Excuses

Man, if I had only been able to tell my Biology teacher that I couldn't complete an assignment because of a volcano.

I recently received a bill for not showing up to a DR appointment. I was not able to go or call because of a volcano in Iceland. I love that excuse so much that I decided to film my phone convo with the billing department to see what happened.

It's not that dramatic, but it could have been. I like the fact that the excuse seemed to impress the lady I was taking to...
Enjoy:

Volcano Excuse from nate drye on Vimeo.

Africa: Recap

We have been home for one week. It has taken about this long for the jetlag to wear off for most of us. I am truly humbled and entertained by my team. They were awesome.
When all is said and done, I think we will come in under budget (really counting on that British Airways reimbursement...come on, Willy Walsh). This past weekend, I was privileged to share about our experiences in the Celebrations at ALC. Fast fwd to 8:00 to watch the picture slide show and skip all my talking about how many got saved, cool stories, etc. etc. etc.

Before you ask, no the slide show isn't really available outside this format because we kind of threw it together from some awesome photos taken by Daryl (he is an awesome photographer, visit his site and hire him and buy his stuff), our trip photographer. Our production team is putting together memoir books, a documentary, and some other items we will make available for purchase through my blog and the church. All proceeds will go to future endeavors in Kenya.

Story: Nate shares about the Kenya Team 2010 from ALC on Vimeo.

Last thought before the jet lag coma

I am home. My team is home. They worked so hard and did extremely well when faced with uncertainty and frustration. I am very proud of all of them, and leading them has been a fun adventure (with some blood, sweat, and tears...still fun, though).

As I sit here and reflect, I am most thankful for the confident assurance I felt throughout this entire ordeal (Africa, volcano, etc.). My faith has been tested and strengthened. Seeing the faith and resolve of a hopeful church in Africa has built my faith. Seeing the faith of a former gang member turned Christ follower has built my faith. Seeing the kingdom of God advanced through the hands of broken people has built my faith. Being with each one of my team members, as heathen as we may be, has built my faith.

I count it pure joy to share this journey. Thank you all for being heavy stones, that weigh down my backpack of memories.

ONE MORE FLIGHT

We are in Heathrow. We are boarding in less than one hour for Dulles.
Looking forward to seeing all of you.
Almost there!

Check In

We arrived at Nairobi International Airport at 4:30pm to check in for our 11:10pm flight. We just now, 3 hours later, received our boarding passes and are good to go!

Keep us in prayer...one step closer.
London, here we come.

Mama, I'm coming home...

Met with security at BA offices again today and spoke with Esther on the phone. I have good news. We are flying out of Nairobi tonight.

BA flight 64 from Nairobi to London 11:40pm
BA flight 217 from London to DULLES arrives in DC at app. 1:40pm EST on Thursday, April 22.

PLEASE, IF YOU ARE PICKING UP SOMEONE, WE ARE ARRIVING AT DULLES AIRPORT INSTEAD OF BWI NOW.

Let's go tell the team :)

...and things move in a positive direction?

Ok, looks like some positive news from the CAA and NATS: http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=14&pagetype=65&appid=7&mode=detail&nid=1862

This means that airlines will open up flights as they make risk assessments. BA is currently scheduled to begin long haul flights into London by noon tomorrow (5am EST). Keep praying...we COULD get out of here!

I will be calling and finding out more information in the morning (11pm here right now). Hopefully, when you in the US wake up, we'll have a very positive outlook and I will post asap.

KEEP PRAYING

Good News Bad News

Bad News: The volcano has resumed erupting.

Good News: Long Haul flights are still operating after 4pm as planned, AND the volcano is erupting with lava instead of ash.

This means, we have a CHANCE of getting out of here tomorrow (Wed) night.
Keep praying.

Top eight things I have learned from volcanoes

Being in Africa, for any amount of time, brings lessons of its own. I realized that my current role as fearless leader has led to some rather boring posts lately, and that's a shame, because there is so much wonderfulness that has taken place in my life over the past three weeks.

So, what is the big memory from this trip?
Is it the memory of watching our teams dig deep in their own lives and pour out a living offering to the streets of Kenya? Is it strategizing and watching things fall in to place over and again declaring the faithfulness of our God? Or, is it the stinking volcano?

Here are the top eight things I have learned, as the captain of the ship, from the stinking volcano:

1. Volcanoes make you self indulgent again: after spending time giving of yourself everyday, a volcano can bring you back to your true self in no time. Apparently, I am still in need of grace.
2. Don't ever pray for flexibility. It's like the arch rival of praying for patience.
3. Volcanoes are powerful. They make Europe and global economies crumble out of a scientific terror of the "what if."
4. Volcanoes give your team ample opportunity to bite and scratch and make each other bleed, or come together in an unwavering unity and love for each other. Lately, I have seen both (hey, we need grace, right? see #1).
   
5. Volcanoes can dominate any memory of what God has done in your life, the life of others, and in your future, if you allow your gaze to be deterred by the floating ash.
6. Volcanoes gives me, as a leader, more time to hang out and get to know the people on my team. I admit, I have enjoyed listening to the journal entries and laughing at the creativity of these people.
   
7. Volcanoes provide an ample opportunity to use the phrase, "kiss my ash", over and again to the prepubescent delight of all immature and comedic geniuses on our team (myself included).
8. Volcanoes cause some team members to rise to the occasion, whether it be taking on the planning of team meals and cooking, providing leadership where uncertainty seems to dominate, or lending a listening ear and support. It's fun to see us work together.
   

All in all, we're doing very well. There are a lot of stories, laughter, and character buried deep within this team. I hope that, in our return, you are privy to some of it. I will surely be sharing more.

Holding Pattern

I showed up to the British Airways office this morning and was greeted by security. No one was allowed to even get close to the office, and they were not answering the phones. You can imagine the frustration!

Right now, we're still waiting and praying for the air space to be restored and our flight to be rescheduled. Please pray for us.

We're also currently doing our best to get some of our medical team on flights home, as their vocation in the emergency room is very crucial. We're working with travel agents and doing our best to get partial refunds to help them with the cost.

There is another NATS update scheduled for right now, and we're hoping and praying for some god news. Thanks for your prayers. Keep them coming!

How to plan for a volcano (pray)

So, in moments like these, our patience, flexibility, and resolve is tested. Everyone on our team is doing relatively well, considering the continual challenges. We're certainly relying on each other and doing our best to stay sane.

You can probably guess, there is no way to foresee or plan for the largest grounding of aircraft (we will soon pass the 9/11 record). Traveling with 20 other people, and leading them through the challenge, is made much easier with prayer and unity. We're doing our best.

Here's the plan right now: tomorrow morning, I am going back to the airline to find more options. At this point, some time of rerouting, even if it is through Asia, needs to be considered. Please pray for me as I talk and negotiate rates and try my best to get us moving.

Please, please pray for us. We hope to update with great news tomorrow.

Update: Friday Night April 16

Today, I met with airline officials at the British Airways Nairobi central office. Unfortunately, the earliest we will be scheduled to leave Nairobi is Wednesday, April 21. I will post updates for flights and arrival times as soon as we are confirmed.
This booking could change, due to the uncertainty of the volcanic ash affecting the airways over Europe. We are diligently seeking the fastest and most safe solution for our entire team's return to the US. the is the largest airline grounding since 9/11.

On a brighter note, we have the awesome support of our home church, ALC, and my boss, Dan Mucci, and are being taken very good care of during this natural phenomenon. Funds for our lodging and food are being wired to us now, and our team has a comfortable and good place to reside during our delay. We are not stuck in an airport, we are not stuck in an unsafe part of town, and we are very fortunate. It is no doubt that God has been taking very good care of us through this entire ordeal.

In fact, here in Nairobi, UNICEF is currently having a large conference. There are NO hotel rooms available. Many people are not able to find lodging. We were very fortunate to extend our stay at Heart Lodge, a gated and guarded compound with great food and beautiful gardens.

In the meantime, our team will be spending their time exercising at Windsor (a nearby country club), shopping at Village Market (movie theater, bowling alley, and shopping available), and eating most meals at Heart Lodge. We'll be going to the church where the General Superintendent for Kenya Assemblies of God, Peter Ngiri, worships this coming Sunday. We are also looking for the opportunity God has given us to complete more ministry while extended in Kenya.

Pray for us; and we hope to really see you all soon.
Thanks.

Flight Canceled

Our flights have, as anticipated, been canceled. We are working with British Airways to reschedule and redirect. Once I have more information, I will post it.

To keep current on the entire volcano situation and flight status, visit: http://www.nats.co.uk/ or http://www.nats.co.uk/.

Volcano Update

Really? A volcano?
Apparently, volcanic ash is in the air over the UK and much of Europe grounding flights as of about 3 hours ago. This is a big problem for us, because our flight connects through London tomorrow night. Please be in prayer for our team, me, and the "what now" questions we are consistently facing because of this.

Here's what we know:

1. British Airways is updating with new information as it is available. Click here to view this information.
2. All flights to and from London are currently canceled indefinitely.
3. Should we be delayed in our departure, we have a good place to stay here in Nairobi.
   

Here's what we are figuring out, but we don't have the info yet:

1. What flights we'll be scheduling should our flights tomorrow evening be canceled.
2. What information we'll know for sure before our scheduled flight time (11:40 pm; 2:40pm EST).

Once I get firm information and updates, I will post to the blog. Please be in prayer for us, and keep watching the blog.

Thanks.

Safari and No WiFi

Hi everyone!
We left early on Tuesday morning for the Masai Mara on a tiny prop plane and landed on a dirt airstrip. The airport at the Masai Mara was a dirt strip and a long wooden fence...that's it!

The safari camp had WiFi, but it didn't work. Sorry I have not been able to update lately. Everyone is doing well, but fatigued. Today, we flew back to Nairobi and are taking it easy. Some of the team is visiting an orphanage right now, others are resting here at Heart Lodge. Tonight, the team is sharing one of our final meals together before we leave on Friday night. These remaining hours are bittersweet: I think everyone will leave a piece of their heart in Africa.

At the safari, we were so close to seeing a lion kill: a pride of lions strategically surrounded a herd of zebras and ambushed them. It was very exciting! But, the zebra got away and everyone was a bit let down (except the zebra).

I would love to post many of the beautiful pictures taken over the past few days, but I am on dial up internet right now. I am sure you will see many pictures soon, though.

We love you all, keep praying for us, and we'll see you soon!

Monday Morning

Hello everyone,

We are moving to another campus tonight, and flying out to the Masai Mara tomorrow morning (think puddle jumper with a dirt landing strip!). We'll be flying back into Nairobi on Thursday, and leaving for the US on Friday night. I am not confident I will have as stable internet the rest of the week, so if it is some time between posts, please be understanding!

Thanks for all the encouraging words. We are all doing very well.

Swahili Church (Sunday)

Well, another day is passed and we pretty much spent the entire time at church. Church at MCDC has two services: one in English and one in Swahili. I was privileged to teach at both. The English service lasted about 2 hours, and the Swahili service lasted about 5 hours total (that includes cake at the end). It was fun, but L-O-N-G. Teaching at these were fun for me, and I talked about how we should stay strong in our journey with Jesus. Everyone on the team was so appreciated by the people here. They gave each of us a token of their love earlier before we left.

Tonight, Leon Gray (arts team) and Catherine Cruz (medical team) are guest blogging. Enjoy!

Leon:
Being in the military and having been on another missions trip, I thought I was prepared to deal with whatever happened on this trip. For the most part, I was right; but I did not expect to fall in love. For now, I'll give just one example of the amazing love we've been shown during this trip: There is one young boy, named Ernest, that became really attached to me. He would come running every time he saw me. Today, he sat on my lap for most of the first and second church services we attended at MCDC. At the end of the second service, we were lined up in front of the altar and presented with gifts. When Ernest heard that we were leaving, he ran crying to his mother. His mother looked up and made eye contact with me. I almost lost it in front of everyone. This is just one of many experiences from this trip that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Catherine:
Today we went to a celebration. After four days of intense medical clinics serving almost 1800 people, today we celebrated with the people we served at the church services at MCDC. I was asked by my team director, Marie, to do a testimony about my life during the first church service. This was the first time I have ever done this and I was very nervous. I made it through and was very touched by the response that I received. When I came on this trip, my goal was to help people, but I had no idea of the impact that these people would have on me. I have been the crier of the trip. I have been so moved by emotion every day with the children that we have helped, and the adults that we have ministered to. Our last day of clinic is tomorrow, but it will not be my last day to help. I am already making plans for our next trip. I think I have found a purpose and I am glad that God gave me the opportunity to serve in this way.

And Sunday comes to a close.
Good night.

Saturday

Today, our teams split between two campuses. The arts team conducted their last full day of camp at MCDC; there were over 2000 kids there today. The whole team was quite emotional and moved at the end of it all. I am sure you will be hearing more from them. Our medical team conducted the first clinic ever for a place called Mlango Kubwa (Swahili for "The Big Door"). This campus is deep within the slum. Many people were glad we were there. Tonight, I've asked Veronica Williams (medical team) and Andre Bridge (arts team) to share. Enjoy!

Veronica:
Today was truly an eye opening experience. Working with the medical team at the slums was both awesome and disturbing. When we arrived this morning, many members of the team, including myself, were shocked at the conditions. The smell of exhaust fumes, burning tires, sewage and garbage filled the air. The sea of tin roofed huts stretched three miles. What saved the day for me was the children. They were so happy to see us! A chorus of "how are you" filled the air and on their faces were big smiles. We served 450 today and it is wonderful and truly humbling to know that God is working through us to make the children happy if only for a moment.

Andre:
Morning in Kenya comes with it's own sense of normal. Awakening to the rising sounds of chants and prayers, morning tea and the assembling and loading of the teams in the vans has become normal. Our regular driver's name is Laurence and we thank God for him every time we arrive safely at our location. His calm through Kenya traffic should be considered one of the great marvels of the world. Passing through flocks of goats and occasional truck repairs in the lane we are traveling in seems to be normal. Black smoke rising in the distance caused me to think of an oil tanker that had crashed of the road, however Laurence with steady voice educated me to the fact that those are just Kenyans burning tires in order to get the steel belts from the tires for sale. The sight of bikes and pedestrians darting between the lanes and vehicles, burning piles of trash on the mud walks all seems normal to me now. Kenya has it's own normal.
What was different today was the send off we received from the children. Pastor Samuel and over a thousand children began blessing us as a group and individually. Needless to say after days of eye contact and care to bring blessing to them, we were overwhelmed by their warm hearts and elation of joy to bless us.
This was not a day like all days... it was one I will hold dearly and passionately close to my heart for all the days of my life.

(Nate) God is good, and these people (both our team and the folks we have met in Kenya) are changing the world.
And with that my friends, I say good night.

Day 4 comes to a close

Hey everyone,
Day 4 was a biggie: 600+ served in the medical clinic (1200+ overall) and 1400+ kids in the arts camp.
Tonight, Marie Reem (she leads our medical team) is guest blogging tonight...enjoy!

Marie Reem:
Today was another great day at MCDC. The medical team saw over 600 patients today and we have really found our groove! It's amazing for me to see this team come together and serve the people, work hard, and love every minute. My hope for this team is that they will also see God in the people they meet and begin to see that God has a purpose for their lives. We are the body...

Goodnight everyone.

Day 4 Begins

I woke up about a half hour ago. Breakfast is being prepared as I type here in our dining hall at the seminary where we're staying.
I am quite reflective this morning. This is many of our team member's first trip out of the country, much less to Africa, and many of them are seeing Mathare Valley for the first time and processing all the emotion and feeling that goes along with it.

Me? This is not my first time. One would think that since I have been here before that I would be braced and ready for the emotion and reaction to the places I have been. Ironically, these things penetrate even deeper now than they did the first time. Emotion feels more intense, the pain seems to hurt more, and the smells and sights are more vivid.

The words of Christ continue to become more real and needed: In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.
For that, I'm grateful.


And now, here's some low resolution pictures our team eating breakfast:

Day 4

Hello everyone!
We are doing very well. We're in our second full day of clinics and camp. The medical clinic treated over 800 people the past two days, and the arts camp had well over 1000 kids today. Needless to say, we're busy!

I've invited a couple "guest bloggers" to share their experiences from today. The first is Rachael Banner. She is a nurse on our medical team, and the second is Emily Cusimano, who is one of our arts team members. I hope you enjoy their stories!

Rachael:
The past few days have been an awesome and eye opening experience. Even though we all work in the emergency room, this is so much different. Having the autonomy as nurses to diagnose and treat people on our own is scary and challenging, but there are so little choices for treatment that it becomes routine. We have had several interesting cases: such as the 6mo old baby infected so badly with intestinal worms that they were coming out of her mouth! Or, the young woman that was asking how to get pregnant so she would not get kicked out of her house. These are just to name a couple. We are also challenged by the fact that it is "cold season" here at 75 degrees, so everyone has at least 2 jackets and a hat (even the babies with fevers!). Really, it has been the best experience ever and I can't wait to see what the rest of the trip brings.

P.S. hole in the ground toilet WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emily:
God's goodness overwhelms me. We say it so often, but I'm afraid most of us quickly lose grasp of exactly Who we serve. I have struggled throughout my life with the question of how a good God can allow such suffering in the world. I see incredible suffering here everywhere I look, but what I witnessed today on the first day of camp solidified who the person of God is in my mind. I can't even describe to you what its like to see the faces of 300 kids who are seeing bubbles for the first time in their life or to hear the screams of pure ecstasy as we play the same song for the fifth time in one day. Jumping, clapping, smiling, singing, yelling, touching, truly, enjoying . . . To create beings that have the capability of experiencing that extent of joy over a couple minutes of bubbles or one dance with "cha" ("teacher" Emily) is evidence of who the Creator is and how, out of His fundamental goodness, He has chosen to make a people. All praise to Him.

And lastly (Nate talking here), I am so proud of all my team members. We have really developed a great chemistry and are sharing this journey together extremely well.
Until tomorrow...

End of Day Three (ramblings)

Good News: We have internet
Bad News: It is slow and isn't wireless
Better News: Everyone is doing well.
Best News: Everyone has fallen in love with the people here.

That's about the long and short of it. Not very much bad news at all. unfortunately, with the internet bandwidth, videos and pics are challenging. But we'll have them when we come back, rest assured!
The end of day three was cool. We all sat around the dinner table reflecting on the day and the first big exposure to Mathare Valley. Our production team got the opportunity to go into the slums, and, needless to say, they were quite moved at the reality of the slum and the quality of life they witnessed.

The medical team saw around 200 people on the first day, which was quite relieving and great, considering today we set up, organized tons of meds (literally), and acclimated to Kenyan "organization." The arts team helped out with the medical setup most of the day, which was extensive. The last part of the day the arts team set up the campus for the camp, which begins tomorrow. It was cool having the medical team come in and assist with setup. The camp should run around 1200 kids, but we could be surprised. We have already received a heads up about the clinic, which begins at full capacity tomorrow. Today was a light day that was very busy, and felt quite intense for those recovering from jet lag (everyone is doing very well, though...I think the end is near on the jet lag. I would bet that tomorrow it will be over it for the most part).

Thursday is a big day. We could possibly see close to 1500 kids for the camp and 800 folks for the clinic. We're resting up and getting ready.

Danny (missionary) and I took care of a lot of administrative stuff today. We do have a couple of folks on the team who are experiencing LIGHT illness, but nothing hindering their work and ministry. Honestly, the PA's on the team are looking everyone over and the whole medical team is doing a great job of reminding us to stay hydrated and everything. There's a really great vibe with our team.

The food today was awesome. I loved it. Lunch was like a beef stew with rice and spicy cabbage, and dinner was a pretty good noodle and meat sauce dish (you would call it spaghetti, but I call it a noodle dish with meat sauce, because it really isn't the kind of stuff I would call spaghetti).

Lastly, on a personal note: I woke up and walked the campus this morning and prayed quite a bit as the sun rose and the Buruburu community came to life. I spent a good amount of time meditating and praying, thinking and walking. I am teaching this coming Sunday at MCDC, and I am quite certain I will be using John 16:33 as the key verse. That passage is my personal theme and mantra when in this country. Please pray for me and the team, as we go through the next 5 days of intense clinics and ministry.

I miss my wife. Life in Africa especially sucks without my best friend.
That's all...goodnight : )

Arrival and Day 3

Hi everyone!
We arrived safely in Nairobi last evening and got settled in at the campus. Had a restful evening and woke up bright and early today. The team is currently setting up a medical clinic and preparing for over 1200 children in a creative arts day camp that begins tomorrow.

As expected, internet access has been a challenge, but we're hoping to get wireless access at the campus set up today.

So far, everyone is adjusting very well, the baggage all came through, and we've been fortunate to have hot water (YEA!).
Keep praying for us, several are still overcoming jet lag. Sorry, no pictures or video currently, but I hope to fix that soon ! :)

Heathrow

Hi everyone.
We made it to Heathrow (london) all in one piece (or, in 20 singular individual combined pieces of travel smelling awesomeness). I must say, I am extremely impressed with how British Airways has handled our group. It was the most easy check in process ever for me, as a group leader...AND, they checked our bags all the way to Kenya (that's a big deal for a group).

So, we're here and I just got a good English breakfast in the Terminal 5 food court (sans the beans). Everyone seems to be doing well. Several of the group experienced their first international flight, and the jet lag is already sinking in for them. I am confident they'll be great by the time we hit Nairobi. Nothing like some British food and duty free shopping to help one get out of that funk.

We're scheduled to arrive in Kenya around 9pm (2pm EST). DJ posed in the pic with me. We're all doing very well. And, if you're wondering, they do have coke zero in the UK. : )

Thanks for the prayers! Keep them coming.

Kenya VLOG Day One

I'm leaving today with 20 other people for Nairobi, Kenya; we have three teams led by some awesome folks: Marie is leading our medical team, DJ is leading our arts team, and Chris is leading our production team. We're going to be there 12 days, and conducting medical clinics and an arts camp for kids. We're also shooting a documentary while there, so if you want a copy of that, let me know.

I'm hoping to keep updates by video every day, just to keep everyone informed. Pray for us. We need it! See you soon...
Kenya, here we come!

Kenya VLOG Day One from ALC on Vimeo.

God and Bob

We have a new series starting at ALC this coming May...and I'm pretty excited about it.

God and Bob from ALC on Vimeo.