Welcome to KENYA!
information About KENYA
Kenya is known for its scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife, drawing tourists from around the world with its reserves and parks. Most Kenyans speak Swahili and English, but there are more than 40 tribes in Kenya, many with their own dialect and style of music. Here at Morning Stars there are some amazing kids who speak three languages: Swahili, English, and a tribal language!
One of the most incredible things to see in Kenya is the wildlife. There are many national parks and preserves where people can go on safari. These parks and preserves are huge areas of land where the animals are protected to roam and migrate freely. Safaris in these parks are strictly viewing expeditions. In Africa, the “Big Five” animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. The term “Big Five” refers to the five most challenging animals to see all on one safari.
Some of our HCC friends who have visited us here in Kenya have gone on a safari. Pictures from some of their adventures are below. The next time you see them, ask them about their experience and if they managed to see the Big Five! (Serenity Livengood, Joe Ponegalek, Bob & Linda Miller, Craig & Carol Nordstrom, Alan Wenstrand, Kelly Boersma, Gary Davis, John Carlson, and Bill Deetjen)
life at morning stars children’s home
Life is busy for us! Francis and I are the Directors at the home. We oversee the large staff which includes full time “Aunties” or caregivers-who live in the dormitories at the home and care for the children around the clock, plus a social worker, security guards, a cook, and various people who help with the large gardening and animal care. We have 48 children residential and 45 in the community. Currently we are feeding 150 families every month because of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
There is a motto that guides all of us at Morning Stars: “Work as team, live as a family.”
Our oldest daughter Sandra loves playing football (soccer) with the children at Morning Star! In recent weeks, Sandra has been volunteering in the distribution of much needed food to children from the home who had to quarantine with distant relatives, or to families in need that we have received word about. Sandra has really enjoyed working with her fellow volunteers as they serve others in the community. Sabrina, or “Mina” as she is called, loves to sing and play with all her friends at Morning Star. We thank HCC for all the prayers and support. God is good all the time. —-Reah
Weekly BIBLE VERSE
This week’s Scripture memory verse is Philippians 2:14-16.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
This Scripture was instrumental in the naming of Morning Stars Children’s Ministries. The kids are raised to know the love of Jesus, to know who they are in Christ, to love the Word of God and to shine bright like stars with the love of Jesus. All ages are good at memorizing.
Try following along in the video and see if you can memorize this week’s memory verse as quickly as they do!
Songs
Singing is a big part of life here in Kenya. Follow along with the Morning Stars kids singing two songs, Immanuel Has Done It for Me, and Jesus is Alive.
RecipeS
Mandazi
A Kenyan favorite. These light delicious doughnuts are made with grated coconut, spiced with cardamon, nutmeg, and often served with homemade Chai Tea.
Chai Tea
Kenyans love Chai Tea—especially Masala Chai Tea. You can try the simple Chai Tea Recipe pictured here or click on the link below to go all out and make your own authentic Masala Chai Tea Mix!
Ugali
This may be a bit more difficult to complete. But, our Global Partners in Kenya wanted to share about this national favorite, Ugali! (pictured here)
Ugali is a common staple of Kenyan meals. Ugali is a type of corn flour porridge. Kenyans use white corn instead of the yellow that Americans are used to, but either works. The traditional way to eat it is by making small scoops with your finger tips and using them to eat meat and vegetables.
What to take it to another level? Click here for a suggested Kenyan Beef Curry! Or, make your own favorite curry or stew to eat it with.
Games
Morning Stars has a play area for lots of fun, games and gatherings. The kids learned a new game this week and shared the video below to show you how to play it with your friends and family. Click the button for written directions.
Arts & Crafts
Drums
Every day the kids here at Morning Stars have devotions and singing before breakfast in the morning, and again before dinner in the evening. During their singing there is always a child keeping the beat on a single drum. Singing and drumming along sure makes waiting for dinner go quicker!
Try making a coffee can drum of your own decorated in Kenyan flag colors, or with the animals that visitors see while on safari. Click here for a video on how to make your own drum: COFFEE CAN DRUMS
Board Games
Everyone loves to play games! Kenyan kids are super creative in transforming things from nature or up-cycling everyday items that they have, into games or toys.
Try collecting some rocks or cool bottle-caps, to make your own Tic-Tac-Toe game. Click here for quick and easy instructions on painting rocks for your own game: TIC-TAC-TOE
Shisima
Another board game that originates in Kenya is Shisima. You can read the instructions if you click the link. You can also find videos on YouTube that explain how it works such as this one.
