The (Kenyan) Christmas Song

If The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) had been written in Kenya:

Cashews roasting on an open fire
Hot sun scorching all the rest
Christian songs being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up in Sunday best

Ev'rybody knows some freshly made treats
Help to start the day off right
Tiny tots with their tummies full of meat
Will all sleep in peace tonight

Because the pilau is on its way
Baked with a goat slaughtered today
And ev'ry mother's child is gonna try
To sneak some extra bites on the sly

And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from 1 to 92
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!

And Merry Christmas from the MKKs:

Mamas Tell All: Choosing Your Family Size [a linkup]

Our family of 4 in 2012, with the Indian Ocean behind us.

The question for this week's linkup is: How did you choose the size of your family?

What a question!

We were actively trying to avoid pregnancy when I got pregnant with Nate. We had talked about adoption. We had talked about waiting for a couple of years, then trying to get pregnant. We had not yet totally decided to have kids, how many, or how they would join our family.

I was sick the entire pregnancy, had a physically traumatic and damaging delivery, and had many horrible months postpartum, trying to heal. I was not eager to repeat the experience, and Rodgers was dead set against it. We talked more about adopting the rest of our family, but we were starting to plan moving to Kenya, where we would start an orphan ministry (which we did - Maisha Kamili and Facebook link). How would we choose one or two to adopt and not the rest?

With the prospect of moving overseas, and with Nate already a biracial, bi-cultural, dual citizen kid (my husband is Kenyan, and I am American), I started really, really wanting him to have a biological sibling. We would be bouncing between the US and Kenya. Nate would be part of both cultures, and yet be an outsider in both cultures. Wouldn't it be best for him to have a sibling to experience all that with him? Rodgers was not on board. But he did get on board with not trying to avoid pregnancy, and if God gave us another kid, so be it! Ben was born 9 months later (scheduled c-section, much nicer delivery, and much, much easier recovery, but pregnancy is still my enemy).

Some of the MKKs

With a biological sibling for Nate, I was content, at peace. Rodgers was way past done. We won't have any more biological children (unless God surprises us again). Is our family complete? Not really.

There are 35 kids in Kenya, some single orphans (have lost their fathers), some double orphans (have lost both parents). Most of them live with their relatives, but 4 (ages 18 and older) live in a duplex right next to our house, and some other 18+ year olds live in rooms we rent for them near their schools. We help them with school fees, buying books and uniforms, medical care, and even groceries, where necessary. These are also our kids!

Some of them have exited Maisha Kamili's sponsorship for various reasons (finished school, got a job, found alternate means of support), but we still count them as MKKs (Maisha Kamili Kids).

People have asked us how many we plan to help. The duplex can fit 8, and we can handle 30 sponsored kids at a time, but as they grow up, finish school, and get jobs, we can take on more. Children's homes for those who have no relatives to live with are also in our future. That will increase our capacity over 30, also, as new staff will be hired as house parents. There is no limit but what God has planned!

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Find more family stories at the linkup:

International Women's Day

This week one of our girl MKKs (Maisha Kamili Kids - click for Maisha Kamili's website) told us, "I was so discouraged (before Maisha Kamili offered to help me) because my family members who were supposed to be taking care of me told me that they wouldn't waste their money on my education because I'm female." We quickly told her, of course, that we value the education of girls and that, because we know the attitude of her family abounds, we have set a priority on finding girl orphans to help.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 24

www.maishakamili.org

MKKs to come

Bahati is one of many who are under assessment. We have received some information from the school for about 10 kids, including Bahati, but not yet enough information to determine if these are kids we can sponsor, and if yes, how much sponsorship they will need. After writing this Advent guide, we added Martin and Michael Marifa and Benta These 3 have all been sponsored. Additionally, we have 2 MKKs in high school who still need sponsors (Mercyline and Chrispus).

Pray 

For paperwork to be completed for our high schoolers in a timely manner, for wise decisions to be made regarding Chrispus, that the Marifas would be encouraged by their sponsorship, and for Mrs. Marifa's health.

Read 

Titus 3:4-7 
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 23

www.maishakamili.org

Anthony is a total orphan. He lives with one of his cousins. He will be starting Standard 8 in January, the last year of primary school.

Pray 

For Anthony to be diligent and to persevere.

Read 

Titus 2:11-14 
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 22

www.maishakamili.org

Gift is a total orphan. He lives with his aunt, a subsistence farmer. They get some financial support from the family, but not enough to keep him in school. He is getting ready to start Standard 7 in January.

Pray 

For Gift and his family to have all they need.

Read 

Colossians 1:15-16 
15 He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 21

www.maishakamili.org

Karisa is a total orphan. He is starting Standard 6 in January. He lives with his aunt, and they are supported by his cousin. Bearing so much financial responsibility for the family, the cousin could not keep up with Karisa’s school fees.

Pray 

For Karisa to continue strong in his studies and to be well cared for by his family.

Read 

Hebrews 1:1-3 
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 20

www.maishakamili.org

Tumaini is a total orphan, taken care of by her older brother. She is starting Standard 2 in January. He is working hard to support them, but needed help with her school fees.

Pray 

For Tumaini and her brother as they build their lives, for steady work and emotional healing.

Read 

2 Corinthians 8:9 
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 19

www.maishakamili.org

Baraka is a total orphan. His care provider is a cousin. He has just finished Standard 8 and will be entering high school in January if he has done well enough on his KCPE exam.

Pray 

That Baraka can get into Mombasa Baptist High School and that he will thrive in the Christian boarding school environment.

Read 

Romans 5:6-11 
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 18

www.maishakamili.org

Amani will start Standard 6 at Basi Primary School in January. He is a total orphan who lives with his grandmother. Like other women in her generation, Amani’s grandmother is a subsistence farmer.

Pray 

For Amani as he works hard at school and for his grandmother as she works hard at home.

Read 

1 Corinthians 15:1-7 
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 17

www.maishakamili.org

Ronica is another whose widowed mother is a subsistence farmer. When we met Ronica, her mother had been making a little money any way she could in order to keep Ronica in school. She had paid about half of the school fees for this year, but had not been able to get Ronica a uniform or school supplies. If Ronica has done well enough in school this year, we will be transferring her to Mombasa Baptist High School in January. She will be in Form 2.

Pray 

For Ronica as she makes the transition to boarding school and for her mother who is still working hard to provide for the family.

Read 

John 15:5-8 
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 16

www.maishakamili.org

We met Evans through Basi Primary School, but he’s already in high school. He will start his final year of high school in January. His widowed, subsistence farming mother is his caregiver, but it was his older sister who sought help with paying his school fees.

Pray 

For Evans as he prepares to take his all-important KCSE exam next year. Pray that he studies hard and tests well in order to open up opportunities for himself in the future.

Read 

John 14:6 
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 15

www.maishakamili.org

Pauline goes to Revival Baptist Church with her aunt and has just finished high school at a school only a few blocks from our old house. We don’t know what her plans are for the future. We are hoping that she will follow Jesus with her life decisions.

Pray 

That Pauline has a firm foundation in Christ and will seek God for direction in her life, post-high school.

Read

John 11:25 
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 14

www.maishakamili.org

Kenneth started high school when Maisha Kamili started sponsoring him. His uncle had done a lot for him already, but high school was just too expensive. He will be starting Form 2 in January, and if his grades are good enough, we will transfer him to Mombasa Baptist High School.

Pray 

For Kenneth as he makes the transition to boarding school, and pray that Mombasa Baptist will be a good environment in which he can learn and grow.

Read 

John 10:11-15 
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 13

www.maishakamili.org

These are four of the Safari kids who live with their mother. (The fifth is Gloria, who is not yet in school.) Karembo is going into Standard 4, Lucky Standard 2, Ngao Standard 1, and Delia KG3. They live within walking distance of the school and their grandmother (whom we call Grandma Chome) and cousins (Japhet and his brothers).

Pray 

For these kids to know the love of Christ. Pray also for their mother, Alice, as she works hard to provide for them.

Read 

John 10:7-10 
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 12

www.maishakamili.org

Caroline is another of the Safaris. She has just finished Standard 7 and will be starting her final year of primary school in January.

Pray

For Caroline to be diligent in her studies during this last year of primary school.

Read 

John 8:12 
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 9:4-5 
4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 11

www.maishakamili.org

Jessica is one of the Safari kids. She and her sister Caroline have been living with their grandmother near Basi Primary School. Jessica just finished primary school and is hoping to get accepted into a good high school.

Pray 

Pray for Jessica making the transition to boarding school and also that God will provide the additional sponsorship she needs ($100/month).

Read 

John 6:35-40 
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 10

www.maishakamili.org

Linnet is the eldest of eight children in the Safari family. She is starting her last year of high school. She wants to become a lawyer. We will do what we can to help her achieve that goal!

Pray 

That Linnet will work hard to do well in her last year of school so that she can pursue her goal of becoming a lawyer.

Read 

John 1:29-34 
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 9

www.maishakamili.org

Emmanuel is the only college student we have still in school. He will finish his course next year and be qualified to get a job as a lab tech. He is working very hard.

Pray 

For Emmanuel to finish strong and that God will provide employment for him after he graduates.

Read 

Luke 2:8-14 
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Maisha Kamili Advent Guide Day 8

www.maishakamili.org

These are the two youngest of Japhet’s brothers. They stay at home with their grandmother for now, but with Shukurani entering Standard 7 in January, he will start boarding at the school, leaving Lemmy as the only child at home. Lemmy is starting Standard 2.

Pray 

For Shuku as he transitions to boarding school. Pray for Lemmy and their grandmother staying at home.

Read 

Luke 2:1-7 
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.