Kendall Explains It All

Family and friends always ask us how Kendall does on mission trips. We thought it might be more fun if we answer this from her perspective instead of ours. We asked friends and family to send us their questions. Here goes!

1. What is your favorite part about going on mission trips? 

Kendall: Well, my favorite part about mission trips is playing with the kids. 

2. What is your least favorite part about going on mission trips?

Kendall: In Africa I didn't like most of the food. I don't like nshima or cabbage. 

3. Why do you think it's important to go?

Kendall: Because Jesus calls us. 

4. What do you look forward to doing?

Kendall: Hmmmm... Well, when I was in the airplane I was looking forward to learning what the kids do around there.

5. Did you like Africa or Haiti better?

Kendall: Both. In Africa, I liked hanging out with my friends. In Haiti, I liked playing games with the kids. 

6. How do you feel about seeing children your age living in impoverished conditions?

Kendall: What does impoverished mean? Well, I feel sad for them. 

7. What do you think about how children in other countries interact with each other and their family members? 

Kendall: In Haiti, the kids would fight over fruit and throw rocks at each other because they were hungry. I haven't seen that happen here. 

8. Do you ever need alone time?

Kendall: Yes, I would go inside and take breaks.

9. Do you like trying new foods?

Kendall: Yes!

10. What country would you like to go to next?

Kendall: Oh, that is a hard question! Let's see... West Virginia.

11. What was your favorite food that you tried in another country?

Kendall: In Haiti I liked the chicken and red beans with rice. 

12. What was your least favorite food that you tried in another country? 

Kendall:  Maheu. 

13. Is there anything that people do/cultural practices in other countries that you wish were part of American culture too?

Kendall: Eat their food. 

14. Would you like to learn other languages?

Kendall: I want to!

15. Which languages?

Kendall: All of them!

16. What are the most funny things that you have experienced in other countries? 

Kendall: Laventa, (in Haiti) was the teacher and you had to do what she said or she spanked you with a stick. However, I had no idea what she was saying. She tried to spank me a lot. I had to tell her pa touché! (Don't touch!)

17. What would you tell someone who is afraid to leave the U.S.?

Kendall: Well, I would say that I was scared to go to Africa and Haiti. I got over it by going to those places and learning that they weren't scary. 

18. What would you tell someone who is worried that they might get sick or hurt on a mission trip?

Kendall: I would tell them to pray about it. If they get sick they should pray to God that they feel better. Sometimes, there are doctors and medicine in other counties that would make them feel better. They could bring medicine with them if the airporters let them. 

19. Can you talk to the children without any problem?

Kendall: Yes, sometimes they understand me. 

20. Is there anything else you would like to say?

Kendall: I don't like how they treat dogs in other countries, but they aren't pets like they are in America.

Shelfie: Counter Culture by David Platt

Book Description: Everywhere we turn, battle lines are being drawn—traditional marriage vs. gay marriage, pro-life vs. pro-choice, personal freedom vs. governmental protection. And as difficult conversations about homosexuality, abortion, and religious liberty continue to inject themselves into our workplaces, our churches, our schools, and our homes, Christians everywhere are asking the same question: HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO ALL THIS?

In Counter Culture, New York Times bestselling author David Platt shows Christians how to actively take a stand on the most pressing social issues of our day. Drawing on compelling personal accounts from around the world, Platt presents an unapologetic yet winsome call for Christians to faithfully follow Christ into the cultural battlefield in ways that will prove both costly and rewarding. 

THE LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN. The moment has come for Christians to rise up and deliver a gospel message that’s more radical than even the most controversial issues of our day.

Book Review: The lines have been drawn. In his new book, David Platt, sounds the alarm for Christians. Is the church even awake? Honestly, I both love and do not love this book. The part where I don't love it is strictly because it calls me out of my comfort zone. It requires me to stand boldly when I 'd rather just be quiet. Issues like marriage, abortion, and sexuality. The solution to the issues mentioned in the book is the gospel. One of my favorite quotes from this book is, "So let us not stay silent with this gospel. Let's not allow fear in our culture to muzzle our faith in Christ."

At the end of every chapter are three practical ways you can take action. First and most important is praying to Him, then participating with Him, and finally proclaiming His Word in the world around us. You can also visit the website to view more resources and buy the book. This is not a feel good, tickle your ears kind of book. It's a call to action. As Christians we've been charged to "walk in a manner worthy of God." Let's do that. 

Reader’s Note: I received this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

The Chitenge

Lovely people, let me introduce you to the chitenge.

That awesome skirt I’m wearing is actually a piece of fabric to cover from my knees and up. Women of marrying age and higher have to wear these. They use them so your shape can not be seen. Showing this area would be equivalent to women in America walking around without their shirts on and nothing underneath if you catch my drift… Not pretty, and you definitely don’t want to offend anyone. You’re probably not going to share the Gospel that way. Chitenges are our friends. 

What I found as we got out into the bush was that women use them for everything! The “good” chitenges are made from a quality fabric and cost about 30 kwacha. That’s about $5 dollars depending on the current rate of currency.

Mostly, they use them for coverings.

Next, would be baby carriers.

Then, blankets for their kids.

Finally, they use them like purses. Tied end to end and stuffed with whatever they need to carry. 

Plus, they make a great covering when you have to go to the bathroom in the bush. ;)

In His Love,

The Hennis Family