Jen's Journal

Engagement Story

2010-11-27T04:31:00.000-08:00

Before I start, I would like to give a little preface to the story. In African culture, the guy has to give a dowry to the girl's family before he can marry her. But, in my case, Nic didn't have to do that because that's not part of the American culture. And plus, how could I send 6 goats to my parents' house in America? But, I did warn him that instead of a dowry, he did have to call my parents and receive their blessing. My dad was going to be out of town starting last Monday for the next 2 weeks. So, meaning, Nic had to call him before he left. Sunday night Nic made the comment, “Oh, yah, your dad is leaving tomorrow.” He said it in a way that made me think he hadn't talked to my dad yet. So, I wasn't anticipating an engagement yet.

Nic and I were invited to a special dinner on Thursday night, November 25th, for Liza Mucheru-Wisner, one of the 4 finalist in Donald Trump's 'The Apprentice' show. She's Kenyan but married to an American and lives in TX and she happened to be in town for the week. It was at a really nice and classy golf course called Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Kenya. I had just finished having Thanksgiving lunch at one of my coworker's home. After that I met Nic in town to go to this other dinner. When we got there, we got a tour of the golf course and hung out with some of Nic's friends while we waited for Liza to arrive. Finally she did, along with lots of other people. There were many speeches and presentations. Then, we ate. We just relaxed and took it easy.

Around 11pm people were leaving. I was getting tired, so when we were one of the last people there, we finally decided to leave. On our way out, we walked over to a pond in the center of the golf course. He started telling me how much he loved me and how important I was to him. It was very sweet. But, in the middle of his talk, his friend called and asked him where we were. Nic told him we were next to the pond. The guy said he hoped we weren't on the grass. Nic said we were and asked if that was a problem. The friend said yes because if the guards saw us, we could get in trouble (golf clubs have so many strict rules). We then walked over to a different grassy area where the guards couldn't see us. There was a tree in the middle and Nic started talking about the tree (the poor guy was nervous). At one point, I was standing between Nic and the tree. Then Nic pointed at the tree and asked, “What in the world is that tree trying to grow?” So I turned around and said, “Well, flowers, of course.” But, I was thinking, “What is wrong with this man?” When I turned back around Nic was on one knee and he said, “Jen, I have a question to ask you.” He pulled out a box and opened it. I started laughing out of nervousness and because I was still thinking his comment about the tree was so funny and random. He then asked, “Jen, will you marry me?” I kissed him and of course said, “Yes.” He proceeded to tell me sweet things. I was in a bit of a daze because I couldn't believe this was finally happening to me. I never thought this day would actually come for me. So, it feels a bit like I'm dreaming.

We then took pictures. I did have a panic moment and asked Nic if he had called my parents. He said yes, that he had called them earlier in November (2 weeks earlier to be exact and he played it off so I wouldn't suspect). He proceeded to tell me about his conversation with them. My dad asked him a bunch of important questions and Nic successfully passed. Then, Dad asked him what he was going to do if I said no (you must know that my father is a jokester). Nic said he would have to go to Plan B, but he wasn't sure what that would be. So, Dad told him to make sure and give me lots of chocolate and then I would for sure say yes (when I was a kid, in our family photos I wouldn't smile unless they gave me chocolate). So, anyways, my parents gave him their blessing.

When we got to the car, first thing he did was opened the door for me. Then, when he got in he held my hand and prayed. He thanked God for our relationship, our engagement, for him not making a complete fool of himself, and that we would have a godly future. I was AMAZED!!! I was so distracted by the engagement, that I didn't even think about praying and thanking God. When Nic prayed, I was so thankful to God that He gave me a man like Nic. That was my favorite part about the whole engagement. After praying together, Nic handed me a plastic bag full of really yummy dark chocolate (my favorite). I thought it was a bit strange, but at this point it was midnight and now the 26th, so I figured it was for my birthday. I didn't know yet what my dad had told him about the chocolate. When I got home, I called my mom to tell her what happened. I couldn't call my dad because he was in another country without communication. So, when I told my mom the story, she busted out laughing when I told her about the chocolate. Then, she proceeded to tell me that Dad had told Nic to get me lots of chocolate. When I asked Nic why he got me the chocolate, he said that he had to be sure that I would say yes. So, he had to do what my dad said since my dad is a wise man.

It turns out that Nic had wanted to wait until midnight to propose so that it would have officially been my birthday. But, ends up he proposed 30 minutes before my 30th birthday. So, he was still pleased with that. It was a very sweet proposal.

I LOVE ...

2010-10-22T02:25:00.000-07:00

my life
my family
that even though I'm thousands of miles away from family & friends, modern technology allows me to be in daily contact with them
learning new things
seeing new places
watching action movies
colors
my church in TX (Arlington Hispanic Bible Church)
my church in Kenya (Karen Community Church)
jewelry
flowers
dark chocolate
living in Kenya
my students, even if I don't show it
my job, despite the hardships
what God is doing with my life
listening to thunderstorms while wrapped in a blanket
playing games
soccer
hanging out with close friends, just talking
dessert
Asian chicken salad
wearing jeans
listening to music in the car while singing at the top of my lungs
the feeling after working out really hard
being right, which is not too often
the feeling after shaving my legs
getting text messages from special people
the way I was raised
traditions
Christmas time
Thanksgiving meal
my birthday
when leaves change colors
when flowers bloom
getting emails
making lists
checking off things from my to-do list
being organized
plain Cheerios
that I am a TCK (third culture kid)
to travel
watching & listening to people who are REALLY good at playing the piano
colors of a sunset
when you can't see the sun, but you can see the sunrays streaming down through the clouds to touch the earth
farms
agriculture
John Deere branded items
Christmas lights
my office
my Lord & Savior
His amazing grace
His unconditional love

Facebook | Sent - support

2010-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Facebook Sent - support:

http://www.nics.org/donation.php

These are the following ways to support me financially (using the website above), while still getting a tax deduction:

1)Send a check to the organization I work for at:
Network of International Christian Schools
3790 Goodman Rd E.
Southaven, MS 38672

2)Send money online with your credit/debit card at: http://www.nics.org/.
Go to:
1. 'donate',
2. 'donate securely online',
3. next to destination - select 'missionary project',
4. under 'select a school' - pick 'Nairobi(Kenya)',
5. under 'select a person' - pick 'Prather,Jennifer(003282)'.
6. fill out 'Donation amount',
7. fill out all the billing information.

3)Or you can have automatic withdrawals from your bank account by filling out the 'Automatic Donation Form' on the above website.

Random Thoughts

2010-07-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

Random Thought #1: I was talking to my Dad on skype the other day. My nieces are staying with my parents for the week to go to camp. The other morning, on the way to camp, my Dad was praying with them. He started by thanking God for the weather, for their health, for the girls going to camp, and so on. Then Ellie (8) prayed, "Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for our sins." Dad said that after that he felt like such a jerk. Here he is a pastor and missionary and praying simple prayers because he thought that's all they would recognize. But then his grandaughter prayed, thanking God for His atonement. Kids are amazing. No wonder Jesus tells us to have "faith like a child."

Random Thought #2: Yesterday I was working in my office at school. One of my students, whose mother works in the office, came to see me. He said he was bored sitting in his mom's office, so he thought he would come see if I needed any help with anything. I had him help me move all of my Physics lab equipment from one classroom to another. We got to talking about our summer and other random topics. Then we started to talk about dating, relationships, and what we believe God intended marriages to look like. We came to the conclusion that no matter what, we have to always trust the Lord in everything and pray about all things in our lives. After our conversation he said, "This is what is different about our school." I said, "What?" He said, "That we can talk to our teachers about stuff." I thought about it. He's right. Our school is special because the kids can feel safe to talk to their teachers about all kinds of matters, and they know their teachers will be real with them. I'm very thankful for that. This is one of the reasons why I love my job.

Random Thought #3: In my quiet time this morning, I was reading about Miriam (Moses' sister) and how she had that moment when she questioned Moses' authority and ability to lead the Israelites. In doing so, she was also questioning and undermining God's authority because God was the One who had placed Moses in that position. It caused me to reflect on myself. I am very much like Miriam. I often question those in authority over me and have a hard time submitting to them. But I realized this morning that when I do that, I am also undermining God's authority and I am ultimately not trusting in His sovereign plan. God is the One who has allowed for those different individuals to be in leadership over me and I have to respect and obey them. This doesn't mean I have to agree with decisions they may make, but I need to submit to their authority anyways. They will have to answer to God for the decisions they have made while in leadership, and I will have to answer to God for my attitude and the way I have responded towards them.

Caution: I'm on a Rampage

2010-07-29T02:26:00.000-07:00

Lord, help me to be cautious with whatever I say next. Amen.

I just finished reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Wow! Can I say "convicted"? I am convicted of my current life and what I'm doing, or what I'm not doing. I'm turning 30 this year and what do I have to show for it? If God were to ask me "What have you done with what I have given you?", what would I say? I have the desire to obey and follow the Lord, but I realize I only do it half-heartedly. What's with that?! God didn't give His only Son, to die on the cross for my sins, half-heartedly. My life is but a vapor on this earth. In the grand scheme of things, my life is here and gone in no time. And what am I doing with it? How am I making a difference? What impact am I leaving behind? How am I leading people to Christ? How am I even showing Christ to others? How am I loving others, including my enemies? How am I serving others? How am I making myself smaller so that He can be greater?

Sure, my title right now is "missionary teacher in Nairobi, Kenya." But, if you were to see my life here, it's not much of a sacrifice. I'm currently staying in a really nice home, using a car, have a salary that provides for my needs here, have running water, have electricity, have house help, have lots of clothes, have a computer, have lots of shoes, have my own office at work, and so on. People in America tend to have a misconception of "Africa." They tend to automatically think that all of Africa is in the bush or desert and people live in huts with no running water or electricity. This is wrong! Sure, there are lots of places in Africa that are like that, and there are some areas that are more difficult than others to live in. But, let me set the record straight for Nairobi, Kenya (since I have not been to other parts of Africa, I can only say for this part). The areas that white people live in are not difficult. We have everything we need and more here. Yes, driving is crazier than it is in the US and there is not the wonderful world of convenience like in America, but the only thing we truly sacrifice by being here is being with our family and friends back in the States (in fact this past summer when I was home, I saw more family than I did when I used to live there). Last year I played the victim by using the phrase "missionary in Africa," and I was incredibly wrong to do that. For that, I am sorry. I am not a victim of anything. I live very comfortably here. I have never wanted to live long term in America due to fear of becoming too comfortable. I know myself. If I lived in the States I believe I would simply rationalize my life and say that my ministry is just to be nice to people and show them God's love in my everyday walk. But there are plenty of nice people out there that are loving, but not Christians. So how is someone to tell me apart from them? Evangelism is not one of my spiritual gifts, but I'm still commanded to evangelize to the unsaved. Am I doing that? No. The thing that I realize by living in Nairobi is that I can get just as comfortable here as I would be in the States. So something has to change in me, not where I live.

How am I furthering the Kingdom of God? I currently teach rich kids who have no clue as to how blessed they are when there is plenty of poverty surrounding us. Am I showing them what God's love really looks like? They just see me as the typical white person who comes to Africa in the name of “missions.” They wonder, “How long is she going to last? How long before she leaves like others who left because life in Africa seems too hard?” I'm tired of being like everyone else. How am I going to make a difference in the lives of others in this next year?

Here are some examples of people I know who have made a difference:

Rayder Hawkins- missionary in Brazil for as long as I can remember; most exciting, exuberant man I have ever met who is clearly in love with the Lord; was heavily involved in his ministry all the way until he passed away in his 80's.
Tommy Skipper- missionary with us in Spain when I was a child; also extremely exciting and joyful man who deeply loves the Lord; currently evangelizes to prisoners in Oregon while in his 70's.
My parents- working on starting their 4th church while in their 60's.
Vickie Kairo- my friend, a local Kenyan, who is in her mid-20's and working with prisoners in Nairobi; she teaches them, clothes them, and gives them her time.
The Kittrell's- when retired, left the comforts of the USA to become missionaries in Turkey.

These are just a few people who stand out to me. Sure, there are many, many more. None of these people get paid for what they do. They simply trust God and He has never failed to provide for their needs and bless them. What do they have in common? They are all joyful people, they all love the Lord, they all love others. And the majority of them have continued to serve the Lord even in their elder years. That's the kind of person I want to be; the kind that when you are dead and gone, you have left an imprint on someone's life and God has used you to spur them on to greater things.

As Francis Chan says, “The world needs Christians who don't tolerate the complacency of their own lives. What will people say about your life in heaven? Will people speak of God's work and glory through you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, 'What did you do with what I gave you?' What we do reverberates through the heavens and into eternity.”

Facebook | Your Photos - Summer 2010

2010-07-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Facebook Your Photos - Summer 2010: "http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=197439&id=550306089&l=26b1785565"

My Theme Song For This Year

2010-04-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

CAN'T GIVE UP NOW by Mary Mary

There will be mountains that I will have to climb
And there will be battles that I will have to fight
But victory or defeat, it's up to me to decide
But how can I expect to win If I never try.

I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me

Never said there wouldn't be trials
Never said I would't fall
Never said that everything would go the way I want it to go
But when my back is against the wall
And i feel all hope is gone,
I'll just lift my head up to the sky
And say help me to be strong

I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me

No you didn't bring me out here to leave me lonely
Even when I can't see clearly
I know that you are with me

I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where I started from
Nobody told me the road would be easy
and I don't believe he brought me this far to leave me

SAFE lyrics by Natalie Grant

2010-04-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

How did you know
That I'm all alone today
Oh I feel so scared
And I want to go away
I bleed so deep underneath
My soul is screaming

I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love is mending my blisters
And the bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe

Drowning the tears
Won't make it go away
It's robbing my soul
So I've taken this mask off my face, Yea
To discover love
And uncover all
It means to live and breathe

I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love has mended my blisters
And the bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe

When You uncovered, I discovered
I am not afraid
But when we're hiding we end up fighting
To be sane

I'm not gonna hide
I'm not gonna run away
I'll uncover the scars
And show you every mistake
Your love is mending my blisters
And my bruising shame
Here with you
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe
I am safe

Facebook | Your Photos - West Nairobi School

2010-03-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=163714&id=550306089&l=10a5f253dd

Facebook | Your Photos - Valentine's Day

2010-03-28T08:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=161797&id=550306089&l=4ac799c91b

Facebook | Your Photos - Christmas Break '09

2010-03-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152550&id=550306089&l=3d219e62f5

Back to School!

2010-01-12T04:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it's exactly 2 months since I last wrote. How pathetic am I? Updating my blog more often is one of my new year's resolutions (along with flossing). Hope it sticks!

Today was the first day back to school, but it was only a half day. It was good to see the kids again. It reminded me how much I love them and enjoy teaching them (most of the time). This semester I will be teaching the same classes as last semester, but instead of teaching the Old Testament, I'll be teaching the New Testament. I'm REALLY excited about it. I just LOVE the NT. It's so rich and full of amazing truth. I mean, the OT is really great too, but harder for me to get through than the NT. Another class has also been added to my schedule... 9th grade boys PE. I will have them twice a week and we'll simply do fitness. I offered to teach it only for selfish reasons. I said I would do it only if it required doing fitness because I myself want to get in shape, and I want to use this class to force me to workout. Strange, I know. On top of that, girls' soccer has begun and we start having games next week. So, I guess I just didn't think I had enough on my plate. ;-P

Christmas break was nice. I still had voluntary soccer practices with the girls and it was fun. My parents also came from Spain to spend the break with me. It was nice to have them here and for them to see what my life is like here. But I didn't realize it would also be somewhat difficult. This has nothing to do with my parents and everything to do with me. It's difficult to describe in words all that a person goes through when transitioning from one world to another. I feel as though I have two lives... one in the States and one in Africa. And so then to have my parents here was a little strange because it was as though my two lives were now mixing. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have multiple personalities and I'm not being fake in one place and real in another. I'm still myself in both places, but because they are so different from each other and so far from each other, it just feels like two separate lives. I realize this may make no sense, but it's the best way for me to express myself right now. Anyhow, I really did enjoy having my folks, it was just different having them here than me visiting them at home. It wasn't bad, just different. We got to go on safari, we went to Kibera (largest slum in E. Africa), and we also saw a lot of cool and fun things in Nairobi. There's so much to do and see here. And we had a really nice Christmas together too. They liked what they saw of Kenya. We got to visit some homes of Kenyan friends and they really enjoyed experiencing the people and culture first-hand. And I enjoyed introducing them to all of my friends.

I've been doing a lot of thinking and processing about stuff and I find it very difficult to express my feelings and thoughts. I mean, how do I explain what my life is like here on a daily basis? How do I make people back in the States understand what kind of things I go through? And do people really care to even know those details? Sometimes I feel like, why bother with trying to explain, it will just take too long? Maybe that's selfish of me to think that way. I hope I'm not coming across negative, because I don't want to sound that way. Maybe that's why I also have been slacking on updating my blog, because I don't know what to say or how to say it. Does that make sense? But, I do want to be respectful to all of you since you want to hear from me. It's like I want to tell everyone everything about what's happening, what I'm learning, what my frustrations are, and so on. But how?

I still love teaching these kids. I still love living here. I love my family. I love my friends. I love the Lord and am thankful that He brought me all the way over here. And I appreciate you taking the time to read this.

Much Love,
Jen

Facebook | Your Photos - Church Friends

2009-11-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=137356&id=550306089&l=00f17c6a5a

These are pictures of me with my friends from church. I love my church!

Facebook | Your Photos - Kenya 2

2009-11-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=132738&id=550306089&l=710d97291c

These are pictures of our staff retreat to Lake Naivasha awhile ago. Sorry this took so long. On this album is also included pictures of the car my roommate and I purchased when we first got here. There are pictures of our short weekend vacation to Mombasa. And then there are also pictures of me visiting the World Cup Trophy that was on tour here. It was quite the experience.

Update

2009-11-12T04:04:00.000-08:00

So, school is still going really well. I still love my kids and my job. I still really enjoy living here in Kenya.

But life is about to get much busier since soccer season starts next week. I'M SO EXCITED!!! Next week we're doing just straight conditioning. The girls are already complaining. The following week (week of Thanksgiving & my birthday!) we're having tryouts. And then we start practicing after that. We don't start games until 2nd semester. We're supposed to have a U-19 team and a U-15 team. I'll be trying to coach both, with the help of one of the other teachers (Joel Dixon) who coached the guys. I'd also like to thank John Antonisse (girls soccer coach at UT-Dallas) and my friend, Jenny Wedemeier, for helping me a ton with coaching ideas, drills, practices, conditioning and the sort before I left for Kenya. Their resources and expertise have become a huge help to me. I'd also like to thank my brother and sister-in-law for giving me more conditioning ideas from Crossfit. I'm excited to use everything I've been learning from each of these people. I'm really looking forward to the season beginning because I love soccer and I really love the girls. I just hope I can be a good coach.

Sorry it's been so long since my last update...

2009-10-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

I'm just not very good about updating people on my life and keeping in touch with people. I don't know what my problem is. I want people to know what's going on with me and I want to hear about their lives and I miss all of my friends and family a lot. So, you'd think I would be better at this. Maybe it's my job and life that keep me busy, but I think part of it is also the fact that I'm lazy in this area of my life. Sorry.

I think too, sometimes, that I'm not sure exactly what to share with everyone or tell people because I feel like I do the same thing every day, all the time. But, I know people still want to hear about it. So, my last update was in Sept. Since then, I've attended 2 Kenyan weddings, have gotten to know my students more and more, have developed more friendships outside of school with people from the Kenyan church I attend, have begun to really enjoy living here, have played soccer with friends from church, have been staying busy with school but also been socializing, am learning more about life here, am getting more and more used to driving here, it finally started raining (which we desperately need), I fell down the stairs in my house but am ok, have been downtown Nairobi more, saw the biggest birds (storks) I've ever seen in my life, laughed a lot, been cooking more, and have been able to talk to my parents on the phone. We still haven't run out of water at our house, which is a HUGE blessing since it usually happens each year. The electricity rations are on the downturn and should be ending soon.

Weddings in Kenya are very different than in the States. Usually they're open to whoever wants to show up and they feed everyone. After the ceremony, the couple leaves for about 2 hours to get their pictures taken in their various favorite locations. During that time, the guests are all eating and waiting for them. Then, the couple returns and all the women welcome them at their car with singing and dancing, depending on what tribe they're from. They escort them in with singing and dancing and then everyone gets involved. This is followed by the couples' families giving them advice and blessings in front of everyone. There's the cutting of the cake and the wedding proceeds throughout the rest of the day with an after-party. They usually start around 11am or early afternoon. So, it's been quite interesting to attend those. I've enjoyed them.

But, my biggest highlight has been getting to know my students better. I just love them more and more each day. They have been opening up to me, which has been quite the honor and privilege. But, the more I learn about them, the more I realize what their needs are. Even though I'm teaching at a private Christian school, that does not necessarily mean that everyone's on the same track or has the same lifestyles or morals. The kids here are more like my public school kids than private school kids, not to say that's a bad thing. But, I was assuming differently when I first arrived here. These kids have just as many needs as my public school kids did. I've realized teenagers are teenagers no matter where you go. They still all have the same issues, problems, and insecurities. It all boils down to the fact that every one of them needs and wants to be loved and accepted. My biggest challenge now is to know how to reach them, how to get through to them, how to educate them in matters of life not just in my subject. All I know to do right now is pray for them continuously and earnestly. I realize how much I really care about them and desire for them to know God the way I know Him. I'm desperate for them to see God's love through me, but I'm not so sure I'm always doing a very good job. That's my biggest prayer request right now. So, I would covet your prayers for wisdom to know how to reach my students.

Thanks again for reading my blogs. I feel honored.

Many Blessings!

A Beautiful Sunday in Kenya

2009-09-27T04:45:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday afternoon and it's a beautiful day. The sun is shining bright, there's a nice breeze, and I get the blessing of being outside using the internet on a beautiful campus. Our school here is quite the spectacle. There are many pretty plants and flowers here. Right now I'm watching a medium-sized lizard crawl around on a rock. Enjoying God's creation is a blessing to me. I believe that's why He created all of these things, so that we would give Him such glory and honor for creating such wonderful things. Evolution doesn't cut it for me.

I'm so pleased and honored to know that people read my blogs and want to keep hearing stories from me about my life here in Kenya. I really appreciate it and am humbled that y'all would care. Thank you! Also, thanks for so many of your prayers. God is answering. I'm doing really well here. I LOVE my students here so much. I loved my students in the States too, but I'm not sure what's different here. Maybe it's because I get to actually know these students more than the ones at home because at home I had around 170 students, whereas here I only have around 55. It's quite a difference when you're talking about investing in students' lives. I also love teaching the classes I'm teaching. I have so much fun with my students, but I like the subjects too. Plus, the students seem way more interested and participate a lot more than I've encounterred before.

I'm also really excited for girls' soccer season to start. Tryouts won't happen until Nov. Most of the girls who play soccer are playing basketball right now, so I can't do anything with them before tryouts. The guys play soccer during lunch. The other day one of them asked if I would be on their team during lunch. I said sure, but that I was sorry if I caused them to lose. I felt so special! And it was so much fun to play with them.

The students and classes make it all worth while. When I get frustrated at the other things that really bother me, like politics that come into play at any job, then I keep reminding myself of the students and it makes it better. Why does every job have to have politics? It's so annoying, frustrating, and it can get ugly too. But, I guess it could always be worse.

Anyways, today was my 4th time to go to a church that I've decided to be a part of. It's called Karen Community Church. I just LOVE it!!! The worship is AMAZING!!! The teaching is good, sometimes are better than others. Today was my first time to go to the singles' sunday school class. It was great! It's a small group and they're super nice and discuss really great things. They invited me to their camping trip next weekend, and I'm soooooo excited to go. I am the only white girl in the group and I'm just really excited to become friends with some Kenyans and just spend time with other people besides those at school (not that there's anything wrong with school people, but I need some diversity). Plus, I want to see more of Kenya besides just the big city of Nairobi. There's so much more! I really love this church. The people seem really great and seem to have their hearts in the right place. I really desire to get involved somehow.

I know I had promised pics a long time ago and haven't done it yet. I'm really sorry, but I will do my best to get those uploaded soon. I still need to downsize them first before I get download them. Thanks for your patience. And thanks for being interested in my life. Many thanks!

My Heroes

2009-09-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

I would like to write a blog about my parents because they are my heroes. And no, they did not ask me to write this. In fact, they have no idea I have written this. I guess it just makes sense to write about them since I've been homesick lately.

My parents are some of the most amazing people I've ever known. Of course they're not perfect, but oh, wait... none of us are. What a realization. And if you think you are, then just keep lying to yourself. Anyways, that was a side note.

Getting back on track, my parents have been the biggest influences in my life and I'm truly thankful for that because I believe they have been very good influences. They did the best they could raising me, and I don't think I turned out too bad, by God's grace. ;) They taught me the important things in life and taught me about values and morals. They taught me about faith in God, about the grace that He gives, and His unconditional love. They took care of me, they provided for me, and loved me. They have supported me and have always been there for me. They have always believed in my goals and dreams, even when all I wanted to be was a farmer during my growing up years. What little kid says they want to be a farmer all the way until they're in college? My parents could have said, “Maybe you should pick something a little bit more practical and realistic.” But, no, they let me dream and they supported me in that and tried to find ways to get me there.

And I must say, they're also a pretty good-looking couple, still even at their age. :) I couldn't ask God for better parents. God obviously knew what He was doing when He placed me in their family. My parents have always shown strong faith and trust in God during difficult times and circumstances, and believe me when I say 'difficult'. They have been through some not-so pretty times in their lives and still do. But they have always persevered and sought wisdom from the Lord to make it through those times. And seeing that has always encouraged me. They have also always sought the Lord's will and direction in decisions they've had to make in things I've witnessed in their lives. They have lived their adult lives for the Lord, to serve Him, know Him, and love Him. They continuously share God's love and His message with others. Overall, they've been a good testimony to me. And I hope and pray that God gives me the opportunity someday to try to be that kind of a parent to my own children.

Anyways, there's so much more to say, but how do you put it in words? I love hanging out with my parents because they're just so much fun too! They challenge me, keep me accountable, and make me laugh. The list could keep going, but I think I've made my point. I hope you can have the privilege of meeting them someday. They'll bless your socks off!

I Love You, Mom & Dad! -Jenny

Things Commonly Seen/Experienced in Nairobi, Kenya

2009-09-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

at our school, the cafeteria food is 100 times better than at school's in the US
donkeys on the side of the road
goats on the side of the road
people walking everywhere
red dirt everywhere
crazy drivers everywhere
super cheap beautiful roses
mothers carrying their children on their backs like a sack
women carrying huge loads of wood on their backs and walking long distances
cows roaming the main streets looking for grass
'police stops' in the middle of the roads
see lots of shacks
gate guards at every entrance
lots of colorful and noisy birds
pollution
police with machine guns
Obama paraphernalia
holes in the roads
people doing everything by hand
eating a lot of potatoes
people on bicycles
men on the side of the road peeing on a bush
plants being sold on the side of the road
furniture being sold on the side of the road
men standing in the middle of the neighborhood roads selling food, newspapers, mirrors, birds, pirated movies, and anything else
having to maneuver my car around cattle

Here's a common story that happens to me every time I drive at night. Let me first describe to you what driving at night means here. For some strange reason, many people drive with their brights on. There are a few dim street lights overhead. So when it gets dark, it is dark. There are a million holes in the road, but you can't see them with the combination of pitch black and other cars brights shining in your face. In fact, you can't see ANYTHING with that combination. Therefore, here's where the trouble comes in. You see, I live in a country where I am the definite minority in skin color. For some reason, the majority here like to walk out in the middle of the street when it's pitch black outside and they wear dark clothing as well. So, you can just imagine what I'm trying to get at and describe without making it sound wrong. I'm just not sure if they're even aware of why it is so dangerous for them to do this. Do they not really think about it, or does it not even cross their minds that if you have darker skin, and are wearing dark clothes, and it's dark outside, do not cross the middle of the street. I cannot see you and therefore I will more than likely hit you. This is one thing that I have come across that really bothers me.

Things I Took for Granted in the USA

2009-09-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

water supply
power supply
family
friends
smooth roads
more than one lane roads
price of gas
home-cooked meals
drinking water
washing machine that works
clothes dryer
clean water that doesn't stain my clothes
pavement vs. dirt everywhere
having pets/dogs
convenience
simplicity
radio
good preaching/expository teaching
good worship
cheerios
good Mexican food
being around people who really know me
being able to drive somewhere in a remote area whenever I need to just get away 2 be by myself
parks
frozen food
Peter Pan peanut butter
ice
highway litter laws
seeing beautiful farms with red barns
clean air
orderly traffic
being able to run longer than 10 minutes without getting out of breath due to 6000 ft. elevation
seasoning salt
garlic salt
flat land
John Deere
people understanding what I say
PRIVACY
swimming
being able to order water for free
rain
Diet Dr. Pepper
sugar products
cheap, yummy, chewy, sour candy
baked goods
orderly driving
stop signs
traffic lights
people not staring at me all the time because of the color of my skin
being the majority
not seeing people starving
being able to wear whatever jewelry I want
having Christian bookstores
having internet everywhere
fast internet
seeing big pickups everywhere
having a pickup
not having to worry if I'm out after dark
street lights at night
street signs
ability to workout outside in the neighborhood
lanes on the roads
laws that are enforced
being able to flush after every toilet use
using sink water to wash my contacts
having an assortment of substitutes to choose from and use
feeling comfortable
feeling safe
having my own classroom
seeing beautiful wheat fields
not having to convert every purchase into dollars just to know how much I'm really spending
taking a bath
actually being able to shave in the shower
big machines that do the work
yards
not having to re-size all of my photos so they can be downloaded
knowing where everything is

The Census

2009-08-26T01:55:00.001-07:00

So, Monday morning I came to school to find a note written on our staff white board saying that this past weekend the president had declared a national holiday for Tuesday in order to take the census. So, Tuesday we had no school and people all over the nation were supposed to all stay home so that when the census people came by your house they could ask them a bunch of questions. Only in Africa would something like this happen. Is that really the most efficient way to take a census? Sounds funny to me, but hey, what do I care. I got the day off of school!

I got to catch up on stuff, relax, and workout. Working out kicked my butt big time. I didn't think that the change in elevation would make it that much more difficult. But, it sure did because I was hardly able to run very far and I didn't last very long. I mean, I'm not in the best shape, but in the States I can run longer than what I did yesterday. So sad! I'll just have to keep working at it.

My roommate, Jen and I, got a car this past weekend! Yay! It's a Toyota Vitz. It's a very small car, but great for driving around here. We got a good deal for it and we're pleased with it. Plus, it's just SUPER nice to have a way to get around without having to rely on everyone else. I'll add a picture of it later.

Ok, well, I have to get back to work now. Thanks for reading!

What God Just Taught Me

2009-08-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

So, this year is the year for the book of 1st Peter. It seems as though most of the things I have learned or heard this year have had to do with 1st Peter. I don't think I've ever had a year where the main focus was on one book of the Bible, but I must say I do like it. :)

Yesterday I was reading the 1st chapter again and two verses I've read multiple times caught my attention, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (vs. 6-7). For the first time, one little phrase was brought to my attention... “if need be.” The reason that seems so profound to me is because that phrase is also followed by “you have been grieved by various trials.” Therefore, that tells me that if I face trials, it's because there was a need to learn something. And if I allow God to do what He wants through that trial (instead of complaining and causing problems), then it should cause me to rejoice because it will strengthen my faith, which is “more precious than gold.” So, instead of me having the bad attitude that I have now about my circumstances, I should look at it as “Okay, I'm going through a trial right now. What's the need? What do I need to learn here? How does God want me to respond to this trial?” And maybe this will help me not be so ugly on the inside. Right now I hate the way I'm being on the inside... it's just plain ugly. And being that I'm quite the transparent person, I don't do a very good job of hiding my ugly self. But, I've at least gotten to the point of recognizing it and am trying to submit that over to the Lord for Him to deal with. I'm going to have to do this moment by moment so that I don't revert back to being my ugly self. It'll be a struggle, though, because it's so much easier to act bad than good, but it's so much better for me to act good than bad. I need to get to the point in life when I do rejoice over trials. That is a hard one to do because I want my life to be easy and enjoyable all the time. But, if it's easy, then there's no growth required. And with growth comes maturity and wisdom... and that's what I truly want.

It's in the Valleys I Grow
-Author Unknown

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross.
He went through the valley of death,
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share Your love with others
And help them find their way.

Than You for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know,
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow.

Pictures & Electricity Rations

2009-08-10T01:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures you can browse through for your enjoyment.

Saying my goodbyes: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113096&id=550306089&l=3de1a270d9 Sadly I didn't get any of my family. :(

My first week in Kenya: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113598&id=550306089&l=71593696d4

The Giraffe Center: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113994&id=550306089&l=857ef73ccd

School starts tomorrow and I'm feeling a bit better than last week, but not completely ready yet. There's still a lot I'd like to do, but I'm not going to kill myself over stressing about it because stress is seriously a killer. We had an open house/picnic on Saturday where we met some of the students and parents. It was good just to see how the next group of kids will be and how they act together.

So, due to the drought, the country of Kenya has decided to lay out a new program, electricity rations. The entire country is going to be out of electricity for 3 days per week. They haven't told us yet which specific days the electricity will be turned off, but last week it was off 4 days and some of those times were not planned. They turn it off from around 7am to 6 pm, so that changes things around when getting ready in the mornings. Putting on my makeup in the dark makes for an interesting new look. ;) It's just a new lifestyle to get used to, I guess. Not much you can do about it. It will remain this way until the rain comes. So that's our biggest prayer request right now. We're hoping it doesn't get to the point of them giving us water rations. At least the electricity rations are mainly during the days while we're at work and the school has a generator. If they end up happening on Saturdays, then that will be a different obstacle to get used to.

I drove to school this morning and it was SO MUCH FUN!!! I drove my roommate's car and it went pretty well. We survived! The 2 roommates that are continuing teachers, share a car. So, my other roommate who is also new and also named Jennifer, we're trying to find a car to share as well. We went to the car bazaar yesterday and found some good deals. We're going to have our mechanic at school look at them for us and tell us if they're good or not. Most of the cars are Toyota's here, which I love. :) We've been told that public transportation is not very safe, so that we would need to share a car. The cars here are fairly decent, but the roads are not. There are potholes everywhere!

Well, don't have much more to share for right now. I'm going to give a quick shout out to my big brother, Joel, whose birthday was yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOEL!!! Hope you had a super, duper day! Love ya!

To the rest of you, thanks again for your many prayers and for taking the time to read my blogs. It means the world to me.

My First Week Living in Kenya

2009-08-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

As of today, I have been living in Kenya for one week and school starts one week from today. I wanted to wait to write until I had pictures to share. But, it is quite the affair to upload photos. So, I'm in the process of figuring out how to do that more easily and then I will put them up. I figured I'd go ahead and write so as not to keep putting it off until forever just because of pictures. I know you all want to see photos, but you will have to be patient with me until I figure it out. Thanks! :)

The first couple of days of orientation were a bit overwhelming with learning about life in Kenya. Of course they are going to tell us of all the dangers to watch out for so that we're not going into life here completely blind. The list was longer than I had thought and so I became quite fearful. I kept thinking to myself, “What am I doing here? I don't know if I can do this. But, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God wants me here for SOME reason. So, I better suck it up and learn how to live.” I've pretty much thought that at least once a day so far. :)

I have gotten to see a lot of cool things and as time progresses, life here does get better and little by little it becomes more normal. The best way I can think to describe what the area looks like that I live in is this: large city with lots of people; many Africans walking on both sides of the road; all roads are only 2-lanes busy with lots of vehicles driving crazy; there are holes all over the roads so the ride is continuously bumpy; lots of pollution and dirt in the air; as opposed to us having concrete everywhere they have red/orange dirt instead (so no matter how hard you try, you're most likely going to be dirty); if you take our plants and give them steroids you could envision how gorgeous their plants look; vendors selling household items on the sides of the main roads; other vendors selling smaller items on smaller roads; you see apartment building after apartment building; every living area has a tall fence and a gate with a guard; even restaurants have fences, gates, and guards.
Here are a few things that I've noticed about life here so far (but I still have much more to learn): roses grow easily here so they are sold very cheap; water trucks carry clean water every so often because people run out (but I'm pretty sure you have to pay for it); the city will turn off the electricity in certain areas without warning; people do say hello and smile when you initiate it; you have to be an aggressive driver to survive here; you always have to filter your drinking water; their version of Walmart is called 'Nakumat'; their westernized mall is called 'Yaya'; a hair dryer costs 2,800 shillings which comes out to a little over $37 (YIKES); windows have bars on them; the part of the house where the bedrooms are has an extra metal door to lock in case intruders come in and you can still be safe. The most common form of transportation for people here is the 'matatu', which looks like a 15-passenger van loaded with over 20 people and they have the craziest drivers. Kenyans have very strong accents so it is difficult to understand their English. They seem very willing to help you with anything (not sure yet if that's because they want something in return). Every Monday night the local cinema has 'Mzuri (pronounced like Missouri) Monday Madness' where you pay $6.67 for popcorn, hot dog, soda, and movie. Good deal! Their version of 'Starbucks' is called 'Nairobi Java House' where they have the BEST coffee I think I've ever had (and I don't really even like coffee, but just use it for caffeine instead). You can also order food there and it's REALLY good. I already tried their beef burger and 'chips' (which are french fries). I think their 'chips' are better than our 'fries' because they actually taste more like potatoes/ homemade fries. You can also get free wireless there during non-peak hours. Kenyans don't use much sugar for anything. So, their desserts aren't very sweet. They do have a lot of the same things we have in the US, but you have to pay a lot more for them. The 'Masai Market' is every Sunday and you can barter pretty cheap for beautiful, hand crafted things. It's a great place to buy souvenirs. White people are called 'mzungus' (pronounced mizoongooz). If they don't know you, they will call you 'sister' or 'brother'. Since the buildings are made of concrete, you can hear EVERYTHING. Dogs bark randomly throughout every night!

Some activities I've participated in during my first week here: eaten Ethiopian (which you eat with your hands and did not feel so good in my stomach); went to the 'Giraffe Center' and fed the giraffes with MY BARE HANDS!; also saw warthogs (Pumba) at the center; eaten wonderful Chinese food; 'Mzuri Monday Madness'; went to the 'Masai Market' and bartered for a few things and was also able to say no to them too (that's a big improvement for me!); went to church where it took them about an hour to sing 5-6 songs since they kept repeating the chorus over and over again (but I hear that's a cultural thing that I've got to get used to); already eaten at Java 3 times (Yummy!); moved into my home and been at school a lot.

I will write more about my school next time because I think this one has gotten long enough. And I hope to also send pictures soon.

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane, I Don't Know When I'll Be Back Again

2009-07-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday, July 26th and I leave for the airport in less than one hour. My flight to Nairobi, Kenya leaves in 3.5 hrs. And my life feels so out of whack! I can't even express or describe how I feel right now. I'm sad, depressed, excited, anxious, nervous, confused, tired, etc. And I can't even cry! I don't know how to put that all in one word, but I know God is good and He'll meet my needs.

I'd like to thank my sister (Joy) and brother-in-law (Fernando) for all of their hard work with packing ALL of my stuff and making sure it all fits accordingly. I'd like to thank my mom for preparing my favorite meals and shopping for last minute items for me. I'd like to thank my Dad for making me laugh. Thanks to my other siblings, Joel & Jessye, for calling me before I go. I love you all tons!

My address in Kenya (which is also the address of the school) will be:
Jennifer Prather
P.O. Box 1333-00502
Nairobi, Kenya

They do not have physical addresses for homes and locations. Everything is a P.O. Box. I will not have a P.O. Box for my house, so the above address is it. I would LOVE to receive letters/cards from anyone. They suggest that the best thing to do is send stuff in padded envelopes; it doesn't matter what size. The reason being that anything in a package they charge out the whazoo for me to receive it. You can send me pictures, CD's/DVD's (not in cases), letters, whatever in those padded envelopes and they make it just fine because they generally don't open those to check what's inside. If you want to send a package, I don't want to tell you no, but know that whatever is in it I will end up paying for. The price just depends on how it looks and what they want to charge me. So, if you do send a package, make the items look as old as possible (meaning unwrap them from their original packaging and remove price tags). With packages you also have to fill out one of those green forms (custom slips) at the post office to let them know the contents of the package. So, just put "family memories" or " used ...". I hope I'm making myself clear. That's why I just think letters/cards would be easier, if you want to send anything. But, you definitely don't have to. :)

If you feel compelled to financially support me, then go to http://www.nics.org/. Click on 'Donate'. You can either mail them a check, donate online, or fill out a form for automatic withdrawal. If you write a check, on the Memo line please put 'Project #003282'. If you do it online, please select 'Missionary Project' -> 'Nairobi'-> 'Jennifer Prather, 003282'.

Thank you all for your encouragement, prayer support, and financial support. If I did not get a chance to talk to you or see you before I left, I'm GREATLY sorry! Please do not take it personal. Please keep in touch. I will have internet, but it will be MUCH slower. So, please be patient with me. I will do my best to communicate with you all and keep y'all updated. I will also let you know when I arrive there.

Prayer Requests:
Transition
All my luggage would get there in one piece
Calm nerves
Safety
Health
For my heart

You may email me at jennifer_prather@yahoo.com or jenniferprather@westnairobischool.org.
Either one works just fine! :)
And my skype name is jenniferprather, but with the slow internet who knows if that will work. This is going to be a HUGE test of patience for me. :)

I'll miss y'all tons!
Many blessings to you all!

2009-07-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well, the Lord sold my truck for me this week to a neighbor down the street. It was a great answer to prayer! My dad was with me when we bought it and with me when we sold it. The man we sold it to was super nice. Here I am saying goodbye to my truck. I had it for 9 years and it served me well. Toyota's are great cars! :)

The Lord has also sold most of my furniture! Now, I'll be having a garage sale this Saturday to try and get rid of the rest of my stuff. Hope there's a good turn out!

July 4th

2009-07-09T20:19:00.001-07:00

Our family spent the 4th at my brother's new house on base at Ft. Hood.

First thing we did was run in a 5K race early that morning.

This is before...

This is after...

Can you pick out the differences?

We spent the afternoon at the pool.

Of course, Kenzie is eating.

Cousins hanging out.

The parachuter had smoke coming out from under him with the colors of the flag.

And then we got to see Dierks Bentley in concert. Except, I found out he's married and has kids. So, that made me kind of sad. ;)

Watching the best fireworks in all of Central Texas (no wonder, there's not much to compete with).

Cousins again... aren't they so cute?!

I really like sunsets.

PFO (Pre-Field Orientation)

2009-07-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

So, I just spent 2 weeks in Southaven, MS (right across the border from Memphis) for our orientation. There were about 300 people at this event, 200 of them being new teachers at the various 20 NICS (Network of International Christian Schools) all over the world. I learned a ton, had a blast, and met my awesome Kenya team.

One of my new roommates in Kenya, another Jennifer. She's SUPER cool! I can't wait to be roomies! :)

Some new friends also going to Kenya. Tom is going to teach H.S. social studies and Tera is going to teach 3rd grade.

Here's my awesome principal (Kathy) and her super cool husband (Vance). It's going to be a blast to work for her. Vance will be working on building projects.

The newly-weds, Shauna and Rich. She's teaching kindergarten and he's the athletic director.

This is the wife (Lesley) of one of our new teachers (Michael), who will be teaching ESL. She's going to be working with a ministry in the slums.

This is our team bowling together. That was really fun. Guys against girls; of course guys whooped up on us. But, it was still a lot of fun.

Here's part of our team dressed up as spiderman to help celebrate the birthday of a son of another team member. Can't you just see how much fun we are going to have?! I can't wait!

Father's Day

2009-07-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

I got home from my trip from California just in time to celebrate Father's Day with my family. It was a blast! I love being with family! We also got to spend part of our day at Six Flags.

Eating a yummy funnel cake...

Antique cars...

On the Mine Train Ride...

Cousins playing together...

Kenzie's obsessed with the dogs...

Essie...

Kenzie just LOVES Grandpa. She thinks he's so funny!

Kenzie is quite the poser...

Cannon doing his Wolverine pose...

Fernando getting his Father's Day present...

Grandpa getting his presents...

I gave Dad a musical Superman card because he's my hero! :)

Ellie & Essie wearing my shirts...

California Vacation

2009-07-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm so sorry that it has now taken me 4 weeks to update since my last post. That's bad, I know. To begin, as soon as I finished my previous job, I took a vacation to California to visit some friends of mine. So, I flew into San Francisco and got the privilege of seeing my most favorite musical “WICKED” for the 3rd time! I was so excited! I won the lottery/cheaper tickets and Kimette, her husband, and I got to sit on the 6th row from the front. It was amazing!

Then, we went rock climbing...

Played with her kids and her sister's kids...

Played softball...

Then went to Truckee to be with Tawny and her husband and dog...

My Last Day at SOS

2009-06-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a bitter sweet day. It was my last day of work at Southwest Office Systems. I am excited for what is to come next, but I am sad to be leaving behind a great job. I really enjoyed working there because I had the priviledge of working with great people. They're a lot of fun!

I feel blessed to have been able to work there. It was totally a God-thing because it was perfect timing and for the perfect amount of time. God really blessed me by providing me with this job. It was just right for me, even if it was for a short amount of time. I'm thankful for all the friendships I was able to build. I just hope that I can do my best at keeping in touch with everyone.

Farmer Jen

2009-06-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

I want to share something really exciting (at least it was exciting to me) that the Lord showed me on Sunday. I was praying during the Lord's Supper and He brought the word "harvest" into my mind. I immediately thought about agriculture and the idea of how a farmer harvests his crops. You all know how much I love agriculture and that my childhood dream was to be a farmer. I even studied it in college, but just haven't been sure how God is ever going to use that (which is still the case today).

Then, the Lord showed me the following passages about the harvest:
35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor." -John 4:35-38

35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." -Matthew 9:35-38

The more I thought about this, the more I realized that even if I don't ever have a farm of my own or do anything agriculturally during my lifetime, I can still be a farmer. I am here to reap and harvest souls. How cool is that?! I am Farmer Jen!

Overwhelmed, but Excited

2009-05-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, exactly 2 months from today I will be on a plane, on my way to Kenya. Oh my goodness! I can hardly believe it! The fact that I'm moving to Africa and all the challenges and changes that come with that, are beginning to hit me. Then I begin to get anxious thinking, "What in the world am I doing? What am I getting myself into?" But, I know this is of the Lord and I must obey. Plus, I want to obey what the Lord has called me to do right now in my life because I'm super excited to see what He has in store for me. Still, I have times where I get nervous, stressed, and overwhelmed, just as I'm sure any other human would.

I have already begun to go through all of my things to see what I should take, what I should get rid of, and what I should store. It's tough trying to figure those things out when I've never been to Kenya before, or any part of Africa for that matter, and only know what I hear from other teachers about what I will need. It is helpful getting information from others, but I'm the kind of person that likes to have been there myself to see what it's like to then decide what I will need. Oh well! I'll just have to get over it. :)

The task that God has set before me seems to be getting bigger and bigger the more I realize all that I must do. I have 3 classes to prepare to teach and a team to prepare to coach. It's kind of intimidating, but so exciting all at the same time. God is good ALL THE TIME and He will see me through. What a crazy and wild ride this is going to be!!! :)

I read this really great poem the other day about waiting on God:

Wait only upon God; my soul, be still,
And let thy God unfold His perfect will,
Thou fain would’st follow Him throughout this year,
Thou fain with listening heart His voice would’st hear,
Thou fain would’st be a passive instrument
Possessed by God, and ever Spirit-sent
Upon His service sweet – then be thou still,
For only thus can He in thee fulfill
His heart’s desire. Oh, hinder not His hand
From fashioning the vessel He hath planned.
“Be silent unto God,” and thou shalt know
The quiet, holy calm He doth bestow
On those who wait on Him; so shalt thou bear
His presence, and His life and light e’en where
The night is darkest, and thine earthly days
Shall show His love, and sound His glorious praise
And he will work with hand unfettered, free,
His high and holy purposes through thee.
First on thee must that hand of power be turned,
Till in His love’s strong fire thy dross is burned,
And thou come forth a vessel for thy Lord,
So frail and empty, yet, since He hath poured
Into thine emptiness His life, His love,
Henceforth through thee the power of God shall move
And He will work for thee. Stand still and see
The victories thy God will gain for thee;
So silent, yet so irresistible,
Thy God shall do the thing impossible.
Oh, question not henceforth what thou canst do;
Thou canst do nought. But He will carry through
The work where human energy had failed
Where all thy best endeavors had availed
Thee nothing. Then, my soul, wait and be still;
Thy God shall work for thee His perfect will.
If thou wilt take no less, His best shall be
Thy portion now and through eternity.
-Freda Hanbury

“My soul, wait thou only upon God.”-Psalm 62:5
“A God… who worketh for him that waiteth for him.”-Isaiah 64:4

Preparations & Funny Nieces

2009-05-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

Now that my newsletter has been sent out (which is the same as the blog previous to this one), there are many preparations to be done by the time my departure date arrives on July 26th. I am still working for a company in Ft. Worth until June 10th. Afterwards I will get a nice little vacation in California to visit some friends. I can't wait! Then, I'll be off to my pre-field orientation in Mississippi for 2 weeks, to then return back to TX for a few weeks to finalize things before I'm off to Africa!

There's so much to do, and there's so many questions I have, and there just never seems to be enough time in the day. That's why it's midnight when I'm writing this. :)

What I want to share is some funny things that my nieces said to me this past weekend when they were over for Mother's Day that made me crack up laughing. These nieces are my older sister's kids and they are Ellie (7) and Essie (4).
So, I was reminding the girls that I'm going to be moving to Africa soon. I said that's where the lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and lots of animals live. And this is Essie's response, "Yah, I've been there! I went with my class and my teacher on the school bus!" :)

Then Ellie said, "Aunt Jenny, what are you going to be when you grow up?"
Essie: "She's already growed up!"
My mom: "She's going to be a missionary. Do you know what a missionary does?"
Essie: "work & work & work" :)
Ellie: "Aunt Jenny, when you leave can I have your jewelry?" :)
Essie: "Can I have your toys?" :)

I have a little stuffed animal lion and zebra that make noise when you hold them in your hand. So, Essie was playing with them and she told me, "Aunt Jenny, when you go to the zoo, don't forget to take your stuffed animals." :)

Aren't they precious?!

Where in the World is Jennifer Prather?

2009-05-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

In the last 2 years, where in the world has Jen been?
· Turkey (mission trip)
· New Jersey (training to reach Muslims)
· Iowa (Emmaus Bible College)
· Switzerland (summer trip)
· Texas (working)
And the next 2 years will be spent in… Nairobi, Kenya!

(Kenya is located in East Africa and is slightly smaller than Texas, roughly the size of France.)

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” -Habakkuk 2:3

Last time you heard from me?
My last newsletter was in August of 2007. I had been pursuing ministries in Turkey and had attended a month long course in New Jersey on how to reach Muslims. But for whatever reason, God closed the door on Turkey. Through this I came to realize that I needed more Bible training. So I resigned from teaching in TX and headed to Iowa to attend Emmaus Bible College for one year. My time there was well worth it. I learned a lot, built lots of friendships, and had a great experience.

Currently?
I moved back home to Arlington, TX last August. Through a temporary job with a good company, God blessed me with needed finances and meaningful relationships.
In January I attended a life-changing weeklong retreat called ‘Heart Quest’ (http://www.fellowshipofthesword.com/). During my awesome time there with the Lord, He revealed to me that now, finally, I needed to pursue my dream of serving overseas and that He would show me His plan. Through a series of circumstances, counsel, and the Lord’s guidance, He prompted me to pursue Africa.

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to be with my family this year.

Now what?
The amazing has occurred! After so much time of waiting and training and trying to figure out what God wants me to do with my life… the hour has arrived! I have been hired to teach at an international school in Nairobi, Kenya. It is called West Nairobi School (http://www.westnairobischool.org/) and is run by an organization called Network of International Christian Schools (http://www.nics.org/). This international school serves missionary and international children (diplomat and businessmen’s kids), Christian and non-Christian. The school has at least 200 students made up of 50% Americans, 25% Kenyans, 15% Koreans, and 10% other. It is a Christian school, so the parents know we will be teaching them Bible classes and Christian principles. I have been hired to teach high school Physics, Algebra 1, Remedial Algebra 1, Old & New Testament Bible survey, and coach the girl’s soccer team. The school will be paying me a salary, which will cover most of my expenses, but not all. I need to raise a few hundred dollars per month in support along with some outgoing expenses (details on back). I am ecstatic and in awe of how God has worked this out financially so that I can leave for the field much sooner than if I had to raise full support.

What will it be like?
I will be living in a house with 3 other girls, in a suburb of Nairobi called Kilimani, which is 25 minutes from the school.
Some facts about Nairobi:
1) population of 3 million people
2) area of 260 square miles
3) primary languages are English & Swahili
4) located 1 degree south of the equator
5) known as ‘Green City in the Sun’
6) 6000 ft. above sea level
7) yearly temperatures range from 50’s - 70’s
8) on the edge of the Rift Valley
9) situated between Mt. Kenya & Mt. Kilimanjaro
10) home to one of the largest slums in Africa
11) world’s largest safari bordering the city

What do I need?
The most important thing I need is your prayer. Currently, my most pressing prayer requests are:
· Numerous pre-departure details
· Raising finances
· Adjusting to new life
· Preparations for my classes
· Relationships with roommates and coworkers

If you would like to be one of my financial partners, you can go to http://www.nics.org/ and click on ‘Donate’. There are 3 options to choose from. Please make sure to include my name (or project #003282) on any correspondence or in the box labeled ‘Other Destination’ online. Any donations will be tax-exempt. You may also send your support to:

Network of International Christian Schools
3790 Goodman Rd. E.
Southaven, MS 38672

It will be too costly to keep sending newsletters via mail from Kenya. So here are some ways that you can keep up with what I’m doing:
this blog
my email
Skype: jennifer_prather

This life change is a dream come true for me. I cannot express enough how much it encourages me that you want to be a part of what God will choose to do through me in Nairobi. Thank you.

“And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for you all you require, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of strength (worth, bravery, capability).”
–Ruth 3:11

In Love With Christ,
Jen

First Blog

2009-04-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, I'm new to this blogger stuff. This is my first blog and so I'm not sure what to say or write. I have started this blog because many friends have recommended that I do so in order to keep people up to date with what's going on in my life. Plus, I'm excited and honored to do so. Therefore, there will be much more to come in the future. Thank you!