Tami Dale

Hometown Greetings

2006-10-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Howdy!

For those who still might be checking this site… THANK YOU so much for your prayers and support this summer and as I have returned.

The ‘re-entry’ to American lifestyle has been harder than I had anticipated. Coming back I know I am different. Different because of the events and experiences that God has allowed for me. Even though I am different, I also have found that very few things are the same as when I left them. Honestly, it’s left me in a bit of a state of shock. Although it’s been difficult, there also have been MANY hilarious situations. A good sense of humor has helped incredibly (Thank You Lord!) as I have struggled to become American again.

I’m writing to ask for your prayers. Today I leave to spend 5 days with my family on the East Coast, most of whom I have not seen in a long time. I am really looking forward to spending time with them. After arriving back on Wednesday, I will spend the following few days seeking God’s Face to discern ‘what He wants me to do with my life’ (or at least these next few years). In particular if the Lord wants me to go as a full-time missionary to Africa. I am excited and nervous for what the Lord will show me. As the Lord prompts, I would covet your prayers for discernment in HIS direction!

Again, I am so thankful for your faithful prayers over the summer and I look forward to sharing with you how God directs!:-)

In His Love,
Tami

Coming Home!

2006-08-29T05:07:00.001-07:00

In a few hours I board a plane to come back to Washington. As I sit here, I am amazed at how quickly these three months have passed. I am so thankful for this time, for the relationships that have formed and what the Lord has been teaching me.

Saying goodbye to all of the people here has had its challenges. It is not appropriate in Kenyan culture to cry. Knowing this, I was praying that God would give me strength not to shed one tear (which could only happen by the hand of God!). The church I was serving in hosted a farewell ceremony, as each person came forward to say goodbye I saw their tears and knew that God was giving me strength and the freedom to express how much each person has meant to me. It is hard to say goodbye to those to whom you've grown attached, especially when you do not know if the Lord intends you to ever see each other again, this side of heaven.

For the last two days (Monday & Today), I have been in Nairobi preparing to leave the country. I am so thankful for the mission agency I am with. Much of the time has been spent informally debriefing. As I get ready to leave, I feel prepared. Prepared to leave the country and prepared to come home, for their support I am grateful.

Although I leave tonight at 10:05pm (Kenyan time), I will not arrive to Seattle until late Thursday evening (Long days of travel). However, this means that I will see most of you on Sunday at church (well, that is if you are not camping over this holiday weekend)!

I am excited to see all of you and thank you in person. I also find myself looking forward to hearing what’s been going on for each of you these past few months.

May you each have a blessed week, and I will SEE you on SUNDAY!!!

Grace & Love,
Tami

God’s Peace

2006-08-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Marsabit Report

Last week was a powerful week! I traveled with a little over 70 Africans to Marsabit (Northeastern part of Kenya) for a mission trip to unreached tribes. As we were meeting with the local people, they didn’t know that they were Kenyans. They thought we came from Kenya to minister to them. This area of Kenya is known for violence; violence between two neighboring countries and between the tribes that converge in this spot. The message and hope we brought was that reconciliation and true peace is possible, only through the Lord Jesus Christ. Our team of 70+ was a demonstration of this reconciliation. We had almost all 42 tribes represented on our team, we had multiple countries, and we have both soldiers and civilians. Before we could minister, God had to work on our team. The first night there the soldiers began the process of forgiveness and reconciliation by taking responsibility and apologizing for all of the bad/horrible experiences people have had with the military/police. This then prompted the elders of each of the tribes to stand and seek forgiveness (and take responsibility) for their own tribes interactions with other tribes. It was a powerful way to begin the week. As the week continued, we provided medical camps, food distribution, door-to-door (more like hut-to-hut) evangelism and open-air meetings. The whole week I spent at the medical camps. Don’t worry, I wasn’t pretending to be a doctor… although many thought I was b/c I am white… I worked in the pharmacy with the drugs and with speaking to people individually. However, what I was told my most important ministry (after the fact) was smiling. Now, I like that ministry!!!

We are just about to loose power for the day… so I will make this short. I leave in an hour to head back up country for my last two weeks. I have come to love dearly these people and will miss them greatly. Please pray for strength as I say goodbye and that I have wisdom of how to best spend each moment I have left.

Thank you so much for joining with me this summer. I truly have felt encouraged and uplifted by all your prayers, emails and letters. I am so blessed to have each of you in my life!

See you all in a few weeks! Tami

Happy Friday!

2006-08-04T00:23:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, we leave for our mission trip to Marsabit (an unreached tribe in Kenya). We have been hearing reports of some unrest that is happening in the area due to the conflicts between some neighboring countries. So I would love to add prayers for our safety (don't worry mom, they assure us that is will safe for us to travel and to minister to the local tribes). It is only that we will see some of the effects of the recent conflicts. Other than that, please join me in praying for the hearts of the people to be opened to the gospel.

Also, here is a picture of the house that I am living at here in Kenya. Don't let the wire fool you, most are for drying our clothes and not electricity. There is one wire shown that streatches accross the top of the picture that provides power to our house on Sunday mornings when we turn the generater on for the church service. Which means that I am able to charge my camera batery and my cell phone.

Yes, I did say cell phone. Even though I am far away from anything modern I get fairly good cell phone reception. It is a safety requirement for SIM that I carry it with me all the time. Since it is a kenyan cell phone and the rules here are different, it is free for me to recieve incoming calls. This has been a HUGE blessing, in that my family has been able to call me. To simply hear thier voices even for a few mins has been so encouraging!!! It is strange to have modern technology in the middle of rural kenya where life is like the late 1800's (or maybe even mid)!

I have recieved many questions about the elephants. To date, I have yet to wake up for any of the raids. Which is providing increadible amusement to my kenyan friends. However, one of my neighbors (Lucy & Daniel) have promised to take me into the forest to see the elephants when we get back from Marsabit. I will include pictures when that happens!

Everyone at CBC~ I miss worshiping the Lord with you on Sunday mornings. I pray that this Sunday as you meet with the Lord you truly enjoy offering a sacrifice of worship to HIM!!! I am looking forward to being together with you again in a few weeks!

Love, Tami

3-in-1

2006-07-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

ONE~ Mombassa
It was great to travel to the warm coast of Kenya for the weekend. We spent the weekend south of Mombassa in the town of Diani. It is a small coastal city and it is paradise. White sandy beaches, very few people and good food. Now the only problem is that I had a fever (39.8 c) the majority of the time we were there. Even though I had a fever, it was a blessing to be in such a warm place. I cannot imagine what this would have been like if I was still up country in the below freezing temperatures and no way to heat the house and have a fever. It was a true gift to be in such a beautiful and warm place.

Last week I reported we had the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of swimming with dolphins. Well, it still is my dream. The day we were out on the boat there was a storm on the Indian Ocean, so it was unsafe for us to get into the water with the dolphins. However, it was impressive to be so close to the wild dolphins. As a 2nd place prize we were able to snorkel at a reef that is in the middle of the ocean. It was beautiful!!!

TWO~ Week of rest & reflection & doctor’s visits…
After coming back to Nairobi, I had some stomach problems. So I can now personally testify about the Kenyan medicine. Fortunately they use western drugs, so I am feeling better now. Having a few days where I had to stay very immobile was a mixed blessing.
It provided the time to be still before the Lord and for that I am grateful. This summer is going by very fast and I want to make the most of every opportunity provided. There are many items/topics this week provided time to reflect on, they are to numerous to mention here but thank you for praying. I do feel refreshed. I am ready to head back up-country for the next 5 weeks, in large part due to the restfulness of the past few days.

THREE~ Mission trip to Northern Kenya
August 6th-11th, I will be heading to Marissabit (northern tribal area in Kenya) as a part of a mission trip to an un-reached tribe with members of the church that I am working with. The church’s passion for those who have yet to hear the gospel in Kenya is humbling. There will be a group of us traveling for two days to reach these people. We will be bringing food supplies (the effects of the drought are still present for them) and some medical supplies. The week long out reach will be preaching the gospel, treating simple medical ailments and feedings. This is an incredible opportunity to minister alongside Kenyans as they bring the Gospel to their own countrymen who have never heard of Jesus. As the Lord lays it on your heart, please pray for this mission trip (safety, hearts of the people we are going to reach, and for our own hearts-that God would use this in mighty ways).

Pictures!!

2006-07-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is a Phyllis! Not only is she my host sister-in-Christ, she is also the local pastor I am serving with this summer.

These are children from a local orphanage. We are making 'cartoon faces' (the kenyan equlivant of funny faces)!

God's Abundant Blessings!

2006-07-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

July 13, 2006 b

This evening (mid-day for you) I find myself in Nairobi at the SIM compound. An opportunity opened up on Tuesday for me to join a group of SIM lady missionaries in Mombassa (a coastal city in Kenya) for the weekend. We will leave tomorrow night and take the night bus (8-10hrs). We will take time to rest, journal, read, reflect and swim with the dolphins… yes, I did say swim with the dolphins! This is one activity I have always wanted to do and God is providing a surprise opportunity!! Not only is it a blessing to be going to a beautiful coastal city, but it is also a WARM (90 degree) coastal city. I am looking forward to thawing out! It is also a blessing because, I love reading the Word and journaling in the warmth of the sun and that is something that is hard to find even in Nairobi (it’s the coldest/rainiest month of the year right now).

For the last two days, I wrestled with whether or not to go to Mombassa. It would mean taking two days off of ministry. Two days to not visit those dying from AIDS, two days not to play with the orphans, two days not to teach about God to the youth… two days… I found myself wrestling with feelings of guilt, feeling like why should I take this time to rest somewhere so nice? Yet, I need rest. Since arriving in Kenya, I’ve had three days off. A little over a week ago I began to realize how much I needed time to seek the face of the Lord. Not the daily time of seeking Him, but the ‘come away with me’ and bask in my presence type of time with the Lord. As I was hungry for the time with the Lord, I didn’t know how it was going to happen. Then I receive a message on Tuesday asking if I would join the group. God provides even the rest I need.

Recent Praises:
1. Time to Rest
2. Mombassa Trip- I get to be in warm weather and swim with dolphins!
3. Words to Speak-everywhere I’ve been required to speak, God has given me words to say, especially this week with our neighbor’s memorial services.
4. Very few bugs (even mosquitoes)!!! Between the few heavy frosts and consistent temperatures just around freezing at the nighttime, these have taken care of our insect population.

Specific Prayer requests:
1. Solid rest in the Lord. It is easy to be distracted from truly seeking the face of God in times of rest.
2. Good fellowship with fellow missionaries.
3. Safety. I am learning the times my life seems to be most at risk is any time I enter a vehicle. The majority of drivers here are relatively inexperienced and even if they do have good experience and skill, most likely the ones around them don’t. Please pray for safety when traveling, not simply to Mombassa, but for any time I get into a vehicle.

Thank you so much for your prayers! I cannot express how much it means to me to know you are going to God on my behalf. Two weeks ago, I wrote all the names of those that have stated they are praying for me in the back page of my journal. It was a time when I needed encouragement and the Lord provided by looking at all of your names. I am so fortunate to be supported, cared for and prayed for by each of you. Thank You!!!

July 13, 2006a

2006-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

The work of the gospel… Yesterday, the work of the Gospel looked like hours of washing dishes and then clothes by hand. It looked like making tea (boiling milk, adding water & sugar and boiling again) for unexpected visitors from Nairobi. It looked like attending and speaking at a memorial service for our neighbor who died. And lastly the work of the Gospel looked like making dinner so that those who were not feeling well could rest.
I have been reflecting how the work of the Gospel (whether if I am at home, or on the foreign mission field) is more about living life moment-by-moment in Jesus’ likeness rather than solely the speaking/evangelistic/discipleship opportunities. Those opportunities are blessings to be apart of, but they should flow out of my moment-by-moment life lived in Jesus’ likeness. Life is still very much life, whether lived in Bellevue, Washington or in North Kinagop, Kenya. It has its daily responsibilities, most of which are exactly the same (however they are carried out differently). Although the work of the Gospel looks different every day, the underlining current is the same: living moment-by-moment in Jesus’ likeness, making the most of every opportunity that comes.
When you have many hours to think while scrubbing clothes, there are many topics that cross my mind. If I had half of the discipline and desire Jonathan Edwards had to capture his thoughts, I too would have jackets full of notes about theological musings. But I lack the desire/discipline, and the resources to write each thought on paper and pin it to myself.

June 27, 2006

2006-06-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

…And I thought it rained a lot in Washington! Perhaps it is the tin roof, or the lack of heat, or maybe it’s because we are outside a lot, but the rain here seems VERY hard and cold. When it looks like it is going to rain, we wear Gum Boots (galoshes for adults). I love wearing mine. I feel like a little kid running through the mud and puddles. This is an essential wardrobe piece to have when you are in the North Kinagop region in Kenya. Although Naivasha (closest city) is not far away it has very different weather. When we are having rain, there is no trace of it there (or anywhere else in Kenya for that matter). It is strange to see such an extreme climate change over such a short distance. Today was some of the hardest rain we’ve experienced yet.

This morning I woke up with a cold. The heavy rains turned into a blessing because that forced us to stay at the house and work here all day. It was nice to have a day off and a bit more rest, particularly since I’m not feeling the best. The chore around the house for the day was washing… washing everything (clothes, shoes, floors, seat covers, pots, pans, etc…). With the warm water, it was nice to wash, it helped take away some of the cold-to-the-bone feeling. Not to mention that washing everything took the whole day to accomplish.

Yesterday, I received a batch of mail. So, when I wrote before about it taking 10 days for mail to get to me was wrong. It’s closer to 20! The reason is because there is no way to get mail to me unless someone picks it up in Nairobi and brings it out or I go to Nairobi and pick it up. It was so encouraging to receive notes from home. With very little to do for entertainment, I have read and re-read the letters. In fact, I’m reading the last book I brought (Confession by St. Augustine) and even have found some time to try painting with watercolors. Days here are structured very differently. I am usually in bed reading by 9pm and there is always time in the morning between chores as we are waiting for another pot of water to heat up to enjoy other activities (i.e. painting) or simply play with some of the local children.

Last week we had a bit of a scare. Nighttime is when all the bad people and animals are out prowling, looking for food or mischief. By in large, our area is safe, however last week we were invaded by elephants, wanting to eat the cabbages and potatoes. When this happens, everyone runs out of their houses carrying anything that will make noise (i.e. pots & pans) and they begin banging it all together to scare off the elephants. Everyone comes together to help. Unfortunately, I slept through the whole thing (which everyone thinks is very funny and weird), so I do not have any photos to share. So if it happens again, I’ve asked to be woken up so I can help scare off the elephants (and take pictures). The other news from our farm is that a lamb was born yesterday. This is a big blessing for the family. Not only does it add to the number of sheep, but also it symbolizes future revenue.

In terms of ministry, the Jr Youth (3rd-8th graders) that I teach on Sunday mornings are great kids. They have a genuine heart for the Lord. However, none of them have their own Bibles. Actually, it is normal for a family to perhaps have one Bible that they all share. On Sunday morning, I purposed a challenge to the Youth. If they would memorize Col 3:1-17, they would be given a Bible at the end of the summer. Most of the children at Tumaini (a local orphanage, run by a man who sounds exactly like James Earl Jones) have already started. When I was at Tumaini yesterday, they were reciting what they have already memorized. At the most it will take them two or three weeks to have the passage committed to memory. Their desire to have their own Bible humbles me. I take for granted that I have a Bible that I can read at any time.

Hope this last week in June is going well for all of you and that you are feeling the presence of the Lord in all your work!

In His Love,
Tami

June 20, 2006

2006-06-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

“Every Problem Becomes a Blessing
When I Know the LORD is Mine.”

As we walked back to our house, some local children ran from their farms to walk with the white lady. I was the first white person they have ever seen. The children are excited and rather frightened of me. As we walked along the rocky road together, we began trading songs back and forth. They would sing a simple Kikuyu song, which I would try to imitate and then I would sing a song in English. The last song they were teaching us was actually in English. It is a simple song, repeating two lines. “Every problem becomes a Blessing, When I Know the LORD is Mine. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus. When I know the LORD is Mine” As the children were singing with great gusto these lines, I couldn’t help but notice that all but one was barefoot. Their clothing was little more than rags and hadn’t bathed in a while. Yet, they were singing a song, with words so simple that every problem (no food, shoes, clothes or bathing) becomes a blessing when I know the LORD is Mine.

Every Problem??? Lord, are you sure? Here I am: I have attended and worked at a strong Bible church for years, I have had the privilege of attending seminary, and I have my own Bible that I love to read and study (many people don’t have their own copy of the Bible) and yet… do I truly believe that EVERY problem becomes a blessing? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God concerning you.” If I am honest, there are many things that happen that my first response is not to think that this is a blessing from God, let alone giving thanks for it. For example, I was called to speak at a rally on Sunday (with NO notice to 700+ High School girls). My first response was more along the lines of uncertainty and lack of desire rather than thanking the Lord for this ‘problem’. Pastor Jerry used to say, “You have to be ready to preach, pray or be martyred on a moment’s notice.” Well, I am now learning to see all of the no-notice speaking ‘problems’ as opportunities/blessings to share the gospel (and there seem to be PLEANTY of them). So that is one problem where my attitude is being changed to see it as a blessing, but... How about the problem of not being clean? Or the problem of not knowing the language? Or the problem of feeling lonely, missing my family and friends? Or the problem on bugs? Ok, the last one reminds me of Corrie Ten Boom:-)!!

Oh, May I become a woman of great faith, who can recognize immediately that every problem becomes a blessing when I know the Lord is mine!!

As I write this note, I would appreciate prayer for a heart of thankfulness, quick to praise the Lord for EVERY situation I encounter!

In His service!
Tami

PS-a note on the bugs...the mosquitoes are growing in size everyday (number and physically). Yesterday I found myself praying that God would remove them when I used the pit toilet. It was as if the Lord parted the red sea of mosquitoes in front of me. Immediately they went to the walls and it was as if they were stuck there. The simple answers to prayer have given me such GREAT amusement. It is fun to know that God cares if I have to deal with mosquitoes at the pit!!!

June 16, 2006 (Friday)

2006-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Howdy from Kenya! I have no idea when the next time I’ll have the opportunity to post this message, but yesterday was a day that needs to be communicated.

Daily life takes time here. Actually, I think that is the understatement of the century. It’s now 11am, and we just finished all the morning cleanings. Simple tasks like washing dishes easily take 1.5 hours. First you have to warm the water, then the process of washing and rinsing is quite extensive. With no modern connivances, I am impressed at the cleanliness. I have come to love doing the morning dishes. It provides an opportunity to simply sing praises to God and get the dirt out from under my fingernails.

Another example of daily life taking time is transportation. Walking is the main (and almost only form of transportation) and it takes time to simply move from one location to the next. One of the sweetest blessings I have received came from a very old woman who prayed that my legs and feet would remain strong all the days of my life. When your legs and feet are the only form of transporting the gospel to people this becomes a very thoughtful prayer and blessing. This brought new meaning to Romans 10, ‘Blessed are the feet of those who bring the good news’…

Speaking of walking, a few moments before we left the house yesterday, a local preacher stopped by to meet the American guest. He had walked 15 miles that morning just to introduce himself, and invite me to speak to the ladies of his church. 15 MILES!! I was blown away. I have never walked 15 miles just to introduce myself to someone. Right after he arrived, we had to leave to make our next appointment. And the pastor didn’t seem to mind that he had walked 15 miles just to sit with us for 10 minutes and turn around and walk back. He will come again on Tuesday and have lunch with us (which is another 30 miles roundtrip). I am quiet humbled that someone would sacrifice so much time and energy just to meet me.

The reason we had to leave the visiting pastor is the reason I want to write this letter. Our appointment that we had to keep was with a 75 year-old widow. She had three daughters and is taking care of her 10 young grandchildren. Out of her three daughters, one died in December, another is dying of AIDS currently, and the third took off with out notice 2 years ago, all leaving their children behind for this grandmother to care for. We (Phyllis, Paul-a Kenyan studying at an American seminary, Aaron-an elder at the church, and I) purchased some basic food items to take to this grandmother. We spent just under $14 and were able to procure about 2-3 weeks worth of food. Carrying the food as we hiked though the woods and farms to get to the house, I was paying more attention to the conversations we were having than thinking about and praying for the family we were going to minister to. As we approached the house many children came out to greet us. Most were not wearing any shoes, their clothes we little more than material that would make good rags, not to mention their attire was not close to being sufficient for a cold, rainy day. Strangely, I didn’t notice any of that until we were sitting inside. What I did notice was the incredible joy that radiated off of the faces of the children and their grandmother. Even though they had nothing, they were quick to thank the Lord for their weekly income of 10 Ksh (about 14 cents), with which they can buy soap. The house itself is incomplete. There are no doors and the wood slats that frame the house have 1”-2” gaps between each board, offering a little shelter from the cold winds. While we met with the family, most of the children were falling asleep and had other obvious signs of mal-nutrition. As we sat and spoke of a God who provides, I was humbled at how God was providing for this family. Some of our food supplies came from others who didn’t have much to eat themselves. They were giving greatly out of their poverty. They were limiting their own food so that this woman could feed her children TODAY. It was strange to walk away from this family, feeling challenged to evaluate how I spend money and humbled at the comparison between watching those that have so little, give so much and the Widow’s Mite in the gospel of Mark (12:41-44).

It seems there is overwhelming need for basic items such as food, clothing, shoes, and adequate shelter (by Kenyan standards, not American). And knowing that I could give all the money I possess and that wouldn’t even begin to help meet all the needs, challenges me personally. As I share the love of Jesus, it is not to be in word alone, but also in action. Only the Lord’s wisdom, moment by moment will help me discern how to minister to each person!!!

Although I have pictures, I am hesitant at showing them over the Internet. I do not want to add to the impression that white people come and take pictures that move our hearts, with the intent to exploit the needy. This is a common belief among the rural Kenyans. Many of these pictures (don’t worry I already have well over 200) will have to wait until I get home.

Know my prayers are with each of you! Serving Christ with you!

Tami

June 11/12

2006-06-12T01:01:00.000-07:00

June 11, 2006...

Here was my day…
7am wake up
9am walk 2 miles to school
10am teach on Loving the Word of God to a student-run service at one of the local boarding schools
11am take tea (a Kenyan must) with students
12pm walk back to Karima Church (on the same property as our house)
12:30pm Share my testimony with Church
1pm meet the church members individually
2:30pm visit a dying woman (Dorca). Read and pray over her through a translator
4pm go to a service for a young woman who just died
4:30pm speak at the service (no warning and with not knowing anything about the person that died). Actually, at that time I was assuming the service was for an old man- I had not found out that it was a young mother).
5pm walk back to our house with the father of the woman who just died
5pm find two people waiting at the house to visit with the pastor, so I excused myself and helped prepare dinner

The rest of the evening was pretty mellow. As this day comes to a close, I am praising God for the words He gave me to say today. Fortunately, I had at least 12 hours notice before teaching this morning, the rest I found out at the same time everyone else did that I was supposed to speak. God is faithful at providing words when we are called upon to speak.

Getting accustomed to Kenyan culture has not been easy, but I am finding that the Lord has been renewing my heart moment, by moment. The relationships with Phyllis, David and Evelyn (their niece who lives with them) are deepening very quickly. Part of that is because there are no distractions (TV, video, radio or anything else…) and for safety reasons, I am with at least one of them at all times. I feel truly blessed that they have welcomed me into their family.

I will try to post picture the next time I'm in Naivasha! Thank you for all your prayers and support! I feel truly blessed!

In His love,
Tami

PS- this morning on my walk in, 20+ kids were teaching me how to sing psalm 23in Kikuyu (they were on thier way into school). What a great way to start the day!

2006-06-12T00:56:00.000-07:00

June 10, 2006
Somewhere in the middle of Kenya…

It is strange to be writing on a computer today. After all, my toilet is a pit, all of our food is cooked on an open fire with wood from the near by forest, and for a game with the orphans we played a version of ‘jacks’ with rocks (and I lost miserably to the amusement of the kids). When I arrived I couldn’t help but think that the houses and fences look like the houses of the first American settlers at Plymouth Rock. (I just lit the lantern so that my computer screen isn’t the only source of light and finished purifying my water for tomorrow.) Somewhere the thought began to plague me, ‘what am I doing here?’

Phyllis and I had a great conversation this morning, where she expressed her appreciation and heart for the missionaries who came to bring the Gospel to Africa, even though they endured great hardships. Since she would still be trapped by the darkness if it had not been for those who came. So even as I was questioning, God provided a reminder of why I am here through one of the people I came to minister to. Talk about humbling.

Yesterday, I went to meet the principle of a local primary school. As we approached the school, the children came running up to me, pushing in on top of each other, wanting to shake my hand and touch a white person. I felt like a celebrity! One little girl reached up and touched my hair and ran away into the crowd giggling when I turned and winked at her. After looking at the classrooms, and with very little warning (I mean VERY LITTLE), I was asked to “bring a word to the children’. Now, I quickly learned that means teach or give an evangelistic message. So, for the first time in my life I ‘brought the word’ to 250-300 students, sitting outside, with no notice and through an interpreter. God is faithful and provided words for me to share (Also, thankfully I had decided to carry my Bible with me). I am learning that I am expected to speak a Christian message everywhere I go, even if it isn’t a Christian school.

After we finished, some of the girls had prepared (evidently they knew I was coming) a Kikuyu dance and song for me. I wish I had my camera to capture their singing. They then asked if I would sing a song for them. So I had them sing with me, Jesus loves me. It was the only thing I could think of to sing.

In the past 24 hrs I have had 6 or 7 invitations to preach, and when I explain that I will teach ladies of all ages and children but not preach form the pulpit, it is met with curious glances. So they decided that I should preach to the women of this whole region about ‘what God tells to women’. That should be in about a month.

Every day it gets dark at about 6:30pm and we go to bed around 9:30pm. We walk everywhere and everywhere is at least a few km apart, with hills on rocky roads. So by the end of they day, 9:30 seems pretty late. I like getting all of this sleep!

Anyways, I will try to attach some photos to help visually show life for me. I pray that the Lord is encouraging each of you and that you are able to see His presence in every aspect of your life!

In His love,
Tami
Is 41:10

Praise:
1. Safety… we have guard that watches our house at night and more bolts and bars of wood to put across the doors and windows that I know what to do with. It feels very safe.
2. Warmth… Kerima (the town I’m in) is cold at night and in the morning, but is warm during the day. The amount of covers I have to sleep with keeps me VERY warm at night, so the Lord has taken care of this prayer request.
3. Relationships… meeting so many different people and children!!!
4. Phyllis’ encouraging words this morning.
5. Opportunities to speak about God to children and explain importance of good theology to adults. This is one the Lord continues to give sensitive words to say!

Prayer:
1. Knowing what the Lord would want me to speak at each opportunity.
2. To be able to prepare talks faithfully (and w/o all the resources I’m used to). All I have is my Bible.
3. Relationships… that they are able to deepen even with the language barriers.
4. Wisdom with ministry opportunities. When and where I should serve and which invitations to accept.

Thank you for your faithful prayers!!!

Habari! (What’s up?)

2006-06-08T01:11:00.000-07:00

In an hour, I leave to go up-country. This past week in Nairobi has been filled with many experiences. Although many people told me the Kenyan people are friendly, I didn’t know just how friendly. I have been amazed at their warmth and genuine kindness. Yesterday as we were in the outskirts of Kibera (slums) the children would run up to us say ‘Hello, how are you?’ over and over and over and over… and they were delighted if we stopped and shook their hands.

This morning I met with the overseer for the church I will be working with. He let me know that one of their greatest needs (up-country) is for discipleship, especially of the teens. The work that has been done in spreading the gospel is profound. However, David expressed that little has been focused on the teen’s spiritual growth. So, it seems that I am being prepared for working also with the teens.

Nairobi is a beautiful city. On a funny note, we were driving along a main road and ran into a family of baboons that were sitting in the grasses on the side of the road. It was hilarious to turn my head and see them hanging out, staring at the people.

As I go up-country I find myself excited and a bit fearful. There are so many unknowns. Last night, the weekly Bible study for those living in Nairobi, the subject was fear. I guess God knew I needed to be reminded that He is always with me and His plan is perfect. Even as I write these words, I am amazed at how God has calmed my heart. PLT!

Thank you for all of your prayers and emails. I could not be up-country without your partnership!! THANK YOU!!

In His Love,
Tami

Praise:
1. Physical strength - I am over all of the Jet lag
2. New relationships with many missionaries that have been of great encouragement to me.
3. Bible Study on Fear last night :-)

Prayer Requests:
1. Quick and safe travel up-country (the last half is what we would call off-roading)
2. Great relationship with Phyllis, that we would be able to have the deep fellowship of sisters in Christ.
3. That I will not be cold (physically). I am going into the mountains, and it should be beautiful but even colder than I had anticipated.

PS- Above is a picture I took right before we entered Kibera. This is simply a small section (Kibera holds roughly 1 million people).

I've Arrived!

2006-06-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Greeting from Africa!!! (ok, I've wanted to say that for a long time!)

Not only did I arrive safely, but my luggage did as well. Execpt for one of the containers of Parmesan cheese I was bringing for some local missionaries. So, I (and everything in my bad) smells like cheese right now.

The plane from Amsterdam to Nairobi was sparse in people, so I had a whole row to stretch out and nap- huge praise.

Last night was my first night sleeping under mosquito netting- I must say that it was quite an adventure tucking myself in and creating this cocoon.

Thank you for your prayers for safe travel and good connections, the Lord has answered. It's two in the afternoon, and a few of us are going out to a local market to explore.

In His Love,

Tami

Two Days to Go!

2006-05-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been a whirlwind. I find myself at a loss for words to express my gratitude and thankfulness for each of you. I praise God for the encouragement and love you have given to me. Standing and looking out over the sea of faces, faces of people I care deeply for, and seeing you pray for me, made Sunday one of the most powerful experiences in my Christian walk. Thank you. I am humbled and honored at all of your support, love and care. I am blessed to call each of you friend!

Some have asked for contact information while I am in Kenya. There will be two ways to contact me. First is by snail mail. For those who haven’t experienced this type of mail in a while, I’m told this is where you use a writing implement (i.e. pen, pencil, crayon, lemon juice…) and write words on a piece of paper, fold it and put it in an envelope. Here’s the address: (it will take 10+ days to get to me)

Tami Dale
PO Box 60875
00200 City Square
Nairobi, Kenya

The second form of communication is email. The address I will be using is:
daletk@hotmail.com I probably will only be able to access email once in three weeks (no electricity!). So updates and/or responses will not be rapid in coming.

Thank you again for all of your love, encouragement and support. I am again reminded that I am not going to Africa alone, but I am going with you all. Here are a few ways you can be praying for me specifically:

Bullet Point Praise
• for the Finances- the Lord has sufficiently covered all of the needs for this trip
• for the outpouring of love from the Body of Christ at CBC
• for the precious times with the student women this past month!

Bullet Point Prayer Requests:
o for my visa to arrive (by Thursday at 1pm-my flight time)
o for safe travel - (I leave SEA 1pm, June 1st ; Arrive Kenya 7:30pm June 2nd)
o for the relationships with the Kenyans, especially with Phyllis (host family)
o for the first 2 days in Nairobi where we will be finalizing the details of the ministry for the summer (their winter).

In His Love, Tami

Prayer Support Letter

2006-04-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Family & Friends~

The time has finally come, I’m going to Africa.

Quick update on my life… Currently, I am working at Crossroads Bible Church as the Director of Student Women’s Ministry. I’ve been on staff at CBC for about four years. Through the various ministries (Jr High, High School and College) I have the opportunity to meet with (counsel, mentor, teach, disciple, encourage) amazing young women. As I challenge them to walk in obedience to the Lord, keeping Him the chief affection of their hearts, simultaneously the Lord continues to challenge me on the same principles: To Love God with all of my heart and walk in obedience in every area of my life. I enjoy and love the young women to whom I minister, and cannot wait to see how God uses them to change this world, as they continue to walk in obedience.

Where I find myself now… As I have tried to love God with all my heart and walk in obedience to Him (some days doing better than others), there is one area of passion that has grown exponentially since the day God got a hold of my heart. This area is Africa. In particular, working with women and children who are hurting from various traumas (i.e. HIV/AIDS, war, famine…). Through a series of events this past year, the Lord brought me to a place where I strongly desire to go, experience and see if the Lord is directing me to become a fulltime missionary to Africa. As a result, the elders have granted a three-month leave-of-absence, for the purpose of praying through this decision. (We have AMAZING elders at CBC, not just because of this, but they are godly men who do so much for each of us, so thank one if you have the chance).

What this summer holds for me… As of June 1st, I will be heading to Africa for three months, as a short-term SIM (Serving in Missions) missionary. This trip will grant me the opportunity to experience African culture, meet & minister to women and children, and pray through my desire to reach the lost in this cross-cultural setting.

Would you consider joining me? If there is one thing I’ve learned about missions it is the importance of PRAYER. Would you consider praying for me while I prepare and while I am ministering in Kenya? To be covered in prayer is my heart’s desire as I embark on these summer months.

For those who are more of the bullet point types, here are the details:
Location: East of Naivasha, Kenya
Living with David & Phyllis (Nationals involved in ministry)
Duration: June 1-September 1, 2006
Mission Agency: Serving In Missions (www.sim.org)

Prayer Points:
1. Most of the ministry I will be involved in will be decided once I arrive. Please pray for discernment and the Lord’s direction. There are so many options, that it will be difficult to know which specific ways the Lord wants me to spend the time I have in Kenya.
2. Financial costs. The reality is that summer is fast approaching and the fundraising deadline is May 1st!! This is a lot of money and I don’t like talking about money. Pray that I would rest in the knowledge that God provides.
3. That the Lord would use this mission trip to change my heart. Specifically, that He would increase my desire and love of Himself and my love and compassion for others.

Thank you so much for being apart of this journey called life. Know that I am so thankful for each of you and the impact you all have had on my life!

To God Be the Glory! Love,

Tami Dale

“For I am confident of this very thing, He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
~Philippians 1:6

My First Blog

2006-02-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you Kristin Jack for helping the technologically challenge person (me)!