Sunday, April 17, 2011
Basketball Stars
Two former CGA students were competing the Secondary School National Basketball Finals this past week in Kakamega. Parris Mabel Akinyi helped Ogande Girls High School finish forth place in the entire country and Primerose Achieng helped Shimba Hills High School reach the finals where they lost to Primerose's former school. It was a great success for the two players.
A Proud Father
The experience at Nationals was a good one. I was in a difficult position because our five girls were on the team, but I needed to be impartial and treat everyone the same.
Looking back on the past ten days, I can't explain how proud I am of our five girls. They performed very well on the field (all of them were starters). They weren't the most talented players in the starting line-up, but they were the glue that held the team together on the field and off the field. They played so 
unselfishly, passing to everyone (unlike some of the more talented players who only passed to certain people). They didn't overdribble and they worked hard on the attack and also dropped quickly on the defensive end, running the entire field. They played football the way it was meant to be played.
unselfishly, passing to everyone (unlike some of the more talented players who only passed to certain people). They didn't overdribble and they worked hard on the attack and also dropped quickly on the defensive end, running the entire field. They played football the way it was meant to be played. Off the field, they made friends with everyone. They got to know the other girls from different areas and regions and did things to help them out. They were disciplined and respectful to all of their coaches, teachers and chaperones. They were the first ones volunteering to help in the dorms or on the field. They took up responsiblities to help give out and collect uniforms. They didn't complain when things were not so good. They didn't quarrell with their teammates. So many of the other teachers and coaches gave me many compliments about their behavior.
It made me very proud and I realized that the way we are teaching and coaching them within the club is helping to form their character into a Godly one. They are far from perf
ect, but they are growing up as responsible, hard-working and respectful teenagers. I think I was more proud of them off the field than on the field (though I was pretty darn proud of them on the field too!)
ect, but they are growing up as responsible, hard-working and respectful teenagers. I think I was more proud of them off the field than on the field (though I was pretty darn proud of them on the field too!) Unchartered Territory
I have been coaching our school team and club team and also teams from our area all the way up to the Provencial level for the past 4 years, but this is the first year I was asked to assist the Provencial Team at the National Level. Since five of the girls from our club were selected for the team and because we were closing the school term, it seemed like a great idea.
So, after two days at home, I was back on the road headed to Nyamira (Kisii) to help with training for a couple of days before leaving for the tournament. It was a little akward because I didn't really know the head coach very well and my few interactions with him had not been very pleasant. I was a little worried and wanted to have a very humble approach. After I arrived, we had one practice and then he informed me he was going home to see his family for a day and I was in charge of the team. I hadn't selected the players and didn't know any of them except for the five. It was not easy, but turned out ok. The coach was very receptive to my help and we made a good partnership and friendship.
After training camp ended, we boarded the bus at midnight, ready for the 12 hour journey across the country to Meru, at the base of Mount Kenya.
In the previous ten years, Nyanz
a Province Girls Football had never even reached the semifinal stage against the other seven provinces. When you think of all the excellent girls in our area, that is difficult history to believe. I think in the past a lot of the problems were because of poor player selection and also poor fielding (not picking the right players and putting them in the right positions). I learned that another problem in the past was tribalism. Our province mainly consists of Kisii and Luo. Though the tribes normally get along well, sometimes in younger kids they find it hard to interact with each other, especially when they are so used to speaking their tribal languages. It leads to mistrust and quarrells and other problems. And honestly, sometimes girls can just be a little catty.
a Province Girls Football had never even reached the semifinal stage against the other seven provinces. When you think of all the excellent girls in our area, that is difficult history to believe. I think in the past a lot of the problems were because of poor player selection and also poor fielding (not picking the right players and putting them in the right positions). I learned that another problem in the past was tribalism. Our province mainly consists of Kisii and Luo. Though the tribes normally get along well, sometimes in younger kids they find it hard to interact with each other, especially when they are so used to speaking their tribal languages. It leads to mistrust and quarrells and other problems. And honestly, sometimes girls can just be a little catty. In my opinion this the player selection still wasn't very good this time; several good players were left behind while some others were taken that didn't d
eserve it. This made fielding difficult also because we didn't have anyone to play certain positions or any good back-ups at other positions. Some players had to play out of position because of the lack of depth. In the preliminary stages we also had some conflict and some selfishness by some of the players who would only pass to certain players, but the teamwork continued to improve as the time went along.
eserve it. This made fielding difficult also because we didn't have anyone to play certain positions or any good back-ups at other positions. Some players had to play out of position because of the lack of depth. In the preliminary stages we also had some conflict and some selfishness by some of the players who would only pass to certain players, but the teamwork continued to improve as the time went along. We won our first match 2-0 and then drew the next two matches 0-0 and again 0-0 to finish as the runners-up in our pool. We marched into the semifinals and soundly beat Coast Province 2-0 with two second half goals. Our whole team with all of our fans marched up the street to the main venue singing and chanting. Once we reached the stage, they be
gan playing a song familiar to our region and we danced for quite a while, savoring the big moment.
gan playing a song familiar to our region and we danced for quite a while, savoring the big moment. That win set up a rematch in the National Finals with the defending champs, Western Province (our neighbors). We had drew with them in the last preliminary game the previous day.
As expected, it was a very intense, hard fought match. They had speed and power. We had skill. Our goalkeeper made a few good saves to preserve our defense's scoreless streak in the tournament. We also had a few chances, especially on two free kicks just outside the box, but neither team scored in regulation and we went into extra time. Unfortunately, our goal keeper bobbled a long shot that fell down in front of her. There was some confusion as the Western fans started shouting behind the goal, and before we knew it, the ref signalled that the ball had crossed the line and called it a goal. Since he was standing at halfway across the field when the play happened and with our goalkeeper in perfect position behind the ball, I still find it very hard to believe it was a goal, but the referee's decision is final. So the game ended like that. Everyone was heartbroken. Things didn't improve either in the boys final when our boys lost by a goal also.
The girls were much happier when they received their silver medals and a big trophy to bring back to Nyanza, though it is painful being that close and coming up short. Considering the history of girls football in the past ten years, 2nd place is a big accomplishment. It was a great experience for me and the entire team.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Finally!!
The last part of March and first part of April in Kenya are filled with primary school sports, including football, volleyball, netball (twisted version of basketball), handball and gymnastics . It starts at the school level competing against the other local schools. After that competition, they choose the best players to form a new team and move on to the next level. They continue to have tournaments where they select the best players who continue to move on through the different levels, including school, base, zone, division, district, regional, provencial and finally national. So it is about 8 different levels they pass through until they get the best players in the country to compete at Nationals.
I have been coaching the different teams through each level for girls football. As we move to the different levels we compete against other members from our Suba Lakers Girls Football club. After competing against each other, then we join together to compete at the next level. The players from CGA and myself coaching them have managed to emerge victorious at each of those levels.
The latest success came as our Mbita District team destroyed the competition at Regionals in Ndhiwa, winning each match by a large margin. After the success there, twelve of our girls were selected to represent the region at Provencials. There were only two players selected from other districts. So after training for three days we travelled to Kisii with the other sports teams from our region to take on the other regions in the province. The Mbita girls (all Suba Lakers) once again shined brightly, drawing the praise of the fans, officials and other teams.
With four goals coming from Leah Ongojo and two from Caren Akeyo, the team won both preliminary games by scores of 3-1. In the semifinals we met a very strong Kisii team. Towards the end of the first half, Alicent Awuor crossed the ball to Sharon Akinyi who struck the ball into the top left corner to put us ahead 1-0. Defender Peninah Akoth made a great goalline save and we held on in the second half for a hard fought victory. In the finals Lucia Awino scored in the first few minutes of the game to put us ahead and we never looked back. Defender Lydia Awino kept the other team's top scorer in check the entire game and goalkeeper Winny Adhiambo made some great saves to preserve the win. The first time our county or district has won the Provencial title. We have reached the finals for the past three years, but each time lost narrowly.
For their success, five of our players were selected for Nationals, including Alicent Awuor, Raisha Achilla, Lavenda Achieng, Leah Ongojo and Lydia Awino. We are very proud of them. Their hard work within the Suba Lakers Club has paid off. People all over the country are recognizing their outstanding talent and ability. They will get a chance to compete and train with the best players in the province and against the best in the country next week in Meru. They will also receive National Certificates that will greatly benefit them in getting into colleges and even getting jobs in the future..
A Short Rest
It is good to be back home, at least for 2 days. Being out coaching sports is great, but it also gets a little tiring living out of a suitcase, being the only white man anywhere around (which attracts a lot of stares and comments), eating ugali twice a day or drinking an uncountable number of cups of tea. I think I am starting to sweat milk and sugar from all the tea I have drank over the last two weeks.
I am just home for two nights and Friday I will leave again to join the Provencial team that is preparing for Nationals in Meru next week. Six of the girls from our team were selected to play at Nationals, and the secretary of the Province requested me to help train the girls football team and coach them at Nationals. It is a wonderful opportunity and God is already showing me how he can use me to help bridge the divide between different tribes on the team and how I can be an encouragement and witness to the players, coaches and officials.
We will be training the team until Sunday and then travel to Mt. Kenya region to Meru for the national competition on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Nyanza province has never won the girls football title at Nationals so we have our work cut out for us.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
March 2011 Kenya Update
Another CGA class has fini
shed primary school and moved on to various secondary schools throughout the country. In the five years that CGA 8th graders have taken their national exams, every single one of our 122 students have moved on to secondary school, a 100% transition rate. Of those 122 students, only one has dropped out of school before finishing. That is pretty remarkable when you consider that in Kenya only 60% - 70% of students who finish 8th grade proceed to high school; and that number is much lower in a rural area like Mbita that has been ravaged by HIV/AIDS and poverty. Out of all the girls that begin 1st grade in Mbita District, only 60% finish primary school, and only 30% finish secondary school. It is obvious that God's hand is upon our children and this ministry. The prayers of our staff and our supporters throughout the world are bringing great results and helping to change lives. It is difficult to imagine what life would be like for most of these orphans and needy children if they were not a part of CGA.
January and early February was a very busy time as we received the results, awaited letters from the schools they were selected to join and held a graduation ceremony. We also spent time preparing them spiritually, academically, financially, socially and practically for secondary school. It is always a fun and exciting time, but also sad to see members of our family go off and begin a new chapter in their life.
This year's class was exceptional for their character, leadership and openness. They were truly a joy to be around. I loved seeing them grow up from the time I first came to Kenya in 2003 when they were in 1st gra
de until now. I had the privilege of teaching them Math in 4th grade, Bible in 7th grade and Math again this past year. They were weak at the beginning of the year, but through their hard work they ended up earning the highest Math score ever at CGA. They finished 4th in the district in that subject, only 0.05 away from third place. Every single student in the class passed their exams.
Growing Up
One of those students was Martin Wanga. His polygamous father died when he was still a baby, leaving behind many wives and children. As a widow, Martin's mother has struggled to provide for Martin and his four siblings. For the past seven years she has been helping me around the house, coming twice a week to wash clothes, clean the house and sometimes cook a meal. When I first came to live in Kenya in 2004 Martin began coming to my house on the weekends just to hang out. He would look through my pictures or read magazines. Sometimes we would go outside and play football or just sit around and talk. It is pretty amazing to me that little boy is now in high school and is not so little anymore. God has opened doors to help him get an education so that in the future he will be able to help his widowed, ailing mother and his younger siblings.
Secondary S
chool National Exam Results
The Secondary School National Exam results were released on Monday, February 28th. Our first graduating class from CGA has officially completed high school. We are praising and thanking God for what he has done in the lives of these children. Many of them were not in school when Don and Nancy Richards found them in the village back in 1997 and decided to start teaching them. From those pioneers, CGA was birthed and is now serving almost 300 students in the primary school and another 100 in various secondary schools, and now... 15 high school graduates.
Without the help of CGA, some of these kids would have never even finished primary school. Now, they have not only finished primary school, but also secondary school. But they didn't "just finish," they excelled!
Over 350,000 candidates sat the exam throughout the country. Fifteen CGA students were among that group and sat the exams at their various secondary schools. Here are some of the highlights of the CGA students:
All 15 candidates scored D+ and higher which qualifies them to go for further training.
11 of the 15 reached the minimum requirement for University C+ (top 25% of the country)
4 of our students scored B and higher (top 10% of the country)
Two students scored high enough to qualify to attend University with the government's support
God has shown once again that He is a "Father to the fatherless and a helper of orphans."
Cynthia Aw
uor's Letter
Just as I did in the last e-mail update, I would like to close this one with an excerpt from a letter one of our students wrote to her sponsor. Cynthia Awuor is beginning her final year at one of the best National Secondary Schools in Kenya. She has done excellent academically and should be one of the top students in the country on her National Exams next October/November. Here is what she told her sponsor:
"The year is finally coming to an end. This is a solid reason to appreciate God for bringing both you and I this far; surely He is Ebenezer. This year has been full of challenges for me; the more I was working hard the more I got challenges and disappointments that weighed me down. But I am not afraid of pressure because pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond, the hardest substance ever known. I still believe in God and in myself. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have nothing to fear but just to trust in God for... 'Blessed is he who puts his trust in God and not in man.' Sometimes when I sit down and look at where God has brought me from and the people he has used to sacrifice for me in so many ways, I just cry and thank God for these special people; one of them being you. Truly you are a blessing to my life. You are an angel sent from heaven for me. I love you deeply. You shall never lack anything. May God keep you safe. May He extend your boundaries and put His good hands upon your life!"
We still have about 15 students that currently don't have sponsors. Would you consider sponsoring a CGA student?
Please pray for:
- Martin and our other 23 students who began high school this past month. Pray for them to find good friends, adapt quickly to their new surroundings, work hard academically and experience God in new and fresh ways.
shed primary school and moved on to various secondary schools throughout the country. In the five years that CGA 8th graders have taken their national exams, every single one of our 122 students have moved on to secondary school, a 100% transition rate. Of those 122 students, only one has dropped out of school before finishing. That is pretty remarkable when you consider that in Kenya only 60% - 70% of students who finish 8th grade proceed to high school; and that number is much lower in a rural area like Mbita that has been ravaged by HIV/AIDS and poverty. Out of all the girls that begin 1st grade in Mbita District, only 60% finish primary school, and only 30% finish secondary school. It is obvious that God's hand is upon our children and this ministry. The prayers of our staff and our supporters throughout the world are bringing great results and helping to change lives. It is difficult to imagine what life would be like for most of these orphans and needy children if they were not a part of CGA.January and early February was a very busy time as we received the results, awaited letters from the schools they were selected to join and held a graduation ceremony. We also spent time preparing them spiritually, academically, financially, socially and practically for secondary school. It is always a fun and exciting time, but also sad to see members of our family go off and begin a new chapter in their life.
This year's class was exceptional for their character, leadership and openness. They were truly a joy to be around. I loved seeing them grow up from the time I first came to Kenya in 2003 when they were in 1st gra
de until now. I had the privilege of teaching them Math in 4th grade, Bible in 7th grade and Math again this past year. They were weak at the beginning of the year, but through their hard work they ended up earning the highest Math score ever at CGA. They finished 4th in the district in that subject, only 0.05 away from third place. Every single student in the class passed their exams.Growing Up
One of those students was Martin Wanga. His polygamous father died when he was still a baby, leaving behind many wives and children. As a widow, Martin's mother has struggled to provide for Martin and his four siblings. For the past seven years she has been helping me around the house, coming twice a week to wash clothes, clean the house and sometimes cook a meal. When I first came to live in Kenya in 2004 Martin began coming to my house on the weekends just to hang out. He would look through my pictures or read magazines. Sometimes we would go outside and play football or just sit around and talk. It is pretty amazing to me that little boy is now in high school and is not so little anymore. God has opened doors to help him get an education so that in the future he will be able to help his widowed, ailing mother and his younger siblings.
Secondary S
chool National Exam ResultsThe Secondary School National Exam results were released on Monday, February 28th. Our first graduating class from CGA has officially completed high school. We are praising and thanking God for what he has done in the lives of these children. Many of them were not in school when Don and Nancy Richards found them in the village back in 1997 and decided to start teaching them. From those pioneers, CGA was birthed and is now serving almost 300 students in the primary school and another 100 in various secondary schools, and now... 15 high school graduates.
Without the help of CGA, some of these kids would have never even finished primary school. Now, they have not only finished primary school, but also secondary school. But they didn't "just finish," they excelled!
Over 350,000 candidates sat the exam throughout the country. Fifteen CGA students were among that group and sat the exams at their various secondary schools. Here are some of the highlights of the CGA students:
All 15 candidates scored D+ and higher which qualifies them to go for further training.
11 of the 15 reached the minimum requirement for University C+ (top 25% of the country)
4 of our students scored B and higher (top 10% of the country)
Two students scored high enough to qualify to attend University with the government's support
God has shown once again that He is a "Father to the fatherless and a helper of orphans."
Cynthia Aw
uor's LetterJust as I did in the last e-mail update, I would like to close this one with an excerpt from a letter one of our students wrote to her sponsor. Cynthia Awuor is beginning her final year at one of the best National Secondary Schools in Kenya. She has done excellent academically and should be one of the top students in the country on her National Exams next October/November. Here is what she told her sponsor:
"The year is finally coming to an end. This is a solid reason to appreciate God for bringing both you and I this far; surely He is Ebenezer. This year has been full of challenges for me; the more I was working hard the more I got challenges and disappointments that weighed me down. But I am not afraid of pressure because pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond, the hardest substance ever known. I still believe in God and in myself. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have nothing to fear but just to trust in God for... 'Blessed is he who puts his trust in God and not in man.' Sometimes when I sit down and look at where God has brought me from and the people he has used to sacrifice for me in so many ways, I just cry and thank God for these special people; one of them being you. Truly you are a blessing to my life. You are an angel sent from heaven for me. I love you deeply. You shall never lack anything. May God keep you safe. May He extend your boundaries and put His good hands upon your life!"
We still have about 15 students that currently don't have sponsors. Would you consider sponsoring a CGA student?
Please pray for:
- Martin and our other 23 students who began high school this past month. Pray for them to find good friends, adapt quickly to their new surroundings, work hard academically and experience God in new and fresh ways.
- The teachers and staff at CGA to continue to allow God to use them in the lives of each of the students he has entrusted in our care. Pray for us to make the most of each day so that we can see God's Kingdom come to Kenya.
- My future as I seek God's direction on what to do at the end of this year.
Joe Peterson
Christ's Gift Academy
Mbita, Kenya
e-mail: rockylj@hotmail.com
site: www.CGAKenya.com
blog: www.joekenya.blogspot.com
Joe Peterson
Christ's Gift Academy
Mbita, Kenya
e-mail: rockylj@hotmail.com
site: www.CGAKenya.com
blog: www.joekenya.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Upcoming Worship Leader
This weekend was my first “free” weekend this year. It didn’t come until the end of February, but finally I had a weekend without travelling somewhere or football practice or teaching or any other commitments. It gave me a little time to reminisce. As I was catching up on some projects on my computer, a friend showed up at my front door. Maline Shaline is now in 7th grade at a local school and is actually one of the brightest young girls in the district. The first day I moved to Kenya in 2004 she came to visit me with some of her little friends who all called her “Baby.” At the time she was in Nursery class and was a neighbor of mine. I remember playing hide and seek with them on that first day and then sitting down together and watching the amazing s
unset.
unset. After that day, she pretty much came over every weekend and would color, draw, read some books laying around my house, do some math problems, show me how she knew how to do her ABC’s or write the words she knew on a paper. She was always curious about so many things and very inquisitive. Another thing I remember about her was that she loved to sing. When I would be practicing my guitar, she would always try to sing along with me. She learned many classic worship songs during those times like “Lord I Lift Your Name on High,” and “I Will Call Upon the Lord,” “You are My Strength When I am Weak,” and many others.
Some years ago she moved away from Mbita and lived in Nairobi for a while and also went back to her mother’s home to attend school there. Occasionally she would come back to
visit, but she moved back to Mbita at the beginning of this year and soon after found my new house outside of ICIPE. Though she doesn’t like being called “Baby” anymore, Maline’s love for singing and worship hasn’t faded over the years. In fact, she was given a guitar by someone and was now asking me to help teach her how to play. When she came this weekend I was able to show her a few chords and how to strum and we started practicing some of those same songs she used to like singing with me many years ago. After we finished the lesson, she started to share some of her favorite songs with me. Some of them were Cece Winan songs and other popular international worship artists. She is a remarkable and well-rounded young girl. She amazed me as a 4 year old and is continuing to amaze me even now.
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