http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org Denise Roberts - - Bringing the Father to the Fatherless en-us Thu, 3 Jul 2008 19:37:36 GMT 30 http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=truth-in-the-humor http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=truth-in-the-humor Okay so after the past couple heavy posts I decided to share humor for no reason other than humor.  When we walked into the orphanage the first time it was fun to see all the new posters hung up in the sitting room and reminders of the rules and things for the kids.  This poster obviously caught my attention.  Jacklin made it and we laughed about it a lot.  But in the humor there is also truth.  Most of the stupid stuff we do we know is stupid at the time we do it.&nbs Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=internally-displaced-people http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=internally-displaced-people Kenya is now struggling to figure out what to do with thousands and thousands and thousands of Internally Displaced People (IDPs).  These are people who fled their homes and areas due to the violence.  Many have lost everything - homes, land, personal belongings, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons.  Many who have lost their family members know the people who committed these horrific acts.  Now they are being told to return home.  Where is home?  How do you go back Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-now http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-now It's hard to explain Kenya now. If I hadn't lived there before I might not notice any appreciable difference on the surface. Having seen all the pictures and videos online during the violence and knowing where those places are I expected to drive through burned out homes, shops and general devastation. But in true temporary housing fashion most of the burned areas have been rebuilt, reclaimed and reorganized already. Toi market has risen from the ashes a much miore organized shopping area. Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=mothers-day-thoughts http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=mothers-day-thoughts Once again mothers day is here.  It's part of life here, something we celebrate.  As children we make little construction paper cards with crayons, glitter and glue, and pick dandelions as if they are long stem roses.  Even today, we thank our mothers for all they have done for us and take them out to brunch and bring them actual roses.  It would be hard for someone to forget Mother's day becuase it's everywhere TV commercials, radio ads, on every store front.  It's real Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=returning-to-kenya http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=returning-to-kenya Once again, God has shown that my plans are not His plans! As many of you know, Kenya has gone through two months of civil unrest, violence and chaos following the December 27th elections (for more info see my blog at http://deniseroberts. myadventures.org). Due to this, I was unable to return in January as previously planned. We have been in contact with our friends, staff and the kids via cell phones and email. They are now reporting that calm has returned and held for over a month. We are p Mon, 5 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=african-food-anyone http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=african-food-anyone While I wait for God's timing of my return to Kenya I am keeping busy working on fundraising and awareness raising for the orphans in Kenya. The challenge is finding new people to talk to and ways to get the information out. While I was in the Chicago area recently, I hosted a couple of dinners at various friends' homes where I would cook traditional Kenyan foods and they would invite friends over who were open to learning about Kenya. It is great to help people experience this small part of d Mon, 5 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=on-the-road-again http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=on-the-road-again Once again I find myself in the land of ice and snow (aka: Chicagoland).  It's good to catch up with friends and be in an area busier than Holdrege,NE. But I find that this trip is also about coming to terms with Kenya's situation.  It's realizing that Kenya has desended to a place where it is unsafe for me to be there.  When I left in August I NEVER believed that I wouldn't be back there now.  It is painfully surreal.  It's feeling that I need and want to tell everyone Sat, 9 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=choosing-to-walk-alone http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=choosing-to-walk-alone It is with a broken heart that I report that Moreen has chosen to leave AIM House.  She has had a rough life and has struggled to find her place in the house and to live with in the rules that make life with 15 kids organized.  When she came to us 4 years ago she had been taught many strange things because of cults she had been exposed to and had received basically no education as a 14 year old girl.  Now, 4 years later she continues to struggle in school because of her age relate Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-relief-fund-established http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-relief-fund-established The latest news out of Kenya is that over 300 have died and 70,000 have been displaced in the wake of a flawed election. Please help us reach out to the poor who are most affected with a donation to help us buy food for the orphans in the slum of Kibera. Any money you give will be wired directly to our base to buy food. Click on the Link below to give now to the Relief Efforts!https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=kenyaBaseRelief The country's economy has shut down and most neighb Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=friends-in-kibera-report http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=friends-in-kibera-report This is written by my friend and co-worker Kayla and gives updates on more people: Reports from our Kenyan friends and what they're saying:Michelle:  they're doing ok.  Although currently displaced from their home, they have found a safer place to stay for a bit.  "It's obvious there will be war on Thursday...millions fighting and deaths.""We don't know what turn Kenya will take. We don't know how to manage if it doesn't improve soon.""People are desperate and will Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=situation-update http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=situation-update This is written by my friend and co-worker Kayla on the current situation: I just spent several hours calling many of our friends in Kenya to inquire about their wellbeing amist the chaos and violence.  It did my heart good to hear them as up until this point we've been unable to reach many of them.  Turns out that 2am (11am in Kenya) is an excellent time to reach them, ha.  Here's the latest report: Everyone is living in fear of what will happen this Thursday.  The opposit Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=do-we-truly-believe http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=do-we-truly-believe The past few days have been overwhelming.  I find myself glued to any news I can find.  Scanning through news pictures searching for a glimpse of a familiar face, wanting assurance they are okay.  We've now gotten confirmation from all but 3 of the kids that they are safe and well.  And I've spoken to many friends on the phone and been able to confirm their safety and mutual friends' safety.  And yet my stomach is in knots.  These people have become my family Thu, 3 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=january-1-update http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=january-1-update I just got off the phone with our good friend Evans (of Evans, Humphrey and Sammy).  He sounds seriously tired, worried and frightened.  The reports continue to be difficult.  Toi Market the main clothing, and food source for Kibera has been completely burnt down.  "It is completely gone".  There is no food to be had in Kibera, "Even if you had money there is nothing to buy".  Evans and Humphrey are staying at Humphrey's Father's house as his family is upco Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=beauty-from-ashes http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=beauty-from-ashes I called Pastor Humphrey the pastor of Toi Calvary tonight as I'd seen pictures on BBC of Toi market having been burnt down and wanted to let him know we were praying for him and his church.  He reports: "The church is still standing."  What!?  I saw the pictures.  I know the church is in the middle of Toi market.  How is that possible.  "They tried to burn it with fire but fire can't burn it".  Mind you, this church is made of nothing different from the surrou Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-postelection-chaos http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kenya-postelection-chaos As many people have heard the post election situation in Kenya has descended into a state of complete Chaos.  To recap for those who have missed it. December 27 elections were held for the presidency with the front runners being Mwai Kibaki (sitting president) and Raila Odinga (Member of parliment representing Kibera). On Friday rioting began for delayed results.  On Sunday afternoon the Electoral commission declared Kibaki the winner and he was immediately sworn in for a second te Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=life-in-the-us http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=life-in-the-us Ever wanted to yell "Stop the World I want to get off?"  For those who can't keep track of me, I'm now in Chicago.  I had a wierd situation the other day where I was walking through walmart and I suddenly realized I had actually no idea what state I was in.  I was in Kansas at the time but let's just say it was a disconcerting feeling.  Since returning from Kenya I've been in NE, KS, CO, NE, IL, GA, AL, GA, FL, IL, NE, KS, NE, KS, NE, IA, and now IL.  Hence the Walmart m Mon, 3 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=questions-answered http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=questions-answered When are you returning to Kenya? I'm learning the art of flexibility. I will defenately be in Kenya by the first part of January. I'm hoping to be in Kenya for Christmas but due to the planned elections on Dec 27 we are uncertain of the stability of Kibera during that time. That decision will be made by Thanksgiving. How will this trip to Kenya be different? So much will be different. Two new staff members will come to take over the responsibilities for the school so that will be a huge stres Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=meet-eva-our-new-house-mom http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=meet-eva-our-new-house-mom Eva came to join our orphanage in July. I can't say how thankful I am that God brought her to us! She comes very well trained: she has gone to school for nursing, tailoring, and was previously a hired teacher for home-schooled kids from 4th grade through 12th grade. She is also nearing completion of a two year Bible Training certificate from the Pastor's Training School in Kibera. She's doing a great job but it's such a hard position. These kids are great, happy kids on the outside but insid Wed, 7 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=please-pray-for-moreen http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=please-pray-for-moreen Moreen, our oldest girl at the orphanage, has had a hard life.  She's only been with us a few years and before she came to us she had no schooling, seemingly no positive adult role models, plenty of frightening and wierd "religious" practices and beliefs and little love.  Now, She is having a lot of trouble with school, authority, life in Kibera and more. A week ago she got in a fight with Eva who is caring for the home. Eva had been working hard to help Maureen even when others in t Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=first-birthday-at-13 http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=first-birthday-at-13 I don't remember my first birthday party. I have seen pictures and know that there was a cake that didn't farewell from the experience. I remember when I was 3 and mom made me a Big Bird cake and I remember the year I had chicken pox on my birthday. I'm sure you're like me. Birthdays come and go and you assume people will say "Happy Birthday" and there is an assumption of at least a small celebration. Kevin Msiega will always remember his first Birthday party and his first cake -- lemon with b Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=our-greatest-fear http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=our-greatest-fear "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=big-changes http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=big-changes Beginning Saturday, February 17, big changes have been made at the AIM childrens home here in Kibera. Our previous house father and his family, after four years of service have moved on to new ministries. Now, Zitah, Shosho (Swahili for grandma) and I begin a new era there. I moved to the flat that overlooks the orphanage to be closer and more hands-on day to day. Zitah (our 18 year old who just graduated from high school) is responsible for cooking, purchasing food, some cleaning and gen Sat, 3 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=moses-hill-covenant-women-blankets http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=moses-hill-covenant-women-blankets Last March I emailed my mom and asked if Covenant Women would be interested in making blankets for the orphans.  I had a way to get all of them here in May without charge but that only left them 6 weeks to make 15 blankets.   Those sweet ladies jumped into the task with full energy and they arrived here last May.  Not only did they make 15 blankets but they made each one different, no two are alike.  These will be blankets that the kids can take with them when they Sat, 3 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=tour-of-our-house http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=tour-of-our-house Join me in a tour of our house... This is the room for our four boys: Kevin Mw, Kevin Mg, Joseph and Stephen:  This is part of the girls' room. These are the beds for Effy, Purity, Everlyn, Martha, Janet and Ivon: This is the other half of the girls' room and is where Safia and Moreen sleep: This is our sitting room. The other half of the sitting room has tables for homework: This is the kids' kitchen: Effy and Martha are doing laundr Sat, 3 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=francis-and-joseph http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=francis-and-joseph A story of some of the kids we work with. Francis (16 years) and Joseph (13 years)s parents have both passed away. Their father passed away when they were still quite young. Their mother passed away in 2003 after a long illness. Francis still gets emotional when talking about his mom and it appears he was present when she actually passed away. As the oldest child living at home, many, many responsibilities were thrust on Francis as their mother got sicker. They were originally Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=Meet-the-Kids http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=Meet-the-Kids Kevin Mwingizi is our oldest boy. Hes 16 years old and in Standard 7 (7th grade). His favorite color is green and he likes to eat chapatti (Kenyan staple flat bread like a thick tortilla or like Indian nan) and drink soda. His favorite subjects in school are mathematics, Christian religious education (CRE is a standard of all schools in Kenya), and Engligh. After school he likes to play sports, especially football (soccer). When Kevin grows up he wants to be a teacher. When asked who Jesus i Thu, 22 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=seeking-prayer-partners-for-my-kids http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=seeking-prayer-partners-for-my-kids Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child in ways that money cant buy? We are seeking dedicated, faithful prayer partners for our kids at New Adventure School and our Childrens Home. Many of our kids at New Adventure School are also orphans who live with guardians who struggle just to put food on the table. Our kids at our Home are all orphans as well. One of the things that these kids lack that I took for granted as a child was the blessing of praying parents. They have Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kibera-kronicles-4 http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kibera-kronicles-4 It has been a crazy few months for me so again I apologize for not writing but know that I continue to need your prayer support. Your prayers have help in more ways than you can ever imagine from food poisoning; good-byes to FYMs; staffing changes; getting lost in a not to great area of Kiberia and God sending Pastor Wycliffe to rescue me; and below are just a few other things I have encountered these past few weeks.   I worked with a medical team for two weeks the end of Mon, 5 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kibera-kronicles-2 http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kibera-kronicles-2 Thank you all for your prayers and emails they have been very encouraging. Sometimes when you are so far away from friends and family it is easy to feel forgotten but you all have made sure that I dont feel that way. Thank you for your concerns, and questions and encouragement dont hesitate to email, I love hearing from you all. Here are some highlights of the past month: Orphans and Dramas This first Saturday in March I was in charge of neighborhood ministry with the FYM team to Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kibera http://deniseroberts.myadventures.org/?filename=kibera Tuesday, February 7, 2006 I wish I could have taken you along today. I walked out our little cul-de-sac onto the main part of Karanja Road, by now becoming more and more familiar, along with Kaitlan, Jayla, Joe and Pastor Wycliffe the associate pastor from Calvary Evangelistic Fellowship which meets in the middle of Toi Market. We walked along talking over the ever present "How are YOU?" from the local school children - no matter what time of day they seem to be there. We turned down a well w Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT