Katja Ahokas' Trip to Kenya, March 10-22, 2006

Day of Departure Friday March 10, 2006

Onboard the airplane from Helsinki to Amsterdam. Clouds can be seen through the windows… Not really feeling nervous, just a little tired. The flight departure was around five in the afternoon from Helsinki.
Africa. I've heard stories and seen pictures, but now I can live out my dream…having the chance to go there myself. I never dreamed of going to Africa before I was born again, or before Hope for Tomorrow, I should say. Africa was around the top of my list of countries that I had no interest in whatsoever. What did You do, God? The answer may be found in this heartfelt attitude and prayer: "Lord, take me wherever You want." That's love - not a cliché. I don't want to refrain from going where the Lord wants to take me.
Upon arrival in Amsterdam. My geography is really poor, I didn't even know what country Amsterdam was in. Please forgive me. The flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi will take over 8 hours. We'll be there early tomorrow morning and Norah will come to get us from the airport.
Airplanes don't feel any more unusual than a train or a bus. I didn't have an "out of the ordinary" feeling. Sure, I could fly more often. This is exciting. The faces of the little children that I've seen in pictures keep rolling around in my mind. And I'm thinking about the prophesy given to me last summer: "Begin to pray for those adorable little black children and you'll find yourself there."

Saturday March 11

Nairobi late at night. I'm sitting on my bed in the hotelroom. Traffic noise can be heard through the open balcony door. Sixth floor, a view to the road and the city - not bad. Even got to spend some time by the pool here at the hotel. The sunset was underway, we got to admire the sun as it peeped through the palms.

Events of the Day:
- Hilarious laughter at breakfast - we were all tired.
- A menacing scheme to dress me in men's suits that were on the way to the pastor was going to be carried out, but wasn't... too bad. :D
- We took a nap.
- Our feet were somewhat swollen.
- We met the pastor couple of Muranga's Kamakuta First Love Church, will have a meeting there tomorrow.
- We met Pastor Luke and had dinner over at his place with his family.
I've been constantly bombarded with thoughts and words regarding business activity and it makes me all the more excited - oh, what do you mean my favorite subject? I got aspirations when Outi and Pastor Luke discussed among other things that we should go out to the marketplace and teach people God's principles and train them how to start their own business.
During this trip I have become more certain as to what I want to keep on studying: business, especially international business activity. The thought has come to me many times that I'd like to be a part of some kind project that i.e. helps people in developing countries through entrepreneurship. We'd activate people (give them momentum) and encourage them to work, give them an opportunity for an education (reserves, schooling, etc.), inform people of their rights as citizens and show them how to be responsible and active citizens who can influence their community and all of society. Easier said than done, but maybe this is what I'd like to do. It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of learning, but is it not true that anything is possible to him who believes? It would be so nice to entwine business and helping people. I'd like to be used by God in the areas of gifting that He has already given me. I place my five loaves and two fish into Jesus' hands. Only time will tell what He is going to make out of them.

Sunday March 12

We travelled to Muranga by a little bus from Nairobi with a nice driver, Steven. I got to be in the middle that which I've seen only in some documentaries. Merchants on the streets, lots and lots of people, unique houses and oodles of churches. Every now and then a sign went by, leading to some church. We bought some fruit while on the road. Those tiny bananas were pretty cute, the mangos were just right and the "tree tomato" was a new experience to the taste buds. We were riding along the red, crooked, water-worn roads, thanking Jesus it didn't rain that day. It would have been quite difficult to drive on those roads in the rain.
Arriving in Muranga: it was hot. I was astonished to see them receive us with singing and rejoicing. I've never seen such a thing and wasn't sure how to behave. It followed with hugs and kisses. Peculiar. And I thought there would be no culture shock, but I suppose found myself in one. What's amazing is that in the middle of nowhere, there in the mountains there's a little church where the high praises of God almost burst the eardrums... but maybe it was because the sound system was cranked to 10? The church building, from a finnish perspective, looked more like some kind of shed or hut than a church... and when I saw Pastor Kamau's home (dirt floor, clay walls, and a sheet metal roof), I found these people were living in very modest conditions, but they weren't complaining. They love Jesus and are so happy. There's something to learn for the Western, hedonistic person, who wants everything served from a silver platter.
The children marveled at the digicamera laughed when they saw their own picture. After the service we distributed to the people some food: corn, butter, sugar and also some soap. I still don't realize fully how important that aid was to many people. Probably because I don't live there myself.
We went to give out food to a home. It was in the middle of nowhere with only a few houses in the area. I was left astonished because when the car stopped, we were surrounded by children! Where in the world did all of them come from??
The local bathroom didn't shock me, almost like going to a finnish outhouse, except this had only a hole in the ground. If I'm ever going to build a summer cottage, I will seriously consider a change over to a more ascetical lifestyle and duplicate this hole-in-the-ground-patent. Just kidding. Bladders were about to explode a few times, but we survived. Anything can always be survived, right?
The scenery... it was different... can't say that it was absolutely gorgeous, but it was unlike anything else, so it stopped me. I got one new mother again. Catherine, the pastor's wife, said to me, "You are my daughter. You are in my heart." My mouth was left open… I'm probably one of those mother-magnets. It doesn't matter, I don't mind being adopted as a daugher. : Oh yeah, now in my bunch I have a blackmama : or MAMA, as they say..

Monday March 13

We got to visit the Finnish Embassy. It's nice to see how God works and opens doors. Up to this point this trip has been so different. I wouldn't be seeing and experiencing all this if I'd be here as a mere tourist. What can I say in one sentence? I'M SO PRIVILEGED TO BE HERE! Don't know how to tell Daddy a thank you big enough…
The visit to the embassy impacted my heart again with something about business... and helping people. Isn't it weird that you have to come all the way to Africa to get something like this put into your heart. Various forms of energy production that I've been interested in came across at the embassy, along with sustainable development. Now it's becoming clear why I've been interested in these things. Maybe one day in some way I could be helping people of developing countries along these lines, in business, energy and other ways? These are just thoughts, maybe totally off-the-wall visions… But at least this trip has activated my brain waves. Ha. Besides, who's gonna keep me from dreaming?
The traffic culture here is entertaining: people weaving in and out of traffic, crosswalks are like missing... or no they aren't; you got one where you want one. And what we call in Finland proper lane positioning… can't really talk about it on the same day. But it's amusing to watch!

Saturday March 18

Mombasa. When we got here a couple of days ago, Michael, our driver, came to get us from the airport. The weather is warm and humid. The summer in Nairobi was more like in Finland, a bit chilly. Once arriving here we went straight to Camp David Centre, where the mamas welcomed us with singing and rejoicing. We took a look at the premises and conversed with David. We also took a look at the Centre's kindergarden: the space was really small, in one classroom there might be 60 children, all crammed together like herrings in a barrel. Camp David Centre is situated near the slum. The surroundings didn't shock me, maybe because I'm used to seeing all kinds of things in Russia, Estonia and Latvia.
These women, or mamas, make things like hand bags at the Centre. We saw how they were made. The Centre has altogether 12 Kenyan employees and Hope for Tomorrow field-coordinator Mikko Välimaa. On Wednesday, for the first time, I walked along the beautiful white sand beach of the Indian ocean. It was low tide so the sand wasn't soft at all. But the sun was nice and warm. Unfortunately it began to rain just when we were going swimming. But I did have time to try some coconut ice cream - yummy!
The others are just now evangelizing in the slum area in three places. Too bad I couldn't go. I'm sick, so I stayed at the hotel to rest.
We were at the Safari the day before yesterday (Thursday). Regrettably I didn't get to see Simba (the lion) himself... but we did see elephants, giraffes, zebras and cheetas. It was really hot and, in spite of fearing snakes and whatever, we had to go to the bushes. Getting out of the car is not allowed, but when you gotta go, you gotta go.
Yesterday (Friday) morning we went downtown. We paid a visit to the dress store, or the fabric shop, what it's officially called I don't know. From there I ordered myself one dress. Where will I be able to use it? And I drank some coconut, didn't taste like coconut at all. It was comical to be there, because from somewhere, all the time, music - and life - could be heard. The atmosphere wasn't hurried or oppressive, but relaxed. It was nice to follow what the people were doing. Just had to stay alert. Having light complexioned skin draws a lot more attention from the locals for sure.
In the afternoon we went again to Camp David Centre, where Outi preached to the women. Each one was given a scarf and a rose. They had come up with a program for us, some singing and some drama. It was fun.

Sunday March 19

Jesus Celebration Centre. Kirsi Nyrhinen from Finland and Pia Lindt from Sweden have been missionaries in Kenya and are members of this church. It was a big tent, but even larger was the frame of the new church building that was being constructed nearby. The meeting attendance was probably around 5000, our driver Michael estimated. It was a good service, one Indian woman walked out of a wheelchair. I was really amazed. These people seem to have such simple faith in God. Probably has to do with not having the head puffed up with knowledge so God is not analyzed small and reasoned out of the picture. My opinion only? I didn't feel an explosive presence of the Holy Spirit, and that's why I marveled greatly to see this woman walk. I don't understand. Why make things so difficult sometimes and view God to be so small? We could just trust in who He says He is and what He says He can do. So just go ahead and lay your hands on the sick. Easier said than done... but I wanna learn, Daddy!
The afternoon was spent at the hotel. I took a swim in the Indian ocean - aah! We admired the sun. This time the sand was like potato flour. I walked along the shore, and the footprints were washed away by the waves. A thought came to me: that's what Jesus did - He took our sins and washed them away for good, never to be seen again. They're just gone.
I wondered how small those little crabs can be?! The holes they make in the sand are so tiny. The palms are so beautiful. It's so nice and warm, and even though it was windy at the beach, we didn't get cold. I could stay here.

Monday March 20

The cultural differences can also be seen in how these people do business. Bargaining is going on everywhere, and the service is flexible, "no hurry". Hehe. WESTERNERS HAVE IT HARD HERE! But I enjoy it. I'm lucky to be the type who doesn't lose their temper right away. Even though my feet got tired and my head too, I didn't lose it. I decided to take it easy. I hope some of this unhurried attitude will get on me. I mean, because in Finland one needs to be so effective and productive. Yes, I want to be that too, but without stress. I don't want to forget what's really important: having and enjoying life. No wonder these people don't get tired of smiling... they don't stress? Do they even know such a term? Ha.
I'm of the opinion that every Finn should be brought here to learn about life. No matter how highly educated you are or how high you've ascended on your career ladder, you can learn from them who have nothing. To learn that which has real value: life.
The matatus… for goodness sake, what cars! Nice bumper stickers on the back windshields and on the sides: "God is Able", "Give God a Chance", "Psalm 91" and so on... well, there were some other non-spiritual texts as well. But those are some great faith lifters, it wasn't boring to check them out. What is a matatu? Well it's like a mini van that people use to get from one place to another. Here you don't really see normal buses like we have in Finland. The traffic is so different. Oh, I think I love this place.
Gotta write a little about the lovely fruit here. Sure, you can get mangos from Finland. And pineapple and whatnot, BUT HERE I've learned to enjoy them in a whole new way. Mm-mm good. Especially mangojuice. During this trip I've eaten more than well. I cannot complain. Michael said that I should gain five kilograms. Maybe no can do? Maybe it will happen if I continue to eat like this. What a goal. Hmm…
We went to Camp David Centre and met up especially with the kids. Outi taught them a game called "head, shoulders, knees and toes". We got to watch how the precious 2- to 6-year-olds performed for us their games and songs IN ENGLISH. Priceless. I took loads of pictures of them. It was so cute when they prayed and covered their eyes with their hands. How could I ever forget the laughing little princess who giggled in between just about everything… What sparkling eyes! And you ask if they captured my heart?! I'm a little upset for not knowing how to approach the children; the trip was intensive and tiring, I wasn't in the zone... but the past is the past, no use feeling sorry. These people and places I will remember forever. It's been such a different culture, environment, nature, people... everything. Dumbfounding.
We went to the place where they make the little wooden animals. In that area there are many workshops and many workers under little roofs. There are at least 2000 workers there, or even more? Pretty interesting. The man, whose wooden animals have been bought by Hope for Tomorrow to be sold, it didn't take him long to carve a wooden lion. Skillful. We then went to Simon's friend's store to buy those animals. And bargained again. I guess here you learn to be tough when you realize that all prices are way too high. Would the same work in Finland? Should start trying. So I got my presents and postcards. Embarrassing, I send my postcards on the last day. Tomorrow I'll get my braids, I have an appointment here at the hotel's salon. I hope it's not gonna take too long, because we're going to travel back to home Finland that evening. So I won't wilt.
Funny, when we went to the shopping market, on the end of the checkout there was always someone packing your stuff into bags. Weird. During this trip I never got used to having someone else carrying my bags and letting them pack my stuff at the checkout. Because I'm used to doing everything by myself.

Tuesday March 21

We're leaving back home. It's nice to go back, even though it could be nice to stay. But you don't always get everything you want. Now I have braids - really hip. Under 40 euros, in Finland it would've cost a couple hundred euros. How wrong. And the speed at which the girls were braiding the locks... hello, I couldn't do that. But it kinda set my teeth on the edge when I went to the hair salon in the morning at the appointed time and the lady wasn't there. I was told she would be there in about two hours. At that point my patience ran short and I informed them that maybe I wasn't going to take those braids. It was funny because the other lady told me that maybe she was going to be there in about an hour. Promised to call my room, and she did. In fact, it didn't take the lady an hour. I'm amazed, because there are believers are all over this place. Janitors in the hotel, the ladies in that salon. Well, I don't know if they all were, but anyway. Amazing. I still have a little time to sunbathe. The flight home leaves tonight. Feels strange to go back…

Wednesday March 22

Home. Finland. Lots of sunshine today. The snow has melted - at least a little bit. But it feels strange, like I'm still over there walking on the white sand…By closing my eyes I can feel the warmth of the sunrays on my skin and the humid breeze. I wanna go back! The return flight went well. It was nice. All the events of the trip are still quite scattered in my head, so much has been seen and experienced. I conclude by saying Thank You Jesus.

Pictures from the trip