Sports can be a moulder of character. (By Breanne)

Sports can be a molder of character if one lets it do its work. One of the most important qualities that can be derived from sports is teamwork. I learned the lesson of teamwork a few years ago, as we played soccer almost everyday. The team captains chose their own team members, another player, Faith, and I were not the best teammates; of course, they always put us on the same team! One reason we never we never worked well on the same team, was because we both liked to be in the front getting goals, not guarding our own goal. But the main reason was because we were both hot-headed. Strife began to slip into our team, every time we played together we lost worse than the time before. I realized that I was not having good sportsmanship, and I am sure Faith realized it too. Though we never spoke about having good sportsmanship, we both began to try working together. Teamwork is not something learned overnight, and it was quite a few games before we both got in the "groove" and began to win again. Faith and I now work well together, but better still, I learned an important lesson; whoever you play with, treat them with respect, and adjust your abilities to match those of your teammate. Learning the simple lessons that sports offer, will improve your character.

Two Types of Cars (By Breanne)

Every car tends to have its own personality, this personality is what makes a Mitsubishi Pajero and an Izuzu Filly absolute opposites. First, our Filly, or more specifically, Momma's Filly, is a van that is always clean, neat, and white; it is quite spacious too. Of course one would not expect a man's vehicle to be neat, and it is NOT! Our Pajero (Daddy's car) has candy wrappers in the floor, old soda bottles, grimy tools, and who knows what else! The seats probably have not been vacuumed in years and it smells of mildew. Second, my dad's Pajero seemingly falls apart each time it is driven. One cannot even imagine how many times the mechanic comes to fix it in just one month; unlike our van, which holds together well on rough roads, even though it does not have four-wheel drive. Lastly, if our Izuzu Filly were a person she would be a white-gowned young lady with dark lashes. On the other hand, our Pajero is like an old man, run-down with years, he would have a gray beard and would eventually die of pneumonia. A smooth ride in our van is much more relaxing than bouncing around in the back of our Pajero that rattles with tools.

An Embarrassing Moment (By Breanne)

It was actually a very humiliating experience, though it probably was not the most embarrassing in my life. The "it" I am talking about is a instance that took place in Sidundo, Siaya. As you probably already know we were in Siaya to help construct an orphanage; you might guess the children were attracted to us. The crowd of young people multiplied and multiplied until we knew something absolutely had to be done. You understand with so many people someone is liable to get hurt, but everyone was busy, too busy. So our Mom drew us (which is Abigail and I) off to the side and indicated that we should try to do something about our little "situation." In the end, we rounded up some of the children (the others followed out of curiosity), and directed them to a nearby field. And there we played "Ring-Around-the-Rosie" (along with some other simple games), but our circle was not even close to being round, some of us went wilder than others and before you know it we were all flung to the ground. We must have been a sight! You might not consider this all that embarrassing, but I am not to the worst part yet. We endured an audience, I am absolutely sure the whole construction team was watching us, and to make matters even worse, they were taking our pictures. Though this might not be the most humiliating in the world, I was sure self-conscience for a while afterward.

Written by: Breanne Shelby

God Created Some Intelligent Animals (By Breanne)

God created some incredibly intelligent animals, they may be sharks or dauphins; to God all of the animals are special. For example, the elephant, with its feet, can sense and interpret sound waves, as they travel through the ground. On the other hand, the shark, with its acute sense of smell, can detect the scent of blood from many miles away. The brain of the dolphin is very large; at a quick motion from the trainer's hand the dolphin is able to perform flips, twirls, and dives, in the water and high in the air. Chimpanzees can be trained to act like a person; they can eat at the table, wear clothes, and undertake other human-like gestures. Each one of God's creatures display His unique method of designing the intellects of these creatures in order for them to survive.

Written by: Breanne Shelby

Why does everything have to happen in one week? First, Daddy has had malaria since the beginning of this week. Next, Mama had a virus that has kept her in bed since Saturday; and we have Swahili classes! But that is not the worst of it; daddy was also teaching institute, and we were have school on top of all of that. We are all tired and could use your prayers. Thankfully, Mama is better and Daddy is improving; and school is finished for the week.

Written by: Breanne

My Favorite Place (By Breanne)

A hill in the outskirts of Kisii presents a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. The name of this hill is Mount Manga. From there you would first see each house surrounded by its own field; these houses are close together and each detail is distinctly recognized. But as you gaze farther and farther out, you do not see each house with its field, but the fields all begin to blend together into a large patchwork quilt. If the haze is not too dense; from this vantage point, it is possible to see Lake Victoria! Now if you would look slightly to your left, there are two smaller hills (that are contained within the valley) can be seen. First one, then the other behind it; between these hills lie the downtown section of Kisii. This breathtaking view is my favorite place in all of Kisii!

Kisii (By Breanne)

In the highlands of Kenya lays a busy town nestled between two hills. On the slope of one hill stands a two-story, colonial, stone house like sentinel guarding the marketplace below. At a second story window peers a bystander, watching the action occurring along the heavily used paved road. This highway is always teeming with traffic, not only automobile traffic, but also pedestrians and motorbikes. The traffic here is not any kind of traffic you will be familiar with in America, this traffic is native to Kenya and Kenya only (well maybe in other African countries too!). This traffic is push and shove, accidents are common, and the people just walk across the road as if it were empty! If an accident does occur, the road has no shoulders to pull off onto. The shoulder (a narrow, steep dirt path), when there happens to be one, is used as a sidewalk and a place to sell wares. Watching from above could keep a bystander occupied for absolutely hours!!

Riding in a Matatu (By Breanne)

Matatus are the main transportation vehicles in kenya, a matatu is really a compact 14 passenger van. If you want to go for a ride, first they tell you to climb over the seats until you get to a back window seat. Here in Kenya, in order to take less trips they cram people in until no more can fit (up to 35 and sometimes more if there are children!). Finally, there is no more room, but the pressure on all sides of you makes breathing almost impossible. You look around trying to find a way out, and you notice that everyone else is holding something in their lap. Some are carrying children, others have fresh produce, and some are holding chickens! The smells begin to overwhelm you, and you realize that you are by a window; you manage to get it open with some difficulty. As the window slides open, you notice that you are driving through the main Kisii Market with its cows, goats, rotten vegetables, stagnate mud puddles, and fried fish out in the hot sun. The smells seem to hit you all at once, you are tempted to shut the window, but you decide against it. You begin to feel nauseated as your driver swerves recklessly in and out of traffic. The noise inside the matatu spikes as children scream, terrified. Though it may seem to be too much for you to take our form of transport ion; the people here do it all the time!!

Thanksgiving (By Breanne)

Thanksgiving is one of the most savory of the holidays. Thanksgiving reminds me of our family's time together. Thanksgiving at our house, is completely packed with good things to eat, such as Momma's delicate herb-crusted, oven-roasted chicken; for some reason when Momma bakes this dish it reminds me of the pilgrim's meal, simple yet delicious. Cranberry sauce, which reminds me of fall; with its sharp tangy-sweet flavor, is more of a modern addition to the classic dinner. Without rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans, this meal would be unfinished; a main dish without the condiments would be like a house without furniture. Last, but definitely not least, pumpkin pie; the spicy aroma of cinnamon always saturates our house on this thankful holiday. It's not only the smell that helps incorporate a thankful attitude; but having my family around me, assists me in realizing all the blessings that have been showered down on my life.

Written by: Breanne Shelby