor yet would come between 6 and 6:30am.   Now earthquakes are new to me, but I do know that they cannot be predicted.   So I lay awake until somewhere around 7am.  No major quake during that time.  But throughout today I have come to learn that many heard the rumored report and were standing outside their homes in the early hours.   I received an email from the US Embassy this morning confirming it was a rumor and no reports were ever issued.  (Glad I stayed in my bed). 

So here is Kenya’s suggestions on how to stay safe:

1.       If you are inside, get under a table

2.       If you are outside, get hundreds of feet from any buildings

3.       If you are driving, don’t get out of your car, but do get out of traffic and stop the car immediately

Oh I love Africa!  They quakes last for seconds… so honestly suggestions 1 – 3 are impossible.  Unless you are:

1.       Already under a table

2.       Nowhere in Nairobi because there is no place I have seen that doesn’t have a building w/n 20 feet

3.       Driving up and down a driveway

Two songs keep playing in my mind:  “He’s got the whole world in His hands” and “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…”.    I am thankful that although while the ground below is shaking, my life remains in His hands on a solid foundation. 

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - What Is In A Name?

Rachael and I spent the 4th of July with the Simpsons!

The internet serves as a lifeline for me.   Although it is not fast like Broadband and I cannot download television shows, I am able to send and receive emails regularly.  Also, I am able to talk to my family and friends using the computer microphone and a small webcam.  Of course it isn’t the best connection and we end up saying “what did you just say?” more than anything else… but nonetheless, it is a rich blessing. 

One thing I am extremely thankful for is being able to receive a weekly podcast of the sermons at my home church in Orlando.   Just hearing the familiarity of the voices of our church ministers makes me feel connected to home.   Recently, I listened to a sermon by our Senior Pastor entitled “What is in a name?”   It was part of a serious he preached on the 10 Commandments.   This particular sermon was in reference to the reverence and respect we are to show to God’s name: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7). 

To begin the sermon he spoke of his own name, David, and the meaning behind it.   I have grown to love my name.  As a child, this was not the case.  Wanting to fit in with the other young girls, I wished my name would have been Amy, Katie, Sarah, or Anne.   There were no others named “Scarlett”.  In fact, it wasn’t until I went to college in Alabama before I would meet another Scarlotte (pronounced like Scarlett)… and she just happened to be the 1^st runner up to Miss America in 2002!   

Living in Florida, Alabama and South Carolina, I loved hearing initial responses to my name.   I would say “Hi, my name is Scarlett”.  And I often got positive responses of “Oh, I love that!”  or “How unique!”    And of course I would get the constant references to Gone with the Wind.   I tried to pretend as if it was the first time anyone had every said “Frankly My Dear… I don’t give a...”.    

But living in Kenya has been a bit different.  My name is unknown and difficult to pronounce for Africans.   In fact, the gate guards where I live referred to me as “Carrot” for weeks.   The “s and “c” and the “r” and “l” placed together is not a common sound.   I have gotten so use to it that now when I introduce myself here “Hi, my name is Scarlett” and they with respond with something like, “Starlight?” I just say “Ok, sure!”

It was difficult for the Amani ladies to pronounce, but with determination on both parts, I am thankful to say most can say it now almost flawlessly.   (Spelling is a total different story… just the other day I saw my name written as Sicharlit.)   I just figured that it was because of time and practice they could finally pronounce it correctly.  NOT THE CASE!   The other day I was being introduced to a new woman joining Amani named Margaret.   One of the Kenyan administrators, Mary, was walking her around and stopped at me.  

Here it comes, I think, she isn’t going to understand my name.  But politely in my best, slow, Kenyan English I say, “Welcome to Amani, my name is Scarlett.”   (Margeret…looks puzzled.)   I try again, “I know it is a hard one… Sssscccaaarrrr – lllliiiittt”.    Mary then pipes in to help.   “Her name is very difficult for us.  But you know it from scripture”.  (Scarlett… now puzzled).    Mary continues in effort to help,  ‘Margaret, our sins are like scarlet.”   Margaret pipes in, “Oh are sins are like scarlet!  She is Scarlet.”  Mary looks at me and said “That is how we have to explain your name for them to understand it”.    Amazing!

I got a good chuckle out of that and still wonder about what the ladies think of my name being in reference to the staining red color of our sins.   However, it has also been a humbling reminder of my sinful nature and brokenness apart from Christ.   Thankfully, I know the second part of the verse “They shall be washed white as snow.”   Praise God for washing away our stains each day.   And don’t worry mom… I still love my name.        

Saturday, July 7, 2007 - Extending My Time

The Amani "Sankofa" Models (Rachael and I are NOT models!)

I think most know by now, but just in case...  I have decided to extend my time in Kenya and at Amani ya Juu.   Originally, I was suppose to return on August 31st, but now it will be late November/early December.   I feel very confident in this decision and confirmed that it is God's desire for me to stay the extra months.   

The primary reason for staying is that Amani will be launching a clothing line in the Fall.  To introduce this line, we are going to be holding a fashion event called "Sankofa".   This is very exciting for Amani.  Some of our ladies are currently taking modeling classes and the clothing line will bring additional work to many of our women. 

Words will never express the gratitude I have to those who continue to support me prayerfully and/or financially.  This experience has changed my life and it would have been possible without you.  I appreciate your continued prayers for my remaining time in Kenya.  And always, I plead for your prayers for the women of Amani ya Juu.  

Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - Back in Africa!

I am back and safe in Nairobi, Kenya!   What a wonderful and blessed trip home.   I was able to see many loved ones, meet new babies, attend a wedding I will never forget, and share with many about my time at Amani.  It really went so quickly.   However, for as sad I was to leave, I was equally as excited to return to Nairobi for the rest of the year!  Praise God!

Although I made it safely, I have come back with the cold flu.  I appreciate your prayers for a speedy recovery.   I was told while away that this was going around Amani and Nairobi.  Guess I am not going to be left out this time! 

Will write more soon!